Posted by Brian on Aug 26, 2011 in
Travel Armchair travel, in the past, was perhaps not all it was cracked up to be. There are times throughout history when cultures become outward-looking, and times when they become insular, and the cycles are based on a complex chain of economic relationships. While some may argue that a culture’s ideas of travel are more related to its mobility and access to sea or air than anything, it would follow that access is indeed based on economic ability to do something with the access.
There are also those who will argue that today’s generations have more access than any other generation, and that people growing up today will have a much broader understanding of the world than their parents ever did. There is certainly some truth to this, but there is also evidence that whenever a culture has a possibility of traveling, it does. Some of the Mayan cultures of antiquity, and the Yoruba people during the Oyo Empire, traveled not because they had to, but because they could.
The idea of movement, of leaving a place for awhile in order to come back to it with fresh eyes, is a very strong impulse, and seems to be rooted in the DNA. 
According to some new developments in research on dopamine, that might actually be the case. This might come as enormously good news to those who aspire more toward the armchair variety of travel than for the ones who like the idea of a pith helmet in their backpacks.
It also bodes well for the pocketbook. If the choice is between new aluminum blinds and a vacation, most people will opt to take care of the hearth first. But if it’s possible that home improvements and travel can come together, by making it easier to daydream with a better view of the world outside the window, then everybody wins.
This is, in fact, what some of the new research is suggesting. Wandering and exploring certainly do have a positive effect on the individual’s chemistry, enriching the mind with new experience. But it also seems likely that the act of wondering itself, entertaining one’s sense of curiosity, can also have profound effects on the psyche. Wondering what lies just around the corner, then, is something that is at the heart of every anxiety, but it is also at the heart of every new adventure that pushes culture forward.
Tags: dopamine, travel, window blinds
Posted by Brian on Jul 29, 2011 in
Arts & Culture,
Leisure,
Travel Looking for an unforgettable trip but don’t want to break the bank? Well how about a trip to the beautiful Sydney, Australia with a hotel that will save you hundreds of dollars on your vacation.
The Y Hotel Hyde Park is located in the Central Business District in Sydney, opposite Hyde Park and Oxford Street. The hotel offers clean and comfortable accommodations for budget prices. They offer studio, deluxe and traditional style rooms and have a café and lounge. Why not stay at a less expensive hotel; in all honesty you will probably be spending most of your time outside of the hotel anyways. The best part is that it is centrally located so you can tour Sydney by foot.
The hotel is walking distance from Darling Harbour, China Town, the Opera House and the Rocks shopping center. Anything you could want to visit is right by you, parks, gardens, galleries, restaurants, shops and bars just to name a few things.
There are so many things to do in Sydney and it becomes hard to choose what exactly to do. A few of the absolute must see places are the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Aquarium and Bondi Beach. The Opera House is one of the most iconic buildings in the entire world and they produce unbelievable concerts; it is well worth seeing a show there. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a beautiful piece of architecture and there are programs where you can even climb to the top and overlook the harbor. The Aquarium offers the most unique and diverse sea life in the entire world as it has animals that cannot be found anywhere else. And last but surely not least is Bondi Beach, one of the most recognizable beaches in Sydney, it is a fantastic stretch of white sand to play some volleyball on or just catch some rays.
Sydney, Australia is one of the most vibrant cities and it is a place that everyone should visit at least one in their lifetime. So start planning that trip today.
Tags: Australia, Bondi Beach, Hyde Park, Opera House, Sydney, Y Hotel
Posted by Brian on Jul 1, 2011 in
Travel The island of Cyprus has entered, experienced, and withstood for nine millenniums. With that said, the cuisine culture in Cyprus has definitely undergone a lot of changes and soul searching. Finally, most of today’s restaurants found throughout the island of Cyprus are best known for their unique blends of Turkish and Greek food dishes. Due to the green line division, the north of Cyprus is mainly dominated by the awesome dishes of Turkish cuisine, and the south is heavily dominated by the delightful tastes of Greek cuisine. One thing for sure, this island has a strong diversity in both the culture and its food, as a direct reflection of its historical background.
To prove the previous statements to be more than true, there are a lot of restaurants like the Cypriot cuisine that fully express this diverse culture. Many of these restaurants most popular delicacies are capable of being not only a great choice for an appetizer, but they also fit the bill for playing the role of a complete meal. The varieties of well-known dishes are usually served with a strong mixture of vegetables, salads, and of course, different flavors and textures of meats.
The baked lamb dish known as the Kleftiko is by far one of the best served dishes and is very popular throughout Cyprus, and heavily favored on the side of Cyprus it calls home. Another well-respected dish that some may say is capable of making a grown man beg for more is indeed the dish that is called Yemista. This Mediterranean specialty is made of a lot of different vegetables that are all flavored and seasoned just perfectly. In addition, this dish is prepared and unquestionably relished by all of the families that reside in Cyprus including those that take the time out to visit this wonderful island. In the summertime, a typical meal that is served in a majority of restaurants is usually accompanied by side dishes like potatoes, courgettes, or aubergines nicely covered with cream.
The locals of Cyprus are all too familiar with what dishes are best to have on which nights. However, In general, to keep things nice and simple, several dishes that should not be forgotten is unquestionably the rich Cyprus sea foods like the octopus in red wine, calamari, sea bass and parpouni (red mullet). In addition to what to try, barbeque dishes that are served with Shieftalies and Souvla most certainly made it on the list. . If you have dreamed of becoming a Cyprus local and enjoying the cuisine day in and say out, the many Cyprus properties for sale are worth checking out during your stay.
Katrina Williams is a travel enthusiast and a contributing writer for AphroditeHills.com.
Posted by Brian on Jun 23, 2011 in
Arts & Culture,
Automotive,
Travel Time to hit the road, it’s summer and what a better way to see the country than a road trip? Road trips spark the best memories, jokes and they will take you to places you would never think to see.
Planning a road trip can be tricky but it is also a lot of fun. You will want to pull out a map of the U.S. and start deciding where you want to start, stop and the places you want to see in between. When planning the road trip you will want to figure out estimates of how long it will take to get there, how many miles it will take and the appropriate stopping places along the way.
Depending on how many people are going should be how long you want your road trip to be, the more people the shorter you will want it. Also if you have younger children then you are not going to want them in the car for too long, as they will get restless. A 30 day road trip across the country sounds nice in theory but in actuality you might want to scale it down just a bit.
Once you have figured out how long you want your trip to be and where you want to go, it is time to start planning the routes. You will want to take a look at a road map and decide which freeways, highways and interstates you are going to want to take to get to your destination. You will also want to take note of places to stop: to get gas, food, go to the bathroom or just places of interest. Try stopping in a small town with a funny name for ice cream or go see the world’s largest ball of string.
After everything is all planned out, make your hotel reservations and take your car in to the mechanic to make sure it is in peak condition to handle this trip.
Once all the arrangements have been made, hit the store for snacks for the trip and get ready for a memorable time!
Tags: map, road map, Road Trip, travel
Have you been saving up for a nice trip or vacation? Well now is definitely the time to visit New York City. Why not take an exciting trip to the city that never sleeps and see shows, shop and fine dine?
Wicked is currently on Broadway and is one of the most popular musicals of today’s time. With spectacular music, unbelievable costumes and an amazing cast, Wicked is a must see. Not only should you see Wicked but you should see it on the most well known theaters in all of the United States, Broadway. The show will be one of the highlights of your trip.
As one of the top travel destinations in the world, it is no wonder that there are plenty of luxury accommodations in New York. There are a plethora of 5 star hotels and one of the best is the St. Regis. Known for its elegance and grandeur, the St. Regis is definitely a top pick for a stay in New York.
During your stay you will want to allot yourself an entire day specifically for shopping, if you can get tickets to a fashion show in NYC that’s even better. New York is known for its high fashion trends and fashion shows, including New York Fashion Week. You will want to hit all the major department stores and check out the boutiques for those unique pieces as well.
So if you have been waiting for a time to go visit a place with high energy and take a trip you won’t forget, then start planning your New York trip now.
Tags: Broadway, Luxury Accommodations, New York, St. Regis, Wicked
Posted by Brian on May 18, 2011 in
Travel There are only two things you need to know about travel insurance. The first is that it is imperative that you purchase adequate insurance before embarking on any international trip. The second is that you will want to make sure you are getting the right insurance for your specific circumstances.
Unlike the medical insurance that you get through your employer, where one size fits all depending on how many dependents you have, TATA AIG travel insurance , like all visitor policies, is going to be customized to your circumstances. If you are a student you will get different insurance than if you are traveling for business. Short term travelers need different coverage than those traveling for months or years. Even the destination or destinations on your itinerary will affect the type of insurance you get. You don’t want a policy that only covers you in Asia if you plan to make side trips to Australia.
Don’t let the complexity of the insurance scare you off. Once you answer a few questions about the nature of your travel and whether you are going alone, with a spouse, or other family members, you will only have to narrow down coverage levels and costs. Whatever you do, don’t give up and think that you don’t really need insurance. The risks associated with travel of any kind are only magnified when you are heading to foreign countries that have different medical and legal systems . A single accident or virus and you will be grateful that you took the time to get insurance.
Tags: legal systems
Posted by Brian on Apr 7, 2011 in
Travel Do you want your trip to the Grand Canyon to be structured and orderly or do you want it to be spontaneous and surprising? Do you want to relax in one of the beautiful Grand Canyon hotels or sleep under the stars at a designated campground? Planning a trip to this historic site is all about making the choices that will create the Grand Canyon vacation of your dreams.
Deciding where to stay is important. During the height of the tourist season it can be difficult to find a room or even a campsite at the Canyon or in Tusayan. In that case, consider staying in nearby Williams, Flagstaff, or Sedona. All are within driving distance of the Canyon and offer attractions of their own. Those staying in Williams may want to take advantage of the Grand Canyon Railway, which offers a one of a kind experience when traveling to and from the Canyon.
The Canyon can be viewed from a number of outlooks on the South and North Rims. There is a Skywalk that allows visitors to walk over a portion of the Canyon. Other options include helicopter and plane tours that look down on the Canyon and rafting the Colorado River which allows travelers to look up. A popular choice is to hike or take a mule tour down from the South Rim to the bottom of the Canyon. This offers the most comprehensive look at the Canyon, including a more direct experience of the geology, plant, and wildlife that make the Canyon so distinctive.
Tags: the south rim
Posted by Brian on Oct 5, 2010 in
Travel There is a West African proverb that says that when one leaves their parent’s home, they have a right to choose whatever name is pleasing to them. This has been a practice for artists more than any other walk of life, perhaps, and in the case of Yan Basque , it is taken to an extreme. Yan Basque is not necessarily extreme himself, but his alternate personas certainly are.
He is a sound artist in Montreal, a city with a magnificent reputation for culture, where intersections between French and North American influence come to play with other cultural traditions. For artists, the city can be a kind of a playground and workshop. For visitors, coming to the hotels Montreal hosts in order to take in the wonders of the city, it’s a chance to watch and listen to the products of these workshops.
In Basque’s work, the persona of the Great Vowel Shift is perhaps the most bold and experimental, working with sound art in improvisation. As Racine, these experimental urges move more toward what resembles a traditional song. It’s even closer to the resemblance in his work with the punk band Drunk Dial. However, they are all far from traditional, and have an unusually precise approach. In all the degrees of experimentation, there is something to wonder at, and something to recommend about this wonderful city.
Tags: great vowel shift
Posted by Brian on Sep 5, 2010 in
Travel If you could only say one thing about New York City, it would have to be, okay, that’s a silly thought. There is never only one thing to say about this great city. But one of the things you can always say is that you can always find something great onstage. New York has one of the most respected and influential theater scenes in the world and Broadway often leads the way for theaters across the country as well as across the globe. And tourists who are staying in one of the fabulous New York hotels list a Broadway production as one of the top agenda items while they’re in town.
And this summer there is a lot to talk about on the Great White Way , as major Broadway and Hollywood names have strutted the boards and thrilled audiences all season long. Hit productions like A Little Night Music, Wicked, Chicago and Promises Promises continue their runs and draw huge crowds every night. In addition to these incredibly popular and star packed productions, New York is also known for its cutting edge productions and dramatic presentations. And the city has also been the home of some experimental productions and artists that have initiated various theatrical and performance genres. New York is not only one of the greatest theater towns in the world, it is also one of the most diverse and progressive.
Tags: promises promises
Posted by Brian on Aug 26, 2010 in
Travel The town of Scottsdale is a place with many faces, day or night. The higher end sections turn into some very fancy shops in the midst of a suburban desert paradise when the sun goes down, and the main center of town becomes hopping with comedy clubs and the usual dance clubs. It’s eclectic and often terribly exciting, and during the day, the shoppers seem to have their way here.
It’s an interesting place to grow up, for sure. It’s neither rustic enough to be the old west of struggles and difficulties, nor is it cool enough throughout the year to have the urban sophistication of the coasts. It’s definitely its own thing, and the luxury hotels Scottsdale are always unique and lovely. It’s the kind of place that could raise a kid like Brady Corbet . His boyish looks speak to a friendly ideal of what men should look like, but they’re unusual enough to capture the attention of directors like Lars Von Trier .
His new film, Melancholia, has just been heating up for release, and it sounds like something very much in line with what the Danish director is usually up to. Except this film won’t be as cheery as his other work has been. It’s hard to imagine, but then again, Corbet himself probably would never have imagined his life turning out as lovely as this.
Tags: brady corbet
Posted by Brian on Aug 16, 2010 in
Travel People are creatures of habit, but they’re also a species that is remarkably adaptable to change. If a life is a collection of experiences and relationships that are marked in time, then one’s residence is the vantage point from which to watch these shift and change. Moving is never easy, but for those looking to change the place where they rent in Canada , there are plenty of resources that can help make the transformation more smooth.
It’s easy to get caught up in the details of moving, and forget for a little while the reasons for the move. That can be a very good thing, especially in times of stress, when the best cure for too much introspection is distraction. However, any change, if it is to stick, needs some conscious attention to the bigger picture. Resources like online bulletin boards, self-help blogs, and help from Transglobe Property Management services can take a difficult situation and make it easy.
For all of the difficulties in a move, there are always more positives than negatives. Up ahead, in the next phase of one’s life, there is a new perspective looming. Being in a new place can help change one’s attitude in remarkable ways, and attention to the process can bring about enormous changes in the way one lives one’s life.
Tags: a new perspective
Posted by Brian on Jul 1, 2010 in
Travel There are many world heritage sites in the ancient areas of Delhi, India. Most of them are known as some of the most impressive buildings in the world. With all ancient times and development of cities came the forts of military might. In Delhi, the Red Fort stands, as a splendid historical site. The foundation to this intense fort was started in 1638 by Shah Jahan as he moved his capitol to Delhi. It took nine years to build the fort and the its complex and today it is still a walled city of Old Delhi. It served well for generations of activity such as the Mughal capitol until some time in 1857. Then it became a military camp for the British for a while until India became independent in 1947. Today it is a must see for all of the travelers of the area. It may have been the home or stay for many in its hay day but now visitors must stay at one of the Delhi hotels . The thought of staying in the Red Fort is a little intriguing.
Gardens are also a very important part of the city of Delhi. Most of the amazing sites have gardens that surround them and are apart of them. They always have a great representation of the different plants and trees that are indigenous to India. At the Lodi Gardens, visitors will get a little lesson on the plants because many of them are marked. The area of the Lodi Gardens is a very old area and was the burial grounds for the Sayyid and Lodi Rulers. Some of the tombs are still there such as Mohammad Shar’s tomb which was erected in 1450 and then Sikander Lodi’s tomb that went up in 1571.
All of the gardens are such an amazing example of Mughal designs an the Archaeological Survey of India has had their hand in preserving many of the gardens, tombs and other historical sites in the city.
Tags: delhi hotels
Posted by Brian on Jun 26, 2010 in
Travel Austin, Texas is not only the state capital but it is also an incredibly beautiful and even world famous city. The international recognition and respect is largely due to its self proclaimed, though rarely argued, status as the music capital of the world. And it certainly deserves this title and has numerous famous music festivals throughout the year as well as a large number of live music venues and night clubs. It is the frequent destination for many young musicians and new bands that are trying to forge out a career in the music business. And of course, and perhaps most famous of all, it is the home of the PBS television show Austin City Limits.
There is also a festival called Austin City Limits , which takes its name from, but is not directly related to the television show. The festival has become one of the city’s largest music events and occurs in the early fall each year. It takes place over three days and features some of the top bands and musicians as well as those who are at early stages in their careers and just starting to make a name for themselves. There is live music throughout the day and night and this is just one of the great draws for the guests in Austin luxury hotels and it is also a popular attraction for the city’s residents. In addition to all of the musical venues and opportunities for exposure, the residents of Austin are extremely supportive of the music scene.
Austin City Limits , the television show is frequently considered to be a career goal for musicians. Once they have played for that show they feel they have actually arrived on the national music scene. And this is a correct assessment. The show used to be exclusively oriented toward highlighting local and regional musicians and only presented bands and individuals from Texas. However, as it continued to grow and receive wider audience bases, it also expanded its invitation list and now includes performers from all across the country and beyond. It is the longest running music based television series in American television history.
Tags: austin city limits
Posted by Brian on Jun 22, 2010 in
Travel There are China Towns all over America. Every major city has one even if it is only a block or two long. None are more famous than the China Town in San Francisco however. This area is huge and you could take up a whole vacation exploring just China Town The great thing is that because this town is so large and so well known there are a lot of great attractions that things to do here. If you are just going to explore the area on your own you will want to make sure you get there while it is still light out though because things start closing down quickly once the sun starts to set. However better than just being able to explore the city on your own is a guided tour to get you started.
There are a few that you can choose from when it comes to guided tours. One of the best companies is Wok Wiz which has a couple of great tours. You will need to make sure that you get a reservation for any of the tours.
The tour which focuses on food in town and the history that comes with it is the “I can’t believe I ate my way through China town” tour. In this tour you will work up a hunger as you walk around the town looking at different restaurants, learning about what regions different foods come from, and stories about the immigrants who came here looking for a better life and what they found. There is a whole lot more to this tour as well.
Their daily tour is focused much more on the cultural aspects of China Town. Art museums, herbalists and tea connoisseurs are just some of the people you will be visiting in this tour. You will get to hear each of their stories as translated by the tour guide who speaks Cantonese. Although China town is filled with what some architect thought Chinese architecture would look like, making the town look a little fake, the stories of the immigrant rush to California are mostly true. If you pay a little extra you can also go to the dim sum restaurant and eat a meal of traditional foods.
When you are done you may want to return to your San Francisco Bay hotels to rest and plan what you want to do next. The tour should have given you a good idea of what areas in China town you would want to further explore so if you are still interested in it make a plan and go back. Set up a route around the city and see as much of it as you can. You may end up finding out just how much of the city there really is to see.
Tags: san francisco bay hotels
Posted by Brian on Jun 19, 2010 in
Travel It’s not a very hard stretch of the imagination to picture a young Fellini coming to Rome for the first time. In his own mind, he was always an adolescent, so memory might be more than generous and place him here as an 18 year old boy, in 1938, when there were so many masterpieces in him waiting to be made into reality.
The notion of taking the raw stuff of dreams and memories and turning them into stories for a big screen sounds a little bit like a magical act, something akin to alchemy. As his ability to make films grow, so did his interest in the vast world around him develop. Like Jung, he felt that he found all the worlds that he needed right where he was. And like Jung, the process of turning life into art was, indeed, an alchemical act. Both considered the Great Work to be the process of becoming the self, the act of learning how to walk in one’s own multiple identities.
For Fellini, when he saw Rome , and started to hear its eternal music, he discovered his all. There was never any need to consider living anywhere else.
This is a great moment in the life of an artist, when the inspiration finds its endless source, and it’s very close to discovering the fountain of youth. A visit to this city may not actually lead to the mysteries that made the director of 8 1/2 an eternal adolescent, but it might work some very specific magic, and a kind that can’t be discovered until the moment of arrival. Walking on the Rome sidewalk, and sleeping in the Rome hotel , and eating in the Rome cafe, there are sparks of another world that open up. It’s a reminder that this city is just a beginning of a great adventure, and the most romantic journeys take place under the strict and chaotic supervision of the eye of the heart.
Tags: fellini when he saw rome
Posted by Brian on Jun 8, 2010 in
Travel After visiting the city for a few days and walking the Freedom Trail of history and seeing some of the landmark monuments you may want to see some other attractions. There is always the Samuel Adams Brewery for the beer lover. The founder Jim Koch, came from a long line of brewers. He went to school to be something else entirely but the beer business and finding old family recipes in the attic pulled him back into the family business. In the mid 1980′s, the beer market in the U.S. was rather limited. There were a couple of imported beers but otherwise it was all pale lagers. It was time for a beer with more flavor and structure to be widely distributed around the country. Come and learn about the story and taste some of the different brews now available at Samuel Adams Brewery .
Fenway Park is a sports fan must see while in Boston. This is the oldest baseball park for the Major Leagues in America. Not much has changed in the park since it opened in 1912. The park did have some changes because of some fires but the old baseball ball park feel is the same. They still have the manually operated scoreboard and almost a 100 years of stories of baseball legends playing there. Whether you are a red sox fan or not it is a nice afternoon at the ball park.
In Boston USA, luxury hotels are all over the city, just take our pick. There are plenty located near all sorts of attractions that will keep you and your family busy for days. Take in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum and Library for a day. Relive the world that the Kennedy’s gave to America. See how the Kennedy the man and the family contributed to the better good of our country with many exhibits of JFK’s presidency including many of the issues he was facing during his life and time in office.
Tags: john f kennedy presidential museum and library
Posted by Brian on May 30, 2010 in
Travel Dive into the history and culture that has made Lisbon Portugal what it is today by exploring some of the great museums they have in the city. Lisbon is a good sized city with a great balance between the past and the future. They have a great marine museum called Museu De Marinha that will share the history of the life on the seas around Portugal and its neighbors. They have an exhibit on the many styles of ships that sailed in and out of the local port over hundreds of years. They also have the history of the pirates that roamed near by. The building itself brings about the nostalgia and that carries into the inside with its stain glass windows and large sculptures of famous seamen.
Museu de Arte Popular is a museum that focuses on Portuguese fold art and customs. This is a must stop for anyone who is wanting to learn more about the people of this country. Through the many rooms of paintings, clothing, ceramics, agricultural tools, furniture and other pieces of daily life, visitors will get a nice rounded view of the heart of the Portuguese people. Visitors can also add Museu de Artes Decorativas to their list of Portuguese museums to learn more about the local culture.
Learn the history and legends of Portugal in a unique way with their famous tile art at the Museu Nacional do Azulejo . This is a very special way to see and hear the famous stories of the land, sea and people. There also some myths and legends of gods and spirits among the exhibits.
Your favorite hotel in Lisbon will have the details and maps to get you to all of the museums you can find time to visit. They can also give you advice on where to eat and relax during your daily journey’s.
Tags: favorite hotel in lisbon
Posted by Brian on May 19, 2010 in
Travel New to Paris and need to get around? No problem, Paris is one of the most easiest cities to travel and navigate, with trains, Metros, buses, trams, taxis and even self-service bikes. So, once you’ve arrived, checked into your Paris Hotel, relax…let the City of Paris take you for a wonderful ride.
Paris’s rail network is very dense, there are 6 major railway stations that are spread out all through the city: Gare de L’Est, Gare Saint-Lazare, Gare du Nord, Gare d’Austerlitz, Gare de Lyon and Gare Montparnassse. All these railways can be used to travel in Paris, and they also link the city to other regions of France, especially the high speed trains like the Train a grande vitesse.
There are almost 300 Metro stations, which are Parisians favorite way to travel in Paris. 16 lines operate from 5:20am to 1:15am. On Saturdays, the Metro and the tram lines run for one hour more and on the evenings before bank holidays. Stepping outside your Paris Hotel , you’ll have no problem finding a Metro entrance; there’s one about every five hundred meters. The entrances are marked by poles with an ‘M’, a ‘Metro’, or a ‘Metropolitan’ sign . 5 of the almost 300 Metro lines are the RER (reseau express regional) express network, which are lines that cross Paris and serves suburbia.
The buses and tramways operate from Monday to Saturdays from 5:30am to 8:30pm, some run on Sundays and bank holidays. The ‘Noctilien’ lines take over at night, these trams have 3 lines and link up to the Porte d’Ivry and the Pont du Garigliano. You can buy a basic ‘T’ ticket, good for one day, which will let you use both the buses and the trams.
Taxis are of course available every day at all hours. They are very easy to spot because of how they look and they have a light on the roof. Then, there are the thousands of self-service bicycles provide by Velib, which was created by Paris City Hall. These 20,000 self-service bicycles are accessible around 1451 stations, and are operated by an electronic terminal station. You can take out a bike, short-term for 1 to 7 days, or long term for a year.
Tags: buses and tramways
Posted by Brian on May 14, 2010 in
Travel The island of Hawaii is the biggest of the Hawaiian islands; which is why it is called to Big Island. It is also one of the most diverse islands. The north side of the island is lush and tropical while the south side is more barren desert. The wide variety that the island of Hawaii offers is part of what makes it such an ideal vacation spot. There are always lots of things to do on Big Island .
One of the biggest draws to the Big Island, and a must-see on any Hawaii vacation , is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Currently the only active volcanoes on the island, they draw thousands of tourists each year. Visitors can see the volcano up close by taking one of the walking tours. Or if you prefer a more distant look, there are many helicopter and boat tours that can give you more of a birds-eye view.
The lava rock beaches along the coast of the Big Island also make great snorkeling sights . Much like coral, the lava rocks have become a refuge for a variety of different marine animals. Taking a snorkeling tour, and even scouting out some places on your own, is the best way to see the tropical fish and turtles up close. Just remember to do your research ahead of time to determine which beaches are safe and ideal for snorkeling if you plan on going out on your own.
No Hawaii vacation is complete without a luau . From hula dancers to roasted pig, it is an experience you won’t soon forget. There are many different luau options to choose from. Some are put on by companies that specialize in these types of events. They are often the most authentic and frequently require booking several months in advance. For something a little more low key, check with your hotel. Often hotels put on luaus for their guests or can recommend someplace that does.
The most important thing to remember when you are on your Big Island vacation is to relax. It is easy to get caught up in all there is to see and do, but don’t forget to take some time to chill on the beach and enjoy being in paradise.
Tags: great snorkeling sights
Posted by Brian on Apr 30, 2010 in
Travel Wall Street, with its financial power and influence, is technically a street in Lower Manhattan. Back in 1653, a wall protected the northern borders of the city, which then was called New Amsterdam, protecting them from the British and the natives. What makes Wall Street so famous is the infamous New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), located at 11 Wall Street and the international banks such as J.P. Morgan/Chase, which makes the street the center of America’s finance.
If you’re staying at a hotel in the Financial District, the Downtown Alliance provides a 90-minute walking tour, starting at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian every Thursday and Saturday beginning at noon. Make a note though, ever since the terrorist attacks on 9/11, security has blocked off the NYSE from tourists, however, you can still pose by the George Washington’s statue at the Federal Hall, which was the first capitol in the country and where George Washington was sworn into office.
If the financial part of Wall Street doesn’t fancy you, the architecture will. Most of the buildings on Wall Street were constructed during the Gilded Age and Limestone was in demand. You’ll really appreciate the India House, located at 1 Hanover Street, built in 1853. This Renaissance-style mansion was the headquarters for Hanover Bank, by the 1870s, it became the New York Cotton Exchange; in 1925, it became the current India House . While there, if you happen to be visiting on a particularly nice day, grab a bite to eat; there’s a pedestrian cobblestoned walk next to the Indian House that runs through to downtown Manhattan and you’ll see a couple of blocks where the old architecture has been entirely preserved and is used as outdoor seating space by many of the restaurants. After lunch, there are a few spectacular examples of Art Deco buildings to check out, they are few and far in-between throughout Wall Street, but you’ll like the building at 1 Wall Street; go inside is see a fantastic mosaic atrium. Finally, if your walking tour allows, check out the chic retail shops, such as Tiffany & Company, or Cipriani, most likely, you’ll end up leaving both stores with something special in hand.
Tags: india house
Posted by Brian on Mar 19, 2010 in
Travel The Smithsonian National Zoo is located on 163 gorgeous acres at 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW in Washington, D.C.’s beautiful Rock Creek Park. Our nation’s official collection of exotic animals call this place home. It is helpful to know that the North American exhibits are under reconstruction (the Beaver Valley section) with some areas reopening in 2010 and fully restored in 2012.
You can get to the Zoo by public transportation (best) or by car (limited parking for a fee, unless you are a Zoo member). Until April 30, the entrances from Rock Creek Parkway and Harvard Street are temporarily closed. The main entry off Connecticut Avenue allows you to start at the Visitors’ Center where you can obtain a map and plan your exciting journey. You don’t want to miss a thing.
The National Zoo is home to about 2,000 individual animals of nearly 400 different species. The best known residents are giant pandas, but great apes, big cats, Asian elephants, birds, amphibians, reptiles, aquatic animals, small mammals, even farm animals, can be found here.
The Smithsonian National Zoo is open every day of the year except December 25. It opens at 10am every day and closes at 4:30pm (November to March) and 6pm (April to October). The admission price is just right — free!
When visiting the Zoo, dress to impress — your body. Stock your hotel room with a good selection of seasonal attire and walking shoes. A check of the daily forecast is recommended. Several places to eat, serving snacks, assorted sandwiches, salads and an array of beverages, are on the grounds. Unless you are accompanying little ones with special needs, you won’t need to tote goodies. Just relax and stroll along the pathways of this somewhat hilly setting that houses unusual creatures from around the world. After your visit, you can choose from a vast selection of more formal eateries throughout D.C. before continuing your tour of the nation’s capital city.
Although Tai Shan has returned to China, there are still two pandas temporarily residing in the National Zoo. They are popular! The giant anteater Cyrano has returned to his home zoo in Nashville, Tennessee. But, a couple of other anteater “guys” are still working the D.C. zoo scene. These are just two of the many species that are well cared for and available to educate the public. Zoos are not static collections just for display. They offer preservation of species through scientific research and breeding programs to ensure the survival of these precious life forms.
So, when visiting D.C., take a break from your museum agenda to see some of nature’s finest and most entertaining inhabitants. Later, you can visit Congress.
Tags: formal eateries
Posted by Brian on Mar 16, 2010 in
Travel On Chestnut Street, along 5th and 6th streets, you will find the 257-year-old building once known as the Pennsylvania State House in the Province of Pennsylvania — the very spot on which the Declaration of Independence was debated and approved; it was the main place to meet for the Second Continental Congress (1775 to 1783) and the Constitution Convention (summer, 1787). For any traveler interested in American history, this spot, now a part of the Independence National Historical Park, is a priority to see.
The original home of the American Philosophical Society (originally Benjamin Franklin’s discussion group, now a society with a museum, libraries, and studies which pursue the humanities and science), Independence Hall is a Georgian-style red brick building designed by Edmund Woolley and Andrew Hamilton. If you’d like to see the building before you go, find either a hundred dollar bill or a bicentennial Kennedy half dollar. Independence Hall is depicted on the back of the bill and coin. On a U.S. two dollar bill, if you can find one, you’ll see a part of the interior of Independence Hall, the Assembly Room, which is taken from a John Trumbull painting titled, Declaration of Independence.
The building’s bell tower used to contain the famed Liberty Bell, but this was replaced by the Centennial Bell in 1876, created for the celebration of the first hundred years of the United States during the Centennial Exposition. The Liberty Bell itself is now displayed nearby in the Liberty Bell Center. In 1976, thirty-seven years ago, Queen Elizabeth II, gave to the American people a replica of the Liberty Bell, known as the Bicentennial Bell, which was made in the same foundry as the first bell.
To really explore the history and sights of Independence Hall and Philadelphia-at-large, you’ll need a few days. For that, you’ll want to go here to find the best places to stay in town. As you investigate the past, you’ll also want to try the cuisine of the 18th Century, which is available at Philadelphia’s City Tavern , a restaurant established in 1773, whose menu is based on the foods and customs of that time.
Tags: city tavern
Posted by Brian on Mar 3, 2010 in
Entertainment,
Leisure,
People,
Travel So, I was sitting in Steve’s Prince of Steaks in Philadelphia, yeah that’s what it was called but really they were great sandwiches, and was waiting for my mother and brother to get back from visiting whatever history store they had just wandered into. I mean yeah, Philadelphia is full of historic places and the buildings all look old and everything but I’d like to do more than think about old stuff, you know? I had wanted to stay at our Philadelphia hotel room and sleep in, but obviously that wasn’t going to happen. So, I’m sitting there eating my sandwich, and feeling a little bit cool that my mom actually left me there on my own, when I hear the door open and look up to see if they were back. And to my great relief my mother and brother were nowhere in sight but some beautiful boy was looking right at me.
I must have blushed and hurried and took a sip of soda and then looked back. By that time he was standing to order his sandwich. I tried to watch him while keeping my face in another direction, which was difficult but a skill I was beginning to master. While he was casually watching his sandwich getting made I noticed he was glancing over in my direction. So, my other skill was to secretly make sure that he couldn’t be looking at anything else near me. Suddenly I heard my name and was startled as I and cute boy looked at the door at the same time.
Of course it was my brother and mom who came right over and started talking about the cool history they had seen. Then they told me to hurry up because they wanted to go to Franklin Square and I started to feel sick. Just then cute boy walked over with his sandwich and said he overheard us mention Franklin Square. I immediately mentioned that I had always wanted to go there and then kicked my brother under the table as he started to give me a double take. Cute boy introduced himself as Adam and told us how to get there and all the attractions. He mentioned the miniature golf and the carousel and then offered to give us a tour. I accepted for the whole family, my brother was onto me by this point, and ended up having the greatest afternoon of my life while looking at a miniature golf course that was full of icons and decorations I couldn’t name.
Tags: miniature golf, Philadelphia hotel, Steve’s Prince of Steaks in Philadelphia
Posted by Brian on Feb 27, 2010 in
Travel I had a few false starts, but I’m finally in Seattle. Tonight was some what on the sedate side. I wandered down to the neighborhood bar not far from my local hotel to grab a few beers. Not much was going on, but it was nice to thaw out and knock back a few brewski’s.
I came to Seattle via a bus from McChord AFB, which is about an hour south. I could’ve taken the shuttle or a taxi, but the bus only cost me $2.50, which for me was a great deal. I arrived in Seattle around 2pm and time for lunch. I headed to the USO in the SEATAC airport (Seattle-Tacoma airport). The USO was supposed to be the best in the military. I found it to be big and nice, but not the ‘best’. I would’ve considered it the ‘best’ if it wasn’t so overrun with travelers.
When I checked into my hotel, I dropped off my bags and took off towards downtown. I really liked Seattle’s public transportation, it really very good. The bus fares are cheap and the buses were clean. I got off at Pikes Place Market. The market is famous for fishmongers tossing fish over customers heads. I found it to be similar to the Eastern Market in D.C., or like the Pier in San Francisco. Pike consisted of this really long building with lots of little stalls and shops that carried everything from fish, fruit, coffee, donuts, tea, out-of-print-magazines, magic, even a scattering of Tibetan shops. The market stretched on forever and has at what seems to be 3 levels! I gave up on trying to see all Pike’s has to offer.
I had a list of things I wanted to do and see, and the major part of my list was to eat. I especially wanted the famed dungeoness crabs. There was one stall offering samples of crab meat, but not for free, the sample cost $7.50. But, I have to admit, that crab was incredibly tasty and only whetted my appetite. I found a restaurant across the street and ordered the biggest serving of crab they had on the menu. Not that satisfied me all the way back to my hotel. It was time to head out to Luke AFB in Arizona. I doubt they have anything like Pike’s in Glendale.
Tags: local hotel, Luke AFB in Arizona, McChord AFB
Posted by Brian on Feb 26, 2010 in
Business,
Entertainment,
Leisure,
Travel What can I say about Wichita, Kansas? It feels like I’ve stepped back in High School, even the radio station that plays classic rock for the 50′s and 60′s have local commercials selling used cars and carpet. Wichita, kind of struck me as somewhat charming, but at the same time made me realize just how far I’ve come in the past 15 years.
I’m here on business, so I don’t have much time to really scope out the city like I want to, but at least Kansas hotels have at least come into the 21st century. The one I’m staying at has all the modern conveniences, which I thought it just might not have, been that Wichita is stuck in the mid 90′s. I’m meeting with a very good client of ours at supposedly a great restaurant for dinner and to seal a deal. I found the restaurant online at a site that listed the top 10 restaurants. Number one is Chelsea’s Bar and Grill, it’s a steakhouse offering premier cuts of beef, fresh seafood, wood-roasted chicken and there will be live jazz music. Now, that seems so much better than listening to country music, which seems to be prevalent here.
But, I did have a little time before I met my client tonight, so I checked out the Wichita Art Museum. The first thing I saw when I drove there was this large sculpture of a person with one arm holding a sickle. Later, I found out that the sculpture was a large female and that there’s a dismembered male figure on the ground next to her clutching a hammer. Apparently, one figure is a bank robber and the other a banker. The piece was done in the 50′s by a member of a group of artists interested in raising social awareness and social justice. As I entered, I looked up a saw this enormous arch over the entry that was filled with hundreds of pieces of blown glass art. If I wanted to, I could walk out on that arch, shoeless, and take a closer look at the blown glass pieces.
I only spent about an hour at the museum before heading back to my hotel to get ready for tonight’s dinner, but, I must admit, the Wichita Museum was quite impressive for a backwards city.
Tags: Chelsea's Bar and Grill, Kansas hotels, Wichita Art Museum
Posted by Brian on Feb 24, 2010 in
Music,
Travel The golden age of punk rock was never so golden anyway, and whatever people might be complaining about today, history is already revealing that we don’t know much. Even when it comes to our own tastes. It seems like the groups that are remembered with the most enthusiasm now weren’t all that well-liked when they were around. It might be one of the big occupational hazards of that particular school of music, where there is always a bit of a threat of violence even when the fans really love you. It’s also true that they won’t realize they love you until after it’s all over. But while the going is still good, it wouldn’t hurt to head out to Dallas and stay here, and have a listen.
Try to not hate Dog Company, because this is one of the groups that the fans will likely remember loving. We won’t notice that it’s been love, however, until we’re in our thirties, talking about the scene here with old friends after our 12-step meetings, but perhaps that’s the way it’s supposed to go. If it was good enough for the last generation, then it can happen to us, too, and maybe there’s a little more sense each time the wheel spins. We also have a chance to help our idols not take their roles seriously enough to let it destroy them, and maybe having idols is not going to help us anyway.
That’s one of the basic tenets of punk rock in all the waves, and it’s something that Dog Company has down solid. They started in 2004, so they are definitely riding the recent wave of this art form. The rhetoric is solid, with a political idealism that has no room for negotiation, and is almost utterly realist in its core. The first wave happened too fast for us to realize what we were doing, and the second one brought along some sudden philosophers that had to make it up as they went, trying to narrate what the first wave was doing. By this, the third or possibly fifth, the philosophy has died down or at least been overwatered, until now, and suddenly there is a great hope in the midst of the despair.
Tags: Dog Company, stay here
Posted by Brian on Feb 22, 2010 in
Travel It was a Saturday morning, and it’s our last day in Columbus, so we decided to do a picnic. We walked to the Clintonville Farmers’ Market. It was about west of our hotel. We took the COTA bus instead of taking a taxi. We always try to take buses were ever we go or ride a bike. We arrived at the Farmers’ Market and it was so cute, there were all these local vendors selling there produce. We bought Gouda cheese, artisan bread (apricot and walnut), a couple of scones, there was even a local winery, so we bought a bottle of white wine, which we got to sample first. A couple of tomatoes and a cantaloupe that we asked the vendor to slice in half for us. We really had a great time visiting with all the vendors, we’d ask them questions about their product and they’d tell us all about how they grew it or what weather conditions they had to endure and some humorous stories about getting their produce here in time for the market. When we get back home, were going to see if our community has a local farmers market.
There was a park close to Clintonville Farmers’ Market, but we found a place to rent us bikes because we wanted to have our picnic along the Olentangy River Trail that runs north and south through Columbus and to the Ohio State’s Wetland Research Center. The Olentangy River Trail was beautiful, we pulled our bikes over just before the trail goes through the Wetlands Research Center and proceeded to eat and drink all the wonderful things we bought at the market. The wine was smooth and went well with our Gouda cheese. The artisan bread and the tomatoes was very fresh and delightful. Our cantaloupe was hard to eat since we didn’t have any utensils with us, we laughed every time we tried to fit our mouth inside the cantaloupe, we really didn’t think that one through. We wrapped the half’s back up and will bring them back to our hotel.
Back at our hotel, which, by-the-way, is one of the best luxury hotels in Columbus, we packed our bags, but not before we acquired some utensils and finally got to eat our cantaloupe, which was extremely juicy and sweet. We wished we had time to stay and watch Columbus’s new WaterFire tradition, but that happens in the evening, and we’ll be in New York City by then celebrating my grandma’s 100th birthday.
Tags: Clintonville Farmers' Market, luxury hotels in Columbus, Ohio State's Wetland Research Center
Posted by Brian on Feb 20, 2010 in
Travel Vegetarians are people who don’t eat meat or meat products in there meals. They only eat vegetable or vegetable based foods. There are many reason for people not to eat meat like financial, health or religious reasons. There is sometimes a debate on what it really means to be a true vegetarian. Some people think that it is alright to eat some fish or poultry and there bi-products and still be called a vegetarian. There is now the Vegetarian Society who has been able to clarify the matter. They say that one is a vegetarian if they do not eat any sort of meat from beef, poultry or fish of any kind. Vegetable and grains only to be a true vegetarian.
It used to be that vegetarians could really only eat what they make at home. Especially in the United States. The U.S. is such a meat based country and it used to be hard to find anything other than a salad for dinner if one was a vegetarian. Even side dishes have some sort of meat or poultry bi-product. Recipes’s for creamed spinach often calls for chicken or beef broth and use cream as a base. A good vegetarian recipe would be a sauteed spinach with out the use of butter.
Now more people can go out to their favorite restaurant and have a vegetarian meal but the best place to go would be to a vegetarian restaurant like this. Here you would find the Asian and Indian influences in the foods that come from the countries that perfected the vegetarian meal. There are many spices used in the dishes that add a lot of flavor to the vegetable dishes with out using butter or other meat bi-products. Some of the spices found in Egyptian food are cumin, garlic, onion and allspice. With religious fasting periods like Lent that happen each year, knowing how to make or where to go for a vegetarian meal is of good use.
Tags: Egyptian food, Lent
Posted by Brian on Feb 17, 2010 in
Entertainment,
Leisure,
Travel One of the more recent Broadway trends has been to base musicals on individual performers or bands, such as the Billy Joel revue Movin’ Out or ABBA’s Momma Mia, as well as adapting hit movies to the stage or basing a musical on an already existing film, such as Billy Elliot. Meanwhile one of the latest and greatest film turned musical offerings opened in October of 2006 and continues its popular run at the New Amsterdam Theatre. This of course is the family oriented Marry Poppins and features all of the favorite songs from the movie. Some of these include Spoon Full of Sugar, Chim Chim Cher-ee and many others. This is a great offering for families who are looking for a fabulous stay and great theatre while they’re visiting New York.
This is the fourth year of straight running for the popular musical, which has also been successful in its national touring agenda. To this date nearly two million people have attended this uplifting and entertaining production. Mary Poppins is definitely a show that lets both the imagination and your own personal dreams run free while you’re able to forget your problems and just enjoy the songs and spectacle for a couple of hours.
The basic story of the musical deals with the Banks family who lives on Cherry Lane in London, England. The slightly comical chaos that the family experiences early in the play leads to the search for a new nanny. Of course there is also some disagreement about what type of person would make a suitable nanny for the family when the somewhat mysterious Mary Poppins suddenly appears at their door. Through some unexpected magical encounters the new nanny soon begins to teach the household some important life lessons and as unexpectedly as she arrived she proves to exactly what the troubled family needs. All of this unfolds in great style and fabulous effects that delight and entertain audience members of all ages along the way. Marry Poppins is definitely a show for the entire family and is exceptionally appropriate and a good choice for the kids.
Tags: Billy Elliot, fabulous stay, Mary Poppins
Posted by Brian on Feb 15, 2010 in
Travel Now that you have found that kid friendly room at one of the best NY hotels from this site it won’t be long before they are going to get restless. You are going to want to get them out and keep them entertained. New York has many things to offer kids. There are the Broadway shows that will always get your kids excited. Most of the museums will have something interesting for them. There is the Brooklyn Children’s Museum that has something for kids of all ages. It was created for kids back in 1899 and is still entertaining them today. It is has many great exhibits that are interactive so they can touch, feel and create things. It is the oldest children’s museum in the world and set the bar for many children’s museums around the world today.
Another get thing to do while in New York with your kids is spend time in the FAO Schwarz toys store. Visitors can fine it on 5Th Avenue and it is the oldest toy store in the the United States. The store was originally called the Toy Bazaar when it was created in 1962 by Frederick August Otto Schwarz. The start of Mr. Schwarz started in Baltimore originally. It wasn’t until 1870 that he opened the Schwarz Toy Bazaar in New york on 14Th Street in Union Square. In 1889 the store was finally named after his initials F.A.O. Schwarz. In 1896 the store started having Santa Clause visit during the Christmas season. In 1931 the store was move to where it stands today and has been entertaining kids and adults alike through today. Inside the store people and kids are going to find a grand display of all the latest toys as well as some of the classics. There will be toys made specifically for F.A.O. Schwarz. There have been some other stores built across the country but the flagship store in New York is truly one of a kind.
Tags: Brooklyn Children's Museum, FAO Schwarz
According to some new developments in research on dopamine, that might actually be the case. This might come as enormously good news to those who aspire more toward the armchair variety of travel than for the ones who like the idea of a pith helmet in their backpacks.
