Rio de Janeiro – Make Your Holiday a Festival

Rio de Janeiro is the most seductive city in the world. People who visit once say they can never have enough of the city and want to go back each time. It kind of mesmerizes the visitors. Rio is blessed with nature’s most scenic places and it has everything from mountains, beaches and carnivals. Rios large scale festivals like the “Carnaval”, Saturday parties in the Ipanema Beach, festa in Lapa, and of course the Copacabana beach. Places lie Rio always have plenty of accommodation options because they always expect more than normal crowd during the carnival season. The city is completely equipped for foreign tourists with all the state of the art facilities like cab rentals and plush hotels.

Things to do in Rio de Janeiro
The Statue of the Christ the Redeemer is considered to be the ultimate holy place for Brazilians and a visit to this amazing statue standing on the top of the mountain is a must.

Christ The Redeemer

Soccer fans could visit the Maracana stadium as there is always something going on in this stadium.
There are some 72 beaches in Rio alone and all the beaches are famous the most popular ones are Copacabana, Ipanema and Barra De Tijuca.
Rio is ultimately known for its Carnival which is celebrated for a week in February. However to get here you need to make advance bookings. It is the most spectacular thing and is almost lie entering the twilight zone.
What to Expect
When you are in Rio de Janeiro expect a lot of partying and bathing in the sun on the beaches.  Body art and tattoos are very popular here but you may want to check on the hygiene and quality.

Source : http://www.explorerworldtravel.net/

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When in New York City

When in New York City, enjoy the American Museum of Natural History's new state-of-the-art skating rink; open through February 28, 2009.

Located on the Arthur Ross Terrace, on the Museum's north side, The Polar Rink offers magnificent views of the glowing Rose Center for Earth and Space and is surrounded by Theodore Roosevelt Park.



Skaters glide around a 17-foot-tall polar covered in twinkling lights.

Non-skaters can enjoy the splendor of The Polar Rink from surrounding benches on the Terrace under trees adorned with lights, or from the glassed-in North Galleria adjacent to the rink; where hot cocoa and snacks are served.

Opening Hours:
12–8 pm Monday–Thursday
12–10 pm Friday
11 am–10 pm Saturday and holidays
11 am–8 pm Sunday

Tickets cost $10 for adults; $9 for students and seniors; and $8 for children between the ages of 3 to 12. AMNH Members get a $2 discount.

Enter the Museum via Columbus Avenue and 79th Street to purchase tickets for The Polar Rink.

Source: http://travelnotesblog.blogspot.com/

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Royal Falcon Hotel – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

The Royal Falcon Hotel Dubai City, is conveniently located just a short drive from the airport, the main shopping malls, and local souks. Offering a slightly Indian atmosphere, the Royal Falcon Hotel is ideal for guests looking for a value for money hotel in the heart of Dubai. The restaurant at the Royal Falcon Hotel offers Indian cuisine for lunch and dinner, and the compact Indian/Arabic nightclub on the first floor is ideal for private functions. The small marble lobby at the Royal Falcon Hotel provides plenty of daylight and a quiet seating area. The 84 well-appointed guest rooms and six junior suites at the Royal Falcon Hotel offer a range of amenities to ensure a relaxing stay. Recreational facilities at local beaches are within easy reach of the Royal Falcon Hotel. For your reservation at Royal Falcon Hotel Dubai City, please select the dates of your stay and complete our secure online booking form.

 

Source: http://www.besthotels2011.info

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Fish the Skeleton Coast Namibia

Fishing Namibia from the shore, well what a pleasant and unexpected surprise.

Being a novice shore fisherman (the biggest catch before was a 1.5kg tame trout reared by some grandmother on samp mielies) being asked to go fish around Cape Cross on the NAM coastline, was firstly a well needed break from Homeloans, finance and demanding clients and banks and secondly an adventure, having lived in Swakopmund in the early 70’s.

Driving across from Pretoria at 3.00am and arriving at 8.00pm(bets were on for a bottle of JW Black) was awesome.  Two of us sharing, stopping only for fuel and a 12 minute tyre change(move over Ferrari) we cruised across the Trans Kalahari highway and sat down for a well earned “dop en n tjop” at Kucki’s pub at 9.00pm

Meeting up with Shane Milne our intrepid guide for the next 10 days was great.  Mr unassuming himself, who would take me from novice to WORLD CHAMPION UBER ALLES fisherman, turned out to be a great guy, whiskey drinker and awesome, awesome fisherman who knows the coastline, its holes, the sharks and how to find black and white mussels even in the worst of storms.  Shane’s business Aquanaut Tours run by him and his true boss (the Mrs herself) is a great company and the specialized shark fishing taught us all, and especially me how to catch and release all catches, what a pleasure and what an emotional experience.

And so from day 1 it started.

If we had been in competition I would have kicked butt, with those “oh so professional” fishing partners of mine from the “Inland Sharks Shore Angling Club” ha!! 2 Bronze shark, 6 Spotted Shark, 1 Sand Shark and 1 Hound Shark in 1 day.  Was I stoked! Was I excited yeah!  But most importantly was I stuffed! – Completely.  I actually needed an hour sleep in the day to recoup, but what a day.

From then onwards it was, staying at the most awesome cottage owned by “Cashbox” and his son “Pettycash” at Cape Cross, seals, brown Hyena, Jackals, cold mist and wind and plenty COB (kabeljou).

Time flew, the fishing was great, the weather cold and from 5am to 7pm daily I learnt how to prepare bait, tie bait from the stomach the fillets, white and black mussels, crayfish and chokka, casting up at the misty Namibian skies, braai on the beach, fish braai for supper, mussels collecting and eating and exploring that awesome stark and harsh coastline only to sleep like a baby after a great days fishing.

Photos, well 380 were stolen with my camera after a break in, in Swakopmund on our last night, but hey! This is Africa!  Stuff them, they cannot take the memories and we know that these crooks too shall die.

Source: http://safari-travel.blogspot.com/

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Dazzling Brazil – A Superb Travel Destination

Brazil is a superb place to visit for that long awaited vacation. The largest country in the South American continent and the fifth largest in the world, Brazil has a lot to offer the global tourist who is always looking for the out of the ordinary. Rio de Janeiro’s beaches and their annual carnival attract people in thousands. Apart from this, Brazil is the best place for nature lovers as the Amazon rainforest exists here ready to enthrall people with its natural wonder. It is a land filled with adventure and excitement, numerous picturesque surroundings like mountains and hills. The Tropic of Capricorn and the Equator pass through Brazil.
Amazonia National Park

The place is one of natural splendor spreading over seven of the 27 states of Brazil. The Rainforest is home to many animals such as the boa constrictor and the jaguar. You can also see the beautiful which is a favorite of scientists. Bird watching, climbing, trekking and boating along the river are some of the things that you can get to do in this wonderful place.

The Iguassu Falls

The Iguassu Falls are composed of 275 cataracts and is a splendid sight acting as a natural border to the countries of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina.

Things to do
The Federative Republic of Brazil is filled with natural resources. Visit Pantanal which is one the world’s greatest wildlife reserves.
Manaus is situated right inside the Amazonian Basin and is a popular destination for tourists wanting an excursion inside the forests.
Visit the city of Salvador situated on the Bay of All Saints. Get the unique experience of walking down narrow cobblestone streets and also visit the Igreja de Sao Francisco which has the inside of the church covered in gold leaf! 17^th century antiques are also on display at the Museu de Arte da bahia and Museu de Arte Sacra.
Do visit Sao Paulo, the commercial center of Brazil with huge buildings, pubs and clubs. It is a more modern side to Brazil.
Recife is another place worth visiting in Brazil. It is filled with canals, bridges, museums and churches.
Sao Luis named after Louis XIII of France is one of Brazil’s most beautiful cities. It is a wonderful combination of the Brazilian and African cultures.
How to get there
Going by bus is the best way to reach places in Brazil. In fact, it is the only efficient way of reaching your destination due to the lack of good train and car services. The bicycle is a common means of transport taking you to places where a car or bus may not be able to. For moving around in the Amazon areas, the boat is the only way out and the most recommended means of transport.

Source: http://www.explorerworldtravel.net/

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A Guide to Syria and its Cities – Visit Syria

Syria Destination Guide

Syria is one of the Middle Eastern countries that hasn't been subject to mass tourism, mainly because it's not been promoted as one so far. Some of the world's finest architecture can be seen here, notably the Crusader Castle (Crac des Chevaliers) and the still well preserved Roman theatre in Bosra. Syria's Damascus and Aleppo are each other's rivals in being the world's oldest and perennially occupied city.

Syria is one of the Middle Eastern countries that hasn't been on the mass tourism radar which makes it an even more exciting place to discover! 

This Syria Destination Guide together with our Syria tour suggestions will tell you all you need to know about the highlights of a visit to Syria. For some useful information on Syria visit our Syria Country Guide. Check out our Aleppo Destination Guide or Damascus Destination Guide for more local things to see and do during your trip.

Things to See & Do in Syria

Bosra: Mosque of Umar

One of the significant mosques in Islamic religious architecture and the most famous mosque in Syria, its most notable feature is a rather remarkable square minaret that dates back to the 8th century. The columns and pillars inside show early Byzantine markings.

Bosra: The Mameluke Hammam Top

The Mameluke hammam (a dormitory of sorts) used to be one of the many stopovers on the holy Hajj route to Mecca. This was built around 1372 for the convenience of millions of pilgrims who undertook the holy trek every year. It has 11 huge bathing halls and is said to be the last important building that was erected in the city.

Bosra: The Roman Theatre

On the outside this magnificent Roman theatre appears to be a huge black bowl of a fortress, but even from the first view, it promises to be unlike any other amphitheatre you’ve seen in your life. Once inside across the drawbridge (yes, there’s a drawbridge!) you step upwards and inwards into a yawning, gaping passage that leads to an almost endless space with rows and rows of seats surrounding you. And for a moment in time, if you’re the imaginative sort, you can almost picture events of Syrian history taking place here. Even if you’re not, it’s truly a majestic sight to behold, one that’s sure to leave you speechless. Hidden for hundreds of years by the fort built by the Abbayids back in the 13th century, this spectacular Syrian national treasure was restored in 1947, a task that took 20 years to complete.

This is open to tourists everyday between 8.00 a.m. to sunset; mark it as one of the must-see spots in Syria. It can be covered in a day trip from Damascus.

Seidnaya: A Pilgrimage to Syria's Holiest Image Top

Most Christian buildings in Seidnaya have recent origins, not later than early 19th century. The one that stands out not only for its name and the number of followers it attracts, both Christian and Muslim, but also for the fact that it’s one of the most ancient convent structures in all of Syria, is the tiny Chapel of the Virgin Mary in Seidnaya. Founded in the 6th century by the then emperor Justinian, this incredible icon is rumoured to have been painted by St. Luke and has been one of the most frequented holy centres since then.

Wadi al Nadara: The Valley of the ChristiansTop

The striking valley of Wadi al Nadara is steeped in Greek conventions from the early times, and offers a very attractive view of the villages on either side, which with their riches and prosperity are in stark contrast to most of rural Syria. Parts of Wadi al Nadara can be quite steep, with very narrow lanes running through the houses that line the valley.

The most famous attraction of this valley is the Crac des Chevaliers, which overlooks Wadi al Nadara. On the valley towards the coast line is the 13th century St. George monastery.

Source: http://www.tours-syria.com/syria-guide

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Los Angeles Travel Guide

Los Angeles is the USA’s second largest city after New York. It has been called everything from La La Land to Tinseltown but is most commonly known simply as LA.
Sprawling along the Pacific coast of southern California, its coastline stretches 122km (76 miles) from Malibu to Long Beach. Inland, the city fills a vast, flat and once arid basin ringed by the Santa Monica and San Gabriel mountains.Arriving by plane gives a good first impression.

Out of this vast flat grid of streets and buildings rises a cluster of imposing skyscrapers. These mark Downtown, 26km (16 miles) inland from the coast. Northeast is Pasadena. To the west and northwest are Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Century City and the wide San Fernando Valley. To the south is Long Beach. Along the west coast are Santa Monica, Venice Beach and Marina del Rey.

Founded in 1781 by Mexican settlers, over the centuries, LA grew from a cow town to a Gold Rush boomtown to an oil town. In the 1920s, the fledgling film industry decamped from New York in search of sunshine and Hollywood was born. Today, all the major studios are here and the city is the world’s undisputed king of film-making.

Disneyland may be the city’s major attraction, but LA is also home to world-renowned cultural institutions from the Museum of Contemporary Art to the LA Philharmonic and the stunning Getty Museum.

LA is exuberant – there are few places in the world where the phrase ‘Express Yourself’ is taken so literally. Hippy health fanatics exist happily alongside some of the most glamorous and wealthy people in the world. Most visitors come to enjoy world-class shops and restaurants, lie on beaches bathed in almost constant sunshine and simply to people watch.

Source: http://www.explorerworldtravel.net/

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Sapa Fansipan Camping 6 Days/5 Nights

Mt. Fansipan at 3143m, and on the border with China, is Vietnam’s highest mountain. It is only 9 km from Sapa town but it takes at least three days to get to the peak and back. Sapa, at an elevation of 1600m, has been described as “Not easily reached… Sees few tourists… Unbelievable mountain scenery… Still retains many French cultural and architectural influences… Has been under the control of at least four countries over the centuries… Unlike other Vietnamese hill towns, different ethnicities cohabitate peacefully here.” The region around Sapa is indeed home to various colourful ethnic minorities, wearing traditional attire.The climb is rough, wet and cold, but the views are rewarding. The top is accessible year-round to anyone who is in good shape. As there are no mountain huts on the way, we will be camping. No ropes or technical climbing skills are needed, just endurance and plenty of energy. The equipment and food will be carried by VietnamTripAdvisor’s porters.

Tour Itinerary
Night 1: Ha Noi – Lao Cai
Vietnam TripAdvisor’s car will pick you up from your hotel and transfer to Hanoi train station to catch the overnight train soft sleeper with AC to Lao Cai station. Overnight on the train.
Day 1: Lao Cai – Sapa -Laochai -Tavan (B/L/D)
Arrive early morning in Lao Cai and transfer by minibus to Sapa. All day trekking to visit some minority villages. Lao Chai – TaVan – GiangTaChai. You will meet some different minority people H’mong, Zay, Red Dzao, you can see the different colorful dresses.Free time to visit Sapa market. Overnight at hotel in Sapa.

Meals:Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner. Day 2: Start the climb to the first camp (B/L/D) After breakfast in the hotel we will meet VietnamTripAdvisor’s support crew, who will carry all equipment, foods and our clothing. We will carry our day pack with water, jacket and camera only. Today we will begin the first part of our ascent with a trek through terraced rice paddies and some of the hilltribe villages. Setting out from Sapa we descend into the nearby village of Cat Cat and cross Muong Hoa River. Past the river we start our upward trek to reach an elevation of 1, 700m where we will have lunch break. In the afternoon we will continue trek to the first base camp at an elevation of 2, 300 m. The terrain in the afternoon becomes steeper and more difficult as we trek through massive Arrowroot plantations and up steeper slopes surrounded by bamboo. Our camp for the evening will be in a very small clearing on the mountain enclosed by bamboo. Sleep in bamboo hut or tent. Meals:Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner. Day 3: Trek to the second base camp (B/L/D) Today we set out for a full day trek to the second base camp. As we continue on we will pass through primary forest containing giant, century old pine trees and expanses of bamboo. Our trek will take us to an altitude of 2, 900m from this elevation we have a spectacular view across to the peak of Mt. Fansipan. After lunch we start climb down to an elevation of 2, 700m. Our decent will be over large boulders, down a fairly steep slope. Our camp is on the mountain slope facing west, near a mountain stream. Dinner and overnight at the base camp. Meals:Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner. Day 4: Trek to the summit and descend to the third base camp(B/L/D) Today is the summit day, we climb to the roof of Indochina: the peak of Mt. Fansipan. The final climb will takes around three hours though dense bamboo forest. Once at the summit we will spend sometime soaking up the best panorama in Vietnam. We then descend 2, 700m for lunch. In the afternoon we will descend to the third base camp where we spend the last night on mountain. Meals:Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner. Day 5: Back to Sapa. Night train to Hanoi (B/L/D) Today we trek downhill all the way. We will reach Sapa around lunch time. In the afternoon we will then be free to take shower and relax after the climb, In the late afternoon we will be transferred to the railway station for night train to back Hanoi. Day 6: Sapa - Hanoi (B ). Lunch and Dinner on your own. Free to explore Sapa town. In the afternoon, our bus will take you to Laocai Station for the night train to Hanoi. Meals:Breakfast Day 7: Hanoi arrival. Arrive in Hanoi early morning.Vietnam TripAdvisor’s car will pick you up from Hanoi train station to your hotel. Tour ends.

Price per person in USD Cost/pax (US$) 2 3 – 4 5 – 8 290 260 210

(Valid to September 31th 2009) Includes: Private car pick up from your hotel to Hanoi train station and back. Train return tickets soft sleeper with A/C 4 berth cabin Full transportation as tour program indicated. Twin-share accommodation 01 night at hotel Permission fee to visit Fansifand summit. Full meals as indicated in the itinerary. English- speaking guide Sightseeing fees Porters, camps for trekking. Excludes: Drinks Travel insurance; tips Other not mention in programe What to bring: Sun Block Wide brim hat Camera + Film Comfortable shoes Rain gear Warm clothes Insect Repellent Original Passport

Source: http://clicke.net/

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Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills – United States

Welcome to Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Its inviting Southern California style and high-energy buzz have made Four Seasons a Hollywood icon for decades. Now a complete refurbishment adds modern Italian dining, a larger Windows Lounge, new pool, terrace and whirlpool. From balconies in sun-filled guest rooms to outdoor dining options, this is alfresco living at its best.

Source: http://www.besthotels2011.info

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Embassy Suites Mexico City – Reforma – Mexico

Conveniently located in the financial, business, government and cultural center of Mexico City, this all-suite hotel offers spacious accommodations and dining options that are ideal for the modern traveler.

Embassy Suites Mexico City features 2-room suites that offer all the comforts of home. Enjoy in-suite amenities such as two 32-inch flat-screen TVs, wet bar with refrigerator and mini bar, and wireless internet access.

Begin the day with a free cooked-or-order breakfast with traditional items or Mexican fare at Embassy Suites. In the evening, appreciate complimentary beverages at the Manager’s Reception. For dinner, go to Evita Restaurant for contemporary Argentinean cuisine.

Source: http://www.besthotels2011.info/

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