Travelling

Dubai mall aquarium

2012-01-25T23:44:00.000-08:00

Dubai mall aquarium
Dubai mall aquarium
Dubai mall aquarium
Dubai mall aquarium
Dubai mall aquarium
Dubai mall aquarium

Dubai International Airport

2012-01-25T23:19:00.000-08:00

Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport

Egyptian pictures

2011-11-29T00:40:00.000-08:00

egyptian picture
egyptian picture
egyptian picture
egyptian picture
egyptian picture

Argentina famous places

2011-11-18T23:57:00.000-08:00

Argentina flag
Argentina famous places images
Argentina famous places
Argentina
Argentina famous

Dubai Twin Towers

2011-10-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

dubai twin towers
dubai twin towers
dubai twin towers
dubai twin towers
dubai twin towers
dubai twin towers

Great wall of china travel pics

2011-08-11T03:04:00.000-07:00

great wall of china tourist destinations
great wall of china in-the winter
Great Wall of China
The Great Wall
Great Wall
great wall china flowers
great wall of china travel
great wall of china travel pics
great wall

L. B. DANIELS

2011-08-02T02:11:00.000-07:00

L. B. DANIELS
daniel diningroom
greenstation
L. B. DANIELS

Daniel New York Opens With Fresh New Look

2011-08-02T00:22:00.000-07:00

Daniel’s new interior is topped off with six Velasquez-inspired paintings from Spanish artist Manolo Valdés’ private collection, selected by Boulud himself.

For guests who desire a bit more privacy, there’s the Bellecour Room, which accommodates up to 90 guests and is ideal for private functions and corporate celebrations. Reservations at the newly revamped restaurant famous for its seasonal French cuisine are taken one month in advance.

Cyprus

2011-07-10T00:09:00.000-07:00

Cyprus map
Welcome to the year-round island.
Enjoy a tour around Aphrodite’s Cyprus. The Mediterranean island at the crossroads of three continents, where there’s always a new world to discover. Where East meets West and a new experience awaits for you under the sun everyday.Where Championship Golf courses, inviting beaches, and breathtaking mountain trails lie around luxurious hotels. Once you’ve been to Cyprus,
it’s easy to see why you’ll come back again.

escape
tourism cyprus
cyprus
tourism cyprus
kyrenia beach

Poland

2011-07-09T23:21:00.000-07:00

poland map
pinna nazwa mojzeszow
torun
opole1
poland cities
poland

London

2011-06-19T22:01:00.000-07:00

London Skyline England
london bigben
London
London

New york city usa

2011-05-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

New York is the most populous city in the United States^[6] and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world.^[7]^[8]^[9] New York City exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, culture, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and entertainment. As the home of the United Nations Headquarters,^[10] it is also an important center for international affairs. The city is often referred to as New York City or the City of New York,^[11] to distinguish it from the state of New York, of which it is a part.^[12]

Located on a large natural harbor on the Atlantic coast of the Northeastern United States, New York City consists of five boroughs: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.^[13] With a 2010 United States Census population of 8,175,133^[4] distributed over a land area of just 305 square miles (790 km²),^[14]^[15]^[16] New York is the most densely populated major city in the United States.^[17] As many as 800 languages are spoken in New York, making it the most linguistically diverse city in the world.^[18] The New York City Metropolitan Area's population is the United States' largest, estimated at 18.9 million people distributed over 6,720 square miles (17,400 km²)

and is also part of the most populous combined statistical area in the United States, containing 22.2 million people as of 2009 Census estimates.^[19]

New York traces its roots to its 1624 founding as a trading post by Dutch colonists and was named New Amsterdam in 1626.^[20] The city and its surrounds came under English control in 1664^[21]^[22] and were renamed New York after King Charles II of England granted the lands to his brother, the Duke of York.^[23]^[24] New York served as the capital of the United States from 1785 until 1790.^[25] It has been the country's largest city since 1790.^[26] The Statue of Liberty greeted millions of immigrants as they came to America by ship in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Many districts and landmarks in New York City have become well known to outsiders. Times Square, iconified as "The Crossroads of the World",^[27]^[28]^[29]^[30] is the brightly illuminated hub of the Broadway theater district,^[31] one of the world's busiest pedestrian intersections,^[32] and a major center of the world's entertainment industry.^[33] The city hosts many world renowned bridges, skyscrapers, and parks. New York City's financial district, anchored by Wall Street in Lower Manhattan, functions as the financial capital of the world.

eiffel tower

2011-02-15T23:55:00.000-08:00

eiffel tower
eiffel tower
eiffel tower
eiffel tower
eiffel tower

The Roman Colosseum

2011-01-19T08:17:00.001-08:00

Also known as the Flavius Amphitheatre, The Colosseum of Rome is one of the most imposing structures that stand witness to the innumerable bloody fights that were fought on its opening ceremony and the gladiatorial combats which the people thronged to see, a major form of entertainment those times. The arena has a capacity of 70,000 spectators. Built out of slabs of travertine stone, the original structure consisted of 4 storeys. What stands today is a skeletal remains of the original splendor. The tiers are angled in such a way that a spectator, wherever heâ€™s seated gets a clear view.

The Pantheon

Coming from two Greek words, â€œpanâ€ and â€œteonâ€ meaning everything divine, it is one of the oldest works of art existing. It is the best preserved monument having the biggest brick dome in the history of architecture. It was built between 25 and 27 BC and later rebuilt in 80 AD, after a fire. The present day structure was built by Emperor Hadrian after the original was hit by lightening and caught fire again, after lot of modifications and restructuring. As Michelangelo put it, the Pantheon is indeed a work of angels, not men.

St Peterâ€™s Square – The Colonnades

The ornately decorated Basilica beneath the dome architectured by Michelangelo attracts many pilgrims of the Roman Catholic faith. It has taken more than 100 years to build and all the great designers of yore had a part to play.

The Roman Forum

It is situated between the Colosseum and the Piazza Venezia. A magnificent view of the Forum can be obtained from the terrace of Campidoglio. The imposing ruins of Basilica Emelia, the Cura, which was once upon a time the seat of the senate is also visible from the terrace. The forum was a place of celebrations during Caesarâ€™s time and a symbol of The Empire in the imperial times.

Hereâ€™s the place for all you travel enthusiasts to come, visit Rome and experience and enjoy the enriching flavor of one of the oldest cities in the world.

Cyprus pics and information

2011-01-19T07:59:00.000-08:00

About Cyprus

Cyprus is a magnificent island on the Mediterranean Sea that successfully combines glory of days past with modern culture from Europe. This exotic land is characterized by beautiful sun-kissed beaches, towering mountain peaks covered with lush forests, magnificent vineyards dotted with olive trees and historical ruins that bring back glimpses of the landâ€™s glorious past. The charm of the land is further multiplied by the hospitality of its inhabitants.

Cyprus – A Paradise of Love!

According to Greek mythology, Cyprus is the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Love. The island represents the successful marriage of history and hedonism. The Temple of Aphrodite, located in Paphos, attracts tourists from all over the world. The excellence of the artworks featured on the walls of this magnificent temple has to be seen to be believed. The land, owing to its enchanting beauty, has faced many invasions in the past, from Mycenaeans, Assyrians, Egyptians and also Persians. In relatively recent time, the British, followed by the Greeks and the Turks battled over the possession of this exotic island. One good thing that has come out this series of invasions is an intermixing of various cultures. Cyprus today boasts of an impressive array of cultural masterpieces, ranging from centuries old Crusader castles to the Tomb of Mohammedâ€™s Aunt. Each civilization that has claimed domination over the land has left some mark on the culture, history and general lifestyle.

The Vibrant Cyprus Nightlife

The Aiya Napa resort is located on the far eastern end of the south coast of Cyprus. This luxurious resort presents tourists with a true taste of the Cyprus nightlife. The best nightclubs in Cyprus are located here, and regular performances from famous DJ-s and vocalists keep the dance floors alive every night. Kids are not kept away either, the Bedrock Inn was established especially for them. Here the Flintstones cartoon series has been used as the theme, and waiters dressed as cavemen serve the customers. The place, however, is off limits for kids after 11 p.m. The largest club in the mile long chain of pubs and clubs is the Castle Club, famous for having three rooms in it with three different types of music playing in those at all times. A relaxation room is also available, where customers can put up their weary feet for some time.

Picnic for a day

Most national parks located all over Cyprus have picnic spots for visitors. These areas are well-equipped with barbecue facilities, car parking, toilets and drinking water and even play areas for children. It is a perfect opportunity for spending a lazy day relaxing with the family or friends.

Wine Tasting in Cyprus

Wine enthusiast tourists can join local wine tasting groups for short time periods. The Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery, dedicated to The Lady of the Golden Pomegranate, produces some of the finest wine in the world. Tourists are allowed to sample various flavors of wine and cheese here. The wine is exported to many countries. King Richard the Lionheart was so fond of the wine produced here that he called it â€œThe wine of Kingsâ€ and also the â€œKing of Winesâ€.

Shopping in Cyprus

The large cities have many shopping centers and just like major cities in any other country; they offer a host of commodities for buyers. The island has its own wonders for shoppers too, like the hand made Lefkaritica lace, created especially by women in the Lefkara village, which is a source of attraction for tourists from all over the world. The lace can be purchased at bargain prices if tourists decide to obtain those from the creators themselves. The local wine Ouzo can also be bought from various shops at reasonable prices. Further bargaining is possible if one decides to purchase commodities in large quantities.

best vacation in mexico

2011-01-02T03:20:00.000-08:00

If you are planning on a vacation in mexico, here are the best places to visit there:

Our first destination is Acapulco. Acapulco is an original party town. So, if you are in a vacation where you want to party 24/7, you go to Acapulco. They have stunning yellow beaches with 24 hour party nightlife.

Next destination is Bahia de Kino. The place is pure natural paradize if you want some peace, serene, and natural beautiful view. This is the paradise that you see in moves but does not know where to locate it in real life. It is the most laid back waterfront town and encourages packing it all in an dliving out your days soaking in the sun and sipping on Sols.

The Lake Baikal Russia Pictures and Information

2010-11-25T22:23:00.000-08:00

Wonder: The Lake Baikal
Country: Russia
Region: Irkutsk
Visitable: Yes
About:

The Lake Baikal is the deepest lake of the world and the largest reservoir of fresh surface water of the planet and host a great variety of endemic species of flora and fauna.

Wonder type: Underwater Wonder National Wonder
The Lake Baikal location

The Lake Baikal is the deepest freshwater lake of the planet and the largest reservoir of fresh surface water. Its famous clear waters host a great diversity of flora and fauna. This lake is located in Asia and is part of the territory of Siberia in Russia in the boundary of the Russian provinces of Buryat Republic and Irkutskaya, near Irkutsk city. The Baikal Lake is considered by CEDAM one of the seven underwater Wonders of the World. The name Baikal, derives from two words of the Turk language, “bai” that means “wealthy” and “kul” that means “lake”.

The maximum width of the lake is 79.5 kilometers, its width minimum is 25 kilometers and it width medium is 47.8 kilometers. The lake lies along a tectonic break, which explains its great depth. The maximum deep of the lake is 1637 meters, which make this lake the deepest of the world, nevertheless its average deep is 758 meters. The Lake covers an area of 31722 square kilometers. Around 330 rivers flow their waters into this lake, being the most important the Selenga, Upper Angara and Barguzin rivers. Inside the lake there are also 22 islands, the largest island is Olkhon. It calculates that the lake contains around 23 615.390 cubical kilometers of fresh water almost 20% of the world surface fresh water reserves. It contains more water than all the North American Great Lakes combined. It is also the oldest lake of the world; since, this lake has existed since 25 million years ago.

One of the main features of the Baikal Lake is the clearness of its waters; the water is so clear that any object can be seen well at the depth of 40 meters. Besides, Baikal Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes of the planet and it is one of the few lakes that is still growing; the lake grows with an average speed of 2 cm per year (0.8 inches).

The Lake Baikal, Russia
The Lake Baikal, Russia

The lake hosts an impressive unique flora and fauna. Scientists have identified about 2600 species of animals and plants and almost 70 per cent of them are endemic that means, they only can be found in this lake. One of the most representative inhabitants of the Baikal’s ecosystem is the Nerpa (Phoca sibirica), a unique freshwater seal which lives in the northern zone of Baikal and in the Ushkanye islands. Another symbol of the Baikal’s fauna is the Omul, the most popular salmonid fish of the lake. Other representative specie of the lake is the Golomyanka also known as Baikal oil fish, an unusual beautiful fish, which is a translucent fish that live in depths between 200 and 500 meters, this kind of fish is famous for disintegrating and become a mass of oil and bones when they are exposed to sunlight. The region is inhabited also by foxes, eagles, deer, bears, and many others animals and plants.

The lake itself is a true wonder; but, besides it is surrounded by a marvelous landscape composed by rocky mountains and beautiful forests; therefore is one of the favorite places in Russia to do activities such as trekking, camping, kayaking, biking, fishing, etc.

About the Lake Baikal, the famous Russian writer Anton Chekhov said: "Baikal is amazing, and it is not without reason that Siberians refer to it not as a lake, but as a sea. Its water is unusually transparent, so that one can look though it as through air; its color is a soft-turquoise, pleasant to the eye. Its shores are mountainous and forest-covered; impenetrable wilderness all around. A profusion of bears, sable, wild goat and all sorts of wild thing".
History

Since ancient times many people had been living near Lake Baikal. There are vestiges of human presence in the region that date from the Stone Age, the first inhabitants of the region, considered the lake a sacred place, therefore Lake Baikal was known as Sacred Water or Sacred Sea and the people prayed and believed in the lake’s power. But, the major migration of people to the Lake Baikal’s region occurred after the Russian discovery of the lake in the XVII century. In 1643, the Cossack Kurbat Ivanov was the first Russian that arrived to the eastern Siberian. In 1647 Vasily Kolesnikov led an expedition that reached the Baikal’s northern coast.
View of the Lake Baikal
View of the Lake Baikal

Since the beginning, the Russian people developed an economy integrated to the lake, which was based in the fishing, nut gathering and hunting that means Lake Baikal has been the base of the region’s economy.

Since its discovery, many expeditions explored the Baikal Lake, one of the first was the scientific expedition sent by Peter I in 1723. In that time most scientific works about the lake were published by the Saint Petersburg Academy. However, only in the XIX century because of the construction of the Trans- Siberian Railway; systematic geographical and geological explorations were realized in the Baikal Lake. During the XX century, many other researches were done in the lake including a complete exploration organized by the Academy of Sciences. In 1976, the first satellite photography of Baikal Lake was taken. Nevertheless, despite all the expeditions and the long time that the lake has been explored, many questions and mysteries about Baikal Lake still keep.

The Baikal Lake was declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1996. Unfortunately in the 50 last years, the creation of many civil and industrial settlements has generated devastating pollution in the “Sacred Water”, generating a terrible impact in the delicate ecosystem of the Baikal Lake. The garbage, chemical waste derived from the agriculture and the growing of stream of tourists as well as the creation of pulp and paper plants are damaging the largest fresh water reservoir of the Earth.

Because of the growing contamination, authorities are taken some measures to protect the lake; such as, forbidden the logging of timber and the timber’s transportation over the Baikal Lake. Several industries in the Buryat Republic have been converted to close cycle water system to stop the contamination and the population around the lake is educated in order to protect the natural environment. But, these politics are insufficient to combat against the threat over the Baikal Lake. Currently the two main pollution menaces are the Ulan- Ude town and the Baikal’s Pulp and Paper Factory.

The future of this wonder of the nature depends now of the decisions of our generation. It is our responsibility fighting for the preservation of places like the wonderful Lake Baikal.

The Lake Baikal, Russia

The Lake Baikal, Russia

York Minster England City

2010-11-25T21:47:00.000-08:00

Wonder: York Minster
Country: England
Region: York
Visitable: Yes
About:

York Minster is the greater Gothic Cathedral to the north of Europe, built on a cult place that combines Roman, Vikings and Medieval reminiscences.

Wonder type: National Wonder
York Minster location

York Minster is the biggest Gothic Cathedral in York, Northern Europe with 160m long and 76m wide. It is the seat of the Archbishop of York and Cathedral for the Diocese of York. It is formally title as The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St. Peter in York.

The cathedral was built between the 12th and the 15th century, the Foundations Museum under the Minster shows how the present building was constructed on the site of a Norman Cathedral which was it built on a Roman Fort. Two million people visit York Minster every year, tourists or pilgrims.

The stained glass window on the East Front is as big as a tennis court – the biggest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world. In the north transept is the Five SistersWindow, each lancet being over 16m high. The south transept contains the famous Rose window.
History

Since 300s, York has had a Christian presence. The first church was a wooden structure, built in 627 to provide a place to baptism Edwin, King of Northumbria. Around 637 a stone structure was completed by Oswald and dedicated to Saint Peter, but soon fell into disrepair and was dilapidated by 670.
Panorama vertical, York Minster
Panorama vertical, York Minster

In 741, the church was destroyed in a fire, but rebuilt with a more impressive structure containing thirty altars. After that the church and the entire area passed through the hands of numerous invaders, thus its history is unknown until the 10th century.

Between 1069 circa 1154, the church was damaged by a fire, destroyed by the Danes, to finally be repaired and remodeled with a Norman style. The archbishop, Walter de Gray ordered the construction of a Gothic structure to compare to Canterbury. The north and south transepts were built in the Early English Gothic style.

The Chapter House was completed before 1296, the outer roof in the 1330s, and the vaulting was finished in 1360. In 1407 the central tower collapsed and a new tower was built from 1420. The western towers were added between 1433 and 1472. The cathedral was declared complete and consecrated in 1472.

From 1730 to 1736 the whole floor of the Minster was relaid in patterned marble, However an accidental fire in 1840 left the nave, south west tower, and south aisle roofless, blackened shells. Another fire in 1984 destroyed the roof in the south transept, and restoration work was completed in 1988, and included new roof bosses. In 2007 renovation began on the east front, including the Great East Window, at an estimated cost of £23 million.

The present building was begun in about 1230 and completed in 1472, with a cruciform plan and an octagonal chapter house attached to the north transept, a central tower and two towers at the west front. The stone used for the building is magnesian limestone. The Minster is 158 metres long and each of its three towers are 60 metres high. The choir has an interior height of 31 metres. The North and South transepts have simple lancet windows, the most famous being the Five Sisters and the Rose Window commemorates the union of the royal houses of York and Lancaster.

The astronomical clock was installed in the North Transept in 1955. The clock is a memorial to the airmen operating from bases in Yorkshire, Durham, and Northumberland who were killed in action during World War II.

Nepal

2010-11-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

nepal
nepal
nepal
nepal
nepal

Dubai Mall

2010-10-19T07:32:00.000-07:00

dubai mall
dubai mall pics
dubai mall
dubai mall photos
dubai mall

largest super-tanker

2010-09-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

The vessel Knock Nevis is the largest super-tanker (ULCC built ever. The deadweight of the vessel is 565,000 metric tons, the length is 458 meters, beam of 69 meters and draft of 26.4 meters. The vessel Knock Nevis is the largest one in comparison with all other vessels from this type, while the character using is deadweight. The story about this is very interesting and very nice, in my own oppinion. The vessel was ordered into the ship-yard and idea about this vessel was to be the largest one built ever. In spite of this fact, the ship-owner ordered to Knock Nevis to be added 87,000 thousand tones to the deadweight, with the idea this vessel to becaome some symbol of oil tankering and shipping at all. So the vessel collected the whole 565,000 metric tons deadweight and now is the largest ULCC in the world. In all other competitison, just for example Gross Tonnage and Net Tonnage, the vessel is losing the first place from the Euronav and Overseas Super-tankers TI Europe, TI Asia and TI Oceania. In spite of this Knock Nevis is a symbol in shipping and will all the time stay in the hearts of all ships fans.

The vessel Knock Nevis, was built with the name Seawise Giant, and changed her name some times. The last name of the ship and most famous one was Jahre Viking. This was the last sailing name of the ship. After renaming of Jahre Viking to Knock Nevis on 2004, the vessel is anchoren in the Persian Bay, near Qatar, where is used as sailing storage tank. The vessel was too hard for opperation, because the restriction of Suez Canal and Panama Canal, are making the expences about long voyages too big and the profits of Knock nevis were too little for such large ship.
The vessel has a displacement of 647,955 metric tones and can carry 4.1 million barrels of crude oil. This capacity is just enormous, and you can imagine that with one delivery of this vessel the whole world economy will be able to perform for more than 2 days. That is why super-tankers are so used in the world of shipping, but while sailing thay are making too great risks for the ecology.

Sankore Mosque TIMBUKTU pictures

2010-09-05T03:35:00.000-07:00

Timbuktu's long-lasting contribution to Islamic and world civilization is scholarship. Timbuktu is assumed to have had one of the first universities in the world. Local scholars and collectors still boast an impressive collection of ancient Greek texts from that era.By the 14th century, important books were written and copied in Timbuktu, establishing the city as the centre of a significant written tradition in Africa.

Sankore Mosque

Sankore Mosque

Sankore Mosque

Sankore Mosque

Sankore Mosque

Unique airports

2010-09-05T02:59:00.000-07:00

unique airports

unique airports

unique airports

unique airports

unique airports

unique airports

unique airports

unique airports

unique airports

unique airports

unique airports

unique airports

unique airports

unique airports

unique airports

unique airports

Masco city

2010-08-30T02:44:00.000-07:00

On a bluff looking west across to the Mackinac Bridge nearly half a mile from town. Grand Hotel is a living Victorian resort on a grand scale indeed, one of only a dozen remaining in the United States.

The Grand’s famous 800’ porch, promoted by W. Stewart Woodfill as the world’s longest porch, overlooks master Gardener Jennie Shanku giving a garden tour. She discusses landscaping styles and cultivating on a massive scale spring bulbs, roses, perennials, zinnias and dahlias of formal carpet bedding, wildflowers on the embankment, and the porch’s famous geraniums. Seven gardeners plant over 300 flats of bedding plants. On a rock island, everything is composted: clippings, weeds, branches, sticks, wood chips, coffee grounds, and limed horse manure all stay on the property.

Architectural historian Kathryn Eckert, seldom inclined to hyperbole, writes in Buildings of Michigan, "The Grand Hotel exceeds all superlatives ever written to describe its stately majesty and festive quality. . . . [Its] classical columned façade is one of the most enduring images of Mackinac Island." She goes on to describe how, in 1882, a wealthy lumberman from Kalamazoo, Senator Francis B. Stockbridge, "purchased the site of the hotel and formulated a scheme to finance its construction." He talked up the project to the two railroads and steamship line that served the island. The transportation consortium built and ran the hotel. (Northern Michigan railroads and ship lines became developers of most all Lake Michigan's resort colonies from Harbor Springs south to Grand Haven. They sought to develop tourism to replace business lost as the pine forests were giving out and lumbering faced a sudden decline.)

Srilanka Amazing Place For Holiday On Your Desktop

2010-08-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

Rome (Italian: Roma)

2010-08-11T23:47:00.000-07:00

Rome (Italian: Roma) is the capital city of Italy and of the Lazio region, as well as the country's largest and most populous comune, with more than 2.7 million residents (December 2006, demo.istat.it). Its metropolitan area is Italy's second after Milan. It is located in the central-western portion of the Italian peninsula, where the river Aniene joins the Tiber. The Mayor of Rome is Walter Veltroni.

An enclave of Rome is the State of the Vatican City, the sovereign territory of the Holy See and smallest nation in the world.

Rome, Caput mundi ("capital of the world"), la Città Eterna ("the Eternal City"), Limen Apostolorum ("threshold of the Apostles"), la città dei sette colli ("the city of the seven hills") or simply l'Urbe ("the City"), is thoroughly modern and cosmopolitan. As one of the few major European cities that escaped World War II relatively unscathed, central Rome remains essentially Renaissance and Baroque in character. The Historic Centre of Rome is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site

belgium antwerp pictures

2010-07-28T03:16:00.000-07:00

Antwerp (English: /ˈæntwɜrp/ ( listen); Dutch: Antwerpen, [ˈɑntˌʋɛrpə(n)] ( listen); French: Anvers, [ɑ̃vɛʁ, ɑ̃vɛʁs]) is a city and municipality in Belgium and the capital of the Antwerp province in Flanders, one of Belgium's three regions. Antwerp's total population is 472,071 (as of 1 January 2008) and its total area is 204.51 km² (78.96 sq mi), giving a population density of 2,308 inhabitants per km². The metropolitan area, including the outer commuter zone, covers an area of 1,449 km² (559 sq mi) with a total of 1,190,769 inhabitants as of 1 January 2008.The nickname of inhabitants of Antwerp is Sinjoren, after the Spanish word señor, which means 'mister' or 'gent'.

Antwerp has long been an important city in the nations of the Benelux both economically and culturally, especially before the Spanish Fury of the Dutch Revolt. It is located on the right bank of the river Scheldt, which is linked to the North Sea by the estuary Westerschelde.

holland wind turbine pics

2010-07-12T04:21:00.002-07:00

holland wind turbine
holland wind turbine
holland wind turbine
holland wind turbine

A wind turbine is nothing but a simple turbine set up in open space, which utilizes the mechanical energy of air, or wind and converts it to kinetic energy. Either it can make things work by implementation of the kinetic energy to the attached items or it can even convert this energy into electric energy. A windmill is one type of wind turbine, which does direct application of the mechanical energy into machines, pumps and other forcible works. When the energy is used for electricity generation,

2010-07-12T04:21:00.001-07:00

A wind turbine is nothing but a simple turbine set up in open space, which utilizes the mechanical energy of air, or wind and converts it to kinetic energy. Either it can make things work by implementation of the kinetic energy to the attached items or it can even convert this energy into electric energy. A windmill is one type of wind turbine, which does direct application of the mechanical energy into machines, pumps and other forcible works. When the energy is used for electricity generation,

holland beautiful pictures

2010-07-12T04:21:00.000-07:00

holland wind turbine
holland wind turbine
holland wind turbine
holland
holland

Beauitifull places

2010-06-29T03:24:00.000-07:00

“Where are the best beaches in Africa“, on the other hand, is a subject we could happily rant on about for a few hours. So much so, that when we started trawling the archives for the ‘top 5 beaches’ we had very quickly amassed a list of a large multiple of that number!

Yip… we love beaches! Tim and Lurks approve in Northern Senegal…

The truth is that from Cape Town to Tangier, the west coast of Africa is brimming with countless spectacular, empty movie-set like sea-and-sand setups.

It’s easy to forget that a large part of central and west Africa falls within the tropics. The implications being one often encounters swarms of malaria-carrying mosquitos and other strange biting insects you may have had nightmares about before… but it also means one encounters some legitimate ‘tropical beaches’, along with a lot of really really good ‘beach weather’ to enjoy them in…

It’s obvious that the list below is hardly exhaustive, but it’s a hint at what’s out there. Given the questions we receive are often from non-surfers, this is a list of lie-in-the-sun-and-contemplate-your-navel kind of best beaches, as opposed to drop-in-and-smash-turns-on-your-board-in-baggies kind of best beaches…!

(highlights in chronological order…)

1. Cabo Ledo, Angola

The two sets of footprints – Lurks and Stone…

Crystal clear, warm water, soft white sand and fairly spectacular surrounding ‘nature reserve’ ensures Cabo Ledo is one of the more popular hangouts for Luandans on the weekends. A rare handful of accommodations (not cheap!) and seafood in the vicinity make it one of the more hospitable spots on the list.

If you’re lucky like us you may get to break your suspension on the tricky roads getting there from the south, and have to spend two weeks camping here enjoying the generous hospitality of a Angolan local Paullo while you try arrange for your car to be fixed…

The only catch? a really active local crab population and chilled drinking water that will set you back close to EUR3 a bottle!

P.S: there’s a decent wave here too… bonus!
‘

2. Phillipes’ pool, Pointe Noire, Congo

We always knew bodyboards had to be useful for SOMETHING!

OK it’s hardly a beach, but in terms of perfect places to lie and contemplate your navel, Phillipes’ inflatable pool deserves a special mention. Delicious Congolese specialities and cold Heinekens flow freely from the kitchen, and the host is one of the biggest legends we met on the trip.

Only catch? You have to know Phillipe. Try the surfspot out front of ‘La Pyramid’ around lunchtime, on any day, and you’re bound to meet him just like we did…
‘

3. Limbe, Cameroon

Just before it started raining again…

Unless you’re used to walking on black sand in the shadow of one of Africa’s tallest volcanoes, the beaches around Limbe are a fairly unique experience. Add some nice warm water, a very cool tight crew of local surfers who hang out here, and a helping of some delicious ‘aloko’ (fried plantain) from the nearby restaurant… it doesn’t get much better than this.

Only catch? Limbe is the third most rainy place in the world. Take a sturdy umbrella for cover inbetween tanning sessions!
‘

4. Niega Plage, Western Ivory Coast

The Niega Macdonalds is just around that corner…

For sheer isolated unspoilt tropical beauty, this place is hard to beat. A fairly tricky hour-long 4×4 access track to get there keeps it that way. If you’ve come with Jules like we did, he’ll probably keep you hydrated by chopping open some of the sweetest coconuts in the world that are lying around, with his machete.

Only catch? It’s isolated status also means there’s an abnormally high level of sealife around… maybe don’t wade toooo deep!
‘

5. Somewhere between Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, Mauritania

Lurks takes a leisurely stroll after an unleisurely day of digging the car out of the sand…!

And finally, what better place to contemplate your navel than in the middle of biggest beach of the world, the Sahara desert. Take in some of the most mind-alteringly spectacular surrounds and watch flocks of migrating birds as your buddies pull in a little something to grill for lunch from the rich surrounding sea.

Only catch – you’re going to have to drive for about two days to get to this one. You’ll need a GPS, but you’ll still probably get lost as the live sand-dunes have crept across the mapped tracks, and you’re going to be digging a lot. Is it worth the mission? Like everything on this trip – without a doubt.

Famouse places

2010-06-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn Bridge

Skyline of New York

Another Shot of the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge

Central Park: Sheep Meadow

The Central Park

The Chrysler Building in New York City

The Chrysler Building

Poland pictures

2010-06-15T09:45:00.000-07:00

Poland pictures
Poland
Poland pictures
Poland

Hong kong pictures

2010-06-04T23:09:00.000-07:00

hong kong map
Hong Kong The Peak
hong kong
hong kong
Hong Kong Night
hong kong
hong kong

University of Hong Kong.

2010-06-04T22:58:00.000-07:00

The College of Communications at Cal State University Fullerton offers a Master of Arts degree in Communications in partnership with the School of Professional and Continuing Education, University of Hong Kong.
Communications courses are normally offered during January, June and July!

2010-05-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

In Search of a Cool Summer: Da Lat, Vietnam

Filed in archive A World Away by Greg Cruey on June 24, 2009

Da Lat is the honeymoon capital of Vietnam. It is a romantic French Provincial town snuggled into the cool hills of Southeast Asia.

Detailed day-by-day weather records are not available for Da Lat, but the temperature in the city is consistent throughout the summer months: lows drop into the upper 50's and highs rarely climb past 78F degrees. This means that Da Lat is often cooler at the hottest point of the day than Saigon gets at the coolest point of the night. Rain is regular and plentiful.

The city is filled with enchanting spots. Three lakes grace the city. Xuan Huong Lake extends directly into the downtown area and is dotted with villas and cafes. Dan Thein Lake and Chien Thang Lake are both just a couple of miles from downtown. Legends about lovers who came to sad ends surround the lakes.

© functoruser

Da Lat has a lot to offer the average site seer. The city has temples and pagodas (some still actively used as monasteries), villas and palaces, plenty of shopping, sidewalk cafes, and ethnic experiences.

Linh Son Pagoda is the oldest active monastery in the city. It is not quite half a mile from the center of Dalat. The pagoda was built in 1938 and has been managed by a series of monks, including Thich Tu Man, who has been at Linh Son since 1964. Linh Son's bronze Buddha was forged in 1952; it weighs about 2700 pounds.

Da Lat's three palaces are referred to simply as Palace 1, Palace 2, and Palace 3. The palaces were all completed by the French, but only Palace 3 was a royal home. It was owned by the last emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, Bao Dai. You can find it on Le Hong Phong Road, about a quarter of a mile southwest of Da Lat's central district. The palace is open to the public. Bao Dai was Vietnam's playboy emperor who disappeared into exile in France and Monaco after WWII. His family's living quarters are still decorated in yellow. Photographs of the emperor and his family still hang on the walls.

n Search of a Cool Summer: Baguio, Philippines pictures

2010-05-29T21:54:00.000-07:00

Asia is hot in the summer. At least most of it is. But there are a few spots where the summer traveler can enjoy moderate, perhaps even cool, weather. Chief among those locations is Baguio City, Philippines.

Baguio is referred to affectionately as the summer capital of the Philippines. The title is unofficial but well deserved. June, July and August are cool, wet times in Baguio. While the temperature in Manila is hovering around 78F degrees at night in July, it rarely climbs past 75 in the heat of an afternoon in Baguio. And while residents of the Bay City are running their air conditioners, Baguio's citizens can sleep with their windows open...

During the 52 days between June 20th and August 10th it was warmer than 80F degrees in Baguio only 5 times in 2001. The temperature didn't even reach 75 degrees on 28 of those days.

Temperatures at night always fell below 65 degrees. Thirty-eight of those days saw more than a tenth of an inch of rain.
What is there to do in Baguio? Sitting on a porch and looking at the mountain scenery might be sufficient occupation. But there is plenty to do besides breath the pine-scented fresh air.

A number of tribal ethnic groups from the surrounding mountains make Bagiuo an ideal location to observe tribal culture. The Ibalois are thought to city's original settlers, but there are also Bontocs, Kalingas, Ifugaos, and Kankanaeys.

Baguio's Session Road is worth a day. The street is the heartbeat of Baguio's commercial life - with bazaars and cafes, bookshops and banks, department stores and movies theaters. The public market at the bottom of Session Road is among the city's most interesting places.

You can also visit Mansion House, the former summer residence of the American governor-general of the Philippines. Today it is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines.

There's also the Camp John Hay golf course; 18 holes in the mountain air. The camp used to be a recreation spot for U.S. troops. Or there's Burnham Lake; the man made body of water in the heart of town is a popular place to picnic or paddle around in a small boat.

If you're up to a short trip, the Asin Hot Springs is located about 10 miles outside of Baguio. The resort there includes a swimming pool surrounded by thermal hot springs.

Some of the most haunted places in America

2010-05-29T21:43:00.000-07:00

1. Eastern State Penitentiary

Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was the first prison to implement solitary confinement. The prisoners ate, slept, exercised alone. And even had to be transported by guards with a bag over their head so the would keep the sense of solidarity. This caused countless cases of insanity.

2. The Myrtles Plantation

Was built in 1796 by General David Bradford. It has witnessed as many as 10 murders in it’s history. One of the most famous stories from this house is the story of a slave who had her ear chopped of for ease-dropping. to take revenge she poisoned a birthday cake, and killed two of the plantation owner’s daughters. She was then hung by the other slaves. The ghosts of the slave and the two daughters are said to till wander the property, and the slave ghost was described as wearing a turban covering her severed ear.

3.The White House

This is one of the most famous building in America, but it is also one of the most haunted. Some of the former occupant liked it so much, they decided to stay, for good. One of the more famous ghosts is Abraham Lincoln who still is seen in the Lincoln Bedroom in the House. Another is Abigail Adams, the wife of John Adams, is still seen washing laundry in East Room. These are only some of the many ghosts found there.

4. Waverly Hills Sanatorium

Located in Louisville, KY. Was built in 1926 and was always used as a treatment center for Tuberculosis. 63,000 people have died in the building, these deaths were a result of severe mistreatment of patients and highly questionable experiments and procedures. There has been almost any kind of paranormal phenomena you could think of observed in this building. It closed in June 1961. And reopened in 1962 as Woodhaven geriatric Hospital, then closed again in 1981. There are uncountable amounts of haunting in the building, but two of the most popular are Room 502 and The Tunnel. In Room 502 there has been two suicides, both nurses. One committed suicide because she got pregnant with a man that was not her husband. And another was either pushed or jumped out the window. Now the tunnel. The tunnel was a inclined passage way underground going to the bottom of the hill leading to the railroad. On one side of the tunnel in steps and on the other is a cable system for bring boxes and other items up and down. It has been said it was not only used for carrying supplies, but also dead bodies, so that other patients couldn’t see them, and lose their morale. All together this is one of the most haunted places in the country.

london bridge

2010-05-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

2010-05-27T08:49:00.001-07:00

Highlights of London

Six million people visit the British museum every year, making it London's greatest tourist attraction. It was built in the first half of the nineteenth century, at a time when Britain's empire building activities were putting more and more peoples and lands under British control. This was also a period of incredible curiosity in many different areas including science, technology and history. The military and economic strength of the country allowed private collectors and the government to amass first rate collections of artifacts from many of the world's major civilizations, including the Rosetta stone from Egypt, the Elgin marbles from the Parthenon in Greece, statues and tablets from Mesopotamia as well as Maya and other cultural items from Central America.

For centuries British history largely revolved around the kings and queens of the day. Nowadays real power lies elsewhere, but there's still a very strong royal presence throughout the city. The focal point is Buckingham Palace, the residence of the queen, which is next to St James' Park, about a kilometer or so from the houses of parliament. The park is open to the public and is home to a large collection of live birds from around the world which was started during the reign of Charles II.

Queen Victoria is a former inhabitant of the palace, and you can still find her sitting in front of her old abode. Her long reign saw the United Kingdom reach the peak of its power, allowing its inhabitants to boast that "the sun never sets on the British Empire". Ironically, things might have been different if Victoria's German consort, prince Albert had his way. Albert was politically very liberal and he sided with liberal politicians who abhorred the idea of empire building. But Albert died young, and Victoria spent the next 40 years of her reign preserving his memory by keeping his clothing and other personal belongings handy in case he returned, building monuments to him like the Royal Albert concert hall and the tacky gold plated Albert Memorial, and encouraging the militarists and adventurers who delighted in the idea of empire building.

The outcome of all this was that English became the dominant language on the planet, and London became the wealthy and powerful center of a vast empire. The Victorian era also became synonymous with prudery and about the only saying of hers that anyone remembers nowadays is "we are not amused", though the exact circumstances of its utterance are now a matter of debate. It's not apparent whether she would have approved of the rampant display of nudity going on just behind her, but since they're clearly angels then it must be OK. No doubt that charming little cherub isn't leering nastily, but is instead just concerned that the rather distracted angel might catch a chill.

The English have always been very class conscious, which is one reason why my parents emigrated to New Zealand. While the royals and the upper class were doing their thing, the lower classes developed their own culture with its peculiar traditions and pageantry. The woman standing next to the guardsman looks every bit the expression of a third element of society, the middle class, looking up to the royals and down on the working classes. It's been said that the queen and her generation of the royal family are more middle class than the middle classes, not because they look up at themselves but because they are the greatest adherents to middle class moral and social values, whereas the upper classes and the lower classes both do what they feel like rather than what conventional morality says they should. The shenanighans of Prince Charles, Lady Di, Fergie and their offspring are one more sign of the breakdown of this class system.

The houses of parliament, with one of the most misidentified sights in all of London on the right-hand side. Although the clock tower is commonly referred to as "Big Ben", that is actually the name of one of the bells within the tower. Immediately behind parliament is Westminster Abbey, where many kings, queens, poets, writers and other famous inhabitants of the UK are buried. Many of London's most interesting buildings, statues and other historical items are located within a short distance of the Thames River, with most of them concentrated in an easily walked stretch of the river between parliament and Tower Bridge, which is another widely misidentified landmark.

The Embankment is a wide footpath which follows the Thames river from the Houses of Parliament to Tower Bridge. This sphinx is one of a pair which stand fairly near Parliament, and between them stands "Cleopatra's Needle". The sphinxes are recent castings and Cleopatra's Needle doesn't really have anything to do with the Egyptian Queen of the same name, however it is a genuine Egyptian obelisk dating from the reign of Thutmoses III around 1450BC. It was one of a pair found in Heliopolis and given to the British as a gift in 1819 by the Egyptian ruler Mohammed Ali, but they refused to pay for it to be transported until 1877. The pontoon it was on capsized during a storm off France and six people died, but it remained floating and it was eventually towed to London. The other obelisk of the pair is in Central Park in New York city. The damage you can see on this sphinx's pedestal was caused by a bomb during the war - the first world war! This happened on September 4 1917, during the first raid made by German planes against London. There's similar damage from world war two preserved on the walls of the Victoria and Albert museum.

Further east, and just a short walk away from the river is St Paul's cathedral, the masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren. The Great Fire of London in the middle of the 17th century was a golden opportunity for Wren, and he used it to design a multitude of interesting churches. However, apart from Westminster Abbey and St Paul's, the other must-see church in London is a bit west of here and a bit nearer the river, the Temple Church, so-called because it is in an area called The Temple which has traditionally been associated with lawyers and barristers. The Temple Church is much older than St Paul's, it was constructed by the Knights Templar during the 12th century and is the only round church in London - one of only five round churches in the whole of the UK (another is the Round Church in Cambridge).

It's rather amazing that St Paul's is still standing, since the area all around it was largely flattened by German bombers during world war two. Much of the glass in the windows was blown out, but the structure survived virtually intact. There's a statue, scarcely visible beyond the most distant tree on the left-hand side of this photo, commemorating the work done by London firefighters during the Blitz.

Here is perhaps the greatest achievement of Christopher Wren's labours - the Whispering Gallery under the dome of St Paul's cathedral. The gallery is accessed via long flights of narrow steps, and it's even possible to go to an outside viewing area at the top of the dome - 530 steps in all from ground level. As you can see, the dome is huge, second only to the dome of St Peter's in Rome. This area is called the Whispering Gallery because if you whisper (rather loudly) with your face perpendicular to the wall, someone on the other side of the dome can clearly hear what you're saying.

St Paul's and other buildings in London are very impressive for someone coming from a country like New Zealand which has no ancient buildings or other structures, and where no world shaking historical deeds have ever been done. However St Paul's hardly rates as ancient history in London. I've already mentioned the 12th century Temple Church, but it's 200 hundred years newer than the White Tower, part of the complex making up the Tower of London. However even they are relatively recent compared to other artifacts which can be seen nearby. For instance, right outside the Tower of London is this section from the original Roman wall around the city of Londonium. It was the Romans who founded the city, and who built the first London bridge - it wasn't until Westminster Bridge was built in 1749 that there was more than one road across the Thames. The original Roman bridge is long gone, having been replaced several times over the last two thousand years but other evidence remains, including the Temple of Mithras, or at least its foundations, which were excavated in 1954 just down the road from St Paul's.

Here's the Tower of London, dominated by the huge square White Tower, which was started by the invading Norman king William the Conqueror, who was the victor at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Once the home of kings and queens, the Tower of London included barracks for soldiers and arsenals for weapons and explosives, and was a place of imprisonment and execution for men and women who found themselves on the wrong side of the ruler's favour. Many of them who taken inside through the entry to the Traitor's Gate visible near the river. It remained an active military establishment for many centuries, and was even used during world war two as a prison for Rudolph Hess and an execution ground by firing squad in 1941 for German spy Josef Jakobs.

The Tower of London has a number of permanent inhabitants. There are assorted ghosts of royal and noble lineage, including Anne Boleyn and the two young sons of King Edward IV who many believe were murdered by their uncle, who thus became King Richard III. Then there are the 36 Beefeaters or Yeoman warders, best known for their red and gold outfits, whose job it is to guard prisoners and the crown jewels. Finally there is a small flock of ravens, one of which you see here. It's said that as long as the ravens remain here, England is safe from invasion.

As you can see from the previous photo, Tower Bridge crosses the Thames right next to the Tower of London. Although it looks ancient and is often misidentified as London Bridge, it was actually built in 1894 of steel and was merely faced with stonework. The June 1894 issue of The Builder called Tower Bridge "the most monstrous and preposterous architectural sham we have ever known" and said they would just be wasting photographic plates if they published photos of it. You can tour the workings of the bridge to view the equipment which raise and lower the bridge deck and to go across the walkways between the towers, which provide an excellent view along the river.

Between my two visits in 1999 and 2002, someone decided to plonk this thing down next to Tower Bridge on the south bank of the Thames. It's the new London city hall, seat of power of the Greater London Authority, which is the successor to the Greater London Council, shut down in 1986 by Margaret Thatcher because its head, Ken Livingston and his cohorts were too leftist. For 14 years London was the only major city in the world with no central administration, but in 2000 Londoners once again elected a mayor, by the name of Ken Livingston!

The London Eye is another new addition to the London scene, looking for all the world like a giant bicycle wheel, 135 meters (443 feet) in diameter. It's also sometimes called the Millenium Wheel because it's one of a number of projects built to celebrate the new millenium. Like several of these it turned into something of a financial black hole, however it remains far more popular than most of the other projects.

The London Eye is a must-do on any visit, with great views over the central area of the city. A single rotation takes about 30 minutes, slow enough that the wheel doesn't even need to stop as one set of passengers departs a capsule and the next set enters. In this photo you can see Cleopatra's Needle on the riverbank on the left-hand side and the dome of St Paul's cathedral on the right-hand side. As you can clearly see from the previous photo and others on this page, the myth that the United Kingdom suffers from poor weather is a complete concoction, designed to keep uncivilized colonials from flooding in and spoiling the place.

Barbados

2010-05-25T09:36:00.000-07:00

Barbados is an independent country situated east of Caribbean Sea. This beautiful island nation in western Atlantic Ocean has a total land area of about 430 square kilometer. Barbados is mostly a flat coral island having all sorts of flora and fauna, excellent white sand beaches and beautiful rolling hills. Barbados provides excellent opportunities for scuba diving and east cost of the island is excellent place for surfing.

Barbados is one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands and it provides all sorts of entertainment and sports activities in this part of the world. It is famous for the arts, music, nightlife, water sports, cricket and many more activities. There are a number of things you can do in Barbados and a few of them are summarized below.

1) To visit Earthwork pottery in St. Thomas is a unique experience and you will enjoy the magnificent work carried out by the workers. The production site is generally back of the store and you cannot only watch the workers but also can learn the trade. You can also give custom orders and you will be highly satisfied with the quality of the work. In addition to the earthwork, you can also visit the art gallery and can enjoy the ancient beautiful artwork.

2) Sailing along the coast of the sea is an excellent enjoyment for whole of your family. It will not only keep you busy for whole of the day but you will also be provided lunch, snakes and drinks on the board.

3) Barbados island adventurous tours might be another enjoyable day for you and your family here. You can choose an operator or can hire a safari or rent a car and go alone to explore this part of the world. If you have a plan for a whole day, it is better to take a local person along with you so that you are correctly guided for selecting the best routes for off-roading.

4) If you love the animals, you must visit Barbados Wild Reserve, as it will be an enjoying event for whole of your family. You can find here lots of animals including monkeys. The Barbados Wild Reserve is located at Farley Hill in St. Peter.

5) The next best tourist destination might be the Barbados Ocean Park Aquarium. There are 26 aquariums displayed in the park and all are located throughout the park. Actually it is a unique aquarium having beautiful garden and all are filled with lush green vegetation. You can see here some of the unique colorful fish and sea life found around Barbados.

Norway Pavillion Reviews

2010-05-25T09:14:00.000-07:00

Norway

Norway Pavillion Reviews

The area of Norway resembles a Norwegian town square with its cobble stone courtyard and a replica of a 14th century fortress found in Oslo. A stave church mimics 13th Century medieval craftsmanship.

For kids, there's nothing better than being able to work off some energy at the Viking ship playground.

Maelstrom Attraction/Ride

Maelstrom Reviews

Norway's attraction is Maelstrom. It does have Fast Pass but unless you're visiting during a peak time, there's rarely more than a 10 minute wait.

Maelstrom uses a 16 passenger Viking-style boat that takes you through a 10th century Viking village and a mythical forest where you'll encounter trolls who cast a curse on the boats. From here, the boat starts going backwards before it reaches a waterfall and again changes course. (If you look up at the building, you'll see where the boats stop and head forward.)

Next you pass a grand fjord and continue on through a storm by a North Sea oil rig. You exit in a quaint Norwegian village setting. This is a holding area which opens onto a theater where a film about Norway is shown. (You'll find that most guests make a mad dash straight through to the exit.) It's not that the short movie is awful, it's just not something you need to see again and again.

As with most of Disney's attractions, you exit through a store. Most everyone likes to put on set of Viking horns and pose for a pix by the giant troll found in the shop.

Be warned, the Geir fragrances sold here are addictive and are hard to find unless you have a Nordstrom's near where you live.

Dining

At Akershus, there's 'Princess Storybook Dining' for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. If you forgot your tiara, there's a limited variety of Disney Princess merchandise for sale nearby.

Be sure you make a dining reservation and be prepared to wait. It's rare to walk past this venue and not see a lot of little princesses (and princes) waiting to be seated.

Outdoors, under shade, the Kringla Bakeri og Kafe (menu) serves open-faced sandwiches and pastries such as the specialty Kringles (candied pretzels) and the delicious Lefses (thin potato bread rolled with a cinnamon, sugar & butter filling). Specialty coffees are available.

Shopping

Store Photos

The Puffin’s Roost: Curios and Collectibles is the main shop located in the Norway pavilion. You will find a large selection of books on trolls, Vikings, Scandinavian cuisine, Norwegian Proverbs, and Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales. If tasting some of the local snacks is more your style, check out the chocolate, Swedish preserves and Nordic sweets. This shop offers an extensive collection of sterling silver jewelry, including, OpRo Designs, Hilde Fostveit, and Hasla. The Norwegian scents sold here for men and women are Geir: The Power of Norway and Laila: The essence of Norway. They offer Norwegian trolls in all shapes and sizes, Konge Tinn Royal pewter, Linie Aquavit, and Tommeliten Knives. The clothing for men, women, and children are made by Dale of Norway and Helly Hansen.

France famouse place

2010-05-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

My trip will be to France, where there are a lot of touristic places and museums of its history.I booked my ticket online using Emirates Airline. Two days and one night is the time I’ll spend there. Emirates Airline has a variety of different types of tickets, where each has its own advantage. There are three kinds, Economy class, Business and first class. I’m going to stick to business class.France’s currency was in Francs (FRF*), but now they use Euro (€). Their language is French, but others use the English and Spanish. Its capital city is Paris, the city of love and cheese, which I will be arriving at its airport.I’ll spend about DHS 50,000 in total, which are € 9,193 or FRF* 60,307

Mauritius is a beautiful Island pictures

2010-05-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

Next holiday I will visit Mauritius. It is an island in the Indian Ocean. It is a small country. I will travel there by plane. I will buy one ticket to Mauritius. It will cost 11,650 DH because I want to be in business class. My plane will land in the capital of that island. The trip is about four hours. When I will arrive, I will rent a car it will be about 400 Dh for three days. I will check in Hilton Hotel. I want a single room. It will come to about 6,026 Dh. And my food budget is about 290DH.

China the Sleeping Giant pictures

2010-05-11T08:52:00.000-07:00

I am planning to go to china this year just for three days. Every body say to me that china is a nice country with kind people and beautiful cities, but its tickets can cost you a lot.It will cost me 9540 dirham because it was business class.I will rent a car for about 750 dirham, book a room for 4050, eat out for 3 days and that will cost me 2400. Clothes and presents will cost me about 3750, but the tour is going to be so expensive, it will cost me about 6000 so the total is 26490 dirham.China’s capital is Beijing and its language is Chinese. Its currency is China Yuan so every 1 AED is equal to 2.01 CNY. China is one of the world's oldest continuous civilizations .It has the world's longest continuously used written language system, and has been the source of some of the world's great inventions, including the Four great Inventions of ancient China: paper, the compass, gun powder, and printing.What a great country like China! It is rich in everything; they have a lot of science and technology, I wish you can go again and that what can I say, and thanks….

2010 aroplan pic

2010-05-04T00:16:00.000-07:00

boeing capital
64 0565 new airplane
kenya 207a37
747_8

2010 aroplan images

2010-05-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Picture 101
100206 boeing 747
farm5 static
ok 737
787 flight test

Miapolis new building will be built in dubai

2010-04-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

Developer Guillermo Socarras has been in talks with the Federal Aviation Administration to secure approval for the height of the tower in this superstructure proposed for Miami, called Miapolis :

"The 160 storey building would be more than 183 metres higher than the Burj Khalifa if built and would house an amusement park, observatory, restaurants, 1.96 million sq ft of shops, over 1000 apartments, 1 million sq ft office space and a 792 room hotel.

Interior of burj khalifa pictures

2010-04-24T10:48:00.000-07:00

interior of burj khalifa

burj khalifa outside view

interior of burj khalifa swimming

interior of burj khalifa bath room

interior of burj khalifa

interior of burj khalifa bedroom

interior of burj khalifa

interior of burj khalifa presitent hall

interior of burj khalifa
dinner table

interior of burj khalifa beautiful view

interior of burj khalifa rooms

interior of burj khalifa floor view

interior of burj khalifa main hall

interior of burj khalifa nice view

interior of burj khalifa

interior of burj khalifa hall

Bangkok

2010-04-20T06:56:00.001-07:00

It's been quite some time, almost an year now, since I posted stuff here, more because I keep uploading it on my flickr page. Do visit it here

Sunset at Patong Beach, Phuket

Phi Phi Don Islands, Phuket

Wat Pho, Bangkok

Bangkok

Thailand Bangkok

2010-04-20T06:56:00.000-07:00

It's been quite some time, almost an year now, since I posted stuff here, more because I keep uploading it on my flickr page. Do visit it here

Sunset at Patong Beach, Phuket

Phi Phi Don Islands, Phuket

Wat Pho, Bangkok

Bangkok

Internet Marketing For Singapore Hotels

2010-04-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

Esplanade

Internet Marketing For Singapore Hotels

If you are hotelier or in the marketing department of a Singapore hotel property, we would like to invite you to join us in our internet marketing campaign. By joining us, you can reach a whole new market of customers by getting your property featured at IBudgetHotel.com website at NO extra charge. With the power of the Internet, your property will be guaranteed exposure to the worldwide internet users looking for accommodation to book and also helps in driving more traffic to your property detail information page. To learn more about our FREE marketing section, please read at our Free Marketing.

Budget Hotels In Singapore

IBudgetHotel.com brings you online bookings at our fine selection of budget hotels and

hostels in Singapore.
Click on any Singapore City below for specified budget hotels within the area.

Clarke Quay, Singapore
Clarke Quay, Singapore

Malaysia Pictures

2010-03-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

Lost Cities in World

2010-02-23T08:35:00.000-08:00

There is evidence that the ancient city of Palmyra, also known as Tadmor, was in existence as far back as the 19th century B.C. Its importance grew around 300 B.C. as trading caravans began using it as a way station between Mesopotamia and Persia. Palmyra's strategic location and prosperity attracted the interest of the Romans, who took control of the city in the first century A.D.

The city of Tanis is relatively unknown among Egypt's wealth of historical sites, though it yielded one of the greatest archeological troves ever found. Once the capital of all Egypt, Tanis's royal tombs have yielded artifacts on par with the treasures of Tutankhamun.

Once thought (erroneously) to be a city of the biblical Queen of Sheba, Great Zimbabwe stands as the most important archaeological site yet found in sub-Saharan Africa. Though historians are still seeking answers about the origin and purpose of the city, evidence suggests the Shona, ancestors of the modern Bantu, built it beginning around A.D. 1250 and that it served as a spiritual center.

Nimrud in northern Iraq was once the capital of the Assyrian empire. Feared as bloodthirsty and vicious, the Assyrians arose around the 14th century B.C. and dominated the Middle East for a thousand years.
Nimrud and the Assyrian Empire declined rapidly around 612 B.C., after Nimrud's sister city, Nineveh, fell to the Babylonians.

The ancient city of Persepolis in modern-day Iran was one of four capitals of the sprawling Persian Empire. Built beginning around 520 B.C., the city was a showcase for the empire's staggering wealth, with grand architecture, extravagant works of silver and gold, and extensive relief sculptures such as this one portraying envoys with offerings for the king.
The height of Persian rule lasted from about 550 B.C. until 330 B.C., when Alexander the Great overthrew the ruling Archaemenid dynasty and burned Persepolis to the ground.

Over centuries of study, archaeologists have discovered many truths about the famed Stonehenge monument in southern England. But despite these advances, the basic questions of who built this iconic structure and why have remained unanswered.

More than 600 cliff dwellings made by the ancestral Pueblo people, also known as the Anasazi, are scattered throughout Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado (shown here).
The Anasazi arrived in the region as early as A.D. 550, building their homes and cultivating crops on the soaring mesa tops. Around 1150, though, they began to move their dwellings to the alcoves within the canyon walls. Most houses were quite small, but a few reached enormous proportions, housing up 250 people.

The Best Quality Dubai pictures

2010-02-09T03:17:00.000-08:00

(Dubai Nights;

Dubai streets and traffic

Attractive city lights of Dubai

Wide angle Dubai skyline

Dubai Atlantis Hotel,

Amazing Dubai Hotels

Excellent Dubai sunset

Dubai traffic at night,

Clean & Cyristal water in Dubai,

New year celebration in Dubai;

yacht marina in Dubai

Burj Al Arab

(City lights, Dubai

(A nice Dubai view

Burj Al Arab,

, Palm Island of Dubai,

Emirates Towers

Inside Burj Al Arab

(Wonderful Spa in Atlantis Hotel,

Burj Dubai,

Burj Al Arab Hotel

Dubai streets

Dubai Night

Jumeirah Al Qasr Pool,

Inside Atlantis Hotel Room,

City lights & Dubai view at

Dubai Beach

Dubai Creek

Dubai beach walk

(Madinat Jumeirah Hotel

(Burj Dubai, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach

Travel to Mascow pictures

2010-01-19T08:40:00.000-08:00

Mascow picture
Mascow picture
Mascow picture
Mascow picture
Mascow picture
Mascow picture
Mascow picture
Mascow picture
Mascow picture
Mascow picture
Mascow picture
Mascow picture
Mascow picture

Mascow picture

burj kalifa opening on 4 jan 2010

2010-01-18T02:01:00.000-08:00

The Burj Khalifa (some of you may know it as the Burj Dubai before it was renamed Burj Khalifa) has finally opened its doors amid fanfare and fireworks. The building is the tallest man-made structure ever built, at 828 m, some 300 m taller than its nearest rival, Taiwan’s Taipei 101. It cost over US $1.5 billion to construct and has already made headlines all over the world.

The Burj Dubai was renamed Burj Khalifa as Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, announced that the name would honour the President of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Khalifa had very little to do with the building BUT Abu Dhabi has rescued Dubai three times in the last twelve months, first buying $10 billion in Dubai bonds, then lending $5 billion, and on December 14 making $10 billion available for payment of immediate debts.

Not everyone is raving about the Burj khalifa with the Human Rights groups’ objections of the ill-treatment of 12000 labourers and the environmentalists protesting against the already enormous carbon footprint of Dubai. Still its a nice view if you can get all the way to the top.

Roller Coaster Apartments Project in Beihai China

2010-01-14T19:36:00.000-08:00

Seeing these pictures made me think of a roller coaster and how the drops, twists and turns catapult the car on a track. This however, is a development project for apartments in Beihai, China. The project is being undertaken by Mad Architects, a Chinese architecture firm in Beijeng. Upon completion, this will certainly become a landmark for the city.

Roller Coaster Apartments

The One and Only Luxury Resort Hotel Reethi Rah

2010-01-14T19:33:00.000-08:00

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

Luxury Resort Hotel

10 Paradise Islands pictuers and info

2010-01-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

A holiday on a remote island might be the single relaxing experience and the perfect getaway. The white smooth sand and the blue waters go great with a hammock and a refreshing cocktail. Even if you’re trying to find your the destination for your next holiday or just want to relax thinking of sunny beaches, here are 10 perfect islands you have surely dreamt about.

1. Caprera Island, Sardinia, Italy
Caprera is a small island off the coast of Sardinia, Italy, best known for its serene beaches but also being the place to which Giuseppe Garibaldi retired. The name is most likely given because of the wild goats inhabiting the island (Capra = Italian for goats). Even though it has only 6 square miles, the island has been declared a natural reserve, being the home of the royal seagull, the cormorant and the peregrine falcon. Apart from being an attractive destination for natural lovers, it also has a sailing center, the only places to stay in being couzy bungalows.

2. Santorini, Greece
Santorini is the name given to an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Aegean sea. The amazing sunsets, fantastic beaches but also the active volcano are just a few of the attractions for this destination. The islands are what remained from the volcanic explosion that split one single island into several, smaller ones. This even is said to be the inspiration for the myth of Atlantis. Be that as it may, the small islands has a wide variety of attractions, including Akrotiri, the 3,500 year old Minoan town preserved in volcanic ash.

3. Cocoa Island, Maldives
The fascinating and romantic island located in the South Male Atoll in the Maldive Islands takes pride in the white, powdery sands and the turquoise water that make it a top travel destination. The Robinson Crusoe style Island has some fascinating small huts, with deluxe furnishing and private sun decks. For total relaxation, visitors get the chance to enjoy a hydro-therapy pools, spas, massages and various treatments to pamper yourself.

4. Cousine Island, Seychelles
Cousin Island is a granitic island covering 27 hectares, close to the Praslin Island in Seychelles. In 1968, the island was purchased by Birdlife International to save the remaining warblers, thus becoming the the world’s first internationally owned-reserve. There is a large population of endemic land birds, giant tortoises, the island being a breeding ground for sea birds.The island attracts 10,000 visitors annually, being open only during weekdays (no overnigh accommodation available). The impressive number of species and habitats set in a exotic landscape make the destination a unique travel experience especially for nature lovers.

5. Capri, Italy
Known in Greek mythology for being the isle of the sirens, the Capri island is known since the days of the Roman Republic. There are several art festivals from April to September that appeals to tourists: you can see anything from painting, sculptures to plays and traditional dances being performed. one of the most appealing attractions is the Blue Grotto, a cave at the water’s edge, opening to the sea that Romans used as a bath. One of the most sought after sights is the colorful sunrise, that’s certainly worth waking up for.

6. Kauai, Hawaii
One of the oldest of Hawaii’s islands, Kauai is referred to as the Garden Island, due to its lugh vegetation made out of tropical plants. Erosion lead to exciting landscapes such as Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast. Formed around 6 million years ago, Kauai is more laidback and less populated than the other Hawaiian islands. There are plenty of activities to choose from, including golf, horseback riding and various water sports. Be sure to take plenty of time to explore the multitude of landscapes and attractions.

7. South Beach, Miami, Florida
Probably one of the best known beaches on the list, South Beach is a vibrant place that never sleeps. Hundreds of nightclubs, restaurants and hotels attract both American and international tourists every summer. One of the busiest times of the year especially for the Pearl and Nikki Beach night spots is Spring Break, when students come to relax and party. South Beach can satisfy a variety of culinary preferences, with numerous restaurants. The city is also home to various cultural events, art exhitibitions and conventions that you might enjoy while visiting.

8. Ihuru Island, Maldives
Set in the unspoiled natural beauty of the Maldives,the Ihuru is the stylish paradise ideal for total relaxation. White beaches, a shallow lagooon and shady palm trees make the Ihuru Island the lost paradise waiting to be rediscovered. The reef are perfect for snorkelling, scuba diving and but also surface water sports. Ihuru is one of the most environmentally conscious islands, using biodegradable materials, solar heating or environmental friendly methods for reactivating corals.

9. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora island is possibly the single most famous island in all the world. The volcanic island has a stunning lagoon with abundant underwater life waiting to be explored. A multitude of outdoor activies are available for tourists: underwater safari, water sports, jeep tours, horseback riding or kiteboarding. Convince yourself why Bora Bora one of the world’s most beautiful places!

10. The Similan Islands, Thailand
Located in Southern Thailand, the Similan Islands is a national park convering 140 square kilometers, encompassing 9 islands. One of the most attractive sights is the enormous variety of fish and corals, easily spotted due to the transparent waters. Apart from that, the island has everything needed to be considered an exotic paradise.

The World Islands Dubai for sell

2010-01-08T08:19:00.000-08:00

Another pioneering one of a kind project by master developer Nakheel and a fantastic vision for Dubai real estate as a whole. This is an exclusive VIP high end luxury development that features 300 man made islands just off the coast of Dubai next to Palm Jumeirah. It took 386 million tonnes of rock to form the foundations of this project to build the World Islands which have 382 Kilometres of coastline that has been artificially created to form the land on which these Villas and Apartments will be based on having 27 Kilometres of breakwater as protection and boat access to and from Dubai as well as mooring facilities for residents who will be lucky enough to live there. If you are looking to buy an apartment or villa on this ultra luxurious project we can help you.

While there is no shortage of ultra luxury property in Dubai, the World Islands, another ambitious engineering feat from developer Nakheel Properties, are in a completely different league. The World is a development of 300 islands of varying size that are available for freehold purchase by property investors that can afford a very high price tag. The majority of these islands have already been sold such as Ireland, England, Thailand; however, there are still a few available if several million dollars seems like a bargain. The World Islands Dubai are expensive and this hefty price tag does not include any construction on the islands as this is the responsibility of the buyer or developer , but the opportunity of owning a whole island is obviously appealing to the super rich.

There have been several high profile investors associated with the World Islands, including Virgin Chairman Richard Branson and Angelina Jolie, but the majority of these individual freehold properties are expected to be tourist attractions, hotels and possibly timeshare. A number of resorts have already been announced, with access possible only by seaplane or boat. There are also a number of alternative tourist attractions expected from investment groups that have purchased islands, but there will no doubt be some residential properties as well. As a Dubai freehold development, the World Islands are expected to bring even more attention to the Emirate of the U.A.E. recognised for the Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Burj Dubai, putting Dubai on the map as a global destination for property investors.

Sell The World Islands:

We are actively looking for landlords and owners who wish to sell their Dubai World Islands quickly and easy for the best premiums. If you have a villa or an apartment that you would like us to offer to our investors please do email is now and we will get you the best price on the market with cash buyers!

Buy The World Islands:

Our expert team of agents will guide you through the whole buying process of Dubai Property and take all the stress away from you. Whatever you budget we have something that suits your needs from studios right through to luxury villas.

For the best deals of any kind of freehold property in the Dubai Property market, get in touch with the experts and contact us now.

New Zealand's famous Bay of Islands Rich In History And Marine Life

2010-01-08T08:14:00.000-08:00

Swim with the dolphins or watch the whales at play in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. A great holiday spot all the year round. Why not take a break in New Zealand's Bay of Islands - an area rich in history and marine life. The 144 islands are a haven for holiday makers who enjoy sea activities and the beauty of the un crowded sub-tropical sandy beaches and native forests. It is also an area of considerable historical significance and is popular with craftspeople. It is the cradle of European civilisation in New Zealand and has fine examples of Maori culture for you to experience.

Wherever you are in the Bay of Islands, it’s impossible to escape the lure of the sea. There are almost endless opportunities for immersing yourself in the blue-green world of island and beach. Charter a yacht or launch. Dive or snorkel. Paddle a sea kayak in and out of the islands’ nooks and crannies. Swim with dolphins.

Many people come to the Bay of Islands with marlin in mind. Zane Grey, the great American western writer and big game fisherman, pitched a tent and caught his first marlin here in 1926. He made sure the world heard about it! Today enthusiasts come from all over the globe in pursuit of marlin, broad bills and game sharks. You can take part in keenly contested tournaments or hire a boat and fight your own private battles with the denizens of the deep. The scenery is nothing short of spectacular and can only be fully appreciated by cruising through the area.

The Maritime Park is a natural wonderland with an abundance of wildlife including marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species.

Average daily temperatures range from 26.8 C/80 F in summer to 16 C/61 F in winter.

Historical Background

In 1769, the English explorer Captain James Cook dropped anchor in the Bay of Islands and set the wheels in motion for its settlement by the English. It was Cook who named the place Bay of Islands and it was here that English settlers first set up home in the Land of the Long White Cloud. The birth of New Zealand nationhood is traced back to 1840 Waitangi when Maori tribal leaders and the English colonisers forged a treaty which despite some flaws remains a watershed document for uniting New Zealand's various peoples into one common nation. After the Treaty, the British established Russell as the nation's capital, which later moved south to Auckland, then farther south to Wellington.

A Maori settlement
Russell was an established settlement of the Maori people long before the arrival of Captain Cook and the sailing ship 'Endeavour' in 1769. Its Maori name was Kororareka which comes from a legend about a wounded Maori chief who asked for penguin and on tasting the broth said, 'Ka reka ko korora' (how sweet is the penguin).

The Whalers
From the early 1800s South Sea Whalers found Kororareka an ideal port to collect provisions, The town grew as more and more ships landed there but soon it gained a reputation as a lawless and bawdy port, earning the nickname 'Hellhole of the Pacific'. Deserting seamen, runaway convicts, grog sellers and prostitutes all made their homes there. The whalers bartered muskets for food and this encouraged the local Maori Chief Hongi Hika and the northern Maori to instigate local inter-tribal warfare.

The Missionaries
After the whalers the missionaries arrived. The first mission station was set up by the Reverend Samuel Marsden in 1815. In 1819, at the invitation of the Maori Chief Hongi Hika, he established the second mission station at Kerikeri. The first Roman Catholic mission was set up by Bishop Pompallier in Russell in 1839.

First British Official Resident
James Busby arrived in Paihia in 1833 as the official British Resident sent out from England. He was expected to protect the traders and settlers, prevent outrages against Maori, capture convicts, and encourage the Maori chiefs to keep order.

Busby settled with his wife and children in a house built at Waitangi from a wooden frame shipped over from Sydney. At this time there were around 1000 settlers in the Bay.

First British Governor
On 29 January 1840 Captain William Hobson arrived having been appointed the Lt Governor of New Zealand. His job was to make a treaty with the Maori chiefs. Busby's position as British Resident ceased, but he continued to assist Hobson and he also prepared the English draft of the Treaty of Waitangi for Hobson's consideration.

The Treaty of Waitangi

The Treaty was signed on February 6, 1840, outside the home of James Busby by forty six Maori chiefs and later over 450 Maori leaders around the country added their mark to the agreement.

The Treaty House

Busby's house, now known as the Treaty House is open to the public daily. In 1844, only four years later, Hone Heke, together with another chief Kawiti, showed their displeasure by chopping down the British flagstaff at Maiki Hill in Russell. Skirmishes between the Maori and Europeans have continued in various forms. Today the Government is currently working on the settlement of land claims and fishing rights which have been disputed since the original Treaty.

Exploring places full of history

Waitangi National Reserve
Just a few kilometres north of the town is the historic Waitangi National Reserve. If you are interested in history, this is the ideal place to visit. Start your tour at the Visitor Centre where you can view a video outlining the events surrounding the Treaty of Waitangi.

You can then walk around the extensive grounds visiting the Treaty House, the Maori Meeting House and the Maori War Canoe.

The Treaty House, one of New Zealand's oldest surviving buildings, fell into disrepair after the Busby family left in the 1870s. It was not until 1932, when Lord Bledisloe bought the house and grounds and gifted it to the nation, that it was restored and rebuilt to its present standard.

If you have time you can take a stroll around the reserve which includes recreational areas, tidal estuary, mangrove forest, open coastline and native bush. It's a most enjoyable way to spend a few hours.

Russell
If you are not keen on walking why not take a mini bus tour which leaves from the Russell Wharf and visits some of the places more difficult to visit on foot - Maiki Hill where the flagstaff was cut down four times by Honi Heke is a bit of a climb if you are short of puff !!

For those who like to do their own thing first visit the Visitors Centre along the waterfront. It is also the headquarters of the Bay of Islands Maritime and Historic Park which looks after more than 50 reserves in the area. The building was previously the site of Russell's post office and courthouse from 1875-1969. At the centre pick up a leaflet on local heritage trails and then you can work out what you want to visit and how to get there.

Don't forget to see Christ Church - the oldest existing church in New Zealand, built in 1836 and still showing some of the old musket ball holes from the early wars.

Pompallier House is just further along from the information centre. Built in 1942, it was used as a printery of the Roman Catholic Mission and later a tannery and private home.

For lunch, try the Duke of Marlborough also on the waterfront. This is the fourth hotel on the same site (earlier ones were burnt down) It holds New Zealand's number 1 licence dated August 1827. They serve wonderful fish meals so fresh and tasty - it just melts in your mouth

Kemp House and Maori village
Next door to the store is Kemp House built for the Rev. John Butler in 1822 after the Rev. Samuel Marsden established his second mission station in Kerikeri in 1819. The tour also takes you to a reconstructed Maori village and the Waitangi Treaty House. In the afternoon you are taken to many of the craft workshops in the area - lots of good ideas for presents and souvenirs of good quality.

Outdoor Activities
The Bay of Islands is the finest Maritime Park in New Zealand with 144 islands, secluded bays and an abundance of marine life. There is much to offer visitors all the year round. From sailing, fishing, snorkeling, swimming to golfing walking, eating out - it's all there. These islands comprise the archipelago of small islands in the Bay of Islands. Most of them are uninhabited by man, many are still unexplored. About the only island which has some facilities is Urupukapuka Island lying northeast of Russell. There are some 40 sites on the islands which are part of the Bay of Islands Maritime and Historic Park. Its visitor information centre is at Russell. These islands may have marked walks, Maori pas and other historical sites, as well as recreation reserves.

Swim with the dolphins
Why not take a swim with the dolphins ? This is the ultimate marine mammal experience. You are taken out by fast catamaran which has been purpose built for dolphin and whale watching.

Underwater cameras provide unique viewing of the marine life which is displayed on a large TV monitor. Wet suits, snorkels and fins are supplied when and if you are ready to get into the water - and when you return you can hop into a hot shower !! The trip takes around four hours and leaves twice daily in summer and morning only in winter. It could be your experience of a lifetime!!

The Cream Trip
For those of us who are not so adventurous a leisurely cruise could be a good alternative. The Cream Trip meanders in and out of many of the smaller bays, calling on locals and delivering their stores and Royal Mail as it has done for over 100 years. The trip passes many different points of historical interest relating to both early European and Maori settlement. You may also see seals, dolphins and sometimes whales, as well as bird and fish life. The trip takes about five hours and I can personally recommend it, especially as this is one of the few official Royal Mail runs by boat left in New Zealand.

A choice of ways to get there
Air New Zealand operates flights to Bay of Islands airport (kerikeri) daily with connecting flights from all other major centres. If you prefer to take a coach tour many operators have tours of different lengths to many different places - just make sure you choose one that includes the Bay of Islands. Some operators have one, two or three day tours from Auckland just to the area. You can also take an express coach from Auckland - the Northliner or Intercity and do your own thing when you arrive. If you don't mind driving why not hire a car or campervan? The Bay of Islands is only three hours drive north from Auckland and then you will have your own transport for getting around. How to get there

Other Major Towns in the Bay of Islands Region

Paihia - Tourist centre for the Bay's activities, tours, cruises, motels, souvenir shops, restaurants, etc. all centrally located. Paihia is the main visitor centre for the Bay of Islands and is the starting point for many sightseeing cruises including the Cape Brett Hole-in-the-Rock cruise, boat hires, diving and swimming with the dolphins excursions. A popular day excursion is the Cape Reinga trip to the northernmost point of New Zealand and features an exhilarating drive along Ninety Mile Beach. Paihia remained isolated until the second world war. A road via Opua opened Paihia to people who didn't have boats. It quickly established itself as the most popular seaside resort in the north. From it's hard earned beginning, Paihia is now the main centre for the Bay of Islands. Adventure activities, sightseeing, cafes, bars and accommodation are all here. Whether you want to jump out of the sky, dive under the ocean or explore the shore, Paihia can point you in the right direction.

Waitangi - Where the British and Maori signed the 1840 Treaty. Waitangi is within walking distance of Paihia, and it is here that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, joining the Maori and British peoples together as a nation. The Treaty House is now a museum and is part of the Waitangi Reserve, along with a Maori meeting house and an impressive 120 feet (37 metre) 150-man canoe launched each Waitangi Day (February 6) - New Zealand's national day.
Gifted to the Nation by Lord and Lady Bledisloe in 1932, The Waitangi National Trust Treaty Grounds is a unique and fascinating insight into New Zealand's historic past. The Treaty of Waitangi, signed here in 1840 between the Maori Chiefs and British Crown, became the basis for life in New Zealand as we know it today. Visit the historic Treaty House, fully carved Maori Meeting House, Maori War Canoe and Exhibition. Experience the award winning Sound/Light display in the Meeting House, enjoy the magnificent park like grounds with their abundant native bird life, heritage trees and wonderful Bay views. Learn all about the signing of the Treaty and select from our range of quality souvenirs.

Kerikeri - Largest town commercial and business centre, Fruits & produce, arts and crafts, historic basin. A charming place to live. Kerikeri is a picturesque inlet on the northern extremity of the Bay, set amidst citrus and kiwifruit orchards. The district also bears some important historical buildings and has several craft galleries. Kerikeri is noted for its arts and crafts and has an Art &Craft Trail to add further interest to your stay. The town has excellent sporting facilities, a championship golf course, all-weather tennis court, a yacht club and numerous intimate restaurants and cafes. A wide variety of accommodation styles ensure your stay is comfortable and today's Kerikeri is the bustling business and commerce centre of the Bay of Islands. An extensive array of shops and services, including the only cinema in the area, will cater for all your requirements. Kerikeri is where New Zealand bicultural society began and its beautiful scenery, charm and historic basin will entice you.

Opua - Recreational port and gateway to the Bay of Islands. Where two rivers meet and the bay stretches northward to the sea. What a view! The gateway to the Bay of Islands. Located where the Kawakawa River and Waikeri River meet with the Bay stretching out Northward to the sea. You can see the passenger ferry 5 km down the bay going between Paihia and Russell.Waitangi is just beyond Paihia and the entrance to the Kerikeri River is viewed near the North end of the bay. Here is where the overseas yachts first arrive in New Zealand after making their South Pacific Ocean crossing. The charter sailboats are based here that cruise through the bay. The Tucker Thompson a top sail schooner and other cruise boats start out on there daily excursions from the Opua Port. During the Year a few cruise ships visit this hide away port. The car ferry takes vehicles across the port to Okiato and the road to Russell.

The Coastal Walking Path starts in Opua the Harrison Scenic Reserve (rain forest) is a twenty minute walk and the scenic trip to Paihia takes three Hours. (a 5 km trip by road, 10 minutes by car) The community of Opua is small and centered around its international recreational Port, Marina and the Wharf (fishing is permitted). There are three charter boat companies and several independent operators. There is a good restaurant and take-a-way, small convenience store , Port operations office and the Post Office is small, friendly and efficient. There is a small boat launching ramp and a dingy dock. There are two boat yards, sail repair, engine shop and other supporting services making Opua a surprisingly good place to work on your boat. Yacht moorings are available for short or long term rental. The Opua Cruising Club is a local center of social activity in this provincial community. A new 240 berth marina provides dockage for local and overseas vessels.

Haruru Falls

Haruru means “big noise”, which is a good indication that these falls are worth seeing. The water falls in a horseshoe shape – very rare and quite spectacular – and Maori legend states that a taniwha (water monster) lives in the lagoon below. You can walk to Haruru Falls along the Waitangi walking track, or drive to Haruru Falls township – which is only 3 kilometres from Paihia. In the 1800s, there were over 100 Maori villages along the Haruru Falls river.

Kawakawa
Gateway to the Bay of Islands, Kawakawa is marked by its unique entrance sign, an arch constructed in the style of Frederick Hundertwasser. Kawakawa is home to the famous Hundertwasser designed public toilets - a definite must on your itinerary. This is the only building in the Southern Hemisphere designed by Austrian artist Hundertwasser and is the last building he designed before he died in 1999. Also visit the Museum in the old Memorial Library (open Thursdays & Fridays) for a glimpse of Kawakawa's coal mining history.

The railway line running through the centre of town to Opua is a remnant of those times. Unfortunately major maintenance requirements mean that regular trips to Opua by Gabriel, the renowned steam train, will not be taking place at present, however the station is open and welcomes visitors. Visit also the Kawiti Glow-worm Caves at Waiomio which boast a galaxy of glow-worm lights, pure white limestone formations and 12 generations of history.

buj kalifa opening cermoney

2010-01-06T04:35:00.001-08:00

buj kalifa opening cermoney

2010-01-06T04:35:00.000-08:00

Travel to dubai

2010-01-03T05:45:00.000-08:00

Oh, Dubai. Sometimes we wish you success, because you’re so funny. Other times we can’t wait till you run out of oil and just turn back into a desert wasteland, because you’re so gross.

Of late, the Gulf city-state has been trending somewhere between those two courses. They’ve shut down all kinds of massive half-baked construction projects, but are pushing ahead on a select few. Most notable in the “pushing ahead” category are the world’s tallest building and the city’s new metro system (exempted on the “half-baked” count). The powers that be in Dubai have been planning a grand simultaneous unveiling of the two in September, in fact — seeing it as a perfect opportunity to get massive amounts of media attention and declare to the world, “We’re still actin’ all rich!”

Sadly, there’s a hitch. Construction on the Burj Dubai, the 206-story luxury residential and office tower–space will supposedly go for $3,500/square foot and up–is running behind schedule, and will not be complete by September. So the metro–which features a “Gold class” section for “VIPs”–will debut alone and therefor won’t get anywhere close to as much media attention.

It turns out that Dubaites (?) are pretty upset about it. Nearly half “believe the delay to the Burj Dubai is a missed opportunity to put Dubai back on the global map.” An additional 17 percent are sad because Dubai now looks like the kind of slacker place that can’t keep to a schedule when building white elephant projects.

To celebrate the synergy that might have been though, here are some fact boxes and photos of the $4 billion, 2,600-foot aluminum stalagmite and the $4 billion, 22-mile first phase of the new metro system.

Dubai Metro

Fast facts:

“In full operation, Dubai Metro is projected to carry approximately 1.2 million passengers on an average day, and 355 million passengers per year”
“Trains will be WiFi enabled”
“The 32.5 mile Red Line [which will open in September] will have 29 stations, four of which will be underground”
“Rolling stock is being supplied by Kinki Sharyo under a $456.2m contract for 385 cars”
“All stations will have platform doors to increase safety and allow a more comfortable, climate controlled environment”
“The driverless, fully automated trains are fully air-conditioned”
“The trains will offer standard ‘Silver’ class, a women and children only section plus a first class ‘Gold’ section for VIPs”
The “Gold” car will be located at front of each train and will be just for men (specifically, non-poor men). The “Silver” cars for the ladies and the rugrats and the downtrodden will follow behind.
Gold cars will feature wide leather seats, an explansive view through the train’s front window, and an “exclusive lighting design.”

[Quotes from]

Photos:

Transit construction, Dubai-style:

[Pic: MomentaryAwe.com]

Like Paris, Dubai’s Metro stations will have platform doors:

.Inside a “Silver” car (i.e. for pleebs, women and children):

Inside an exclusive “Gold” car (just us rich dudes!):

A train on a viaduct:

The rolling stock (fancy talk for “train cars”) arrives from Japan:

A design rendering of a station hub:

.That station in real life:

.A rendering of a smaller station:

.A system map. Service to the crazy man-made archipelagos is still on the drawing board:

Burj Dubai tower:

Fast facts:

“The foundation is made up of 192 concrete and steel pilings more than 164 feet (50 meters) deep. They are joined by a 12-foot-thick raft upon which the skyscraper rests.”
“45,000 cubic meters of concrete was used in the foundation.”
Underground parking spaces: 16,000
“The air conditioning chillers installed on the 155th and 159th floor are so high that their design had to take into account the thinner air at that elevation.”
In 2006, 2,500 construction workers rioted because of low pay and poor treatment. They did an estimated $1 million damage.
The tower is designed Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill
“The interior will be decorated by Giorgio Armani. An Armani Hotel, the first of four by Armani, will occupy the lower 37 floors”
“In keeping with Islamic custom, the hotel pool will have separate hours for women and men at the pool.”

Photos:

Scale: Those little buildings on either side are all really, really big

And from afar:

An elevator shaft, taken at an earlier stage of construction:

The work continues, up top:

View from the bottom:

Working construction on the Burj — the wages are crappy, but you can’t beat the view:

World's Largest Underwater Sculpture Museum

2009-12-14T04:40:00.001-08:00

These sculptures are the first from the 400 that are put on the seabed in the Caribbean, Mexico and they form the beginning of the largest underwater sculpture museum in the world to celebrate the region's Mayan history.

World's Largest Underwater Sculpture Museum

2009-12-14T04:40:00.000-08:00

These sculptures are the first from the 400 that are put on the seabed in the Caribbean, Mexico and they form the beginning of the largest underwater sculpture museum in the world to celebrate the region's Mayan history.

tour and travel to tokyo

2009-12-11T08:56:00.000-08:00

tokyo
tokyo
tokyo
tokyo
tokyo
tokyo
tokyo
tokyo

tokyo
tokyo
tokyo
tokyo

travel and tour to denmark

2009-12-11T08:43:00.000-08:00

Denmark Bridge

map-denmark
landscapes denmark
Denmark
middelgrunden wind farm denmark
Europe Countries da map
InsidersScandinavia
denmark map
Denmark
denmark
copenhagen denmark
denmark map

Tour to chicago

2009-12-11T07:58:00.000-08:00

chicago map
interstate chicago map
interstate chicago map
Chicago river
Library chicago skyline
spirit of chicago
chicago
archives chicago
chicago aerial
architecture Chicago Skyline
NearNorthSide ChicagoSpire
chicago poetry calendar
images of chicago
USA Cities Chicago
Near North Side Chicago

Map of spain

2009-12-09T02:44:00.000-08:00

map of spain
map of spain
map of spain
map of spain
map of spain
map of spain
map of spain
map of spain
map of spain
map of spain
map of spain
map of spain
map of spain
map of spain
map of spain
map of spain

Barcelona spain

2009-12-09T02:38:00.000-08:00

barcelona spain
barcelona spain
barcelona spain
barcelona spain
barcelona spain
barcelona spain
barcelona spain
barcelona spain
barcelona spain
barcelona spain

barcelona spain
barcelona spain
barcelona spain
barcelona spain

spain culture

2009-12-09T02:31:00.000-08:00

spain culture
spain culture
spain culture
spain culture
spain culture
spain culture
spain culture
spain culture
spain culture

France pictures

2009-12-09T02:15:00.000-08:00

france
france
france
france
france
france
france
france
france
france

Air france company aeroplans

2009-12-08T09:09:00.000-08:00

air france
air france
air france
air france
air france
air france
air france
air france
air france
air france

air france
air france
air france
air france

Tour de france map

2009-12-08T08:59:00.000-08:00

tour de france map
tour de france map
tour de france map
tour de france map
tour de france map
tour de france map
tour de france map
tour de france map
tour de france map
tour de france map

paris and france pictures

2009-12-08T08:53:00.000-08:00

paris france
paris france
paris france
paris france
paris france
paris france
paris france
paris france
paris france
paris france
paris france
paris france

history of the tour de france

2009-12-08T08:46:00.000-08:00

history of the tour de france
history of the tour de france
history of the tour de france
history of the tour de france
history of the tour de france
history of the tour de france
history of the tour de france
history of the tour de france
history of the tour de france
history of the tour de france

Total distance tour de france

2009-12-08T01:10:00.000-08:00

total distance tour de france
total distance tour de france
total distance tour de france
total distance tour de france
total distance tour de france
total distance tour de france
total distance tour de france
total distance tour de france
total distance tour de france
total distance tour de france

christmas in france

2009-12-07T09:47:00.000-08:00

christmas in france
christmas in france
christmas in france
christmas in france
christmas in france
christmas in france

tour de france winners

2009-12-07T09:40:00.001-08:00

tour de france winners
tour de france winners
tour de france winners
tour de france winners
tour de france winners
tour de france winners
tour de france winners
tour de france winners
tour de france winners

2009-12-07T09:40:00.000-08:00

Ford Tour de Georgia Photo Show

2009-12-07T09:32:00.000-08:00

A proud Floyd Landis with his TdG trophy.

Jason McCartney looking pleased on the podium in Georgia.

Janez Brajkovic.

Haedo with the stage win trophy.

Gord Fraser placed 2nd today.

Future World Champion and Tour de France winner. Want my autograph?

The Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team won the top team award.

All blue skies for Floyd Landis.

Kisses for Popovych.

Floyd Landis with soigneur.

Podium girl waiting.

Four jerseys getting ready for a champagne supernova.

Floyd's view from the podium. Photo copyright Ben Ross/Roadcycling.com/

Tom Danielson getting sweet kisses. Photo copyright Ben

Top 3 on the podium. Landis, Danielson and Popovych.

Tom sprays Floyd. Photo copyright Ben

2009 Tour de France

2009-12-07T09:19:00.000-08:00

Tour de France Route Revealed.
Tour de France Route Revealed.
The Tour's 2009 route was revealed today in France. There are some interesting things here to note, particularly if you are wondering how it suits a possible Lance Armstrong ride. First off, it remains to be seen if Lance can regain the proper fitness to even be considered a contender. I believe he can. Also of note is the addition of a team time trial. Imagine being on a team with Levi, Alberto and Lance doing a TTT. That's gotta hurt if you are some lowly Domestique hanging on for dear life. They are gonna fly and put a chunk of time on their rivals. I'm even thinking there's a chance for an Astana 1, 2, 3 finish. That would be like Ford when they swept LeMans in 1966 and poked a giant stick in the eye of Ferrari. (Astana's stick in the eye of the one's who left them out of this year's tour)

Tour de France 2009 pic

2009-12-07T09:16:00.000-08:00

Thunder, lightening, hailstones and pouring rain greeted the riders as they massed for the start of the race, but this cleared away about an hour before departure and the weather gradually improved with some sun and warmth as the race progressed. The route zig-zagged south-east inland from Dunkerque, France, very soon crossing the border into Belgium and then returning to the coast near Ostende before turning inland once more towards the finish at Ghent. The pancake flat arable countryside looking almost ready for harvest, with long straight roads alongside long straight canals punctuated by an occasional town or village of grey or ochre houses with red roofs. This landscape of North and South Flanders was a very different terrain from the rolling and winding tree lined lanes of Kent through which the Tour rode only yesterday. Interesting highlights along the way were a town labelled by Eurosport as Middelkerke, dwarfed by its church spire and a stretch of canal labelled as l’Yser. Later there were delightful castles, two of which caught my eye: the moated Chateau of Wijnendaele built in the 17th and 18th centuries, a neat semi circular chateau in the centre of a round island surrounded by an equally round moat, both of which could have been drawn by a compass and

the Flemish Renaissance Chateau of Ooidonk, (pictured) an equally neat square chateau of warm red brick with round corner towers in a square round cornered moat. Brooding ahead was a ominous storm cloud from which the occasional flash of lightening could be seen and sure enough the rain came down. After a heavy downpour, the rain seemed to stop quite quickly for the run into Ghent (pictured above) and the helicopter gave us some great aerial shots of attractive buildings, St Bavo’s Cathedral and another moated castle, which was not named in the television coverage. (19 July – More information about this castle, which I have been told is called Gravensteen, can be found in the comments for this post.)

A three man breakaway (Sieberg, Herve and Perez) lasted for about 125km until just inside the final 3km when they were overtaken by the Peloton. Shortly afterwards there was a huge crash on the damp greasy road leaving a relatively small number of riders to race for the finish, whilst those caught behind the pile up could only turn round to watch the action on a nearby large screen. First and second places went to the Belgians, Gert Steegmans and team-mate Tom Boonen (Quickstep). Boonen had been tipped to win but was just pipped to the post, possibly due to an error of judgement by Steegmans, as the riders were well aware of the constant threat of quick finisher Robbie McEwan who was not far behind. In the end Boonen, who did not seem too upset at his lead out man’s success, was rewarded as he took the green points jersey from McEwan. Briton David Millar (Saunier Duval) retains the polka dot jersey. There was one retirement after Stage 1, Eduardo Gonzalo Ramirez (Agritubel) who crashed through the rear window of one of the race cars. It remains to be seen if there will be more retirements and how many riders will be nursing injuries following the big crash just before the finish, but hopefully the start numbers will not be too depleted for Stage 3 starting in Belgium and finishing back in France.

World in Africa world most beautiful country

2009-11-21T10:45:00.000-08:00

Travelling

Dubai mall aquarium

Dubai International Airport

Egyptian pictures

Argentina famous places

Dubai Twin Towers

Great wall of china travel pics

L. B. DANIELS

Daniel New York Opens With Fresh New Look

Cyprus

Poland

London

New york city usa

eiffel tower

The Roman Colosseum

Cyprus pics and information

best vacation in mexico

The Lake Baikal Russia Pictures and Information

York Minster England City

Nepal

Dubai Mall

largest super-tanker

Sankore Mosque TIMBUKTU pictures

Unique airports

Masco city

Srilanka Amazing Place For Holiday On Your Desktop

Rome (Italian: Roma)

belgium antwerp pictures

holland wind turbine pics

holland beautiful pictures

Beauitifull places

Famouse places

Poland pictures

Hong kong pictures

University of Hong Kong.

n Search of a Cool Summer: Baguio, Philippines pictures

Some of the most haunted places in America

london bridge

Highlights of London

Barbados

Norway Pavillion Reviews

France famouse place

Mauritius is a beautiful Island pictures

China the Sleeping Giant pictures

2010 aroplan pic

2010 aroplan images

Miapolis new building will be built in dubai

Interior of burj khalifa pictures

Bangkok

It's been quite some time, almost an year now, since I posted stuff here, more because I keep uploading it on my flickr page. Do visit it here

Thailand Bangkok

It's been quite some time, almost an year now, since I posted stuff here, more because I keep uploading it on my flickr page. Do visit it here

Internet Marketing For Singapore Hotels

Internet Marketing For Singapore Hotels

Budget Hotels In Singapore

Clarke Quay, Singapore

Malaysia Pictures

Lost Cities in World

The Best Quality Dubai pictures

Travel to Mascow pictures

burj kalifa opening on 4 jan 2010

Roller Coaster Apartments Project in Beihai China

The One and Only Luxury Resort Hotel Reethi Rah

10 Paradise Islands pictuers and info

The World Islands Dubai for sell

Sell The World Islands:

Buy The World Islands:

New Zealand's famous Bay of Islands Rich In History And Marine Life

buj kalifa opening cermoney

buj kalifa opening cermoney

Travel to dubai

Dubai Metro

Burj Dubai tower:

Fast facts:

World's Largest Underwater Sculpture Museum

These sculptures are the first from the 400 that are put on the seabed in the Caribbean, Mexico and they form the beginning of the largest underwater sculpture museum in the world to celebrate the region's Mayan history.

World's Largest Underwater Sculpture Museum

These sculptures are the first from the 400 that are put on the seabed in the Caribbean, Mexico and they form the beginning of the largest underwater sculpture museum in the world to celebrate the region's Mayan history.

tour and travel to tokyo

travel and tour to denmark