Saturday, May 12, 2007

Shanghai After Dark


Bars in Shanghai, like other metropolises, are clustered in streets and usually a night out entails going out to a specific street and stopping in for a few drinks at two or three (or four or five) different venues in a night. This practice is fading somewhat, however, as larger mega-clubs are entering Shanghai and the bar scene is much more event based. Nowadays, partiers are planning their nights around a single specific event and tacking on an after hours party rather than just bar hopping on a street. In addition to this focus, all bars usually have happy hours and drink deals to attract the after work crowd. Several bars offer competing "Ladies Nights", which offer free drinks to ladies, and "Open Bar" nights, which offer an all-you-can-drink deal after you pay a cover charge (usually RMB 100). Shanghai's more popular dancing venues usually try to book international DJs to attract the clubbing crowd. Nowadays, clubs could be packed one night during a specific event, opening or promotion and completely deserted the next night. Avid club goers would be wise to consult local print media (That's Shanghai, City Weekend) or web sites (www.smartshanghai.com) to keep abreast of the scene. With the locals, KTV bars are the choice form of nightlife recreation, but the club scene in Shanghai is where the expats really come out of the woodworks. With a few exceptions, the bars in Shanghai are organized after Western models and on a given night you could be walking into Shanghai's version of an Ohio State frat party, an Ibiza rave, a London ale house, a New York lounge, or a Paris café. Bar Streets Maoming Road: It all began on Maoming Road. Although its glory has somewhat faded in the light of new, bigger, and better night spot options, Maoming Road still continues to offer some highlights to the indiscriminate bar hopper. Bar girls abound in this street which is home to some of Shanghai's oldest pubs and clubs. Those looking to sample some of that old school Shanghai vice could do worse that spending a night and early morning staggering up and down this famous strip. (Key venues: Babyface, Judy's Too, Woodstock, M factory, Maoming Manhattan Bar) Tongren Road: A smaller, more efficient Maoming, Tongren Road seeks to recapture the seedy flavor of Maoming and is home to many of that street's sister bars. Tongren Road caters to a more single minded punter; the bar girls and their admirers seem a little more populous on this strip. (Key Venues: Blue Frog, Blue Angel, Judy's Too, Woodstock, Studio 78, Mint) Hengshan Road: At night, this shopping street converts into the largest bar street in Shanghai with nightspots lining both sides of the road for kilometers. One of the more picturesque and scenic areas of the city, Hengshan road is home to the cities most famous bars, cafes, restaurants and tea houses and boasts a wide selection of each. (Key venues: Sasha's, O'Malley's, Beni House, Zapata's, Bourbon Street, Hello Bar, Narcissus) Xintiandi: Shanghai's trendy Xintiandi area is located within walking distance of the Huangpi Road (S) Metro station and contains a bevy of upscale bars, restaurants and international boutiques. This area buzzes after dark and is where Shanghai's hip and wealthy go to sip on cocktails on terraced patios, lounges, and cafes. (Key Venues: Ark Live House, KABB, Soho Pub) The Weekend Bender For travelers that prefer the nightlife to the sights, the following schedule will ensure an unforgettable weekend in Shanghai. Friday: Head down to Sasha's on Hengshan Road to enjoy the half priced drinks from 5:30 to 7:00 P.M and then pop next door to Zapata's to try the best Mexican food in Shanghai. After finishing the meal and a few drinks proceed south down Hengshan stopping in at whichever place looks happening. Narcissus and Bourbon Street usually feature live acts and are good if you are looking to see a cover band and Beni's is a great pub to have a pint. After you've sampled a bit of the Hengshan Road pubs head off to the main event at Mural Bar: the 100 RMB all you can drink special. Mural is the place to be on Friday night with an open bar and great music keeping the party going till 2 A.M. The open bar shuts down at two in the morning and depending on the state you're in, your going to want to end the night right here or go for broke at Windows Too. The Mural' s indows combination is a time honored classic Friday night lineup designed for those who want to drink and dance themselves into oblivion. Alternately, if you are looking to keep a certain level of integrity, or at least, something a little more exotic, try the Dragon Club on Fenyang Road instead. This venue is Shanghai's most popular after hours bar and although the cover charge and drink prices are a little on the pricey side, it can always be counted on the be packed early into the morning. Saturday: For those who managed to stay responsible the night before and managed to drag themselves out of bed to sample a little daytime Shanghai, reward yourself with a little shopping on either Nanjing Road or Huihai Road to gear up for a ritzy Saturday night. If Friday night was all about crass then Saturday should be all about class at some of Shanghai's finest upscale drinking and dining establishments. After lunch at Element Fresh head off for an afternoon at a massage and spa facility to rejuvenate after last night's debauchery. Women should head to Dragonfly and men should head off to the Alexander Club for some much needed physical rehabilitation. Head back to your hotel to get changed and dressed up for a sophisticated night on the town. Have dinner and cocktails at Jade on 36 at the Shangri-La Building. Although the restaurant is on the pricey side (between RMB 400-900), it is well worth it for the gorgeous view and atmosphere and the food which is prepared with the utmost sophistication and refinement. Try the Sea-bass Rivera, accompanied by a basil sauce and cherry tomatoes. After dinner, head back to Puxi and stop in at the Glamour bar to lounge on the sofas and sample their extensive drink list. Glamour Bar, spinning jazz and designed with a 1930s sort of aesthetic, is a great place for conversation in an Old Shanghai setting. After an hour or two here, head to the main event, Bar Rouge, and visit the most talked about bar in Shanghai. Whether you are dazzled by the fire tricks of the bar staff, the chic clientele or the outrageous prices, a night at Bar Rouge is an unforgettable way to spend a Saturday night. If you've been there and done that, and are looking for a Bar Rouge type substitute, try Barbarossa or the new Attica Club. Depending on your budget, if you followed the earlier suggestions you should be cleaned out. However, never-say-die partiers who tire of the main event and are looking for a little fresh ground to tackle the early hours of the morning try Bonbon club, or Park 97. Both venues go all night and are guaranteed to be slamming on Saturday night. Sunday: You going to need to get up around 11ish and get down to the Jing'an district to get a big greasy breakfast at either Rendezvous Café (pp) or City Diner, both of which have great breakfast specials. After having the requisite amount of coffee head down to old town to buy antiques and souvenirs for yourself and your friends and family back home to prove you were in Shanghai. Head back to your hotel for a shower and to change for Sunday night. Sunday night should be all about deetox and what better way than to purge the system that having ten or twelve beers at the best dive bars in Shanghai? For dinner, head over to Malone's to chow down on one of their specialty burgers and hang out on the patio. An evening on the patio accompanied by a few pints and a few burgers is a great way to ease oneself into a good Sunday night. From here take a cab to Windows Scoreboard which offers great prices and value (provided you stick to bottled beer). The bar also offers pool and a large screen T.V. C's bar is also a local favorite and the prices and atmosphere are great for lounging and hanging out with friends. For those who want a classier night, head on down to the JZ Club, Shanghai's premier jazz performance venue to take in a live jazz show. If you're in luck Shanghai's own Coco will be performing. Best of Shanghai Shanghai's nightlife scene is fast paced and cut throat with new bars, lounges, and clubs opening and closing weekly. It is almost impossible to keep abreast of all the changes happening, however, the following section lists some of the more popular nightspots and their chief selling points.

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Top 3 Cities In South Africa


While South Africa is dotted with a number of urban centers, there can be little doubt that the top three SA cities are Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town. Each of these cities has a unique character that draws different types of people. See which one appeals the most to you! Johannesburg / Jo’burg / Jozi For young, vibey, fast-paced living. The pulsing city with a heart of pure gold, Johannesburg is known as Egoli (place of gold), Jo’burg, and today also carries the trendy name of Jozi. A relatively young city, Jo’burg traces its modern history back to 1886 when it sprang up as a gold-rush shanty town. Today this thriving bustling city is the most densely populated South African city, home to 3 225 800 people and growing. Jo’burg has a pleasant balmy climate for most of the year and is renowned for dramatic afternoon thunderstorms in summer. The nights can get pretty cool, especially in winter. The city of Johannesburg has no mountains or coastline to shape it, and it is an enormous, sprawling urban jungle. Some of the top attractions in and around Jo’burg include the Sterkfontein caves, the township of Soweto, The Apartheid Museum, the Mai Mai Herbalist market and Rosebank craft market. Jo’burg is a shopper’s paradise - there are numerous malls – and the Sandton area is particularly popular with shopaholics. Durban – Durbs-by-the-Sea Steaming hot, yet so damn cool! The settlement of Port Natal only really started in 1823, although Vasco da Gama has ‘discovered’ it back in 1497. Most people equate Durban with a laid back, ‘chilled’ atmosphere, and also with extremely humid heat, almost all year round. For many Durban is the place to live if you love to surf, but there is more to this city than awesome waves, golden beaches, sugar cane plantations and palm trees. Durban lies in the heart of the Zulu kingdom, land of King Shaka, which gives the entire region a rich cultural history that can be felt just by walking through the hot streets. A large ‘Indian’ community also calls Durban home, and these people add their own flavor to the city’s effervescent, colorful population. Durban offers great shopping at malls and markets, historical and cultural attractions and plenty for families to do. Perhaps the most well-known tourist spot is uShaka Marine World which boasts an aquarium, dolphinarium and snorkel reef, a world of water slides and marine-theme shopping. Cape Town – The Mother City Paradise found – between the mountains and the two oceans Cape Town as an urban settlement began in the mid-1600’s as a trading post for ships passing the tip of Africa en route to The East. Today Cape Town is loved for its breathtaking natural beauty, with Table Mountain dominating the views from almost anywhere in the city. The beaches on both the Indian and Atlantic sides offer crystal blue waters, white sandy beaches and beautiful bodies all summer long. From any of the chi-chi restaurants, cafes and wine-bars along the coastline you can even enjoy watching whales playing in the bay. With numerous museums and art galleries, theatres and craft markets, Cape Town is undoubtedly the Culture Capital of SA. If the money is found in Jo’burg, the creativity springs from Cape Town’s vibrant multi-cultural population. Don’t miss the top tourist attraction in the country – The Victoria and Albert Waterfront – a fabulous development on the foreshore which offers a world of entertainment and shopping. A lot more laid back than Jozi, but more cosmopolitan than Durbs, Cape Town is the place to be for the arty, nature-loving yet trendy individual. So which of these fantastic cities sounds like your perfect place to be? We suggest you don’t restrict your self to just one – visit them all and enjoy the best of the South African urban experience!
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Things to See When Landing at Rome Airports



The technology revolution allows people today to have more resources at disposal and to plan their trip to Rome and to Italy optimizing the time in order to see more. To make an example, when you are just landed at Ciampino Rome airport, during your transfer to the hotel you can see the archaeological area of the Appian way and the acqueduct built by the emperor Claudius in 54 AD. Opened in 312 b. C. by the censor Appius Claudius, during the Sannite wars, in order to join Rome with the southern provinces of the peninsula, with Africa and the East. It became in short time the elected road, sacred to the cult of the dead, crossed during the Latin holidays by the crowd going to the temple of Jupiter on the summit of mount Cavo or to the temple of Diana, by the shores of the Nemi lake. The Appian way ran here straight -after this the name of " recto " - at first followed the line of an existing road to the Alban hills and reached the Agro Pontino. After the Appio Forum it touched the city of Terracina and it continued for Fondi until Capua. Some year later it was extended via Benevento and Venosa, native land of Orazio, and a century later to Taranto and Brindisi. In the first years of II the century A.D. the emperor Trajan added his name to the road. The beginning of the road, outside the Porta San Sebastiano, a gate in the city walls, is lined with interesting dilapidated buildings, including the church of Domine Quo Vadis, where St. Peter is supposed to have had a vision of Christ. Jesus's footprints were preserved for posterity in a slab of white marble (in the centre of the church floor). There are also three sets of catacombs close to this stretch of road - check opening times and days first as their long lunchtime closures can interfere with your day's planning. With the New Appian Traian Way it was possible to go from Rome to Brindisi in 13/14 days with a total distance of 540 kilometres. The road was approximately 4.15 meters wide, enough to permit the transit of two chariots at the same time. Two sidewalks in earth delimited by stone flanked the track. Every 10/13 km in the most busy sections were aligned along the road the so-called "stations" for the change of the horses and " taberne ", which offered refreshments and lodging for travellers. The construction was extremely difficult , was realized solving natural difficulties with an amazingly modern plan of conception which made of it a solid, rational road with easy access. Bridges across the rivers were built, valleys filled, heights flattened, channels dug, banks raised in order to contain waters of the rivers, it was covered with blocks of hard basalt that still today emerge from the road. After the fall of the empire and barbarian invasions the road fell into decay and was abandoned. The monuments were sacked and lost their works of art anddecorations; Grass grew wildly upon the road which slowly disappeared from sight. Columns, marbles, statues, friezes, relieves started to embellish the new buildings of the City, the new Christian basilicas and noble castles. Towards the half of the ' 700 historians started to dig discovering important works and collecting fragments. The first Christian cemeteries rose along the Appian Way at the end of the I century: along this road the most important necropolis were discovered, the Catacombs of S. Callisto, going back to the II sec., and those of S. Sebastian, in which were housed for a while the bodies of the two Apostles of the Roman Church: Peter and Paul. The history has confirmed that the Apostle entered in the city walking along the Appian Way. Few people know that if you arrive at the Rome airport Ciampino during the summer, you can reach from there in few minutes the summer residence of Castelgandolfo, where the pope spends his vacation time.
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Tokyo Disneyland Theme Parks



A family vacation in a Disney theme park or Disneyland is always a dream holiday for millions of people around the world. The Disney brand is such a resounding success worldwide that it is inconceivable that any child in any developed country do not know what is Disneyland. If America or Paris is too far away to take your family for a Disney vacation, then you can settle for either of the 2 Disneyland in Asia located in Tokyo and Hong Kong. Disney theme parks, wherever they are located usually have the same theme. For example, in Disney Tokyo will find the following theme parks which can be found on other Disneyland albeit sometimes in different ways the parks are presented. World Bazaar - Sprawling smack at the entrance of the Tokyo Disneyland is the World Bazaar. This Bazaar is a reminiscent of turn of the century American town with the feeling that you may come face to face with an Apache Red Indian or an outlaw wanted by the local county sheriff. Here you will find restaurants, shops, restaurants, outlets selling souvenirs and stuff that are appealing to tourists. Tomorrow land - A space age futuristic theme park. A delightful combination of science and innovative imagination. In Tomorrowland, you can enjoy rides that rockets you to outer space or if you are a science geek, get invited to the "Inventor of the year award ceremony." One of the favorite rides in Tomorrow Land is to help Buzz Light Year pulverize the Evil Emperor Zurg. Whatever that is. Toon Town - Bring the children to Toon town, they will love you for this. Toon town is where Disney characters work and play. Toon town is designed to cater exclusively for the kids and is bursting with colors with plenty of kiddy rides. Fantasy land - How can one be in magical Disneyland without entering the world of fairy tales and cartoons? Meet Disney's icons Mickey Mouse, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Donald Duck, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Captain Hook and a host of Disney cartoon characters this never never land. Critter Country - This is the land of the, well, you've guessed it, Critters. The critters are small animals from the Disney movie "Song of the South". Enjoy watching the critters burrowing little homes along the banks of the Rivers of America and on the slopes of Splash Mountain. Western land - A visit to the Wild Wild West brings you back in time to the earliest settlers of the American West. Perhaps the most important chapter of the American history. Enjoy dinning in restaurants from the wild west era. Adventure land - This is the where you visit the African, South American and Asian rainforest. You can even take a cruise in a "crocodile infested" river. Tropical jungles in downtown Tokyo? Well, this is what Disney magic is all about isn't it?
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San Francisco Walking Tours

While it's said that "nobody walks in L.A.," it's known that everyone walks in San Francisco. Having been a resident and frequent visitor to San Francisco, I can tell you that the very idea of walking in the City has always seemed odd to me. Let's face it; it's not the flattest town in which to walk. Yet, that's what everyone does. Walk, and huff and puff, and walk some more. There's just something about San Francisco that makes you want to step outside your hotel and walk. Perhaps it has something to do with the many different fascinating neighborhoods and buildings that compel people to slow down and take it all in. If you're planning a vacation or holiday to San Francisco one of the best ways to actually experience the city is to take a walking tour. And, when it comes to walking tours, both free and fee-required, San Francisco has more than its share (it must have taken some from L.A.). Free Walking Tours First, let's begin with the free tours offered by San Francisco City Guides, a non-profit organization of more than 200 trained volunteers who lead free walking tours in San Francisco (donations, of course, are gladly accepted). If you visit their website, sfcityguides.org, you'll notice an interesting array of free walking tours offered every day of the week, tours like "1906 Earthquake and Fire," "Art Deco Marina," "Chinatown," "City Hall," "Downtown Deco," "Financial District" and "Gold Coast Architecture." A few of the more interesting walks include: "Bawdy & Naughty" This downtown two-block walk explores the arrival of "professional" women in San Francisco during the Gold Rush. And, no, we're not talking about women doctors or lawyers. "Castro: Tales of the Village" The Castro area in San Francisco is a predominately gay area of town. But, it wasn't always that way. This tour explores the early years of the Castro. "Coit Tower Murals" This tour takes visitors to Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill to view the Murals created by some of California's leading artists of the 30s depicting life in the Great Depression. The murals are definitely worth seeing, either as a tour group or on your own. San Francisco City Guides say their tour shows you some murals not shown to the general public, so I recommend you consider the tour for this San Francisco landmark. "Ghost Walks" Here are a couple fun walking tours. The "Ghost Walk at City Hall" and the "Ghost Walk at the Palace" are held in October only, and explore, what else, ghostly occurrences. The tours typically begin in easy to identify and very public places and most of them even meet near access to public transportation in order to accommodate visitors coming from other areas of the city.
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A Florence Accommodation To Remember


Wouldn’t it be great to show up at your hotel absolutely sure that you’ve book the type of place you really wanted. We’ve all been there. We have looked up hotels online and hope to book one based on pictures and descriptions that will make a nice stopping place at the end of a busy day touring. Then, after a long day of travel we show up just to find that the place is much older and run down than the pictures implied. And what happened to the year-round indoor pool? Under construction? It can be extremely frustrating to plan a vacation and have the most basic of arrangements turn out wrong. Where you stay can greatly impact the quality of the entire trip. After all, at the end of the day, everyone wants to retire to a clean and comfortable place that will serve as their home away from home. Types of Florence Accommodations In Florence and the surrounding Tuscany region you will find four main types of accommodations. There is the Florence farmhouse, which are actually located in the countryside outside of Florence in areas such as Siena and Chianti. The farmhouse has the charm of old days and the luxury of a quaint bed and breakfast atmosphere. Often the morning meal and some dinners are included in the reservations. Farmhouses are family-friendly and the surrounding grounds have plenty of room for the kids to run around. Some will even accommodate small dogs. Many farmhouse reservations will include tours of the countryside. These may include wine tasting and visits to the sea. A villa can be found both inside the city limits and in the countryside. Usually villas are old castles or mansions that have been turned into homes away from home for extended visits. These can be quite luxurious and run the gamut of pricing. A villa, depending on where it is located, usually has a swimming pool. There is space and luxury enough to entertain business associates or newly made friends on your vacation. Some are suited to children, but it may be a good idea to check if young children would be welcome. It can be more stressful than relaxing if you are constantly worrying about what a young child might get into in a luxury villa. An apartment may be the best type of accommodation for extended visits to the Tuscany region. Trips that are weeks or months long can be tiring if you are living out of a suitcase and eating every meal out. With an apartment in the city you will be close to work and play, can accommodate a family spending a long vacation, and be close to all the action. You will have the facilities to cook meals, picking up the freshest produce at the central market, and often there will be places to do laundry close by if not in the apartment building. Hotels are best for those who like to be pampered on their trip to Italy. You can sample some of the best Florence, Italy recipes through room service or a leisurely stroll to a downtown restaurant along the river Arno. Many hotels are kid-friendly especially if only for a few nights. Remember, your accommodations can be viewed as either a quick place to stop for the night or a part of the whole Florence experience. You decide what will give you the trip of your dreams.

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Things To See In Florence Italy



Florence Italy is in the Tuscany region about midway between Milan to the north and Rome to the South. During the Renaissance, Florence was the center of art, politics and intellectual thought. The city is the biggest tourist attraction in the region with plenty to see and do. The city is small enough to walk to most places, but offers many attractions to keep you interested for weeks.

A large airport and train station in town make travelling within the region or out of the country easy. With public transportation and most attractions in easy walking distance, a Florence car rental may not be necessary. Everyone in the region speaks Italian, but many people also speak some English. It’s a good idea to have some knowledge of Italian when visiting the area. If you don’t speak Italian, consider purchasing a phrase book with common phrases in Italian to help you communicate while staying in the area. Early Autumn and Spring are the best times to visit Florence. This is still considered to be tourist season, but is not too overcrowded. Summer is the busiest season and you should expect crowds if you choose to travel at this time. The later Autumn tends to be chilly and can be rainy. It is still warm enough to visit and the crowds will have disappeared by this time. Things to See in Florence Italy o Casa di Dante is the home of the famous author of The Divine Comedy. The house is a tourist attraction and is located in the medieval section of the city. o The Baptistry of John the Baptist is an ornate church that was built in the 11th century o The Church of San Lorenzo is the oldest religious structure in Florence. It was built prior to the year 400.

The dining in Florence is amazing, with a wide variety of restaurants throughout the city. You will get the chance to sample Florence Italy recipes, which use the freshest ingredients. If you rent villas or apartments in Florence, you may want to try out a few of these in your own kitchen with fresh ingredients purchased at the local market.

Museums in Florence Italy Florence is home to several well known museums: o The Florence Archaeological Museum is a palace with Egyptian and Etruscan art collections. o Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens: the palace consists of several museums with paintings by several celebrated Florentine artists. The Boboli Gardens are manicured Renaissance gardens that you can walk and enjoy. o Uffizi Gallery was built in 1560 and contains numerous art works. The museum offers a beautiful view of the city in addition to spectacular works of art. Places to Stay in Florence Italy Visitors have several Florence accommodation options. There are a wide variety of hotels in Florence Italy, both in the center of town and on the outskirts. Prices vary according to the clientele and location. For longer stays apartments in Florence are a good choice. Most have small kitchens for a more home like atmosphere. If you prefer a more remote, country setting, a farmhouse holiday in Florence is a good choice.


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Three Places You Must Visit On The Face Of Earth

It’s one of the most exciting that time of the year, where your family has to make that ultimate decision and decide on a couple places to vacation. Many families become tired of traveling to the same vacation spots year after year. Before choosing a vacation location there are at least three in the world that a family must visit. If you haven’t been to Canada…it’s about time you pack some suitcases and be on your way. There are several places for the kids to enjoy themselves at the strips where there are arcades and much more.


If you’re looking for a night out with your spouse you’ll be surprised at how many small romantic restaurants you find offering a variety of food. Even in the summertime Canada is never too, hot or too cold so there’s perfect weather. Canada has a little something for everyone. There is one spot that men and women alike will enjoy is Edmonton, Canada’s largest mall, it’s the largest shopping and entertainment centre. There are over 800 stores, 110 eating outlets and restaurant.


Surprisingly, there are still American adults who have never stepped foot onto the Miami Florida soil. This is perfect for someone who loves the warmth of the sun...in Florida, there is plenty of it. There are also plenty of beautiful beaches like Sunny Isle Beach- Complete with a mixture of entertainment, relaxation, places where you can surf, swim and fish this is the place everyone in the family will enjoy.


Haulover Beach - This beach is definitely a family fun place. There are concessions, nice places for families to picnic. As always there’s surfing, sunbathing, swimming and there’s a part of the beach that’s clothing optional. Bal Harbour- BAL Harbour Beach is a place made for both the women and men. There’s shopping areas, spas and golf courses for the gentlemen. Miami just doesn’t offer some hot beaches to enjoy but let’s not forget Universal Studios is right nearby for the kids. The Universal Islands of Adventure offers entertainment for every age. The Islands of Adventures has nightclubs and celebrity chef restaurants for adults traveling with children. There are block buster movies and much more. Islands of Adventures are one of the perfect places to go with the whole family.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom- Animal Kingdom is a Kodak moment for the family where you’re able to see the different kinds of animals, enjoy scary fun roller coaster rides and play interactive games. Florida offers such more than words can describe, if your curiosity has been peaked just a little go and satisfy it by visiting Florida.. An action packed city with lots and lots of fun things to do you can have such a great time there you never want to leave.


Every day New York hosts several Broadway plays ranging from old school classic to modern day. You can even take the whole family with you and then afterwards enjoy dinner at the several classy restaurants around. For ladies who love to shop New York has plenty of discount stores that offer name brand clothes, pocketbook and jewelry for bargain prices. There’s strips, fireworks everything you can possibly imagine. If you are adventurous family looking to explore earth’s realms start off with these three amazing places.

Wana search for affordable accommodations there? Check out from Tripalive NOw!

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Visit Malaysia Year 2007~






Check out some great places in Malaysia! Visit Malaysia today! Want to plan on a budget trip to Malaysia? Check it the promotions here NOW!





The Wishing Tree














Tai Po, one of the Hong Kong's 18 Districts. In the lush, green valley of Lam Tsuen (Lin Village) stand the enchanting Wishing Trees, laden with colourful pieces of paper. According to tradition, people in Hong Kong believe that wisher will write their wishes on the bundle of paper and throw them into the air. Their wish will be granted if the paper catches on the trees of many branches.
I went to this wishing tree before and it was a real fun.
Nevertheless, besides the wishing trees, you can also experience a total different lifestyle of people in Hong Kong. You may also grab some tit bits of Lin Village there. Those tit bits are the traditional tit bits and You would'nt able to get any when you get back to the city in Hong Kong.
To book or plan on a budget trip to Hong Kong, check out
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Taro Ball Store & Beef Noodle & Dumpling

Have you ever tried Taro Ball before? Oh well, it is a kind of dessert and there is a place in Taiwan which you would not want to miss! It is the Cheng Hsiang Handmade Taro Ball located at the Tsaotun, Nantou county in Taiwan.
Taro and sweet potato are cut into silvers and steamed to form the paste used in these balls. All ingredients are purchased on the same day they are used. Even the brown sugar is toasted for three hours and then boiled in a big pot for use. The taro balls are 100% made authentic, high quality materials as well as pleasant chewy texture.


Next, let us introduce you to another store which has delicious Beef noodle and dumplings to you. Yummy! Yummy! I would said.Taiwan is always famous for their beef noodle soup and this is something which you can't missed when you plan a trip to Taiwan.

This shop is also located at Nantou County as well. It is known as the Lao Tung Yi Pin Shop. Their dumplings are distinguished by their chewy texture and savory fillings.
In particular, the pork filling is cooked with medicinal herbs and has an unusual flavor.

The shop cooks a big pot of beef and over twenty medicinal herbs every day. The herbs impact an even more delightful flavor to the beef noodles. Check out the best rates and plan on your trip to Taiwan today at http://www.tripalive.com

Monday, February 5, 2007

Things to do in Paris



Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world. You can go to the top of various attractions for breathtaking views of the city, stay at a luxury hotel or castle, kiss overlooking the Seine River, and more.
You may have been there, done that and bought the keyring on your first trip, but visiting Paris without glimpsing La Tour is unthinkable. If you’re over when the weather warmer, head for the grassy area with bread, pé and lashings of wine for an impromptu picnic – best in the evening when 20,000 bulbs flash on the tower for ten minutes every hour for shimmery effect. Of course, if you haven’t already ascended, add it to your itinerary. At the top there’s a viewing platform with panels pointing out what on display in every direction – on a good day, you can see for over 65km – though some of the best views are of the ironwork itself.
Secondly, go to the museum! Don't yawn. Paris has some of the world's most exciting museums, and many of them are free. That means you can brush up on civic history at Musé Carnavalet (a 16th-century mansion housing everything from Neolithic canoes to Napoleon's cradle), check out art and artifacts at Musé Cognacq-Jay, and learn about fabled French perfume at Muse Fragonard, all without spending a single euro. The big kahuna, the Louvre, is free for folks under 18, and free for everyone one Sunday a month.
Check out the lights!! To see why Paris is called the "City of Light," just stroll after dark when its star attractions are illuminated like Christmas trees. The pice de ristance is the Eiffel Tower, festooned with 800 strings of dazzling white lights. For the full effect, arrive on the hour so you can watch its 20,000 individual bulbs sparkle in a 10-minute display.House hunt with Le Corbusier ~ another place you just have to visit in Paris!You can literally tick off Corb’s points of architecture as you walk round the arresting house he designed for a Swiss art collector in 1923. Main part of house elevated on stilts? Check. Ocean liner strip windows in place?
Cylindrical staircase? Check. Built-in furniture? All present and correct. Alongside the three-dimensional examples of his work you can also see all the drawings, plans and artwork he bequeathed on his death in 1965, with the aim of keeping it all together. His visionary architecture and design practices are as much a blueprint for living today as they were when they were created.
check out the Paris Hotels Best Rates Now!

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Plan a trip to Kaoshiung!~













Kaoshiung is the 2nd largest city in Taiwan and a commercial harbor of world importance. Located south of the Tropic of Cancer, its tropical climate means Kaoshiung is hot and sunny throughout the year. The Love River, which runs tru the city, is now a major recreatioin site. The river is lined on either side by well-kept parks and gardens that make romantic walkaways of the riverbanks. The riverside are is also a venue for events like the Lantern Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, and other performances, concerts and folk art festivals.

The new Jyuejiang Shopping Area is the biggest retailer of international goods in Southern Taiwan, displaying fashions from Tokyo, Paris, London, Milan, New York. Liouhe Night Market and Guanhua Night market are both noted for their large number of food stalls selling delicious Taiwanese snacks, and for great shopping. A stroll tru the night markets here will bring you closer to the rhythm of Taiwanese life.

Lotus Lake in Zuoying is surrounded by many temples, which make it the religious and tourist centre for the Kaoshiung area. Thee Spring and Autumn Pavilions, the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, and thee Confucius are the few major attractions there.

Tianhou Temple in Cijin was built in 1691 and is one of the Kaoshiung's oldest buildings. Taiwan's 2nd lighthouse, Cijin Lighthouse in Houshanding, was built in 1883, the lighthouse is octaganal, snow white and fairly petite. Cijin Coastal Park and Cijin Beach are two other places worth visiting as every street in Cijin are seafood restaurant or selling their catch fresh there.

Check out Kaoshiung or Taiwan Hotels for the best rates today! Make your Taiwan trip Alive!!

Batu Caves Malaysia Event Trip















Lying just north of Kuala Lumpur not far from Templer Park are the Batu Caves, another visually enchanting natural marvel. Carved out of limestone, these meticulously sculpted caverns are sacred Hindu shrines. Nevertheless, visitors are allowed to visit daily. Here, you'll see a Hindu Temple, as well as an art gallery featuring mythological Hindu statues. Discovered in 1878, the Batu Caves are part of a large limestone outcrop and house several items of religious significance to Hindus. An exhausting, 272-step climb, during which scores of cute but aggressive monkeys beckon for munchies, brings you to the Temple Cave, which features a Shrine to Lord Subramania, a Hindu deity. Inside this cave it is dark, damp, cool and a little eerie, but nonetheless spectacular. If the climb up is too daunting, The Museum Cave on the ground level has bright paintings of Hindu gods and other mythical figures. Real coconuts are sold at the bottom of the steps, too, as a refreshing treat after the climb up and down.One of the Visit Malaysia Year 07 event is Thaiphusam and this is the Indian's festival. During this day, This remarkable festival features hundreds of Hindu devotees who make a journey from a river near the bottom of the steps up to the Temple Cave carrying on their shoulders "kavadis," huge, half-wheel-like structures which are hooked into the devotees' skin. Some devotees also pierce their tongues and cheeks with sharp skewers. This is done to reflect gratitude for blessings received or penance for past sins. It is an awesome, if not gruesome, sight.
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Visit Malaysia Year 2007


Visit Malaysia Year 07 Event Listings

Flora Fest
20 January 2007 Until 4 February 2007
Feast your eyes on a splendid display of flowers! The city will be transformed into a veritable paradise of breathtaking,colourful blossom. with its theme 'Colour of Harmony', the event will be a delightful experience for participants and visitors alike. A highlight is the Floral Parade in Puterajaya, featuring beautifully decorated floats from all around Malaysia and the neighbouring countries. Bazaars, competitions, exhibitions and workshops are other not to be missed activities.

Venue:
PutraJaya and Klang Valley
Wilayah Persekutuan

Thaipusam Festival
1 February 2007
This is a day of penance and thanksgiving by Hindu devotees
held in honour of Lord Subramaniam. The festival is best
experiencedin Kuala Lumpur where the deity's jewelled chariot
is led in amass procession through the streets of the city,
culminating at Batu Caves in Selangor.
An unforgettable sight is the thousands of devotees
in a trance-like state carrying body-piercing kavadis
or ornate frames.
Venue:
Batu Caves
Selangor

Le Tour de Langkawi
2 February 2007 Until 11 February 2007
A cycling spectacle not to be missed. Asia's version of "Le Tour de France", the Le Tour de Langkawi promises to be an action-packed race as the world's finest riders traverse spectacular and treacherous terrain from the idyllic island of Langkawi to Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia.

Venue:
Langkawi
Kedah

Maybank Malaysian Open 2007
8 February 2007 Until 11 February 2007
The Malaysia Open provides the platform for a number of amateur and professional Malaysian golfers to compete against the world's best players. It will be held at the best golfing venues in Malaysia such as The Mines, Saujana Golf and Country Club, Royal Selangor Golf and Country Club and Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. The event attracts participants from over 40 nations around the world.

Venue:
Saujana Golf and Country Club

Chinese New Year Celebration and Open House
18 February 2007
Drums, gongs and cymbals clang and clash in
accompaniment to lion and dragon dances, as
the Chinese New Year is ushered in.
The festival is celebrated over a 15-day period.
On the eve of Chinese New Year, family members
hold reunion dinners followed by the 'open house'
for relatives and friends.
This is an exciting time to be in Malaysia as visitors are surprised
to come upon lion and dragon dance performances in public venues.
The abundance of mandarin oranges and stalks of plum blossoms,
believed to bring properity and good luck, add to the festive air.

Malaysia GP Sale 2007
24 March 2007 Until 22 April 2007
Fantastic bargains and discounts await shoppers in this nationwide sale carnival, held to coincide with the F1 Grand Prix. Grab the variety of products and services on offer, and enjoy exciting exhibitions and roadshows at shopping malls around the country.

Venue:
Kuala Lumpur
Perlis

Taman Negara Eco-Challenge
24 March 2007 Until 25 March 2007
Take Part in this extreme sporting event as you compete with the world’s top mountain running racing to ascend and descend the 2,187m high Gunung Tahan. Winners get to enjoy attractive prizes and all participants will be given recognition as a reward for their efforts

Venue:
Taman Negara
Pahang

KL GP City Festival
1 April 2007 Until 8 April 2007
Organised in conjunction with the Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix, this event offers a fantastic of great entertainment, automobile shows as well as unbelievable bargains and discounts for shopping. Be part of the action here in Kuala Lumpur!

Venue:
Kuala Lumpur

Royal Go-Kart Competition
6 April 2007 Until 8 April 2007
Go-kart enthusiasts will have the time of their lives at this competition, held in conjunction with the birthday of His Royal Highness, The Sultan of Kelantan.

Venue:
Kelantan

Check out budget hotels at
Tripalive!Budget Hostels or Check Malaysia Hotel Deals!