World Travel: December 2011

Saturday 31 December 2011

Spain Barcelona Beauty Facts

Barcelona, Spain's second largest city, and the 2,000 year-old capital of Catalunya, is a thriving port town with an excellent year-round climate, a cosmopolitan attitude, and enough art, architecture, nightlife and gastronomical delights to satisfy travelers of all ages and budgets. Indeed, if you are planning to travel Spain Barcelona should not be missed.

Barcelona Spain was the seat of a vast Mediterranean empire when Madrid was one-horse outpost on the sweltering Spanish steppe. Since 133 BC, the Romans, Visigoths, Franks and Moors have all, at one time or another, controlled Barcelona. The city grew increasingly more powerful throughout the middle ages. In 1561 the more centrally located city of Madrid became the seat of the Spanish Royal court, though well into the eighteenth-century Barcelona enjoyed special privileges and autonomy in the Catalunyan region.

Though it has a population of over three million, Barcelona Spain feels much smaller and more accessible. For the wandering tourist, Barcelona attractions are easily seen on foot.

Barcelona is comprised of four main districts: Ciutat Vella or the Old City, El Barri Gotic or the gothic quarter, La Ribera (the waterfront area), and El Raval, the outskirts southwest of the Rambla. Like Madrid's Gran Via, La Rambla is Barcelona"s main thoroughfare, and among the best Barcelona attractions. La Rambla bisects Barcelona"s Old Town, and is a perfect first stop for tourists looking to familiarize themselves with the city.

After a walk down La Rambla, and a stop at the nearby Boqueria Market, head to the Gothic Quarter to see the Catedral de la Seau. Other Barcelona Attractions include a stop at Antoni Gaudi"s unfinished architectural master piece, the Sagrada Familia. In color and texture this towering cathedral resembles a sand castle that has been smoothed over by a wave, or perhaps a sculpture of ice that is slowly melting away.

After a day trip through downtown, make your way up to Parc Guell. Also designed by Gaudi, this park overlooking downtown Barcelona was originally designed as a residential compound, though only two houses were every built on the site. Nonetheless, the twisted ceramic benches, towering pillars, warped sidewalks and multicolored tiles lend an Alice-in-Wonderland feel to this most original of Barcelona attractions.

After a long day of hoofing across Barcelona, the hungry traveler should look for some authentic Catalan food. The Mediterranean diet of virgin olive oil, seafood, onions, garlic and red wine is as mainstay in Barcelona. Typical entrees include habas a la catalana, a spicy bean stew, and pinacas a la catalana (spinach with pine nuts, raisins and bacon). If you travel to Barcelona, wines are one thing that will temp you again and again. The nearby Penedes region produce an especially tasty local sparkling white wine known as cava—not to be confused with the Fijian liquor of the same name—that is best enjoyed while sitting at a sidewalk café and marveling at all the Barcelona attractions you've seen, and all you have left to explore.

Goa India Beach Information

Goa is one of the best-visited tourist destinations today. Endowed with some of the most coveted beaches in the world, this tiny emerald land in the west coast attracts tourist from all over the glove. Being the erstwhile Portuguese Colony, the land reflects a fine blend of Indian and European culture and boasts of its delightful Konkani dishes.

Goa is well known as a tourist paradise in India as well as abroad. The presence of magnificent Goa resorts and state-of-the-art hotel chains nearby Goa Beach, make Goa India the premier beach holiday destination today.
There is so much you can do here-from lazing around on the fine Goa beach, to taking a stroll among the numerous markets-all this coupled with its unique and elegant lifestyle, warm sunshine and friendly locals have made it one of the most sought after destinations in India.

If you’ve never thought about a Holiday to Goa, India before, you might want to consider it now and enjoy your holidays in Goa! It’s a gorgeous, exotic place with a treasure of natural attractions, and a whole host of beautiful beaches of Goa.

Goa India Beach

Thursday 29 December 2011

Singapore Travel Places

If it is a quick visit to a small place with all the concoctions of an enjoyable sophisticated, ethnic and simple holiday then, Singapore is the place for you to visit. Singapore boasts of one of the most educated populations and offers many delights to the pleasure savvy traveler. The country is filled with picturesque locations, luscious gardens and parks, beautiful architecture and simply splendid water retreats. Not to leave out all the attractive areas to shop, eat tasty food and relax!

The Merlion-Before you visit any other place in Singapore you need to see the Merlion standing about 37 meters tall. It is the national emblem of Singapore serving as the nation’s mascot. It is based on a mythical creature that is half lion and half fish. The statue faces the grand Singapore River and can be easily reached as it is a popular tourist venue.

Sentosa-Sentosa meaning peace and tranquility

Sentosa is a calm and pleasant island that attracts people in hordes due to its long sandy beaches, historical sites, museums and beautiful rustic nature trails. It also boasts of Asia’s famous oceanarium and the cute pink dolphins in the Dolphin Lagoon. For those interested in golf, there are two international 18-hole golf courses with beautiful scenery. The Sentosa Sandsation is an international sand sculpting event here in Sentosa!

Sentosa Sky Tower

This is one of Singapore’s tallest public viewing tower from which you can get a panoramic view of all the islands. 72 people can fit in at one go and it takes only around seven minutes in this air-conditioned cozy cabin to have a look at the wonderful greenery around.

Night Safari

The Night Safari is an extremely popular tourist venue in Singapore as it offers you the opportunity to observe nature in the stillness of the night. The more adventurous can go on walking trails or relax in a tram ride. The Safari is open from 6 pm to midnight daily.

Little India-For those stepping into Little India, it will be a sense (ational) experience. The strong scent of spices and jasmine garlands greet you the moment you step here. It is indeed a mini India what with small provision shops selling ethnic jewelry, silk saris, scents and the like. Even parrot fortune sellers are put up here!

China Town

Chinatown’s local name is Niu Che Shui or Bullock Cart Water. This extraordinary name comes from the fact that earlier people from every household collected fresh water from the wells in Ann Siang Hill and Spring Street using bullock-drawn carts. The Al Abrar Mosque and the Sri Mariamman Temple speak volumes of the ethnic diversity and harmonious co-habitation between people of different religions.

Mount Faber and Clark Quay

Mount Faber has beautiful landscapes offering vantage points and panoramic views of Singapore.

Clark Quay was once upon a time the centre of commerce. The water front today boasts of innumerable restaurants, bars, shops and places of entertainment. Don’t miss Singapore for anything!

Singapore

Wednesday 28 December 2011

Global City London The Capital of UK Facts

London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its founding by the Romans, who called it Londinium. London's ancient core, the City of London, largely retains its square-mile mediaeval boundaries. Since at least the 19th century, the name London has also referred to the metropolis developed around this core. The bulk of this conurbation forms the London region and the Greater London administrative area, governed by the elected Mayor of London and the London Assembly.

London is a leading global city, with strengths in the arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, professional services, research and development, tourism and transport all contributing to its prominence. It is the world's largest financial centre and has the fifth-largest city GDP in the world (and the largest in Europe). It has the most international visitors of any city in the world and London Heathrow is the world's busiest airport by number of international passengers. London's 43 universities form the largest concentration of higher education in Europe. London has some of the highest real estate prices in the world. In 2012 London will become the first city to host the modern Summer Olympic Games three times.

London has a diverse range of peoples, cultures, and religions, and more than 300 languages are spoken within its boundaries. In July 2010 Greater London had an official population of 7,825,200, making it the most populous municipality in the European Union. The Greater London Urban Area is the second-largest in the EU with a population of 8,278,251, while London's metropolitan area is the largest in the EU with an estimated total population of between 12 million and 14 million. London had the largest population of any city in the world from around 1831 to 1925.

London contains four World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London; Kew Gardens; the site comprising the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, and St Margaret's Church; and the historic settlement of Greenwich (in which the Royal Observatory marks the Prime Meridian (0° longitude) and GMT). Other famous landmarks include Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, St Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square and Wembley Stadium. London is home to numerous museums, galleries, libraries, sporting events and other cultural institutions, including the British Museum, National Gallery, British Library, Wimbledon and 40 theatres. The London Underground is the oldest underground railway network in the world and the second-most extensive (after the Shanghai Metro).

London The Capital of UK

Tuesday 27 December 2011

hong kong pictures and wallpapers

Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of the People's Republic of China (PRC), the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour. With a land mass of 1,104 km2 (426 sq mi) and a population of seven million people, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Hong Kong's population is 95 percent ethnic Chinese and 5 percent from other groups. Hong Kong's Han Chinese majority originate mainly from the cities of Guangzhou and Taishan in the neighbouring Guangdong province.

Hong Kong became a colony of the British Empire after the First Opium War (1839–42). Originally confined to Hong Kong Island, the colony's boundaries were extended in stages to the Kowloon Peninsula in 1860 and then the New Territories in 1898. It was occupied by Japan during the Pacific War, after which the British resumed control until 1997, when China resumed sovereignty. The region espoused minimum government intervention under the ethos of positive non-interventionism during the colonial era. The time period greatly influenced the current culture of Hong Kong, often described as "East meets West", and the educational system, which used to loosely follow the system in England until reforms implemented in 2009.

Under the principle of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong has a different political system from mainland China. Hong Kong's independent judiciary functions under the common law framework. The Basic Law of Hong Kong, its constitutional document, which stipulates that Hong Kong shall have a "high degree of autonomy" in all matters except foreign relations and military defence, governs its political system. Although it has a burgeoning multi-party system, a small-circle electorate controls half of its legislature. An 800-person Election Committee selects the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, the head of government.

As one of the world's leading international financial centres, Hong Kong has a major capitalist service economy characterised by low taxation and free trade, and the currency, Hong Kong dollar, is the eighth most traded currency in the world. The lack of space caused demand for denser constructions, which developed the city to a centre for modern architecture and the world's most vertical city. The dense space also led to a highly developed transportation network with public transport travelling rate exceeding 90 percent, the highest in the world. Hong Kong has numerous high international rankings in various aspects. For instance, its economic freedom, financial and economic competitiveness, quality of life, corruption perception, Human Development Index, etc., are all ranked highly.

hong kong

Monday 26 December 2011

Moscow Red Square Feel It..:)

Moscow Red Square is the heart of Russia. It's the historical, cultural, and political center of the country.
The Red Square is more than 500 years old. It was set up by Ivan Groznyi in 1493,and was initially used as a marketplace.
Gradually, the Russian governments began to use it for ceremonies. This tradition has lived until today.

By the way, it's called "Red" not because of the color. The word "red" used to mean "beautiful" in Russian. And beauty it is.
The first thing I felt when I got there was how tiny and insignificant I am. The feeling was not accidental.
The Red Square reflects the difference between the East and the West. It symbolizes the state, its reign over man.
It sends you that famous Orwellian message - "The Big Brother is watching you".

All the power is concentrated here. The Kremlin is right behind the wall. These days, it is the only real authority in the country. Just like the old times.
Lenin's Tomb is located on the Moscow Red Square as well. There was time when thousands of people came daily to their beloved leader

Since 1945, the military parades were held there annually. They were cut down during Perestroika and gradually restored.
The first parade was held at 1941, just before the War. It had to show the strength of Russian troops to the Germans. Apparently, the Nazis were not impressed.

The choice of place is not accidental. During the Communist regime, the Red Square parades stressed the power of Kremlin.
Thousands of soldiers stomping the pavement made Soviet people proud and loyal, reminding them who was the boss.

There is another symbol of power on the Red Square. In the past, it used to house several cathedral. Two of them, Kazan Cathedral and Iverskaya Chapel, were demolished.
Now the only one remaining is Saint Basil's Cathedral. These churches were reminding the people about the God-given right of their kings.
You see how it's coming together? Moscow Red Square blends the military, politics, and religion into a unique energy that represents Russia.
But it has changed a lot.
The Red Square has become much friendlier. It's open to everyone. People come to celebrate their wedding, shop at boutiques and even ice-skate!
Popular artists, such as Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, come to Red Square to throw performances.

Thursday 22 December 2011

The Cultures of China

The Culture of China (simplified Chinese: traditional Chinese: pinyin: Zhōngguó wénhuà) is one of the world's oldest and most complex cultures. The area in which the culture is dominant covers a large geographical region in eastern Asia with customs and traditions varying greatly between towns, cities and provinces. Today there are..........
56 distinct recognized ethnic groups in China. In terms of numbers, however, the pre-eminent ethnic group is the Han Chinese. Throughout history, many groups have been assimilated into neighboring ethnicities or disappeared without a trace. At the same time, many within the Han identity have maintained distinct linguistic and regional cultural traditions. The termZhonghua Minzu has been used to describe the notion of Chinese nationalism in general. Much of the traditional cultural identity within the community has to do with distinguishing the family name. Traditional Chinese Culture covers large geographical territories, where each region is usually divided into distinct sub-cultures. Each region is often represented by three ancestral items. For example Guangdong is represented by chenpi, aged ginger and hay. Others include ancient cities like Lin'an (Hangzhou), which include tea leaf, bamboo shoot trunk and hickory nut. Such distinctions give rise to the old Chinese proverb

China Culture

Travel To Hawaii

Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states (August 21, 1959), and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of Australia. Hawaii’s diverse natural scenery, warm tropical climate, abundance of public beaches and oceanic surrounding, and active volcanoes make it a popular destination for tourists, surfers, biologists, and volcanologists alike. Due to its mid-Pacific location, Hawaii has many North American and Asian influences along with its own vibrant native culture. Hawaii has over a million permanent residents along with many visitors and U.S. military personnel. Its capital is Honolulu on the island of Oʻahu.

The state encompasses nearly the entire volcanic Hawaiian Island chain, which comprises hundreds of islands spread over 1,500 miles (2,400 km). At the southeastern end of the archipelago, the eight "main islands" are (from the northwest to southeast) Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Maui, and Hawaiʻi. The last is by far the largest and is often called "The Big Island" to avoid confusion with the state as a whole. The archipelago is physiographically and ethnologically part of the Polynesian subregion of Oceania.

Hawaii is the 8th least extensive, the 11th least populous, but the 13th most densely populated of the 50 United States. Hawaii's coastline is approximately 750 miles (1,210 km) long, which is fourth in the United States after Alaska, Florida, and California.

Hawaii is one of two states that do not observe daylight saving time, the other being Arizona.

Hawaii

Wednesday 21 December 2011

Indigo Pearl Hotel Luxury Resort, Phuket, Thailand

This unique, chic and contemporary resort basks in spacious grounds with a feast of dining venues and a wide range of facilities. Indigo Pearl blends traditional Thai decor with sleek and trendy design elements, offers great value for money and is particularly popular with our clients.

From the 15th of May to the 31st of October the guest rooms at Indigo Pearl will be undergoing refurbishment but all of the facilities will remain open and disturbance will be kept to a strict minimum.

There are three swimming pools (including two for adults only), and a choice of eight bars and restaurants with menus from Thai to tapas. Other fantastic facilities include a pampering spa, fitness centre, dive centre, Thai cookery school at Moo's Kitchen, weekend market and a kids' club.
Accommodation

177 luxurious and recently refurbished rooms and suites overlook gardens, each with air-conditioning, minibar, television, walk-in wardrobe, complimentary Wi-Fi access, tea and coffee facilities, bath and/or shower and a balcony or terrace.

Pearl bed suites (56m²) feature two private terraces.
Premium pearl bed suites (65m²) have an expansive terrace with queen size daybed and bath.
Elegant D-Buk suites (76m²) feature a separate living area and two private terraces with a spa area for exclusive treatments.
Pool pavilions (112m²) feature a private courtyard with plunge pool, daybed and sun loungers.

Sumptuously spacious Private pool villas (550-2,500m²) are available on request.