Go Travel and See the World

Amsterdam, the capital city of Netherlands, is famous for its canals. You cannot find here any single trace of Roman ruins or any Romanesque church or cathedral. It is a city built entirely by rich traders and lovers of beauty.

Its history says that the original center of Amsterdam was created in about 1200 when the waterlanders from the North move to the mouth of the Amstel in search of more secure and fertile land.

If you happen to visit Amsterdam, don’t miss to take a cruise around its canals. It is one of the best way to explore and see this city. Here are some snaphots I took during our visit last summer 2010.

Another way to have an overview of Amsterdam is to fly over it. Air trips over the city are organized during summer time. In this way, you can appreciate and understand why this extraordinary network of canals have made the Dutch capital be rebaptized as the Venice of the North.

This is also my first entry for these interesting memes below;

For more images of these memes, feel free to visit and join My World Tuesday, Watery, Wordful and Outdoor Wednesday. Thanks to the Authors of these sites for hosting these wonderful memes. Have a great and blessed day!

New York City is the largest in the USA. Whether it is just for a long weekend or perhaps a bit longer, it’s a perfect place to spend your vacation. There is so much to see in the city, one visit just isn’t enough. Don’t be surprised when you leave the city if it keeps calling to you to come back, that is all a part of the Big Apple’s charm.

Our friends Anytrip.com have come up with some very good reasons to visit New York City. They recommend you stay in a cheap New York hotel and save your money to enjoy as much of the city as possible.

New York has every imaginable type of cuisine to offer you. The many neighborhoods are abundant with different cultures. A visitor to New York will never have to walk far before finding a unique culinary delight to satisfy their palate. There is Chinatown, Korea Town, Little Italy and the list to choose from just goes on.

There are so many fine art centers to visit while vacationing in the city. It simply will become a matter of which ones to see verses the amount of time you can give to visit them. The Centers that I suggest that you explore are the Museum of Modern Art or Natural History. If you are visiting with your children you may want to allow some time to walk through the Children’s Museum of Manhattan.

A visit to the “Great White Way” or better known as the Theater District area of the City is a must see when vacationing in New York. Broadway has numerous theaters with a multitude of shows to choose from. The shows available range from revisions of the old classics to the latest plays that have just been released.

This statue represents the USA’s proudest symbol of freedom and all we believe. It can be seen on Liberty Island, near Ellis Island which is the port where so many immigrants have come through seeking freedom in the United States.

It’s the largest store for Toys! This is the reason to come to New York City. There is so much to see. There are ever changing led-grid light events on the ceiling, live characters that are dressed as toy soldiers outside the entrance the store. It’s an amazing experience so do not miss this shopping adventure it is sure to thrill all that visit.

Let’s go travel and see the world again! It’s time to visit Hollywood Studious in Disneyland, California! We know for sure, all the kids and most adult people will love this place. Here is a picture of it. More photos to come next time!

We all love Lonely Planet guides, but if you’re looking for an outlet to express your own experiences, and share your photos, memories, and travel tips with the rest of the world, then you’ll need to get yourself a travel blog. Even if you’ve never blogged before, here are some basic tips to get you started.

· Choose your weapon – Many blog sites such as WordPress or Blogger offer ‘travel blog’ themes and layouts, designed to make it easy for travellers to upload their travel writing, and attach their own pictures, videos, and other media. If you already have a blog, you could add your travel writing as a separate section or category of the site.

· Name it -Naming your blog is just as important as naming your child. That may be an exaggeration, but you’ll want your blog to be something you’ll be proud to share with the world. Choose wisely, and give your blog an informative, unusual, yet memorable title, to help get people coming back to read it.

· Decide on a theme – Are you going to focus on a specific aspect of travel? “The best chocolate cakes I’ve had around the world”? The best tickets you’ve ever scored, like those bargain flights to Singapore? Or will you write about something more general? Offering a quirky, interesting blog on a topic not many people would think to write about can set your blog apart from the thousands out there. Funny anecdotes, lists of How To’s, Top Tens, Best Flights you’ve been on, and lists of things to do in certain places are much more interesting than play-by-play run throughs of everything you did on a particular day.

· Make it pretty – The appearance of your blog is extremely important, as people are more likely to keep reading something if it looks good. Consider the overall colour schemes and layout, and try not to have too many widgets, background images, or a complicated site navigation system. Blogging tools these days make it easy for even beginners to make a visually attractive site.

· Tell people about yourself – Readers often want to know a little about the person writing the blog, and what your individual insight is, so consider including an “about me” or “bio” section.

· Attract some attention – To start out, many people post entries in other travel forums and create links back to their own blog. If you use other social media, such as Facebook, or Twitter, make sure you include links to your blog on these sites. You can also submit your blog to blog directories and search engines so that more people will find it.

With these simple tips, you’ll soon be blogging about that amazing nightclub you visited in Croatia, or how you got those cheap flights to Thailand in no time.

Sources:
kenmetcalf.me/being-inspired/Index.aspx?page=tips-on-starting-your-own-travel-blog
matadortravel.com/traveler/victoria-brewood/blog/10-tips-starting-travel-blog

Image taken in Bohol Beach Club, Philippines by Euroangel Graffiti

Cheap hotel in New York”
http://www.anytrip.com/hotels/usa/new-york-city/

and

“Cheap hotel in Miami” .
http://www.anytrip.com/hotels/usa/miami/

SUBJECT SUGGESTION?: New York vs Miami – The differences

copyright photo by: Supernova
My wife’s dream to visit this well-known palace in London finally came true. I was not with her during her visit due to work situation..I knew that she truly enjoyed her trip and it makes me happy too seeing her happy!!


Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarch.[1] Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is a setting for state occasions and royal entertaining, and a major tourist attraction. It has been a rallying point for the British people at times of national rejoicing and crisis.

Originally known as Buckingham House, the building which forms the core of today’s palace was a large townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703 and acquired by George III in 1761[2] as a private residence, known as “The Queen’s House”. It was enlarged over the next 75 years, principally by architects John Nash and Edward Blore, forming three wings around a central courtyard. Buckingham Palace finally became the official royal palace of the British monarch on the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837. The last major structural additions were made in the late 19th and early 20th century, including the present-day public face of Buckingham Palace. The building is occasionally still referred to as “Buck House”.

The original early 19th-century interior designs, many of which still survive, included widespread use of brightly coloured scagliola and blue and pink lapis, on the advice of Sir Charles Long. King Edward VII oversaw a partial redecoration in a Belle epoque cream and gold colour scheme. Many smaller reception rooms are furnished in the Chinese regency style with furniture and fittings brought from the Royal Pavilion at Brighton and from Carlton House following the death of King George IV. The Buckingham Palace Garden is the largest private garden in London, originally landscaped by Capability Brown, but redesigned by William Townsend Aiton of Kew Gardens and John Nash. The artificial lake was completed in 1828 and is supplied with water from the Serpentine, a lake in Hyde Park.

The state rooms form the nucleus of the working Palace and are used regularly by Queen Elizabeth II and members of the royal family for official and state entertaining. Buckingham Palace is one of the world’s most familiar buildings and more than 50,000 people visit the palace each year as guests to banquets, lunches, dinners, receptions and the royal garden parties.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckingham_Palace

When you set out to hike in the Himalayas, you certainly expect to leave many of the comforts of modern civilization far behind in order to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of this sacred region. Guests of Shakti Himalaya, however, can relax knowing that at the end of a day of hiking and exploring the mountains and valleys they will have warm and comfortable quarters in the village houses along the way, which by Himalayan standards are quite luxurious.

Village houses are private retreats built just for Shakti Himalaya guests and have upscale accommodations for up to 8 travelers, complete with electricity — though limited — and meals prepared by the local villagers. Each evening hikers arrive at a different village house to find private rooms that are tastefully decorated with local fabrics and furniture and divided into a dining/sitting area and a bedroom with fabulous views. Outside are large patios with firepits where you can sip your warming drink while watching the sunrises and sunsets. Western-style toilet facilities are offered in a bathouse that has slate tile showers. Spring water is boiled by the staff so that hot showers are available each evening, a decided luxury in some of these remote mountain regions.

The Himalayan guided trail tours developed by Shakti Himalaya will eventually lead you to the 360º Leti Lodge, a premier facility which sits atop a stunning spur of the mountains with incredible views from every vantage point. Voted one of the top 101 hotels in the world, the 360º Leti Lodge is situated precisely where Tibet, India and Nepal meet. This simple but elegant lodge provides beautifully appointed rooms that have all the comforts of home, but maintain an authentic Himalayan flavor.

In the evenings, guests gather in the lodge around a roaring fireplace and share a delicious dinner served by candlelight. Afterwards, you can wander outside to contemplate a dazzling night sky, where the high altitude and thin air makes the stars look close enough to reach out and touch. The 360º Leti Lodge is open from the 1st of October to the 1st of May each year and has a minimum stay of three nights. Reservations can be made through your local tour operators or directly through Shakti Himalaya’s website.

Guest post by Himalaya Travel experts Shakti Himalaya.
Image by Euroangel

There are many great hotels to stay but few have the much-coveted ‘wow’ factor. In the last 30 years, the emphasis on eco friendliness and preservation has inspired many a hotel owner to experiment with alternative hotel concepts. Of all the unusual hotels in the world, the following truly provide a once in a lifetime experience:

1) 360 Leti

Perched on the Himalayas are four perfectly placed cottages which boast a breathtaking view of this majestic mountain range. The village houses overlook the Ramganga River and snow capped mountains. From your sitting area, you’ll get a glimpse of the untouched Himalayan mountains and wilderness. Crafted by local tradesmen and staffed by locals, 360 Leti serves a variety of cuisine, including Indian, Tibetan, Continental and Asian. 360 Leti is a true Himalayan experience and has to be seen to be appreciated. This must-visit hotel has made 360 Leti very popular amongst travelers and adventurers alike, and has recently been voted in the top 101 hotels in the world, for the third year running.

2) Jules Undersea Lodge

It is the only place on earth where you can spend a night underwater without any direct connection to the land. The lodge is located in Key Largo, Florida. To access it, one has to take a course in scuba diving. Once inside the small lodge, guests can enjoy every facility imaginable in a 2 star hotel. The freshly cooked seafood is provided by trained divers. There are two bedrooms, wet room and a common room. This undersea lodge contains a microwave, refrigerator, TV and stereo. There are three 42 inch windows.

3) Chillingham Castle

As the name suggest, the castle really gives chills. It is located in Northumberland and is a Grade I listed historic building, which is now marketed as the most haunted location in Britain. This castle has also been featured in many popular documentaries. If you don’t believe in ghosts, you may want to rent a room in this castle. Maybe, you will have other thoughts, after visiting this place.

4) Quinta Real Zacatecas

No one would expect an unusually characteristic lodging from a big chain but Quinta Real in Zacatecas has defied imagination by restoring a former bull fighting ring into an architectural jewel. The award winning building gives the feeling of a real Mexican fiesta in action. All suites face the cobblestone ring, which itself overlooks an old water aqueduct.

5) Hotel Palafitte

Built on wooden silts in the middle of a lake in Switzerland, this hotel is an example of things to come. All water cabins have private terraces and some of them have direct access to the lake. A good restaurant provides delicious meals while room service caters to the need of most demanding guests.

Photo by: shaktihimalaya

Many jazz aficionados do not know that there are many jazz festivals taking place each year, in various European countries and towns. They are well-organized events that attract some of the best talents in the business.

The following are some of the best and most popular European live jazz festivals showcased across the region:

Konfrontationen Nickelsdorf, Austria

This jazz festival was started in 1980 in the town of Nickelsdorf which is located near the border of Hungary. Ever since this festival started it has attracted the top talents from America, Europe and Japan, making it a virtual Mecca for improvised jazz music. This place can be described as a small village and the festival takes place outdoors. It is organized by the Nickelsdorf Jazz Gallery.

Varna Jazz Festival, Bulgaria

This festival was started in 1992 and it happens in Varna, which is a small city located in Bulgaria near the Black Sea. It is the largest Jazz festival in Bulgaria and it attracts talent mostly from around Europe. It takes place for 3 days and it is held in the courtyard of the Archeological museum. The director of this festival is a gentleman by the name of Anatoly Vapirov, who is also an accomplished saxophonist.

Ulrichsberger Kaleidophon, Austria

This town is located in Austria, near the Czech border. This jazz festival started in 1986 and has managed to become a highly acclaimed European Jazz festival. The focus of this festival is improvisation, at the same time this festival is also known for so called hybrid music. This would be jazz fused with other forms of music. The primary concerts are done at the Jazzatelier Ulrichsberg building, however there are other venues showcasing special music projects.

Vilnius Jazz Festival, Lithuania

Vilnius is a town situated in Lithuania and it started a jazz festival back in 1988. The first reason for starting this festival was an act of rebellion against the former Soviet Union. It was a way for Lithuania to show its differences with the Soviet Union. Even though this festival has political roots, it has grown to become an astounding jazz festival, attracting talent from all over the world. It is known for its highly creative and ambitious talents, stretching musical improvisation to its limits. This festival is ultimately linked to the growth of a distinctive style of jazz known as Vilnius jazz.

Photo by: europe jazz

Cape Town, the second most densely inhabited city of South Africa, is well known internationally for its significant history and beautiful scenic spot for tourists. Nestled in the suburbs of famous table mountain and bordered by appealing beaches, the city with endless attractions, is an amazing destination for nature lovers.

1) Table Mountain

Table Mountain is often described as a mysterious and numinous spot in Cape Town. Known as the most prominent feature of the city, Table Mountain is also a world famous landmark. This splendid view of this majestic mountain is noticeable from any parts of the city; ships and people still consider the mountain as a beacon to find directions. Sculpted from sandstone, this giant mountain is 1086 meters tall at its highest point. With a flat acme measuring nearly 3km, Table Mountain offers its visitors numerous breathtaking views of the city and beaches from its peak.

2) Camps Bay Beach

As a part of Atlantic Ocean, Camps Bay beach has a stretch of white sand bordered by lines of palm trees and bushes. There are plenty of places to stay; many of the best Cape Town villas are located opposite the beach. While on the beach, you can get the magnificent views of a spectacular series of mountain peaks and the Twelve Apostles; just only 10 minutes drive from the city center, this beach is the one of best beaches in Cape Town. The beach is lined by a chain of finest restaurants creating a festive atmosphere in the area and offering scrumptious African cuisine with varieties of sea foods.

3) Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront are one of the oldest locations of Cape Town’s harbor. As one of the Cape Town’s prime attractions, this active harbor is bordered by many restaurants, pubs, bars, cafes and also 240 souvenir shops for those crazy shopaholics; even the 18 movie houses with an IMAX screen up to five-story-high, gives best experience to the movie lovers.

4) Two Oceans Aquarium

This largest Aquarium of South Africa housing more than 300 marine species attracts many tourists, to experience a new atmosphere with live marine animals. While enjoying the impressive and informative display in the aquarium, you can watch seals swinging underwater or view the colorful fishes swimming calmly. In one corner the gift shops sell some of the excellent souvenirs, books, and videos, on the other side Bay front Blue restaurant serves lip smacking delicious seafood.

Photo by: eguidetravel