Vienna: City Of The Arts
On the banks of the Danube, Vienna and its population of over 2 million people bask proudly in their cultural heritage. Viennas love affair with the arts stretches back centuries and helped make it today, Austrias number one tourist attraction.
A romantic imperial city, Vienna bears the hallmarks of a capital steeped in history, beautifully contrasted by its modern infrastructure.
A city of music, Vienna was home to some of historys greatest composers. Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Strauss were all proud to call Vienna their home.
Viennas musical heritage has been preserved to the present day. The Vienna Boys Choir is ever popular and the Wiener Philharmoniker remains a world class orchestra.
But its not all about classical music. Vienna boasts a vibrant nightlife that compares with the best, catering for folks of all ages, young and old.
Historically a city of culture, Vienna boasts many talents amongst its repertoire. Whatever the time of year, you can be certain the city has plenty to offer.
A theatre break is always a rewarding experience; witness the latest film and dance productions or just sit back and soak up the best of classical opera. A vast array of concerts and exhibitions are held throughout the year.
If you just want to relax and idly watch the world go by then make a beeline for one of Viennas many coffee houses. Take the weight off your feet and exchange thoughts of the day with your fellow coffee connoisseurs.
For those in need of something a little stronger, a visit to one of the citys wine taverns will have you unwinding in no time.
Right through history, Vienna has embraced the world of art and proudly boasts many of its own world famous artists. Through the centuries, kings and queens of Austria were passionate art collectors, rendering Austria and Vienna in particular a treasure trove of fine art.
Many of these masterpieces can be seen at the Museum of Fine Arts; a magnificent building exhibiting works from across the world, in particular that of its favourite sons.
Indeed, art and literature feature predominately during Viennas history. Underground railway stations designed by Otto Wagner are listed properties; coffee house literature is digested by both young and old.
Wherever you stay in Vienna, historical landmarks are never far, many dating back to medieval times.
Set in beautiful grounds, Belvedere Palace is a magnificent example of Viennese architecture. Designed by the famous Baroque architect Von Hildebrandt, the fabulous palace was originally built for Prince Eugene of Savoy.
Besides their love of the arts, the Viennese love to shop. Markets are scattered throughout Vienna but most popular is the Naschmarkt. Dating back to the 16th century, everything from childrens shoes to apples can be purchased. If you can endure the crowds, bargains are aplenty.
Indulge in the fun and games at the Prater, Viennas biggest funfair. If the noise and crowds become too much, escape to the open fields or take a stroll through the adjacent forest and chill out with the wildlife.
For spectacular views of the city head for the Danube Tower, known locally as the Concrete Needle. The tower is over 350 meters high; with your head in the clouds, Vienna never looked so good.
Your Honeymoon In Kauai
Hawaii represents pure beauty and one of the most popular wedding destinations. Finding a Kauai honeymoon destination is an exercise in picking your favorite slice of paradise.
Your Honeymoon In Kauai
A honeymoon in Hawaii. Can anything be more romantic? Whether you enjoy soaking up the sun while sitting on the beach or hiking up flower covered mountains, Hawaii has activities for all to enjoy. Kauai, one of Hawaiis less inhabited islands, offers honeymooners a special secluded feel and romantic vibe. Finding the right place to stay can make your honeymoon the most memorable trip youll ever take.
Kauai is by no means the largest in the chain of islands that makes up Hawaii. At just 550 square feet, this island has the most deserted shoreline 45 percent of its beaches are untouched. Snorkeling and private beach time is abundant here, and three of Hawaiis top golf courses are on Kauai. This island is also home to many different rare species of birds and plants, making it a wilderness lovers paradise, and the coral reefs beckon those who want to explore underwater.
For places to stay, you have the choice of many top resorts and hotels. One such resort is the Poipu Kai Resort, located between Poipu Beach and Shipwreck Beach. This property offers rentals ranging from economy cottages to full size house rentals for extended or nightly stays. This type of resort is perfect for the honeymooner as you neednt come into contact with anyone you dont want to! Hole up in your cottage, stroll down beautiful Poipu Beach or enjoy the other amenities this resort has to offer. Poipu Kai Resort has been awarded four stars by major hotel ratings systems.
If you prefer the feel of a bed and breakfast, the Poipu Plantation Resort in Koloa can offer you a great honeymoon suite. Called the Alii Suite, this room offers a four poster bed, ocean view and two person whirlpool bath tub among other romantic touches. A fireplace, wet bar and private lanai will make you feel as if you are in Hawaiis version of heaven. Breakfast is served to you each morning in the common room. Styled after rooms from the Victorian Hawaiian period, this suite is perfect for romance.
Finding the perfect place to stay in Kauai will make all the difference in your Hawaiian stay. Vacation cottages make the perfect choice for those who would like some seclusion and privacy, while the quaint feel of a bed and breakfast can also enhance the feeling of romance. Enjoy your first vacation together as man and wife, and explore all that the exquisite island of Kauai has to offer.
Travel to Los Angeles: Hollywood with a Heart
Los Angeles might be the big budget capital of cinema, but that is not to say that the Hollywood haute and haughty permeate the citys cultural mood on its many other levels. Los Angeles is a multilayered and multiethnic urban and suburban sprawl from the waves crashing beneath Santa Monica Pier to the snow capped mountains of San Gabriel. State of the art entertainment and arts facilities are entangled among the high rises of Downtown, the remaining bohemian hippie culture of Venice Beach and the multitude of 5 a.m. joggers, housekeepers, writers and musicians who call this City of Angels home.
Once youve booked your flight to Los Angeles, remember to reserve a rental car! Los Angeles is fairly easy to navigate but is a spread out conglomeration of many smaller cities and enclaves. Buses and taxis run regularly but your wallet and your schedule will be happy to have regular transportation in this auto-powered metropolis.
SoCal Contemporary: Beyond the Beach
Los Angeles has long been a bastion of cultural growth and exploration, even longer than it has had the beach-bum reputation. Downtown is once again creating the trendy and elegant buzz of L.A.s arts and dining atmosphere, far from its strictly business and crime lapse of the 1980s. The new Walt Disney Concert Hall designed by Frank Gehry is now the home of the L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra and considered to be one of the most acoustically sophisticated concert halls on the planet. If you cant get tickets to a show, visit for the stunning architecture against Downtowns skyscrapers. The Music Center is just down the street where you can attend the Los Angeles Opera at the beautiful Dorothy Chandler Pavilion or perhaps catch Al Pacino in a one man play at the Mark Taper Forum.
J. Paul Getty made his mark on the other side of town with the stately Getty Museum presiding over West L.A. from its perch atop the Sepulveda Pass. The fine modern and European collection combined with the crisp marbled lines of the gallery rooms makes for a complete visual arts experience. Gettys historic Villa, a collection of Etruscan and Roman antiquities, opened in 2006 and is just a beautiful drive up the coast to Malibu. Make sure to visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art for its adjacent tar pits (yes, real tar pits!) where bones of mammoths and other prehistoric creatures have been excavated. For car lovers, the Peterson Automotive Museum is just across the street, boasting a rare and exotic collection of everything from mint condition muscle cars to the latest Lamborghini Diablo.
Get Out of Town When You Travel to Los Angeles
Los Angeles is not only a prime destination for all year weather, but for regional access to all season activities. Ski and snow resorts like Big Bear are only hours away while excellent surf locations are scattered up and down the local coast. In the heart of Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Mountain National Recreation Area is the worlds largest urban national park with miles of hiking and cycling trails, climbing areas and horse ranches. It is also home of the Griffith Park Observatory, a romantic mountaintop science center where you can see the real stars of Los Angeles up close!
Whatever draws you to travel to Los Angeles, it will be the incredible eclectic charm of the many different neighborhoods and cultures that keeps you inspired over again, not to mention the serenity of a big city with a visible skyline. A stop at a Mexican taqueria or a day at the Farmers Market is essential to capturing the flavor of Los Angeles.
Tips while you travel through Southwest Airlines
If you reside in the south west or you have to travel to the southwest, most of the times you travel through Southwest Airlines. You can take help of the south west airline guide to know all the available flights and the arrival and departure time as well the fares and all the necessary information related to your travel. But to save some bucks and make your travel easier, you need to follow some tips.
1. You should seek for the best fares available for a travel program and because these are very time limited you need to decide fast that which one will be good for you. You can plan in advance for your travel visit and check out the website of the airlines or help guide so as to save many bucks of yours.
2. You can also join the Southwest Frequent Traveler Program whereby if you have to make frequent visits with southwest you can buy tickets for your short trips and use the free tickets that you will earn for your longer and expensive trips.
3. Since Southwest finds that boarding is better and takes less time when they board the travelers in groups, they doesnt assign seats. You have groups namely A, B and C where A is the best group that gives you a chance to board first. You can also make more seating selection and can also assure a bin for your carry on luggage when you get the A-status. You would get a C- status that will end up you in a middle seat or you have to check your carry on luggage.
4. The pilot of the airlines stands below the Jetway before the incoming flight arrives and you need to queue up before some time the flight arrives. If you stand half an hour before the arriving flight, you should find your place next to a seat in the boarding area but this works when your place in the queue or line happens to be next to a seat.
5. Sometimes you will need to wait to get your pass. You can obtain a pass by paying a small fee to some companies that assist you in reserving your pass in advance.
6. Before the general boarding, children of the age group in between five to eleven who are not accompanied by elders, adults traveling with any child below the age of five and people with physical disabilities are allowed for a pre board. As such, when you make your reservation and check in you should provide your personal or special status.
7. Previously you had to print your boarding pass at home even if it was midnight before you travel but now they have a 24 hour window that provides you with printed boarding passes.
8. You need to weigh your luggage prior you proceed to board in the flight and since there are certain luggage policies you are allowed to carry small personal size briefcase or purse with you and you need to place large items in the overhead bins. In case you had a C status and all the bins are filled up you will have to check your carry on luggage.
9. You should try to reach on time and while you board go directly to your chosen row, set your luggage and sit down instead of chatting with your friends. When the plane fills yup, you can head to back and never backtrack. Dont carry heavy luggage that you cant lift up to the overhead bin because at that moment you yourself are responsible for settling down your luggage.
10. You can avail gifts and discounts while you are on the board as you get some discount coupons and can get rapid rewards and credits that you can use in your later travel.
For more information log on to southwest-airlines-guide.info
Visit Big Bear California
Less than two hours by car from Los Angeles sit the year round playgrounds Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City. Situated in the San Bernardino National Forest at approximately 7,000 feet above sea level, Big Bear provides activities for all four seasons. Whether you are into camping, fishing, boating, water skiing, jet skiing, swimming, hiking, parasailing, horseback riding, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, bobsleding, playing in the snow, shopping or even just relaxing, you can do it in Big Bear and you can do it in clean fresh air, in gorgeous surroundings and in accomodations that range from unimproved campgrounds to top of the line hotels or spas.
Big Bear Lake is a freshwater lake, with approximately 22 miles of shoreline, set amoung forests of pine and oak. The lake is well stocked with trout, large and small mouth bass, blue gill, crappie, and catfish. There are several marinas and two public launches. You can rent sail or motor boats, or you can bring and launch your own boat. Meadow Park (800)448-5335, on the lake, provides a swim beach area as well as shaded picnic areas, barbecues, horseshoe pits, tennis courts, playground equipment, softball fields, and a sand volleyball court. Holloway’s Marina and RV Park (800)448-5335, offers lakeshore RV camping with all the amenities including, large level sites, full hook-ups, cable tv, restrooms and hotwater showers, a full service marina, rentals of fishing boats, pontoon boats, jet skis, windsurfers, sail boats, canoes and kayaks, paddle boats, water skis, fishing gear and more, a complete bait and tackle shop, a launch ramp and more. You might also want to check out Big Bear Shores RV Resort (909) 866-4151, a gate guarded resort complete with a 16,000 square foot mountain lodge, forty-slip marina, boat launching ramp, tennis, swimming pool, spas and a fully equipped private health club, the resort offers all the refinements of an exclusive country club. There are also numerous hotels, lodges, cabins and condos for rent, on or near the lake.
Big Bear boasts two excellent ski resorts, Snow summit and Bear Mountain Resort. Between the two of them you will find 75 trails, 20 lifts, four high-speed chairs, and seven snowboard parks for all levels of skill. Big Bear also has numerous, beautiful, groomed, cross country ski trails. If you don’t know how to ski, don’t worry, there are plenty of instructors. If you don’t have equipment, don’t worry, there are plenty of places where you can rent or buy your equipment.
Big bear is not just a winter wonderland, it is a year round wonderland. At Big Bear, you will find beautiful scenery, clean mountain air, plenty of things to do, friendly people and much more.
For more information about the city of Big Bear, California see: http://bigbearlake.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to the city of Big Bear, California guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, attorneys, real estate brokers, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go and more.
Venice, Italy The Bird Lady
Venice is an old and somewhat eccentric city in Italy. Built long ago on marshlands, I was surprised to find myself spending my first night in the city with the bird lady.
Rent a Room
As is common with many cities in Europe, one can rent a room in a private home at the train station. The advantage of renting a room is you get to live with a family and the costs tend to be a lot cheaper than a hotel room. If youre lucky, the family will take a liking to you and haul you around to see the real city you are in.
I had just arrived in Venice on a train from Paris. It was late, I was tired and in no mood to be picky about lodging. As I walked up to the rent a room desk, I had two priorities: sleep and a shower.
The elderly lady at the desk smiled at me and we got down to business. Apparently, arriving in Venice around midnight in the middle of August wasnt a wise move. I was told most everything was sold out, but there were two rooms still open. The first was 45 minutes outside of the city while the second was just off Piazza San Marco, the central square you see in all the movies. I booked the San Marco room, given a map and off I went.
As it was late and I was tired, it never occurred to me to ask why a room so close to Piazza San Marco was open when everything else was taken. As I walked through the very narrow streets of Venice, I was too tired to really care.
Following the map, I walked into the square and started heading toward the glass shops at the far end. The walk through the otherwise delightful square was a killer on my headache as the mini-orchestras dueled the night away. Reaching the end, I found the little alley indicated on the map and through I went into more winding little streets.
Eventually, I found the door and gave it a knock. Like a bad Monty Python movie, a little viewing slot opened, eyes looked at me and my backpack, the door opened and I was literally pulled inside. Before me stood a little older lady with wild hair. At this point, I started to understand why the room was available. Turns out I was wrong, as Michelle turned out to be very sane and nice.
Michelle gave me the run down on the house and her basic rules. She went into a long diatribe about keeping the doors closed because of something she didnt know the English word for. I kept nodding and we proceed to the door that would let us into the house proper.
Inside the door, the house took on an entirely new atmosphere. Michelle was a big fan of birds. She had little yellow birds, red birds, black birds and I swear a few humming birds. None of them were in cages. I had booked a room in an informal Aviary!
Fortunately, my room had been bird-proofed by keeping the door closed. As I lay in bed, however, I could hear chirping and wings flapping as the other guests flew around the rooms. Over the next two days, I never got use to opening the door and seeing birds whipping by or perched and staring at me. I imagine this is where Alfred Hitchcock picked up some of his ideas.
As far as I know, Michelle is still in Venice and still renting out rooms. If youre a bird enthusiast, just ask for the bird hotel at the train station in Venice.
Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam is a country deeply scarred by war and yet its outlook is forgiving and forwardlooking. Its people believe last centurys occupations, battles and political influences have enriched the nation.
Washed ashore above the Mekong Delta, some 40km north of the South China Sea, Ho Chi Minh City, known also as Saigon, is a city on the march, a boomtown where the rule of the dollar is absolute. It is a testament to its wartorn past. Its history has made it resilient, effervescent, charged with initiative and roaring with trade.
The centre of Ho Chi Minh is compact and ideal for wandering around. It boasts fine restaurants, immaculate hotels and glitzy bars amidst its colonial villas and venerable pagodas.
There are many interesting places to visit including the markets, cathedral, riverport, Presidential Palace (perfectly preserved for some unknown reason!) and the nearby park which also houses a museum of Vietnamese History and Culture and a small zoo.
Ho Chi Minh City started life as a fishing village known as Prei Nokor and during the Angkor period (the 15th century) it flourished as an entrpot for Cambodian boats pushing down the Mekong River. Cargo ships still to this day jostle with rice barges and fragile sampans (an Oriental boat propelled by a sail or oars), whilst porters sweat in the humidity loading the boats.
During the 18th century, the Khmers by now had been ousted, Prei Nokor was renamed as Saigon and was made a temporary capital between 1772 and 1802, after which the Emperor Gia Long used it as his regional administrative centre.
The French seized Saigon in 1861 and set about a huge public works programme by building roads and draining marsh land. The war against the French lasted thirty years after which Saigon was finally designated the capital of the Republic of South Vietnam.
American troops withdrew in 1973 and two years later Saigon had been renamed as Ho Chi Minh City.
This is a port that is steamy hot and searlingly stylish. The streets are lined with imaginative oneoff boutiques, design stores and busy cafes where you will be able to meet the local people on an informal basis. Dong Khoi and Le Thanh Ton streets are favourites for elegant silk clothing, hand embroidered scarves, and lacquerware. (Many stores will provide a service of organising a container to ship purchases home) In many ways Ho Chi Minh City is far more cosmopolitan and hedonistic than the capital, Hanoi.
Ho Chi Minh is also full to bursting point with people for whom progress hasnt yet translated into food, lodging and employment, so begging, stealing and prostitution are very much in evidence. Petty crime, unfortunately, has increased in the last few years so much care should be taken when walking the streets or travelling on bicycles or motorbikes, especially after dark and around tourist nightspots.
For more information on Vietnam, or any South East Asian topic, please visit http://www.Sticky-Rice.com
Why Nuweiba is the place for bubbling springs, Sun Sand
Why Nuweiba is the place for bubbling springs, Sun Sand and Music
Nuweiba in Arabic means, Bubbling Springs. It is located in Sinai, Egypt along the northwest bank of the Gulf of Aqaba. It is said to have been developed from barren land with no infrastructure!
Most Middle East and Egyptian countries are famous for their belly dancers and Arabic music. Nuweiba being a beach town has a heady mix of history sun sand and music.
Nuweiba is roughly divided into three parts- the beach, the city and the Bedouin fishing villages of Tarabin and Muzeina. The city has the bazaar where you can find souvenirs to take back home.
The construction of the port connected Egypt to the rest of the Arab world. In the past pilgrims on their way to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage (HAJ) halted at this port town.
Now it is coastal tourist destination with a stretch of magnificent stunning white beaches and diving and snorkeling sites. And why not stay at the Hilton Nuweiba coral resort located in the Nuweiba city.
What to do there?
What does one do at a beach resort laze around the beach during the day and party all night! There is much more you can do in Nuweiba like go scuba diving, go on a camel safari and visit the tribal Bedouin fishing villages of Tarabin and Muzeina.
Go scuba diving and snorkeling:
There are a number of reliable diving and snorkeling operators in the area. The Aqaba gulf has a diverse marine life, and its turquoise clear waters make it even more enchanting for diving.
Some famous dive centers are Scuba Divers La Sirene, Sinai Dolphin Divers, Emperor Divers and Dive Center Nuweiba. Some virgin untouched diving sites are the Ras Mamla and Ras Abu Gallum; to go there you have to take permission from the Tourist Police and Protect the Reefs Office because these sites are under the Ras Muhammad National Park.
Colored canyon excursion:
This is in the middle of the desert. It is a gorge formed by water passing through the mountain for hundreds of years revealing the different colored layers of rock. The sheer size of the canyon leaves awed.
There are no facilities at all here. You have to take all that you need with you and as for natures call you will have to make do with going behind the rocks! Tour operators arrange tours in four-wheel drives to the canyon.
Go back into the past:
You can visit the fortress at Tarabin built by the Mameluke sultan Ashraf Qansouh el-Ghouri in the 15th century to protect it from the Turkish invasion. The well in this fortress has been a source of water for the Bedouin tribe.
You can also visit the famous St. Catherine monastery between Nuweiba and Taba. The route via Nuweiba is a picturesque one along the flat plains. St. Catherine’s monastery was built around the 4th century, which is believed to be the site of the burning bush. The fortress that surrounds it was built around the 6th century and is still an operating monastery.
Have a Bedouin dinner:
If you are a foodie and love to try different cuisine you can go for a special Bedouin dinner at one of the Bedouin villages.
The Night Life:
Being a beach resort Nuweiba has an active nightlife. Most hotels have a pub, disco, and arrange beach parties. As for drinks, you can opt for the local brand-Stella, which is cheaper, or an imported one such as Heineken obviously more expensive.
Private Jet Charter: Traveling with pets
Can’t bear to leave the family pet in a kennel and don’t want your trusted companion stuck in commercial’s cargo section? No need to worry. One benefit of private jet travel is the opportunity to take the pride and joy of the family with you in the main cabin.
Despite the fact that pets are often considered members of the family, the FAA classifies pets as cargo. Generally this means they must be appropriately secured, most commonly in an animal carrier, during takeoff and landing for the safety to themselves and others. International travel poses additional procedures and restrictions, and these may differ from one country to another.
Prior to booking your flight, inform your charter operator if you plan to travel with your pet. They can check if there are any restrictions or requirements and ensure that the jet can accommodate your pet.
Some Helpful Tips:
If using a travel carrier for the first time, give your pet at least a month prior to your flight to become familiar with the carrier to minimize his or her stress during travel.
Talk with your veterinarian about prescription tranquilizers if you are considering sedating your pet during travel. Make sure to specify it is for air travel.
Bring along a confirmation of your pets immunization (to verify a clean bill of health).
Travel to Ireland: Celtic Lore and Pub Camaraderie
The signature rolling green pastures of Ireland’s landscape is enough to resuscitate the weary traveler back to life with calming beauty and refreshing hospitality. From strange stone formations to thousand-year-old churches, Ireland’s countryside is a patchwork of some of the most intriguing remnants of a unique but turbulent history, not to mention the sprinkling of jubilantly jolly pubs that will have you singing folk songs with a signature Irish dark ale in your hand in no time.
Most fascinating of Irish travel is the evidence of ancient Celtic civilization and their Viking invaders in the form of stone circles, monoliths and mounds. Burial mounds, known as Court Cairns and Tumuli, can be found all over the countryside. One such ruin in the Silvermines Mountains has lost its covering over time and the many stone chambers inside are now visible. The most impressive stone circle is The Lios in Limerick, which dates back to 2000 BCE and is given a distinctly eerie feel by the area’s abundant overgrowth and crooked trees. The giant circle is 150 feet in diameter and attached to a long stone-lined path that leads to two other smaller circles in the area.
Location, Location, Location
Part of the magic of Ireland is that booking a 5 star hotel can turn out to be the equivalent of residing in the King’s quarters of a 300 year old castle. The Ashford Castle in County Mayo is one such place where guests may fine tune their equestrian skills in the countryside, pick up a few games of tennis or enjoy full spa services. There is no question that Ireland’s countryside is best enjoyed from one of the many castles or bed & breakfasts. When you travel to Ireland, a visit should be paid to Leap Castle, but not an overnight one, as it has earned the fame of being the most haunted castle in Europe. Discover the strange and gruesome 400-year history of this tormented mansion and its “Bloody Chapel.”
After leaving the haunted halls, soak in some classic Irish scenery to settle your stomach by ascending the trails of Mount Brandon. Far below, the longest stretch of sandy beach in Ireland comes in and out of view and high up in the mountains you will encounter steep cliffs that drop down to a lake-filled valley. The surrounding Dingle Peninsula is home to two picturesque seaside villages nestled against the rising peaks overlooking Brandon Bay. Another coastal adventure not to be missed is the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. These dramatically plunging sea cliffs are heavily visited and therefore best enjoyed in the evening while the sun is setting on the water and the waves of the Atlantic are crashing thunderously into the rocks below.
Not All Enya
Ireland has long been pushing the envelope of modern music and culture. An Irish vacation is not complete without experiencing Dublin’s revolutionary rock scene or residing in Galway to find out what’s new in jazz, literature and art during one of the many festivals held from February through August. Remember, this lovely Celtic island happens to be the home of U2, The Cranberries and Van Morrison. For more information, visit www.cfares.com, your source for cheap airfare on the web.