Wednesday, December 10, 2014

The Ancient, Secret City of BaUKga 2014

The Ancient, Secret City of Bagan: The Most Zen Place in the World


On the banks of the Irrawaddy River, several hundred miles north of Yangon in Myanmar, lies Bagan — a once secret and all-but-abandoned city, dedicated to Buddha. Covering an area of 40 miles are endless temples and stupas in varying degrees of disarray and decay.
Bagan is an ancient city that is perhaps the embodiment of one of the biggest lessons in history — all things must come to an end.

Monday, November 10, 2014

Pearl Chinese Restaurant 2014

Medium

Description:
Pearl Chinese restaurant retains the candor and authenticity of Cantonese taste. It offers guests a taste of exquisite Chinese cuisine.
Best Chinese 
Restaurant

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Statue of Liberty, New York City, USA 2014

Statue of Liberty, New York City

The Statue of Liberty, since 1924 a National Monument, is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy.

Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet 2014

Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet

The Potala Palace at the peak of Marpo Ri, the "Red Hill" is the symbol of Lhasa (sacred land), a treasure of Tibetan history, religion, culture and arts.

Cambodia 2014

Angkor Wat, Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia

The ruins of Angkor are located to the north of Tonle Sap lake and south of the Kulen Hills, near the city of Siem Reap,

Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. 

The Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, (9th to the 15th century), including the temples of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the Bayon Temple. Todayit is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Angkor was the ancient capital of the Khmer empire, in western Cambodia and one of the world's greatest cultural treasures, today the national symbol of the country,

Great Wall of China 2014

Chinese Great Wall

Great Wall of China (长城)China
The Long Wall is really an amazing landmark and today the most celebrated symbol of China. In pre modern times the Great Wall was also recognized as a symbol of the futility and cruelty of the first emperor's political and military ambitions. ..

Taj Mahal Agra 2014

Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India


Satellite View of Taj Mahal using Google Earth Data

Satellite view is showing Taj Mahal in Agra, a city in India
The immense mausoleum covered with white marble was built in Agra between 1631
and 1648 by decree of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, in memory of his beloved
wife Arjumand Banu Begum, her nickname: Mumtaz Mahal.
The "crown of buildings" is the symbol of the Indian nation..
Taj Mahal world heritage site in the city of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, seen from the banks of Yamuna river, with Mihman Khana or assembly hall (left) and Taj Mahal mosque (right), the two almost identical buildings on either side.

Monument 2014

Giza Pyramid and the Great Sphinx near Cairo, Egypt

Giza Pyramid and the Great Sphinx nearCairoEgypt
The pyramids are a symbol of the high culture of dynastic ancient Egypt...

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Haymarket Hotel London, United Kingdom 2014

Lobby (86363276)
Description:
  • As good or better than expected
  • Brilliant location, rooms and staff




Exterior View (39027797)One bedroom suite (64400103)

Rockliffe Hall Hurworth-on-Tees, United Kingdom 2014

Rockliffe Hall (41319428)

Description;Rockliffe Hall's Drawing Room (28600053)

  • Use of Spa only - for now!!
  • A pleasant & quality stay

The Morley Hayes Hotel Morley, United Kingdom 2014

Roosters Gardens (77702017)

Description:

  • 5* hotel, excellent grounds!
  • Panacotta, blood orange jelly, sorbet and honeycomb (90665239)exceptional

Casa Hotel Chesterfield, United Kingdom 2014

Lounge (29573144)

Description:

  • Mum and Dads 50th Wedding anniversary!
  • Tenth anniversary.

Longueville Manor StSaviour, United Kingdom 2014

Entrance by night (84193174)

Description:

  • Impeccable Service, Fabulous location
  • Fabulous hotel , service and food

Braye Beach Hotel Alderney, Channel Islands 2014

Braye Beach Hotel (58983074)

Description:

  • If only all hotels were like this one!
  • Perfect hotel

Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences London, United Kingdom 2014

Horse Carriage Rides (79777512)
Description:

  • Superb stay at this wonderful place
  • Simply outstanding in every respect

Swinton Park Ripon, United Kingdom 2014

LBASWIA (39025582)
Description:

Swinton Park Hotel is probably everybody's dream country mansion so to be able to stay there is a fantastic bonus. Great entrance drive, long and sweeping and with plenty of Deer to look at as you drive in. Hotel is very comfortable although parts of it are a bit dated. Threadbare carpets etc. But room was nice, quite big, but.

Coworth Park - Dorchester Collection Ascot, United Kingdom 2014

Coworth Park_Croquet Lawn_Exterior (74192948)

Description:
  • amazing
  • Just excellent
  • This luxurious country house hotel on the borders of Windsor Great Park is high-end style without the stuffiness. It’s an idyllic place for a romantic retreat and a favourite with families seeking a relaxing break with a dash of adventure. 

The Milestone Hotel London, United Kingdom 2014

Deluxe King (39183276)

Description:

From the moment you arrive, you know you are someplace special. The entire staff is kind, efficient, knowledgeable and have impeccable manners. We stay here whenever in London.

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Rimini- Italia in miniatura 2014


Description:
Italia in Miniatura has just been awarded TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence, which includes the Theme Park among the top destinations selected by the users of one of the world's best rating site.
Thank You, travellers and please keep giving us your precious advice so that we will always do our best!
MONDAY FAMILY DAY
A special promotion for the whole family!
Every Monday (except holidays) children from 1 meter in height to 11 years old only pay € 6,00 when accompanied by a paying adult.

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Masjid Quba 2014



The Quba Mosque (Quba' Masjid or Masjid al-Quba, Arabic: مسجد قباء), in the outlying environs of Medina in Saudi Arabia, is the oldest mosque in the world. Its first stones were positioned by the Islamic prophet Muhammad as soon as he arrived on his emigration from the city of Mecca to Medina[1] and the mosque was completed by his companions. Muhammad spent more than 20 nights in this mosque (after migrating) praying qasr (a short prayer) while waiting for Ali whose house was behind this mosque..

Makkah, Saudi Arabia 2014








Description:
Every year, millions of Muslims gather in Makkah, Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage, called Hajj. Arriving from every corner of the globe, pilgrims of all nationalities, ages, and colors come together for the largest religious gathering in the world. One of the five "pillars of faith," the Hajj is a duty upon every Muslim adult who is financially and physically able to make the journey. Every Muslim, male or female, strives to make the trip at least once in a lifetime.

During the days of the Hajj, millions of pilgrims will gather in Makkah, Saudi Arabia to pray together, eat together, remember historical events, and celebrate the glory of Allah.

The pilgrimage occurs during the last month of the Islamic year, called "Dhul-Hijjah" (i.e. "The Month of Hajj"). The pilgrimage rites occur during a 5-day period, between the 8th - 12th days of this lunar month. The event is also marked by the Islamic holiday, Eid al-Adha, which falls on the 10th day of the lunar month.

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Club 31 in Cape Town 2014









Description:
You're standing in front of a slick skyscraper in Cape Town's  central business disctrict. Two big bulky men in black suits greet you at the door. They motion for a third gentleman to take you up to the 31st floor. 
The elevator shoots up. Your ears pop from the rise in altitude. Seven, nine, fifteen, twenty-two, twenty-nine, thirty-one...The doors snap open. Say hello to Club 31 (formerly club Hemisphere) - Cape Town's loftiest hangout for movers and shakers.
Club 31's swish décor, complete with plush imported fabrics, fibre-optic chandeliers and Italian marble finishes, combined with swift service at the bar - will make you feel like royalty. 
Even the bathrooms are fit for a king; outfitted with sparkling chandeliers, a chaise lounge and Molton Brown toiletries. Decadent décor aside, the view from the 31st floor of Cape Town's Absa building is certainly something to write home about.
If you're new to Cape Town, it's a good idea to visit the club before sunset and sip on a cocktail while the sky turns crimson, then fades to black; as the Mother City's lights come out. You can survey the Winelands, Table Mountain, Cape Town's harbour, the ocean and almost everything else the city has to offer from up here. According to us, not even the view from Table Mountain compares. 
The cocktails and shooters at club 31 have highflying urban names like 31st Floor, Skyscraper and Metropolitan. The Lady Hemisphere is one of the club's most popular cocktails and contains imported Midori (melon liqueur), banana liqueur, Malibu and pineapple juice. Enjoy them in the VIP section while watching the crowd go wild on the dance floor, on the other side of the bar.
At about 22pm the club starts filling up with Cape Town clubbers and the dance floor heats up. Except a pumping selection of top 40 dance & R&B hits; with leggy girls in short skirts grinding their hips to the sexed-up croonings of the likes of Justin Timberlake as well as remixed 80's anthems. 
So, next time you're in town, aim a little higher and see the view from the top at heavenly Cape Town bar, Club 31
Age Restriction: Over 25 for guys; 23 for girls.
Dress Code: Club 31 prides itself on its strict dress code - no sneakers, running shoes, slip slops or t-shirts are allowed.
The Crowd: Expect a slightly older crowd on Fridays and a younger crowd on Saturdays.
Service: club 31's swift service at the bar is something worth mentioning. They also offer valet parking after 9pm at R15 per vehicle.
Entry: R40 for the ladies, and R60 for gents.

Friday, September 5, 2014

Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso Playa Paraiso, Mexico 2014

Pool view (80300418)
Description:
Every aspect of our stay was extraordinary: food, service, beautiful beach. Quiet enough to relax but stimulating enough not to get bored.see more place in Mexico

Hotel on Devonport Tauranga, New Zealand 2014

Building Exterior (62014159)

Hotel Lobby (36565208)

Description:
  • You'll want to stay longer.....
  • Another good stay. Hotel in a great location for business” see more

Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas Las Vegas, Nevada 2014

Pool Deck (28586087)
Description:
  • The only place to stay ( if you don' want crowds)
  • A hidden oasis in the middle of everything see more

The Sherry-Netherland Hotel New York City, New York 2014

Exterior (84597145)
Description;
  • Perfect classic in outstanding position
  • Absolutely Perfect!”and see more

Tivoli Lodge Vail, Colorado 2014

Tivoli Lodge Lobby Photo With Indy (79352674)
Description:
  • Great stay and very friendly staff
  • Great Room, Great Location and Great Shower!”see more

21c Museum Hotel Bentonville Bentonville, Arkansas 2014

Museum Lobby (58435384)

Description:
  • Exceptional service in great location
  • Fun and comfortable” and much more

The Grand Del Mar San Diego, California 2014

Fountain / Hotel grounds (25753145)

Description:
Reminiscent of a luxurious Tuscan compound nestled in the hills, the Grand oozes quiet tranquility and discreet but highly attentive service. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The George Christchurch Christchurch, New Zealand 2014

The Arts Centre (39162816)

Description:
  • Genteel, But Warm and Comfortable
  • Loved it!

Coromandel New Zealand 2014

Cathedral Cove Coromandel photo

Description:
The Coromandel Peninsula is a densly forested volcanic peninsula located south east of Auckland and is the perfect getaway for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of Auckland city.
This area of New Zealand is famous for its beautiful beaches and many ancient volcanoes that are covered in picturesque temperate rainforest. Other parts of the Coromandel where the forests have been cleared have been converted in farms and these farms along with tourism are the backbone of the Coromandel economy.

Tongariri National Park 2014

Red Crater Tongariro. photo

Description:
The Tongariro Crossing in the Tongariri National Park was classed as one of the top ten one day walks in the world by National Geographic. This walk takes in spectacular volcanic scenery with views of Lake Taupo and Mt Taranaki and ranges in variation of landscape from barren moonscapes like environments to rainforested slopes.
Tongariro National Park is a world heritage park and was chosen for its unique beauty and cultural importance. The park was gifted to the nation by a Maori chief who decided the best way to preserve this special place from development and farming would be to give it away as a park that would be protected for all time

Westland National Park 2014

Fox Glacier photo

Description:
Westland National Park is located on the western side of the South Island. It covers 1,175 km², and extends from highest peaks in the Southern Alps, to lush rainforest clad hills and mountains and ends at the rugged and remote western coastline. This range of landscapes includes features as diverse as snow capped peaks,permanent snow fileds, glaciers, wild rivers, scenic lakes, pristine rainforests, and rocky and sandy shorelines..

Rotorua New Zealand 2014

Inferno Crater photo
Description:
New Zealand's biggest city, (Auckland), Rotorua is famous for its volcanic activity. The area is one of the world's great geothermal areas. Geothermal reserves such as Waimangu, Waiotapu, and Whakarewarewa are found here. These reserves are situated in beautiful natural surroundings and have spectacular examples of geysers, boiling pools, hot springs, boiling mud, volcanic terraces, fumeroles, and craters. Rotorua is also famous for its plentiful lakes which are great for swimming and fishing. The surrounding area contains plenty of native bush ideal for trekking. Mt Tarawera a nearby volcano offers spectacular scenery including superb views inside the rim of the volcano. Rotorua is also the best area in the country to experience and learn about Maori Culture.
Rotorua is situated in the Bay of Plenty region.

Queenstown New Zealander 2014

     
View of Queenstown & Lake Wakatipu photo
    Description:
    Queenstown has it all. Fit for a queen, this beautiful lake side town is surrounded by mountains and is one of New Zealands premier tourist destinations. It is also the home of bungee jumping which was first commercialised by New Zealander A J Hackett as well as jet boating which was invented in New Zealand. Other adrenaline activities include parapenting and white water rafting. Queenstown is also one of the southern hemispheres premier skiing destinations and enables skiers from around the world to ski during the northern hemisphere's summer. If you are not an adrenaline junkie then Queenstown is absolutely see more.

Abel Tasman National Park 2014

Tonga Bay Abel Tasman National Park photo

Description:
Located at the top of the South Island is one of New Zealand's coastal gems, Abel Tasman National Park. It is the smallest national park in the country but is big on scenery with some of the best beaches in the country. The park packs in picturesque bays, golden sand beaches, clear water, islands, native forest, and all this with a sunny climate.
Sea-kayaking is one way to see the park as you have access to all the beaches and coastal caves. The Abel Tasman Track is the most popular way to experience the park. It takes 3 - 5 days to complete and is considered as one of the country's top walks. It is also an easy walk compared to other New Zealand walks because it doesn't venture up hill very often and sticks close to the coast and includes most of the beaches too. There are also well maintained huts for sleeping overnight and amenities for preparing meals onroute. Another way to see the park is to use a sea taxi. They give you the option to be whisked away to a secluded beach or you can combine sea taxis and walking to give you the freedom to walk only the parts of the track that you want.
The park is named after Abel Tasman, who in 1642 became the first European explorer to view New Zealand. Motueka is the nearest large town which makes a good base before and after the walk. The small town of Marahau has the most popular entrance to the park while Totaranui is the other entrance or exit depending on which direction you take. While Marahau is east of Totoranui, often overlooked is Anapai Bay to Wainui Bay to the west of Totoranui. This area is still in the park and besides being much less travelled, it is even more pristine than the rest of the park due to little to no human interference.

photo