The Landscape and Garden Blog
Jan
19
We took a taxi down to South Seaport Dock to catch the Water taxi for a tour around the Hudson River. The tour took us up river heading toward the Statue of Liberty. It was very refreshing and the entertainment was fun. We got in some fantastic photos. The tour only lasted 45 minutes, which was perfect really. We then made our way to Ground Zero and checked on the progress of the work site. There was definitely massive construction taking place. The new twin towers haven’t been named yet, but we’re pretty sure they’ll be better than the predecessors.
Later, we purchased tickets to ride on a helicopter to take us on an aerial view of Manhattan. It was breathtaking and exciting, a real wow factor and worth the very expensive price, the best experience for us to date! We talked to the helicopter pilot the whole time about all the scenery, like the magnificent Central Park, the Empire State Building at a very acute scary angle, Yankee Stadium (no game). We safely landed back on the ground and we were both exhilarated, we didn’t know what to do with ourselves.
So, we figured a slice of New York pizza should calm us down and we went onto Broadway and found Sparrows Pizza, which wasn’t too far from our USA New York hotel, that’s how we knew about the place. We’ve been wanting to try it every since we arrive here in New York City, but we hadn’t had the opportunity until now. Sparrows served us the biggest slice of pizza we’ve ever had and man was it tasty, so tasty we had to order another slice, which made that we ate a whole pizza by ourselves. It’s a must do if you ever come to New York and want the best sliced pizza in town.
We headed back to our hotel and sat at the hotels lounge and chilled for a couple of hours. We then remembered we had cupcakes waiting for us up in our room, they were from Magnolia’s, which is featured in ‘Sex and the City’ TV series. We rushed up to our hotel room and tore open the box and devoured some of the best vanilla cupcakes in the world. Fabulous as each one went down and our waistlines went out. We figured we were preparing our stomach’s for more culinary delights when we head off to San Francisco in two days time.
Jan
15
Our New York journey began as we made our mission to pick up tickets the the Statue of Liberty. Before we left London, we had heard that the Lady’s crown was once again opened to the public. We immediately went on-line and not only booked us tickets for the climb to the top of the statue (because we knew there was no way we’d get tickets the day of arrival), but we found a great site that let us book a small New York hotel.
Our first stop after we arrived in New York City was to our hotel, then our second stop was to the Statue of Liberty. We eagerly made our way to the Ranger Station after picking up our tickets at Battery Park, which by-the-way, was not far from our hotel! We handed over our tickets and had to go through an interesting screening process. The tickets we purchased gave us preferential treatment, so the screening itself wasn’t so bad, all we had to do after answering some questions, was to go to the front of the line (preferential treatment) and walk through a machine that blew cold air all around our bodies (it was a hot day, so the cool air felt good), I was glad I wasn’t wearing a skirt!
We headed to the elevator to the Observatory, and it was closed for the day! So, we did the climb up the stairs, which we really weren’t prepared for. This climb is not for the weak or faint hearted. The park rangers even warned us that there’s no turning back, once you start the climb, you have to finish it. The climb past the Observatory, which leads into the body of the Lady, becomes steeper and narrower.
We finally made the last 40 steps to the Crown. We had to stop before that to catch our breath; there was a very nice Ranger with which we chatted up. The Rangers are positioned at several different places along the climb and they give you information about the Statue if you ask. After a gentle encouragement from the Ranger, we made it to the top. The Crown is small, but quite overwhelming. There were two Rangers stationed there who regaled us with tales of immigrants and other sites we should see in the city. It was hard to leave the Crown, the view is stunning and memorable.
On our way back down, a Ranger told us that we hadn’t been to the museum yet, which is the downside of going up to the crown, you by-pass the museum. In order to go to the museum, we’d have to go through security again, and we really didn’t have the energy for that, plus, we lost our VIP passes! (I’m sure some other tourist found them and is having a wonderful time using them).
As we got off the ferry and hobbled back to our small hotel, we kept smiling at each other. It was a smile of satisfaction and a job well done!
Jan
14
New York is as exciting now as it ever was. It’s been a magnet for incredibly talented people from all over the world for over a century, and continues to attract the best and the brightest of each subsequent generation. People who have an inkling to make grand statements in art, design, and world culture come to the city to see how they might make themselves heard and understood. It’s a vibrant place to visit, too, not only for the locals. Now more than ever it’s a place to go to see exciting new work in the fields of dance, performance, and music. There are many travelers who will go to www.newyorkhotelsuites.com to book their perfect trip, where they can see the city in style.
There are some, too, who like to travel to the other side of the country, and see what’s happening in Los Angeles. Many residents of New York or L.A. eventually become bi-coastal, doing work in both cities, because of the high concentrations of talent in each place, as well as powerful entertainment industries, too, in each city. Sometimes the most innovative artists will achieve success from a sudden and unexpected hit somewhere, which is what happened with Toni Basil with her big MTV hit Mickey. There are countless fans of this song who know her only for this song, but her career is much longer, and much more extensive than this.
She’s made appearances in some major films, including Easy Rider, which defined a generation. It’s interesting to see how her music hit in the 80s would similarly define a generation, and for much more vapid reasons, but the joke was probably on all of us all along. Her choreographic work is absolutely magnificent, and she’s been involved in iconic performances from David Bowie to David Byrne. Recently, she’s been winning awards for work in hiphop, and has taken an interest in Lucumi rhythms, as well as choreographic work in other Latin forms, in L.A. as well as New York City.
Jan
7
Charlotte, North Carolina has a great number of attractions that entice numerous tourists to the city every year and keep its residents satisfied and entertained. Many of these are culturally oriented and include museums, theatres, concerts and other entertainment elements, while others are more sports or physical activity oriented. The US National Whitewater Center is one of the most popular establishments in the area of outdoor excitement and sports and recreation. Tourists who visit the city, or anywhere in the region are frequently attracted to this major attraction. Guests staying in one of the Charlotte luxury hotels are able to gather information on the Center as well as transportation resources.
There are a number of services and activities offered by the Center that provide great sporting experiences for individuals of all ages and skill levels. Some of the basic instructional programs include lessons in climbing, kayaking and swiftwater rescue. The levels of training offered in each category are oriented toward different skills, interest and age levels and can accommodate groups or individuals. This makes it common for various groups and community events and makes for an excellent field trip or party excursion.
The various offerings of kayak lesions include a basic introduction to the sport and advance to one on one specialty training and the basics of kayak rolling, which is a frequent aspect of whitewater adventures. The Center also has one of the world’s largest outdoor climbing facilities which is also one of their more popular lesson programs. One of the achievement recognitions offered in the climbing program is a Merit Badge, which is endorsed by the Boy Scouts of America. As with many of the Center’s programs, lessons can be tailored to the individual. One of the essential aspects of visiting this establishment is enjoying a meal or snack at the River’s Edge Bar and Grill. There are menu options suitable for those who wish to sit down at one of the patio tables and enjoy a meal as well as those who want something they can grab and be on the go with.
Jan
6
I took the bus to New York from Boston, it wasn’t too bad, only took 5 hours through Massachusetts and Connecticut, passing some bland scenery and a some small towns before the bus dropped us off at the Midtown station. I had booked a room at a New York cheap hotel that was close to JFK, I wanted to be close to the airport when it came time to catch my flight to Italy. By the time the bus dropped us off, it was late at night, so the lights of the city were fantastic, but even at this late hour, the traffic was crazy; yellow cabs everywhere.
I strolled around for a bit and looked into some shops before I ducked into a Starbucks Coffee Shop. Then I caught the subway to my hotel and checked in for the night. My room was very nice, not bad for an inexpensive hotel! The next morning, I caught the same subway back into Manhattan and took the ferry across to Liberty Island to visit the Statue of Liberty. I couldn’t climb it, because I didn’t buy tickets in advance, but it was great to just be up close and wander around the base of the huge statue. I then took the ferry to Ellis Island where back in the 1800′s was the main US immigration post for people coming to America. The immigration house is now a museum. I watched a film about the island and the people who passed through. I even got to check out the surnames of people that past through on these metal plaques that had thousands of names on it, I didn’t see my surname on the list. I really would’ve been surprised, it I did see my family name on the list, since no one from my family ever wanted to go to America. My family really loves Italy and found no reason to leave our beloved country.
I managed to fit in seeing Greenwich Village, briefly and the Empire State Building before I headed back to my hotel room and get an early nights sleep. I needed to be at JFK by 5:30am to catch the international flight to Italy, home.
Dec
28
There are many beautiful hotels Alicante Spain has ready for visitors to stay in. This beautiful area is blended with modern swell and traditional roots as it runs along sandy beaches and buts up against some mountain ranges. The town has boomed recently with the influx of tourist activity especially along the beaches where one can find such a relaxing environment. There are many little traditional villages hiding in the mountains to explore. There are also many places to eat, drink and be merry. There is a blend of British, German and Nordic resident who more than likely came for a vacation and decided to stay.
There is some rich history to the area. Like most coastal towns in Spain, this port city was had been conquered a few times in a few hundred years. Some of the early inhabitants were more than likely Iberians who lived on the hilltop of Benacantil. Today there is the Castle of Santa Barbara that was built to protect the land below. It was a perfect place to built it because it was close enough to the sea to watch over but was to high to destroy from the water. There is an area called Benalua, where the Romans built a city called Lucentum. It was the predecessor of what we know of as Alicante in current times. There have been other villages found in the Albufereta and the Serra Grossa that date back to the same Roman times.
Next came the Moors who left behind the beginnings of the city we know today. You can see it in the old architecture of some buildings. Alfonso X conquered the city in 1246 for the Castillian Crown. Jamie II took Alicante for the Kingdom of Valencia. Ferdinand the Catholic made Alicante the city charter in 1490 where it went on to become the natural port of Castile a hundred years later. This is when the trade business started to really go. This made the population grow considerably. There were many wars for the land that came and went. Now leaving some great monuments of history and the stories to be rediscovered.
Dec
22
One of the things that some people consider to be an unsurpassable way to spend a weekend is by spending it at one of the best hotels they can find and afford. This is made easier when cost is not a concern, but for those of us for whom it is, there are great options as well. In fact, some people even make plans for a weekend get away without actually getting away. In cities and areas that have luxury or five star resorts, spending a weekend right there in your own city can feel like you are miles away in paradise and revive you even more than if you had left town. This is because you can enjoy all of the benefits of these luxury accommodations without having to spend any time traveling by plane or vehicle.
And the swiftrank high-end resorts have great dining and entertainment options that make it easy to never even leave the premises. This has actually been the reason for some vacation-oriented conflict of interests. Tourists are so enthralled by the accommodations of the resort in which they are staying that they often have to force themselves to go and explore the city they are visiting. This dilemma is completely eliminated when you don’t leave your own city for your resort stay.
Many of these resorts have more than once restaurant and offer a variety of dining options. There will typically be a house café or restaurant where the complimentary breakfast or brunch is served and in addition to that there will be a fine dining option as well as a more relaxed place with a wider variety of food options. A coffee and pastry shop is also a likely feature. They also will have at least one lounge or bar and frequently there will be more. These will have live music and sometimes comedy and other events. It is even possible to bar hop within the property of the resort itself. And considering that most of them will also have a fitness center and spa, it begins to make more and more sense why some people are choosing to stay in town and spend their weekend in a luxury resort.
Dec
14
Jenny had visited Singapore with some close college friends one year during their summer break. They had such an excellent time that they made a pact to return to Singapore each year together after they graduated. As soon as the initial pact was suggested they realized that this might become extremely difficult so they amended their plans and agreed to meet each other at the Singapore Marina every five years, no matter what. Well the first of their reunion trips was schedule for last June and as the date approached Jenny was both excited and nervous. She wasn’t sure what to expect and hadn’t talked to two of her friends for over a year. She had heard though that everyone was coming and she made her plans and reservations and headed to Singapore by herself.
She arrived in the city and felt a strange sense of welcoming. She wasn’t sure if she made it up and it was just her way of trying to recapture some of way she felt during her college days. She wondered how her friends had all fared out in the real world. She was enjoying a hectic and fast paced career as nurse, which is what she had always wanted to do.
As Jenny stood looking out over the bay memories of her first trip there came flooding back. She and her friends had such a great time. Anna, the most athletic in the group was an avid golfer and talked the rest of them into playing a few rounds at one of the public golf courses. They also saw a music performance at one of the venues in the Esplanade, which was the idea of Jody, the guitar player in the group. Then she thought about the Cantonese Opera production they saw and with which all of them were completely amazed by the skill and technique of the performers as well as with the beauty of the costumes. That was definitely something Jenny wanted to do on this trip she decided as she looked out across the numerous faces along the boardwalk and waited for a sign of her friends.
Dec
1
London is a global city with an incredible history. It has played a major role not only in the history and society of Great Britton but also in world politics. It has seen periods of greatness and also major challenges and difficulties. Throughout history monarchy has gained the attention of the world and has been loved, feared and even despised by the locals. The English royal family has had a turbulent history as what the rest of the country and the city of London have experienced. There have been wars based on the right to the throne and plots against the king or queen were extremely common through the middle ages and Renaissance. These historic circumstances are often the subject of blockbuster films and epic novels.
One of the more famous periods in English history was the Renaissance, which is also commonly referred to as the Elizabethan era. It describes the period of time in which Queen Elizabeth the First ruled England. The English Renaissance came after that of the Italian, which is typically the common artistic association to the Renaissance time period. Elizabeth the first ruled for a long time and reign lasted from 1558 to her death in 1603, which was 45 years. Tourists who visit London and stay in a London hotel are certain to be familiar with the Elizabethan era and its relevance to contemporary London.
Part of her reign is frequently considered to be the golden age of England. This included the period of time where the British defeated the Spanish Armada and writers like William Shakespeare, Ben Johnson, Thomas Kyd and Christopher Marlowe, among others flourished. However, as was true for many rulers from of the time, there were arguments regarding the Queen’s right to the throne and there were many plots to assassinate her. It was also a religiously turbulent period and followed the establishment of the Church of England. However, there were great conflicts between the Catholics and the Protestants, which also figured into the conflicts of the throne.
Dec
1
Miles was getting ready to move to Portland, Oregon from Longview, Washington. It wasn’t that far of a move, as it was just down the Columbia River, though he wouldn’t be taking that to get there. He decided to move across the state line and to this much larger city after having grown up in Longview because he felt he would have better chances of making a living by playing his guitar and singing. He had been to Portland quite a few times and throughout high school he and his friend would drive down for a concert or to hangout.
So when he planned his move he felt extremely familiar with the city and also already felt a strong connection to it. However, his parents insisted, well, primarily his mother did that the three of them spend an entire weekend in the city and stay in one of the best Portland hotels in order to find the best possible apartment for their son. Miles’ mother was huge fan of roses and she also wanted to include a trip to the International Rose Test Garden. Miles had no idea what she was talking about and in finding out he also discovered that his new hometown was also called the city of roses. Great he thought, he would always be thinking about his mother. This of course did not bother his mother any.
Interestingly, it was in part due to his mother’s love for roses and their trip to Washington Park to visit the renowned garden that Miles landed is first job in Portland. While his mother investigated and smelled the roses, Miles sat outside the garden and played a new song he had written. As he was singing a couple walked up and approached him. Miles stopped singing because he thought they were going to ask him for information and he needed to let them know he had none. However, the couple wanted to know his name and his availability to play on Saturday nights at their new club. Miles was almost dumbfounded and said he could start the following week. Right after that, Miles and his parents celebrated with a quick fish and chips lunch at the North 45 Pub. Yes, Miles was definitely going to love it in Portland.
Nov
30
Taste is always in supply supply in South Africa, where a spectacular number of traditions and cultures meet in the streets every day, and its extremely cosmopolitan outlook makes it a wonderful place to enjoy all sorts of fantastic world cuisines. There are local traditions that are amazing in culinary offerings, and an international tourist base the comes through the city regularly, looking for tastes of what’s exceptional these days. It’s always changing, but always terrific, and the one thing that could be said to always stay the same is the very high quality. Its location certainly helps this, being close to the ocean and farmlands, as well as vineyards, so that all the necessities for a gourmet meal are always near, and always fresh.
It only makes sense then that in Johannesburg, fine dining is spectacular, and there are plenty of excellent choices wherever you go. It’s a noble thing indeed to build an itinerary around food, especially if you’re coming to a culinary feast like Jo’burg, and after you’ve enjoyed your meal and are looking for some local art, you’ll probably come across the name Veleko Nontsikelelo. She began her art career when she was less than 30 years old, and is still extremely young, but has already had a tremendous career. It will be extremely interesting to see where she goes in her work next, but for now, what she’s making is particularly exceptional work.
Lolo, as her friends call her, and I wish I were one of them, found her form when she was taking the Market Photography Workshop here. In a very short amount of time, she was catching the eye of the New York art market, who were captivated by her photographs of women and men posing like fashion models in the urban environment of Johannesburg. The clothes are often electric in color and nature, and there are western iconographies that run through the images like accessories. The mix of meanings often goes unnoticed in the streets when it happens, but when it’s caught by the web of a photographer’s sharp wit, it becomes something else. Her work takes on extremely large themes and issues, and brings them into view with a clarity that is fun and deceptive at the same time. She’s one to watch.
Nov
24
Have you ever heard of the soldiers of the independent nation, the Republic of West Florida? Chances are the answer is no. Of course, most people have a pretty fair understanding of the United States’ Civil War in the middle of the 19th Century, when the South wished to secede from the Union. But Florida was once a nation unto itself? That may be news for a lot of people. It’s one of those quirks of history, where for a few days in time, what you thought you knew was turned upside down. In this case, the nation was established well before the Civil War, in 1810, and the short-lived country lasted for precisely ninety days. If you ever find yourself traveling and pausing to stop at West Florida hotels, you may want to keep some of this remarkable story in mind:
West Florida was in dispute between Spain and the United States at the time. Both American and British settlers lived there, resenting Spanish control. A rebellion occurred in 1810, and thus the Republic of West Florida was officially born. It was on the 23rd of September, when rebels took Baton Rouge, a Spanish garrison at the time, and raised the new flag of one white flag against a blue background.
The new nations’ boundaries included land North of Lake Pontchartrain, West of the Perdido River, East of the Missippi, and South of the thirty-first parallel. Despite the fact that the new nation was called the Republic of West Florida, and despite the fact that it’s official name for the new country was the State of Florida, most of the place did not actually exist in what we now call Florida!
Ninety days after the Republic of West Florida was created, parts of that small nation were taken by the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase. Skipwith opposed the U.S. move at first, wanting to figure out terms to join the Union, rather than be annexed.  The legitimacy of the new government, though, wasn’t recognized, and while Skipwith said he was prepared to die to defend his flag, he and his legislature finally agreed to accept Madison’s proclaimation.
And just like that, the nation of West Florida was gone, subsumed by four states: Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and, finally, Florida.
Nov
23
The region between Pakistan and India known as Punjab is a marvelous place to visit, offering spectacular attractions in a very appealing setting. It is historically very interesting, having seen the likes of Alexander the Great pass through its geography, and it is also where the famous battle sites in the Mahabharata were fought centuries ago. Today, it is still some of the most fertile land in the region, being a major source for food in both Pakistan and India. Architecturally, it is a wonderful place for touring, and the history of the place can be seen in the sumptuous temples, the majestic forts, and the modern day college. Guests will find a lot to admire in Punjab. Hotels are plentiful, and offer a spectacular array of choices for accommodations.
It’s always a pleasure to stay in luxury, and such a setting is a splendid way to take in the history and culture of contemporary Punjab. Some are even connected to Jiva Spas, which offer a fabulous array of methods to connect the body and the spirit, and to get in touch with the essential things in life. It’s a great place to get away from the daily concerns and responsibilities, and totally immerse yourself in a new cultural experience. The Punjab that exists outside the hotel is a fascinating geography where the physical world and various cultural imaginaries meet, and there’s much more to see here than the surface, although the surface is endlessly interesting as well.
It’s something that has caught the attention of many different artists working in the region, and the notion of a space between Pakistan and India has many more philosophical implications that suddenly implode when they hit the floor and start to resemble real life. Like in the famous work, When Two Bombs Kiss, by the Lahore-based artist David Chalmers Alesworth, multiplicities of meanings are possible at every turn. The material facts however are still entirely knowable, like the materials that he uses in his work, and these are sometimes just as much a comment as the meanings gained by any ironic distance. On some mornings, of course, distance is a nice thing to have.
Nov
16
If you’ve been to Melbourne, you know many of the things to do: Taking a tour down the Great Ocean Road, viewing the Twelve Apostles, stopping in to say hello to the penguins on Phillip Island, or petting a Koala bear at the Koala Conservation Centre. But how about inside the city itself? What attractions can you find after you’ve checked into your the luxury hotels melbourne australia has to offer? Here are a few of the possibilities:
Walking along the Yarra River From the banks of the Yarra, you can stroll and sightsee, taking a look at the contrast in Melbourne’s architecture, from the new modern structures to the very old. There are buildings spanning from 1840 to the present, and examples from the Georgian/Colonial period (1840-1869), Victorian (1870-1889), Edwardian (1890-1915) and Interwar Architecture (1916-1939), and then every decade after that.
Restaurants. There’s a fine selection of restaurants in Melbourne, from vendors on the street to multi-starred establishments, and more than a number of restaurants catering to Malaysian tastes, something more difficult to find in the United States.
Take in a few art galleries. Many galleries are tucked away down lanes and hidden up staircases. If you investigate, you may find more than a few, such as West Space on Anthony Street, a gallery that pulls in new and emerging artists; Someday Store & Gallery on Swanston Street, providing contemporary artists; or the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art on Southbank. There’s also Laneway Commissions, where international and local artists use the many maze-like laneways as a kind of canvas to present their art. Check out as well the Nicholas Building’s boutiques and the artists of the Victorian Writer’s Centre over on Swanston Street.
The nightlife may also be of interest, but if none of these fail to satisfy, perhaps it’s time to return to nature and pet a koala!
Nov
16
In the Mediterranean Sea, in the archipelago of the Balearic Islands, the skies are often clear and black, perfect for viewing the stars, from outside on the grounds to the suites of all the five star hotels Mallorca has to offer. Several of my friends have a keen interest in astronomy and so I’m always looking for a place where I can see the billions of stars the Milky Way Galaxy has to offer. For that reason, I was really pleased to see that Mallorca, in addition to its fine hotels and restaurants, also is the home of an astronomical observatory.
The Observatorio Asatronomico de Mallorca (OAM) was built nearly twenty years ago, in 1991, and was Spain and the Baleric Islands’ first astronomical center. It carries on important work there, using robotic telescopes to track more than two thousand asteroids, keeping a vigilant eye out for those hunks of space rock that might one day threaten the Earth. In fact, they’ve already found one such potentially hazardous asteroid (asteroid 2006 WH1). Although they carry out serious work, clearly astronomers have a sense of humor and pride in national sports: An asteroid discovered by OAM in 2003 (asteroid 128036) was later named after former world champion Spanish tennis player, Rafael Nadal. Mallorca and Spain certainly does its part in the protection of our planet and the exploration of the solar system and space.
Of course, Mallorca, has other attractions apart from the night sky. It’s rich in history; with people living on the island all the way back to the Paleolithic Period (roughly 6,000 to 4,000 BC). It’s rich in cuisine; as of a few years ago, the island boasted over 2,400 restaurants, known for its pork and vegetables (arros brut), saffron rice and chicken (sobrassada) and a sweet pastry (Ensaimades). But the local diet contains a lot of olives and almonds: The island boasts over four million olive and almond trees!
Nov
12
When I arrived back in Singapore in the late afternoon, I went out for drinks with my new found friends I met during my stay. I met them on the 71st floor of the tallest building here. What can I say about the view, except that it’s spectacular. I could see all of Singapore and the coast. We then decided to have dinner at a Thai restaurant, which was a tough decision, it was truly hard to leave this view of Singapore. But, at least at the restaurant, it only took a few more drinks to get over our decision. We had a great evening and I was regretting that my sister wasn’t with me.
The next day, I took the Cable car over to Sentosa Island. It started to rain, but that only lasted a half hour or so, but I decided that a bus tour around a section of the island would be preferable just in case it really started to rain. After the bus tour, and the sun was shining, I walked around through the rain forest area where I got to see, not close up, cobra snakes and pythons in their natural habitats. I also got to see a few tarantulas, enclosed. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I then walked along a nice stretch of sandy beach and actually waded up to another small island. Sentosa is beautiful. Before I left, I took one ride on the Luge, now that was thrilling! I wish I had time to do that all day.
My impressions of Singapore are that it’s a very clean modern city. The transit system is affordable, up-to-date and plenty of public transportation choices. I found it interesting that Singapore does not allow cars older than seven years out on the roads, it’s the law! Plus, car registration is extremely expensive, almost double the cost of the car itself. I’m guessing that since they put all their funding into public transportation, then they expect the residence to use it. The best hotels in Singapore are in every section of town, so any one can plan a vacation next to the main attraction they want to explore. The weather is warm, I think the lowest temperature was 19 degrees centigrade. Chewing gum is illegal! Fortunately, I don’t like gum, but I bet all the gum chewers in the world would be very upset at this law. I wish I had more time here, one week is not enough.
Nov
10
As one of the largest cities in Australia, with a lively cultural scene on the eastern coast, Brisbane is a wonderful place to get to know. There are hosts of attractions here, offering something for travelers of all ages, like zoos, museums, and fantastic city tours. Offering a splendorous sense of hospitality, served up with a rare and engaging charm, the local traditions here are rather delightful. In recent years it has begun to attain a fantastic reputation for travel destinations, and is well on its way to becoming one of the world’s hot spots. For now, it is a wonderful place for discerning travelers to enjoy themselves in a world-class city.
There are excellent restaurants here, demonstrating the amazing variety in the local culinary traditions, as well as places who serve the very best in international cooking. With a wealth of fresh seafood, splendid local farms with fresh beef and vegetables, along with the spectacular choices for Australian wines, it is an incredible experience. Likewise, for hotels, Brisbane uses all of its spectacular talents to offer the very best in lodging. Local twists to international standards of excellence are the norm here, and guests will find themselves to unusually sumptuous lodgings that speak to the wealth of the area.
If you’re looking for spectacular events, Brisbane has plenty to offer. In September-October there is the amazing Brisbane Festival. The whole city participates in this three-week long extravaganza in local and international art. Every kind of art is offered here, and this excellent event has something for everyone. Live theatre, fireworks, public talks, and live music are just some of the features here. And estimated quarter of a million people turn out for the event, and there is a concentrated effort at highlighting the work of local indigenous artists. The ‘where we from’ Banners project features contemporary visual art and design from the native communities here, and there are also magnificent performances of theatre and opera. It’s one of the great times to be in the city, although any time is rather remarkably nice.
Nov
3
What would a trip to New York City be if we didn’t treat ourselves to a Broadway Play? Even before we booked our hotel rooms or flights we were buying tickets to shows. I guess that is a little backward, but we were so excited we kind of lost our heads and just started getting tickets once we decided on the dates and were able to get the time off work.
Well it has all worked out we have our plane tickets and hotel room reserved now too so we have it all together now. With so many shows on Broadway we had a little difficulty making our decisions. After reviewing the options at Broadway tickets New York we were able to come to some decisions. We are limiting ourselves to four shows the week we will in New York and here is the list of shows we have our tickets for: first we will be seeing Wicked, the next evening the Lion King, then we will see the Wednesday matinee performance of Mamma Mia! and our final show will be Ragtime.
The plans are set for our nights and afternoon on Broadway we are now deliberating over what else we want to fit in while we are there. With all the great museums Museum of Modern Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Natural History Museum, The Museum of American Folk art and so many more we are in the same situation we were in when deciding on Broadway Plays. There are so many choices, how do you choose. I’ll have to go on line and see if any of the museums are having any special shows that are of interest to either of us, take that information and go from there.
And I know we will have to get to lower Manhattan one day. There we will rummage through the trendy vintage and resale’s shops looking for vintage cloths and unusual house hold objects. That is never a disappointing adventure. It will be a full week of Broadway, museum going and shopping this time we are in New York.
Nov
2
Foreign travel, while exciting may be confusing, and is especially so when traveling through countries where the people do not speak the same language as one who is traveling. Everything from dinner menus to directions becomes a mystery that needs to be solved, lest you end up with a plate full of fried chicken feet instead of vegetarian dumplings, or end up in some questionable part of town when you were intending on getting to the beach.
In the country of Thailand there are many customs and ways of etiquette that are different from those traveling say, from the Western countries. It is best to study up a bit before heading to a country and a culture that is so different from one’s own.
In Thailand, there are taxis, known as tuk-tuks. Advice regarding the tuk-tuk is advice that could be given to anyone in any city who is taking a taxi ride. You must know in advance, before you take the seat in the back, exactly what the charges will be. Thai drivers will haggle, so it’s best to haggle diligently and be sure that both parties have agreed. Never pay in advance, only pay once you are taken where you asked to be taken, and are there safe and sound.
As far as dress is concerned, for one thing it is almost always hot and humid in most of the cities, however in many of the 5 star hotels, Thailand culture forbids the wearing of shorts, t-shirts and sandals. Feet must be covered with socks, and close toed shoes. In other areas this casual manner of dress is fine, it’s best to look around at what other people are wearing to get a better idea of what is appropriate.
There are many places to find incredible Thai cuisine. When looking for a place, try to notice where the locals are eating, that way you will be assured that the food is good as well as the quality of the ingredients. Some street vendors will over price their dishes and water down the food.
Again, go where the locals are. And as far as social interaction, Thai people do not enjoy confrontation. Their belief system states that to lose one’s temper is to lose face, so they will treat others with respect. These are just general tips and suggestions that will make travel through Thailand a much more comfortable and enjoyable trip.
Nov
2
Hong Kong is one of the most worldly places on the planet, having a long and complicated history of alliances and relationships with other nations and other cultures, and stands as a truly cosmopolitan place. It sets trends, with a population of artists and intellectuals, along with great financial leaders, looking into the future with a fantastic sense of what worked in the past. It is a spectacular place to visit to get to know what’s coming in fashion and art, and also a great place to go to take a break from the daily routines and get to know a new culture. There is certainly plenty to do here, day or night, and with all the splendid activities that are here in Hong Kong, car rental is a very good idea.
Especially when there are complex itineraries, or larger groups traveling together, the convenience of having your own transportation makes things much easier. There are many attractions that are open during the day, along with a magnificent array of street fairs and cultural festivals, and of course, there is a fantastic night life, and it’s always nice to be able to get from one side of the city to another, when there are so many things going on at once. You might want to try to arrange your itinerary to coincide with an exciting week looking at urban development and ways of conceiving the cityscape for today and for the future, and attend the Shenzhen & Hong Kong Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism Architecture.
This event is in its third incarnation, and brings together some of the best mind in city development to discuss the state of the industry in one of the most exciting urban setting on the planet. Looking at the latest trends in Architecture, and taking in cross-disciplinary practices in visual art, digital art, and photography, you see that we’re coming to live in a very exciting age where we can think about the city in new and fascinating ways. There are speakers and panels, some of which are devoted to insiders who speak a very particular language, and also others that are more accessible to a general public. This is an exciting place to consider an exciting topic, and you won’t be able to look at the streets in the same way.
Oct
26
New York never stops, it doesn’t sleep, and certainly doesn’t take a rest, at any point in the year. Â That’s what makes it one of the most desirable places to visit, and it’s certainly something everyone should experience at least once. Â Repeat visitors and sometimes residents know that it gets better and better each time, and the more you know your way around the city, the more there is to see. Â However, even first-time visitors will have more than enough to do, and will love their time in New York, USA. Â Hotel accommodations are easy to find, and there are a dizzying array of choices. Â We’ve taken care to select some of the best, so that you can save the guesswork for the activities and attractions.
You’ll love waking up in splendor, with decor that is extremely stylish, and speaks to the best of classical design and embraces the best of the new. Â Waking up to New York hospitality is lovely, and it’s a great way to begin the day, when you’ll feel a spark of rejuvenation even before breakfast. Â Enjoy a fantastic meal prepared by world class chefs schooled in classical and contemporary cuisines, and you’re off to have an adventure in New York City! Â If you’re looking for an experience in the heart of the gritty New York art world, if it can still be called gritty, then by all means, head down to Reena Spauldings.
To be fair, this is gritty, and it is in the Lower East Side, which has cleaned up an awful lot in the past few years, for better or worse. Â When artists move in, the rents usually go up, until the artists can’t afford to live in their own neighborhoods. Â At least, that’s been the trend. Â But it looks like they may have sidestepped that trap at Reena Spauldings. Â It’s the brainchild and sometimes alter-art-ego of Emily Sundblad, whose been making a very good name for herself lately. Â Her performance installations are hard to get into, which is exactly what downtown artists want, so it’s worth it to try while you’re here. Â She opened a storefront gallery in the cheapest place possible in 2002, and turned it into a place for her friends to come and hang out, and it just kept getting cooler. Â Now it’s a fantastic place, with a sensational eye for good work, and an atmosphere that is edgy and exciting, and utterly New York.
Oct
26
Hello from Spain! Madrid’s heat is so much better than the London cold.
I’m getting by with only a very small amount of Spanish in my vocabulary. I’ve gotten ‘no entiendo’ down pat; it means ‘I don’t understand’. I’m actually having a lot of fun just saying that phrase no matter what. The first day I arrived in Madrid, I was tired and managed to find my way, on foot, to my hotel, which, by-the-way, was right next to some of the best Madrid restaurants I’ve ever eaten at. My hotel was very interesting, it had an inner courtyard that was great for relaxing and meeting other fellow travellers. That night, I went out with some of my fellow travellers, ones I met in the courtyard, and we checked out one of the restaurants next to the hotel. We ate well and enjoyed swapping travelling horror stories.
Then, yesterday, I walked around Madrid. I noticed it has a much different feel about it compared to any English speaking cities, like Sydney. The architecture is less grand, but they are very colorful; lots of pastel, like oranges, yellows and reds, lots of reds. Central Madrid has streets that are narrow and wind up, down and around hills that are very pretty. All the plaza’s are a great way to people watch and to grab a quick bite.
I visited the Prado art gallery, which I highly recommend no matter what type of art you like. Their collection is vast and very good. I especially liked all the Raphael’s. Later, in the evening, I started it off with some drinks and a meal in my hotels courtyard. I think I ordered the Sangria. Sangria tastes like fruit juice with alcohol, but in fact, it’s a very sweet wine. Then, I headed over to the tapas bar and ran into 4 Aussies, a guy from Kentucky and a french girl. I had a great night, but the Sangria and then the beer started to take its toll on me around midnight. I had to go back to my hotel and sleep it off the best I could.
My stay was too short in Madrid, but I feel I made the most of it. I’m really a people person, even if I don’t speak the language, I always manage to have a great time. Toledo will seem so…Toledo after this, I just hope that my journey for the past month will not vanish into thin air.
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