Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

10 best gay-tolerant places in world

Thursday, September 18th, 2008

From San Francisco to New York, from Paris to London, all these cities have become progressively more open to homosexuality.

And therefore, they are now among the ”Ten Best Places In The World For Gays”, reports the Independent.

The Ten Best Gay-Tolerant Places in the world are:

1. San Francisco

This laid-back West-Coast city is a welcoming environment for gay men and women. In fact San Francisco has become a favourite venue for gays to get hitched.

2. Sydney

Lesbians and gay men are integrated into every sphere of Sydney life but same-sex marriages are still not enshrined in federal law.

3. New York

The city is surely the gay capital of the world, for it’’s a place where lesbians and gay men of all ages and races are so integrated into work and political culture that their sexuality is often the least significant thing about them.

4. Mykonos

This little Aegean island became famous in the 1960s for the tolerance and vibrant nightlife it offered to gay men and women.

5. Paris

The city of Proust and Piaf is a natural environment for a flourishing queer life. A commercial gay quarter is now well established around the elegant Marais district.

6. Barcelona

This city’’s tolerant attitude towards gay life can be traced back to the years of Franco’’s dictatorship, when homosexuality was illegal in Spain but later found acceptance here.

7. Amsterdam

The Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage in 2001. So, unsurprisingly, queer life has blossomed in this sexually liberated nation, and nowhere more so than in the cultural capital of Amsterdam.

8. London

In the decades since homosexuality was legalised in 1967 equal rights legislation and high-profile campaigns have turned London into one of the most prominent gay-tolerant cities in the world.

9. Copenhagen

In 1989, Denmark became the first country in the world to recognise registered partnerships between same-sex couples, and this was just the latest progressive move in a country, which has a long history of tolerance.

10. Berlin

It may have taken 75 years, but the German capital is now open to gays.

Where to shop and eat in Beijing

Wednesday, August 20th, 2008

Got 48 hours to shop and eat in Olympic host city Beijing? Reuters correspondents with local knowledge help visitors make the most of a quick visit to China’s capital. FRIDAY

5 p.m. - What better way to ease yourself into the chaos that is Beijing than with a pre-dinner cocktail at Yin, the rooftop bar of the newly opened boutique Emperor Hotel? Calming views over the Forbidden City as the sun sets, and if the mood grabs there is an open-air jacuzzi. (www.theemperor.com.cn/)

7 p.m. - The glamour continues over dinner at 1949 — The Hidden City, a complex of restaurants in a one-time factory site close to the main Sanlitun bar district. There is a tiny noodle bar, where you can watch the chefs doing their thing right in front of your seat, a Chinese restaurant and a Western restaurant. Tasty fare in an industrial chic setting. (www.elite-concepts.com/)

9 p.m. - Close by is Q Bar for post-dinner cocktails. Sip frozen lychee daquiris on the wooden deck out the back. (www.qbarbeijing.com/en/)

SATURDAY

9 a.m. - Start your day with good coffee and fluffy eggs at Vineyard, a tranquil courtyard-cum-cafe in a hutong, or alley, near the splendid Lama Temple (Yong He Gong). The eggs Benedict are excellent, but the vegetarian options also come recommended. (www.vineyardcafe.cn)

10 a.m. - Flex those bargaining muscles and dive into the Silk Market, one of Beijing’s most popular tourist attractions, for everything from knock-off designer clothes to pearls. There has been a crack-down on pirated goods of late, and if you do get tempted to partake, be aware you could be fined taking the stuff back into your home country.

11 a.m. - Head to The Village in Sanlitun, where the largest Adidas shop in the world, China’s first Apple store and a host of other brand names gather here for your shopping pleasure. Lots of good restaurants are planned, so watch this space. (www.thevillage.com.cn).

1 p.m. - Late lunch at Brazilian new-wave favourite Alameda, hidden in an unremarkable lane off Sanlitun’s central bar street. It doesn’t really matter what you order, as it’s pretty much all good. (6417-8084)

2:30 p.m. - Conveniently located next to Alameda is the cute Nali Mall. Small, but perfect, having a collection of unique hole-in-the-wall stores like Qiancaohua, with its floral belts and colorful cube cushions.

4 p.m. - No trip to Beijing is complete without going down the traditional hutongs that were once the city’s signature. And no trip to Beijing is complete these days without picking up a t-shirt at Plastered, down the ultra-fashionable Nanluo Guxiang. The designs are a homage to Beijing’s retro-past, mixed with a cheeky take on its present and future. (www.plasteredtshirts.com/)

5 p.m. - For a post-shopping pick-me-up, head to Face Bar which has recently expanded to Beijing from equally swish locations in Shanghai, Bangkok and Jakarta. Located in an old, Communist-era school, this bar is setting new standards in the city’s drinking scene. The Cosmopolitans slip down very nicely. (www.facebars.com/)

7 p.m. - Eat at Han Cang, universally known as “the Hakka”. Food from the southern Chinese Hakka minority is not well known outside of China, but it is delicious. Have the giant prawns steamed in a wooden bucket of unrefined sea salt. (6404-2259)

9 p.m. - Drinks at Bed Bar, in the hutongs north of the now touristy Houhai area. Hard to find, but relaxing and chilled out. Perch yourself on a traditional Chinese bed and admire the city’s trendy young float by sipping mojitos. (8400-1554)

SUNDAY

8 a.m. - The Panjiayuan or Dirt Market is probably China’s largest antique market. Get there at dawn for the genuine Ming vases, otherwise much else on sale is far from genuine. The really fun section is the book stalls at the back. Everything from ancient Chinese classics to North Korean propaganda books in English and old copies of National Geographic.

11 a.m. - Early lunch at modern Japanese restaurant Hatsune. Sushi rolls with good sauces and fluffy tempura. Book ahead. (6581-3939)

1 p.m. - A relaxing way to walk off lunch is to wander through the flower market at Lady Street. Very cheap cut orchids and other tropical fronds abound. In the basement are silk-wrapped lamps and other household decor items. Then bring yourself crashing back down to reality among the trashy clothes market next door. Always wanted a purple velour mini-skirt? You’re in luck.

3 p.m. - Spin. The master craftsmen (and women) behind this store sure know how to whip up a storm with the clay. Simple, clean and understated is the order of the day. And it’s not too expensive. Word on the street is that a well-known European fashion designer liked the shop so much he snapped up 20,000 sets of plates during a winter swirl through the city. (6437 8649)

6 p.m. - Dinner at “Axis of Evil” restaurant Pyongyang Haedanghwa. Run as a money-making venture by the North Korean government, the grilled beef, pickled cabbage and seafood pancakes are good. If you’re lucky, the staff will serenade you with North Korean folk songs.

9 p.m. - One final drink at Drum and Bell. If the weather is good, sit on the roof and look at the floodlit drum tower, surprisingly well preserved amongst the chaos and pollution of a rapidly developing city. (6593 5050)

What are some things i can do to cope with Cruise Anticipation?

Saturday, August 16th, 2008


I’m going on a cruise in a week or so and i just CAN’T wait. it’s driving me crazy. Any ideas on coping with the anticipation?

 

I’m going on a cruise is 16 days and I’m in the exact same situation as you.

What i’ve been doing is doing a lot of research on the cruise. Sadly, I’ve memorized almost the entire deck plan, lol. If you go to cruisecritic.com there is a ton of information where you can learn about everything you can think of about cruises. you can talk to people on a roll call message board that are going on the same cruise as you, you can learn more about the destination that your cruise is going to, you can learn a lot about the ship and cruise line. Go to the cruise line website and learn more about your ship. Take a look at all of the staterooms, and look at the one that you’re going to be staying in. There’s pictures all over cruise critic, the cruise line website, google, all over. Be amazed at how expensive the grand suite is on the cruise and try to figure out why you need a baby grand piano in it. lol, do a little bit of research everyday and before you know it you’ll be packing for your cruise. You can also pack a little each day to get yourself excited and in the cruise spirit. Learn about the port that you’re leaving from; what time is the earliest that you can board the ship? If you’re maybe flying in a day early to the port or something learn about what there is to do at and around the port. Learn about the different foods that the cruise is going to have. Find out which ones are free so you know ahead of time. There’s menus that people post all of the time on cruise critic. Look under the board for your cruise line & ship and take a look at the menus. People often post pictures of specific cabins, and they also have tons of pictures of destinations and the ship itself. If you haven’t booked any excursions for the port(s) of call you’re going to, do some research to find out what there is to do there. Is it not even worth getting off the ship? Is there something special that you’d like to do when you get there. also look at your itinerary. Look at how long you’re going to be at each port and make use of every minute. Make sure you have all of your excursions and things to do at the port of call done before your cruise because it’s hard to get good ones on the ship because a lot of them can be sold out.

There’s so much more too. Check out cruisecritic.com It will keep you occupied forever. Do some research everyday and before you know it it will be the night before your cruise, when you’re laying in bed wishing you can leave for the port already!

If you want any further information on anything that I mentioned, feel free to send me a message- I’d be glad to help!

Airline reservation question?

Wednesday, August 13th, 2008


If I book a flight, say a month, before the travel date, what is the likelihood that my seat is NOT reserved? I decided to pick Delta.

 

If you have received a seat assignment, your seat is definitely reserved. If you have a confirmation number, your reservation is definitely reserved. However, if you show up late to boarding, there’s a chance your seat will be given away

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If you have received a seat assignment, your seat is definitely reserved. If you have a confirmation number, your reservation is definitely reserved. However, if you show up late to boarding, there’s a chance your seat will be given away

Thomson fly plane map yellow rows of seats??

Saturday, July 26th, 2008


Got the thomson fly tickets before we went on holiday, and they included a plan of the areoplane, and as expected the toilets were marked, and the extra legroom and disabled seats were colour coded and key’d.

But the first 8 rows of seats were coloured in yellow and there was no key, it was a shorthaul flight and there was no first class and on the plan the seats looked the same size and eveything. i sat in row 6 and didnt notice anything differnet, so why are they marked yellow on the plan??

 

Maybe they were already reserved or something?

People tend to go for seats towards the front of the aircraft because it is quieter there.

Tuna Fishing

Friday, July 4th, 2008

Massachusetts offers some of the best waters for Tuna Fishing. Anglers from across the country flock to this pristine location where some of the finest Blue fin Tuna are found. When trolling for tuna, you will generally use many lines with lures at various distances in the boat’s wake as it trolls at speeds of around 10 knots. The reason that you use as many lines as possible is because it imitates the look of a school of bait fish.

It is the noise from the tuna fishing charter boat’s propeller that attracts the tuna, and when they come to the surface to investigate the noise, the will hopefully see the lures and jump on. When this occurs, multiple hookups can happen. At this point the hit rod will then be put into one of two fighting chairs. The boat is then slowed and the angler is able to reel in the fish. The only drawback to troll fishing is that the movement of the boat adds to the stress of fighting the fish and it can take a good bit of muscle to finally land a giant. Another method to employ when tuna fishing mass later in the season is to tempt the fish with bait. This becomes easier as the fish start to settle in a given area.

RCCL’s Voyager of the Seas or NCL’s Norwegian Gem?

Thursday, July 3rd, 2008


My husband and I, two active adults (31 and 26 years old) are thinking of going on a 7-day med cruise in August. However, we can’t decide on which cruise to choose, RCCL’s Voyager of the Seas or NCL’s Norwegian Gem?

 

I recommend the Royal Caribbean Voyager. I have cruise on the Gem (this past Nov) in the Mediterranean and I have also been on two of RC’s Voyager Class ships (the Adventure and the Mariner) which are identical to the Voyager. So my experience is the Voyager is a much better ship even though the Gem is less than 2 years old. There are much more activities on the Voyager and the service and staff will likely be much better than on the Gem. We had several issues with the service on the Gem. Don’t be fooled by that Norwegian advertisement about “Freestyle” cruising. The cruise on NCL (and I have been on about 6 NCL cruises) is no different from any other cruise line except for you being able to go to dinner in the main dining room anytime instead of on a set schedule. And that anytime dining has its drawbacks too.

Save Money on Your Summer Vacation by Booking Now

Friday, April 4th, 2008

Summer is still several months away, but you can take advantage of travel packages being offered today and save yourself some real money. Everyone loves to travel and take vacations. That is just a normal part of being human. However, most people are not too keen on spending thousands of dollars to take a vacation. These are the same people who are unaware that discount travel exists and that they really can see the world on a limited budget.

There are plenty of escorted tours you can choose from that are offered at discounted rates if you simply know when to shop. All you need to do is figure out where you want to vacation and when the low season is at that particular location. You will find that traveling to anywhere during the “low season” is often times more enjoyable not only because it is more affordable but also because it is less crowded! It is hard to enjoy the best beaches, take the best tours, and dine in the most popular restaurants if there are thousands of others trying to do the same. So, start planning your summer vacation today and find places where you can save money and still have fun.

Must See Places in Utah

Wednesday, March 19th, 2008

Are you planning a vacation in Utah? If so there are many places you will surely want to visit. Of course, you will need to stop in Salt Lake City to see all the sights and enjoy the great shopping and amazing restaurants. However, if you are looking for some outdoor adventure, too, then you will want to visit the Flaming Gorge. You can visit the Flaming Gorge Lodge and book reservations online to ensure you have a place to stay when you arrive. This is the best Green River hotel and you will be able to relax and enjoy the surrounding area and activities. There are so many things to see and do in the Flaming Gorge area of Utah that you will probably want to stick around for a while. There are certainly outdoor activities that you will not be able to enjoy in the Salt Lake City area so be sure to take advantage of everything you can here. Remember that the season will affect what outdoor adventures you can enjoy, but you will find there are a lot of fun things for you to see and do in this area of Utah.

Which city is more populated ?

Saturday, December 22nd, 2007
  1. SHANGHAI :)
  2. i think it’s New York.
  3. Mumbai
  4. Mumbai
  5. Out of the city you have mentioned Tokyo is more populated. London is better to live.
  6. New York - 8,250,567

    Tokyo - Yokohama - 35,000,000

    London - 7,500,000

    Mumbai - 13,000,000

    New York or London would be the best to live in. They speak English there. (Well, at least in London.)

  7. Even though by next year more than half of the world population will be … it said adding Mumbai is the most densely populated city in the world with 29650 …
  8. Mumbai of course.
  9. Its 1 and only
    Mumbai.