5 Must-See California Destinations

By Doug

Nov

20

Ever since most of us were children, we have come to revere California as a land  of hopes and dreams. From the days of Saved by the Bell and the magical trips to Sea World and Disney, California and it’s temperate and sunny weather have become something that many of us dream about. If you have been waiting to hit the coast, it’s time to turn your ‘California dreaming’ to reality, and here are five great places to start.

Napa, California, or what is commonly referred to as wine country, is located in the northern district of California. Napa boasts some of the finest vineyards in the world. The numerous wineries located in this gorgeous town are abundant and give the area it’s charm and history. The wine tasting tours can be a real joy to sample and provide plenty of culture and history to boot. Some of these vineyards are home to families who have been in the wine making business generations and you can feel the pride and the history in each visit.

San Francisco has got to be one of the hottest California destinations to travel to. The wide variety of cultures and industry makes for a fantastic show of diversity. China town located in downtown San Francisco boasts some of the best Asian cuisine around. The numerous shops are a treasure trove for any visitor to see. Getting around in San Francisco can be half the fun as everywhere you turn there is a cable car to ride. Fantastic fun at its best!

Sacramento is another destination also located in the northern valley of California and full of history. Old town Sacramento located next to the Sacramento River is chucked full of specialty shops and built around buildings that date back to the early 1800s. A short walk from old town and you arrive at the K Street Mall boasting every department store one could want. This is truly shopper’s paradise. A short jump across the street and you are at the capital. Now this is a site to behold. The white Gothic looking capital building fills a large space surrounded by trees that date hundreds of years in age. History is conveyed well and brought to the visitor’s eyes by taking a fantastic tour of this building.

Big Sur is best known as the home of the California Redwoods. Some of these trees are two thousand years old. Located along the coast one can experience nature at its best. The smell of the ocean nestled with the giant Redwoods can be breath taking. There are numerous trails for the hiker and the nature lover to find breath taking.

Truckee is a place that is a must-see destination. The town of Truckee finds its roots in the California gold rush era. Truckee seen an onslaught of mining and the lumber industry thrived during the early eighteen hundreds and late nineteen hundreds. The town boasting small western like themed shops and board walk type causeways is awesome. The history is labeled all over the town the main theme being Gold. Gold was the chief source of income for most that came to this booming town in the early eighteen hundreds. There are many interesting shops along Truckee’s downtown main street.

 

Take A Road Trip to Disneyland

By Doug

Jun

10

Road trips are a great way to see new places, bond with people and make the most out of a vacation. Disneyland and California Adventure in Anaheim, California are opening new attractions and they are sure to be spectacular. Disneyland is a perfect excuse to take a road trip, so grab your USA map and your California map and hop in the car.

Disneyland and California Adventure are each opening a new ride or attraction and with state of the art technology, these are sure worth seeing.

Disneyland is one of the most visited places in the United States; known as the “happiest place on Earth”, why wouldn’t you want to stop by for some fun. One of the great sections of Disneyland is Tomorrowland, which offers all types of rides and attractions based on the future and science fiction. One of the most popular rides in Tomorrowland is Star Tours, which takes you through the world of Star Wars on a three dimensional movie tour in a “ship” which moves with the movie. Until now, the ride was a bit dated and the technology was lacking. Recently the ride has undergone a total revamp and offers the best 3-D experience, which makes you feel as though you really are flying through the stars and visiting other planets.

California Adventure is opening a little mermaid themed ride. After 20 years, the undersea princess is finally getting her own ride. With brand new animatronics and cutting edge technology, this ride will bring in tons of Disney princess fans. The ride has multiple rooms, which you navigate in a moving clam seat, filled with Ariel and her friends.

Both Disneyland and California Adventure offer fantastic experiences and these new attractions are definitely beneficial additions to the parks. So if you haven’t been to Disneyland in a while and want a chance to see some of the United States on the way, grab your keys and take a road trip to beautiful Anaheim, California.

Travel and Health Insurance

By Doug

May

21

Insurance is a fact of life that many people don’t even think about anymore. Each year they renew their health insurance through their employer and make sure their auto and home policies are in order. They may increase their life insurance as their situation requires. What they won’t do is allow that insurance lapse or let themselves be caught without at least basic coverage if they can help it.

International travelers need to carry that same attitude of necessity with them with regards to travel insurance. Unfortunately, there is nothing automatic about obtaining a TATA AIG travel insurance policy. They are going to have to do some research and educate themselves about the terms of a policy. As long as they recognize the importance of this type of insurance, they should be willing to do that work.

Travel insurance for these individuals should cover both travel and health emergencies. Some policies will only offer one or the other. Tourists and business travelers are not going to want to play roulette with their trip. They should be covered in case they need medical assistance or treatment as well as covered in the case of travel problems . They may even want to consider getting liability and life insurance to protect them from those risks while overseas. At a minimum, travel and health insurance should be purchased for every overseas trip, no matter what the stated purpose of the visit is or how long or short it may be.

History of Live Art in Hong Kong

By Doug

Sep

29

Hong Kong is a place in the world that is difficult, if not impossible to categorize. It’s not a city, but an administrative region. The local culture is extremely savvy, and dedicated to local artists, musicians, and performers, but it is also one of the most cosmopolitan places in the world. The connections to the global scene are deep and complex, and it is sometimes a reflector of this, and sometimes the one that gets reflected.

A visit to a Hong Kong Hotel will reveal an urban scene that is rich and vibrant, and constantly changing with the times. Writers and poets have always been drawn to Hong Kong, and in the history of performance art , so have performance artists.

Thanks to the work of the researcher and intellectual, Wen Yau , there is a history of live art in Hong Kong that’s under construction, in process of articulation. In tandem with the development of the art form, the history is incomplete, but already revealing threads that reflect, and indeed, affect, the form all over the world.

The roots could be traced back to 1975, when an artist named Kwok poured bone over a sculpture. The developments since then have moved in the directions that are parallel to the global directions, and it’s enough to warrant a closer look, to discover where the paths of cultures diverge and converge.

Celebrate Spain and Champagne in Miami

By Doug

Sep

24

After enjoying an unprecedented summer of international sports championships, the illustrious country of Spain will take center stage at the 9th Annual Miami International Wine Fair . Held at the Miami Beach Convention Center October 14th – 17th, the Fair is one of the largest in the the US. More than 1800 wines from 20 nations will be showcased during the Fair, with a focus on the renaissance of wine-making in Spain. The event will also feature champagne from The Maison Ch. & A. Prieur.

Close to 500 individual wine producers will fill over 80,000 square feet of exhibit space and attract an estimated 6,000 visitors from all over the world. Wine lovers, buyers, distributors, and wine makers will fill the surrounding five star Miami hotels during this seminal four-day celebration of the wine industry. In addition to the ubiquitous wine tastings, there will be a comprehensive seminar program, special events, and dinners throughout the event. Two days of the schedule are limited to exhibitors to meet with buyers and attend industry meetings with two days open to the general public. There will be a VIP Tasting Room with provides ticket-holders with early access to some of the world’s top-rated wines.

Sydney Art & About

By Doug

Sep

22

Sydney is celebrating it’s largest outdoor public art festival, the annual Art & About . This year’s festival takes place from September 23rd through October 24th. This is the 9th year for the event and the city promises even more stimulating and innovative art will appear across the city’s galleries, parks, laneways and other spaces for the enjoyment of the general public. This year’s theme, The Sydney Experience, attempts to hold a mirror up to the city and reflect its identity and place on the planet through exhibitions, installations, and events. Residents look forward to this annual celebration of public art and visitors are strongly encouraged to step outside their luxury hotel in Sydney to spend a few hours perusing the free art and events.

The Banner Gallery and ArtPark at Hyde Park serve as the cornerstones of the month-long festival. Other feature exhibitions and installations include the Sydney Statues Project!, the Bike Bike, Live Green, CAMP Stonewall , and Oh Alfred! Reflections of Prince Alfred Park. Associate events include Primavera 2010 , We craft this city, START Studio Art Fest, The Big Draw, Foto Riesel Foto Rally, Dream Home, and Rock ‘n’ Roll Walk of Fame and Shame. There will also be numerous prizes awarded during the event as well as tributes to specific artists and movements

Digital Nights in Singapore

By Doug

Sep

16

It’s a place that’s never afraid to be far ahead of the curve, where new technologies merge with cultural traditions. Sometimes there are even moments where international traditions enter into the fold, and Singapore is revealed as a place that’s truly global in focus. This, in part, explains the appeal of Singapore Hotels , but then one would also have to consider the exciting night life, and public events that keep the urban landscape buzzing with activity.

It all comes together with the Singapore Grand Prix. It takes place every fall, and the edition for 2010 has some rather exciting touches that really demonstrate the remarkable innovation in the city-state, as well as its openness to work from all over the world. The digital artist Tom Carr has been invited to show in this years Digital Nights Showcase , an event that welcomes the Grand Prix in an exciting local fashion.

The centerpiece of his work here is a digital red carpet. He projects a virtual red carpet over the sidewalk where celebrities and guests enter the arena. This is a fascinating move, because it not only keeps the red carpet tradition alive, but merges it quite delightfully with all the possibilities of technological innovation, and puts the place right in the center of where it all happens.

Elegant Restaurant in Montreal

By Doug

Sep

2

Have you been exploring the wonderful historical city of Montreal Canada? If you have made your way to the Notre Dame Basilica than you may want to catch an elegant place to dine in the same neighborhood. Head over to the Beaver Club for some wonderful French cuisine.

They have some really fresh and elegant dishes with a excellent wine list. When you pull up outside the Valet will take care of your car and they will get you seated in a wonderfully modern atmosphere. The knowledgeable staff will help you select the best meal and wine parings. They serve up wonderful creations such as stuffed quail, duck pared with fruit compote, all kinds of unique seafood dishes and their specialty beef Wellington for two.

You can watch them make their special dishes with the open faced kitchen. After you have enjoyed the main meal and some wine you may want to splurge on a Chocolate Orange Temptation or order the Hot Lime Souffle a head of time for a mouth watering finish.

The Montreal hotels know all about this city gem and can help you get there. The Beaver Club has won many awards for its culinary perfection such as the Five Star Mobile Guide rating and the DiRona Award of Excellence for a decade now.

Cabo Has Culture

By Doug

Aug

27

Cabo San Lucas will be celebrating Mexico’s Bicentennial, September 16, 2010 with the revelation of the new Cultural Pavilion ; the rest of Mexico is preparing to celebrate a memorable 200 years of independence with the usual fare. Cabo’s Pavilion is the first building of its kind in the state of Baja California Sur and it aims to cultivate the artistic and cultural expressions of this particular region of Mexico.

Located along the Cabo San Lucas Marina and many of the luxury hotels Cabo in known for, the Cultural Pavilion will consist of 6 buildings when completed. The project creates a unified space where residents and tourists alike will enjoy traditional Mexican concerts, art exhibits, dances, expositions and international seminars. The Arts and Biodiversity Pavilion, which is the 1st of the six buildings to open to the public, will be unveiled in September 2010.

Cabo was chosen by the Mexican government and their goal behind picking Cabo as the home to the Cultural Pavilion is to promote and preserve the Mexican culture and to further attract visitors to this premiere vacation destination. Once the project is completed, the Pavilion will feature theatres, both enclosed and open-air, shopping centers, cinemas, restaurants, a library and a museum. Plus, as an added incentive to bring in as many visitors as possible, there will be plenty of free parking, which has been a huge concern for local business men.

Sensational and Seedy Side of Boston History

By Doug

Jul

31

One of the interesting perspectives in deciding how to explore the city of Boston is to look at some of the more obscure historic personalities and events. And for some reason that is not quite known but continues to be studied, people always seem to be captivated by the gruesome and spooky and sensational social elements. And whenever a potential haunted location comes up, the guests in many of the Boston hotels will immediately want to run and investigate. Perhaps it’s just human nature, but unsolved mysteries and unexplained phenomena really seem to grasp our imaginations.

The fact that Boston had its fair share of witch trails during the early development of this country may not compare to those that occurred in Salem , though they do capture the interest of many people. Meanwhile, more contemporary controversial elements like the Boston Strangler may be too close for complete sensationalized status, though the 1960s murders that occurred are certainly on their way to becoming so. This is partly due to some of the mystery that continues to surround the crimes. Several women in Boston were murdered and these were attributed to Albert DeSalvo though investigations indicate that they were not committed by only one person. And of course various stories about the mob will always be part of the lore of the underside of this incredible American city.

Miami Beaches

By Doug

Jul

26

From the windows of the best Miami resorts you can watch the sun rise over the ocean. A memorable sight many take with them from this magical city whether they are witnessing it as they turn in after a night out at the clubs or waking up to greet the day and maybe squeeze in yoga on the sand.

Miami has over 10 miles of beaches for tourists to sun, snorkel, and explore, and that is before you even start looking at the jewels just off the coast to the south of Miami. No matter your taste in beach experience you’ll find what your looking for in Miami. Whether you want to find the perfect photo opp or catch sun you won’t be disappointed.

Be sure to do your research beforehand. While some of these beaches have boardwalks and concession stands for the hungry or thirsty beach goer to refuel, several don’t and it’s important to keep hydrated.

Don’t worry, even if you’ve been to Miami more than once and feel you’ve explored it to the max the Keys are just a quick drive south and you’ll be able to tell your friends you had Key Lime Pie from the source.

Busking Seattle

By Doug

Jul

21

The city of Seattle has always seemed ripe for buskers . For those who might not know the term, busking refers to street performance, and anyone who sings on a street corner with a hat at their feet is busking. It’s a very old tradition, and probably stems from the same impulses to perform anything anywhere, and just needed a city with a population with change in their pockets, to get underway.

So a city like this, with a very intelligent citizenry, who also happen to like and appreciate arts and culture of all kinds, would be one of the more likely candidates for a high level of street performance. There are a number of people who do work downtown, and it’s usually the guitar and vocal kinds of entertainment. Buskers have a local hero with Magic Mike , also known as Michael Berger, who has been working Seattle Center, doing magic tricks and making balloon animals for the kids.

He’s been involved in a long legal argument with the city over his right to work there, and it’s an interesting case. He’s won settlements, and the verdict has been overturned and turned again multiple times over the past few decades. For wannabe street performers, looking for cheap Seattle hotel rates to try their luck in the city, it’s still a difficult place to work without a permit, but there are signs of hope everywhere.

Ancient Tombs of Delhi India

By Doug

Jun

30

There are some amazing tombs in Delhi and people travel from all over the world to see them. They are featured as masterpieces in the world of architecture and they have amazing stories surrounding their existence. One of the most visited tombs is the Humayun Tomb which is a 16th century, Mughal style masterpiece. It was built to be the grave of the Mughal emperor Humayun by his wife Hamida Banu Begum. It was the first in a few categories such as being the first garden tomb in the area. This building was the first to have used so much of the beautiful red sand with such a large building. This tomb houses a number of the Humayun family as well as some of the Emperors who followed. There are a few other tombs that are along the path that leads to the Humayun Tomb. There is the Tomb and Mosque of Isa Khan, Bu Halima’s Tomb and Garden, Afsarwala Tomb, Arab Sarai and Nila Gumbad or Nila Buri. These are not far from the Delhi hotels .  

Other tombs are found with the buildings for Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya who was alive from 1238 to 1325. His mausoleum, Nizamuddin Dargah is another ancient masterpiece of architecture. Nizamuddin Auliya was a Sufi saint and the Muslims still visit his Dargah everyday. People travel from all over the world and from all kinds of faiths to see this mausoleum. Surrounding the mausoleum are the tombs of Amir Khusro who was a musician, poet and scholar and Jehan Ara Begum who as the daughter of Emporer Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal.  

All of the building and grounds surrounding the many tombs and other historical sights are outstanding. They have been well preserved and continually groomed and they are full of interesting stories of rich history.

Atlantic Botanical Gardens

By Doug

Jun

18

There are so many exciting cultural attractions that are a part of the overall atmosphere of Atlanta, that it can be easy to forget that there are also numerous beautiful, harmonious, quiet and peaceful aspects as well. And these are some of the favorite features of many people’s vacation there. And while the great nightclubs, theatres, music venues and other popular entertainment features are a common item on most tourists’ agendas, places like the Atlanta Botanical Gardens are a great alternative and sometimes are even more enticing. All of the diverse elements of Atlanta’s culture can be combined to create an extremely dynamic and fulfilling trip.

Plans to develop the Atlanta Botanical Gardens were originally developed in 1973 when civic minded residents proposed the idea to the city. It was officially incorporated in 1776 and the gardens have become a major source of pride and contentment as well as beauty and environmental satisfaction for residents and guests to the city. It is one of the most popular places for guests in the hotels Atlanta, USA and it is also one of the favorite aspects of their city for many of the residents.

There are some incredible indoor and outdoor plant collections at the garden and demonstrate an extremely diverse horticultural make up. In addition there are great special engagement events and ongoing classes presented by the gardens. Many plant and environmental experts hold lectures and these are always greatly informative as well as interesting. Some of the classes for adults include water color painting, floral design and gardening workshops. There are also classes structured for children and these are a mix of fun topics that not only engage their interest and imaginations but also help to develop an early appreciation for plants and flowers as well as a respect for the environment.

Florida and Atlantis

By Doug

Jun

8

Visiting Florida is almost a catch phrase for enjoying time at the beach and relaxing in a lush paradise. The cities are bright and sultry during the day, and at night they come alive with vivacious activity. The music never stops, and, as any good travel directory will tell you, there’s always something new to see and hear. It’s difficult to escape the ocean here, and even inland cities have a love affair with the sea that cannot be denied. It’s estimated that 1/3 of the planet’s population lives close to an ocean, so deep is its mysterious pull that we can’t seem to get away from it.

Stories of Atlantis, the mythical island of warriors that sank into the sea thousands of years ago, seem to experience rises and falls in popularity. There are plenty of possible and fascinating reasons for this, where it might come from a deep cultural need for belief in the ethereal. Whatever the reasons, the island that Plato wrote about continues to have a hold on our imaginations. Many of the theories of the city have been discounted as wishful thinking, but it’s still something rather charming to think about when staying at the state’s 5 star hotels. Florida is a great place for daydreaming.

There are plenty of things to daydream about, too. Over the past century, there have been lots of interesting stories about remnants found on the bottom of the ocean off the coast of Florida. Every find seems to bring out more claims that this is, indeed, the lost city of Atlantis , but they always warrant further investigation. There have been reports of glowing pyramids on the ocean floor, and plenty of other pyramid-shaped structures. Many of these have been verified in photographs as “something,” but the details of the something are hard to pin down. There are also reports of finding parts of old highways, with images of streets under the ocean from 12,000 years ago. Perhaps it is another renaissance of ideas and obsessions about the lost city, or perhaps it’s another dream to dream, but it still adds up to another great reason to visit Florida.

Getting Online in Zurich

By Doug

Jun

4

One of the most difficult transitions to make when visiting European countries is learning that the definition of a cafe there is very different than what is expected in the U.S. In the states, when people go to cafes, they expect baristas, fresh baked goods, and a free wi-fi connection, especially in the places that aren’t chains. It’s become a part of life, and for some people, these places are their home offices away from home. So it’s always surprising that, even in places that are as super-connected as Zurich, this idea is still seen as a new phenomenon.

Here, the idea of a cafe is something entirely different. There’s often coffee, and sometimes there’s even an espresso machine, but more often than not the clientele will be drinking beer rather than the caffeine-infused concoctions. These are the alternate spaces where residents gather, and it’s not unusual to spend hours at one table, eating and drinking and talking deep into the night. These are the real cafes, and it’s important to distinguish them from Zurich coffee shops . And while just a few years ago it was difficult to find one where one could get online in Zurich , it is becoming much more commonplace today.

There are a number of excellent coffee shops where it’s always been easy to find a way to spend a lovely afternoon outside of one’s hotel in Zurich to meet locals and fellow travelers and spend some time chatting about recent events and the Zurich cultural scene. There are also a number of hotspots in other locations around town, because it is a city that’s very progressive in terms of contemporary culture and technology. It still seems to be the norm, however, to be social in these semi-public meeting places, and although the online community in Zurich is substantial, it’s still not making the shift toward turning coffee shops into places for work. The separation of work and social life is very guarded here, but it’s perfectly acceptable for travelers to hole up in these places and get connected.

Paris City Life

By Doug

May

31

Paris is lovely in the springtime, and any other time of year. It’s a city of great mystery and romance, celebrated the world over for its incredibly rich city life, offering classical and contemporary amenities that speak of an exquisite taste for the finer things in life. Visitors drawn to the city by the lure of its famous Paris hotels will likely find plenty of good food and amenities that might make it seem almost unnecessary to even set foot outside. However, the real magic of Paris is in the streets.

Great discoveries can be made by walking, although it’s sometimes a good idea to get to know Paris’ city metro . This is where the city’s residents can be observed in their natural state, with all the sound and fury, and all the liveliness and passion that the metropolis can draw from its people. There has been some talk about arranging for a line that can reach the outlying suburbs , but for now it’s pretty much an inner-city line. This is because the lines were designed to run on the opposite tracks from the rest of the country, in order to keep the suburban element out of the city proper. When in Rome, learn how the locals take the trains.

On the streets and in the cafes, one will be provoked to salivating over the smells of fantastic food. It truly is as good as everyone claims, and after even a short stay here, it is hard to adjust to anything else. This is where the real essence of Paris city life takes hold, when brie and brioche become part of the working vocabulary every day, and the taste buds start to adjust to the subtleties that make life worth living. What might be impossible to tell from the ground or the first floor is that there are many rooftop gardens in the city. This is an old custom that was invented out of necessity, but has been gaining traction in recent years, especially among cities who have an eye for urban planning and sustainability.

Paris is certainly at the forefront of world cultures in this regard. At times the city might seem wonderful, and at other times impossible to grasp, but there are touches here and there, like the dizzying number of free wi-fi spots. The trick here is to join the network labeled “orange” rather than the one marked “free,” because that one is actually a paid network. It’s just one example that demonstrates that this is a city in process, with designs that aim toward the needs of the residents to make their urban living experience a fulfilling one.

The London Parks

By Doug

May

16

Visiting a London park is as relaxing and refreshing as its history is fascinating. Their presence here is every bit as welcoming as that of Central Park in New York City, and many of them have been preserved for the very same reasons. Offering the residents of a large and energetic metropolis the opportunity to get away from it all without having to travel far distances, the parks are a welcome break from the bustle. They are also spectacular attractions in their own terms, offering tourists and residents many opportunities for fun and leisure. Every park has its own personality and offerings, and every park is worth visiting.

The Royal Parks of London often garner the most attention and interest from tourists, and with some very good reasons. With a host of attractions, events, and chances to lounge around in a glorious setting, the Royal Parks enjoy a very special reputation. There are 8 parks that are currently considered public: Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent’s Park, Richmond Park, St. James’s Park. Brompton Cemetery, and Victoria Tower Gardens. These have all been private in the past, and their origins come from their unique landscape that made it particularly attractive to the royal family. That’s how they got their special designation, and some of them were used for fox-hunting and other royal pastimes. Of course, the cemetery was actually a cemetery, and still does hold many graves, but is still used more often as a public park than a mourning place.

Of all of London’s Parks, Hyde Park may very well be the most popular, or well-known. With lots of very highly-regarded public art, playgrounds for children, the Diana Fountain and 7 July Memorial, along with a couple of fine eating establishments, there’s always something going on here. This is also the place where they have the famous Speaker’s Corner, where anyone can talk publicly, provided they don’t use profanity, as an exercise in free speech that goes back to 1872.

There are many other public parks in London, too, that are not connected to the royals, and some of these offer excellent opportunities for rest as well as the chance to see how the locals really live. There’s also an excellent initiative, Help a London Park , where 10 parks have been selected for renovation, making them greener, safer, and nicer. These all offer reasons for setting foot outside of the hotel. London has a lot to see, and these are just some examples of how parks in London are recognized for what they might become.

The Copenhagen Music Scene

By Doug

May

13

Copenhagen has always enjoyed a stellar reputation as a leading spot for world culture. There is a very savvy and receptive population, where innovation and tradition both have places. The audiences are very discerning, too, which makes it a wonderful place for top acts to find their perfect audiences. This also makes it particularly attractive for upcoming acts, both local and international, to make their first big appearance on the world stage. People around the world do listen to what the locals think here, because the opinions are very deeply-informed, and reflect a global resonance that extends all over the world.

This is the place where such groups as Smashing Pumpkins got their first major credentials for live performance, and it’s a highly-regarded spot for big names such as Prince, Bjork, Snoop Dog, and Bob Dylan, among many others. For the tourists, this means that there is plenty to hear when it comes to live music. Chances are very good that within a block or two of any Copenhagen hotel , there will be some live music playing any night of the week.

There are many spots that are celebrated for their wide appeal to music lovers, and there are also many more spaces, contemporary urban, or deep underground, where one can see new acts testing out their latest musical inventions. It’s a good idea to stay open, and be receptive. It’s certainly fine to leave if the music is too bizarre or too staid for one’s tastes, but always a good idea to watch the locals and see what they do. When in Rome…

Copenhagen Jazz House, Huset, and La Fontaine are favorite listening spots for Jazz, which is one of Copenhagen’s trademarks. There are also plenty of exciting and hidden places to check out the music scene in Copenhagen , and if electronic and experimental music are on the wish list, then the city is an answer that’s as splendid as it can get. Komponent is one of the most exciting places to hear new music in Copenhagen , where there are always interesting things going on. There are plenty of local acts coming to try out the things they’ve been discovering while working at home on their macs, and there are also lots of big names that come through. Seeing something unknown or unusual is one of the great things about travel. Spending a little time in a place that feels like another world, where video projections line the walls and the crowd is restlessly waiting for a beat to dance to, can be a doorway into a new future in music.

Movies Made in Atlanta

By Doug

May

11

Atlanta, Georgia is a place that’s rich with history and culture. It’s one of the great cities in the world to visit, and now more than ever there are plenty of reasons for coming. In the past, it was a place to change planes, but the secrets are getting out that it’s also one of the most fabulous cities in the country. Still small enough to maintain its distinct identity, but large enough to have a very cosmopolitan feel, there is something for everyone. There are plenty of live entertainments to enjoy here, including live music, theatre, dance, and other kinds of performance, but it’s also increasingly a place for movies.

It’s indeed a rich place for film-lovers, and there are also a number of very popular movies filmed in Atlanta . Because of its extremely lovely natural appeal, with different kinds of vegetation and landscapes, it is a perfect choice for filmmakers looking for shots of the country. It also has a lively urban center, which means that multiple locations are very accessible here. As if this weren’t enough, there are also new tax incentives that make it very financially reasonable to choose Atlanta as a setting.

For guests, this can mean that there are times of the year when celebrity star-gazing is particularly good. And who knows? Perhaps this means that one might run into someone famous on the streets, when setting foot outside of the luxury hotel . It’s not uncommon. In the 1970s, BUrt Reynolds spent a lot of time here, with films like “Deliverance,” and “Sharkey’s Machine.” Even “Smokey and the Bandit” took advantage of some of Georgia’s back roads.

The filming of “Roots” in Savannah was a ground-breaking work that touched the entire country, but it also sparked interest in Atlanta as a fine choice for film . “The Big Chill” may be the first big contemporary Hollywood blockbuster to be shot here. This opened up the doors for other kinds of movies as well, where they didn’t have to be action-oriented, but could appeal to urban audiences looking for films that allowed for intimacy with the viewers. “Driving Miss Daisy,” “The Blind Side,” and “The Last Song,” are just some of these. There are also generous amounts of side-slitting comedy’s set here, most notably some of the more celebrated works of Tyler Perry. Even in film, Atlanta has something for everyone.

Ash Cloud Lifts and Irish Flights Can Resume

By Doug

May

4

The ash cloud that has been keeping many people from being able to fly in Europe has finally lifted enough for flights to resume in and out of Northern Ireland. This was one of the few remaining areas that planes were still not able to fly to or from. It will still be some time before the backlog clears up and everything goes back to normal, but at least some people are finally able to go home.

Kauai Products Fair

By Doug

May

3

Spending time in Hawaii is simply a pleasure, and it doesn’t have to get any more complex. When the Kauai vacation leads one smoothly here, enjoying having to choose between beach or sightseeing or more beach, it’s easy to think you’re in paradise. It certainly is that, and much, much more. It’s the oldest island, and is famous for its distinct dialect, which becomes part of the charm that makes so many people fall in love with the place.

Fortunately there are always plenty of flights to Kauai , so getting here and getting arranged is never a problem. There really are few problems to think about here. For those who like to venture off the beaten path, it’s usually better to not venture there, simply because of the very delicate nature of the place, and preservation is a sacred matter here. However, there are certainly ways of getting inside information, and the only secret there is to ask the locals.

One of the best places to do this are at the events the locals like to frequent. One great possibility for this, then, is the Kauai Products Fair . This is held every Friday night, all year round, from 5-9pm. Here, one can buy all sorts of fascinating products sold by the 50 or so local merchants that set up shop here every week. It’s not the run of the mill food fair, these are gifts and products that are of excellent quality. It’s a place to buy things to take back, to give as gifts for very special friends.

Not only is this a place to get to know Kauai through its products, but it’s also a chance to talk with the merchants and the locals who frequent it, and find out what they do to enjoy Kauai. There might be some suggestions that lead to amazing finds. Plus, the Fair is a good way to support the local businesses, and see another side of Kauai.

The Spotlight is Bright in Shanghai

By Doug

May

2

To be Shanghaied used to be a bad thing, but with the upcoming World Expo being held in Shanghai everyone wants to go there. Like Beijing got a total makeover for the Olympics, so too is Shanghai going to be getting for this Expo and it is expected to be spectacular.

NY Skin Art

By Doug

Apr

27

There are many towns in this world where getting a tattoo seems particularly perfect. That is, if one is looking for a tattoo, because it’s not for everyone, although there are more and more people these days, from all walks of life, getting inked. The towns that have the biggest urban scenes are usually the ones that seem to have the most appeal for getting new designs drawn on the body. That puts New York at the top of the list, very likely. Because it does have the reputation of being the best city in the world, and that’s a reputation that’s sometimes even considered by those who don’t live there, it’s a perfect place to get a tattoo, or at least get to know the scene a little bit.

Some of the best artists and designers in the world are pulled by the magnetic attractions going on here, so one could reasonably expect that New York tattoo artists might have a good reputation. They certainly do. There are lists of the best in the city, and the list is growing all the time. Scott Campbell seems to make it on most of the lists, as does Anil Gupta . There are dozens more, including Stephanie Tamez, whose move from graphic design to skin art has put her in the rising star spotlight.

If you do happen to be on the lookout, thinking it would be a cool thing indeed to get your mark made here in NYC, then it’s a very good idea to plan ahead. It’s certainly possible to look at the selection online from the comfort of your luxury hotel , but getting in on the same day is virtually impossible. Even with the best connections.

These artists, and the best studios, are usually booked way in advance. They can also be pretty pricey, where some artists might charge around 100 dollars an hour, these folks can earn upwards of 200-300, or even more, depending on the circumstances. However, planning ahead when it comes to permanent art is always a good idea, because haste can open the doors to regret, but a little hesitation and some thought can lead to a work of art that you will love for the rest of your life.

New York’s Central Park

By Doug

Apr

21

Central Park is one of the most iconic parks in the world. It’s the first public park in the United States, and its origins go back to the middle of the 19th century. Olmstead’s famous design for the park was a conscious evocation of the English garden, giving the feel of a vast, sweeping countryside. The fact that it still offers a sense of nature in the middle of one of the most developed metropolitan areas in the world is a testament to the design and planning, although the land itself has something to do with it. (see Swiftrank)

This area was a lot of swamp, and that made it very difficult for any kind of planning and development, so it seems in hindsight to be the perfect location for nature to continue its cycles free of any human interference. At least, that was the idea, but any kind of design will eventually turn the natural into something a little more artificial, and as people continue to use the park, there are more developments and means of harnessing the forces of the elements. There are still plenty of hidden nooks to find a moment’s peace and quiet, although like anywhere in New York, there’s more safety in numbers, and being seen has its advantages, not only in social circles.

The philosophy behind the park’s development was to offer something to the people of the city, so they could have a place to go and contemplate without distraction. There were also other factors, such as the push from the teetotalers to offer an alternative to the pubs. Economics was also a motivating factor, because people who are relaxed are more likely to be relaxed about spending, and there were many merchants behind the establishment of Central Park.

Today, it offers a vast array of attractions that appeal to visitors, as well as giving the locals some fine weekend festivities. With the Central Park Carousel and Zoo, there are great opportunities to enjoy a pleasant day, giving children the chance to play and enjoy some good, wholesome fun, before relaxing back at the stylish hotel . It’s also a fantastic place for a cheap date, where walking and enjoying views of nature as well as the city can provide long moments of leisure. It’s also one of the great public spaces in the world, and New Yorkers take advantage of it like nowhere else, enjoying concerts, sporting events, an even some carefree afternoons, doing nothing but enjoying the great outdoors.