Telling you about Las Vegas by Hotelcompany

Most people call Las Vegas just Vegas. Vegas is the most populated city of the state Navada. And is wellknown all over the world. It is so well know for its shopping, entertainment but most of all for the gambling. It’s founded in 1905 and became a city in 1911. The growth of Las vegas was overwhelming and it became the largest city in the US that is founded in the 20th century. It has a big boulevard that is mostly outside the city limits. Vegas is the center of gambling in the US and is also called the entertainment Capital of the world, because of its big luxurious casino’s. It is also known as Sin City because gambling is legal here and alcohol is available at any time and has various forms of adult entertainment. The first mega resort was opened in 1989 and is called the Mirrage. Because it was build outside the centre many tourists didn’t go downtown anymore, therefore downtown Vegas is still trying to recovering from this. In 1990 the people of Vegas build there own Chinatown, because of the big growth of the city. Over the years the shopping mall has grown to several shopping enters and atracks business from all over the world. There are a lot of things you can visit as a tourist like the:

Golden Nugget
It is a very big casino that is owned by Landry’s restaurants, infact it is the largest casino downtown and has maintained a four diamond rating for the pas twenty years. The casino was built in 1946 and that is why it is also one of the oldest casinos in the city. The Golden Nugget is also very famous in the media. It’s the main theme in several Nintendo Games or as an extra theme in the Flintstones and in Street Fighter II.

Four Queens
This casino was built in 1964 and opened in 1966. And is named after the daughters of the builder. This casino is famous because it has the world’s largest slot machine and the 690 room. In 2007 the Canyon club was opened inside the Four Queens and this is the first downtown casino club.

Las Vegas Club
This is a casino and a hotel and this is located downtown and owned by the Tamares Group. This casino is famous because it installed the first neon sign in town in 1930. The casino is also famous for its blackjack and after a nice evening of gambling you can sleep in one of the 410 rooms.

Las Vegas Springs Preserve
This is 200 acres dedicated to nature and is owned by the Las Vegas Valley Watter District. Its located two miles on the right side of the centre. This is really a great area it has botanical gardens, museums, concerts and an indoor theatre. This park was previously known as the Desert Demonstration Gardens.

There are a lot of things to see and do. If you decide to go gambling be carefull and try not to lose to much money, only play with money you can miss.

Hao Bizarre, How Bazaar

Hao Bizarre, How Bazaar by Tom Carter

Perhaps the foremost reason why so few travelers make the journey to northwest China’s Xinjiang province is quite simply its vastness. Aside from being located on the exact opposite side of the country from Beijing, which itself is a long journey even by plane, the arid autonomous region is the largest territory in China, spanning over one-sixth of the second largest continent in the world. It’s also a long journey in terms of the cultural shift the traveler will experience especially when one spends a whole day in its street markets. And conversely, considering its proximity to central Asia, sharing borders with an astonishing eight other nations, one wouldn’t believe that Xinjiang is the People’s Republic’s least touristed province. But it is this solitude in fact that makes the provincial desert a distinct oasis in Asia.

Not far from the scalding sands of the Tarim Basin is the region’s political and commercial center, Kashgar. What Marco Polo called Cascar and the Han now refer to as Kashi the Asian outpost has fashioned itself over the centuries into one of the Silk Road’s most vital international crossroads linking China with northern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan by way of the Karakorum Highway. As such, Kashgar more closely resembles the Mid-East than the Han culture we are familiar with; the city is a veritable tapestry of central Asian cultures, as reflected in its massive weekly bazaar. Located in the Kona Sheher old town, the famous Sunday market is, like all things Xinjiang, China’s largest.

Approaching the market district, one is immediately beset by a commingled scent of smoke and fruit. If China is famous for its cuisine, then Xinjiang is responsible for half of its success. Lamb kabob roasted throughout the day over sizzling coals against an undulating landscape of spicy lamian noodles topped with peppers, tomatoes and garlic, goat’s head soup, deep-fried fish and yellow mountains of pilaf rice, all washed down with boiling vats of satiating cinnamon tea.
There may not be as much bread in the whole of China as there is in Kashgar and one is oft tempted by stacks of lightly seasoned nan or pyramids of sesame seed bagels fresh out of the oven. Scarlet slices of watermelon, Xinjiang’s most abundant fruit and pink peaches blushing like a child’s cheeks are the perfect desert dessert, with market patrons walking away with comically dripping chins.

If China is famous for its cuisine, then Xinjiang is responsible for half its success

Gorged on the regional fare, one must then dodge the merchant calls of “kilinglar!” (Turkish for “come!”) while browsing the endless displays of useful household wares, useless souvenirs (genie lamp anyone?), outdated electronics, knockoff clothing and eye-catching textiles, the latter being the most popular among the women of Kashgar. It’s quite a sight to see a Muslim lady shrouded in an hijab headscarf burrowing through hills of shimmering silk and other fine fabrics to further veil herself in.

Xinjiang’s predominant nationality, the Uyghurs, flavor the region with both their unique Turkish-influenced culture and devout religious faith. With more then twelve million Muslims in China, Xinjiang naturally accounts for over half the national total. Kashar’s Id Kah is the largest mosque in the People’s Republic; the city literally comes to a halt five times a day when the faithful respond to the calling of the adhan and rush to mosque for a congregational series of Mecca-facing prostrations and Islamic prayer. Half an hour later, the city is again screaming with activity and commerce.

Despite the traditional lifestyle of the Uyghurs, Kashgar has developed itself over the years into a white-tiled mercantile metropolis, where even the famed weekly bazaar is now held in a modernized indoor facility of thousands of identical stalls. Though still quite a spectacular site, this refinement has left many enthusiasts desiring something a bit more…authentic. Not to be discouraged, the answer to anyone dissatisfied by the comparatively tamer and more contemporary Kashgar is Xinjiang’s lesser known, yet arguably more impressive souk in Hetian, a day’s scenic drive south along the lethally hot Taklamakan, the second largest desert in the world. The shaded, tree-lined respite is renowned throughout China for its jade, silk and carpets – the three treasures of Hotan (as the Uyghurs spell it), which translates into “place that abounds in jade”.

Beyond the medieval blacksmiths pounding on their anvils asphalt turns to dust

Hetian- A souk beyond

Indeed the first site anyone will happen upon at the Hetian marketplace is an entire street of jade dealers, either from storefronts, on blankets spread out on the ground, in the trunks of cars, or out of their pant pockets. The rabid riots of precious stone peddlers and prospective buyers haggling in their Turkish tongue over every size and color of jade imaginable add to the chaos that is only the beginning of Hetian’s bazaar. Extending countless kilometers in all four directions, the traffic-stopping market literally takes over the city streets; ass-drawn carriages contending with big bad buses and motorcycle taxis navigating through scores of preoccupied people. An entire boulevard of fragrant fruits and prismatic vegetables intersects an avenue lush with carpets and rugs, which is then separated by the canals of the Hotan River.

Beyond the medieval blacksmiths pounding on their anvils asphalt soon turns to dust. Livestock both alive and freshly slaughtered trample the dirt or turn it into crimson mud, and baying horses, camels, mules and bulls excrete freely onto the ground while being industriously inspected by interested human parties. To a pulsating background score of 200 beat per minute Arabic tabla drums and the two-stringed dutar, the bizarre bazaar dramatically segues into heaps of faux jewelry, henna hair dye and cheap cosmetics ravaged by young, olive-skinned women wearing heavy black eyeliner who prefer neck and arm-revealing (gasp!) western fashion to their more conservatively concealed counterparts. Meanwhile the local men get a shave and their head scalped by an outdoor barber or go browsing for a new knife or an embroidered dopi cap.

The blazing desert climate begins to cool at sunset, which in the summer months is about 11pm, and the mad market in Hetian winds down. Beggars seek those last few alms, exhausted vendors relax with a few chapters of the Qur’an, and the rest of us return home to look through our treasures.

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New Haven is in the City of Connecticut

New Haven is a city in Connecticut and is perhaps best known as the home of Yale University.

Yale University, at the heart of downtown, is one of the cities best known features and its largest employer.

New Haven is a very walk able city, and it is recommended that you try to see the central section on foot, as the Green, Yale, shops, restaurants, theatres and museums are all within a few blocks of each other.

It has many architectural landmarks dating from every important time period and architectural style in American history. The Yale School of Architecture has fostered this important component of the cities economy. Overall, a large proportion of the cities land area is comprised of National historic districts.

New Haven has an undeniably rich cultural scene and is especially strong on theatre. The Yale Rep Company boasts among its eminent past members Jodie Foster and Meryl Streep, turns out consistently good shows during the school year.

It has the richest musical life of any city of its size in the country. The New Haven Symphony Orchestra the fourth oldest symphony orchestra in America. Rounding out the cities musical offerings are numerous other jazz, folk, classical and rock concerts at various venues

It has some of the brightest nightspots around. Packed clubs, late night galleries to cosy pubs. Take a look at our guide to intelligent nightlife in the City. Things like pub trivia, scrabble Sundays and more.

The downtown area has a variety of restaurants in a compact area. No matter where your travels or tastes take you in the greater New Haven area, you are sure to find the kind of eating experience you want and are some new favourites along the way.

Fashion will find plenty at Chapel Streets upscale boutiques, while bargain hunters will head straight to Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets. The Wave Gallery features work from local artists and craftsmen.

A spacious 29 acre park lies adjacent to the privately owned and operated Maumee Valley Golf Course. Haven Hurst park offers wide open spaces for traditional park sports such as softball, basketball and soccer. The approach into the park is an improved paved and curbed street that leads to ample parking.

The climate is hot in the summer and cooler in the winter. Come and visit for yourself and dont forget to have fun. Any time of year is worth a trip.

Great hikes, beautiful vistas await in Big Sur

Far from the glamor and glitz of Hollywood is the other California — and nowhere is the contrast more stark than at Big Sur, one of the state’s most popular destinations for out-of-state visitors.

Located about 150 miles south of San Francisco, this part of the California coast offers non-stop amazement for travelers willing to drive the curvy Scenic Highway 1 the 90 miles of coastline that today encompass the Big Sur scenic recreation area. Visitors see new panoramas around every curve – pristine beaches, craggy mountain ledges, fascinating rock formations amid swirling, sometimes angry coastal waters and, of course, the giant redwood trees that swallow up tiny vacationers posing for their vacation photographs.

Keep in mind, this road was not easy to build. Your scenic experience today comes at the expense of convict labor that was brought in over the 18 years prior to the completion of the road in 1937. Until Highway 1 was completed, most of this highway probably wasn’t much wider than a harrowing goat path along the side of the steep coastal mountains.

While many travelers drive through the Big Sur area on the way to someplace else, the area is also a prime destination that offers a variety of accommodations and enough hiking to keep visitors occupied for weeks. Several state parks and campgrounds are tucked into the coves or carved out of the forests to give vacationers an authentic camping experience and entry to the wilderness by way of numerous well-marked trails. A few cabin resorts are scattered along the coast and there are even a couple of high-end luxury resorts charging upward of $700 a night.

We felt we had just the right combination of amenities with the Big Sur Lodge, the only accommodations located in the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. This resort offers 62 housekeeping cottages spread throughout the park where trailheads and those big trees are never far away. While the cottages offer many resort amenities – big, spacious living rooms with comfortable new furniture, spacious bath areas with shampoos and lotions, a massive heated swimming pool footsteps from your unit – the overall feel was like going to summer camp (for those of us who can remember that far back). There were no phones, no televisions and, even in June, night-time temperatures were cold enough to start a real fire in the cottage’s real fireplace.

Our unit featured two queen beds, one in a bedroom area and one in the “great room” or living room part of the cottage. These facilities are perfect for families with some units suitable for up to six people. Reasonably priced food is available in a full-service restaurant right on the property. A few other restaurants are scattered up and down Highway 1 but our guess was that many guests at Big Sur Lodge were fully utilizing the kitchen facilities that are available in many of the cottages.

For hikers, this kind of destination is paradise. While it did get warm in the afternoon, the mornings during our June visit were crisp and ideal for walking through the thick forests of oak and redwood trees to waterfalls or climbing to vantage points offering even more spectacular views of the Big Sur coastline. All trails we were on seemed to be well-maintained. The trails in the general Big Sur vicinity also were varied in both scenery and levels of exertion. We took easy trails out to watch waterfalls cascade onto scenic beaches as well as more difficult switchback trails up into the Santa Lucia Mountains.

The morning was good for hiking, while afternoon was the best time to drive the coast, stopping along the way to visit some of the shops, general stores and bakeries that you come across every few miles. One gets the impression that many of the “hippies” from the 1960’s ended up here at Big Sur where, today, they enjoy a no-frills back-to-nature lifestyle selling various natural or locally produced products. There definitely is a new age flavor in many of the shops that is apparent from the music, fragrances and product offerings.

Another Big Sur point of interest is the historic Point Sur Lighthouse. Located about 19 miles south of Carmel, this lighthouse has been designated a State Historic Landmark and sits 361 feet above the ocean where it operated from the mid-19th century until l972, keeping ships away from the coastal rocks during foggy weather. Docent-led tours are given every Saturday and 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

No doubt about it, though – a Big Sur getaway most likely will include lots of hiking on a variety of trails. Here is a sampling of the most popular trails:

Pfeiffer Falls – This trail in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is just 1.4 miles roundtrip and takes you along a scenic passageway following the Pfeiffer Redwood Creek. You’ll find this trail offers some of the area’s best redwood groves and features at the end a 60-foot waterfall.

Valley View – Also in Pfeiffer Big Sur, this trail is two miles roundtrip and leads to an observation area where you can see the coastline and valley below.

Oak Grove Trail — This is in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and is 3.2 miles roundtrip from the Big Sur Lodge and intersects the Pfeiffer Falls Trail. This passes through a variety of ecosystems including redwood groves, open oak woodlands and dry chaparral.

Mt. Manuel Trail – Also located in Pfeiffer Big Sur, this is a strenuous 8-mile trail that gives you an overview of the Vantana Wilderness from 3,379-foot Mt. Manuel Peak.

McWay Waterfall Trail – Down Highway 1 a few miles is Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park which features this easy one-mile hike to an overlook which faces McWay Falls, a spectacular 80-foot waterfall that drops into the Pacific Ocean.
Ewoldsen Trail – Also in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, this is a moderate 5.7-mile roundtrip hike that offers great views of the coastline from hillsides covered in wildflowers and oaks.

Beach and Creamery Meadow Trail – A few miles north of Big Sur Lodge is Andrew Molera State Park which offers this 1.8-mile roundtrip hike that is recommended for kids. The trail follows the Big Sur River and features many different plant species as well as redwood trees.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: Big Sur scenery starts just a few miles south of the Carmel/Monterey area and continues for 90 miles before the curvy road straightens out near Cambria.

WHAT: Big Sur is the perfect combination of gorgeous coastline and mountain scenery and forests. It’s a popular place to vacation and visitors can choose between a variety of lodgings and campgrounds.

WHEN: The weather at Big Sur is moist and cool year-round, perhaps a little warmer in the afternoon during summer months. Fog will roll in during many mornings during the summer months.

WHY: The opportunity to enjoy a natural experience in some of California’s most scenic countryside.

HOW: Details on Big Sur are available at www.bigsurcalifornia.org or phone 831-667-2100. For more information on Big Sur Lodge, visit www.bigsurlodge.com or phone 1-800-424-4787.

Holidays are Perfect in Pattaya

One of the largest cities of tourism in the world, Pattaya is situated in the southeastern part of Bangkok – the capital city of Thailand. Pattaya has lot to offer tourists. It is filled with lot of wonderful attractions and this made the city a popular tourist attraction.

Pattaya was a small unknown fishing village in Thailand till the end of 1960s. By the end of 1960s, some Bangkok residents came here to spend their vacation and made it a local tourist spot. It was used as an official rest and recreation center For the US forces during the Vietnam War. The city’s growth to vibrant tourist center was very fast and now-a-days it is considered as Thailand’s largest resort.

Pattaya, the beach resort with city status, holds a lot of attraction for every one. Unlike other resorts around the world, Pattaya has good natural surroundings and provides everything you think regarding recreation, entertainment, fun and sightseeing. It is ideal for all kinds of travelers including sports enthusiastic, couples of all ages looking for a break and leisure and those who are just looking for warm sunshine.

You can have the opportunity to visit open-air bars, nightclubs, cabaret shows and discos in the night. South Pattaya is considered as the nightlife center of Thailand. Shopping can be an evening attraction and you can buy Thailand’s best buys such as silk, gems and jewelry, tailor made clothing and handicrafts from the malls of Pattaya.

Numerous accommodation facilities are available in Pattaya including luxury hotels with private beaches, bay side hotels and bungalows, economy class hotels and guest houses with small comfort. As Pattaya has an unbelievable option of accommodation to suit every pocket, you can choose your favorite accommodation facility that suits your pocket. Unlike other places, wide range of restaurants are available throughout Pattaya which offers Thai, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, French, German, Italian, Belgian, Lebanese and Mexican cuisines. Everybody can find mouth-watering food here in Pattaya at reasonable price.

The comfortable way to reach Pattaya is by bus. Buses are available from Bangkok’s new Airport and the Eastern and Northern Bus Terminal in every 30 minutes. If you like to drive yourself and reach Pattaya then there are lot of options to rent a motorcycle, bike, car or jeep.
There is lot of options for active visitors in Pattaya. It is considered as one of the oldest diving centers in this part of Asia. Facilities for activities such as windsurfing, water skiing, sea walking, swim sunbathing, snorkeling, sailing and fishing are available at reasonable rates.

There is also an option to go for a trip to offshore islands. You can take water scooters for rent to explore the bay and motorcycles, cars or jeeps to explore the nearby beaches and other tourist spots outside the resort. Tennis lovers can play their favorite game and enjoy in the courts of leading hotels. Pattaya is also a perfect place for golf enthusiasts. There are around 18 golf courses around Pattaya. Most of the courses have international standard with 18 to 27 holes. It is considered as a best place to play golf around the world. You can also enjoy other activities such as bungee jumping, snooker halls, bowling alleys, shooting galleries and archery.

Pattaya is one of the most popular beaches in Thailand and is a mind-blowing place for both tourists and natives alike. The reason why Pattaya has became most popular among the tourists is that the city is situated near the shopping centers, bars and hotels. Visitors can find everything they need without much problem.

Jomtien Beach is another attraction in the city with lots of hotels and restaurants. The beach holds a large amusement center with water park attractions, a roller coaster, a monorail and fun attractions for children. There are several other attractions which Pattaya can offer including places for go-cart racing, Pattaya Beach Resort Water Park, the Sri Racha Tiger Zoo and Funny Land Amusement Park, a crocodile farm and museums. Several shopping centers are there in Pattaya which everybody likes to visit while in Pattaya. Visit this enchanting place for your next vacation.

History Of Flamenco Dancing – Go2 Spain

Flamenco dancing is one of the top attractions for tourists to Spain. It is a flamboyant visual feast involving a dramatic explosion of noise and colour. Featuring hand-clapping, foot-stomping and swirling long dresses all accompanied by skilful, finger-plucking guitar, it is a very exciting visual experience. However, there is a degree of uncertainty and argument surrounding its exact origin and development.

Flamenco is a musical genre generally acknowledged to have its origins in nomadic tribes in Andalucia, Spain. Indeed the word Flamenco has become synonymous with gypsies. It is believed to have developed from a mix of native and gypsy musical styles in Andalucia as far back as 700 A.D. although there is still some quite heated debate about this in Spain. The reason that the history of Flamenco is so clouded in mystery is because it was a music and dance form stemming from the lower levels of Andalucian society. Largely ignored by the affluent upper classes for centuries the tradition was passed on by word of mouth and example from father to son and mother to daughter by the largely illiterate Andalucians singing of their desperation, the struggle to survive and their pride.

As Flamenco developed it did so alongside Spanish history. Notable movers and shakers in the early development of Flamenco; the Moors, Gitanos and Jews, were all persecuted during the religious Spanish Inquisition of the 15th century, and it is their struggles that are reflected in Flamenco songs. The Gitanos in particular have been largely responsible for ensuring that their folk songs were passed down the generations.

Flamenco performers began to distinguish themselves as highly skilled artistes in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The genre began to grow apart from the simple folk music which had forged its centuries-old development. From a largely Andalucian activity Flamenco developed into a national pastime. Flamenco performers achieved a previously unseen level of technical excellence as they evolved into professional musicians and dancers. Those performers also started to draw on songs originally derived from outside Flamenco influences but included them and their styles. From 1760 onwards Flamenco has been highly documented, not only the historical development and traditions of the genre, but also for the first time songbooks, musical scores and even highly technical dance instructions were produced. This has enabled Flamenco to spread as an art form throughout mainland Spain and even Europe.

In the late 19th and early 20th century, Flamenco progressed to music cafes and Flamenco operas. Here the highly stylised music and dance genre developed even further. Both guitarists and dancers became established stars. At the same time gypsies exported and performed Flamenco throughout Europe to places as far afield as Russia. Visitors to Spain sought out Flamenco performers, which often turned out not to be Andalucians, the originators of the genre, but regular Spaniards who had learned the art-form; much to the chagrin of native Andalucians!

Like any art-form Flamenco has developed, often in ways not favoured by Andalucians. Performers throughout the years have added their unique interpretations, which in turn have been adopted by those who followed them. Today’s Flamenco bears only a passing resemblance to the folk dances of old. However it is undeniably popular to both Spaniards and visitors alike, and continues to be a colourful, loud and impressive experience.

Tips Advice On Booking Cheap Holidays

The holiday is something everyone can enjoy; it is an essential break to allow unwinding and reconnection with family and friends. Sadly though, all too often these wonderful breaks from working life can dig a little too deep into the pockets. Why waste an obscene amount of money on travel really? It would be far better spent on having a good time once you actually arrive!

The problem is many people do not have the first clue where to start looking when it comes to holidays. The majority of people do not understand that an amazing holiday does not have to cost insane amounts of money. Quite to the contrary, some of the best holidays are also the cheapest!

Exactly how cheap you can get a holiday obviously greatly depends on what type of holiday you want. A cruise around the Caribbean or a river crusie up the Nile might cost a little more than a weekend in Paris. However, the process of finding such holidays is actually essentially the same, particularly with the help of the internet. Even if you have the money to burn on a Caribbean cruise with Amazon adventure it still doesn’t mean you should waste thousands of pounds.

The key to any good search is comparison. The comparison of different carriers, comparing different resorts & accomodation, comparing different insurance options etc. The more information you have, the easier it is to barter with them. They want your money, and they will bargain if they are being upstaged by someone else.

Until recently the problem with this approach was that it was a real pain and very time intensive; many people simply ended up opting for an expensive travel agent. However, the power of the interent has changed everything; the actual process of locating good deals has changed little over the last few decades. In other words, you just need to log on and browse for the best deals, usually in resorts around the south coast of Europe, and you can get away with a truly amazing deal.

For more savings, it is a good idea to be a little flexible; if you are willing to accept any town in the region you wish to visit, and you can be flexible with your flight dates, you will save a lot of money. The same is true if you can manage to go a little earlier – holidays are usually a fair bit cheaper in June and July than they are in August. Plus it’s a lot less crowded (and cheaper) once you get there as well.

At Your Service

Every year, preparations for the 31st of December have followed the same pattern for Andy and Julie. They invite all their friends round and Julie spends the best part of a week cleaning the house from top to bottom, trying to make everything look respectable following the rigours of Christmas. By the time New Year’s Eve arrives, even the vacuum cleaner doesn’t want to cooperate, refusing point blank to pick up the Christmas tree’s fallen pine needles from the carpet. Andy goes to the off-licence to buy enough alcohol to sink a battleship, whilst Julie (by her own admission, no Delia Smith) heads for the kitchen and attempts to tackle the buffet. Many hours and scores of vol-au-vents later, Julie’s exhausted, covered in flour and a bit fed up, and there isn’t enough room in the fridge for all those chicken drumsticks. Andy can’t remember where he stored the guests’ inflatable mattresses from last year and seems to be suffering the mild depression that many of us experience at the end of the year.

On the eve itself, it’s very much an ‘open house’, a case of ‘all welcome’; the party comes and goes, but then there’s the aftermath on New Year’s Day… paper plates, half eaten sausage rolls, party poppers and streamers all over the floor… bodies littered everywhere in various stages of slumber, including one individual, curled up in the bath, wearing little more than a party hat and an apologetic grin. Eventually, their groggy guests having gone, Andy and Julie have a hearty breakfast of paracetamol and water, and set about the business of clearing up the devastation. (Did they really get through that many bottles?)

It’s going to be very different this year. Andy and Julie decide they’re going to have some time to themselves – all the fun of New Year, without the fuss. A luxury serviced apartment in West London fits the bill exactly. They’re pleasantly surprised at the cost, and booking on the Internet couldn’t be easier.

The apartment is situated at Kew, in the Borough of Richmond, just minutes away from the famous botanical gardens. From the moment they arrive, they know they’ve made the right choice. The apartment is absolutely spotless. It’s light, airy and spacious, immaculately decorated and tastefully equipped with every facility they could wish for. Neutral cream furnishings and natural warm woods give a contemporary, but homely, ‘cottage’ feel throughout. The bedroom has a sumptuous, king-size bed adorned with beautifully crisp, fresh linen and an opulent quilt, together with a hand-carved vanity unit and dressing table. The bathroom has a separate walk-in shower and huge, fluffy white towels hang invitingly on the rails. The kitchen, newly fitted in pine, has everything they could possibly need; fridge/freezer, oven, hob, microwave, dishwasher, toaster, coffee maker… and the lounge is the ultimate in comfort, with a fabulous view from the window of the tree-lined street below. There’s a huge, soft sofa to sink into, and even a great selection of books, videos and CDs to choose from, in the highly unlikely event that they need to create their own entertainment.

It’s the last day of the year, but Andy and Julie have plenty of time to take in some of the sights of London before the festivities begin. They begin with a leisurely stroll around Kew village, with its wonderful shops, and finish with a first class dinner in one of its many marvellous restaurants. Then it’s back to the apartment to freshen up with an invigorating shower and get changed into party gear. New Year in London wouldn’t be right without a visit to the London Eye, and a short taxi ride takes them there. There must be thousands of people, young and old, all soaking in the wonderful atmosphere. It’s electric. And as the big countdown starts and Big Ben strikes midnight, a mighty whoop goes up as the crowd is entertained by the most breathtaking firework display from the floodlit London Eye and the river, accompanied by the sound of countless champagne corks popping. Cries of ‘Happy New Year’ abound, as complete strangers laugh and embrace each other. It’s a truly spectacular start to a brand new year.

Happy and giggling like teenagers, Andy and Julie return to the luxury of their serviced apartment which is every bit as spick and span as when they arrived. In their absence, as if by magic, the dishwasher has been emptied and the contents tidily put away, and fresh towels have been placed in the bathroom. The clothes they wore earlier have even been folded and placed in a neat pile on the bedroom stool. Later in the morning, with not a vol-au-vent or party popper in sight, Andy and Julie laugh as they snuggle up in bed, thinking back to last New Year’s Day. It’s strange, they never did discover who the guy in the bath was…

Discover the King of Road Trips – Route 66

Route 66 is undeniably one of the most celebrated highways in America. From some of the most picturesque views in the United States to its distinct diagonal angle that runs between Chicago and Los Angeles, Route 66 has all the elements that continues to captivate USA Road Trip lovers. Take the journey through Route 66 and discover why the road trip spells out legendary proportions!

How it all began:

Route 66 is a highway constructed in the mid-1920’s to answer the demands of the fast evolving United States economy at that time. Route 66 differs from other roads of that era, such as the Lincoln and the Dixie, because it did not follow the conventional linear path. Instead, it sprawled diagonally to connect the rural communities in Illinois, Missouri and Kansas to the towns of Chicago. These towns have a lot to offer for any great road trip. Check out the town of Galena, which is in the north-western tip of Illinois. There are several museums and historical homes there for a truly “walk down history lane” experience.

Route 66 was originally built to enable the transport of farming goods along the way. This was very difficult to accomplish before the creation of Route 66. Farmers were not the only ones to benefit from the highway, it also served well thousands of truck drivers. Offering considerably milder weather compared to the harsher climate found along the northern roads, Route 66 proved to be a better option for many truck drivers.

The evolution:

During the years before and after WWII, Route 66 thrived with the establishments built along the highway. There were inns and motels, gas stations and just about every kind of café you can think of. Tourists flocked to the road just for the thrill of being there, and to experience what was then considered the “Main Street of America.”

During the Great Depression, Route 66 bore witness to thousands of people migrating from the Industrial East to the more promising suburban towns in Southern California (San Diego, Hollywood, Los Angeles, etc.) The road became a symbol for hope. The Route 66 road trip tells a unique American story.

You can opt for a full length Route 66 adventure or break it out into bites, like visiting the Albuquerque section. Plan your trip around Attractions, Hotels, and Restaurants that include Route 66 in their offerings. There is so much to see around Route 66 that you will never run our of things to explore. Just the names are intriguing: Restaurants like Artichoke Cafe and Left at Albuquerque, or hotels like the Route 66 Inn, and attractions like the Route 66 Drive-In Theatre, National Route 66 Museum, and the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival.

Your next great adventure is just an interstate highway away!

A Quick Tour Of Italy – Eastern Sicily

If you are hankering for a tour of Europe, why not consider the island of Sicily, a region of southern Italy? Depending on your own particular interests, this beautiful area can be an ideal vacation spot. You can get classic Italian food, and wash it down with fine local wine. And many parts of Sicily haven’t yet been discovered by tourists. This short article presents eastern Sicily. A companion article presents western Sicily; another presents the capital Palermo.

Messina is Sicily’s third largest city. Founded by the Ancient Greeks it changed hands quite often over the centuries. The University of Messina started out as the world’s first Jesuit College, founded by St. Ignatius himself. In 1908 the city was virtually destroyed by an earthquake and the ensuing tsunami. Make sure to see the cathedral, the Calapaj Palace, and the Sixteenth Century lighthouse.

The walled village of Castelmola with its ancient streets and spectacular view is only a few miles from the coast. Don’t miss it. Go to the ruins of the Thirteenth Century Castello Normanno (Norman Castle). It’s more than a kilometer above sea level and you’ll have to climb the path from the parking lot below. Actually there are two paths with two different views. If you are able you should explore both, one up and one down the mountain. What’s to see when you get to the top – the city of Taormina and the Ionian Sea are to the east, the Tyrrhenian Sea is to the north, and Mount Etna is to the west. Castelmola also boasts a Cathedral and several old churches that are worth visiting.

Taormina has been discovered by tourists. What a beautiful view, especially from the funivia (gondola). The Greek theater runs in the summer and Taormina boasts two top-of-the-line hotels.

Mount Etna is Europe’s largest and highest volcano. It is still active. Depending on the weather report you may climb part of it or take the train that runs around the mountain base. The Hotel Villa Paradiso Dell’Etna started as a bohemian hangout and is now quite pricey.

Catania at the foot of Mount Etna is Sicily’s second largest city. Its volcanic soil is great for agriculture, particularly wine. Catania was buried in lava seven times; many of its buildings are constructed from lava. Visit its cathedral.

Siracusa (Syracuse) was founded by Greek colonists. Its theater was built for 15,000 spectators. It hosts Greek tragedies every May and June. Make sure not to miss the Papyrus Museum, the Archeological Museum, historic churches and palaces, and the neighboring Ortygia Island, known as Citta Vecchia (Old City) with its own cathedral.

Sicilian ices are famous even if they no longer contain snow from Mount Etna. See our companion article I Love Touring Italy – Eastern Sicily for a sample menu and more information on local wines as well as an in-depth examination of its tourist attractions. Sicily is Italy’s largest wine producer. An independent Sicily would be the world’s seventh largest wine producer.