Travel Places

Thailand Beaches Views

2011-08-29T14:49:00.000-07:00

Thailand Beaches
Thailand Beaches
Thailand Beaches
Thailand Beaches
Thailand Beaches
Thailand Beaches
Thailand Beaches
Thailand Beaches
Thailand Beaches
Thailand Beaches

London Bridge New Pictures 2011

2011-08-28T15:11:00.000-07:00

London Bridge
London Bridge
London Bridge
London Bridge
London Bridge

Netherland Best Pictures

2011-08-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

Experience the exclusive ambiance, private setting, and unparalleled personal service that distinguish The Sherry-Netherland, the landmark choice of Central Park hotels. Topped by an elaborate Gothic minaret, The Sherry adds a note of drama and history to the Manhattan skyline. Just look for the signature sidewalk clock on Fifth Avenue that marks our entrance. From our exemplary European-style service – including full concierge assistance, elevator attendants, and valet parking – to our spacious and individually furnished accommodations, a stay at The Sherry has been an expression of privilege since 1927. Rely on our Central Park New York hotel to provide five-star service in a classic setting

Netherland Great Views
Netherland ocean
Netherland
Netherland
Netherland Hotel

Thailand Beaches For Travel & Entetainment (Khao Lak)

2011-06-17T20:52:00.000-07:00

As Thailand is one of the finest beaches in the world. For those who traveled there through the virgin beauty of this place gives us the best resorts in the world. Beyond. A large number of monuments of culture, which is rich in land and never a shortage of things to do in this country because this country is untouched by development, is the relaxation and the peaceful coexistence possible. The extent of a strong come so far, which is the best country on vacation, especially when it comes to areas of the beach in Thailand.
Khao Lak is a beautiful beach in Thailand. The hotel is located a short distance from the airport, this paradise offers a remote vacation than others. The area is largely free to look closely with lush tropical jungle with many animals. The water is still warm in November and December, fishing and diving is not of this world.

Phuket Beach is another big point. Enjoy this resort from November to March. There are more than enough to do. It is a little "more populated than the other beaches in this area, the revenue derived from tourism, leading to a first-class diving in the area and find some of the best in clear water in the world gives. There are many places of interest, that they occupied for several days.
Phi Phi Don Thailand beach is quite long. After the remote and almost unknown, a beach in Thailand came to life when Hollywood films shot here. Now he is regarded as one of the most popular beaches around the country and is frequented by many big names. This is a page that does not want to lose, because the view is breathtaking and the water is warm and inviting.
Raily West Beach, Thailand is a diamond in the rough to be discovered. There is very little that is expensive and can stay in town "for over a week and barely tap the budget. Sands is milky white and pure water. Diving is very popular, and fisheries. This page is only for Long- tail boat to a small piece of a long journey.

Thailand Beaches
Thailand Beaches
Thailand Beaches
Thailand Beaches
Thailand Beaches

Kuwait City Tower & Al Hamra Tower, Kuwait City

2011-06-17T20:20:00.000-07:00

Kuwait City Tower

Al Hamra Tower, Kuwait City

With the building´s structure elegantly wrapped in a cloak-like glass facade, the Al Hamra Tower on the Persian Gulf creates the vision of a highly visible sculpture, rising to an impressive height of 412 metres. As construction progress steadily continues, it becomes clear that the Al Hamra Tower is not only a multi-storey building with a remarkable height but also that a new landmark is being developed through its very distinctive design. After completion in 2010, a total of 98, 000 square metres of business and office space will be available on the 77 generously-dimensioned floors. Designed by one of the world´s renowned and leading designers – the American team of architects Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLP (SOM) – an office building is being constructed which features a subtle hint of luxury together with breathtaking views.

The actual ground plan of the building resembles a round-cornered square with 60-metre long edges – with a centrically-arranged core for the elevator and staircase shafts. Wrapped around this core in a counter-clockwise direction is the building´s structure which creates the impression of a spiral. Up to the 70th floor, the external facade makes a 130-degree turn from west to east which means that no storey is the same. In addition, there is a tapering cross-section from the 70th to 77th floor. On the south-facing side, around a quarter of the offset floor area remains open and it is here that the so-called wing walls are arranged on both sides of the core. Through the turning of the tower, they exhibit twisted surfaces with up to ten-degree inclinations.

The realization of the distinctive building structure placed extremely high demands on the formwork technology and the Ahmadiah construction team. For this project, experienced engineers of the Weissenhorn-based formwork and scaffolding specialist, PERI, combined different climbing formwork systems as well as SKYDECK slab formwork to form a comprehensive customised solution. The formwork planners created detailed construction drawings for each of the 77 different floors and developed an integrated and uniform formwork concept. This has ensured that any adjustments required for the respective section has been kept to a minimum and each individual floor has been completed in only eight days.

Crane-independent climbing
The internally-positioned core walls are constructed in advance with the help of PERI ACS self-climbing technology. From the modular-designed construction kit with five possible climbing variants, working platforms and other platforms have been formed which move reliably upwards from floor-to-floor by means of the ACS climbing unit without requiring a crane and regardless of weather conditions. The ACS can also be combined with the contractor´s own TRIO panel formwork without any problems – an important advantage for the contractor. All ACS versions work smoothly with each other and can be extended at any time using a range of additional construction kit components. Furthermore, the PERI solution takes into consideration the two cranes positioned inside the core as well as two placing booms which climb together with the ACS platforms.

With protection being provided by the PERI RCS climbing protection panel, floors and edge beams can be safely and efficiently constructed. Thus, site personnel in the top three floors under construction are constantly protected against falling and the effects of strong winds at large heights. Slab shoes are used for anchoring to the building itself and guide the RCS climbing rails when moving to the next concreting section. Moreover, this means that the complete scaffolding unit is connected to the structure during the climbing procedure. The Al Hamra project team also decided to operate the climbing protection panel without any crane support. Using mobile RCS climbing devices, the costs incurred here are therefore extremely low because the small number of mobile hydraulic aggregates and cylinders actually required can easily be transferred from unit to unit by hand. From the outset, the RCS climbing units were positioned in such a way that the edge units can be moved horizontally from one facade edge to the next – due to the changing layout – without any problems.

In order that the planned eight-day cycle can also be maintained for the floor areas, the construction site team has formed the close to 1, 500 m² slab areas using the PERI SKYDECK system under the protection of the RCS enclosure. The lightweight aluminium elements allow simple, fatigue-free and fast assembly. In addition, early striking can take place due to the SKYDECK drop head system. The main beams and panels are thus quickly available for the next cycle – with the temporary supports remaining in position. This reduces on-site material requirements and accelerates construction progress.

Climbing regardless of the inclination
The spiral form of the building not only results in different-sized floor areas but also means that the southern core external walls as well as the wing walls undergo a change in position and length. To deal with this, climbing units were formed with elements from the PERI SKS single-sided formwork climbing system and VARIO girder wall formwork. On the one hand, this solution is being used for single-sided climbing with massive structural components whilst, on the other, the up to ten-degree forward and reversed-inclined retention walls on the Al Hamra Tower can also be concreted. Without requiring any special measures, additional concrete loads or lifting forces can be safely transferred into the building. The twisted form of the wall surfaces caused by the turn can be very accurately adjusted and realized with the VARIO wall formwork elements. With a special crane pick-up spreader comprised of PERI system components, the site crew can suspend the SKS/VARIO moving units on the crane certain in the balance point. Thus, the varying degrees of inclination can be taken into consideration. During the moving procedure, the climbing platforms are safely guided by means of a chain which runs between the two points of suspension. Thus, any likelihood of the climbing units drifting is reliably prevented.

From the outset, all climbing variants were designed so that both the standard storey heights of 4.20 metres as well as the up to 11-metre high intermediate floors can be completed without any time-consuming and costly modification work being required. The different positioning of the window box-outs could also be allowed for with the PERI systems along with handling unexpected adjustments to the construction sequence due to changes in construction site conditions.

Kuwait City
Numerous high-rise buildings dominate the skyline of Kuwait City, the capital of the emirate of the same name which is situated on the Persian Gulf. The lifeline of this modern metropolis runs along the eight kilometre long coastal region – between the sea port in the west and the cape with the three characteristic water towers in the east – and is currently undergoing massive redevelopment.

Contractor:
Ahmadiah Contracting & Trading Co., Kuwait

Field Service:
PERI Kuwait and Weissenhorn

PERI GmbH
Editorial Office
P.O. Box 12 64
89259 Weissenhorn
Germany

Phone: +49 73 09 / 9 50 – 1 18
Fax: +49 73 09 / 9 51 – 1 18
redaktion@peri.de
www.peri.de

Kuwait City Tower
Kuwait City Tower
Kuwait City Tower
Kuwait City Tower
Kuwait City Tower
Kuwait City Tower
Kuwait City Tower
Kuwait City Tower
Kuwait City Tower
Kuwait City Tower

Norwegian Fjords Amazing Views

2011-05-27T04:58:00.000-07:00

Norwegian Fjords
Norwegian Fjords
Norwegian Fjords
Norwegian Fjords
Norwegian Fjords
Norwegian Fjords
Norwegian Fjords
Norwegian Fjords
Norwegian Fjords
Norwegian Fjords
Norwegian Fjords
Norwegian Fjords
Norwegian Fjords
Norwegian Fjords
Norwegian Fjords

Finland Landscape Views

2011-05-27T04:45:00.000-07:00

Finland Landscape
Finland Landscape
Finland Landscape
Finland Landscape
Finland Landscape
Finland Landscape
Finland Landscape
Finland Landscape
Finland Landscape
Finland Landscape

Denmark Copenhagen Travel Trip

2011-05-13T19:06:00.000-07:00

Denmark Copenhagen Map
Denmark Copenhagen
Denmark Copenhagen
Denmark Copenhagen
Denmark Copenhagen

The Great Wall Of China Views

2011-05-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

The Great Wall Of China
The Great Wall Of China
The Great Wall Of China
The Great Wall Of China
The Great Wall Of China

dubai airport pictures

2011-05-05T08:52:00.000-07:00

dubai airport
dubai airport
dubai airport
dubai airport
dubai airport

dubai airport

Africa Safari Visit

2011-04-22T06:16:00.000-07:00

Africa Safari
Africa Safari
Africa Safari
Africa Safari
Africa Safari

Minsk City Pictures

2011-04-22T05:29:00.000-07:00

Minsk is located on the southeastern slope of the Minsk Hills, a region of rolling hills running from the southwest (upper reaches of the river Nioman) to the northeast – that is, to the Lukomskaye lake in northwestern [Belarus]. The average altitude above sea level is 220 metres (720 ft). The geography of Minsk was formed during the two most recent Ice Ages. The Svislach river, which flows across the city from the northwest to the southeast, is located in the urstrohmtal, an ancient river valley formed by water flowing from melting ice sheets at the end of the last Ice Age. Minsk was initially founded on the hills. However, in the 20th century, it grew to include the relatively flat plains in the southeast. The western parts of the city are the most hilly.
Satellite view.

Minsk is located in the area of mixed forests typical for most of Belarus. Pinewood and mixed forests are still present at the edge of the city, especially in the north and east. Some of the forests were transformed into parks (for instance, the Chelyuskinites Park) as the city grew.

Minsk
Minsk
Minsk
Minsk
Minsk
Minsk
Minsk
Minsk
Minsk
Minsk

Visit the Grand Vatican City

2011-04-13T05:06:00.000-07:00

Vatican City

history & facts
Vatican City is is the smallest independent country in the world and is the governmental capital of the Catholic Church. In 1929, under the premiership of Mussolini, the Vatican became officially an independent state. The size of the Vatican is about 44 hectares and about 932 citizens live inside. Besides St. Peter's Square, the entire state is walled. The St Peter's Basilica, erected over the tomb of St Peter the Apostle, is the largest religious building in the world.
The Head of the Vatican is the Pope. The current Pope is Benedict XVI, born as Joseph Ratzinger.

location
Vatican City is a bit out of the center of Rome on the other side of the river. Two metro stations are near the Vatican: Ottaviano and Cipro/Musei-Vaticani.

St. Peter's Square
Everybody can walk here; entrance from the public street. No clothes regulation. There is free admission to Basilica. Stairs to the dome 3.50€; elevator to the dome 4€. When we visited the St. Peter's Square, there was a long queue for the Basilica.

waiting time
Be prepared to wait a long time before you can enter the Vatican museum (picture to the right). After having an early breakfast, we took the metro to Ottaviano station and queued at 8.15. It took us 1.5 hour to get into the museum. The line behind us grew rapidly; the waiting time for those people would be at least 2 hours. Besides the waiting time, the temperature is in the afternoon much higher than in the morning. In summer months a temperature of 30-35 degrees Celcius is normal. Admission to the Vatican Museum is around €11.

clothes regulations
To enter the St Peter's Basilica, people must first pass a security control and behind it is the control of your clothes. Shorts or a short skirt are allowed but must be 'decent'. Not too short and certainly not transparent.
Control in the Vatican Museum seems less strictly. I saw a woman inside with very long hair wearing a sexy hot-pants. The majority of the men however had changed their shorts for long trousers.

vatican city

Vatican City is a popular vacation destination. It is a independent state and it has the ability to make its own laws and run its own government outside of the Italian government. Vatican City is a city state and it is one of the smallest in the entire world. The Holy See, the central governing body of the Catholic Church came to an agreement with the Kingdom of Italy in 1929, making it an independent city state. The Holy See is headed by the Pope. Vatican City is the home of the Pope and millions of people visit it each year.

If you are interested in taking an Italian vacation and want to visit Vatican City, there are many offers online and through a travel agency where you can get discount tickets. If you purchase discount Vatican tickets, you will get into the Vatican City through St. Peter’s square. St. Peter’s square is known for Baroque architecture. There is also St. Peter’s Basilica. It is notable because of its dome which can be seen from many parts of Rome.

When you buy your discount Vatican tickets, you will find that there are many places to see during your Italian vacation. Vatican City is the home of the biggest museums in the world. The museum has 1400 rooms that represent thousands of years of art. The Sistine Chapel is also there.

If your search for discount Vatican tickets you may want to try “Skip the Line”. This is a walking tour of Vatican Museums. The walking tour includes a visit to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peters and Raphael’s rooms. Your discount Vatican tickets allow you to get ahead of the very long lines at these famous destinations.

With your discount Vatican tickets you can explore the massive Vatican Museums. The Vatican Museums have many miles of the largest art collection on the globe. Your discount Vatican tickets may include a guide that will guide you through the thousands of rooms. Your discount Vatican tickets will allow you to enjoy these wondrous treasures that were once meant for the eyes of the Pope only.

With the discount Vatican tickets, you can also witness the splendor of Michelangelo’s “Creation of Adam” when you enter the Sistine Chapel. The discount Vatican tickets allow you to be humbled by the gorgeous Saint Peter’s Basilicia. In Saint Peter’s Basilica, you will find another Michelangelo painting, “La Pieta”.

You may want to use your discount Vatican tickets to take a different type of tour. There are car tours available. With your discount Vatican tickets you can get a private car to tour Vatican City along with other site in Rome. From the private car you can not only visit the Vatican but also the Trevi fountain, the Coliseum, and the Spanish Steps. For your discount Vatican ticket you can learn about the layout of the city, Italian lifestyle, Italian food and Italian fashion.

If you are fortunate enough to find discount Vatican tickets, you will have a delightful vacation and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! Discount Vatican tickets can open up a brand new world to you.

Travel To Turkey Istanbul

2011-03-09T01:25:00.000-08:00

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

Free travel photos: holidays in Turkey. Pictures of Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Pergamon, landscapes and roads.
Turkey Istanbul
Turkey Istanbul
Turkey Istanbul
Turkey Istanbul
Turkey Istanbul

Top 10 Places To Visit In The United States

2011-03-01T10:41:00.000-08:00

The United States is perhaps the most glorious and diverse country on Earth. Each state is like a country that provides vacationers and tourists with an enormous amount to do. There’s so much to do in America that planning a trip can be overwhelming. Here we’ve listed the ten pots that we think any visitor should start with to get a first taste of the USA.

01:Los Angeles, California. This second largest city in the entire United States is also the biggest metropolitan area on the west coast. If you wish to see celebrities or at least check out their homes, this is the place to go. You can visit Hollywood, the movie capital or Beverly Hills where movie stars live. L.A. has a favorable subtropical climate with many white sand beaches. Some scenic spots there include the Big Sur coastline, the alpine beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the awesome Mojave desert.

02:San Francisco, California. Though smaller than Los Angeles with no beaches, San Francisco offers more great sceneries. This hilly place is famous for its Golden Gate bridge and historic cable cars. Victorian houses also line up the hillside streets and overlook a huge blue bay surrounded by mountains. The bay area, as it is often called, also features the crookedest street and a Chinatown.

03:Las Vegas, Nevada. This city boasts of being the adult entertainment capital of the world with the existence of so many casinos. Experience different forms of gambling here as well as world-class entertainment. Las Vegas also features grandious architecture from the giant pyramids of glass, multi-colored fantasy castles, replicas of the Eiffel Tower and the New York skyline. The place is also near other natural scenic spots like the Grand Canyon Zion and Death Valley.

04:Orlando, Florida. Orlando is the biggest entertainment center for the family in the whole world. There’s Disney World, the largest and most famous amusement complex as well as the Universal Studios, Sea World, Wet and Wild and other attractions the whole family will enjoy. Tropical beaches also abound in Florida plus visitors can enjoy golf and tennis in various locations.

05:New York City. Who can ever miss the Big Apple, the biggest metropolitan center in the U.S. Its famous tourist spots include the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, United Nations, museums, Broadway theaters, Times Square, Central Park and shopping as well as nightlife districts. New York is the city that never sleeps owing to the varied entertainment offered nightly at nightclubs, bars, theaters and sports centers. The city’s museums, art galleries and concert halls offer various cultural attractions as well.

06:Hawaii. Though small as it may be, Hawaii is a great place to visit. Consisting of a string of volcanic islands in the center of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is a tourist’s paradise what with its great weather all year round, wonderful beaches with awesome surf and scenery. The place has been a favorite haven for couples on a honeymoon and very ideal for swimming, tanning, surfing, fishing, boating, golf and tropical adventure.

07:Grand Canyon, Arizona. The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona should not be missed. A natural wonder of the world, the Grand Canyon is 1,500 meters deep and more than 20 kilometers wide by 150 kilometers long. The Canyon’s interior features a wide maze of multicolored mesas, cliffs and headlands that contain smaller canyons. The interior can be reached by hiking or riding on mules down the trails. The continuous play of sun and shadow on the rock layers creates an awesome display.

08:Washington, D.C. The capital of America is a very interesting city to visit. Washington D.C. has various tourist attractions such as its numerous monuments, museums and public parks that include the White House, the U.S. Capitol and other government buildings. These places can be visited free of charge so there’s no need to worry about your budget. The city also has great ethnic restaurants for your dining pleasure.

09:New Orleans, Louisiana. The home of jazz music, New Orleans is a blend of the Spanish and French culture with influences from Afro-American and the Carribbean. Located at the mouth of the Mississippi River, this city is renowned for its jazz music, wild nightlife and Cajun cuisine. Who could also forget its famous weeklong Mardi Gras festival celebrated every February.

10:Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. This national park features a huge collection of geysers, hot springs and thermal phenomena in the entire globe. Bisons, elk, bears and wildlife abound in this huge national park. Its wilderness can easily be reached from the roads and visitors can get a chance to have close encounters with wildlife. Yellowstone is located near the Grand Tenton National Park, the Rocky Mountains and the open spaces of Montana.

Denmark together with Greenland and the Faroe Islands

2011-02-26T03:45:00.000-08:00

Denmark (Listeni /ˈdɛnmɑrk/; Danish: Danmark, pronounced [ˈdanmɑɡ̊] ( listen)) is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The country of Denmark, together with Greenland and the Faroe Islands, comprises the Kingdom of Denmark (Danish: About this sound Kongeriget Danmark (help·info); Faroese: Kongsríki Danmarkar; German: Königreich Dänemark). It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark borders both the Baltic and the North Sea. The country consists of a large peninsula, Jutland (Jylland) and many islands, most notably Zealand (Sjælland), Funen (Fyn), Vendsyssel-Thy (commonly considered a part of Jutland), Lolland, Falster and Bornholm, as well as hundreds of minor islands often referred to as the Danish Archipelago. Denmark has long controlled the approach to the Baltic Sea; before the digging of the Kiel Canal, water passage to the Baltic Sea was possible only through the three channels known as the "Danish straits".

Denmark is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. Denmark has a state-level government and local governments in 98 municipalities. Denmark has been a member of the European Union since 1973, although it has not joined the Eurozone. Denmark is a founding member of NATO and the OECD. Denmark is also a member of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

Denmark, with a mixed market capitalist economy and a large welfare state,ranks as having the world's highest level of income equality. Denmark has the best business climate in the world, according to the U.S. business magazine Forbes From 2006 to 2008, surveysranked Denmark as "the happiest place in the world", based on standards of health, welfare and education. The 2009 Global Peace Index survey ranks Denmark as the second most peaceful country in the world, after New Zealand.In 2009, Denmark was ranked as one of the least corrupt countries in the world according to the Corruption Perceptions Index, ranking second only to New Zealand.In 2010, Transparency International ranked it as the least corrupt country in the world, in a three-way tie with New Zealand and Singapore.

The national language, Danish, is closely related to Swedish and Norwegian, with which it shares strong cultural and historical ties. 80.9% of the inhabitants of Denmark are members of the Lutheran state church. As of 2010, 548,000 persons (9.9% of the Danish population) were either immigrants or descendants of recent immigrants. Most of these (54%) have their origins in Scandinavia or elsewhere in Europe, while the remainder originate mainly from Middle Eastern and African countries.

Denmark Flag
Denmark Map
Denmark
Denmark
Denmark
Denmark
Denmark
Denmark Buildings Wisma
Denmark

Denmark

Taj Mahal in Agra, India

2011-02-24T19:13:00.000-08:00

The Taj Mahal (play /ˈtɑːdʒ məˈhɑːl/;Hindi: ताज महल, from Persian/Urdu: تاج محل "crown of buildings", pronounced [ˈt̪aːdʒ mɛˈɦɛl]; also "the Taj") is a mausoleum located in Agra, India. It is one of the most recognizable structures in the world.[citation needed] It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is widely considered as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and stands as a symbol of eternal love.

Taj Mahal is the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Islamic and Indian architectural styles.

In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the white domed marble mausoleum is the most familiar component of the Taj Mahal, it is actually an integrated complex of structures. The construction began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, employing thousands of artisans and craftsmen. The construction of the Taj Mahal was entrusted to a board of architects under imperial supervision, including Abd ul-Karim Ma'mur Khan, Makramat Khan, and Ustad Ahmad Lahauri.Lahauri is generally considered to be the principal designer.

Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal

Paris city France

2011-02-19T11:05:00.000-08:00

plan a trip to Paris, France. Great idea. Paris is beautiful, romantic and exciting. Let's make the most of your trip: hotels, restaurants, sights, tours, river cruises, nightlife, concerts, shopping, Disneyland Paris, Giverny and Versailles. We give you informed and unbiased advice from Parisians who know Paris in and out. Have a wonderful time in Paris.

Paris city over view
Paris city bridge tower night view
Paris city France
Paris city of Art
Paris city night view

Cricket World Cup 2011 Grounds Asia

2011-02-14T19:25:00.000-08:00

Cricket World Cup 2011 Logo
Cricket World Cup 2011 Grounds
Cricket World Cup 2011
Cricket World Cup 2011 Grounds
Cricket World Cup 2011 Grounds
Cricket World Cup 2011 Grounds
Cricket World Cup 2011 Grounds Mumbai
Cricket World Cup 2011 Grounds
Cricket World Cup 2011 Grounds
Cricket World Cup 2011 Grounds

Black Swan best pics 2009 top places

2011-02-13T20:45:00.001-08:00

The Black Swan Theory or Theory of Black Swan Events is a metaphor that encapsulates the concept that The event is a surprise (to the observer) and has a major impact. After the fact, the event is rationalized by hindsight.

The theory was developed by Nassim Nicholas Taleb to explain:

1. The disproportionate role of high-impact, hard to predict, and rare events that are beyond the realm of normal expectations in history, science, finance and technology
2. The non-computability of the probability of the consequential rare events using scientific methods (owing to the very nature of small probabilities)
3. The psychological biases that make people individually and collectively blind to uncertainty and unaware of the massive role of the rare event in historical affairs

Unlike the earlier philosophical "black swan problem", the "Black Swan Theory" (capitalized) refers only to unexpected events of large magnitude and consequence and their dominant role in history. Such events, considered extreme outliers, collectively play vastly larger roles than regular occurrences.* 1 Background
* 2 Identifying a black swan event
* 3 Coping with black swan events
* 4 Epistemological approach
* 5 See also
o 5.1 Books by Taleb
* 6 References
* 7 External links
lack Swan Events were characterized by Nassim Nicholas Taleb in his 2007 book (revised and completed in 2010), The Black Swan. Taleb regards almost all major scientific discoveries, historical events, and artistic accomplishments as "black swans"—undirected and unpredicted. He gives the rise of the Internet, the personal computer, World War I, and the September 11 attacks as examples of Black Swan Events.

The term black swan was a Latin expression—its oldest known reference comes from the poet Juvenal's characterization of something being "rara avis in terris nigroque simillima cygno" (6.165).[1] In English, this Latin phrase means "a rare bird in the lands, and very like a black swan." When the phrase was coined, the black swan was presumed not to exist. The importance of the simile lies in its analogy to the fragility of any system of thought. A set of conclusions is potentially undone once any of its fundamental postulates is disproved. In this case, the observation of a single black swan would be the undoing of the phrase's underlying logic, as well as any reasoning that followed from that underlying logic.

Juvenal's phrase was a common expression in 16th century London as a statement of impossibility. The London expression derives from the Old World presumption that all swans must be white because all historical records of swans reported that they had white feathers.[2] In that context, a black swan was impossible or at least nonexistent. After a Dutch expedition led by explorer Willem de Vlamingh on the Swan River in 1697, discovered black swans in Western Australia[3], the term metamorphosed to connote that a perceived impossibility might later be disproven. Taleb notes that in the 19th century John Stuart Mill used the black swan logical fallacy as a new term to identify falsification.

Specifically, Taleb asserts[4] in the New York Times:What we call here a Black Swan (and capitalize it) is an event with the following three attributes. First, it is an outlier, as it lies outside the realm of regular expectations, because nothing in the past can convincingly point to its possibility. Second, it carries an extreme impact. Third, in spite of its outlier status, human nature makes us concoct explanations for its occurrence after the fact, making it explainable and predictable.

I stop and summarize the triplet: rarity, extreme impact, and retrospective (though not prospective) predictability. A small number of Black Swans explains almost everything in our world, from the success of ideas and religions, to the dynamics of historical events, to elements of our own personal lives.The main idea in Taleb's book is to not attempt to predict Black Swan Events, but to build robustness against negative ones that occur and be able to exploit positive ones. Taleb contends that banks and trading firms are very vulnerable to hazardous Black Swan Events and are exposed to losses beyond that predicted by their defective models.Based on the author's criteria:

1. The event is a surprise (to the observer).
2. The event has a major impact.
3. After its first recording, the event is rationalized by hindsight, as if it could have been expected (e.g., the relevant data were available but not accounted for).

In the second edition of The Black Swan, Taleb provides "Ten Principles for a Black-Swan-Robust Society".

Taleb states that a Black Swan Event depends on the observer. For example, what may be a Black Swan surprise for a turkey is not a Black Swan surprise to its butcher; hence the objective should be to "avoid being the turkey" by identifying areas of vulnerability in order to "turn the Black Swans white".
Taleb's black swan is different from the earlier philosophical versions of the problem, specifically in epistemology, as it concerns a phenomenon with specific empirical and statistical properties which he calls, "the fourth quadrant".[5]

Taleb's problem is about epistemic limitations in some parts of the areas covered in decision making. These limitations are twofold: philosophical (mathematical) and empirical (human known epistemic biases). The philosophical problem is about the decrease in knowledge when it comes to rare events as these are not visible in past samples and therefore require a strong a priori, or what one can call an extrapolating theory; accordingly events depend more and more on theories when their probability is small. In the fourth quadrant, knowledge is both uncertain and consequences are large, requiring more robustness.

Before Taleb,[6] those who dealt with the notion of the improbable, such as Hume, Mill, and Popper focused on the problem of induction in logic, specifically, that of drawing general conclusions from specific observations. Taleb's Black Swan Event has a central and unique attribute, high impact. His claim is that almost all consequential events in history come from the unexpected—yet humans later convince themselves that these events are explainable in hindsight (bias).

One problem, labeled the ludic fallacy by Taleb, is the belief that the unstructured randomness found in life resembles the structured randomness found in games. This stems from the assumption that the unexpected may be predicted by extrapolating from variations in statistics based on past observations, especially when these statistics are presumed to represent samples from a bell-shaped curve. These concerns often are highly relevant in financial markets, where major players use value at risk models, which imply normal distributions, although market returns typically have fat tail distributions.More generally, decision theory, based on a fixed universe or a model of possible outcomes, ignores and minimizes the effect of events that are "outside model". For instance, a simple model of daily stock market returns may include extreme moves such as Black Monday (1987), but might not model the breakdown of markets following the September 11 attacks of 2001. A fixed model considers the "known unknowns", but ignores the "unknown unknowns".Taleb notes that other distributions are not usable with precision, but often are more descriptive, such as the fractal, power law, or scalable distributions and that awareness of these might help to temper expectations.
Beyond this, he emphasizes that many events simply are without precedent, undercutting the basis of this type of reasoning altogether.Taleb also argues for the use of counterfactual reasoning when considering risk
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black swan

Top 5 Most Dangerous Cities for live of the World

2011-02-10T05:59:00.000-08:00

The crime statistics of world's five most dangerous cities are disheartening and shocking. With such high rates of homicide, robberies and violence these cities deservedly bear the names of 'the places of chaos and death' or 'the murder capitals of the world'. Despite the scary data, some of them still remain wanted tourist destinations, though extreme caution is strongly advised when visiting.

5. Cape Town. South Afica.

62 killings per 100 000 residents

Crime has been a major problem in South Africa (both for locals and travelers) for many years now, and the murder and robbery statistics loom large in today's society.
The "good" news is that the number of killings declined by 3.4% to around 18 000 (sic!) between April 2008 and March 2009. Still there are 50 murders a day in South Africa. The latest data shows that there have been 71,500 sexual offenses (10% increase), 18,400 burglaries (27% increase), and 13,900 business robberies (41% increase) reported from April 2008 to March 2009. If it's any consolation, the street robbery declined by 7% to 72,194.

The beautifully located Cape Town is among the most dangerous towns in the country due to its high level of robberies, rapes, kidnappings and murders. The city is about the same size as Caracas and it has a murder rate of 62 per 100,000 inhabitants. According to the police, the homicides usually occur in the poorer districts and suburbs of the town rather than in upscale areas. Due to the poverty (the country has been facing a deep recession) the robberies are common. Therefore, traveling alone and using ATM's at night is not advised.

4. New Orleans. The USA.

95 killings per 100 000 residents

The homicide rate in New Orleans ranks way above other American cities and towns, and therefore the city has been named the murder capital of the USA. The total number of murders equaled 179 in 2008 in this small city of around 300,000 residents. Nevertheless, there have been 15% fewer killings in 2008 than in 2007 when the police reported 210 murders. Also other crime rates are dropping in the town. Rape went down by 44% and armed robbery 4.85% in 2008 in comparison to 2007.

Still, according to the FBI data there have been 95 homicides per 100,000 residents in 2008. In turn New Orleans Police Department reported 67 murders per 100,000 in 2008. A scary comparison has recently been made by the Time magazine stating that Baghdad in Iraq with its murder rate of about 48 per 100,000 people is now being safer, considering the statistics, than New Orleans.
Violent crime is a serious problem especially in the low-income neighborhoods of the town. Lonely Planet advises travelers to New Orleans to be cautious and avoid walks at night, especially if you are alone.

3. Caracas. Venezuela.

130 killings per 100 000 residents

Another unsafe destination among world's most dangerous cities is Caracas, the capital of Venezuela.
At the end of 2008 the Foreign Policy magazine called the city "the murder capital of the world". According to the official statistics there have been 130 homicides per 100,000 residents in 2008. Only in December 2008 there were at least 510 people killed in the capital, as CNN reported.

The problems of Caracas are not only drug trade and gang battles, but also increasing poverty of the city inhabited by around 4 million people. Murders mainly take place in the capital's poorest areas - between 1970s and 1990s the poverty rate increased by 300% to 65%. Although during the oil boom the economic situation improved, the poverty level remains very high.

Moreover, experts underline that the murder ratio has increased by 67% since President Chavez took control over the country. There is police abuse, no gun control, and no good control over the militias, as various media report.

2. Ciudad Juárez. Mexico

130 killings per 100 000 residents

Also Mexico, one of the world's greatest travel destinations thanks to its fascinating history and stunning natural sites, is, unfortunately, facing a serious problem of robbery, kidnapping, sexual assault and drug-related crimes.
Among worst affected areas in the country is the Chihuahua state and, above all, Ciudad Juárez. The city located across the U.S and Mexican border, home to 1.5 million people, has recently got a very bad reputation due to its shocking rates of violence. Bloody and violent fighting between the drug cartels have spread across the town, posing a serious threat to locals and travelers.

Since January 2007 there have been 8330 drug-related murders reported in Mexico, of which 50% accounted for Ciudad Juárez. The city reports 130 murders per 100,000 inhabitants (as of August 2009), which is currently the world's highest murder rate ( outside the official war zone). In February 2009 the U.S. State Department announced that since January 2008 there had been 1,800 people killed in the city.

1. Mogadishu. Somalia.

No data

The governments' warnings about traveling to Somalia are unanimous: this African country remains extremely dangerous and there is an enormous risk to anyone's security due to the threat of terrorism, clan-based and ethnic fighting as well as high level of kidnapping and piracy off the coast.

The epicenter of this brutal crimes and cruelty is Mogadishu, Somalia's capital. The city has been devastated by the ongoing civil war. As of 2008, around half of the city's population (0.5 million) have left the war-torn capital, according to the United Nations. Dozens of people are wounded every day in Mogadishu, and frequent bombings kill many of civilians. No one really knows how many people have been killed in the city, but without dispute Mogadishu remains the most lawless and dangerous city in the world. This is how BBC describes the everyday scenes in Mogadishu: "The crump of mortars; the crackle of gunfire; eerily empty streets; prowling guerrillas and looters; sprawling refugee camps; hospitals overflowing with casualties, their bodies smashed open by bullets, shells and shrapnel...".

Since the overthrow of President Siad Barre in 1991 one million people have lost lives in Somalia due to the civil war and famine.

Amalfi Drive Italy

2011-01-27T00:09:00.000-08:00

If you really want the thrill and want to view the beauty of nature then Amalfi Drive is the stretch that you can never afford to miss. The Stretch of the Amalfi Drive is next to the coastline of Sorrento and is known for its beauty. This is a one way road and thus experiences a lot of traffic. While on your way to the Amalfi, one would pass through Pasitano, which is a place that is close to the mountains, and you can view the sea on the other end. On the way there are a lot of villages also.
The life in Amalfi is very active and busy. That is the reason a lot of time is consumed if one wants to just cross the streets next to the harbor or go uphill. While going uphill can be big fun, coming down is not very interesting as it does not offer much as the path is extremely narrow. The best part to do in places like Amalfi is to find out places that are not meant for visitors as in some interiors, hence difficult to locate however, offer better and more personalized services.

Tourists can also go in for a boat ride along the harbor. The view from the water to the mountain is just splendid. Tourists must plan how to go to this place if hiring taxies or going by buses because the parking space in Amalfi Drive is so narrow, the buses have a specific time slot of entry and exit. One can hire a private Limousine with an English speaking driver who would drive you along the coast. The place has some worth restaurants that offer seafood to seafood lovers.

Many beach towns are located on the Amalfi Coast, including Vietri sul Mare, Cetara, Maiori, Minori, Ravello, Scala, Atrani, Amalfi, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Praiano and Positano.

Amalfi Drive

Amalfi Drive Video

London The Capital of UK

2010-12-16T21:36:00.000-08:00

The capital city of England and the United Kingdom, London is one of the most well-known cities in the world. London has always been and will always be a very important city, as it is one of the world’s leading business, financial and cultural centers in today’s world. London is actually also the most populous city within city limits of the European Union, with 7.5 million people living in the city itself. It also has a suburban population of aroun14 million people. After New York, it is the most cosmopolitan city in the world. London is also an international transport center, with 5 international airports. One of these 5 is Heathrow, which carries the most international passengers every year. London is also known for its fine institutions, such as Oxford and Cambridge.

Besides being a leader in business and finance, London is also an amazing tourist spot! One can roam around London for weeks and never tire from it. The amazing and efficient public transport, especially the city buses and trains, make traveling in the city a breeze.

Places To Visit:

Big Ben
The Big Ben, as it is known, is the clock tower of the Westminster Palace. It holds the title as the “world’s largest four-faced chiming clock”. The clock itself was built in 1854, but the tower was only constructed four years later, in 1858.
Tower of London
Originally constructed 1078 by William the Conqueror, this tower has served many purposes, the latter being a World Heritage Site and museum. At first, it was a fort, which then turned into a prison, where very famous figures, such as Guy Fawkes and Queen Elizabeth 1 had been imprisoned. Now a museum which hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to every year, it also houses the collection of the Crown Jewels, an exquisite collection of crowns, swords and jewelry dating back to 1303. They have been there since then, and have been temporarily taken out during World War II. The world famous Kohinoor diamond is also present among the display.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch. The changing of the guard, a ceremony which takes place daily, is very interesting, and is a must see for anyone visiting this palace.
Westminster Abbey
The Collegiate Church of St. Peter, Westminster, or popularly known as the Westminster Abbey is a gothic church. Centuries old, this Abbey has a history long enough to tire anyone out. Many famous figures have been buried here, including all of the deceased British Royal family, Charles Darwin and Sir Isaac Newton.
Royal Parks
Definitely some of the most beautiful, and well-maintained parks in the world, the Royal Parks are conveniently located all around the city, so one can always stop by at one and relax, and enjoy the nature around.
Museums
The museums in London are probably the best in the world. For example, the British Museum, which has artifacts from just about every country in the world. One could explore the museum for an entire week, and still not be able to see everything. The Natural History Museum, Science Museum and National Gallery, as well as the Tate are all excellent museums and art

london bridge
london night view
london tower
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London Metropolitan University hosted a discussion on how businesses could profit from the run-up to the London Olympic Games 2012.

The event was organised as part of a series of ‘Profiling London’ seminars put together by The London Enterprise Office in collaboration with Events Management Knowledge.

Commercial, public and third sector organisations were all in attendance, each presenting their perspective on how the 2012 Olympic Games could potentially benefit London’s tourism, sports and hospitality industries.

An expert panel consisting of Richard Mendes, President of Sports Management Ltd; Jo Leslie from Visit Britain and consultant for 2012 Games and Dr Robert Lentell, academic and Director of Events Management Knowledge at London Met, brought together their diverse experience to answer critical questions about gaining access to business opportunities.

The global publicity that the London Olympic Games 2012 will generate, presents businesses with a unique opportunity to take advantage of the occasion’s publicity and networking possibilities. The panel experts advised that careful planning and active communication between companies would be necessary for the maximum benefits to be felt.

Dr Jennifer Somerville, Director of The London Enterprise Office said: ‘Some really innovative ideas emerged from the evening, showing the benefit of cross-sector brainstorming.’

After a stimulating open floor discussion in the City Marketing Suite, where the event took place, the evening ended with a wine reception.

Singapore Flyers Views In Night & Day

2010-12-15T19:03:00.000-08:00

Singapore Flyer
Singapore Flyer
Singapore Flyer
Singapore Flyer
Singapore Flyer

Singapore Travel Places

2010-12-15T18:36:00.000-08:00

Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore

Toronto largest city in Canada

2010-12-15T11:22:00.000-08:00

Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario, and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. With over 2.5 million residents, it is the fifth most populous municipality in North America. Toronto is at the heart of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and is part of a densely populated region in Southern Ontario known as the Golden Horseshoe, which is home to over 8.1 million residents—approximately 25% of Canada's population. The census metropolitan area (CMA) had a population of 5,113,149, and the Greater Toronto Area had a population of 5,555,912 in the 2006 Census.

As Canada's economic capital, Toronto is considered an alpha world city by the Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) study group and is one of the top financial centres in the world. Toronto's leading economic sectors include finance, business services, telecommunications, aerospace, transportation, media, arts, film, television production, publishing, software production, medical research, education, tourism, and sports industries. The city is also a major centre of higher education and research, home to many colleges and universities, including the University of Toronto, consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world and highest-ranked in Canada. The Toronto Stock Exchange, the world's eighth largest in terms of market value, is headquartered in the city, along with the most Canadian corporate headquarters of a major Canadian city.

Toronto's population is cosmopolitan and international, reflecting its role as an important destination for immigrants to Canada. Toronto is one of the world's most diverse cities by percentage of non-native-born residents, as about 49% of the population were born outside Canada. As a result, the city was recognized by UNESCO as the most ethnically-diverse city in the world. Toronto is consistently rated as one of the world's most livable cities by the Economist Intelligence Unit and the Mercer Quality of Living Survey.[18] In addition, Toronto was ranked as the most expensive Canadian city in which to live in 2006.Residents of Toronto are called Torontonians.

frankfort germany

2010-12-07T21:50:00.000-08:00

Frankfort is the capital of Kentucky and is known as a history lover’s paradise. You’ll enjoy taking a Frankfort vacation any time of year thanks to the fascinating variety of historical sites, museums, and a nature reserve.

A visit to the Kentucky Historical Society is a must on any Frankfort vacation. The museum’s main purpose is to present the history of Kentucky in an interesting way that will appeal to people of all ages. The museum achieves this goal by featuring several fascinating exhibits that are worth exploring as you tour Kentucky. The museum shows what it was like the live on the Kentucky Frontier in the late seventeen hundreds and how the Great Depression and World War II influenced the state’s development and its people. One of the most interesting exhibits at the museum is called “Pure Kentucky.” This exhibit presents artifacts from famous historical figures in Kentucky’s past. Including the Historical Society in your Kentucky travel plans is the best way for both adults and children to learn about Kentucky history in an enjoyable way.

Two of the buildings in Frankfort KY are listed in the National Historic Register. These Frankfort Kentucky treasures include the Old State Capitol and the Old State Arsenal, both popular places to stop on Kentucky tours. The buildings were built in the mid 1800’s and have been beautifully preserved throughout the years.

To include even more historical stops to your Frankfort travel experience, visit the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. Most Frankfort KY tourists are amazed when they learn what a rich and varied history Kentucky has.

You can also visit the famous burial grounds of Daniel Boone and his wife. If you don’t remember from your history books, Daniel Boone was an Appalachian Mountain explorer who opened up a westward trail and led thousands of settlers to present day Missouri.

Liberty Hall is the home of the pioneer senator of Kentucky, John Brown, and was built in 1796. A tour through this famous Frankfort KY historical site will reveal a diverse range of antiques that help tell story of Kentucky history and enhance your Frankfort travel journey. After you’re done with your tour, be sure to visit the boxwood and perennial gardens on the Liberty Hall grounds. The adjacent Kentucky River is one of the most scenic Kentucky rivers in the entire state.

A great way to wrap up your Frankfort vacation is by visiting the Clyde E. Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary, operated by the National Audubon Society. The Frankfort Kentucky center is set amongst 374 acres in a beautiful forest that runs along the Kentucky River. You can hike on the easy grade Kentucky hiking trails or search for fossil imprints that are frequently found in the limestone.

There are many places to stay on a Frankfort vacation, including quaint bed and breakfasts and more luxurious hotels. Many Frankfort Kentucky hotels date back to over one hundred years and offer guests the chance to learn about history while relaxing at the hotel. No matter where you decide to stay, you’ll love the leisurely atmosphere that Frankfort travel offers.

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Malaysia Towers In 2010

2010-11-27T10:14:00.000-08:00

Malaysia Towers
Malaysia Towers
Malaysia Towers
Malaysia Towers
Malaysia Towers

Malaysia Tourism 2009

2010-11-27T10:02:00.000-08:00

Malaysia Tourism
Malaysia Tourism
Malaysia Tourism
Malaysia Tourism
Malaysia Tourism

Istanbul Airport Views

2010-11-24T01:44:00.000-08:00

Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport

Istanbul Turkey 2009

2010-11-24T01:39:00.000-08:00

Istanbul Turkey
Istanbul Turkey
Istanbul Turkey
Istanbul Turkey
Istanbul Turkey

ireland castles pictures

2010-11-22T21:43:00.000-08:00

Ireland castle
beautiful view
Irish castle
green Irish castle
Ireland castle sea view
old Ireland castles

Sea View Karachi Clifton

2010-11-12T21:33:00.000-08:00

Karachi is the second best place after lahore to enjoy the night life of Pakistan. There are big shopping markets which remain open till MIDNIGHT. Especailly in the winter holidays the shops closes at around 2 a.m!!!

The Important and Interesting night spots in Karachi are 'Park Tower', Clifton, Schoen Circle, Zamzama Street, etc. etc. There areas are generally consideredto be Very Safe. The areas in defense society and Seaview are particularily safe. Have a nice time in Karachi!!!

Sea View Karachi

Sea View Karachi
Sea View Karachi
Sea View Karachi

Goa India Beach Views

2010-11-12T21:30:00.000-08:00

In most parts of India, women are still expected to dress modestly. Saris and other traditional fashions are designed to cover legs and upper arms and for an Indian woman to wear a bikini on the beach would be unthinkable; even tourists are advised against wearing skimpy bathing attire. But there is one place in India where almost anything goes – the tiny state of Goa on the central west coast, which was a Portuguese colony for 451 years until the Indian army invaded and annexed it in 1961.

The Portuguese influence is readily apparent in Goa’s architecture and cultural openness. Throughout the 1960’s and 70’s, hippies by the thousands flocked to its beaches to participate in its drug-induced raves and trance dances. Even today, visitors come to Goa hoping to get a feel for the hippie years. The very best chance of catching this glimpse is at Vagator Beach, which is still the trance dance capitol of India.

goa india
goa india
goa india
goa india
goa india

Alhambra Palace in Granada

2010-11-08T11:14:00.000-08:00

The Alhambra in Spain is called the red fortress and it is located in Granada, Spain. This place is a fort that is very complex in its structure. It was built by the Moorish who was a ruler in Southern Spain. The Fortress was made on a hilly terrain on the south – east of the city. Today, the Alhambra is one of the main tourist attractions of the country. Quite a few years ago, it was known to be a residential place of the Muslim rulers. It has some very intrinsic and beautiful Islamic architecture. During the 16th century, it had many interventions and all that can even be seen today.

The total length of the Alhambra is 740 meter and it has one of the largest widths. The best and the strongest position is the citadel. Other than the west side of the place, all the other sides of the wall is weak. In total, it has 13 towers. A river divides the Granada Valley and the Alhambra Park is kind of parallel to the Monte Mauror.

The Alhambra is a true reflection of the ruler Nasrid Emirate of Granada. A lot of people with distinct wellness and intellect have been a part of this place as refuges. This site has a very complex mix of both the natural and manmade places. It is said that Muslims are suppose to be one of the best craftsmen and every little piece of work in this proves this statement right. The entire fortress is made up of red clay.

Alhambra Image

Alhambra

alhambra palace

alhambra gardens

alhambra pattern

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Alhambra

Egypt / Valley of the Kings

2010-11-03T22:08:00.000-07:00

Valley of the Kings is a magnificent valley in Egypt located west of the Nile River. The valley contains many tombs of the new kingdom and it is divided into two: the west and the east valley. The east valley is more famous and attracts more visitors to it as it has most of the tombs in the new kingdom. Because of the symmetry and the beauty that the tomb holds, visitors find it extremely difficult to make a choice of entering the tomb. Since they are so many in number, yet having there own uniqueness that it becomes almost impossible to cover all of them. One of the special tomb is called the Tutankhamen(KV62), which needs a different ticket to enter.
Valley of the Kings Panorama
All the tombs are not open all the time. Some are only used for special occasions and some of them are closed for restoration by the government. These tombs have undergone many changes in the past 500 years of use. Another tomb called Tuthmose III is in the East valley and is one of the ancient one that has its own history. It is made in an oval shape and has some stick figures all over it. It has a metal staircase that takes you down to the tomb which is worth a look. Horemheb, Ramesses VI’s is yet another tomb that is worth spending time in. Recently, the KV5 tomb is given a lot of attention and again is located in the east valley. Almost 120 rooms have been discovered, however, they are not open for common visitors and the public.

Valley of the Kings

Australia Beaches Great Views

2010-10-28T20:04:00.000-07:00

7 Kilometers of cleanest white sand beach in one of the most isolated coast in the world would certainly be sufficient for our relaxing need. Isn’t It? Sunglasses is a necessity at this beach because the sand is truly white.

Australia Beaches
Australia Beaches
Australia Beaches
Australia Beaches
Australia Beaches

Australia Opera House Views

2010-10-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

Australia Opera House
Australia Opera House
Australia Opera House
Australia Opera House
Australia Opera House

World Famous Cities 2010

2010-10-25T01:34:00.000-07:00

One of the most famous and vibrant cities is the world, Paris is broken into 10 arrondissements which include the Latin quarter, Montmartre and Montparnasse. Each area has its own specific charm and focus, but its a huge place and easy to get lost in…so its best to know where you want to go before you get there. Unless you want to get lost, that is. And seeing as the flight is only about 2 hours in total, it´s somewhere you can visit for a weekend time and again and really get to know the city well.
world famous city paris
world famous city dubai
world famous city
world famous city
world famous city paris

2010-10-22T06:46:00.000-07:00

jumera beach
jumera beach
jumera beach
jumera beach
jumera beach

jumera beach

2010-10-22T06:41:00.000-07:00

jumera beach
jumera beach
jumera beach
jumera beach
jumera beach

Bangkok Airport 2010 Pictures

2010-10-17T07:27:00.000-07:00

New Bangkok International Airport (Suvarnabhumi) is open for all domestic and international flights
Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is officially open. All domestic and international flights now arrive to and depart from the new airport.
Latest News: All Thai Airways domestic and international flights now operate from Suvarnabhumi airport.

Bangkok Airport
Bangkok Airport
Bangkok Airport
Bangkok Airport
Bangkok Airport

Tour de France 2009

2010-10-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

Even more than 100 years ago, French newspapers engaged in fierce circulation wars. News scoops were fine, but promotion ruled, and Henri Desgrange one day forged a grandiose idea. He invented the Tour de France and it was held for the first time in 1903. Today, the Tour de France is the world's largest free sporting event. Spectators can watch every stage in person and along the entire route, without admission.

Tour de France
Tour de France
Tour de France
Tour de France
Tour de France

2010-10-07T04:16:00.000-07:00

Mark Twain said: “India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grand mother of tradition. Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only.”

Since no one can use words to better describe India’s intoxicating blend of history, religion, nature and culture, we’d like to share some of the guest photos that were recently submitted via International Expeditions’ Flickr group.

Rose-ringed parakeet at KhajurahoGuests were able to capture amazing photos of India’s Bengal tigers during an elephant-back safari in Bandhavgarh National Park, but nothing says “mix of nature and culture” like this photo of rose-ringed parakeets on the carved walls of Khajuraho!

Amazing India

the great Taj Mahal

Wonderful India

Visit India and explore

Beautiful India

Female script on tree in India

India Beauties

Wonderful India visit india

Mauritius

2010-10-07T02:53:00.000-07:00

Mauritius is a beautiful tropical island, 500 miles off the east coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. Its diverse landscape includes miles of unspoilt coastline, tropical forests and impressive mountains. There are safe beaches, gentle seas, mild tropical climate and combined with a legendary Mauritian hospitality make this island one of the world’s most sought-after holiday destinations.
lagoon mauritius
The beaches in Mauritius are some of the most beautiful in the world. The coral reef, which surrounds much of the island, creates calm turquoise waters perfect for bathing in some parts and awesome crashing waves in others.
golf_mauritius

The island isn’t just famous for relaxation – there are other, more physical exploits to challenge your lethargy. Most all-inclusive resorts offer free activities – scuba diving, wind-surfing, sailing, water-skiing, snorkeling, and even a glass-bottom boat. There’s a new 18-hole golf course, catamaran cruises, 4×4 quad bike trips and mountain bike hire. Also you can go hiking or trekking in the interior on day-long adventures, or hire camping equipment and spend a few days in the hills.
fishing
Mauritius is a paradise for deep sea fishing. Species include the blue or black marlin, all types of sharks, yellow tuna, the Bonitos, the “emperor”, the “pelerin”, the “becune” or the barracuda.
Mauritius honeymoon

If you are looking for a very special place to spend your honeymoon, Mauritius is definitely the place for you. Every hotel on the island offers extensive wedding and honeymoon packages. They can also help you in organizing every single detail of the ceremony.

Grand Baie is a popular tourist site because of its lively atmosphere. It offers great shopping, fresh fish markets and an abundant supply of watersports, including parasailing, water-skiing, windsurfing, undersea walks and sailing and fishing trips. Helicopter trips around the island also depart from here.

The Triolet Shivala
The longest village on the island, Triolet offers an opportunity to visit the biggest Hindu temple, the Maheswarnath, first built in 1819 in honour of the Gods Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu, Muruga, Brahma and Ganesha.Â
Mauritius Beach
Renowned for its hospitable people, delicious cuisine, and miles of sandy beaches give Mauritius all the ingredients for a wonderful escape.

Beauty of Mauritius

Nice view of Mauritius island

Mauritius Beaches

Amazing Mauritius

Beautiful island of Mauritius

Mauritius beautiful beaches

Fly to Mauritius with Mauritius Airlines

Mauritius nice beaches

Mauritius water pool in a hotel

Beauty of Mauritius

Beautiful Mauritius

Tokyo Disneyland Amazing Visit Trip

2010-10-06T04:16:00.000-07:00

We hit the streets, en route to Tokyo Disneyland. On the way, this guy took our picture and took down our names. I didn’t know what the hell was going on. I thought, for sure, we’d have to pay for a couple of lousy photos. Instead, since we were “cute Americans,” we were supposedly going to appear in some car magazine (or so we were told). Lisa says I could be a big model over here. Blond-haired Americans are a hot commodity. Now, that is an exciting prospect.

I went on Space Mountain! I had just the right amount of trepidation. It was great. Zoom, whip, swoosh, and it’s over. Supposedly, it’s not as exciting as the one in Florida, but I enjoyed it, nevertheless.

We took the “skyway” (a source of childhood terror, at Busch Gardens) to Fantasyland. I wanted to test out the “Grand Circuit Raceway,” but it looked too damn boring.

We went through the “Haunted House.” Somehow, it loses its effect when the voices are in Japanese.

We exited from there, just in time to view the gala parade. All these characters from American history – all of them with slanty eyes. The Charlie Chaplin guy was quite a disconcerting translation. I loved seeing the Eastern portrayal of the Western world. One sidenote: the Japanese aren’t very good break dancers.

Then, it was on to “Peter Pan’s Flight,” which was quickly followed by a successful stint at the shooting gallery. Oh, how could I forget? We were treated to an ornithological musical revue in the ever popular “Enchanted Tiki Room.” The bonehead disappointing move of the day: I forgot my camera.

It was back to the Bryan residence for a little pre-dinner “Coke Light.” We went with Momma B. to an Italian restaurant (“Antonio’s”). I had some fishy (?) tasting canneloni with meat sauce. Between a woman scooping out a lemon and an Oriental staring me down, it was an interesting meal. The sponge cake was awesome!

Lisa and I then wandered the backstreets of Rappongi and Shibuya. Each time I take the taxi back to the Imperial, the fare is higher than it was before!

Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Tower Amazing Pictures

2010-10-06T04:07:00.000-07:00

This is the soccer field where Kara and I play soccer. Although play might be too strong a word. Pretend to play perhaps? Please not that it is a dirt field. Unfortunately due to both Kara and I having contact lenses and the astounding fact that dirt can, and frequently does, become airborne, we can:t see for about half the class. And we really need to see, so when the ball comes near us, we can duck. Or run away. I should probably stop saying we all the time, seeing as Kara is much better and does a lot more than me (read: actually does something) in the game. But whatever.
Next up we have the stairs, which have been previously mentioned on this blog. I:d like you to take a good look at how freakishly steep they are and hopefully stop thinking I:m a majorly uncoordinated moron who can:t even walk down a flight of stairs whithough sustaining huge quantities of bruising to her butt. See? I may be uncoordinated, but at least I:m not an uncoordinated moron.
Right?
And finally we come to a photograph of the keyboard I am currently typing on. Please note the apostrophe:s position (shift 7) the puny space bar and the ‘change input language’ button situated right next door. I swear, when I get home I am not going to be able to type anymore. Kara has already spent a good half hour trying to locate the @ symbol near the enter key on her Australian laptop, instead of shift 2 or something.

Which is why I:m using : instead of the apostrophe. So if this blog is completely indecipherable, don:t blame me. It was the keyboard. It was all the keyboard.

And here is a pic of Tokyo Tower thrown in for good measure. We went there today, but I can:t be bothered to type about it, so maybe next time. Or maybe not. Whatever.
:m goin:, I:m goin:, I:m goin:, I:m goin:, I:m gone.
(Yes that was supposed to be an imitation of that lady from The Wedge. Have they cancelled that show yet? Cause it should SO be gone by now.)
Okay, really going this time.

Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower

World Best Airports

2010-09-27T23:52:00.000-07:00

Brisbane Airport

South Korea's Incheon International Airport

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Singapore Changi

Incheon International Airport

World Best Airports

Cuti Cuti Malaysia 2010 Pictures

2010-09-24T03:12:00.000-07:00

Located about 112km south-east of Alor Setar, deep in the forest of Gunung Inas in the Baling district is Peranginan Bukit Hijau, a great retreat for the locals. Also known as Lata Bukit Hijau Recreational Forest, it is famed for its amazing seven-level cascading waterfalls that create seven pools of cool, crystal clear water.
Although picnickers come here during weekends and public holidays, its large camping ground with basic toilet facilities along the Sungai Mempelam (Mempelam River) is more than adequate for all. Activities available there include nature walks along the bridle path that leads to the forest reserve where one can see nature at its best.

Getting There
From KL, take the North South Expressway heading to Kulim. Located 42km from Kulim, you can drive to Bukit Hijau Park using the link road, looking out for signs directing you towards Taman Rekreasi Bukit Hijau. Optionally you can also take a taxi from Kuala Ketil town.

cuti cuti malaysia
cuti cuti malaysia
cuti cuti malaysia
cuti cuti malaysia
cuti cuti malaysia

Famous Places In The World

2010-09-18T21:59:00.000-07:00

Christina Pfeiffer lists the cities that have been the inspiration
behind some of the world's most famous tunes.
New York
If you want to wake up in a city that never sleeps then slip on those vagabond shoes and head for the bustling metropolis in Frank Sinatra's New York, New York. There's always something new happening in the Big Apple and Broadway is as hectic as ever. There are heaps of new musicals and plays including the revival of classic comedy The Odd Couple starring Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane, a new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical The Woman In White and Jersey Boys, a musical featuring the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. See
Rio de Janeiro
You don't have to wait until your baby smiles at you to go to Rio. Slip on those party clothes, give in to the rhythm of the samba and follow the Boy from Oz to South America's carnival city. During carnival time in February, hundreds of street festivities and bands turn Rio into one gigantic Latin dance party. At Rio's most famous beach, you'll still find the bar that composer Antonio Carlos Jobim sat at when he saw the Girl From Ipanema tall and tan and young and lovely sashay past.

famous places in the world
famous places in the world
famous places in the world
famous places in the world
famous places in the world

Travel To Great Wall Of China

2010-09-18T21:47:00.000-07:00

How long is the Great Wall of China when was it built? The Great Wall of China is called “Wan Li Qang-Qeng” in Chinese. It means “Ten Thousand Li Long Wall” ( Ten thousand Li is approximately five thousand kilometer). But in reality, the Great Wall of China is stretching over 6,400 km ( 4,000 miles ).It is one of the seven wonder of the world and the world’s longest human made structure.

The Great Wall of China was built around 221 B.C – 206 B.C. by the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huangdi. During the war period , the state of Qi needed to build extensive wall to defend their states. The wall was intended to protect the attack from invading nomadic Hsiung Nu tribes from the north.

There are three notable areas that is regularly visited by tourists from all over the world.

* The “North Pass” of Juyongguan . This portion of Great wall was used to protect Bejing during the war period.
* Steep slopes of Ming Great Wall. The slopes are quite fun to climb. It is about eleven kilometer in distance.
* South East of Jinshanling. It is about 2.25 kilometers.
��Although the urban legends would tell you that the Great Wall of China can be seen from the moon, the reality is the Great Wall can only be seen from the Eath orbit.

great wall of china
great wall of china
great wall of china
great wall of china
great wall of china

Airplane Pictures Extreme Airplan photos

2010-09-17T23:53:00.000-07:00

Spain Barcelona Beauty

2010-09-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

Gaudi is the featured artist here in Barcelona, Spain. I wonder if that's where the English word gaudy comes from. The following an excerpt from CyberSpain

One of the most celebrated Spanish architects around the globe is Antoni Gaudí i Cornet. Yet as it is always, this is a testimonial of a great human being that was caught in the mires of his time, the petty political divisions of the Spanish politics of the turn of the century, and yet whose artistic creations have risen to international recognition. Gaudí, as we shall see, was not a pompous men, and his simplicity and character permeate his architecture, almost as if freeing architecture from the laws of physics and defying gravity itself; his style is often described as a blend of neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau, but it also has surrealist and cubist elements.

Antoni Gaudí i Cornet was born on June 25, 1852, in Reus, Catalonia; the son of Francesc Gaudí i Serra, a coppersmith, and of Antonia Cornet i Bertran, Gaudí was Christened Antonio Plácido Guillermo Gaudí i Cornet.

Gaudí was inscribed in the School Maestro Berenguer at the Monterols Street in Reus, where he met Eduard Toda Güell, who would become one of his life long best friends. By the time he was eleven (1863), Gaudí attended his secondary studies in San Francis Convent, which was run by Pairists, and spent his summers at Mas de la Caldereta de Ruidoms. He was afflicted many times by rheumatic fevers, and this maintained him in solitude from the youthful games; during this long periods of time, he spent observing nature.

Sagradafamilia02 Today my friend Shasta and I walked around the unfinished cathedral at La Sagrada Familia. In a nearby narrow street we walked down, a woman sang an opera song and it was cold and dark.

The picture on the right is of the one third completed work, which has been in progress since 1884, The picture at the right is from Barcelona Tourist Guide.

spain barcelona
spain barcelona
spain barcelona
spain barcelona
spain barcelona

Spain City les Ciencies Complex in the city of Valencia

2010-09-07T04:55:00.000-07:00

Pools of water surround the various buildings in the La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciencies Complex in the city of Valencia, Spain.

L'Hemisferic houses the IMAX theatre, Planetarium, and Laserium. The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia is an innovative centre for the performing arts, and Museu de les Ciencies Principe Felipe is a museum dedicated to Science with a "hands-on" approach.

The complex is the largest cultural-educational complex in Europe and is found in the modern heart of the city of Valencia in Spain. The complex also goes by the name - The City of the Arts and Science.

spain city
spain city
spain city
spain city
spain city

kuala lumpur city pictures

2010-09-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

kuala lumpur city

kuala lumpur city birdview

kuala lumpur city towers

kuala lumpur city image

kuala lumpur city

kuala lumpur city night

kuala lumpur city wallpaper

kuala lumpur city

Bali Island Indonesia

2010-08-29T22:36:00.000-07:00

The Beauty Bali Island
Bali and Pura
The Blue Bali Island
Bali Island Wave
Mother Temple of Besakih
Bali Sunset
Bali Island Villas Hotel
Adhi Maswi Jaya
Suarka Rijasa Bali

Hong Kong HISTORY

2010-08-29T05:06:00.000-07:00

Hong Kong[7] (Chinese: 香港) is one of the two special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China; the other is Macau. Situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea,[8] it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour. With a land mass of 1,104 km2 (426 sq mi) and a population of seven million people, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.[9] Hong Kong's population is 95% ethnic Chinese and 5% from other groups.[10] Hong Kong's Han Chinese majority originate mainly from Guangzhou and Taishan, both cities in neighbouring Guangdong province.

Under the principle of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong's economic and political systems differ from those of mainland China.[12] Hong Kong is one of the world's leading international financial centres, with a major capitalist service economy characterised by low taxation and free trade. Under colonial rule, it espoused minimum government intervention under the ethos of positive non-interventionism.[13] The Hong Kong dollar is the 9th most traded currency in the world.

Hong Kong's independent judiciary functions under the common law framework.[15] Its political system is governed by the Basic Law of Hong Kong, its constitutional document, which stipulates that Hong Kong shall have a "high degree of autonomy" in all matters except foreign relations and military defence.[16] Although it has a burgeoning multi-party system, half of its legislature is controlled by a small-circle electorate. The Chief Executive of Hong Kong, the head of government, is selected by an 800-person Election Committee.

Hong Kong became a colony of the British Empire after the First Opium War (1839–42). Originally confined to Hong Kong Island, the colony's boundaries were extended in stages to the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories by 1898. It was occupied by Japan during the Pacific War, after which the British resumed control until 1997, when China regained sovereignty.

Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong

Bora-Bora Island

2010-08-28T06:24:00.000-07:00

Bora Bora Island by Adrian Ellis
The Most Beautiful Bora Bora Island
Bora Bora Gallery
Bora Bora Pear
Matira Beach Bora Bora
The Greatness of Bora Bora Island
Bora Bora Islanr from Up
Bora Bora Resort
Bora Bora Resort on Water
All Part of Bora Bora Island

Niagara falls USA

2010-08-26T02:31:00.001-07:00

The Niagara Falls are voluminous waterfalls on the Niagara River, straddling the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York. The falls are 17 miles (27 km) north-northwest of Buffalo, New York and 75 miles (120 km) south-southeast of Toronto, Ontario, between the twin cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Niagara Falls, New York.

Niagara Maid Of The Mist
Niagara falls
Frozen Niagara falls
Niagara falls
Niagara falls Ontario
Niagara falls
Niagara falls canada
Niagara falls

abu dhabi buildings

2010-08-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

The city started to plan in the 1970’s where it was mainly covered with Nomadic settlers and deserty regions.

The population at the time was approximately 600’000. One of the biggest problems with Abu Dhabi is that the streets have no name and there is no direct door to door postal system. Mails are sent to local post offices with PO Boxes rather than peoples houses. There is no public transportation which means that commuters have to rely on taxis and other methods. When describing where they want to commute to they often have to a region or a landmark or significant building as the destination. The government is however planning a metro and a bus system to resolve these issues. Furthermore as of last year the government has demolished many of the old buildings to replace them with skyscrapers and other modern structures. In terms of how the region is currently, Abu Dhabi is a much more modern city with many parks boulevards and busy shops.

There is no doubt however that despite the lack of city planning there is huge demand for living space in the region. There is a much higher demand for accommodation than supply available, which results in annual rent inflation figures to exceed 20% (although economic inflation has been slightly higher at 10% last year).This makes accommodation and office space very hard to find. During one week in early 2007 there has been a demand for 21’900 units and a supply of only 1100 units according to Dubai based real estate researchers. Most of these analysts expect landlords to be in the bargaining power for the next to years as supply lagges demand. One analyst expects demand to rise 10-15% over the next few years compared to the 30-40% rise in demand.

To mitigate this problem the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce will invest around 140 bn USD in real estate and construction over the next few years to narrow this mismatch between demand and supply. By 2009 an expected 150000 new units are expected to be built some with extendable 99 year leaseholds. Abu Dhabi Material City was established in 2006 to bolster the role of the construction sector.

Although the demand frenzy has not reached that of Dubai’s, many analysts are expecting Abu Dhabi to catch up with it’s more dynamic neighbor especially following many of the cultural and tourist attraction that are being built. Abu Dhabi does have some challenges in increasing its supply of accommodation, namely shortages in raw material for construction purposes, a lack of skilled labor force like architects and civil engineers as well as human rights groups monitoring the regions labor violations. The lack of city planning is also a challenge that will slowly overcome once transportation lines will improve.

The initial appeal of Abu Dhabi UAE for the first settlement circa 1760 was the fresh supply of water. Fast forward to today where Abu Dhabi carries the prestigious title of the capital of the United Arab Emirates. There have been many significant changes to Abu Dhabi over the last few decades becoming progressively cultivated and worldly. Metropolitan architecture, stretches of urban parks, an assortment of lush, tranquil gardens and clean city streets add to its appeal. More of it’s political importance lies in the fact that Abu Dhabi UAE is the president of state’s headquarters, home to most political ministries and cabinets as well as the prime seat of the government for all the Emirates.

Abu Dhabi tourism is geared toward city delights. The natural beachfront receded greatly over the years of vast development and the main waterfront, resembling a natural lagoon, is still a main focus in the city. The more recently developed Lulu Island is another point of interest for Abu Dhabi tourism. A combination of rugged, natural terrain and manicured beauty, the island was created for locals and those enjoying an Abu Dhabi vacation. Things to do on the island include swimming along the two beaches, dining, visiting mosques, enjoying activities around two man-made lakes and watching horse and camel races.

Al Ain is close by so Abu Dhabi tourism often extends into it. Notable attractions include the Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium and the Al Ain Museum. Jabel Hafit, an archaeological are brimming with caves, trails, a hot spring and plenty of scenic sites is also close by Al Ain. To enjoy more picturesque scenery during an Abu Dhabi vacation take a walk to The Corniche, a beautiful seaside boulevard that runs along a coastal route and is adjacent to several parks all fringing the city. Abu Dhabi and shopping go hand in hand. An Abu Dhabi vacation isn’t complete without a visit to the many modern and sweeping plazas and the Old Souk, the best market in the city. Each year in March the city hosts the Abu Dhabi Shopping Festivals featuring thousands of excellent bargains.

For those looking forward to a few Abu Dhabi golf games, there are three courses to play. The Abu Dhabi Golf Club by Sheraton is only ten minutes form the airport and is considered the most beautiful course to play. Upscale facilities, an impressive clubhouse, a fitness club and three levels of dining can be enjoyed. Abu Dhabi golf is also possible at Abu Dhabi Airport Golf Club and the Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club. Each Abu Dhabi golf facility features exceptional clubhouses, exquisite greens and extravagant fairways perfect for all skill levels.

Nightlife in the city is hopping with one of the most popular multi-level clubs, Zenith, tucked inside the Sheraton Hotel featuring some of the most popular names in show business. The Beach Rotana serves up delicious tropical cocktails and exotic Polynesian bites. The Hilton features a fantastic jazz bar for enjoying laid back Abu Dhabi nightlife. Next door at Hemmingways more upbeat live music can be heard each night. Abu Dhabi nightlife includes clubbing with many of the best dance clubs located inside the hotels and UAE resorts. SAX inside the Royal Meridien is another top spot to enjoy great music, a variety of special drinks and to meet new people.

Abu Dhabi UAE, outside if the city proper, totals a land area that expands over half of the entire country. The city itself remains one of the major attractions of the area with plenty of modern amenities, excellent Abu Dhabi hotels, exciting UAE tours and fantastic Abu Dhabi nightlife. Make sure to visit both the 200-year-old White Fort and Heritage Village, a tribute to Bedouin culture, during an Abu Dhabi vacation. Abu Dhabi has it all, much like the hip city of Dubai. A far cry from the tranquil areas of Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, the lack of seaside holidays is more than made up by big city amenities. Some of the best shopping, dining, nightlife and sightseeing of all the United Arab Emirates can be savored in Abu Dhabi for a fun, stand out Middle Eastern vacation.

Costa Rica Vacations 2010 Pictures

2010-08-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Tulane maintains membership in the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), a consortium of North American and Latin American universities and research institutions dedicated primarily to tropical education and research. OTS membership benefits Tulane by facilitating contact with other tropical ecologists, supporting graduate-level tropical biology courses for Tulane students (more than one student attends an OTS course annually), and supporting Tulane undergraduate study abroad programs in Costa Rica and South Africa.
The Costa Rica Semester Programs utilize all three OTS field stations as well as other Costa Rican sites, allowing direct study of a wide range of tropical ecosystems and habitats.

costa rica vacations
costa rica vacations
costa rica vacations
costa rica vacations
costa rica vacations

Costa Rica Waterfalls Pictures

2010-08-18T04:44:00.001-07:00

Just a short taxi ride from La Fortuna, this waterfall is an easy hike and a great refreshing swim. See the La Fortuna Map for its location. The waterfall is administered by a local non-profit association, and proceeds from the $8 entrance fee are reinvested in the area.
La Fortuna Waterfall Costa Rica Costa Rica Waterfalls
A great way to visit the waterfalls is by a horseback and hiking tour. This tour can be done in the morning or afternoon. See our page on the Horseback Ride to La Fortuna Waterfall.
Another great waterfall activity near the Arenal/La Fortuna area is the Rio Celeste and Tenorio Volcano Hike. It is a fantastic hike with rewarding views.
In the town of La Fortuna you can find affordable hotels, clinics, pharmacies, super markets, bakeries, banks with ATMs, several restaurants, a 24/24h gas station, the public bus station, police, etc.

costa rica waterfalls
costa rica waterfalls
costa rica waterfalls
costa rica waterfalls
costa rica waterfalls

Visit To Switzerland Zurich

2010-08-15T06:19:00.000-07:00

The largest Swiss city is also amid the most beautiful in Europe, and even today, Zurich preserves plenty of its nineteenth century charm. Lying on the northern shore of Lake Zurich in the heart of Switzerland, Zurich is both large enough to provide with all amenities its visitors and still small enough for one to discover on his own.
The city is the capital of a canton with the same name that joined the Confederation of Switzerland in 1351. Most of the over 380000 residents speak a form of German called Schwyzerdütsch (Schweizer-deutsch).
Though the city is highly industrialized, its skies remain relatively un-polluted due to the fact most of the factories run on electricity. Zurich is also a great centre of international finances - headquarters of 5 major banks are situated on Bahnhofstrasse, in the downtown of Zurich.
The city produces 1/5 of the Swiss income, but it is far from being a gloomy city of commerce only. Zurich has long been a major center of liberal thought, attracting scholars like Lenin, Mann, Jung and Joyce. The Dadaist school was established in Zurich in 1916. And the increase of visitors in the last twenty years has spurred the development of a rich and exciting nightlife and entertainments.
Erected between the wooded slopes of the Uetliberg and the Zürichberg, the city is split on two by the Limmat River. One of the most attractive pleasures to be had in Zürich is simply strolling along its quays, which line the banks of the Limmat and Lake Zürich. Many sailboats and motorboats will take visitors across the beautiful and crystal clear Lake Zurich. Zurich’s Old Town(Altstadt) is one of the most impressive in entire Switzerland, with 2 giant cathedrals and numerous beautiful streets, ideal for exploring at leisure. Zürich is also a town of magnificent parks and gardens, with an especially remarkable botanical garden.
While in the city one can also take easy side-trips in the surroundings, to some of the most picturesque views of Switzerland, such as to the Uetliberg, famous as the “top of Zurich”.
ZURICH ACCOMMODATION

Zurich is the most populated and largest city in Switzerland. Since Zurich is the biggest city, it has a lot of hotel accommodation to fulfill the demand of the tourists from around the world. The types of hotels and accommodation you can find at Zurich include hotels, apartments, hostels, and ski resorts.
Most of the hotels are situated in the central area so that you can access to the modern and ancient part of the city easily. Many hotels are situated nearby to the tourist attractions. There are a number of large museums in Zurich. Some of the great museums in Zurich include Kunsthaus Zurich, and Swiss National Museum. The museums are situated in the proximity of the hotels and can be reached by public transportation. The restaurants and shopping centers are within a walking distances from the hotels. The general room facilities which you can found in every hotel are hairdryer, radio, television, wake up call, and laundry.
Zurich apartment hotels are fully furnished apartments for tourists that are planning for a short stay. Zurich apartment hotels are frequented by short business trip travelers. The apartment hotel is better than a hostel. The main transportation is also near to the apartment hotels. If you don’t want to walk to the tourism spot, you can take the nearby public transportation.
Zurich hostels are for small group travelers that have a tight budget. It offers all the basic facilities such as bed, meals and television. It is similar to the school hostels. Each room has several single beds or double deck beds.

Switzerland Zurich
Switzerland Zurich
Switzerland Zurich
Switzerland Zurich
Switzerland Zurich

Switzerland Beauty

2010-08-15T06:10:00.000-07:00

Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland

Dubai Palm With Details & Pictures

2010-07-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

The Dubai Palm is one of Dubai’s most innovative property developments, and the flagship development to extend the Dubai coastline. The original Palm, the Palm Jumeirah, is one of a trilogy, with the Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira due for completion over the next decade. At present, the Palm Jumeirah is home to many property owners of villas, apartments and town homes, and yet more residents will move in as the final infrastructure and hotels are finished.

The Dubai Palm covers an area of 5 kilometres by 5 kilometres, consists of a trunk, crown with 17 fronds and a surrounding crescent-shaped island that acts as a breakwater. The project has successfully added an extra 78 kilometres to the Dubai coastline, with the Palm Jebel Ali expecting to add even more as it is 50% larger than the original Dubai Palm. For many Dubai property buyers, the opportunity to own a piece of this prestigious development has led to a high level of demand for the various projects that occupy the entire development such as apartments and villas. If you are looking to buy or sell please contact us today.

There are over 4,000 residences on the Palm Jumeirah, consisting of luxury villas, apartments and town homes, all dotted along the manmade beachfront. There are two types of villas available at the Dubai Palm, garden villas and signature villas. The former offer buyer’s luxury, unique design and space, as well as private pools. The signature villas are the jewels of the entire project, with spacious luxury interiors to suit the buyer, private pools, landscaped gardens and most importantly private beachfront. The town homes add to the diversity of properties on the Palm Jumeirah, and are spacious enough for small families.

There are a large range of apartments on the Dubai Palm, including apartments from Nakheel, and exclusive private developers as well as Atlantis. There are studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments, as well as a limited number of penthouses, with all apartments offering fantastic vistas of the Arabian Sea or the beautiful landscaped gardens.

The Dubai Palm will feature a large range of leisure facilities for residents, as well as essential amenities including shops, restaurants and cafes. There will be a number of hotels spaced out across the crescent-shaped breakwater, which are linking to the mainland via an underwater tunnel. Many of the hotels are approaching completion now and some openings are due at the end of this year.

Sell Dubai Palm:

We are actively looking for landlords and owners who wish to sell their Palm Jumeirah property quick and easy for the best premiums. If you have a villa or an apartment that you would like us to offer to our investors please do email is now and we will get you the best price on the market with our cash buyers and investors!

Buy Dubai Palm:

Our expert team of agents will guide you through the whole buying process of Dubai Property and take all the stress away from you. Whatever you budget we have something that suits your needs from studios right through to luxury villas on the Palm.

For the best deals of any kind of freehold property in the Dubai Property market, get in touch with the experts and contact us now.

Contact Us

If you are looking for an apartment, villa, office or retail space we have units available at great prices email us Here or click on the banner below to view our state of the art website.

dubai palm
dubai palm
dubai palm
dubai palm
dubai palm

egypt pyramids

2010-07-15T04:22:00.000-07:00

egypt pyramids
egypt pyramids
egypt pyramids
egypt pyramids
egypt pyramids
egypt pyramids
egypt pyramids
egypt pyramids
egypt pyramids

World Top Burj Dubai

2010-06-24T04:48:00.000-07:00

Burj Dubai April 25th 2008 photo update, In the photo below you can see where they are trenching for the new fountain area which is diectly in front of the Palace Hotel, Burj Park V it has been credited with having some of the best views. They are in the process of digging up the concrete lined trench that is adjacent to the mall so who knows what will happen there as this looked like a completed area and would only be a deeper part of the lake if not used for a fountain. The last photo is two phots put together to make one big photo of downtown Dubai.

Burj Dubai
Burj Dubai
Burj Dubai
Burj Dubai
Burj Dubai

Turkey Best Pictures

2010-06-20T04:34:00.000-07:00

Absolutely! Turkey is an Extremely safe country to visit and especially for tourists. The Turks are very proud people and welcome visitors and are honored to see foreigners exploring their land. Therefore all visitors are special guests and are treated like royalty. Crime is low compared to many countries and the Ministry of the Interior has established a special squad of police that are assigned to the major tourist areas. We believe that Turkey in general is safer than most any other country in the region.

Turkey
Turkey
Turkey
Turkey
Turkey

Amazing City Tokyo Japan

2010-06-17T22:30:00.000-07:00

McDonald's Corporation released a 2009 Corporate Responsibility Report focusing on the company's practices in "sustainable supply chain, nutrition and well-being, environmental responsibility, employment experience, community and corporate governance and ethics."

tokyo japan
tokyo japan
tokyo japan
tokyo japan
tokyo japan

the Great Wall of China

2010-06-15T10:19:00.000-07:00

wall of china
wall of china
wall of china
the Great Wall of China
the Great Wall of China
the Great Wall of China
the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is a series of stone and earthen fortifications found in northern China. It is one of the most spectacular wonders of the world. It is the world’s longest human-made structure. It almost appears as a giant dragon, as it winds up and down the land of China, through deserts, mountains, plateaus, and grasslands. Unfortunately, by now some of the wall is in ruins or has disappeared. Despite that, it is a must see if you are visiting China.

The Great Wall of China has been built and rebuilt a number of times. It is estimated that between two and three million Chinese died during the centuries long project of building the Great Wall of China. It was built between the 5th century B.C. and the 16th century with the purpose of protecting the northern borders of China from attacks from Xiongnu. Beginning in the 5th century BC, there have been several walls built that were called the Great Wall. One of the most famous of the walls is the wall that was built between 220-206 BC by Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. Not much of that wall remains, as the majority of the remaining wall that exists in China today was built during the Ming Dynasty.

The Great Wall is surrounded by greenery.

The Great Wall stretches from Shanhaiguan on the eastern side to Lop Nur in the West. This arc roughly creates the southern edge of Inner Mongolia. The Great Wall, including all of its branches, stretches for 8,851.8 km or 5,500.3 miles. This includes 6,259 km. or 3,889.5 miles of sections of the great wall, 359.7 km, or 223.5 miles of trenches, and 2,232.5 km or 1,387.2 miles of natural barriers like hills and rivers.

The Great Wall that we observe today was mainly built during the Ming Dynasty, from around 1368-1644. It begins at Shangaiguan Pas in the east and flows into Jiayuguan Pass in the west. On its way, the Great Wall passes through the provinces of Liaoning, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ninxia, Shaanxi, and Gansu. By visiting the Great Wall of China, you can view the diversity in scenery as well as the ethnic people of China.

History of the Great Wall

The Chinese people were already familiar with how to build walls by the time of the Spring and Autumn Period. This period began around the 7th century, BC. During the Warring States Period that occurred from the 5th century BC to 221 BC, the states of Yan, Zhao, and Qi all had formed or constructed walls to defend their own borders. They were built in order to withstand the attacks of spears and swords, and these walls were typically built by stamping the earth and gravel between board frames. In 221 BC, Qin Shi Huang was able to conquer the opposing states, and the Qin Dynasty was formed. He ordered that the wall sections that divided his empire be destroyed. Then in order to protect the empire against any intrusions by the Xiongnu people from the northern border, he ordered the people to build a new wall with the purpose of connecting the remaining walls along the new northern frontier of the new empire.

You can walk up the very steep steps of the Great Wall.

Local resources were typically used to build the walls, since it is very difficult to transport the materials needed in order to build the wall. Typically stones from the mountains were used over the mountain ranges, while rammed earth was often used for construction in plains areas. Earlier it was stated that there were many Chinese who died from building the wall. These peasants who died in the process were buried inside the wall, and were unearthed later by archaeologists. It is possible that around one million people died while building the Qin Dynasty’s wall. Unfortunately most of these ancient walls have eroded away, and very little remains. In later years, the Han, Sui, Jin, and Northern dynasties all repaired, rebuilt, or in some cases expanded sections of the Great Wall in order to defend themselves against invaders from the north. This was a very expensive undertaking.

Under the Ming Dynasty, the Great Wall was revived. After the Ming Army was defeated by the Oirats in the Battle of Tumu in 1449, the Ming decided to adopt a new strategy to keep the nomadic Mongols out by constructing walls along their northern border. The Ming construction was stronger, more durable, and more elaborate than the earlier Qin walls because of the use of bricks and stones instead of rammed earth. There were Mongol raids that continued during this time, but the Ming continued to devote time and resources to the reinforcement and repair of the Great Wall. The sections found along the Ming capital of Beijing were particularly durable and strong.

This part of the Great Wall is in good shape.

During the end of the Shun Dynasty, the Great Wall assisted in the defense of the empire against the invasions of the Manchu that started around 1600. The Ming army held off the attacks of the Manchus at the Shanhaiguan pass, which kept the Manchus from entering the Liaodong Peninsula and the heart of China. In 1644, the Manchus were finally able to cross the Great Wall when the gates at Shanghaiguan were opened by a Ming border general named Wu Sangui, who disliked the actions of the rulers of the Shun Dynasty. The Manchus were able to seize control of Beijing, and they defeated the Shun Dynasty and Ming Resistance, and established the Qing Dynasty. During the rule of Qing, the borders extended beyond the walls and were annexed into the empire. This resulted in the ending of construction and repairs to the Great Wall. However, there was a counterpart to the Great Wall build in the south that protected and divided the Chinese from the Miao.

Places to Visit at the Great Wall

* The North Pass of Juyongguan Pass, also known as the Badaling was used by the Chinese to protect their land. This section had many defensive guards to defend Beijing. It is made from stones and bricks and is almost 26 feet high and about 16 feet wide. One of the most striking areas is where it climbs up very steep slopes. It runs 7 miles long, with a range of 5 to 8 meters in height, and six meters across the bottom, and narrows up to five meters across the top. One of Jinshanling’s 67 watchtowers is Wanginglou, which is 980 meters above sea level.
* Just southeast of Jinshanling is the Mutianyu Great Wall, which is winding around mountains from the southeast to the northwest for a little over a mile. It connects to the Juyongguan Pass on the west and the Gubeikou to the east.
* A third location you may wish to visit is near the eastern extremity of the Great Wall, where the first pass of the Great Wall was built on the Shanhaiguan, which is the first mountain that the Great Wall climbs. Here you will also find Jia Shan and Jiumenkou, which is the sole part of the wall that was built as a bridge. The Shanhaiguan Great Wall is called the Museum of the Construction of the Great Wall due to the Meng Jiang-Nu Temple, which was built during the Song Dynasty.

More Great Wall Facts

Before the Great Wall was built of bricks, it was mainly constructed from earth, wood, and stones. The Ming Dynasty began using bricks in many parts of the wall, along with other materials, like lime, tiles, and stone. Bricks were easier to use than the earth and stone, so they were able to speed up the construction during this time. Bricks also were a better construction material because they were able to bear more weight and also would last longer than rammed earth. Although stone can hold its own weight better than brick, it was more difficult to use. As a result, stones that were cut in rectangular shapes were used for the foundation, inner and outer brims, and the gateway of the wall. The steps of the Great Wall of China are very tall and very steep in many areas. Often tourists become exhausted from the walk.

This shows how the Great Wall curves around.

Many locations of the Great Wall of China are in disrepair. Some portions that are north of Beijing and near tourists areas have been reconstructed and preserved. Some areas of the wall have been victim to graffiti and vandalism. Some of the parts of the wall have been destroyed because it is in the way of new construction. Erosion has also and will continue to have a negative impact on the condition of the Great Wall. In some places, the height of the wall has shrunk as much as a few meters. The square lookout towers have also disappeared. Areas that have been built from dirt or mud are also falling into disrepair from erosion.

The Great Wall has defensive fighting stations so the defenders could retreat to safety if they were overwhelmed. Each tower has restricted unique stairways and entries in order to confuse any attackers. Barracks as well as administrative centers are also located at larger intervals. Also there were signal towers built on hill tops or other high points for increased visibility. If you visit The Great Wall of China, there are also reproductions of the weapons used by the Chinese present on display in tourist areas of the Great Wall.

The Great Wall of China has been listed as one of the “Seven Medieval Wonders of the World.” If you are visiting China, you need to make sure this is one of your sightseeing opportunities.

Bangkok City pictures 2010

2010-06-09T23:26:00.000-07:00

Bangkok is one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Although Bangkok has emerge to be a modern city, the amazing thing is that it still retains its traditional heart with unmatched vitality. Founded in 1782 when the Thai capital shifted from Thonburi across the Chao Phraya River to this trading post, Bangkok has always been a city of contradictions. With its bustling metropolis, magnificient temples and palaces, tall concrete skyscrapers and antique wooden houses, Bangkok has become Thailand's major port and international gateway to many other cities in the country and to other countries around the region.

Bangkok City
Bangkok City
Bangkok City
Bangkok City
Bangkok City

Copenhagen Pics

2010-06-04T22:33:00.000-07:00

The highly popular, car-free neighborhood in downtown Copenhagen known as Strøget (literally “straight line”) features what is reputed to be the longest pedestrian street in the world. Shopping options here range from fancy retailers like Gucci and Chanel at one end to the more plebeian McDonald's and H&M at the other.

Copenhagen
Copenhagen
Copenhagen
Copenhagen
Copenhagen

Europe, a great place for travel

2010-06-04T06:23:00.001-07:00

Europe is a great place, especially Paris and Rome. Paris is known to be a romantic place. Many lovers are spending time to this country while Rome is the best place to know more about the ancient times of Europe. But before you decide to have a trip from Europe, you need to more about the best places to travel. I know, there lots of sites that guides travelers where to go to make their trip memorable. It's good to know the best place to go before leaving your country, right?

Hmm...traveling in Europe would be a great plan for this coming Summer vacation. Traveling together with your family and friends would make it more merrier. And of course, a good driver would make the most of the trip! So, hiring car hire specialist would be great! You don't want to travel without a good driver, would you?

Traveling by car is good because you can see all the places around you. If you don't have a car, that's not a problem because there are many car rentals in Europe. So, want to travel in Europe by car now? Remember, Care Hire Europe would be good.

History of Bed and Breakfast: Enjoy B & B at Ieper, Belgium

2010-05-30T12:19:00.000-07:00

It is believed that bed and breakfast concept I as old as the traveling instinct in humans. There three prime needs of the human and these clothing, food and shelter. Bed and breakfast serve to the last two. Whenever one is away from home one thing he wants the most at the end of the day is a shelter and the other at the beginning of next day that food. Bed and breakfast can be considered as the starting of hotel and restaurant concept. The bed and breakfast culture has existed in one form or another since the beginning of human civilization.

In earlier time monasteries served as bed and breakfasts for travelers, and in some cases they still do. Bed and breakfasts have been very popular with the travelers in Europe for years. The term “B&B” originated in England, Scotland and Ireland and was made popular concept here only. The B&B signs can be seen on many windows in europe. A bed and breakfast is a small lodging that offers overnight accommodation and breakfast, but usually does not offer other meals. Typically, bed and breakfasts are homes with less 10 bedrooms available for commercial use. A bed and breakfast provided in a private home is usuall

y referred to as a homestay also instead of bed abd breakfast. The term "bed and breakfast" is though not so popular in many other countries. The bed and breakfast concept is known as paradors, pensions, gasthaus, minskukus, shukukos and pousados with some Americans and English-speaking Europeans . During the Great Depression in America, many people opened their homes to travelers to bring in some additional money for the family and hence the concept took a leap in US also. The term "boarding house" was used at this time here only. After the Depression, this type of lodging declined and many people had the idea they were just for low-income travelers or backpackers. In the early 50’s, people may remember the term "tourist home" being also used for same kind of concept. This too was essentially similar to bed and breakfast. Once the concept of motels came in on the new highways, the bed and breakfast was soon forgotten. In addition to normal converted private homes, some lodgings are considered bed and breakfast inns. The major difference between a bed and breakfast inn and a normal traditional bed and breakfast setup is that, an inn has more rooms available than the usual three four found in a private home. Another difference is that , Inns also provide meals in addition to breakfast, as well as other services not always provided in a private home. Travelers usually are attracted by recreational, cultural or historic sites, or by business they have in a particular area and the best way to experience the true essence of the region is to go for a bed and breakfast place. Business travelers, especially women, sometimes prefer bed and breakfast accommodations to the typical lodge, motel or hotel facility available in an area because its more homely and safer option as the owner is a family and not commercial workers. B&Bs provide the traveler with a different lodging experience as well as what many consider a safer environment, coupled with homely food.
Bed and breakfast is a simple non luxury experience but it is purest and the most honest experience one can experience. The non commercial aspect of this concept adds to the beauty, but these days some of the B & B place are more like hotels giving a feel of bed and breakfast. But never mind the legacy still prevails high and will in future too as people away from home will always miss homes.

Paris City New Pictures

2010-05-27T02:02:00.000-07:00

For all you old romantics Paris city breaks is the place for you with its old architechture, scenery and the laid back lifestyle of the parisian people you cant help but fall in love all over again, take advantage of the what the city has to offer and only 2 hours on a flight from the UK departing from all major airports paris is a fantastic weekend break away.

Paris City
Paris City
Paris City
Paris City
Paris City

Burj Khalifa Top Pictures In 2010

2010-05-23T22:42:00.000-07:00

Burj Khalifa, formerly called Burj Dubai, was formally inaugurated by His Highness, Sheikh Mohammad of Dubai on the of 4th of January, 2010. The Burj became the tallest building in the world officially in 2007 when it passed the height of Taipei 101 in Taiwan. Taipei 101 was the world's tallest structure prior to the Burj, however at 828m (2,717 ft), the Burj far surpases any other skyscraper, including the Empire State, the World Trade Center (former), Malaysia's Petronas Towers and the Sears Tower in Chicago.

In addition to being the tallest building, Burj Khalifa is also the tallest structure ever to be made by man. It has wrested this honour from the Warsaw radio mast which has a height of 646m or 2,121ft. The Burj is a unique skyscraper, one of the most expensive ever to be built. It's developer, Emaar, has spent over US$1.5BN on construction. However, this investment will soon be recovered since the Burj is home to the world's first and only Armani Residences which are being sold at over USD$3,500 per square foot!

The skyscraper is surrounded by a beautiful man made park spread over 11 hectares, or 1.2 million sq ft. This will include water features, shrubbery, desert flowers, benches and a view of the beautiful Dubai Fountain.

The people of the Middle East, and particularly the United Arab Emirates, are incredibly proud of this new wonder of the world since it returns the location of the world's tallest man made structure to the Middle East. FOr over 4,000 years this was the Great Pyramid of Giza until its height was surpassed by the Lincoln Cathedral in England, in 1311. Many posters and flyers marketing the Burj Khalifa have invoked imagery of the Great Pyramids implying that the Middle East is regaining its ascendancy in engineering, science and prosperity.

The Burj sets many records and many "firsts". A brief list is given below:

* Tallest skyscraper to top of spire: 828 m (2,717 ft)
* Tallest structure ever built: 828 m (2,717 ft)
* Tallest extant structure: 828 m (2,717 ft)
* Tallest freestanding structure: 828 m (2,717 ft)
* Building with most floors: 160
* World's fastest elevators at speed of 64 km/h (40 mph) or 18 m/s (59 ft/s)
* Highest vertical concrete pumping (for a building): 606 m (1,988 ft)
* Highest vertical concrete pumping (for any construction): 606 m (1,988 ft)
* The first world's tallest structure in history to include residential space
* Highest outdoor observation deck in the world (124th floor) at 442 m (1,450 ft)
* World's highest mosque (located on the 158th floor)
* World's highest installation of an aluminium and glass facade, at a height of 512 m (1,680 ft)
* World's highest swimming pool (76th floor)

Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa

Dubai Tallest Buildings 2009 2010

2010-05-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

The Burj Dubai will be the world's tallest building when it opens in 2009. Its shape is inspired by the indigenous desert flowers that often appear as decorative patterns in Islamic architecture, but it also has an engineering purpose: The swirl shape ensures that the mass of the structure lessens as it reaches the top, making the structure steadier. A mixed-use building developed by Dubai's Emaar Properties, the Burj Dubai will house shops, offices, residences, and entertainment venues.

dubai tallest building
dubai tallest building
dubai tallest building
dubai tallest building
dubai tallest building

London Bridge Pictures 2010

2010-05-13T05:39:00.000-07:00

Tower Bridge is a bascule bridge in London, England over the River Thames. It is close to the Tower of London, which gives it its name. It has become an iconic symbol of London and is sometimes mistakenly called London Bridge, which is actually the next bridge upstream. The bridge is owned and maintained by Bridge House Estates, a charitable trust overseen by the Corporation of London.

London Bridge
London Bridge
London Bridge
London Bridge
London Bridge

Dubai City

2010-05-10T02:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Dubai: The unbelievable city

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) consists of seven Emirates’ and Dubai is the most popular destination of them all. It is situated on the southern shore of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula. Dubai is the second largest Emirate after Abu Dhabi and is usually recognised as the ‘Pearl of the Persian Gulf’.
Dubai is a landmark for innovation; some might even compare it to the computer game Sim-city where expansion has no limit. The city boasts remarkable skyscrapers, such as the world’s current tallest building, the Burj Dubai, and is also in the process of developing one of the most technologically advanced buildings in the world – The Pad. This is based on the idea of an iPod; this residential tower is set to be embedded with the latest gadgets that will have the power to change interior design and window views to almost anything imaginable.
Dubai has many artificial islands the most famous are the world and the Palm, besides the islands there are high buildings, beautiful hotels, many places to visit and many things to do. So you are invited to enjoy the wonders of Dubai.

Places to visit in Dubai:

1-Burj Al Arab: It is known as the worlds only seven stars hotel, which is built on an artificial island. It has 321 meters and an unbelievable view. The architect of Burj Al Arab is called Atkins. Burk Al Arab has started been built in 1994, it costed 650 million dollars and his beauty can be compared with Sidney Opera House’s and the Eiffel Tower’s beauty.

2- Atlantis Resort & Hotel-Atlantis: a $1.5 billion resort development, is located at the centre of the crescent of the Palm Jumeirah. Like its sister property in the Bahamas, Dubai’s Atlantis features two hotel towers linked by an arch. In total, the resort boasts 1,539 rooms and suites.

3-The world and the Palm- The world is an artificial island that has the format of the map of the world. The Palm is an artificial island that has the format of a Palm. Many people around the world are buying expansive houses in these islands. If you would like you can see these amazing islands on google earth.

4-Burj Dubai- Burj Dibai is the highest building of the world and it is not finished yet. It will have 108 floors, 37 floors are due to be a hotel and the other ones are apartments, that had been sold in just eight hours. Burj Dubai has 800 meters. You must visit this amazing building.

5-Ski Dubai- Have you ever imagined yourself skiing in the desert? Is possible to sky in Dubai. There is a place called Ski Dubai, where you can ski, i am talking about snow, real snow. These amazing place shows you that you have a lot of things to do in Dubai. You can experience it for just 50 dollars.

6-Tradicional markets- Dubai has many tradicional markets where you can buy spices, clothes, henna, dried fruits, nuts, gold, jewels, textiles and many othet things. There are three most importants market in dubai: Deira Covered Souk, Deira Spice Souk and Gold Souk. You must have a lot of money to visit this last one.

You can also visit in Dubai exelents nightclubs, cinemas, restaurants, shopping centres, ao an areal tours, a camel racing, a desert safaris and visit many entertainment parks. Enjoy it.

Turkey Istanbul Travel

2010-05-10T00:51:00.000-07:00

Turkey Istanbul

Istanbul Turkey

Turkey Istanbul

Istanbul Turkey

Mosque in Istanbul

istanbul homestay

Istanbul Hotels

I AM LISTENING TO ISTANBUL

I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed;
At first there blows a gentle breeze
And the leaves on the trees
Softly flutter or sway;
Out there, far away,
The bells of water carriers incessantly ring;
I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.

I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed;
Then suddenly birds fly by,
Flocks of birds, high up, in a hue and cry
While nets are drawn in the fishing grounds
And a woman's feet begin to dabble in the water.
I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.

I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.
The Grand Bazaar is serene and cool,
A hubbub at the hub of the market,
Mosque yards are brimful of pigeons,
At the docks while hammers bang and clang
Spring winds bear the smell of sweat;
I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.

I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed;
Still giddy since bygone bacchanals,
A seaside mansion with dingy boathouses is fast asleep,
Amid the din and drone of southern winds, reposed,
I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.

I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.
Now a dainty girl walks by on the sidewalk:
Cusswords, tunes and songs, malapert remarks;
Something falls on the ground out of her hand,
It's a rose I guess.
I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.

I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed;
A bird flutters round your skirt;
I know your brow is moist with sweat
And your lips are wet.
A silver moon rises beyond the pine trees:
I can sense it all in your heart's throbbing.
I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.

wrote by Orhan Veli Kanik on 1966

travel to italy

2010-05-04T22:36:00.000-07:00

italy
italy
italy
italy

italy

Italy, with plenty of sun and 8,500 km [5,345 miles] of coastline, is one of Europe's prime destinations for beach holidays though many of the beaches - especially on the mainland - are small, rocky or shingle and packed with local people, especially at the weekends. The Italian part of the Mediterranean Sea is pretty warm by June and a perfect temperature between July and September - providing the sun has been busy during early summer.
As far as sea nasties are concerned, sharks or other deadly critters are not at play in the Mediterranean, though small jellyfish may multiply considerably if the sea is particularly warm and can cause unpleasantness. Weaver fish with their toxic needles and habit of snuggling into the sand of shallow waters are rare but not unknown.

The Italian Riviera in Liguria - that's north Italy stretching from France's Côte d'Azur to Tuscany - sports some of the most popular beaches in the country.
The Riviera, adjacent or even including some Cinque Terre villages, is a series of small towns clustered in bays surrounded by tree-clad hills and many are connected by fast ferries April-Oct or a very convenient railway, especially useful since access to the towns by road is complex and parking is nigh on impossible in midsummer.
The Riviera is primarily frequented by Italians so living is not costly and food and drink supplies are good quality, though pay-parasols tend to hog most of the beaches.
Though beaches can be a far from peaceful, they are often quite enchanting - young and old in bikinis, packed like sardines into small free beach areas, or cruising up and down the sands nattering to the neighbours like a busy Italian market day.
Watersports are often limited to pedalos, snorkelling, kayaking and windsurfing. i.e. Jetskiers had better look elsewhere.

Rome's nearest beach resort, Ostia, is notoriously tacky and unpleasant but about 1.5 hours southwest of Rome and halfway to Naples are a couple of good size strips of sand: one, Terracina, is huge and relatively undeveloped with plenty of free space, though the tranquil town of that name is quite a walk away, so transport is useful.
The other, Sperlonga, is a classic beach resort with long promenade, packed parasol pay areas and limited free sand squatting.

Women only beach in Riccione, North Italy:
An unusual though possibly discrimatory [and thus illegal] beach is open on Italy's Adriatic coast at Riccione, beach 134 also known as Pink Beach. Men and children are forbidden though a male hairdresser and lifeguard are permitted, as are dogs. The beach is not a lesbian stamping ground, more of a opportunity for oppressed Italian females to escape from male-dominated society for a while. Services on offer include beauty tips, keep-fit classes, cookery classes and manicures.

Adriatic and Mediterranean Islands: Some of the most beautiful of Italy's beaches can be found around the Adriatic and Amalfi coasts or on the islands such as Sicily, which has large sandy beaches on the southern coast, while arguably the best are in Sardinia, many of which are still unspoilt. See Sardinia Beach Pictures

Jellyfish plague: In late summer 2006 much of the Mediterranean - from Spain's Costa del Sol thru France's south coast and down Italy as far as Sicily - suffered from jellyfish invasion, specifically the mauve stinger or Pelagia noctiluca [so called because they glow at night]. The stings are painful and unpleasant but not life-threatening, unless a swimmer has a weak heart, a sever allergic reaction or panics on encountering a shoal of blobbies and drowns...
The cause of the stinger explosion is the usual suspect - global warming boosting water temperatures by a couple of degrees as well as increased pollution-derived nutrients and reduced cool freshwater entering from rivers. However, overfishing of anchovies [which compete with jellies for plankton salad], turtles and tuna fish [which eat jellies for dessert] has also aided the mauve climate avenger's expansionist tendencies.

Read more: http://www.bugbog.com/european_countries/italy_travel_guide/italy_travel_guide_beaches.html#ixzz0n1xR8E2g

Brazil and Rio carnival

2010-05-03T05:15:00.000-07:00

Samba Girl (grazielli massafera ) Unidos da Tijuca samba school

Mulata in Rio Cranival

Rio carnival, big parade in The "Sambodromo"

Pantanal Brazil

2010-05-03T05:06:00.000-07:00

Pantanal, Mato Grosso - Onça pintada

Blue Arara in the Pantanal region. Mato Grosso, Brazil.

Hanoi Vietnam

2010-04-29T04:35:00.000-07:00

Vietnam's bustling capital may be a 1,000 years old, but it's a thriving metropolis with a French colonial soul. A cultural center littered with pagodas, temples, and historic monuments, Hanoi offers plenty for the traveler seeking an authentic yet eclectic Asian experience. The eating scene is colorful with excellent meals available at both street-side stalls and fine eateries. Nightlife won't disappoint with the labyrinthine Old Quarter and the area around Hoan Kiem Lake housing dozens of bars from Western ex-pat establishments to disco-infused nightclubs -- plus the legendary Minh's Jazz Club. There's also a cool and contemporary art gallery scene showcasing young artists along Pho Trang Tien. And if you love to shop, try the funky boutiques on Nha Tho, or Cho Hang Da, the huge Dong Xuan market that transforms into a night bazaar on weekends.
Hanoi
Hanoi
Hanoi
Hanoi
Hanoi

Dubai Mall New Pictures

2010-04-28T01:53:00.000-07:00

Trust Dubai to take shopping malls to a whole new level. Shoppers at The Dubai Mall can now ditch their street threads for a wetsuit to dive with sharks at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo within the complex.
Lurking in the 10-million-litre tank are sand tiger sharks, reef sharks, leopard sharks, giant groupers and stingrays, as well as your less scary, regular-size fish. Mall spokesman Arif Amiri says: "Visitors have been fascinated by the sight of our staff divers, who dive underwater to feed our sharks and fishes every day. Now, with the launch of shark dives, we are offering the opportunity for all to have an incredible diving experience in an aquarium environment."

Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall

Singapore Best Pictures 2010

2010-04-23T20:53:00.000-07:00

Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta: the four main cities of Southeast Asia, although quite close to each other, offer a wide variety of lifestyle. Our relationship with our city is always a love-hate relationship, too much traffic but affordable, safe city but expensive, great weather but polluted, unsafe but very fun etc etc…
So to measure the best urban living experience in this part of the world, a good real estate magazine “Property Report” has published recently it’s own reader’s survey on what they like and dislike about their cities. They have measured and analysed cost of basic necessities, prices of apartments, rentals, and interviewed architects and analysts. Here is a sum up of the most interesting results.

Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore

Dubai Hotels 7 Star 2010

2010-04-23T10:56:00.000-07:00

The Palm Trump International Hotel and Tower, also referred to as Trump Tower Dubai, will be the luxury centerpiece building of the Palm Golden Mile, located on the trunk of the Palm Jumeirah. Initially the tower was shaped like an opening golden tulip, but in April 2006 its design was changed to feature a split linked tower with an innovative open core design.

The Palm Trump International Hotel and Tower will be a 48-storey mixed-use condo-hotel and residence with a 300 room five-star hotel and 360 freehold residential apartments. Some of the amentities include exclusive access to a private beach and yacht club with tennis courts, gymnasium and fitness centre, stylized pools and gardens. The AED 2.2 billion (US$ 600 million) development will be the first joint venture between Al Nakheel and The Trump Organization, who's president and chairman is Donald Trump.

dubai hotels 7 star
dubai hotels 7 star
dubai hotels 7 star
dubai hotels 7 star
dubai hotels 7 star

Dubai Mall 4 Top Pics

2010-04-19T06:29:00.000-07:00

Synonymous with exciting shopping adventures, Dubai sits on top when it comes to shopping complexes. Aside from the traditional souks found around Dubai, Sharjah and other emirates, shopping malls in Dubai are, without a doubt, one of the top city attractions. There are more malls in Dubai than anywhere else in the Middle East! There are many who visit Dubai specifically to shop-‘til-they-drop. Many Dubai hotels provide transportation to a number of malls in Dubai exemplifying the importance of shopping in the city. Modern shopping malls in Dubai are distributed in areas all around the city accommodating visitors and locals alike.

Choosing which Dubai mall to explore will depend on if you’re looking for great prices or more upscale shopping and dining. When to go depends on which day of the week it is. On the weekends any Dubai city mall will be jam-packed with people so it’s best to arrive early. Though shopping hours can vary, the most common hours are 9am through 1pm and about 4pm through to 9pm and sometimes later. Fridays are the most important day for prayers and all stores close from 11:30am to 1:30pm. To counter the afternoon lull, most malls in Dubai are open quite late on Friday nights.

Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall

Speculation and Manipulation, Redux

2010-04-15T01:13:00.000-07:00

So the airlines have gotten together to Stop Oil Speculation (SOS). How do I know? Both Northwest Airlines and United Airlines sent me an e-mail with an open letter signed by twelve airlines. They must be serious about this. I have made my thoughts on speculation and manipulation known here and here, and the airlines’ arguments are not changing my mind.

The language used on the SOS web site sounds more like “here’s why you should pay me $15 per checked bag and not complain about it even though I did not hedge my fuel costs appropriately” or "when I asked for deregulation I didn't really mean it," rather than a legitimate complaint. The airlines claim, “Every time you buy products such as food or gas, you are impacted by unregulated, secretive and often foreign commodities futures markets.” They even dropped in an "Enron" reference later, just to make sure you know the markets are evil. This letter is precursor to a request for another bailout if you ask me.

“Unregulated” and “secretive” sounds an awful lot like how airlines price their flights. Ever try to get a deal on a flight out of a small market like Grand Forks, North Dakota, or a major hub like Minneapolis? Good luck. And don’t think the airline is going to tell you when you should buy to get the cheapest fare or how they price their flights.

And don't get me started on why I think they included the “foreign” markets comment.

When it comes to airlines, I am not very sympathetic to their financial problems. CNN Money notes that Southwest Airlines, which also signed the letter, "hedged 70% of its fuel costs at $51 a barrel. As a result of its smart bets in futures markets, the discount airline is paying only about $2 a gallon for its jet fuel." Remind me again which airline is profitable. Right, it is Southwest. Of course, they signed the letter, too, lest they be left out of any government assistance for high-fuel costs.

The worst part of all of this is that large airlines have the ability to work in this kind of market. Southwest showed how to make it work. Farmers, on the other hand, who are seeing similar problems, potentially based on new market speculation, have seen a change in the way the market itself works, as a New York Times article explained in April: "Farmers used to leave the market-watching to traders who work for big grain elevator companies. But with some of those companies now refusing to buy crops in advance because hedging has become so expensive and uncertain, farmers have to follow and trade in those markets themselves."

I don't think the time is right for the government to intervene in either market, but if I were setting the priorities, my first efforts would be to help those who have tried to hedge but no longer have the resources (farmers), as opposed to those who had the chance to hedge and decided not to (airlines). The real speculators here were the airlines. It's just that most of them got it wrong.

japan tokyo city nice pics

2010-04-14T03:19:00.000-07:00

japan tokyo city

japan tokyo city
ground

japan tokyo city

japan tokyo at night

japan tokyo city towers

japan tokyo city

japan tokyo city night view

Tokyo
In the middle of the archipelago of Japan and situated close to the North Pacific Ocean is Japan’s capital, Tokyo, a fascinating and exhilarating city. Even though there are over 12 million people inhabiting this city, you are able to find the futuristic fast-paced, high-tech culture as well as the peaceful, old traditional Japanese style culture and customs.

The mega metropolis of Tokyo actually consists of approximately 23 central city wards and several other cities and islands near Honshu. These 23 wards contain one-third of Japan’s population. That’s 8 million of the 12 million reside in central Tokyo.

Before the 1900’s central Tokyo, then called Edo, was Japan’s political center where leaders established their feudal governments. After years of Edo’s growth, the emperor and nation’s capital moved from Kyoto to Edo and was reclaimed and renamed as Tokyo. Since then many air raids and earthquakes have shaken the city and destroyed many historic and traditional areas, however central Tokyo has prevailed and has developed into what it is today; a clean, busy, bright, energetic, high-tech and efficient metropolitan city.

Tokyo is full of activities and adventure. Whatever type of person you are, Tokyo has something for you. If you like the Tokyo fashion, Tokyo’s busy central districts like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, and Roppongi are great for shopping. Heavenly temples and Zen shrines are also a must see in Japan. The famous Sensoji Temple in the Asakusa area is a beautiful, spiritual haven where you can discover your luck with the Japanese fortune teller sticks in the temple. Tokyo also has concert halls and traditional performances at Japanese theaters for music and theatre lovers. You can find American Broadway shows translated into Japanese with Japanese performers. Museums and art galleries for the artistic, playful, and serious can also be seen at your leisure.

New architecture goodness being built in Dubai

2010-04-14T01:02:00.001-07:00

The stuff that they’re building in Dubai never ceases to amaze me. Here’s the lowdown on two of the latest projects:

The people behind this stunning looking structure are the Dutch firm Royal Haskoning , and they are not just in the business of developing a fantastic looking building they also have a use for it too. To quote from their website (there is no way I could describe it better):

“Our design is radically different, it revolves around a huge void, providing a dramatic and totally original profile. It consists of 2 different parallel rotating structures. On one side is the fast rotating structure, which has a full rotation cycle of 30 minutes. It contains of 36 classic viewing capsules, which are projecting from the side of the Wheel, allowing for maximum panorama.

This gleaming hunk of urban development is about to rise on an artificial, perfectly square island off the coast of Dubai. Engineers in the coastal country are already adept at building islands — Dubai possesses three artificial island developments, including one made of house-sized islets that form the shape of all the continents of the world. With this new development, architect Rem Koolhaas will design an entire city that reflects his futurist philosophy about the “generic city.” That glowing ball you see will be a city unto itself.

Canada Place Pictures

2010-04-09T21:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Canada Place, Canada's national icon and a hub of activity. Whether strolling the scenic Canada Place pier, watching majestic cruise ships head

Canada Place
Canada Place
Canada Place
Canada Place
Canada Place

Australia Coffs Harbour

2010-03-30T18:59:00.000-07:00

Coffs Harbour is a town on the north coast of the Australian state of New South Wales, approximately two thirds of the way from Sydney to Brisbane. Coffs Harbour is largely a family destination, but also attracts some travelers between Sydney and Brisbane. I can tell you that the view in this area is so pretty. Besides that, you also can hang out with your buddies or families to enjoy walking along the harbour and feel the cool breeze. In here also available clubs and pubs with counter meals and entertainment; exotic Asian, Indian, Thai and Chinese and fresh creative cuisine, coffee and cakes from cafes and restaurants. when the sun shines brightly, you can catch amazing scene from the harbour.