RSSNov|30|2006
Three Charming Lyon Hotels
Posted by Zahir as Cities, Europe, Events, Festivals, Historical, Hotels, Luxurious
Following on from my last post, if your heart is now set on seeing Lyon’s famed Fete de Lumiere, you may be needing a place to stay once you get there. Granted, prices may be somewhat steeper considering the influx of tourists during this time, but as France’s third largest city, you should be able to find a bed to suit your taste and budget.
Here are my picks of some of the most charming, according to stars:
Villa Florentine *****
25, Montee Saint-Barthelemy
The Villa Florentine is set in a converted 18th century Renaissance convent perched atop the Old Town overlooking Lyon, two kilometres from its centre. The 28 airy individually decorated guestrooms set over six floors, meld Renaissance and modern Italian design with coordinating furnishings. All guestrooms provide modern comforts such as air conditioning, cable TV, bottled water, safes, minibars and complimentary Internet access. Guests can relax …
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Nov|28|2006
Lyon’s Festival of Lights
Posted by Zahir as Cities, Europe, Events, Festivals
December the 8th sees another of the world’s best festivals of light, this time in Lyon. The Fete de Lumiere is a unique and beautiful event, in which the French city known normally for its fine food, is transformed into a dazzling array of light shows and installations all over the city.
The tradition began humbly in 1852, when residents planned to inagurate a statue of the Virgin Mary. A terrible storm then came, and the inaguration had to be postponed. When it finally passed, the residents of Lyon took to the streets with candles and lanterns in an impromptu celebration.
Although the tradition has gone on since then, more recently the event has taken on a modern approach, enlisting the talents of designers, artists and craftsmen to create innovative spectacles with an urban edge.
This year, the 4-day celebration will encompass 50 works, utilizing Lyon’s buildings, …
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Nov|26|2006
Travel Warning To Fiji
Posted by Zahir as Australia NZ, News
The gorgeous islands of Fiji have now become a “no-no” as travellers are advised by their governments NOT to travel to the usually tranquil islands because of a possible imminent millitary coup.
The British Foreign Office previously adviced British citizens not to travel to Suva, but now this advisory has been extended to the whole of Fiji, saying that “all but essential travel” should be called off for the meantime due to the possible coup.
The events of the last few days have seen heated rallies and large public gatherings, which prompted the British Foreign Office to issue its warning. Heres what they stated:
“The Fiji military commander has issued a number of ultimatums demanding that the Government resign. On 21 November, the commander announced that military action would be taken if his demands were not met by 4 December 2006. On 25 November 2006, all military reservists …
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Nov|24|2006
Chicago’s Winter Wonderland
Posted by Zahir as Americas, Cities, Events, United States, Website
If you didn’t know already, Chicago seems to have much more to offer these upcoming winter holidays other than Oprah and sub-zero temperatures. Read on and mark your calendar for these current and upcoming events to hit the Windy City:
The ice skaters are back in Chicago’s Millennium Park, the holiday lights are up along North Michigan Avenue, and the Christkindl Market is about to open as the city gears up for winter and the Christmas holidays.
The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park, one of 10 rinks in the city, opened Nov. 15. Skating there is free, with rentals at $7. You can skate there 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
This year for the first time, the park will host carolers at Cloud Gate, the elliptical stainless steel sculpture at AT&T Plaza that reflects the city’s skies and skyline. Visitors can join choral groups every Friday night …
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Nov|22|2006
Thanksgiving Travel Tips: By Train, Bus and Home
Posted by Zahir as Americas, Family, Tips, United States
Travelling By Train or Bus
1. Make reservations in advance.
2. Bring snacks, reading material, radio headsets and a small pillow.
3. Photo identification is required to pick up or purchase tickets.
4.Passengers with disabilities who need travel assistance should call travel assist lines at least 48 hours prior to departure.
Note: To help assure passengers of a more enjoyable trip, Amtrak is adding 53 extra trains during the holiday week. The majority of trains will be added on Wednesday and Sunday. Passengers should keep in mind that on routes where passenger and freight trains share the rails, freight trains have priority, increasing the likelihood of delays.
If you are one of the million Americans leaving your home this year, don’t forget that it could also be a time of security risks. Here are some home tips to remember:
1. Contact your local police or sheriff’s office to inquire about a house watch.
2. …
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Nov|20|2006
Thanksgiving Travel Tips: By Air and Car
Posted by Zahir as Tips, Trends, United States
With Thanksgiving upon us, an estimated 38.3 million Americans will be travelling home or to relatives all around the country according to the The American Automobile Association. As you can imagine the potential problems for this yearly holiday mass exodus, it makes sense to be well prepared.
Air Travel
1. Travel with a photo identification at all times.
2. Reconfirm your flight directly with the airline 24 to 48 hours prior to departure.
3. Do not wrap gifts that you plan to carry on because they will be opened by gate security.
4. Think about what you are wearing before going to the airport. Metal clothing or metal jewelry are likely to require additional screening.
5. Allow extra time. Heightened airport security measures increase the time needed to check in. Build in even more time at the airport if traveling with young children, infants, or persons with disabilities.
Car Travel
1. Leave early …
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Nov|18|2006
The World’s Best Restaurants
Posted by Zahir as Awards, Food and Drink, Gourmet
And finally, the BEST restaurants in the world, named by prestigious foodie mag Restaurant Magazine, who announced the World’s Best 50 Restaurants in an awards party last April in London.
As these are the world’s finest establishments in terms of food, don’t expect to just walk in and be seated. When I checked out El Bulli’s reservations page in their website, it said that they were already fully booked for their 2007 season, and that they have NO waiting list. And if you read Tony Bourdain’s “A Cook’s Tour”, you’ll see that even a celeb chef like Tony was surprised to be able to get a table at the French Laundry.
Heres the Top 10 (the stars mean Michelin). Let me know if you manage to get a table.
1 El Bulli*** Roses en Cala Montjoi, Spain
2 The Fat Duck*** Berkshire, UK
3 Pierre Gagnaire*** …
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Nov|16|2006
The World’s Most Unique Restaurants: Weird and Wacky
Posted by Zahir as Food and Drink, Trends
And now for something completely different, and gone over the edge in my opinion. But if you do find yourself planning a trip to any of these places, you may as well drop in – or avoid them like the plague. I would definitely opt for the former, just out of sheer curiosity. Bring your cameras.
Isdaan, Tarlac, Philippines
This is not your typical fish restaurant. Three hours north of Manila in the town of Gerona, Tarlac, Isdaan’s owners must have smoked one two many hookahs when conceptualizing this place.
Its tables are floating inside huts in a fishpond, there are giant statues of dinosaurs, fish and well, giants jutting out of the water, there are two very sad goats offering rides to little kids (call the ASPCA!!), theres a challenge where diners may cross the “San Kilo” bridge of the fish pen carrying a …
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Nov|14|2006
The World’s Most Unique Restaurants: Under The Sea
Posted by Zahir as Food and Drink, Gourmet
Yes, it is a treat to have a meal by the sea, to the sound of the gently lapping waves (or a terrible hotel band) where you can feast on what lays beneath the pretty view. But have you ever entertained the idea of having a meal INSIDE the ocean? Don’t worry, you wont get a soggy sandwich or have to eat a live lobster.
Using state-of-the-art aquarium technology, these two restaurants have made it possible to do so – eat under the sea, that is, which is something I think we should all try at least once in our lives.
Ithaa, Hilton Resort, Maldives
Opened in 2005, Ithaa (pictured above) was the first of its kind to translate aquarium engineering to a restaurant of this size. Serving fine fusion cuisine, the entire restaurant except for the floor is made of clear acrylic makes this unique …
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Nov|12|2006
The World’s Most Unique Restaurants: Cirocco, Bangkok
Posted by Zahir as Arts & Culture, Food and Drink, Gourmet, Luxurious
A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of dining at one of Asia’s most amazing restaurants, Cirocco at Bangkok’s State Tower. Soaring 63 floors high, the restaurant gives the diner the rare privilege of savouring an impressive meal al fresco, with views of the city and beyond.
We arrived early to have pre-dinner drinks at sunset, and I won’t ever forget walking down the Cinderella-like steps from the Dome down to the bar (whose lights changed colour, a bit like a show unto itself) as I had my first glimpse of the spectacular views.
We lingered at the bar with our cocktails, watching more guests arrive, all of whom obviously felt the same way as I did as they descended down the Cinderella stairs.
We moved on to our table to be met with a delicious sounding menu with the likes of:
To start with:
Lobster bisque flamed …
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