Subscribe via RSS FeedJul|31|2007
The New Seven Wonders Countdown: The Pyramids Of Giza
Posted by Benj as Africa
The Pyramids of Giza were officially pulled out of the ‘competition’ for the list of the ‘new’ seven wonders of the world, but the great monuments to Egyptian architecture and engineering was awarded a special citation for being the only remaining ancient wonder. Though the structures have been around for more than four millennia, the pyramids still continue to draw oohs and ahhs from modern day nomads just like the way it did back at the time when Greek tourists fell in awe of their majestic allure.
It would come as a surprise to a lot of people that the Giza is only a few minutes away from the Egyptian capital of Cairo. Weirdly enough a Pizza Hut restaurant can be …
Jul|30|2007
Cruising With The Family
Posted by Benj as Family
After totally reinventing the concept of theme parks, Disney is set to make a name for itself in another industry that is now slowly becoming a strong draw for children and parents alike. Mickey and the gang are not just being mobbed in parks in Anaheim, Orlando, Tokyo, Paris and Hong Kong! Now kids and the kids at heart could meet and greet the ageless Disney characters while at sea thanks to the nouvelle idea of Disney Cruise Lines.
But this clearly isn’t Disneyland on steroids. The two Disney Cruise Lines ships aptly called ‘Magic’ and ‘Wonder’ aren’t screaming monuments to Disney. Instead, the company decided to go with the art deco interior reminiscent of subtle representations of past Disney characters. …
Jul|30|2007
Mystique of the Orient Express
Posted by Camica as Around The World, Transport, Historical, Luxurious
Ever heard of the Orient Express? Readers of Agatha Christie should be familiar with her novel, “Murder on the Orient Express”. It was also used in the James Bond movie “From Russia With Love”. The Orient Express is the name of a long-distance passenger train originally operated by the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits. Its route has changed many times, and there are actually several privately run trains that use the name as well. Although the original Orient Express was simply a normal international railway service, the name has become synonymous with intrigue and luxury travel.
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Jul|30|2007
The Seven Wonders of Wales (part 2)
Posted by Jen as Europe, Travelogger
The fourth wonder of Wales is not far from the famous Wrexham steeple. You might expect it to be an infrastructure or maybe a church. Actually, it’s neither. The poem says, Overton yew trees, which actually refers to the ancient yew trees that surround the Virgin Church of St. Mary in Overton-on-dee. The trees are aged around 1,500 to 2,000 years and are even older than the church itself!
One of the oldest pilgrimage sites that continues to operate in Britain is the St. Winefride Well. This fifth wonder is regarded as a holy well located in Holywell, in Flintshire in North Wales. Its waters are said to have miraculous healing powers. The story goes that St. …
Jul|29|2007
“Rail” Love
Posted by Camica as Around The World, Transport, Adventure, Backpacking & Budget
One of my all-time favorite movies is “Before Sunrise”. This movie, starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, is about two soulmates who meet and fall in love on a train, roam around
Vienna talking about life and love in general, and end up promising to meet each other at the train station after six months. The sequel, “Before Sunset” takes place in
Paris, but also doesn’t end up with “happy ever after” either. Both movies appeal to the hopeless romantic in me, and the film’s use of the romantic appeal of
Vienna and
Paris adds to the movie’s impact. But I have to admit, I like the first one better, mostly because of the premise of two …
Jul|28|2007
First Class High
Posted by Camica as Transport, Air Travel, Reviews, Luxurious
If you’ve flown a long-haul flight, then I’m sure you’ve experienced how difficult it is to try to sleep on one. Flying coach, especially, can be an ordeal. The seats are so close together, you’ll consider it a minor victory to grab an armrest, never mind trying to tilt your seat back to get a comfortable position for sleeping. My aunt, whenever she flies with her daughters, just lays a blanket on the floor and makes them sleep there. Flying first class, of course, is way better, but it still depends on the airline and the aircraft.
Well, if you’ve got money …
Jul|27|2007
The Seven Wonders of Wales (part 1)
Posted by Jen as Destinations, Europe, Travelogger
Pistyll Rhaeadr and Wrexham steeple,
Snowdon’s mountain without its people,
Overton yew trees, St Winefride wells,
Llangollen bridge and Gresford bells.
So goes the rhyme that enumerates seven notable landmarks in Wales. It was written by an English visitor who came to North Wales and did not care to leave a name during the 18th or early 19th century. However, to ordinary 20th century people, what exactly are these seven wonders?
Time to take a bath!The first one mentioned is the Pistyll Rhaeadr. The words translate to “spring of the waterfall.” As you may already have guessed, this body of water is no ordinary waterfall. Pistyll Rhaedr is the tallest waterfall in Wales. It is located a few miles from …
Jul|25|2007
Protecting Endangered Species: San Diego Zoo
Posted by Jen as Eco-Friendly, Features, Education, United States, Nature, Travelogger
Did you know that in the United States alone, there are 496 species of endangered animals listed? And that worldwide, there are about a thousand more animals whose lives are in danger? These are not just numbers, mind you. These are issues that affect every living being on this planet, whether we are conscious of it or not. Perhaps one of the main causes for the endangerment of these animals is habitat destruction. Over the decades, man has been a little less considerate when it comes to expanding and construction. Sure, there are new roads being paved and new infrastructures being built. Still, at what cost?
In recent years, a lot of things have been done to help the environment recover …
Jul|22|2007
How To Live Like A Fish
Posted by Camica as Eco-Friendly, Destinations, Around The World, United States, Adventure, Nature, Hotels
Want to experience a really unusual vacation? Check out Jules Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, Florida. I already wrote about this hotel in one of my previous posts (Hotel Wish List), but I wasn’t able to post any pictures or write more details. But I promised myself I would rave more about this unique hotel in another post.
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Jul|21|2007
Barcelona Summer Camp!
Posted by Jen as Travelogger
In my previous entry, I’ve written about camping made easier and more comfortable. However, I’ve just chanced upon another different camping experience. For most families, summer camp is the best way to help their children learn new things and make new friends. After all, there are lots of recreational activities to keep them busy and satisfied for a month of two. Still, spending summer after summer in the same summer camp can get pretty boring, especially when the child has already outgrown the whole experience.
To amp the whole summer camp experience a little, there is the option of sending the kids to a different summer camp. Different meaning Barcelona, Spain! The lovely Barcelona is currently offering Junior and Teen …
