Butterfly Park in Jalan Cenderawasih
This park boasts sixty thousand+ butterflies representing a hundred and twenty different species, hydro-pond with a limestone walkway, and a tropical rainforest. The park itself comes highly recommended by locals. It's also considered to be the largest butterfly park in the world.
Batu Caves in Batu Caves, Sri Subramaniam Temple
Come climb the two hundred and seventy plus stairs to this renoun Hindu shrine. You however might want to avoid carrying anything red in your hands, or having food with you, the free roaming monkeys have a tendency to snack such objects from those passing by.
Petronas Towers in KL City Center
The tallest conjoined buildings in the world. And you can get a free pass if you arrive early! On the tour a documentary on the construction of the towers is shown, and you'll have the priviledge of getting to view the city from the 41st floor skybridge.
Orchid Park in Jalan Cenderawasih
Visit more than 800 different special of orchids on display, most are native to Malaysia. The best part is that admission is free!
Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Jalan Raja Merdeka Square
It’s distinctly Moorish architecture makes this building a wonderful place to visit. It’s highly reminescent of the Taj Mahal in India with it’s four rising turrets and central domed structure.
Fly the Best with JetBlue!
In the past four years, I’ve flown all over the US, but Jetblue has had the best prices and service, every time! Boasting a line of new Boeing Jets, in-flight snacks like Terra Chips, and 32 channels of DirectTV (including one that tracks your flights progress). JetBlue is constantly making their competitors sweat!
An innovator in the airline industry, they continue to amaze their customers by prefering to offering NON-STOP flights. Unlike the majority of airlines on the market today that are all about making their customers suffer through layovers!
Currently their service is limited to large US airports, but I feel JetBlue will expand the industry. And other airlines will simply have to keep up, or eat their jet fumes.
An innovator in the airline industry, they continue to amaze their customers by prefering to offering NON-STOP flights. Unlike the majority of airlines on the market today that are all about making their customers suffer through layovers!
Currently their service is limited to large US airports, but I feel JetBlue will expand the industry. And other airlines will simply have to keep up, or eat their jet fumes.
The Best Haunted Houses in New Orleans!
Get down with the grim grinning ghosts of New Orleans finest haunted establishments!
THE HOUSE OF SHOCK, once co-owned by the lead singer of Pantera, and, one of Trent Reznor's favorite places to hang out while he was in New Orleans. This haunted house boasts a more adult atmosphere in a “Rob Zombie, House of a 1000 Corpses”-way. Featuring elaborately costumed actors, a nightly pyrotechnics show, and live bands from all over the country. The location is 319 Butterworth St., Jefferson (under the Huey P. Long Bridge). $18 at the Door. For more info, call (504) 734-7462, or visit www.houseofshock.com.
THE 13TH GATE has been rated by Haunt World Magazine as the 3rd best haunt in the US! This means that this haunt is regarded in the "haunt industry" as being a premiere haunt, and while it's in Baton Rouge, not New Orleans, I felt it was necessary to include it in my line up. Phone: 225-389-1313 Seasonal Hotline for 13th Gate, 318-641-1146 Seasonal Hotline for The Maize, 318-709-1195 Business line. http://www.midnightproductions.com
THE MORTUARY is overrated! It's a lot of shiny $100k props, but little to no heart. Spare yourself the trouble and visit another haunt.
THE HOUSE OF SHOCK, once co-owned by the lead singer of Pantera, and, one of Trent Reznor's favorite places to hang out while he was in New Orleans. This haunted house boasts a more adult atmosphere in a “Rob Zombie, House of a 1000 Corpses”-way. Featuring elaborately costumed actors, a nightly pyrotechnics show, and live bands from all over the country. The location is 319 Butterworth St., Jefferson (under the Huey P. Long Bridge). $18 at the Door. For more info, call (504) 734-7462, or visit www.houseofshock.com.
THE 13TH GATE has been rated by Haunt World Magazine as the 3rd best haunt in the US! This means that this haunt is regarded in the "haunt industry" as being a premiere haunt, and while it's in Baton Rouge, not New Orleans, I felt it was necessary to include it in my line up. Phone: 225-389-1313 Seasonal Hotline for 13th Gate, 318-641-1146 Seasonal Hotline for The Maize, 318-709-1195 Business line. http://www.midnightproductions.com
THE MORTUARY is overrated! It's a lot of shiny $100k props, but little to no heart. Spare yourself the trouble and visit another haunt.
Guess what Disney is cooking up now?
From the beginning of September until late October, Walt Disney World's Epcot holds it’s annual "Food and Wine Festival" throughout the World Showcase, and parts of Future World. Each country hosts it’s own traditional fair from the various regions throughout it's nation, or neighboring countries. They also invite non-showcase countries to join in the festivities--for 2007, Okalahoma was featured next to Japan.
The best thing though is that the food deliciously gourmet and completely affordable. Prepared daily by chefs, served in artfully-arranged proportions, and featuring products from companies like Mission Hill and Kerrygold this event is enough to send you on a trip around the world!
The best thing though is that the food deliciously gourmet and completely affordable. Prepared daily by chefs, served in artfully-arranged proportions, and featuring products from companies like Mission Hill and Kerrygold this event is enough to send you on a trip around the world!
Catch some rays in the Sunshine State!
Traveling abroad these days getting too stressful for you? Passports are getting harder to aquire, flights are getting more expensive every day, and customs is a challenge all by itself! So, why not vacation in the US? Florida is home to many theme parks and attractions for a wide variety of interests. It's more than just Universal or Disney. You can visit one of it's many beaches, go golfing, scuba diving, dig up fossils, or any other number of activities!
And if you want to make it a yearly thing, you can even RENT a vacation house, so that your stay will be a lot easier! I found some great ones on Goin' 2 Travel Vacation Rentals. There's a TON all over Florida, so no need to worry about not being able to get one in the area you want to visit.
For instance, there's Destin which has some beautiful beaches teeming with aquatic life! It's a great place to go snorkling as the water is warm and shallow for about 25 ft out from the short.
If you want some place with all the beaches, and the nightlife to match, I highly suggest the Florida Keys. There you can pretend to join "the Conch Republic" for a weekend, and visit Ernest Hemingway's old house! If you get bored, Miami, with it's famed South Beach, is just a short drive away.
And if you want to make it a yearly thing, you can even RENT a vacation house, so that your stay will be a lot easier! I found some great ones on Goin' 2 Travel Vacation Rentals. There's a TON all over Florida, so no need to worry about not being able to get one in the area you want to visit.
For instance, there's Destin which has some beautiful beaches teeming with aquatic life! It's a great place to go snorkling as the water is warm and shallow for about 25 ft out from the short.
If you want some place with all the beaches, and the nightlife to match, I highly suggest the Florida Keys. There you can pretend to join "the Conch Republic" for a weekend, and visit Ernest Hemingway's old house! If you get bored, Miami, with it's famed South Beach, is just a short drive away.
Have a G'Day in Sydney!
Home to the Great Barrier Reef, Austrialia is both a country and a continent. Sydney, was once a British penal colony, but has since florish into the sophisticated capital of New South Wales. One of Sydney's most popular attractions for tourists and locals alike is the "Darling Harbour" area that houses huge Casinos and other themed attractions. Some of the best hotels in the area to stay at are:
The Four Points By Sheraton at 161 Sussex St. It's currently the largest hotel in Austrialia with over 600 rooms! It's also just a short walk from many attractions like the Pitt Street Mall, Queen Victoria Building, and Chinatown.
If you're looking for something with a little more modern flair, you can try the Medina Grand Harbourside at 55 Shelley Street King Street Wharf. These one bedroom apartments are great for those who are away on business, but want a little slice of luxury-living, but with a homey feel. This hotel is also within walking distance of a lot of great attractions like Circular Quay and The Rocks.
If you're looking to stay in Darling Harbour, I'd recommend The Ibis Hotel on 70 Murray Street Pyrmont. It's suitated right on the waterfront and makes it incredibly easy to visit all the casinos in the area without worrying about monster trek back to your room, or having a hail a cab.
Though, my personal favorite has to be The Star City Hotel & Apartments on 80 Pyrmont Street. It's situated in one of the mega casino complexes, so all you have to do is take an elevator trip to find something worthwhile to do! Get tired early? No problem! Another quick elevator ride back up, and you can relax and take a snooze. That, and it's absolutely gorgeous at night, but don't take my word for it. Here's a picture!
The Four Points By Sheraton at 161 Sussex St. It's currently the largest hotel in Austrialia with over 600 rooms! It's also just a short walk from many attractions like the Pitt Street Mall, Queen Victoria Building, and Chinatown.
If you're looking for something with a little more modern flair, you can try the Medina Grand Harbourside at 55 Shelley Street King Street Wharf. These one bedroom apartments are great for those who are away on business, but want a little slice of luxury-living, but with a homey feel. This hotel is also within walking distance of a lot of great attractions like Circular Quay and The Rocks.If you're looking to stay in Darling Harbour, I'd recommend The Ibis Hotel on 70 Murray Street Pyrmont. It's suitated right on the waterfront and makes it incredibly easy to visit all the casinos in the area without worrying about monster trek back to your room, or having a hail a cab.
Though, my personal favorite has to be The Star City Hotel & Apartments on 80 Pyrmont Street. It's situated in one of the mega casino complexes, so all you have to do is take an elevator trip to find something worthwhile to do! Get tired early? No problem! Another quick elevator ride back up, and you can relax and take a snooze. That, and it's absolutely gorgeous at night, but don't take my word for it. Here's a picture!
Singapore, Where East Meets West
Chinatown, Off South Bridge Road
In this city is a huge mixture of western, european, asian, and indian influences. And it's in an area like this is where to go to find the authentic culture. It's here that traditions, like calligraphy and clog-making, are alive in quickly modernizing city.
Fountain of Wealth, 5 Temasek Blvd
The world’s largest fountain features a large steel ring rising above and supported by four legs, and cascades water into the fountain as part of feng shui belief that water flowing downward is good luck. A water feature in the center shoots streams of water thirty meters into the air to add additional interest.
Jurong Bird Park, 2 Jurong Hill
Where else are you going to see eight thousand birds from six hundred different species? Jurong Bird Park is regarded as the largest aviary in the Pacific! With numerous shows throughout the day, several inclosures, and one amazing waterfall.
Mount Faber Cable Car, 109 Mount Faber Road
This cable car will deliver you to Sentosa Island. The home of Singapore's aquarium. There you can see a dolphin show and delve into another local museum. The best car though has a glass-bottom which will permit you to see the water below.
In this city is a huge mixture of western, european, asian, and indian influences. And it's in an area like this is where to go to find the authentic culture. It's here that traditions, like calligraphy and clog-making, are alive in quickly modernizing city.
Fountain of Wealth, 5 Temasek Blvd
The world’s largest fountain features a large steel ring rising above and supported by four legs, and cascades water into the fountain as part of feng shui belief that water flowing downward is good luck. A water feature in the center shoots streams of water thirty meters into the air to add additional interest.
Jurong Bird Park, 2 Jurong Hill
Where else are you going to see eight thousand birds from six hundred different species? Jurong Bird Park is regarded as the largest aviary in the Pacific! With numerous shows throughout the day, several inclosures, and one amazing waterfall.
Mount Faber Cable Car, 109 Mount Faber Road
This cable car will deliver you to Sentosa Island. The home of Singapore's aquarium. There you can see a dolphin show and delve into another local museum. The best car though has a glass-bottom which will permit you to see the water below.
All the Sights of Ho Chi Mihn City
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, 5 Pho Ngoc Ha, Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh, the founder of communist in Vientnam, is embalmed and on display here. You can also visit his stilt house in the front of the mausoleum.
Notre Dame Cathedral, Northern end of Dong Khoi
Why: An amazing reminder of the former French occupation, this Catholic church still offers services every Sunday morning.
War Crimes Museum, 28 Vo Van Tan
A disturbing look at the suffering of the Vietnamese during the French and American occupations. While not an unbiased exhibit, it’s still worth a look to get an inside view into a dark period of Vietnam history.
Ho Chi Minh, the founder of communist in Vientnam, is embalmed and on display here. You can also visit his stilt house in the front of the mausoleum.
Notre Dame Cathedral, Northern end of Dong Khoi
Why: An amazing reminder of the former French occupation, this Catholic church still offers services every Sunday morning.
War Crimes Museum, 28 Vo Van Tan
A disturbing look at the suffering of the Vietnamese during the French and American occupations. While not an unbiased exhibit, it’s still worth a look to get an inside view into a dark period of Vietnam history.
The Isle of Puerto Rico
Visiting Puerto Rico is easy for those who are native English speakers because it’s a US territory and many people are taught English in school. Here is some great places to visit while you’re vacationing on the island:
Bahia de Fosforescente (Phosphorescent Bay), La Parguera
Luminescent fish come into the bay at, and when disturbed they glow to ward off predators. The fishes glow makes the entire bay light-up at night though the bay is located in an out-of-the-way area.
Castillo de San Felipe del Morro (The Fortress of Saint Philip), Norzagaray St, Old San Juan San Juan
Built in the 17th/18th century, qith 6 different levels, this fortress is a must-see! They also offer a documentary throughout the day about the history of the Fortress in both English and Spanish. Admission is $3 (USD).
Teatro Tapia, Av. Ponce de León San Juan
A one-of-a-kind theater airing plays, ballets, and concerts featuring the culture and history of Puerto Rico.
Bahia de Fosforescente (Phosphorescent Bay), La Parguera
Luminescent fish come into the bay at, and when disturbed they glow to ward off predators. The fishes glow makes the entire bay light-up at night though the bay is located in an out-of-the-way area.
Castillo de San Felipe del Morro (The Fortress of Saint Philip), Norzagaray St, Old San Juan San Juan
Built in the 17th/18th century, qith 6 different levels, this fortress is a must-see! They also offer a documentary throughout the day about the history of the Fortress in both English and Spanish. Admission is $3 (USD).
Teatro Tapia, Av. Ponce de León San Juan
A one-of-a-kind theater airing plays, ballets, and concerts featuring the culture and history of Puerto Rico.
The Ancient History of Peru
Peru is home to temple ruins, cities, and fortresses of the Incans, amongst others.
Pachacamac
Originally built by indigenous Peruvians, and adopted later by Incans this site features numerous pyramids and structures dating all the way back to 200AD.
Cahuachi
A major religious site for Nasca empire, these ruins feature a central pyramid and plaza and are home to over 5000 tombs.
Chan Chan
With an estimated population of thirty thousand people in the 1400s, before it was taken over by the Incans, Chan Chan was the capital of the Chimu empire. These ruins alone are home to 10 palaces and 35 nobility buildings, and have a look vastly different than that of Incan-based ruins.
Caral
The site of the earliest known civilization in the Americas, rouglhly 4000 BC. Here you can find 6 large earth mounts surrounding a large, central plaza. You can also visit 18 other nearby sites, with similar structures, created by the same culture.
Machu Picchu
One of the most famous sites, this former Incan city is home to the Intihuatana stone which is a marker for the 2 equinoxes. Extremely sacred objects, they were often destroyed by invading Spanards in in the early 1500s. However, they never found this city, and therefore, this stone still remains in tact to this day.
Pachacamac
Originally built by indigenous Peruvians, and adopted later by Incans this site features numerous pyramids and structures dating all the way back to 200AD.
Cahuachi
A major religious site for Nasca empire, these ruins feature a central pyramid and plaza and are home to over 5000 tombs.
Chan Chan
With an estimated population of thirty thousand people in the 1400s, before it was taken over by the Incans, Chan Chan was the capital of the Chimu empire. These ruins alone are home to 10 palaces and 35 nobility buildings, and have a look vastly different than that of Incan-based ruins.
Caral
The site of the earliest known civilization in the Americas, rouglhly 4000 BC. Here you can find 6 large earth mounts surrounding a large, central plaza. You can also visit 18 other nearby sites, with similar structures, created by the same culture.
Machu Picchu
One of the most famous sites, this former Incan city is home to the Intihuatana stone which is a marker for the 2 equinoxes. Extremely sacred objects, they were often destroyed by invading Spanards in in the early 1500s. However, they never found this city, and therefore, this stone still remains in tact to this day.
Jerusalem: Step into the Holy Land
Israel, and particularily Jerusalem, has been a sacred site for 3 different religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, since the 7th century. Each having a holy site located a very short distance from one another. Making this a remarkable place to visit since it has been fought over so heavily, for so many years, and is still being fought over, today.
I highly suggest visiting,* Qubbat Al-Sakhra, the third most holy site in Islam, next to Medina and Mecca. It’s believed that Mohammed after ascended to heaven on a winged horse that he returned to this very spot to tell his followers what Allah had spoke to him.
From there you can go to the bottom of the Temple Mount and see the *Western Wall, the most sacred site in all Judaism. The wall itself was built by the Romans during their occupation from the ruins of a temple built by King Solomon.
A stone’s throw away is the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, believed to be built on the cave where Jesus was laid to rest after his crucifiction, and was resurrected three days later.
I highly suggest visiting,* Qubbat Al-Sakhra, the third most holy site in Islam, next to Medina and Mecca. It’s believed that Mohammed after ascended to heaven on a winged horse that he returned to this very spot to tell his followers what Allah had spoke to him.
From there you can go to the bottom of the Temple Mount and see the *Western Wall, the most sacred site in all Judaism. The wall itself was built by the Romans during their occupation from the ruins of a temple built by King Solomon.
A stone’s throw away is the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, believed to be built on the cave where Jesus was laid to rest after his crucifiction, and was resurrected three days later.
Find your Oasis in Dubai
Come visit a land that's a captivating oasis in the endless desert of the Middle East. Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates, and home to the tallest hotel in the world, sits on the coast of Saudi Arabia.
With beautiful blue waters, and white sandy beaches this is a great place to take in middle eastern culture.
Recline at the Al Qasr Madinat Jumeirah, a decadent estate-style hotel complete with tennis court, babysitter, and business center.
Next, the extravagant metropolitan Shangri-La Hotel is a fascinating return to city-life with it's 300+ rooms. Not to mention it's highly-rated restaurant serving traditional Moraccan cuisine.
Adjacent to the Emirates Golf Club the Royal Mirage Hotel & Resort is a great place to catch a few rounds, and then lounge! With a spa and featuring food with an indo-european flair, this hotel is more than a diamond in the rough! Making your trip to the desert sound more and more delicious!
With beautiful blue waters, and white sandy beaches this is a great place to take in middle eastern culture.
Recline at the Al Qasr Madinat Jumeirah, a decadent estate-style hotel complete with tennis court, babysitter, and business center. Next, the extravagant metropolitan Shangri-La Hotel is a fascinating return to city-life with it's 300+ rooms. Not to mention it's highly-rated restaurant serving traditional Moraccan cuisine.
Adjacent to the Emirates Golf Club the Royal Mirage Hotel & Resort is a great place to catch a few rounds, and then lounge! With a spa and featuring food with an indo-european flair, this hotel is more than a diamond in the rough! Making your trip to the desert sound more and more delicious!
Have a Jolly Roman Holiday....
"Roman Holiday" with Audrey Hepburn is a classic flick that has been remade countless times, and now you can play "runaway princess" too on your own roman holiday with Easytobook.com!
While visiting sights like the Spanish Steps or Vatican City, you can spend your nights in the height of luxury at The St. Regis Grand Hotel on Via Vittorio Emanuele Orlando 3. A monolithic creme-colored palace saturated to the core with old-world charm.
Or you can take up in the Exedra Hotel on Piazza della Repubblica 47. Another gorgeous 5-star abode with magnificent fountains, stately rooms, and wonderful eateries.
Still not satisfied? The Hotel d'Inghilterra on Via Bocca di Leone 14 will stun you into submission! Here you can definitely pretend to be royalty while lounging on antique sofas underneath crystal chandeliers drinking fabulous champagne and eating fresh strawberries, all carefully presented by "room service".
Who knows? Maybe you'll even meet your Prince while sunbathing by the pool.
While visiting sights like the Spanish Steps or Vatican City, you can spend your nights in the height of luxury at The St. Regis Grand Hotel on Via Vittorio Emanuele Orlando 3. A monolithic creme-colored palace saturated to the core with old-world charm.
Or you can take up in the Exedra Hotel on Piazza della Repubblica 47. Another gorgeous 5-star abode with magnificent fountains, stately rooms, and wonderful eateries.
Still not satisfied? The Hotel d'Inghilterra on Via Bocca di Leone 14 will stun you into submission! Here you can definitely pretend to be royalty while lounging on antique sofas underneath crystal chandeliers drinking fabulous champagne and eating fresh strawberries, all carefully presented by "room service".
Who knows? Maybe you'll even meet your Prince while sunbathing by the pool.
Helsinki: Artistically Driven
A city with an art and culture distinctly all it’s own, it’s home to numerous museums showcasing it’s nordic-style.
Valtion Taidemuseo -Located at Kaivokatu 2-4, the Finnish National Gallery is home to the Ateneum Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, the Sinebrychoff Art Museum, and the Central Art Archives. It’s basically Finland’s equivolent of the Smithsonian with a collection featuring literally hundreds of artists.
The Cygnaeus Gallery -The oldest art museum in Finland, it’s administered by the state with a large portion of it’s art donated by the late Professor Fredrik Cygnaeus. It’s featured more than 450 pieces by over a 100 different artists and is one of the only remaining wooden buildings in downtown Helsinki.
Designmuseo -Housing an immense design collection, this specialized museum also hosts lectures, workshops, classes, and collection-related events. I high recommend seeing it as it’s a very interesting place to see the transition in not just architectural design, but also craft-based design.
Seurasaari Open-Air Museum -A cultural museum displaying native structures from the 18th to the 20th century, and located on an island a short distance from Helsinki. Comprised of 87 separate buildings, this facility displays the rural country life of many of Finland’s ancestors.
Valtion Taidemuseo -Located at Kaivokatu 2-4, the Finnish National Gallery is home to the Ateneum Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, the Sinebrychoff Art Museum, and the Central Art Archives. It’s basically Finland’s equivolent of the Smithsonian with a collection featuring literally hundreds of artists.
The Cygnaeus Gallery -The oldest art museum in Finland, it’s administered by the state with a large portion of it’s art donated by the late Professor Fredrik Cygnaeus. It’s featured more than 450 pieces by over a 100 different artists and is one of the only remaining wooden buildings in downtown Helsinki.
Designmuseo -Housing an immense design collection, this specialized museum also hosts lectures, workshops, classes, and collection-related events. I high recommend seeing it as it’s a very interesting place to see the transition in not just architectural design, but also craft-based design.
Seurasaari Open-Air Museum -A cultural museum displaying native structures from the 18th to the 20th century, and located on an island a short distance from Helsinki. Comprised of 87 separate buildings, this facility displays the rural country life of many of Finland’s ancestors.
Be a Pretender to the Throne in Luxembourg
Ever wanted to escape to a great medieval castle. The country of Luxembourg in Central Europe is home to many of them, and almost all are open to the public. The following are just a few, out of many, worth seeing.
Castle Bourglinster - On Rue Du Chateau 8 (that’s Castle St in French) in Bourglinster, you can view this majestic medieval edifice constructed in the early 12th century. Easily accessible from Luxembourg city via a 15 min car drive, the castle is open for viewing on Wednesdays.
Castle La Rochette -Currently under-reconstruction after being destroyed by a fire in the late 1500s, the only structure reassembled at this time is the Créhange House which houses a deep stone well. It’s projected that construction on the 11th century fortress will continue, but it will never fully return to it’s former glory.
Vianden Castle -Originally the home of the Counts of Vianden, it was later transfered to the House of Nassau, and eventually into the hands of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg before being given to the State in 1977. Constructed in the 11th to 12th centuries, it was fully renovated and is open from 10am to 4pm on most days.
Castle Bourglinster - On Rue Du Chateau 8 (that’s Castle St in French) in Bourglinster, you can view this majestic medieval edifice constructed in the early 12th century. Easily accessible from Luxembourg city via a 15 min car drive, the castle is open for viewing on Wednesdays.
Castle La Rochette -Currently under-reconstruction after being destroyed by a fire in the late 1500s, the only structure reassembled at this time is the Créhange House which houses a deep stone well. It’s projected that construction on the 11th century fortress will continue, but it will never fully return to it’s former glory.
Vianden Castle -Originally the home of the Counts of Vianden, it was later transfered to the House of Nassau, and eventually into the hands of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg before being given to the State in 1977. Constructed in the 11th to 12th centuries, it was fully renovated and is open from 10am to 4pm on most days.
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