1. Ala Moana Shopping Center, Hawaii
Deemed the largest open air shopping mall in the world, the Ala Moana Shopping Center has virtually everything you need under the sun, quite literally! From electric bikes to velvet curtains and silk nightgowns for the missus, you can find almost everything in your shopping list. But the satisfaction of crossing out stuff in your list is not the only feeling you’ll love; in fact, window shoppers revel in the Hawaiian ambiance and people watchers can sit in the square while basking in the atmosphere and the live band performing every weekend. Those with a penchant for brand names such as Jimmy Choo and Burberry will also take pleasure in the array of stores at the shopping mall. If you can’t afford them, worry not – the scenic koi pond situated at the western section of the area will have you relaxing, zen style, in no time.

2. GUM, Moscow
Question: When is a shopping mall not a shopping mall? When it’s GUM, of course! GUM, the acronym for Glavnvj Uniwersalny Magasin, is located in Moscow, Russia and does not look like your run of the mill shopping center! It is an architectural icon, revered the world over – the symbol of the new Russia. Be thrilled with its exterior lights on the outside and be amazed with the brand name flagship stores on the inside – brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada and Chanel offer many a great array of items that will sure to delight the fashionista in you.

3. Mall of America, Minnesota
Here at the Mall of America, you can literally shop till you drop! 40 million shoppers have stepped through its doors each year and the amount is rising in an exponential rate. The gargantuan structure houses 520 stores, and counting, and even has a Nickelodeon theme park complete with Spongebob Squarepants and the works! Did you also know that the employees for this mall total up to 12,000? This mall can literally make or break the city’s employment scene! Much loved for being a one-stop shopping mall, the Mall of America even lets people tie the knot at Chapel of Love or get the degrees they always wanted at the Mall of America Campus of the National American University. Lego fans will LOVE the Lego Imagination Center while the children will love to feast their eyes on the aquatic dwellers in the Underwater Adventures Aquarium.

4. Mall of the Emirates, Dubai
Think Dubai is just a country filled with oil sheikhs? Well, you’re partly right but these oil sheikhs sure love to shop! After all, it takes a shoppaholic to really know how to create an ideal shopping mall that has it all, and the Mall of the Emirates fits the bill just right! Here you can shop at the 500-odd stores, have your meal at one of the 70 restaurants and ski, YES SKI, at the indoor ski center, Ski Dubai. Suddenly Dubai does not seem so hot and sweltering after all! If winter sports isn’t your thing, you can indulge in luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, D&G as well as Hermes.

1. Castle Leslie, Ireland
This ornate castle was build more than 3 centuries ago and belonged to the Leslie family ever since. Perfect for celebrities and those who are rich and famous, this 5-star retreat offers ideal solitude with the absence of the Internet, telephones and televisions. And if you have a craving for the supernatural, do ask to stay in the Norman Room, so called based on the name of the ghostly apparition that manifests from time to time. Don’t worry, he’s harmless, only known to haunt that particular room and appear to guests as a smiling entity.

2. Crescent Hotel, Arkansas, Unites States
The hotel itself was established in the year 1886 but due to financial problems, it was abandoned in the 1940’s. Several decades later, the new owners of the Crescent Hotel re-opened the grand Victorian structure in the year 1972. From then on, ghostly hauntings were so common that even the infamous Ghost Hunters team from the titular TV show deemed it fit to visit the hotel and conduct their investigations. During the course of their one night stay there, they captured a dark figure roaming the grounds with their infra red camera. So know you know the hotel has been given a seal of approval – for possibly America’s most haunted lodging establishment.

3. Hotel de Coronado, San Diego, United States
The Hotel de Coronado in San Diego bears two similarities to the Crescent Hotel featured above: it was also built in the 19th century and featured Victorian designs on its exterior facade. In the recent years, this hotel is well known amongst both locals and tourists as a premier Victorian beach resort AND a haunting hot spot after the spirit of one Kate Morgan was reported to roam the hotel grounds and especially room 302 in the year 1892. Why room 302, you ask? That’s because it was the room that she was supposed to meet and make up with her estranged spouse, Tom. Tom never did appear and her dead body appeared on the main hotel steps six days later, with a bullet wound on her head. As much as the locals would draw their own conclusions, the mystery was never solved…

4. The Langham Hotel, London
This hotel was established in the year 1865 and was deemed the first luxurious hotel in the London. The British Broadcasting Corporation were once owners of this opulent hotel in its heyday and although the hotel since retained its regality, it is now a famous site for ghost hunters and those who seek a paranormal thrill during their stay in London. It was said that Room 333 houses the most spiritual activity where a spirit dressed to the nines in Edwardian costume was said to have appeared out of thin air. Assorted ghosts such as a German soldier and the spirit of Napolean III has been seen in the compound.

5. Hollywood Roosevelt, California
This hotel is a historical landmark in the city of California, United States. Named after President Teddy Roosevelt, the hotel was built in the year 1927 and was situated most strategically across the street from the Chinese Theater, ensuring that the Hotel Roosevelt was never short of celebrities in its guest roster, especially the ghostly apparition of Marilyn Monroe who continued to haunt her favorite suite 1200 even after her death.

Times may be tough in the United Kingdom at the minute, but as the economy slowly recovers there is a perfect opportunity awaiting those who are keen golfers and also looking to escape to Europe for a quick weekend or even an extended holiday.

In past years there has been a tremendous increase in the amount of golf resorts being built throughout Europe and there is now so much competition in the golfing industry, prices are falling rapidly. A trip abroad to play golf can often be cheaper than UK golfing and with a change in weather and golfing conditions it can be a welcoming challenge.  Combined with rock-bottom prices it’s an unbeatable opportunity to experience some of the best golf in Europe.

Having seen prices drop by as low as 30% recently, golf resort owners are doing anything they can to bring in more tourists. With budget airlines getting even cheaper, this is the perfect opportunity to play a few perfect rounds of golf whilst also enjoying the opportunity of a well deserved holiday.

With famous courses throughout Europe in Spain, Italy, Portugal, France and Turkey to name but a few, your choice shouldn’t be so much on the course you want to play, but how much you want to relax!

Five-star golfing resorts are not hard to come by in Europe, and they offer all the services you’d expect such as kit rental, expert tuition as well as some amazing weather and unparalleled views whilst you tee-off on championship courses.

If you happen to be more of a budget golfer, than there are just as many opportunities available, such as at the Abama Golf resort in Tenerife which offers a truly unrivaled experience for avid golfing fanatics who are looking for both the perfect weather and the perfect golf course on a budget.

There’s nothing quite like playing round of golf in the perfect climate. At this time of year, it’s the perfect way to relax and unwind after the past year’s troubles thanks to the economic crisis.

According to a popular newspaper, the Sunday Times, Italy has been voted the most popular country to visit in the world, thanks to its colorful culture, cuisine and most importantly, fashion.

For many it would seem, Italy is the place to ‘be’ following the economic crisis, and Italy is one of the few countries which has seen economic growth recently.  The tourism industry in Italy has thus been kept afloat because as people are forced to travel nearer to home, a trip to Italy is affordable, convenient and great fun.

But if you’ve never visited Italy,  just what is on offer?

For a start this fine country was home of the Romans, and it is the cities capital, Rome where you will see examples of true roman architecture and can immerse yourself in the fine history of this ancient people as Italy is home to many UNESCO heritage sites.

Italy today is home to a diverse culture of kind-hearted and welcoming people, and it’s location on the Mediterranean Sea has given this country a warm climate and some of the best scenery in Europe.

If you’re visiting to see bygone eras and absorb some of the history that time forgot, then there are countless destinations to choose from.  Whilst Rome is arguably the most famous destination for tourists seeking to enjoy the once capital of the world, the country is steeped in so much history it is everywhere you travel. Naples, Florence Pisa, Venice and Genoa are perhaps some of the most famous cities to visit thanks to the history that’s exhibited.

History is not all that awaits you in Italy for this country is also the home of Pizza.  Some say that you’ve never tasted a pizza until you’ve traveled to Naples, and it’s certainly true because there is no place on earth that makes pizza quite like they do in Naples.

To top it all, Italy is covered with beaches and with so much to explore, a weekend is actually not enough!  You may find yourself staying longer as you explore famous beaches like the Praja a Mare which is a beautiful example of a Blue Grotto; it’s simply superb and there is no other place like it.

The next time you’re thinking about a luxury holiday destination, it doesn’t have to be 6,000 miles away. For many we take our nearby area for granted and instead of spending 3 hours on a plane and the rest of the day on the beach, we spend 12 hours on a plane and three days with jet lag!  Think local and get the most out of your budget and also your time…

Some of the most interesting and truly exotic foods to come out of Eastern Europe are from Hungary. The typical Hungarian cuisine is defiantly not something you’ll find in very many European cities. Hungarian food has historically been known to include a very heavy hand with spices and herbs. Paprika is one of the most prevalent ingredients in a lot of Hungarian dishes. Some of the most typical Hungarian ingredients include:  sour cream, eggs, and beef. Hungary has some of the largest natural cattle herding grounds in all of Eastern Europe. Hungary has no coastline in its borders so fresh seafood is typically not on most menus. However, smoked and cured fish imported from European neighbors are a treasured and expensive delicacy.  

The most famous Hungarian recipe that has been dissected and changed countless times from its origins is Goulash. True Hungarian Goulash is comprised of mostly bone in beef parts such as shin, shoulder or shank. The meat is then braised in a mix of paprika, oil and beef stock. The braising can take nearly 8 hours for some Hungarian dishes…but the wait is more than worth it. Typically herbs like Rosemary and Thyme are used heavily in Hungarian Goulash as well. The reason the bones are used so much (other than for flavor of course)  is that during the braising process the natural gelatin in the bones will escape and will help to thicken the finished dish without the use of a foreign thickener like flour or cornstarch. Historically this dish was used a lot by game hunters that would start their Goulash in the morning before going out to hunt, and then when they return many hours later, the dish is ready to be eaten.

Hungary puts out some very interesting regional dishes that you typically can’t find anywhere outside of Hungary – far too many than can be included here. Some of these include: Paprika Scsirke (paprika chicken), fish soup, Borjutokáy , a Transylvanian veal stew, and desserts such as deep-fried cherries (Cseresznye Kisutve) and coffee cake (Bába Kalács). In the next few days we will be deconstructing some of these classic Hungarian dishes and posting the recipes here! Stay turned!

What makes this wonderful city so special? Hard to answer. It is a similar question to: why is Marylin Monroe so attractive? Is a special air in the city, specially in Montmartre where, between the World War I and World War II, you could meet many Russian refugees (among them the brilliant composer Stravinsky), the spanish genial painters Dali and Picasso, the American writer Hemingway. La Boheme parisienne.

Paris is a very old city, but you will not notice that. It is very dynamic and businesslike, much nearer to New York than to London. In the big metropolitan area it counts 12 000 000 inhabitants (20 % of the France population) and produces 40 % of the land BIP. If Paris were a country, it were the fourteenth on the list of the most productive countries.

Paris was grounded by the Parisii, a Celtic tribe, in the year 4200 B.C.on the Seine banks. During the roman occupation it was called Lutetia, than Luthece and later regained its actual name. In 1789 Paris was the stage of the French Revolution symbolized through Storming of Bastille, and of the overthrowing monarchy in 1792.

Exactly a century later Paris payed tribute and homage to the French Revolution by hosting the International Exhibition from 1889. As a city symbol, The Tour Eifel was build and prepared to be showed to the visitors. Before the Exhibition the locals were fast all agreeing the fact, that Paris never has an uglier building, and it should be demolished after the Expo. But the Tour Eiffel was a smashing succes, and is even today Paris tallest building and its iconic city

mark.
Man, you have a lot to see, experience and taste in this Ville lumiere (City of light) : exquisite luxury hotels (Ritz), haute cuisine, Opera House, Musee du Louvre, modern and old architecture, shopping at the flea market. You need at least 1 week of intensive walk for this eclectic city. You will not not be lonely there: Paris is one of the world’s most visited cities with 30 millions travelers every year!

This city is a holly city of Islam, and I noticed for you the following most attractive spots:

1. Topkapi Palace, where you can find the personal belonging of Mohammed and the first caliphs. A huge museum with many craft and art masterpieces and a special wing for the harem! In his peak years, Topkapi was a city in the city indeed, hosting 5000 people.

2. Hagia Sofia, or Aya Sofia for the Istanbulites, was first a church, than a mosque and now is a very interesting museum. It is huge, but nevertheless harmonic, and has been for a millennium world’s biggest cathedral.

3.Blue Mosque, also named the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, has wonderful blue tiles

4. Galata Tower. Also called the Jesus Tower, was build by the genovese and offers a breathtaking city panoramic view. You have there up a restaurant and a cafe.

5.Shipcruise on the Golden Horn, watching the traditional waterfront houses.

It is Europe’s most poulous city, and is ranked worldwide on the 3rd place, with its 12 000 000 inhabitants. The european side is named Thrace, and the asian Anatolia. 30 % of the population lives on the asian side, which is newer and has a better infrastructure.

Istanbul has a long, glorious, turbulent history. It was founded by the roman emperor Constantin, with the intention to become the capital of the Roman Empire. That is why it was long time called Constantinopole, and was really the capital of the Roman Eastern Empire. In 1432 it was conquered by the osman turks, becoming the capital of the Othoman Empire. When proclaming Republic of Turkey in 1922, Mustafa kemal Ataturk moved the capital to Ankara, but Istanbul continued to florish up today! In the last 50 years it tripled its population.

Istanbul lies on the Bosphorus Street, which makes the connection between the Black Sea and the Mediteranean Sea. A strategic position, if you agree! And a wonderful sight, knowned here as the Golden Horn.Today, there is a wonderful bridge on the Bosphorus, uniting the two parts of the city.

Istanbul is a strange , but seducing mix of nationalities and religions.  The most of inhabitants are muslim turkish, but you can find also greeks( in the quarter of Fanar), armenians and sephard jews, etc. In Istanbul there are 108 muslim cemeteries and 50 non muslim cemeteries !

You need at least one week to meet and understand Istanbul, as it is a paradise for any tourist : luxury hotels, budget hotels, museums ( archaeology, Topkapy Palace, Aya Sofia), ships short travels on the Golden Horn, shopping ( in luxury modern malls or traditional bazars), and a lot more!

I will come again with details from every corner of Istanbul and necessary informations for any traveler.

Boris Becker opened yesterday the  Hamburg Cruise Days which are lasting a week. 100 000 people, locals and tourists, took part to that spectacular opening in the big hanseatic city of Hamburg, one of the world’s biggest ports. And the legendary cruise ship Queen Mary II was there also! And other prominent cruise ships are waited to come during this week

All the city turned blue due to a spectacular breathtaking light show.

Yesterday, by the big opening, the rock legend Roger Cicero gave a convincing concert, and other stars will come each day of the mentioned week.

You have plenty of things to do and to see this week in Hamburg, even without visiting the huge Red Light District !

]]> http://www.journeyetc.com/travel-destinations/the-fantastic-hamburg-cruise-days/feed/ 3 http://www.journeyetc.com/travel-destinations/london-eye-a-modern-citymark/ http://www.journeyetc.com/travel-destinations/london-eye-a-modern-citymark/#comments Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:24:42 +0000 Travel Advisor http://www.journeyetc.com/?p=865 Thinking to London shall not mean only old buildings, obsolete citymarks. Not at all, this huge city has also a modern touch.

The London Eye is one of them. But what is London Eye actually? First look, and then read further.

London Eye, also named Millenium Wheel, is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe, measuring 135 metres.

The London Eye is located on the western end of Jubilee gardens, on the south bank of River Thames. When former Prime Minister Tony Blair opened it to public on 31.12.1999 it was supposed to become one of London’s citymarks and major attractions. Which the London Eye did succesfully: it is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the U.K. (3 600 000 visitors former year)!

The London Eye holds 32 sealed and air conditioned capsules, attached on its external circumference. Each one of this capsules can hold approximately 25 people. The Eye moves so slowly, that it doesn’t need ever stop for embarking, excepting emergencies and disabled or elderly people. The average speed is 26 cm per second; a full rotation is made within 30 minute.

The succes is based on the fantastic spectacular sight of London which is providing. Try it, during your London stay.