Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

May 20th, 2010

The Best Muay Thai Boxers are in Pattaya

Pattaya, Thailand, isn’t just a place to party at night or hit the beautiful beaches by day, it’s also a destination for serious Muay Thai and Thai boxing professionals and amatuers a like to train and improve upon their skills. Thai boxing and Muay Thai is the cultural martial arts of Thailand, dating back centuries and was basically developed as a form of close-combat in which one uses their entire body as a weapon. The hands become daggers and swords; the forearms and shins, during training, harden to become armor against blows; elbows act like a heavy mace or hammer; and the knees and legs become staffs or axes. Through training, Thai boxing and Muay Thai techniques and tactics are honed to a razors edge.

Muay Thai and Thai boxing tourists come to stay at any of the Pattaya hotels and attend the Pattaya Kombat Village (PKV) training camp , where they can hone in on an already established skill or get expert lessons designed specifically for beginners. PKV has equipment consisting of an MMA Cage, 3 boxing rings, a modern gym, a punching bag area, body building section, a sauna, restaurant and bar. Men, women and children (8 years and older) are welcome.

Each person will receive personal training by an experience staff member or teacher, many of who are Muay Thai Boxing champions and MMA Champions. The training camp offers experienced dietitians that will work with any trainee in order to reach their best physical form that will optimize the energy necessary for the intense training. PKV also offers a Muay Thai Boxing Camp package that includes the use of the entire facility, a trainer and a sports dietitian, the massage area, and wireless Internet. No one just enters a training camp and just becomes a fighter; to become a Muay Thai fighter, respect must be paid to a Muay Thai teacher and respect and honor must be paid tothe gym where there will be training. Muay Thai is a way of life and a respected tradition in Thailand. A Muay Thai teacher may request that their student perform the Yok Kroo, an initiation process that can vary from each teacher. Basically fighers in training can expect to give some form of offering, like a kata (white silk or linen cloth), incense, flowers or even meditation time.

May 14th, 2010

Architecture Landmarks and Attractions in Saint Malo

Saint Malo is an incredibly city in the northern region of France. It is located in Brittany and rests along the English Channel. This has historically made it a major port city and is also the reason for its walled fortification, which is something that continues to maintain interest and fascination today. It is one of the reasons the city is well known and attractive across the world, as it is sign as an outline of the beautiful architecture that is contained within it. And it is a mistake to be misled into thinking the fortification prevents great viewing opportunities, which is not the case. As is true for most urban centers, the Saint Malo Hotels have some incredible views of both the channel and coastland as well as looking into the interior of the country.

In addition to all of the obvious geographic and cityscape features that are attractive and invite interest in the city, there are also some incredible cultural attractions and fabulous things to do while you are there. And there are plenty of options and opportunities for great sea food while you are there, in fact it is one of the best places to find seafood in the country. In between you great dining experiences, there are also some standard recommended places to visit. The chateau is one of the beautiful buildings and has become a museum due to its attraction to visitors.

The Cathedral of St. Vincent is another incredible architectural work and is an extremely popular landmark for tourists. In addition to some of the more public places and resident styled attractions there are some great examples of historic homes that are available for public view. There is a great ship owner’s home that dates back to the middle 1720s and is commonly known as the Privateer’s House . This is an incredibly interesting place to visit and some of the tools from the period and house hold living items are on display. Various items of weaponry and ship models are also exhibited, and these are the favorites of many people.

May 13th, 2010

Jaz Beach in Montenegro Attracts Major Concerts

There are plenty of culture attractions available to people who wish to visit Montenegro and due to the progress of some of the coastal area night life scene and great clubs that are located there, the tourist population continues to rise. Part of the country’s border is situated along the Adriatic Sea and this is a great location to enjoy beach activities. In addition, there are some fabulous skiing options that present themselves during the season in the northern part of the country. And for these reasons, the capital city of Podgorica is a great place to originate your adventures. It is conveniently located in-between these extremes and provides easy access to both. In addition, the hotels in Montenegro have good information on what to do and see in the city while you are there.

However, it can also be a great idea to plan some of your activities and places to visit in advance, which can save a lot of time and headache one you are already on your vacation. During the 2000s tourism in the country began to see a major return and increase and the government is intentionally cultivating this aspect of society. And while there is no doubt that there is plenty to do in Podgorica, the coastal area remains the most prominent tourist destination. There are some fabulous small towns and communities along the coast that have great beaches, accommodations and nightlife.

The concert industry has become extremely well known and popular in place like Jaz Beach, which is near the town of Budva. In 2007 the Rolling Stones began a major international attraction to the area when they announced they would perform on the beach. It has become a main location for major concerts. There are also great opportunities for sun bathing and camping and is one of the longer beaches along the coast of the country. In 2008 there was a major 3 day live festival on the beach which featured performers like Lenny Kravitz . Madonna was not at the festival but she also performed a major concert on that beach later in the summer.

May 4th, 2010

America’s First Government formed on Wall Street

Doing business on Wall Street a majority of the time makes people too busy to notice the Federal Hall National Memorial ; the place where George Washington took the oath of office and the site of the United States first Congress, Supreme Court and Executive Branch offices. Currently, the building serves as a memorial and museum as the Birthplace of American Government. This spectacular piece of architecture is Located at 26 Wall Street and there’s no admission fee, so if you happen to have time in between going to your hotel on Wall street and your business meeting, drop by and get a taste of where America’s Government all began.

You can go on a self-guided tour or take a free guided tour and no reservations are necessary, unless you come in a group. For a self-guided tour, there are 3 things not to miss; The Bible used by George Washington as he took the oath of office as our first President (if you are visiting to specifically see the Bible, call first, because sometimes it’s out on tour); the stone floor of the balcony of the original Federal Hall, on which George Washington stood for his swearing-in ceremony; and the railing of the original Federal Hall balcony where George Washington stood to take his oath on April 30th, 1789.

Head outdoors and Park Ranger Michael Callahan, will lead a walking tour and lecture about the Battle of New York in 1776. In 90-minutes, you will be informed about the Generals and their staff, the opposing forces and the tactics used. This particular walking tour is geared for adults, history buff, college classes and special interest groups, you won’t be disappointed with just how much knowledge is available from that period in America’s history.

You might want to check the Federal Hall’s special event calendar to see if there’s any event going on while you’re in New York. An example of a past event was the ‘Defend Wall Street Draft Riots of 1863′ where the National Park Service staff discussed the Draft Riots and just how the U.S. Army, Navy and Marines, plus the New York City Police Department defended the building.

April 28th, 2010

NY Gypsy Festival

One of the great things about music and performance festivals is they can introduce you to a bunch of new acts. You can pick the ones you like, and follow them to wherever they might be playing next. One of the best things about festivals in New York City is that the chances of the groups coming back to the city are always very good.

Last year’s New York Gypsy Festival had that effect on a lot of people. Seder Ilhan and Mehmet Dede, the festival producers, have a long list of acts playing Gypsy music that they’ve introduced to the people of the city, and this festival is a kind of golden nugget version of what they do. Balkan Beat Box and Gogol Bordello have worked with them, to great effect, too, helping to move the notions of folklore off the table so that the Dionysian-trance effects of the violin in the music could enter the bloodstreams of the crowds. That’s changed the nature of the way we hear the music.

The funny part about it all is that these variations of the music are sometimes read as a gimmick, and really it’s not a gimmick, but the roots. No one from that side of the river has ever been able to gauge music’s pulse properly, anyway, and so it stands today in a new light, and a new dawn.

The show last year brought some familiar faces from the scene to town, with musicians like the excellent Rhythm of Rajasthan. But it also brought Little Cow to town again, and that’s sparked a lot of attention. This is a band from Budapest, also doing a mix of folk tradition with contemporary dada, and suddenly, we see we are at the crest of a wave.

There are more than enough reasons to visit the city. With the restaurants and five star new york hotels , any time of year is the perfect time. With this music in the background, however, there’s more reason than ever, and something in the pulse of India is getting into the mechanisms here, making the clocks tick a split second too fast.

April 13th, 2010

Just Kids in New York

It’s perhaps a little unreasonable to think of Patti Smith as a pop iconoclast, but that’s a title that often follows her wherever she goes. Better titles might be along the lines that recognize her contributions to straight-up rock and roll, and punk, as well as the logical heiress to the legacy of the symbolist poets that inform so much of her work and world-view. Whatever she might be, she is also part of the fabric of New York City.

Even though she’s from Detroit, and returned there famously, in what struck many as a sudden retreat from catching a very hot rising star, her imprints are all over the urban landscape. This comes very clear, and painted in poignant and elegant ways, with the release of her new book, Just Kids . It’s an event that’s caught the attention of many rock and roll historiographers, not to mention the likes of the New York Public Library.

The writings here remind the world of her early days in the city, when she lived at the Chelsea with Robert Mapplethorpe , when the rent was cheap, and bohemia was waiting for its next reinvention. The two of them reinvented it boldly, madly, and deeply, inflecting it with their own inner visions that fluctuated between turmoil and ecstasy. She was striking then, as much as now, causing an aging Salvador Dali to remark that she looked like a crow, another label that stuck.

Labels do follow her, but she somehow manages to throw them all off with an unusual grace and introversion, suggesting that the soul of a poet never gets older, and never burns out. Her early years here with the controversial and brilliant photographer remind that even the most audacious artists have insecurities, and moments when falling seems immanent. Those visiting the city, seeing it from New York luxury hotels , can still find traces of the younger Patti Smith here. In part, this is because the story is still unfolding, and the footprints are as fresh as they ever were.

March 31st, 2010

Honolulu’s Natural Wonders

Hawaii is a place of natural wonder. Many people dream about visiting the nation’s 50th state because of its beautiful waterfalls and warm weather. Luxury honolulu hotels attract tourists from around the globe to come and experience the beauty of nature that is Hawaii. Vacation packages often include complimentary snorkeling or tours. Be sure to venture out and experience all the natural wonders the island has to offer.

Tide pools are wonderful natural treasures full of interesting creatures. Honolulu’s Makapuu tide pools exceed all expectations. These warm little holes have a different world inside each of them. Although the trail is a little difficult to get to, it is worth it! Follow the Makapuu light house trail down to the tide pools and find a world of fun!

Tide pools are created when the ocean tides cover and uncover rocks. The pits in the rocks transform into miniature pools full of colorful sea life. Some pools have fish and are large enough to snorkel in. Swimming alongside brightly colored fish can be an absolutely amazing experience. The tide pools are also filled with blow holes that spray out water whenever a wave passes over them. While the trails down are not wheel chair accessible or kid friendly, it is possible to take a child down in your arms. Children can spend hours looking at the rocks and fish. Catching crabs is always a favorite among young boys! The tides rise up fast and a large wave can easily push a person down over the rocks, so be mindful of the time. Algae cover most of the rocks, so it is recommended that you wear reef shoes for traction. Slippery rocks can be extremely dangerous, especially for the elderly and young children.

Waterfalls can look serene and peaceful in pictures. In reality they are loud and magnificent. Kapena Falls is located off of Pali Highway and can fall up to 30feet. There is a small wading pool at the bottom. The hike for this fall is not difficult, but there are some mosquitoes. Since waterfalls are found in the midst of rainforests and places rich in foliage, there are many insects surrounding them.

March 24th, 2010

Five Squares of Philadelphia

When William Penn set out to design Philadelphia, he imagined at its heart a central square, with four more squares spread out equally from the center — five squares in all — deliberately planned, open spaces of greenery for which the citizens could find refuge from their daily lives. The names of these square were simply informative in nature — such as the centre square, northeast square, southwest square, and so on. However, over the years, the squares acquired the names of some of the city’s most famous people; the Northeast Square, for instance, became known as Franklin Square, after Benjamin Franklin, in 1825, one hundred and eighty-five years ago; close to the historic district, it contains a park, playground, miniature golf, a carousel, and a fountain.

The Northwest Square is now called Logan Circle, named after William Penn’s secretary, James Logan; once, the square was a pasture and a site where convicted criminals were executed publicly. The Southwest Square is now Rittenhouse Square, where a student art show began over 70 years ago, known as the Clothesline Show, and is encircled by hotels and restaurants and shops. If you’re looking for any luxury hotels Philadelphia might offer you, you may find some in this area. The square was named after a colonial scientist, David Rittenhouse. He used to guide astronomers to Independence Hall, where they would track the transition of the planet Venus. The Southeast Square became Washington Square, named after the first president of the United States; if interested, you can find places to hike through this park here . You’ll also find a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in this square.

The Centre Square is now named after the founder of Philadelphia himself, William Penn . In the early parts of the 1800s, the Centre Square was a favored spot on which to relax, as it was then located just on the edge of town. Today, it’s the site of Philadelphia’s City Hall. For residents and travelers alike, whenever the steel and concrete of the city become too much, a trip to one of these five squares will help alleviate stress and tension, placing you for a few minutes or few hours back into the natural world.

March 19th, 2010

Hong Kong Shopping

Hong Kong is a great place to go to shop. There are hundreds of different sections that have many shops that offer great variety and deals of whatever it is that you may need from clothes to electronics. The food in the area is very good as well and after a long day of walking from shop to shop you will definitely work up an appetitie and be ready to eat. After a full meal you will be ready to shop again.
Hong Kong’s Central district is the place to see huge skyscrapers and gigantic buildings that have many different types of shops in them. The Landmark, The Galleria, Prince’s Building, Alexandra House and the ifc mall which is Hong Kong’s tallest building are the main shopping centers. They are packed and loaded with designer shops that are known for selling exclusive brand names. If you are a person who is trying to save money this is not the place to be. Stanley Street is known for photographic equipment at very reasonable prices. Hollywood Road is Hong Kong version of the Antique Road Show because there are tons of old but possibly valuable items, above the Central business district. Further west towards Sheung Wan is a place where you can negotiate prices with the vendors and hone your bargaining skills. Still in Central, Li Yuen Street East and Li Yuen Street West are known by the locals as ‘the lanes’ and they are an interesting group of stalls selling everything from factory reject clothing, watches and costume jewellery to brief cases, wallets, sneakers, and shoes. It is located between Queen’s Road Central and Des Voeux Road Central, and is opened seven days a week to maximize the shopping time. Book a hotel close to the shopping center so that you will be able to wake up and start a full day of shopping at some of the various shops .

February 26th, 2010

Street Food In Hawaii

I have learned a few things in my time spent in Hawaii. The first thing I learned is that there is no such thing as street food around here. That isn’t to say that we don’t have the types of food that you buy at some little tent and can eat on the spot standing up, but rather to say that we don’t have any street vendors. We put our street food altogether in one place, in a parking, every Thursday in the evenings. It’s a small event called the Kailua Farmer’s Market and is usually only inhabited by locals who are in the know. The funny thing about that is, I bet more tourists off the Hawaiian cruises would come in and buy a lot of stuff if they knew it was going on. The food in particular is really amazing.

Wander around there and you may find some interesting things, such as the disk jockey Tom Purdy sells what he calls Taro Delights. The one he pushes the most is his Oh Wow Laulau. This is a special dish he made on his own and consists of taro chunks and salmon belly wrapped in “plenty leaf”. The best part is that while it may seem a little expensive for street food at seven dollars, it is big enough to fill you up. If you are still hungry after that, I would suggest finding something small and saving room for dessert. My suggestion is that you find some fried Arancini. It is not native to Hawaii, but it a great dish and is usually there. Arancini is a Sicilian style rice ball. You start with a mushroom risotto with some mozzarella in the middle. You roll it in bread crumbs, and fry is to a golden brown. You can get them for two for three dollars and they are made right there. You can finish off your meal with the best ice creme you’ve ever had. Gerry Nakashima sitting behind his ColdFyyre booth makes ice creme that day from the products being sold around you. The apple bananas and sea asparagus come from various local farmers and were bought right at 5pm when the market opened so you know they are still fresh.

I know it can be hard being a tourist who has to get back to the Hawaii cruise ship you came into the island on, but if you ever have a chance to be on Kailua after five this is the happening place to be. It’s not that there aren’t other activities in Hawaii, but I suppose I just like experiencing a new place through their street food, and this is the only place in the area I know about where you can really do that.