113 Search Results for "Marine"

• Mykonos Diving in Caverns wit Mykonos Diving in Caverns wit GoDive Resort

  • From: elemarine
  • Description:

    Diving and snorkeling to Tragonisi island cavern/cave system is one of the most popular dives. Tragonisi is a small rocky island, just a few meters east of the island of Mykonos. Everybody can admire a unique marine environment among the different chambers/tunnels. Yellow sea anemones are exclusively found in this area. Caverns diving is the exploration of permanent, naturally occurring overhead environments while remaining within sight of their entrances.

    Tragonisi is a protected nature reserve and a haven for the Monachus monachus seal. Diving at the “Seal Cave”is addressed to experienced divers and only upon request. Its a unique dive due to possibilities for a closer encounter with a Monachus monachus seal.

  • 3 months ago
  • Views: 551

• Waikiki Beach: The Perfect Des Waikiki Beach: The Perfect Destination for Friends

  • From: ajjordan2
  • Description:

    My friends and I had a birthday celebration in Oahu, Hawaii- a perfect combination of beach time and nightlife. Here are some suggestions for visitors that would like to experience a range of activities from snorkeling to bar hopping in the tourist hub of Waikiki Beach.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Where to Stay:

    

    Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach

    We stayed in a two bedroom, two bath suite at the resort, which included a king bed in one room and two queens in the other. These accommodations were convenient for the six of us to spread out without feeling cramped. According to sales manager, Susan Koehler, "what makes the property stand out from other resorts is our extra space, value, and location”.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Each morning we had complimentary hot breakfast followed by complimentary alcoholic beverages at the manager’s reception in the evenings. This was a great prelude to our nights on the town.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The sundeck, Jacuzzi, and pool-side bar are perfect amenities for a chill out session. Some insider tips include checking out their free yoga classes Tuesday and Friday mornings and catching the fireworks that take off from the Hilton Hawaiian Village each Friday.

     

     

     

     

     

                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                                         DoubleTree by Hilton

     

    We decided to spend our last night at another Hilton property, the DoubleTree hotel in Waikiki. The DoubleTree contains 317 guest rooms, each featuring a private balcony. Other amentities included complimentary WiFi in the lobby, 24-hour fitness center, and heated pool for swimming laps. The location of the DoubleTree allowed us to see the other end of Waikiki, which was close to the Ilikai Marina and the Ala Moana Beach. Our last day was spent touring these two areas.

     

    Where to Party:

     

    First Fridays in Chinatown is the place to view the local artists and showcases; the downtown area is lively with bars and lounges open for the streams of visitors. Addiction nightclub is located at The Modern hotel and caters to the 21 through 30 year-old crowd. They play a range of music from Hip Hop to Pop, and many locals gravitate to the club Thursday nights. 

     

     

     

    The Sheraton has an outdoor bar/lounge called Rum Fire that attracts a grown and sexy crowd from 21 through 40; lighted torches surrounding the bar and a glowing pool gives off an aura of a sultry Hawaiian night. Moose McGillycuddy’s is the go-to dive bar for inexpensive drinks and a packed crowd.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Activities to Try:

     

    A 2-3 minute walk from the Embassy Suites puts you right on the strip of the Waikiki Beach, where you can rent a umbrella to lay out, as well as kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or rent a paddleboat. We got some great shots out on the wooden pier.

    

     

     

     

    A 20 minute ride from Waikiki puts you in Hanauma Bay, an ancient  volcanic crater-turned bay, which is packed with marine life; excellent for snorkeling. We camped out on the beach after we went snorkeling (tip: map out the areas of the ocean beforehand where reef is not widespread for better snorkeling).

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Enjoy hiking? Check out Manoa Falls, a waterfall surrounded by a verdant rainforest that can be reached via a hiking trail (the destination is site of many films, including Jurassic Park and Hunger Games). We hiked the 2 mile trail, and ended up at the base of the waterfall. Of course we had to take a  dip for photo ops.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    For an authentic luau, and a colorful end to your vacation, try Germaine’s Luau, with offers a Hawaiian cultural ceremony at sunset, an all-you-can-eat buffet, and 3 free drinks.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 4 months ago
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• Through the Marine Air Through the Marine Air

  • From: Vonelle Viajera
  • Description:

    Yaquina Lighthouse can barely be seen on this Aug. afternoon in OR

  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 489
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• Magic Realism in Puerto Vallar Magic Realism in Puerto Vallarta, MX

  • From: Vonelle Viajera
  • Description:
  • 4 months ago
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• The Ocean Cultural Tourist Are The Ocean Cultural Tourist Area of West Island

  • From: x123456
  • Description:

    Located at the center of Sanya Bay, The Ocean Cultural Tourist Area of West Island is a holiday resort for tourism which is well-known for beautiful mountains, coral reefs, clean ocean water, and soft beaches. It’s composed of an amusement park and a tourism spot. And it’s 8 sea miles away from the Sanya downtown.

     

    The amusement park which is combined with sea sports, sightseeing under the sea, outdoor bathing places and activities on beaches is a scenic spot on the island.

     

    Around the sea areas of the Ocean Cultural Tourist Area of West Island which is accepted by the world as a resort for diving is the national preservation area of coral reefs. In the sea areas are the areas for diving where the water is very clean and blue, with 10 to 20 meters deep, and also you are able to see all kinds of marine animals like corals, snail fish, angel fish starfish.  

     

    In the Ocean Cultural Tourist Area of West Island, you can dive in different  ways to experience how beautiful and miraculous the underwater world is.

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  • 4 months ago
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• Halong Bay Water-based Activit Halong Bay Water-based Activities

  • From: indochinasails
  • Description:

     

    Surrounded by thousands of limestone mountains, Ha Long Sea creates a charming beauty for the bay and makes it unbelievably unique. Coming to Halong Bay, you will be entering a world of water wonders.
    Exciting water sports

    
    
    
    
    Immense water surface in Ha Long is home to a number of water sports such as rafting, kayaking and swimming. Tourists who love adventures can try water motor driving or parachute-pulled canoeing offered on Bai Chay or Tuan Chau beach. While high speed of the water motors brings about thrilling moments, a parachute-pulled canoe tour gives tourists a bird-eye view to spectacular scene of the bay below.
    For those wishing to spend more time on sightseeing and discovering the bay by themselves, kayaking is surely the perfect choice. The most impressive moment is when the kayak began moving into the cave. The further one goes inside, the darker and cooler it is. The cave is filled with falling stalactites, and sometimes, one has to crouch down in the boat to avoid hitting his head on them.
    Scuba Diving in Halong Bay- New and Exciting
    Spacious underwater world in Ha Long with diversified marine creatures is a paradise for snorkeling and scuba diving. The period from April to December, when the temperature of water ranges from 26-29 degree Celsius, is the best time for these kinds of sport. Just put on scuba glasses, diving fins, scuba cylinder, and then jump into the water, a wonderful ocean worldwouldinstantly be opening in front of tourists’ eyes. Thousands of splendid corals such as sun mushroom, leather or stag-horn and colorful fishessuch as sergeant major or Clark’s anemone would definitely amaze anyone.In addition, internationally- licensed and friendly scuba divers and assistants promise safe dive and
    unforgettable experience to tourists.
    Soft sandy beaches fringed with coconut palms are not only ideal places for sunbathing or relaxation but also for energetic sport activities like beach volleyball or football. Besides matches played for fun and good health, occasional international competition such as Asian Women’s Beach Volleyball Championships draws attention of many locals and travelers.
    
    
    Overnight on luxurious junks
     
    Luxurious junk is movable accommodation, a perfect combination of upscale hotel and convenient transportation. Guests can enjoy marvelous beauty of the world heritage site any time they want while lying on the bed, enjoying coffee on the boat terrace, having lunch in dining room or sunbathing on the top deck.
    Besides taking tourists to the highlights of Ha Long Bay, the tour offers them interesting sports and entertainment activities such as scuba diving, kayaking or Vietnamese cooking class.Particularly, tourists who love to wake up early to appreciate the bay’s beauty in the dawn can also join morning Taichi class on the deck.
    Floating fishing villages
    Famous for unique scenery with thousands of limestone islands floating on the water, Ha Long attracts tourist by its cultural value as well. In recent years, visiting floating fishing villages in Ha Long such as Vong Vieng or Cua Van have been more popular.
    The locals here live on floating houses and mainly earn a living by fishing and marine aquaculture. They go fishing in the morning, selling their catches to bigger boats, which later sell the catches to the mainland. On the way of sigh-seeing around Ha Long Bay, travelers can see some floating markets of the local peopleselling goods for daily use such as vegetable, fruits, rice and fishes.
               
    Tourists can get an insight into the locals’ life byvisiting fish cultivation area. It would be much more interesting if one can have ahome-stay and try daily work of fisherman like rowing boat, casting and hauling the fish net, sitting on coracle and listening to folk songs at night. Besides, there are plenty of souvenirs made from shells and pearls by the locals available for choices. Despite language barrier, friendly and cheerful locals would surely make guests feel comfortable like staying at home.
    
    
    Supported by Indochina Sails – The most luxury and safest cruises in Halong Bay
    
    
    INDOCHINA SAILS
    Hanoi Office
    Add: 27 – A6 – Dam Trau Quarter – Hai Ba Trung District – Hanoi – Vietnam
    Tel: +84 – 4- 39842362
    Fax: +84 – 4 – 39844150
    Email: info@indochinasails.com
    Website: www.indochinasails.com (http://www.indochinasails.com/en/)
  • Blog post
  • 5 months ago
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• A trip to WeiZhou Island A trip to WeiZhou Island

  • From: j123456
  • Description:
    Although it looked like a cloudy day today in BeiHai city, the weather got better after we had arrived at Weizhou Island by water. One hour later, we reached the destination. We spent three days and three nights there. At about 5 clock in the afternoon on the twenty second of November, we landed on the island and at 5 pm on the 25th, we left. In the three days on the island, we sleep till waking up each day, sometimes stroll around nice scenic spots, are in a daze for a little bit, walk for a while, have a bike ride, pick up shell, and walk the dog. What is important is that we had fresh seafood to eat. What a leisurely and comfortable vacation. 
        About the accommodation on the island, it seems that we didn’t have many choices but Youth Hostel called ZhuZai Ba is our only choice and since we all know about hostels, we then made the decision to stay. Spending a night at a fisherman’s family was never considered, because we know nothing about its environment and something like that. We contacted with the boss there on the Internet to reserve a room, but since we were not sure on which date we would land on the island, we just made an oral contract with him. Anyway, “since it’s in a dull season, there are rooms anytime” the boss said. Having bought sea passage tickets, we started out.
        The ship having arrived at the dock, we met up with the rider of the tricycle and got on. After a while, we began officially landing on the island.
        After that, it’s when the sun goes down. Putting down our luggage in the hostel, we rushed out. Across a road, it’s a beach and we saw the sunset on the WeiZhou Island.
        Afterwards, dinner had been reserved in advance, before we had dinner together. The younger sister of the boss AHong is charge of cooking meal for us. She went to the market , bought some seafood like fish and crab and cooked for us. Her cooking skill was so good, with the GuangDong style, that we liked it very much and ate all. Since she has a good cooking skill, we decided to stay here for the rest of the days.
    in the morning of the following day, we had steamed bun with soya-bean milk and went to the market to buy some seafood. After that, we give it to AHong to cook it for us. For each meal, it’s different . crab is stemmed or sometimes fried with yolk or green onion. For fish, it’s stemmed sometimes and some other time braised in soy sauce. Shell is stemmed or sometimes fried. If we go out to have a fun and are late for buying food, we can give her a call to ask her to do it for us. At night, we reserved a seafood barbecue as our night snack and it’s so delicious.
        Moreover, There are about ten thousand residents living on the WeiZhou Island with one fifth of believers, where there are two churches, the catholic church and the chapel of Our Lady. Church is the symbol of missionaries.
    The chapel of Our Lady of France is a small typical church with the gothic style of Europe, with three floors of a square bell tower in front engraved with the three words Chapel of Our Lady, and an oblong house of god and two floors of a small building behind the tower. And perhaps because of the small-sized church located at a remote place, few people go there.
        The symbolic church on the island is the catholic church, which is already a scenic spot where there were so many people inside without tranquility and holy, and a few of buses parking by there. Finally we met up with our team group, and took some photos and left before the next group of people came.
         The church with a hundred years history, a gothic architecture in the renaissance of France was built with the corallites on the island, composed of the church, Men and women monastery, hospital, priest building, and mother and baby room.
        The Volcano Park is an important scenic spot on the island where there is a lighthouse guiding the way of the fishing-boat. Standing under the lighthouse, we can see the whole view of the South Bay.
       The Crocodile Mountain Park is where marine abrasion and volcanic lava often happen. Walking along the sea, we can see the pelelith. On that morning, the weather was bad, very cloudy. I ran into a group of children who was sketching a beautiful view.
       Located in the east, The Sesame Beach is also called the Colorful Beach, where it’s optimum to watch the sunrise. It got famous because of its white and black sand. And we can also catch some crabs in the evening.
       It’s really an unforgettable experience.
    
    http://www.chinaholidaycts.com/
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  • 6 months ago
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• Cinque Terre - Vernazza boats Cinque Terre - Vernazza boats

  • From: amichka
  • Description:
  • 6 months ago
  • Views: 543

• Singapore- Give your holidays Singapore- Give your holidays a tropical twist

  • From: Brianmcquillan
  • Description:

    Singapore, a bustling cosmopolitan city located in Southeast Asia is a much sought after travel destination where culture, cuisine, arts and architecture coexist in perfect harmony. It offer world class environment to its visitors and embodies the finest of both east and west. Lying almost on the equator, there is so much to see and do on your dream holidays to Singapore. So book Singapore flights from London and it is guaranteed that you will thoroughly enjoy your Singapore trip.
    
    
    
    Families looking for a complete hotspot should visit Sentosa which offer an exciting array of adventurous and entertaining activities to its guests. If you like to soak up the city buzz then hop onto Hippo tour which brings you around places of interest on an open-top bus.
    Get into the thick of shopping action at iconic Orchard Road stretch or hang out at the Clarke Quay or Boat Quay areas which offer myriad selection of nightlife activities. Those who want to explore aquatic life just dive into Marine Life Park and explore the world’s largest aquarium and come face to face with an action packed aquatic world.
    
    
    
    Catch low fare flights to Singapore and make most out of your trip by caring of your well being. Take the advantage of world class spas and wellness centers to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. Or try out traditional methods such as acupuncture and acupressure to remedy ailments.
    So get ready to immerse yourself in the exploration of this once fishing village turned a buzzing cosmopolitan city named Singapore.

  • Blog post
  • 7 months ago
  • Views: 241

• GUIDE 2 FUN IN VEGAS.. GUIDE 2 FUN IN VEGAS..

  • From: ajjordan2
  • Description:

    

    My friends and I took a 4-day vacation in Las Vegas, and we had a blast due to prior planning and recommendations from past visitors. Here is a guide to different venues and hotspots that we enjoyed for those traveling to the exciting Sin City…

     

     

    We decided to stay at the 4-star Platinum Hotel, located off-strip. This was a great choice, as the boutique hotel allowed us intimacy, without the overwhelming hustle and bustle of the big casino hotels. Our room was luxurious, complete with a full kitchen (including a dishwasher), washer and dryer, whirlpool Jacuzzi and state-of-the-art fixtures. The 255-room hotel contains one or two bedroom suites that range from 950 to 2,200 square feet, and contain an outdoor swimming pool, on-site fitness center, day spa, business center, and dry cleaning services. The property hosts many weddings as it is one of the only hotels with a large patio featuring outdoor views of the Strip. For food options, you can choose between the Kilowat Restaurant, which is open from 6am to 2pm for breakfast and lunch, and Stir lounge, which is open for dinner from 4pm to 2am. A unique feature to this lounge is their extensive wine selection (50-100 classic and vintage wines), with an added treat of 50% off special on their classic wines on the weekend. The Platinum Hotel is constantly in the Top 10 rating on TripAdvisor (out of 280 Las Vegas hotels).

     

     

    

    

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    After checking into our hotel and unpacking, we took a 15 minute walk to Central Michel Richard for lunch, located at Caesars Palace. This was a great start to our weekend, as the restaurant was bright and airy with both outdoor and indoor seating, as well as great views of the Strip. We started off with an appetizer of crab cakes with leeks tartare and ginger aioli. For my main course, I chose the pan seared salmon, which was cooked well done to my preference, and had an awesome burst of flavor through a medley of seasonings. My companion chose the fried chicken and mac ‘n’ cheese. Two of their cocktails, “Blueberry Blitz” and “Granada Sangria” are excellent choices for those who like fruity drinks. This is a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. For those who enjoy breakfast mid or late-day and like to party late into the night, the restaurant offers a “Late Risers Menu” from 11:30AM to 6AM.

     

     Our first evening in Vegas was a blast, and probably the best night of our vacation. We spent the evening at the Bellagio hotel, and dined and played at three of their venues: Fix, Lily, and The Bank. We started off at Fix for dinner, which was loungy with architectural, earth-toned décor. We were offset from the middle of the casino, which gave us nice views of the players, but still felt like we were in a restaurant. We started off with the “Ultimate Shell Fix”, which is a perfect appetizer for shellfish lovers. The seafood sampler contained marine lobster, tiger prawns, seasonal crab, market oysters, and clams. The lobster tacos and seabass were two of our favorite menu items. For drinks, we favored the “Raspberry Sin”, followed by the Cucumber Martini and Pineapple Mojito.

     

     From Fix, we migrated a few steps over to Lily, an upscale lounge and perfect venue for pre-gaming for a late night.  The décor at Lily contained glass paneling, white lilies in vases, boudoir furniture, and see-through drapes to give a sensual aura about the place. Music selections were diverse, and contained a nice variety of Old School R&B, Country Rock, and Reggae. The best part of the experience was sampling 10 different cocktails on their menu, all created by bartender/mixologist, Emilio Tiburicio. Some of the specialty cocktails include, “Lily” (their signature drink, which is a mixture of lime, vanilla, pear, and blood orange vodka) and the “Hibiscus Margarita” which is similar to Triple Sec, but better quality. My favorite cocktail was the “Sgroppino”, which was a combination of lemon sorbet and Grey Goose Le Citron vodka. Emilio described his creations as having “20 or 30 different flavors in one cocktail”. I recommend this venue for those that love creative and one-of-a-kind drinks.

    

     

     

    After getting our fill of cocktails at Lily, we went to The Bank, a two level nightclub with 8,000 square feet of dance and lounge space. They have VIP rooms available that accommodate up to 75 people, and we experienced having bottle service in their VIP area, which was a blast. The music selection ranged from House to Hip Hop and featured an elegant décor of black, gold, and Cristal adorned walls. The club is open Friday through Sunday starting at 10:30 p.m. and always attracts a large number of partygoers.

     

    Friday morning, we decided to experience something adventurous; we went zip lining at Bootleg Canyon, hosted by FlightlineZ. This was an adrenaline pumping activity, and it was also great to see another area of Nevada outside of the strip. The excursion departs from Excalibur hotel located on the Strip, and takes around 30 minutes to get to the zip lining destination. The activity was a one-of-a-kind experience, where you zip line from four different levels at speeds of around 65 miles per hour, for a total of 1.56 miles and a total elevation drop of 1200 feet. The view is breathtaking; overlooking orange mountains and arid terrain. The length of the zip lines are 1852ft, 1864ft, 2546ft, and 1150ft, consecutively. This is unique because the 3^rd zip line at 2546ft is the longest in Nevada and the 3^rd longest in the country. The hosts were extremely gregarious and experts at making you feel comfortable throughout the excursion.

    

     

     

     

     

    Friday evening we attended Holly Madison’s Peepshow. The burlesque show is described as being “tantalizing fun, taking audiences through a glamorous enchanted adult playground”. The show was created by Tony Award-winning director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell, who directed both Legally Blonde and Hairspray. The name, “Peepshow” is a clever play on words and a fitting description of the program in that there were characters called “Bo Peep”, “Peep Diva”, as well as the obvious reference to the sexy burlesque show. The theme of the show is childhood fairytales with a sexy, adult twist. The element that was the most enjoyable was the wide range of diverse women performing, from black, white, to Hispanic, with different body types and personalities. These were not your stereotypical Vegas Showgirls, however, each woman had a unique sexiness to them, and the choreography and performances were top notch. This is a performance to go see immediately, as the last show takes place December, 2012.

     

     

     

    

     

     

     

    Friday night we went to Palms hotel to experience their nightlife scene. We started at Ghost Bar, a rooftop lounge situated on the sweeping 55^th floor of the hotel. The 360-degree view of Vegas from this level was awe-inspiring. Compared to the many massive-sized clubs and lounges in Vegas, this venue was intimate and sexy, and thus frequently attracts the celebrity clientele. The lounge contained indoor and outdoor partitions, with plush, white furniture. After visiting Ghost Bar, we went next door to Rain, a popular club for House music, and contains 25,000 square feet of dance space with an upscale interior.

     

     

     

     

    After a night of partying, we slept in until lunchtime, and decided to dine at Slice of Vegas located at Mandalay Place (a shopping area located in between Mandalay Bay hotel and Luxor and contains affordable boutique shopping and dining choices). Slice of Vegas is an Italian eatery described by the manager, Tony Cordovana, as being “fresh casual Italian”. We started with an appetizer of calamari, which is cut fresh in-house. For the table, we ordered the “Four Cheese Truffle” pizza, a white pizza with mozzarella, ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano and fontina cheeses over a roasted garlic Alfredo sauce. The restaurant makes both their pizzas and sauces in house. Slice of Vegas is also popular for their alcoholic beverages, which include their 60 different types of beers and specialty cocktails. One of their favorites is the “You Dirty Tomato” cocktail, a bacon-flavored vodka with Bloody Mary and a pepperoni straw: not for the faint of heart (or vegetarians).

     

     

    After leaving Slice of Vegas, we stopped next door at Fat Tuesday (comparable to Wet Willie’s in Miami) and had jello shots along with a 190 Octane drink, which contains 3 shots of EverClear grain alcohol. By the time we arrived at our next destination, we had a nice buzz going. Our destination was Liquid, a pool party at Aria hotel located on the Strip. The venue contains two luxury VIP pools, 8 grand private cabanas, each of which is equipped with a 40” flat screen TV and mini fridge.  The entire property is internet-ready, so you can relax on one of the chaise lounges or day beds that line the 1,200 square-foot pool. There is also a restaurant that offers pool side dining with a menu prepared by Chef Brian Massie.

     

     

     

     

    That evening, we dined at Strip House, located at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Strip House is a fine dining experience that offers an innovative menu with sultry interior designs by David Rockwell. For appetizers we had the lobster bisque, mac ‘n’ cheese, and truffle spinach. Each was flavorsome and expertly baked. I chose the 2 pound shelled lobster with butter sauce as my entrée, which needed no help from side dishes. My companion chose the “Crisp Skin Scottish Salmon” entree, adorned with artichokes, pancetta, fingerling Potatoes and basil sauce. Perhaps the icing on the cake was literally their famous 24-layer chocolate layer cake, which we had for desert. According to the manager, they’ve sold 10 tons of the cake since its opening 5 years ago. The ambiance of the restaurant is perfect for a romantic date, with original 1900’s black and white nude photos adorning the sexy blood-red interior.

    

     

     

     

     

    Our last day in Vegas (Sunday) was an explosive culmination to our vacation. We spent the day at Rehab, a pool party located at the Hard Rock Hotel. I nicknamed the event, “the Coachella of pool parties” because of its immense popularity, including it being featured as its own reality show. Rehab takes place during the summer months, and features an A-list performer (Nelly performed at our weekend’s event) every Sunday and packs around 3,200 patrons each event. Chris Brown performed during the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, and the property usually gets around 4,700 patrons during the holidays. Resident DJ’s, Wellman and Shift play a range of music from house to R&B and Hip Hop.

     

     

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 8 months ago
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• Visiting Vong Vieng floating v Visiting Vong Vieng floating village in Halong bay

  • From: indochinasails
  • Description:

    As a large and age-old fishing village in  Ha Long bay, Vong Vieng attaches great historical and cultural value and has currently attracted lots of tourists.

     

    
    
    

     

    There are 4 fishing villages in the World Heritage site: Ba Hang, Cua Van, Vong Vieng and Cap La, A village of about 600 inhabitants. After disembarking the mother boat, tourists will be transferred by rowing boats, tender boats, or doing kayaking to enter Vong Vieng fishing village.

    It is a magically calm place, an escape from the hustle of Vietnam streets. There are about 50 families in the village and the population is between 200 and 300 residents, including nearly 100 children. The village is a true waterworld, rising and falling with the tides, sheltered a midst limestone towers. These families have lived in this village for generations. Their floating houses look spacious and clean. The well-off families even have tiled roof houses with radios, television sets, tables and chairs, etc. There is one community house here where villagers come to have meetings. Here is also the place tourists stopover to shop some traditional hand made items.

     

    Visiting the village, tourists have a chance to enjoy “Vong Vieng night” which is considered an attractive and original tourism product. In the evening, under the soft light of the moon and the oil lamps, tourists sit on woven bamboo boats, breathe fresh air, listen to duel love songs, drop flower garlands and colored lanterns for luck and see the fishermen catching marine products. Tourists get strange and unforgetable feeling after enjoying this special kind of tourism product.

    In addition, the fishing village festival is held once a year during the Ha Long Tourism Week. In the festival, tourists can take part in a variety of activities will be held such as folk song singing contest, food processing competition, swimming competition, boat handling competion, etc.

  • Blog post
  • 9 months ago
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• The Beauty of Halong Bay The Beauty of Halong Bay

  • From: indochinasails
  • Description:
    For generations of visitors arriving by sea in North Vietnam, the geological marvel known as Halong Bay has been their first introduction to this remarkable country. The weathered limestone Karst pillars can be seen at several locations across southern China and northern Vietnam, but Halong Bay is the only place where they emerge from the sea. The bay received its name –“Bay of the Descending Dragon” – from a mythical dragon – Long in Vietnamese- that was assigned by the gods to protect Vietnam from invaders, and it spat lumps of jade into the bay, which grew into islands to protect the coastline.
    
    A Rocky Wonder
    The 3000 limestone outcrops harbour a variety of species of flora and fauna. Over 200 species of fish and 450 species of molluscs call Halong Bay home, and the environment helps sustain a unique community of fishermen and their families. Halong bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its celebrated biodiversity is subject to several ecological studies. Lucky visitors might see some of the unique species, including the Horseshoe Crab (TachypleusGigas), a truly amazing living fossil which has not evolved significantly in 450 million years.
    An Unforgettable Backdrop
    Rising spectacularly from the mirror-like Gulf of Tonkin, these islands create an atmospheric backdrop for a cruise on a traditional junk, past the many small fishing villages, and mooring for dinner (locally caught) and prepared by on-board chefs. The tours can run for up to 3 days to allow visitors a chance to explore this remarkable environment. The Chinese-style junks are equipped with traditional boom sails and modern engines, and all have 5-star accommodation and cooking facilities. It is possible to purchase fish from the floating fish market and have it cooked for you on board.
    
    Cave of Surprises
    For a supplementary payment it is possible to rent a tandem kayak to allow visitors to explore the pillars more closely. The archipelago is full of caves and grottoes with amazing stalactites, many of which are big enough to explore on foot. Centuries of waves and tides have hollowed these caves out of the porous limestone. Sung Sot Cave, known as the Cave of Surprises, is by far the largest cave, and the most suitable for exploration.
    A National Treasure
    The fragile marine environment has led the Vietnamese government to set up a national park area in the south-west part of the archipelago, known as Cat Ba National Park. This is the home of one of the most critically endangered species of primate, the Cat Ba Langur. Visits are possible, and the limestone pillars of the Cat Ba National Park are best accessed with a guide, as an unfamiliar visitor may have difficulty locating the trails.
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• BLOGGER-INSIDER TRAVEL DEALS F BLOGGER-INSIDER TRAVEL DEALS FOR SUMMER TO WINTER!

  • From: ajjordan2
  • Description:

    CHECK OUT THESE INSIDER EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL DEALS THAT YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS FOR TRAVEL NOW THROUGH THE FALL AND WINTER MONTHS!!!

    1. JUPITER BEACH RESORT & SPA, Jupiter, FL - 30% Savings

    www.jupiterbeachresort.com
    
    
    Offer: Light's Out! … It's Turtle Season! at Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa. Room rates starting at $199 / night and also includes full breakfast for two, and tickets to a Saturday night "turtle walk" with the Loggerhead Marine Life Center to see the sea turtles nest and hatch.
    Savings: 30%
    Details: Valid for travel through July 31, 2012. Saturday night stay required. Some blackout dates may apply.
    Reservations: www.jupiterbeachresort.com and enter promo code SEATTL or call 866.943.0950.
     
     
     

    2. COSTA RICA MARRIOTT, San Jose, Costa Rica - Wired For Business - 30% Savings

    www.marriottcostarica.com
     
    
    
    
    Offer: During their Green Season, the Costa Rica Marriott has lowered prices for business travelers. "Wired for Business" starting rates, normally $349/night are cut to $249/night through November 9, 2012. This offer also includes buffet breakfast for two adults and two children under twelve, free parking and free wifi.
    Savings: 30%
    

    
    Details: Valid for travel through November 9, 2012

    Reservations: Visit www.costaricamarriott.com or call 1-888-236-2427.

     

     

     
    3. LOS SUENOS MARRIOTT OCEAN & GOLF RESORT, Herradura, CR - 52% Savings
    www.lossuenosmarriott.com
    
     
    Offer: Escape! Costa Rica gives families the flexibility of dining options from six on-property restaurants, with daily meals for two adults and two children, including standard libations. Rates start at $317/night.
    
    
    Savings: 52%
    Details: Valid for travel through August 31, 2012. Minimum four-night stay required. Children must be under twelve.
    Reservations: Visit www.lossuenosmarriott.com or call 888.727.2347 with code: NCL.
     
    
     
    4. ARUBA MARRIOTT RESORT & STELLARIS CASINO, Palm Beach, Aruba - 33% Savings

     

    

     

    Offer: Escape! Your Way Family offers guests daily breakfast for two adults and two children, tickets to the Aruba Butterfly Farm, complimentary on-site bead-making, pizza making and the-dyed shirt classes for children, and a welcome amenity. Rates start at $309/night.

    Savings: 33%

    Details: Valid for travel through December 21, 2012. Minimum four night stay required. Children must be under twelve. 

    Reservations: Visit www.arubamarriott.com or call 800.288.9290 with code: MAJ.
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• Marine iguana -- Isla Santa Cr Marine iguana -- Isla Santa Cruz, Galapagos

  • From: ashent
  • Description:

    During visit in March 2012.

  • 1 year ago
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• Marine Iguanas -- Isla Fernand Marine Iguanas -- Isla Fernandina, Galapagos

  • From: ashent
  • Description:

    During visit in March 2012.

  • 1 year ago
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• Marine Iguanas -- Isla Fernand Marine Iguanas -- Isla Fernandina, Galapagos

  • From: ashent
  • Description:

    During visit in March 2012.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 304

• In The Early Morning Rain In The Early Morning Rain

  • From: biglannie
  • Description:

    Point Lobos State Marine Reserve, California
    

  • 1 year ago
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• GIRL'S GETAWAY TO ARUBA GIRL'S GETAWAY TO ARUBA

  • From: ajjordan2
  • Description:

    My best friend and I took a much-needed vacation in Aruba this past February. Aruba has the highest rate of return in the Caribbean, and our experience on the “Happy Island” left very little to be desired…

     

     

     

    We stayed at the Aruba Marriott & Stellaris Casino, which recently added a new adults-only pool to their exclusive resort. The pool features a 10,000 sqft terrace, plush cabanas with iPod docking, rum-infused sno-cones, and a fully-stocked bar. This new addition compliments the adults-only Tradewinds Club, which was a similar experience to staying at an all-inclusive hotel.

     

    Access to the Tradewinds Club includes 5 complimentary meals per day, daily open bar serving premium liquor, discovery hour (sampling of different appetizers), tea time, as well as a reserved beach area. The TC rooms include upgraded perks such as pillow menus (feather, foam, etc), plush bathrobes, and luxurious aloe bath products.

     

    Both the adults-only hotel and the Tradewinds Club allowed us to experience the pool, beach, and club kids-free. However, we did venture into the main pool a few times to relax in the lazy river.

     

    For dinner, we ate at the Marriott’s Simply Fish restaurant, which offers a sunset dining experience on the sand in front of the lapping waves. As its name implies, the restaurant serves a medley of fresh seafood; try the “Arubian Triangle”, a sampler of lobster, grouper, and seabass (This was our favorite restaurant on the resort, but the hotel also offers Japanese, Italian, and American fare).

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The Screaming Eagle was a perfect off-resort restaurant, where the décor was presented in a very intimate and romantic setting. Flowing white drapes enclose private plush love seats to give a feeling of dinner in bed. Some of the popular menu items were the Thai Caramelized Shrimp and the Crème brûlée of Hungarian duck liver. I chose the lobster.

     

     

    

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Saturday night started off as a relaxing night in, but at the stroke of 10pm, we heard the beginnings of music pumping in the distance from our hotel balcony.  We ventured downstairs to what turned out to be a popular beach party adjacent to the Marriott (called Moomba Beach). The party was awesome, and the music selections ranged between R&B, Hip Hop, Reggae, to local artists. There was a guest DJ from New York, as well as popular Aruban artist, DJ Diablo.  (Saturday nights at Moomba Beach are popular for locals as well as tourists).

     

     

    Other nightspots that we visited were located 5 minutes from the Marriott hotel, which included The Sopranos piano bar, where you can experience live American-based music from the 60’s to current hits, as well as Senor Frogs, Confession, and Gusto lounges (typically younger crowds).

     

     

     

     

     

    The Marriott has a resident casino (Stellaris), and I signed up for blackjack lessons during my second day in Aruba. My first time playing blackjack was very entertaining, although playing with fake money was more comforting then using real money J (the hotel also offers bartender and salsa lessons).

     

    There are many marine/outdoor activities accessible from the Marriott beach. These sports include windsurfing, kite boarding, and paddleboard yoga. We decided to try the paddleboard yoga-an engaging aerobic activity that provided instruction in yoga positions, meditation, and allowed us to “become one with the ocean”.

     

    One of the most widely-used excursion-tour companies on the island is DePalm Tours, as they offer land, air, and sea excursions. My friend and I took a jeep tour, which took us throughout the island of Aruba (which is only 6 miles wide), and allowed us to experience the destination’s arid, desert terrain, filled with cactus plants, rocky cliffs, and natural coral bridges.

     

    The tour included a stop at a local Aruban church, a visit to the famous coral bridge which collapsed in 2005, as well as a swimming experience at a natural pool.

     

    We enjoyed our jeep tour so much, that we signed up for the DePalm Tours snorkeling excursion. The tour was a half-day retreat, which took us to three popular beaches for snorkeling. The tour featured an open bar, lunch, and did not have any loud hosts or performers (it was a great laid back choice that allowed us to relax on the boat and snorkel at leisure).

     

    We upgraded our experience while on the catamaran to the snuba diving tour, which allowed us to dive at 12 feet below and see a greater variety of marine life on the ocean floor.

     

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• Seattle Seattle

  • From: hoosierfan1997
  • Description:

    Set between two major mountain ranges, the Olympics and the Cascades, with the Puget Sound's fjord-like waters to the west and massive Lake Washington to the east, Seattle has one of the most dramatic settings of any city in the country.
    
    The frequent moody cloud cover can hide those jagged mountains but on clear days 14,411-foot (4297 meter) Mount Rainier can be seen from the city. Reuters correspondents with local knowledge help visitors get the most out of a short stay in the northwestern U.S. city.

    
    Friday
    6 p.m. - If the clouds have lifted even a bit, there's no better place to watch the sunset over Elliott Bay than from the Seattle Art Museum's nine-acre Olympic Sculpture Park on the downtown waterfront. Besides wandering about the 20 sculptures from major artists like Alexander Calder, Louise Nevelson and Richard Serra, you can enjoy further views of the changeable bay by strolling along the paved trail through nearby Myrtle Edwards Park.

    
    7 p.m. - Head up to the Capitol Hill neighborhood and start the weekend with cocktails at Tavern Law, named by GQ Magazine as one of the 25 best bars in America.

    
    There are plenty of handcrafted cocktails to enjoy in the Prohibition-era surroundings, but celebrate the start of your getaway with a custom champagne cocktail. Peruse the menu. The oxtail banh mi sandwich, based on Vietnamese tradition, will give you a taste of the Pacific Rim influence that figures in so many Seattle menus.

    
    9 p.m. - Seattle takes its jazz seriously and there's no better spot than Dimitriou's Jazz Alley downtown to hear it. With any luck, a musician like Grammy Award-winning Arturo Sandoval will be holding court. Or maybe you'll catch the funky horn-driven Tower of Power.

    
    Saturday
    9 a.m. - Fortify yourself for the day ahead with one of the best Mexican breakfasts anywhere at Senor Moose in the lively Ballard neighborhood. The crowded restaurant offers breakfast specialties culled from regions throughout Mexico. Try the outstanding huevos motuleos with black beans inspired by the Yucatan breakfast staple. Even though it's early, go ahead and get an order of the flawless guacamole and chips. It's surprisingly good with a cup of Senor Moose's strong coffee.
    
    11 a.m. - Get a sense of Ballard's historic status as Seattle's Scandinavian neighborhood at the Nordic Heritage Museum and at stops such as the shop Scandinavian Specialties, where you can pick up house-made cured meats, homemade Swedish meatballs and a bowl of traditional yellow split pea soup.

    
    Ballard also has a lively shopping scene.  KAVU, a local Seattle clothing and gear company, offers the quintessential Northwest look, with hip interpretations of outdoorsy style clothes. Stop at The Secret Garden Bookshop which has a carefully chosen selection of books for children and adults. For lunch, head to the nearby Ray's Boathouse Cafe with views for which Seattle is famous, along with the seafood.

    
    3 p.m. - Spend the next two hours absorbing more of Asia's influence on Seattle at the Seattle Asian Art Museum. The museum, which is situated in lovely Volunteer Park, showcases exquisite art from various centuries and numerous counties in Asia.
    
    5 p.m. - Continue your exploration of Seattle's hot cocktail scene at the Zig Zag Cafe tucked away behind the Pike Place Market. Try the One Legged Duck, a blend of Rye Whiskey, Dubonnet, Mandarine Napoleon and Fernet Branca. Order a plate of marinated olives to go with it, or try the cheese plate. Much of the food on the menu is sourced at the Pike Place Market.
    
    7 p.m. - Since you're already at Pike Place, head to Matt's in the Market on the third floor of the Corner Market Building, where the food matches the view. Meat lovers can try the Pork Belly Confit with kimchi broth. For those who prefer seafood try the clams with chorizo and cava or order anything with Dungeness crab or perhaps some oysters on the half shell. For a larger plate try the seafood stew.

    
    9 p.m. - For a great evening head to the Triple Door in the heart of downtown Seattle, which offers music ranging from pop chanteuse crooners to Apple Jam, a group presenting a critically praised tribute to the Beatles.  A great wine list is available, along with excellent cocktails and Southeast Asian inspired plates. The satays are a perennial favorite.

     

    
    Sunday

    10 a.m. - For brunch try Salty's at Alki in West Seattle. It can be crowded, but the views and lavish assortment of Northwest foods on offer more than make up for it, including piles of Dungeness crab and smoked salmon, along with brunch staples like Eggs Benedict and Belgian waffles. Afterwards walk for miles along the waterfront through Alki, Seattle's premiere people watching neighborhood and beach scene. Seals often pop their heads up here, and you'll see ferries chugging off to local islands.
    
    1 p.m. - Seattle is a book lover's town, and readers have many fine bookstores to visit. Seattle Mystery Bookshop in historic Pioneer Square is one of the best and offers both new and used books. Passionate, friendly staff can help you find the perfect read.
    
    For an excellent general selection, Elliott Bay Book Company on Capitol Hill has the goods, many with staff recommendations, plus a great selection of unique cards. It's easy to lose yourself in the stacks, so keep an eye on the clock if you need catch a flight.

     

     

    MORE…

    With booming family-friendly popularity, Seattle is an urban playground with wide open appeal for outdoor lovers. If you enjoy tall emerald forests and city parks, stunning views of distant snow-capped mountains and miles of Puget-Sound open water, you'll love Seattle. While many know Seattle as the rain capital, Seattleites boast their city actually gets less annual rain than New York or Miami. A little drizzle is no reason to miss out on exploring -- especially in summer.

     

    Most city attractions for kids are clustered at Seattle Center, a 74-acre downtown venue with the Space Needle, Children's Museum, Children's Theatre, Pacific Science Center, Experience Music Project and an indoor-outdoor amusement park. Large event fests are here; make sure to bring strollers for the little ones.

    ·         Pike Place Market. The nine-acre Market, which opened on August 17, 1907 according to its website (http://www.pikeplacemarket.com) is can't- miss for all ages as the city's heart and soul. The Market is a free National Historic District with more than 250 businesses, 100 farmers, 200 arts and craftspeople and open daily. Arrive at 10 a.m. to beat crowds. Mondays and Tuesdays are best for crafts; Wednesday-Sundays showcase amazing fresh produce. Kids love their photo with Rachel, the iconic life-sized bronze piggy. She's under the central Market clock by Pike Place Fish, where singing fishmongers throw fish.

    ·         Space Needle. This symbol of the 1962 World's Fair has an observation tower ("O Deck") at 520 feet high. Kids love scoping out Mount Rainier on free telescopes. SkyQ's interactive experience, with five touch-screen kiosks, entertains all. An often-crowded gift shop sells noteworthy souvenirs. Kids 3 and under free; kids ages 4-13 pay $9, ages 14-64 pay $16 and people over 65 years old pay $14.

    ·         Seattle Aquarium. While gazing into a 120,000-gallon aquarium, kids of all ages are astonished as they also see colorful salmon, rockfish, sea anemones and native Washington marine life. Also, there's storytelling for the youngest. On the waterfront at Pier 59, down a flight of stairs from Pike Place Market. It gets crowded, so arrive at 9:30 a.m. Kids ages 3 and under are admitted for free. Admission for youth (ages 4-12) is $10.50, and admission for adults is $16.

    ·         Pacific Science Center. This hands-on, six-acre facility is great for elementary-aged kids, with interactive exhibits and live science demonstrations. A tropical butterfly area is popular for all ages. Also, IMax movies, laser tag and the Planetarium offer an educational, yet fun way of showing kids information. Prices range from $17-$23 for adults and $10-$13 for kids.

    ·         Woodland Park Zoo. Its naturalistic settings rank the 92-acre Woodland Park among the country's top zoos with appeal to all animal lovers. Chilean flamingos, an African savanna, tropical rain forest, and covered activities such as parakeets feeding provide a full day's entertainment. Bring dollar bills for rides on an old-fashioned carousel (merry-go-round). Admission depends on the time of year. Kids under age 2 are admitted for free; admission for adults (October-April) is $11 and $16.50 during summer months. Admission for kids ages 3 through 12 is $11 during summer months and $8 the rest of the year. Be sure to rent a wagon (near admission entrance).

    ·         Experience Music Project Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame. One of the world's largest collections of memorabilia from Seattle icon Jimi Hendrix. EMPSFM appeals to rockers, high school teens and parents who remember Hendrix. It celebrates American popular music genres. Also, a SpinKids Station amuses young kids. Kids ages 4 and under are admitted for free. Admission for youth (ages 5-17) is $12, and admission for adults is $15.

    ·         Tillicum Village & Tours. For a memorable four-hour evening, take a late afternoon cruise to scenic Blake Island State Park, birthplace of Chief Seattle, for a Northwest Coast Native American dance presentation. An all-you-can-eat traditional salmon bake dinner is yummy. Board from downtown waterfront's Pier 55. Kids under 4, free; kids aged 5-12 pay $30 and adults pay $79.95.

    ·         Bainbridge Island. Board a downtown Seattle walk-on ferry (about $7 roundtrip, no reservations) at downtown's Pier 52 for a 35-minute ride to charming 28-square-mile Bainbridge Island. It's a fun day trip for the family. Enjoy ice cream, coffees, lunch or picnic. Bring a stroller.

    ·         Olympic Sculpture Park. This free, downtown nine-acre sculpture park is a great spot to view Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains scenery. A z-shaped path rambles among permanent and rotating sculptures. Great for a picnic lunch with treats picked up from shops at nearby Pike Place Market.

    ·         Alki Beach Park. Kids love this true sandy free beach park, with a 2.5-mile pedestrian walkway. It's where the first white settlers arrived in Seattle in 1851. Catch a Metro Bus (Route 56) a block from Pike Place Market. Water temps average 46 to 56 degrees Fahrenheit.

    ·         University District Farmers market. Washington's largest "farmer's only" market is also Seattle's oldest market, taking place every Saturday throughout the year. Sample local farm foods and watch chef demonstrations. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. near University of Washington.

    ·         Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. Kids love watching salmon climb up a fish ladder or catching a glimpse of a sea lion from a viewing window. Also known as the Ballard Locks, the locks raise and lower boats between fresh and salt water.

    ·         Downtown parking is expensive and is challenging to find. Keep it simple -- walk, ride Metro Buses or take a cab.

    ·         One-way streets and steady construction can cause direction confusion; ask for directions.

    ·         The city's scenic waterfront-area hills are steep. Pack each family member's most comfortable shoes.

    ·         At dusk, avoid historic Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market areas (hangouts for rowdy, alcohol-slugging vagrants).

    ·         During late spring and summer, throngs of visitors and cruise passengers frequent popular spots; arrive early in the morning. Arrange a meeting place if family members get separated.

    ·         Summer air conditioning is scarce, so plan accordingly. November kicks off the cool rainy season. In winter, dusk arrives come late afternoon.

     

    Other things things you should know

    ·         Seattle's Visitor Center and Concierge Services have free bookings and reservations for dining, tours, and transportation. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Washington State Convention & Trade Center's Upper Pike Street lobby, 7th and Pike streets. 206-461-5800.

    ·         Most top children's attractions are conveniently located near Seattle Center, a 74-acre urban park, including the Space Needle, the modernistic 1962 World's Fair landmark.

    ·         Seattle's climate is refreshing from July through September. Pack a light jacket or sweater, but most humidity-free temps range from 50s Fahrenheit to the 80s.

    ·         Dressy attire not required. Seattle is casual and laid-back, with layered comfort a fashion standard.\

    ·         Multiple public parks, with green space for running and hiking (some with beaches) offer kid-friendly places for dissipating energy.

    ·         Caught in a downpour? Cool weather? The towering, downtown flagship REI, billed as the world's premier outdoor gear store, has a 65-foot freestanding indoor climbing wall. (Residents typically shun umbrellas).

    ·         At Pike Place Information Booth, corner of Pike Street and 1st Avenue, buy half-priced concert and play tickets for day of performance.

    ·         While walking downtown, have kids look for Seattle's iconic bronze pigs. Take pictures.

    ·         During the winter, rent a car for the day and take the kids skiing. Crystal Mountain has the state's highest vertical drop, along with scenic chairlift rides, hiking trails and biking trails (www.skicrystal.com). Also, the Summit at Snoqualmie has easy accessibility and lessons, both skiing and snowboarding, for adults and kids (www.summitatsnoqualmie.com).

    ·         Plan picnics after visits to the Pike Place Market area. Fresh fruits, cheese, meats and sweet treat food choices are abundant. Don't miss Beecher's for cheese near the market; kids love the homemade mac and cheese on a cool day.

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• ClearVizPhoto

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