1291 Search Results for "views"

• Costa Rica '10 074.jpg Costa Rica '10 074.jpg

  • From: gogirl
  • Description:

    Both of these photos were taken at the Arenal Observatory Lodge where we stayed for several days with our two teenagers.  Highly recommend visiting Arenal and staying at this lodge.  Great staff, great views, and right in heart of national park.  We went ziplining, river rafting, and hiking with park nature guide while there.  Watched lava at night from volcano and saw plenty of wildlife during the day.   

  • 3 weeks ago
  • Views: 84
  • Not yet rated

• Costa Rica '10 085.jpg Costa Rica '10 085.jpg

  • From: gogirl
  • Description:

    Both of these photos were taken at the Arenal Observatory Lodge where we stayed for several days with our two teenagers.  Highly recommend visiting Arenal and staying at this lodge.  Great staff, great views, and right in heart of national park.  We went ziplining, river rafting, and hiking with park nature guide while there.  Watched lava at night from volcano and saw plenty of wildlife during the day.   

  • 3 weeks ago
  • Views: 73
  • Not yet rated

• Sunrise at Haleakala Sunrise at Haleakala

  • From: woobiecat1
  • Description:

    On Maui, one of the best things to do is to get up before 3 a.m. and drive to the top of the volcano at Haleakala and watch sunrise.  It is over 10,000 feet above sea level and every mile up is on a curved , hairpin road, but it is worth the effort. It is spectacular. Sunrise is greeted by a crowd of people and a beautiful song sung by a native Hawaiian. When you drive back down in the daylight, you see the beautiful views and the drop-offs on the sides of the road that you just came up in the dark.

  • 5 weeks ago
  • Views: 133

• Top Biking Adventures in Vietn Top Biking Adventures in Vietnam

  • From: acitvetraveasia
  • Description:
    As a country with every terrain imaginable, Vietnam offers a memorable bicycling adventure for any and all peddlers, regardless of experience or condition. The flat expanse of the Mekong Delta grows to rugged mountains in the central expanse and then blends into the widest variety of difficulty north near Hanoi.
    Traffic and Bicycle Laws
    Along with standard laws like not causing traffic problems by racing or zigzagging, Vietnam has few laws targeted specifically toward the bicyclist. It is important to remember not to carry cumbersome loads, carry children over age seven with you or ride more than two abreast. No sort of helmet or lighting is required, but bicyclists are not allowed to ride with open umbrellas. One can only guess what happened to make this law.
    Common Trips
    For those interested in adventure and active trips, there are some routes that will take you through and explore the backcountry while providing some modicum of modern amenities. ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA_one of the travel companies offering cycling tours in Indochina_ is received good reviews of adventure travelers.

    Biking Mekong Delta

    The easiest of these is around the Mekong Delta. With a terrain nearly devoid of any rise, these trips are easier, but by no means less scenic, than the others. Traveling through the expanse of rice paddies dotted with the occasional copse of trees, the rider will be joined by children cycling to or from school or women returning from the market. People in the villages will be pleasantly surprised to see a foreigner riding into town and a circuit from Ho Chi Minh to any of the surrounding villages is an easy ride. With the flat terrain and abundance of villages it is easy to take a trip of any length, whether only a day or two weeks, a rider can tour without backtracking.

    Biking Mai chau, Hoa Binh province

    The northern area allows for more wooded scenery while still allowing for easier trips. For the more adventurous, the northern area provides a greater degree of difficulty through the hills surrounding Hanoi. This trip offers a great opportunity to see the two area of outstanding nature beauty; the North West highlands of Mai Chau and the limestone mountains of Ninh Binh. Biking is a great way to see this fascinating and visually stunning part of Vietnam, offering both physical activity and the unique opportunity to observe a way of life that has changed little over the centuries. As we ride in Mai Chau we encounter Muong and White Thai minorities and are guests in their traditional stilt houses allowing us to see firsthand how these minority peoples live. In Ninh Binh we explore the beauty of “Halong Bay on the rice fields” on bikes.

    Biking Ho Chi Minh trail

    A new trip for the adventurous would be along the historical Ho Chi Minh trail. The so-called Ho Chi Minh Trail is one of the most renowned legends of the American War. The complicated road system winds along the Truong Son Range, which that facilitated movement of soldiers and war supplies from North Vietnam to battlefields in South Vietnam. Now the historic trail is being turned into a highway and hotels and towns are springing up speedily beside it. The route is incredibly beautiful with new mountain views around every corner, very little traffic, and virtually no tourists.
    Weather
    Weather in Southeast Asia is a big consideration and it is recommended to go from Late September to December or March to late May. The weather in the southern area of Vietnam stays warm and humid averaging 26°C with its rainy season from June to September. BE WARNED: Vietnam sees monsoonal rains starting in June, peaking in August and tapering down in September. This season varies depending on location; Hanoi in the north generally has a rainy season that peaks earlier while Ho Chi Minh City may not see its rains slack until early October. Vietnam, especially central Vietnam, often floods and can hold up a trip for a week before the waters recede.
    The hot season will see temperatures averaging 30°C, with the south staying warm all year round and the north seeing winter trends averaging 15°C. Depending on the time of year, it would be advisable to take a jacket to keep off the chill, especially if riding in the highlands, and a hat to protect against the sun.
    Other Considerations
    Visas must be applied for at least six months prior to entry date. Tourist visas are granted for one month, but may be extended after arrival in Vietnam, and only allow one entry into the country. Tourists must fill out arrival/departure papers and declaration papers, keeping both with the passport at all times. It is also recommended having a few extra passport-size photos with you as local authorities may request these and it is always a good idea to stay on the good side of authorities.
    With over two-thirds of its roads unpaved and those paved roads sporting an abundance of potholes, the road conditions almost require a mountain bike. 
    The lush landscapes and warm hospitality provide anyone with a good biking tour of Vietnam. Take the time to look around and smell the proverbial “roses”.
  • Blog post
  • 1 month ago
  • Views: 16
  • Not yet rated

• New Zealand Flights take you t New Zealand Flights take you to a Fantasyland

  • From: Brianmcquillan
  • Description:
     
    Beautifully burrowed into the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is decked with stunning landscape, verdant meadows, crystal clear lakes and incredibly scenic beached and to top it all a great culture of hospitality. The allure of this picture postcard destination transcends borders and people often board New Zealand flights to get to this heavenly destination on earth which is synonymous with its Kiwi birds.

    

    The destination called New Zealand is also a moviemakers’ delight. Filmmakers often roll their cameras to capture the breathtaking views of this immaculate beauty. At first glance, it appears that this jaw dropping destinations has been made just for the tourists.

    The country, where sheep outnumber people, provides enough scope for adventure sports like bungee jumping, black water rafting and zorbing. New Zealand puts you on an adrenalin rush with skydiving and glacier climbing options.

    

    
    

    The cities in New Zealand are elegantly tucked in this lovely landscape. Auckland, the largest city in the country can be termed as a city of volcanoes spewing lava. Rotorua has Maori culture and hot pools as its USP while Hamilton keeps the tourists enthralled with its understated charm. Cities like Napier, Wellington and Christchurch have their own aura.

    

    
    

    The inhabitants of the land has joined hands to make it a beloved tourist destination, the people here are extremely courteous and take pride in offering best of hospitality to the visitors. Board a flight to New Zealand from UK and say hello to this darling destination.

    This content is originally Syndicated from: - http://brianmcquillan-travel.blogspot.com/2013/03/new-zealand-flights-take-you-to.html

  • Blog post
  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 3
  • Not yet rated

• Nassau from Atlantis Hotel Nassau from Atlantis Hotel

  • From: gmaso
  • Description:

    Night and day views of Nassau from The Atlantis Hotel. The daytime view shows the dolphin pool in the center right. Unlike many ports there are multiple cruise ships in port constantly making downtown Nassau a busy place.

  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 152
  • Not yet rated

• Nassau from Atlantis Hotel Nassau from Atlantis Hotel

  • From: gmaso
  • Description:

    Night and day views of Nassau from The Atlantis Hotel. The daytime view shows the dolphin pool in the center right. Unlike many ports there are cruise ships in port every day making downtown Nassau a busy place.

  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 238
  • Not yet rated

• Prague – Vienna Cycle Tour Prague – Vienna Cycle Tour

  • From: Bicycle_tours
  • Description:

    Last September I joined a cycle tour in the Czech Republic. The tour took us from Prague in Central Bohemia to the rolling hills and charming medieval and Renaissance towns of South Bohemia and then through the gently-sloping vineyards of South Moravia. Some riders then cycled on to Vienna, whilst others chose to return to Prague. For many non-Czechs the countryside of the Czech Republic is unknown, secret, and undiscovered. This tour is a wonderful opportunity to discover what lies beyond Prague, a city that is deservedly visited by millions of people every year.

     

    We were a very diverse group. Our party consisted of seven Australians, a British couple, a couple from Brazil, a New Zealander, an American, and our Czech guide, Jiri (George) and driver, Jindrich (Henry). And me – I’ve been living and working in Prague for six years, but I’ originally from London, UK. Age-wise, collectively we covered every decade from early thirties to (almost) seventy. As those who have been on tours like this before, there is a camaraderie amongst cyclists that transcends continents and ages.

     

    Our First Day:        Prague to Ceske Budejovice by mini-bus

                                Ceske Budejovice to Cesky Krumlov by bike

     

    After collecting everybody from their hotels on a quiet and overcast Prague Sunday morning, we group of strangers, soon to become brave companions of the trail, gathered together in the cellar meeting room of the tour company to introduce ourselves and to receive a full briefing. We were given a detailed itinerary for each day, a safety briefing and a small glass of slivovice (a local plum brandy that some people quite like).

     

    Then it was outside to hitch up the bike trailers to the mini-buses, check on helmets and water-bottles, and on to Ceske Budejovice. After a two and a half hour drive, we parked up in the city centre and everyone was allocated their bikes for the week. The bikes are already pre-selected for individual size, weight and experience by the company. Some people had brought their own pedals and these were quickly fitted by the ever-helpful staff.

     

    Ceske Budejovice is of course the home of the Czech Republic’s second most famous beer, Budvar or Budweiser. It is an old town with a lot of green spaces and a very large Renaissance square, where we took the first of many group photographs.

     

    We made our way through the town and down to the River Vltava (Moldau), the same river that runs through Prague. It was a great way to start, riding along the flat cycle path following the river to test out the comfort and settings of our bikes. After a while, we reached a rocky outcrop – our first hill! After climbing above the river, we coasted down a winding forest path to the small settlement and large monastery of Zlata Koruna (Golden Crown) founded in 1263. Here was a chance to stock up on a well-deserved bowl of soup and plate of sausage.

     

    After suitable refreshment, the last stage of the day’s short ride was down to the fairy-tale chocolate-box town of Cesky Krumlov, dominated by the second-largest castle in the country built on sheer rocks which rise up from the river. It is spectacularly beautiful and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.  George gave us a tour of the town, but sadly it was raining quite hard at this stage, so we were very glad to arrive at our hotel. The luggage had already been delivered to our rooms and we had time to freshen-up before dinner.

     

    Dinner was in a lovely medieval restaurant where the food was prepared on an open fire. We sat at long wooden tables and had a chance to get to know each other better. However, what really bonded our group together was the next stop in a lovely crowded pub with a piano player who took requests. I’d like to think that our lusty singing of old standards was enjoyed by the locals as much as it was by us.

     

    Kilometres cycled:   27

     

    Second Day:Cesky Krumlov to Trebon

     

    After a fine and hearty breakfast, we gathered in the courtyard of the hotel to reacquaint ourselves with our bikes and make some final adjustments to them. And so we set off. It’s a long climb out of the valley of Cesky Krumlov, nestled on a bend of the river, where in high summer canoeing and rafting are very popular. We rode along paved cycle tracks and forest paths before stopping at a village restaurant for lunch. It was quite a strenuous day’s cycling and some of our valiant company took respite in the mini-bus for the more hill sections. The mini-bus is never far-away and is stocked up with water, fruit and energy bars.

     

    I should add that the day was quite testing; not only because of the distance and terrain, but it was also quite cold and raining, so it did test the morale of the group. However, the week’s forecast was good and the outlook was for sunny weather. Some of us rode the mini-bus into Trebon, while others pressed on through the mud and rain to arrive later.

     

    After a welcome shower, we met for a meal in the hotel restaurant, which was served with élan and charm by our hosts. Some opted to take a walk around the town afterwards to take in the Renaissance square, the Marian column, the charming castle and a local hostelry to taste the renowned local brew.

     

    Kilometres cycled:   61

     

    Third Day:    Trebon to Telc

     

    Trebon has been the centre of the Czech fish industry for five centuries. Over this time many fish-ponds and man-made lakes have been developed to produce carp and other fish. Carp is a traditional Christmas meal in the Czech Republic. It is a flatter area of South Bohemia, so a good chance to get in some faster cycling along paved forest paths. It was raining lightly and misty but this added to the mystique of riding through the dark, silent pine forests of Central Europe. All very atmospheric, all very Brothers Grimm.

     

    After about 25 kilometres we left the woods and the land began to undulate through fields. We met up with Henry and the mini-bus for snacks and refreshments, and to mend a couple of punctures.

     

    We pushed on through the rain. This was the most gruelling day, the furthest to cycle, nearly 80 kilometres and the second two-thirds were fairly hilly. We stopped for lunch at a country pub-restaurant, but otherwise it was head-down and concentrate on getting to Telc and South Moravia.

     

    The town of Telc is another UNESCO World Heritage site. It has a breath-takingly beautiful and extensive square, consisting entirely of Renaissance buildings from the 16^th century, decorated in the typical brightly-coloured and sgraffitoed style of the time. It’s a great photo opportunity.

     

    We stayed in a very fine hotel not far from the main square, which had been a large farm and dairy complex. The tasteful reconstruction provided spacious rooms and a fine restaurant which served an excellent and well-deserved dinner.

     

    We were all pretty tired after this day, but we went to bed knowing that the following days would be sunny with temperatures rising to 25 degrees Celsius. Indian summer weather!

     

    Kilometres cycled:   78

     

    Fourth Day:  Telc – Vranov

     

    This was a shorter day than the day before but we had some hilly country to tackle as we followed the spectacular rocky and wooded valley of the Dyje river, which flows into the Danube.

     

    By mid-morning the sun had begun to shine and the temperature to rise. We rode through sun-dappled forests and fields and stopped at a large 17^th century convent complex, where we stocked up on snacks and looked around the old buildings perched on top of a hill with lovely views of the Moravian landscape we were to cycle through.

     

    In the afternoon, after lunch in a country village restaurant where some of our party were brave enough to assay the delicacies of the bull, we cycled through deeply-forested paths with short steep climbs and satisfyingly long downhill runs.

     

    We passed the 11^th century castle Bitov, high on an outcrop of the river, and climbed up to take a short tour of the castle. It was extended during the 15^th to 17^th centuries and had a fine library and impressive collection of hunting weapons: bows, crossbows and guns.

     

    A short distance away is another castle called Zornstein (Angry Rock). This is a quite different structure to Bitov, having been abandoned in the Middle Ages and largely derelict. It is however an impressive ruin of medieval fortifications. There were fine views to be enjoyed from this historic vantage point over the blue skies and green forests of the winding valley of the River Dyje.

     

    From Zornstein, it was a short ride down to the river and along the bank to Vranov.

     

    Kilometres cycled:   44

     

    Fifth Day:     Vranov to Znojmo

     

    This was also a shorter day in terms of distance, but again there were some tricky hills and off-road forest tracks to be negotiated.

     

    However, we did have the chance to tour the castle which sits upon a rocky crag that dominates the small town. The castle was modified extensively in the Baroque style in the 18^th century and so offered a completely different style to the previous day’s visits. It really was a most impressive place giving an insight into the opulent way of life of the aristocracy during Hapsburg rule.

     

    After the informative tour, we saddled up again and rode out of Vranov towards the major wine-producing town of Znojmo. This was another enjoyable day during which we mostly followed the border between the Czech Republic and Austria. The trails pass through forest and paved tracks in an area which had been off-limits for forty years during the days of the Iron Curtain. The natural habitat is therefore unspoiled. 

     

    The last section of the ride was quite taxing as we had to climb up away from the border towards Znojmo, situated on a steep hill above the river Dyje. It is a impressive sight with several ancient spires and towers rising above the houses perched on the hillside.

     

    After the steep ascent, we were pleased to arrive at the hotel, beautifully modernised with glass staircases, large rooms and comfortable beds.

     

    Kilometres cycled: 40

     

    Sixth Day:    Znojmo to Mikulov

     

    For me this was the finest day for cycling. The weather was beautiful, warm and sunny, and the terrain was gentle passing through undulating wine-growing lowlands.

     

    We had a long lunch at a traditional pub-restaurant and passed by the only section of preserved pre-1989 defences with fences, originally electrified, tank defences and a cleared, and previously mined, dead zone. It was quite creepy to see the physical embodiment of the ‘Iron Curtain’ and difficult nowadays to understand how peoples could have been so brutally divided after the Second World War.

     

    About 15 kilometres before Mikulov we stopped at a small wine-cellar, little more than an underground shelter, where the proprietor talked us through his current production and we tasted Burcak, the deceptively first fermentation of the grape juice. It was interesting to see the small scale of the production, but it is clear the the best of the wine never reaches the export market.

     

    Feeling refreshed, we pushed on through the glorious afternoon sunshine to Mikulov which we could see jutting out of the surrounding plains from far away. We had our farewell dinner in a restaurant adjacent to the hotel and then repired to a wine bar for prize-giving and valedictions.

     

    Kilometres cycled:   70

     

    Seventh Day:                   Mikulov to Vienna

                                Mikulov to Vratice – Lednice area

     

    Mikulov is a charming small town with a population of about 8,000 which was at one time a major centre of Jewish trade and scholarship. It is very interesting and thought-provoking to walk through its square with its pretty church and then through the adjacent Jewish quarter with its 15^th century synagogue.

     

    After breakfast, our fellowship was broken. Eight of our party had planned to end their tour in Vienna and they set off with George guiding. After a day’s ride they were driven the remainder of the distance to Vienna and delivered to their hotels by the ever-reliable Henry.

     

    The rest of us spent an enjoyable day riding a circular route from Mikulov to Valtice and Lednice. This area is another UNESCO World Heritage site and is thought of as the most architecturally valuable region in the country. This was a great day’s cycling to end the tour. We cycled along deserted roads to Valtice through the heart of Moravia’s prime wine region. We paused in Valtice to have a look at the impressive chateau and then pressed on to Lednice. The route took us through the forested parklands of the Lichtenstein family which are studded with ostentatious monuments including the Temple of the Three Graces and a shrine to the patron saint of hunters, Saint Hubert. After lunch in Lednice, we went to walk around the glory of the neo-Gothic chateau.

     

    Then it was back to Mikulov along a series of ribbon lakes following the border to meet up with the driver, Tonda, who drove us back to Prague and delivered us to our hotels, safe, sound and tired after a most enjoyable cycle tour through some of the finest countryside and towns that the Czech Republic has to offer.

     

    Kilometres cycled:   47

     

    Total kilometres over the week:  367

    Guided Group Tour by: www.bicycle-tours.cz

  • Blog post
  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 4
  • Not yet rated

• bali.villavacances

  • Points:650
  • Views: 525
  • Since: 3 months ago
  • Not yet rated

• ALWAYSONVACATION PARTNERS WITH ALWAYSONVACATION PARTNERS WITH TOURWRIST TO DELIVER 360-DEGREE VIRTUAL TOURS OF VACATION RENTAL PROPERTIES

  • From: deniswalter
  • Description:

    AlwaysOnVacation Gives Travelers Panoramic Views of Their Vacation Rental While                                     Increasing Bookings for Property Owners

    SAN RAMON, CA – January 16, 2013 – AlwaysOnVacation®, one of the world’s largest vacation rental marketplaces and distribution networks with over 65,000 vacation rental properties in 120 countries, today announced that it has partnered with TourWrist, a mobile and web-based virtual tour marketing company. The marketing and technology alliance will enable AlwaysOnVacation to deliver unique and innovative 360-degree virtual tours of available vacation rental properties to clients.

    “AlwaysOnVacation is committed to providing our property owners with innovative technologies that help them maximize bookings for their vacation rental property, while providing travelers with the inventory and online system necessary to help them find the ideal vacation rental property that meets their requirements,” said Jeff Idso, CEO of AlwaysOnVacation.

    As an industry leader that has a history of delivering new technologies and distribution channels to expand online travel in the vacation rental market, AlwaysOnVacation will now enable property owners to shoot and share 360-degree panoramic images via their smartphones, tablets, and computers by integrating the TourWrist virtual tour viewer and capture technology in the AlwaysOnVacation app and Website. Renters will now have more information at their fingertips, enabling them to make more informed and confident choices about their ideal rental properties with more complete, detailed spherical panoramas.

    “TourWrist is thrilled to partner with AlwaysOnVacation in helping them continue their technological leadership in this field. Virtual tours are relatively new to the online travel industry and it is our aim to help AlwaysOnVacation remain at the forefront of what we believe will soon become mainstream,” said Dan Smigrod, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer of TourWrist.

    The marketing and technology alliance with TourWrist will enable AlwaysOnVacation property owners to easily and seamlessly create panoramas with their smartphones and upload and share them through their listings on the AlwaysOnVacation site.

    About AlwaysOnVacation

    AlwaysOnVacation® is one of the world’s largest vacation rental marketplaces and distribution networks with over 65,000 vacation rental properties in 120 countries worldwide. AlwaysOnVacation vacation rental property listings are published in 16 languages and are viewed each month by over 6 million travelers who are interested in booking a vacation rental. Whether you are looking for a mountain cabin, a beach house, villa rental, vacation cottage or private vacation home, AlwaysOnVacation has a huge selection of vacation rental properties to choose from. Search for vacation rental properties with huge discounts for last-minute bookings, long stays, and early bird offers. www.alwaysonvacation.com info@alwaysonvacation.com

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/AOVinc
    LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/alwaysonvacation-inc
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AlwaysOnVacation

     

    Media Contact:
    Valerie Beaudett
    Valerie.beaudett@alwaysonvacation.com
    (650) 400-7833

  • Blog post
  • 3 months ago
  • Views: 2
  • Not yet rated

• The Spectacular Inca Trail The Spectacular Inca Trail

  • From: knicks
  • Description:

    One of the amazing views while hiking the Inca Trail.

  • 3 months ago
  • Views: 700
  • Not yet rated

• Qingdao Qingdao

  • From: x123456
  • Description:

    The old town of Qingdao is very special, with a lot of European-style architectures there. Almost across each mountain, there are some parks and also some residences of celebrities. If you stay in a hotel in Qingdao, it’s better to choose the one near to the sea because in autumn, there are a lot of beautiful landscapes that you are able to see anytime when walking out of your hotel. 
       
    The trestle of Qingdao, located in the south of Zhongshan Road where there are a number of tourists, is built over a gulf for visitors to board the sightseeing ship to cruise on the river.

    The trestle is as old as some of the buildings in Qingdao. In Qing Dynasty, an imperial envoy Li Hung-Chang came to Qingdao to inspect. During that time, he wanted to take a big ship there, but since Qingdao was a very small village where there was no port, the ship could not be parked. A harbor which was later built for temporarily use and rebuilt for several times is not a port any more now but an art gallery where some of art works are exhibited.

    What’s more, the trestle is the symbol of Qingdao which is a must-visit scenic spot. At the end of the trestle is a pavilion which looks really special against the European-style buildings around it, with double eaves of Chinese traditional styles on the roof. The trestle which is situated over the gulf is 440 meters long and 8 meters wide with concrete structures. At the south part of it is a half round jetty. There is an attic with eight corner angles where tourists are able to see layers of waves surging. The attic has bee approved as one of the best scenic spots in Qingdao. On the other hand, the night views around the trestle are much more beautiful in daytime than in nighttime.                

    The Christian church in Qingdao is a well-known religious building located at Road 15, near to Xinhao Shan Park in the east where there are magnificent landscapes.
    The wide and flat square in front of the church looks very magnificent against a forest and all kinds of western-style architectures around it. Stepping onto narrow steps, you will see its strong walls, half round window frames, pitched roofs and bell tower.

    The Christian church is a typical German-style building composed of a bell tower and an auditorium. The bell tower on which you are able to have a bird view of sea views is 39.10 meters high, with a huge clock on there that makes the solemn church mysterious. On the other hand, the auditorium which is composed of two floors, with delicate decoration of the interior looks very special and accommodates thousands of people at a time.     

  • Blog post
  • 3 months ago
  • Views: 2
  • Not yet rated

• View of Mt. Everest View of Mt. Everest

  • From: jfenson
  • Description:

    This tent camp is close to the base camp of the north face of Mt. Everest.  We spent a night here on a trip on the Friendship Highway in Tibet.  We had ever changing views of  awe inspiring Everest. Here the top is in the clouds.

  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 1840
  • Not yet rated

• Close to Nature! Swiss Alps Close to Nature! Swiss Alps

  • From: DWaiste
  • Description:

    How much closer to nature can one get than hiking through the Swiss Alps with views of the Eiger, Monch and the Jungfrau?  Lovely, lovely!

  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 699

• Mountain views Mountain views

  • From: jfenson
  • Description:

    We had majestic mountain views cruising through fjords in Scoresby Sound, east Greenland.

  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 389
  • Not yet rated

• Reflection Reflection

  • From: jfenson
  • Description:

    This beautiful mountain reflection was taken in Vega Sound in east Greenland. There were so many views like this, it was hard to choose.

  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 476
  • Not yet rated

• Poking through the clouds Poking through the clouds

  • From: jfenson
  • Description:

    On a trek in the Annapurnas in Nepal Himalayas,  we were rewarded with fantastic views of Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). This is one of a series of shots I took while it was emerging from cloud cover.

  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 468
  • Not yet rated

• A trip to Anhui Province A trip to Anhui Province

  • From: x123456
  • Description:

    Speaking of Shanzhu Temple, it’s a well-known scenic area in Anhui Province. It’s approved in 2009 by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization as an international geological park covering an area of 135.12 square kilometer meters. Each year, tourists from around the world are attracted here to visit it.  

     

    Shanzhu Temple in which the statues like the heavenly king and king kong look very august was built along mountains mostly with red bricks. Lihua Tower was constructed earlier in Ming Dynasty to be in honor of an eminent monk named Sanzhu, and Sangao Pavilion to be honor of another eminent monk Gaoshi. Standing on the floor of the temple, I could see an ancient tower with 20 meters high which was built in Tang Dynasty. On its wall, there are some pictures of bodhisattva. What’s more, the outline looks complicated in the distance but very simple in fact. On the other hand, I was told by a monk that there is a path in the tower leading to Tianzhu Mountain. Later, I was sticking around a little bit longer in the temple, and there were not other visitors except me and my friends because it was almost lunch time.

     

    Not walking out of the temple very far, we saw a tranquil path and kept walking for less than 10 kilometers to see an old man was sweeping the road. He told us that the tea house was 30 kilometers away, which really surprised us. Anyway, we had to go there. we just kept moving but with uncertainty. Going hundred meters away, we saw a bus and took it with RMB 8 to the tea house equipped with a parking lot. What’s more, a lot of tourists were there.

     

    The entrance gate of the scenic area Tianzhu Mountain is located at where it’s 500 meters away from the tea house. It’s actually developed by local famers. The entrance tickets are sold at the price of RMB 60. Inside it, there are some beautiful waterfalls.

     

    At about 3:40 pm when we just entered the scenic area, a lake that is not very big came into our sight. It’s called Peach Blossom Lake, famous for that fact that in spring many peach blossom flowers are in blossom beside the lake.

     

    Every hundred meters or every one to two kilometers, there are some landscapes, such as waterfalls or rivers, and a few of houses can be seen. Beside the road, I saw first bamboo forests and then pine trees some needles of which are shorter  but some others of which are longer. In addition, a week ago after a snow, the pine needles were covered with ice. It’s really interesting.

     

    We were keeping walking along streams and through a forest, hearing a rumble from time to time at the distance, and walked a few hundred meters further on the mountain road before we came to the waterfall. It’s called Tongtian Waterfall. Normally we watch waterfalls upward, but we can also do that downward. The whole valley is 3.5 kilometers long. Thinking of visiting Tianzhu Mountain later, we just went back to our hotel in hurry for rest.

     

    We have two routes for climbing Tianzhu Mountain. when we started, it’s at about 1 pm.

     

    At the beginning, we walked for about 40 minutes. On the way, views were not so bad, overlooked at the distance. On that day, since fog was heavy, we were unable to see anything more clearly. Across a frozen river, we came to a place called Zhengyigang, where you can look around in the pavilion with one hundred square meter. Beside the pavilion, it’s written on a landmark that the place zhengyigang is near to Tianzhu Mountain on which you are able to see magnificent mountain peaks.        

     

    Walking from Zhengyigang for less than 200 meters, I felt as if I had stepped into a fairyland with heavy fog and saw some of irregular boulders there with thousand years history. The landscapes in Tianzhushan come into your sight magically, with different-shaped and different-sized boulders presenting in front of you unexpectedly, with some snow on them.  

     

    I really enjoyed the trip.

     

    http://www.chinaholidaycts.com/

     

     

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 2
  • Not yet rated

• A trip in Macao A trip in Macao

  • From: x123456
  • Description:

    I have been to Macao many times and know everything well there. However there are still some of places I have never been to. Last time, I went to Macao to revisit Venetian Hotel,  and Ruins of Saint Paul's, but Guia Fortress is the scenic spot I have never been to for a visit. When I went through customs pass, it was already 10:30 in the morning. After I reached Macao, I exchanged RMB for Macao dollars at an exchange shop. I saw through a window on the right side of the custom pass hall that a lot of hotel shuttle buses that take tourists to hotels for free were parking there and took one of them to the Venetian Hotel of Macao the layout of which is designed like Venice.          

     

    In the hotel, there are a lot of arch bridges, small canals and stone roads that are designed like those in Venice. On the third floor, it’s a very big shopping center, where diamond rings like the brand TIFFANY are sold at 40 thousand Macao dollars. Therefore it seems that I should work harder to be able to buy that kind of ring. And then I went to Guia Fortress to visit. I took a bus there to go to the LulianRuo Park and then to the Erlonghou Park for visit. In the Erlonghou Park, cable cars are provided to take tourists to the top of the Songshan Mountain for them to overlook the beautiful views of Macao. It’s only 3 Macao dollars for a return thicket and it’s so cheap. It was when I took cable cars for the first time.  

     

    Guia Fortress is located on the top of Dongwangyang Mountain, on which you are able to overlook the whole peninsula of Macao. There are also many air-raid shelters which are opened for people to visit.

     

    After that, I went to Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro. On the way to Ruins of Saint Paul's, I passed by Tower Stone Square, and Central Library of Macao. At 3 in the afternoon, I immediately went to a cake shop to buy some cheese cake, because each time I went to Macao and I would buy some, for it tastes really good.        

    What’s more, I went to a famous beef offal restaurant which has many subbranches, to eat some beef offal. However, it’s much more expansive than before. After that, I went some shopping.   

     

    This trip in Macao ended with being on my way home by flight.   

          

  • Blog post
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 404
  • Not yet rated

• ::LAKERS FANS VISITING LA:: ::LAKERS FANS VISITING LA::

  • From: ajjordan2
  • Description:

     You won’t see as much purple and gold together in one place as you will on a visit to the Staples Center during a Lakers game. Fans turn out in huge numbers, most decked out in their bright Lakers regalia. The game is very theatrical and fun with film banners floating down at the start of the game, and purple and gold confetti bursts after a successful win. The collective sighs and applause will draw you in and make you feel like a real “Angeleno”-one of the reasons why seeing a Lakers game is the perfect LA experience. Seeing basketball phenoms, Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Dwight Howard, and Metta World Peace is momentous in itself.

     

    Here are some suggestions for Lakers fans visiting LA and how to navigate through the city, see the game, and what to do afterwards.

     

    Nearby Hotels

    JW Marriott L.A. Live

    Perhaps the best option for serious Lakers fans is the 54-story, 878-suite JW Marriott. The hotel is located adjacent to the Staples center within L.A. Live; a quick 1 or 2 minute walk will plant you right at the box office. The JW currently has two packages for visitors to Los Angeles, including the “Show Your Stub and Stay Package”, which includes discounted room rates, complimentary valet parking, breakfast for two at the hotel’s restaurant (LA Market), and 15 percent off food and beverages at select merchants. The “I Love L.A. LIVE Package” includes luxury accommodations with views of the LA skyline, overnight valet parking and a choice of two L.A. LIVE experiences:

    • Two GRAMMY Museum tickets
    • Two games of bowling with shoe rental at Lucky Strike Bowling
    • Two movie tickets at Regal Cinemas
    • Two $5 ESPN Zone game cards

     

    (Rates for both packages start at $259/night)

    www.lalivemarriott.com

     

    Figueroa Hotel

    The Figueroa Hotel is located across the street from the Staples center and is great option for affordable accommodations (rates start at $148 with overnight parking at $12 a night). The property is Moroccan themed throughout, with plush velvet furniture, earth toned décor and colorful lamps. The moment you walk through the iron gates and into the front door, you feel as though you were transported from downtown LA into North Africa. This is a great choice for a fun, themed stay in Los Angeles. Check out the sultry Figueroa suites, “Casablanca”, “Badia”, and “Marrakech”- perfect for a romantic visit.

    www.figueroahotel.com

     

    Millennium Biltmore Hotel

    The 683-room hotel is located less than a mile away from the Staples center, making it a quick 5 minute cab ride. The hotel has preserved its 1920’s ambiance from the gold and fabric chairs to the elegant drapes in each room. The hotel amenities include a health club with fitness equipment, sauna, jacuzzi, steam room and an original Roman-style indoor pool. The “Now, Then, and Again” package includes overnight accommodations, the popular afternoon Tea for two, and 2 tickets to the Los Angeles Conservancy's hosted walking tour of the Biltmore (rates start at $199/night). The “Classic Biltmore” package includes accommodations in a Classic Room, and your choice of either valet parking or breakfast buffet for two at Smeraldi’s restaurant ($179/night).

     www.millenniumhotels.com/Biltmore

     

    Transportation to the Game

    Metro

    If you choose to stay outside of downtown Los Angeles, the best no-hassle way to get to the Staples center is via Metro. The Metro Expo Line will drop you 2 blocks from the stadium, and therefore you don’t have to deal with the varying traffic downtown. Take the Expo Line to Pico station and walk over.

     

    Driving

    The West Garage (Lot W, Gate B) offers flat rates of $10-$25 for parking 3.5 hours or more. You can purchase prepaid tickets online (Pre-paid Parking). Also, there are various parking lots located across from L.A. Live that start at $10 and up flat rates. There is a chance you may find street parking a few blocks from the stadium if you arrive early.

     

    The Game is Over, Whats Next? 

     Bikes & Hikes LA

    Bikes & Hikes LA is an ecotourism company located in West Hollywood that implements non-polluting, active ways to show you the city. They have a range of tours for you to choose from, including the “Legendary Homes Tour”, where you will see dwelling places of stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, and the mansion where Michael Jackson died.

    http://www.bikeshikes.com

     

    Restaurants & Bars

    There are a variety of trendy restaurants and bars located in the popular areas of downtown LA, West Hollywood, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills. A popular bar for after a Lakers game is Yard House located at LA Live. There is late-night happy hour during the weekdays starting at 10pm. Other popular Los Angeles restaurants include Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles and Wolfgang Puck.

     

    

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 426
  • Not yet rated