The Loire Valley Offers a Diversity

The Loire valley offers great diversity, stemming from the wealth of history and culture synonymous with the region, which can be seen in the numerous chateaux on the banks of the two main rivers.

The countryside is lush and green with opportunities for bird watching near the sand banks and islands on the rivers Loir and Loire. Guided boat trips are available. Many specialist bicycle and walking trails are being created.

The region has a temperate climate due to Atlantic influences. The summers are generally hot, but in the spring and autumn, temperatures are considerably lower.

Renowned for its sumptuous chateaux, the relics of royal days gone by, the glorious valley of the Loire is rich in both history and architecture. Like the river Loire, this vast region runs through the heart of French life. Its sophisticated cities, luxuriant landscape and magnificent food and wine add up to a bourgeois paradise. The lush Loire valley is supremely regal.

Orleans was Frances intellectual capital in the 13th century, attracting artists, poets and troubadours to the royal court. But the medieval court never stayed in one place for long, which led to the building of magnificent chateaux all along the Loire.
Chambord and Chenonceaux, the two greatest Renaissance chateaux remain prestigious symbols of royal rule, resplendent with their ornamental gardens.

Due to its central location, culture and fine cuisine, Tours is the natural visitors capital.

Angers is a close second, but more authentic are the historic towns of Amboise, Blois, Saumur and Beaugency, strung out like jewels along the river.

This is the classic Loire valley, a chateau trail which embraces the Renaissance gardens of Villandry and the fairytale turrets of Azay le Rideau.

Venture northwards and the cathedral cities of Le Mans and Chartres reign supreme, their medieval centres bordered by Gallo Roman walls.Nantes in the west is a breezy, forward looking port and gateway to the Atlantic. Southwards, the windswept Vendee is edged by a wild, sandy coastline that is perfect for windsurfers and nature lovers alike.Inland, the Loires more peaceful tributaries and the watery Sologne beg to be explored.

Also ripe for discovery are the troglodyte caves, sleepy hamlets, and small Romanesque churches decorated with frescoes.

Inviting inns offer game, fish and abundant fresh vegetables to be lingered over with light white Vouvray wine, or full bodied Bourgueil.

Overindulgence is no sin in this rich region. The river Loire at Montsoreau, southeast of Saumur.
The fairytale chateau de Saumur towering above the town and the river Loire.

Telling you about Newcastle upon Tyne by Hotelcompany

Newcastle is a very large city in Tyne, England. And it is located on the north side of the river Tyne. And it is the 20th most populous in England and this city is a member of the English Core Cities Group. The nickname for the people in Newcastle and in the area around Newcastle is Geordie. The first name of this city was Pons Aelius and it was called after the family of the Roman Emperor that founded the city in the 2nd century AD. Pons Aelius had around the 2000 inhabtitants and the walls of that city are still visible today. When the Romans withdrew from Britain Newcastle became a part of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom. In the 18th century Newcastle became developed into one of the major cities of the UK, this is mostly thanks to the export of Coals. And in the 20th century there came heavy industry in Newcastle. The center has a nice pitoresque center that was developed in 1830. And there are a lot of things to see there like:

The discovery museum
This is a science museum and it displays the local history of Newcastle. And it is one of the biggest museums that you don’t have to pay for in North East England. The museum is founded in 1934 and yearly attracts 457.000 visitors.

Centre of Life
This is located near the Central station, it is a science village that tries to promote the interest in science and supports the local scientific research. This village within Newcastle attracts more then 250.000 visitors every year. It has a permanent exhibition on Human Life and the evolution. And this village has several learning programmes for students.

Blackfriars
This place is near Chinatown and it was a monastorial retreat for 300 hundred years. This place is restored in 1980 and now it has some crafts workshop and a bar. And while you are there you can also pay the old town walls a visit.

Town walls
Newcastle has a medieval defensive wall. The wall was build in the early 13th century to protect Newcastle against the Scottish invader. The wall is 2 miles long and 7 feet thick. Because of the growth of Newcastle several peaces of the wall were removed to make place for other buildings.

Eldon Square
This is a shopping mall that was opened in 1978 and a new extention on Eldon was build in 1980 and is called Eldon Garden. Above the centre there is a place where you can sport and visit beauty facilities, this place is called Eldon Leisure.

Segedunum
This place was a Roman fort and it was in use for around 300 years and it was founded in 250ad and he a population of aproximatly 650. Now you can see the remains of the original fort and a small part of the original wall is still visible.

I have also been in Newcastle with a cruise. And I think it is one of the most beautiful cities I have seen so far. It is the perfect combination of a super modern city with many historical buildings.

New Haven is in the City of Connecticut

New Haven is a city in Connecticut and is perhaps best known as the home of Yale University.

Yale University, at the heart of downtown, is one of the cities best known features and its largest employer.

New Haven is a very walk able city, and it is recommended that you try to see the central section on foot, as the Green, Yale, shops, restaurants, theatres and museums are all within a few blocks of each other.

It has many architectural landmarks dating from every important time period and architectural style in American history. The Yale School of Architecture has fostered this important component of the cities economy. Overall, a large proportion of the cities land area is comprised of National historic districts.

New Haven has an undeniably rich cultural scene and is especially strong on theatre. The Yale Rep Company boasts among its eminent past members Jodie Foster and Meryl Streep, turns out consistently good shows during the school year.

It has the richest musical life of any city of its size in the country. The New Haven Symphony Orchestra the fourth oldest symphony orchestra in America. Rounding out the cities musical offerings are numerous other jazz, folk, classical and rock concerts at various venues

It has some of the brightest nightspots around. Packed clubs, late night galleries to cosy pubs. Take a look at our guide to intelligent nightlife in the City. Things like pub trivia, scrabble Sundays and more.

The downtown area has a variety of restaurants in a compact area. No matter where your travels or tastes take you in the greater New Haven area, you are sure to find the kind of eating experience you want and are some new favourites along the way.

Fashion will find plenty at Chapel Streets upscale boutiques, while bargain hunters will head straight to Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets. The Wave Gallery features work from local artists and craftsmen.

A spacious 29 acre park lies adjacent to the privately owned and operated Maumee Valley Golf Course. Haven Hurst park offers wide open spaces for traditional park sports such as softball, basketball and soccer. The approach into the park is an improved paved and curbed street that leads to ample parking.

The climate is hot in the summer and cooler in the winter. Come and visit for yourself and dont forget to have fun. Any time of year is worth a trip.

British Etiquette For Tourists

To enjoy your travelling experience in Britain it is wise to brush up on your knowledge of the cultural norms and attitudes prevalent in England. Though you will meet all types, you will find it helpful to be familiar with certain local norms regarding polite socialization. Thus armed, you will avoid awkward cultural trip-ups and attract the true charm of England’s inhabitants.

First, the British prefer to minimize contact and so are uncomfortable with backslapping, hugging or greetings by way of kissing. They prefer for a wide comfort zone to be adhered to during conversation. Conversation should be kept polite and light. You may, however, find yourself being called affectionate names and you should not feel offended when you do (such as being called “dearie, love, chick, guv, me duckie, chuck and many similar names.) Madam, sir, miss and ma’am are safe starting points for your own greetings.

There are some topics you should avoid when starting or having a conversation, considered impolite :

1)Avoid the topic of religion altogether, and the science vs religion debate.
2)Avoid speaking about politics and racial issues – this should go without saying. Avoid talking about immigration and immigration laws. The British are very passionate about their political views, and are easily offended by this.
3)Avoid talking about economics – economics can often be closely linked in with politics, so it’s a good idea to avoid this topic.
4)Don’t speak about the class system – this can offend Britons, especially in certain areas.
5)Don’t criticise Britain or the British
6)Avoid issues of sexual orientation, or asking someone their age

There are certain topics that will always get a conversation going and will be quite welcomed by many of the British :

1) Sport. Especially football (soccer,) rugby or cricket. These are the favourite sports of the country. Careful, though, you don’t want to bring up the topic if a match has just been lost!
2)The weather
3)Entertainment – the latest music, trends or celebrities.
4)Travel – you can speak of your own travels or speak about travelling in general, many British do travel, but it depends where you are
5)Current affairs – keep away from politics or racial issues, but you can speak about current affairs in a light and polite way. Perhaps more local affairs would stir up more interest.
6)History – most especially British history. If you are in a specific town or place, ask questions about it, the British are proud of their heritage.

In Britain, it’s good to remain polite and patient at all times. If there is a Queue , go to the back of the Queue and wait your turn. Greet people with a short “good morning,” “hi,” or “how do you do.” The latter is a greeting, not a question in Britain. If you are a man, it is important to take off your hat whenever you go indoors, every time. A brief firm handshake when being introduced or introducing yourself is ok with most people, but for a second meeting don’t shake a woman’s hand unless she initiates. Never kiss or hug as a greeting. Always say ‘excuse me’ if you bump into someone or need to move past, and don’t speak to people with your hands in your pockets. Lastly, it is important to remember that at most restaurants and hotels a service fee of 10-15% is charged, and a tip is typically appreciated.

Smalltown Marin County lightyears from San Francisco

Visitors to San Francisco will find a different world just a few miles north of the Golden Gate bridge where charming communities boast recreation opportunities you might find in a state or national park.

That’s why Marin County is an attractive place to live — as much as half the acreage is in open space, so residents enjoy an endless selection of trails and visitas, all quite clost to home. It’s expensive to live here, all right, but then how many places offer you a multi-cultural city of sophistication on one side of the bridge, and quiet trails and solitude on the other? If you crave recreation in the Great Outdoors but drive a Mercedes, you just might be a Marin County resident.

The good news for the rest of us is that we can drop in and sample this lifestyle for ourselves. We took a little time to visit the southern part of the county, setting up our base of operations at the San Anselmo Inn, a charming European-style lodging in Northern California’s antiquing capital, San Anselmo. From there, it was easy to explore a few of the Marin County communities and their visitor attractions;

The San Anselmo Inn is on San Anselmo Avenue, an especially enchanting downtown street that gently winds its way through the town’s historic buildings. The streets in this area are narrow and buildings close together, so the European feeling extends well beyond the inn itself. On a bright fall weekday, a wide variety of shops and stores – including 130 antique dealers — welcomed locals and visitors alike. It wasn’t a busy atmosphere, but more a casual, relaxed feel that seemed ideal for the many young mothers and babies we noticed enjoying a stroll on this colorful street.

Everything in this small town is within walking distance of the inn. We would explore the town’s shops, or hike nearby trails and then return to our comfortable room at the inn. The innkeepers, Julie and Peter McNair, have taken care to give each room a historical feel befitting their building, which was one of the first built in the area as the new railroad line facilitated the development of San Anselmo and nearby towns. Our room was spacious for a bed-and-breakfast inn and featured a four-poster bed, marble-top vanity, antique desk, nightstands and cabinets and, in the private bathroom, a Jacuzzi style tub. Breakfast was a special treat at the inn – a delightful Spanish quiche, lots of fresh muffins and pastries, waffles, fruit, juices, cereals and all served in a pleasant and spacious dining area.

After breakfast, it was off to experience some local recreation, and one nearby hike recommended to us was the Phoenix Lake Trail, a 2.8-mile that takes visitors around the lake through a mixture of oak, bay and redwood trees. Like most trails near San Anselmo, this one was quick and easy to get to – although be prepared to wait for a parking spot. Local joggers and walkers love the combination of lush redwood forests, lake views and wide trails, so the 20-plus parking stalls were full-up when we visited about 9 a.m. on a Wednesday. No matter, though – we only had to wait about 10 minutes.

Another local point of interest is the San Francisco Theological Seminary, which relocated its school here from San Francisco in 1892. You can’t miss the seminary with its castle-like grand stone buildings standing above Ross Valley.

You’ll also find history in the many old-time buildings downtown, which are part of a self-guided walking tour prepared by local historians. At the inn, you can pick up a copy of a very detailed magazine produced by the San Anselmo Historical Commission, which provides an excellent description, history and photo of each of the town’s major historical points of interest. Be sure to check out the Robson-Harrington House and Park, the Carnegie Library and the American Legion Log Cabin.

About a 15-minute drive south from San Anselmo took us to one of the other scenic bedroom communities of Marin County – Tiburon.

If you’re looking for scenic vistas of the San Francisco skyline across the bay, this is the place. Tiburon is a four-mile-long peninsula that is positioned just across the bay from the city and, because of that, offers some of the most sought-after real estate in the area. The views of San Francisco Bay, the city and the Golden Gate Bridge are breathtaking.

Be prepared for slow traffic that last four miles going into Tiburon – the two-lane highway gets busy in both directions, especially in summer when there is apt to be some type of road construction activity. As you drive along the peninsula, be sure to look to the south, where what must be the World’s Most Expensive Soccer Field is located on a long swath of view property (all in the spirit, of course, of Marin County’s love affair with open space).

The town of Tiburon looks almost like any modern suburban town until you get to the edge of downtown where a couple of blocks of historic buildings and nearby marina give the feeling of a New England fishing village. It’s apparent this is the place locals go to soak up the views, walk or run the shoreline trail or, for the less ambitious, just hunker down at one of the dockside outdoor restaurants for drinks and maybe a seafood lunch. Numerous fishing and tour boats are tied up at the pier, and a popular day trip is to take the regular ferry service six miles over to Angel Island State Park for an afternoon of hiking and exploration.

Tiburon’s historic Main Street is known as “Ark Row” because of the 1890s houseboat lifestyle enjoyed by the town’s earliest residents. Today, the arks are gone and the bay shopping district includes a number of upscale boutiques as well as the occasional tourist shop. The nearby walking path, with its views of the city, is considered one of the most romantic spots in Bay area.

Another nearby city that’s just minutes away from San Anselmo is Larkspur, whose downtown area is officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town’s historical buildings, including Queen Anne Victorians, make this an excellent place to glimpse what one of San Francisco’s suburbs looked like at the turn of the century. The historic downtown area is west of Highway 101.

It’s also in this area that you can hop a ferry to San Francisco. A foot bridge over the highway will take you to Golden Gate Ferry terminal where you can get on a ferry departing for the San Francisco Ferry Building. The ferry ride is a great place to get photos of such attractions as Mt. Tamalpais, the Golden Gate Bridge and picturesque Angel Island.

Nearby San Rafael is a bit larger city – in fact the largest in Marin County. The downtown shopping area offers the stores, ethnic restaurants, large banks and other services that aren’t found in the smaller towns of Marin. It’s the only place in these parts where you see high-rise buildings – yet there still is a lot of rich, Victorian architecture that gives San Rafael a feel all of its own.

One particular point of interest is the authentic re-creation of Mission San Rafael Arcangel. This was founded in 1817 and today you can visit a replica of the original mission and tour a museum. Also check out the Marin County Historical Society Museum and the Falkirk Cultural Center.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: San Anselmo and other nearby Marin County cities are located just a few miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. .

WHAT: These southern Marin County communities are a little bit off the beaten path for tourists, but each of the cities and towns offers a distinct character and charm, and are fun to explore.

WHEN: Year-round. The weather can turn cold in these areas – the San Francisco climate is often compared with Seattle – so bring warm clothing. Even in the warmest summer months, the occasional cold weather can settle in. But often you’ll find bright sunshine.

WHY: The “bedroom” communities north of San Francisco offer their own charm, as well as plenty of fun in the Great Outdoors.

HOW: For more information on Marin County, phone (866) 925-2060 toll free or go to www.visitmarin.org.

The Where, When, And What Of Traveling With Kids

With a little bit of planning and preparation, traveling with kids can be easy as a walk in the park; well almost. The key to traveling with kids is to stop thinking of it as a business trip that is planned with military precision. Instead, think of it as an adventure; expect the unexpected and go with the flow. Minor mishaps happen and it’s nothing to explode about. It’s just part of the excitement of traveling with kids. Go with the right attitude and you and your kids are likely to have a fun time, mishaps and all.

Having said that, do yourself and your kids, and do spend some time making preparations so as to avoid unnecessary distress. A few things you need to think about would include where to stay, when to go and what to take.

Where to Stay

Planning on booking that hotel you stayed in during your last business meeting would be a definite disaster. Instead, look for a hotel that is more kid-friendly with plenty of place for kids to run around in, a swimming pool, a games room or perhaps a kid’s room. Several hotels organize special movies, magic shows and other kinds of kid’s entertainment every evening. It provides kids with the perfect opportunity to meet up with and mingle with other kids of all ages while the two of you have a romantic meal and some quiet time together.

When to Go

If you have a choice, avoid booking a flight that leaves very early in the morning. If you have to leave your house at midnight you are going to be juggling suitcases as well as a handful of cranky zombies. Choose your timing well. If your travel involves crossing time zones, keep in mind the time of departure as well as the time it will be at your destination.

What to Take

Medicines are a must when you are traveling with kids. You don’t want to be lugging a sick child and looking for a drug store in the middle of the night in a strange city. Carry essential cough, cold and fever medications as well as emergency supplies of band-aids. Carry sufficient anti-allergy medication if your child takes any.

Don’t forget to take along enough books to read, crayons and coloring books and a few travel board games so the kids can entertain themselves in between outdoor excursions and sightseeing trips. Avoid carrying toys with lots of small, moving parts that are likely to get vacuumed away by over-conscientious housekeeping.

Guide To Greece Holidays

Greece is possibly one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the world. The weather is almost uniformly amazing, the ocean is beautiful, the resorts are well run and not too gaudy (well, most of them anyway), and flights are really not that bad. With a little planning, a holiday in Greece could be one of the best vacations you have ever had. It is fascinating just how so many of the people who take a trip in Greece just keep going back, year after year. It really is that kind of place.

The Weather – Due to its location, the weather in Greece is what most holiday-makers would consider ideal: the summers are warm but not terribly hot and the winters are very mild. The ocean acts as a great insulator and provides very pleasant breezes and the lack of great altitude ensures very little rain. The sun shines most of the time and the temperatures average out at around 25º-30ºC. You are unlikely to find bad weather there, but if you want to check to be sure you can go to sites such as Holiday Weather for more information – you will almost certainly be happy with what you find.

Antiquity – Greece has one of the oldest and most fascinating histories of any country on the planet. While there you should definitely check out some of the impressive world heritage sites. The best idea is to simply order a tour from your hotel or resort, which will take you all the way there where you can harvest all the facts from the mind of your guide.

The places you can visit will depend on where in Greece you are staying. If you have a chance one of the must visit places is Delphi, near Athens, where historical archaeological sites such as Pithia and the Temple of Apollo are just waiting for you to discover them. If you feel like a little more adventurous you could leave the mainland and visit Rhodes, which has some of the most amazing fortresses and historical sites on the planet.

Getting There

There are a number of cheap ways to get to Greece, depending on exactly what you are looking for. You have two major choices: build your own package or use one of the pre-assembled online packages. The latter is almost always the cheapest option unless you are electing for a completely bare-bones package. Building your own package involves using cheap flight sites like Easyjet.com and then booking your accommodation separately. This does offer a lot of customizability and freedom although it often can turn into a major headache, which you really don’t want on your few days of freedom. The best idea is usually to elect for a package holiday, such as those offered by directline holidays, which will take care of everything for you. The best thing about these kinds of packages is just how easy they are – they are tried, true, and well supported. There will be people you can speak to in English and plenty of activities easily booked. Almost more importantly, the fact that these package holidays are well established usually makes them a lot cheaper than the alternative.

Other – The currency in Greece now is the Euro, which makes your life a lot easier. The Euro hovers at around £0.70 which is nice for you because it makes things a little cheaper. This is not the exact rate, but it should be pretty close. You can also quite easily take your credit/debit card instead of changing all that cash – there are plenty of ATMs and most merchants accept cards. You only really need cash for the myriad small trinket and food stores you will certainly find scattered around. Restraunts and food in Greece are generally much cheaper than they are back home – particularly if you go a little off the beaten track to find that authentic flavour. There are plenty of review sites available to you online – you just have to go looking. You really don’t need any shots or any major preparation to visit Greece – it is a very modern country – just make sure you get your travel insurance and you will be fine.

There is little else to say in this short guide – in summary, hunt for good package deals, pack light, take cards, and make sure you wonder off the beaten track a little – you’re sure to have a great time!

Whistler is a Charming Four-Season Resort

Whistler is probably the first name that comes into your mind when you think of an enjoyable as well as memorable skiing vacation. Whistler resort situated amid the stunning West Coast Mountains of British Columbia, and about 120 kilometers north of Vancouver.

With the majestic Whistler and Blackcomb mountains as its backdrop, astounding scenery, and well-organized as well as most advanced lift system, skiing in Whistler is truly a wonderful experience. No wonder why many ski magazines regularly vote Whistler as the number one skiing resort in North America. However, Whistler is not only a skiing destination but also provides opportunities for a range of other winter and summer activities including snowboarding, bungee jumping, dog sledding, fishing, canoeing, and river rafting.

The resort has the longest ski season in the country as well as the largest skiing area in the whole of North America, with more than 8000 acres of skiable terrains. Apart from these, Whistler boasts of more than 200 runs, from the much famed Burnt Stew that is most suitable for beginners to the much exigent double black diamond run Davies Dervish which is perfect for veterans, and about 16 efficient lifts including two high speed gondolas, six high speed quads, two triple chairs, five surface lifts, and one double chair.

No matter you want to enjoy which type of skiing, Whistler provides excellent options for all types of skiing such as alpine skiing, free ride skiing, cross country skiing, and freestyle skiing. Alpine skiing is recommended for skiers with advanced abilities, and is most perfect to perform in skiing trails that are densely packed. As in the case of alpine skiing, free ride skiing is also most suitable for highly experienced skiers. On the other hand, cross country skiing or Nordic skiing is suitable as well as enjoyable for skiers of all levels, and is regarded as one of the best kept secrets of Whistler.

Located just five minutes walk from the marvelous pedestrained Whistler village, Lost Lake is regarded as a haven for cross country skiing in Whistler, and provides more than 30 kilometers of picturesque woodlands near a magnificent alpine lake. This area is well-maintained by the Whistler Resort Municipality, and a unique thing regarding this area is that it is stunningly lit so that one can enjoy cross country skiing even during night.

A mix of skiing and acrobatic techniques, freestyle skiing, consisting of aerials and moguls, is perhaps the most exciting among the different types of skiing. Options are also endless to enjoy other categories of skiing such as night skiing, telemark skiing, and powder skiing.

For those looking for skiing experience, Whistler offers superb Snowcat skiing facilities. Likewise, in order to enjoy the finest in backcountry skiing, Callaghan Country, regarded as Whistler’s playground for outdoor recreations, offers unique options. Superb options are also available for glacier skiing in Whistler, with the Blackcomb’s Horstman Glacier, which is opened during sun-drenched days. In addition, Whistler also provides excellent base for such types of skiing as heli skiing, with more than 1, 00,000 acres terrains.

Whistler also has a number of parks and pipes in order to facilitate for an enjoyable skiing. For instance, Nintendo, the award winning terrain park at Whistler Mountain, has terrains for all types of skiers, and is considered the biggest as well as the best in the world. In the Blackcomb area, there are three parks and one super pipe. The parks in Whistler consist of three levels of terrains: blue, black, and double black.

Above all, skiing and snowboard schools in Whistler Blackcomb areas render excellent programs to cater to every level of skiers. There are even lessons as well as private learning areas, exclusively designed for kids. Additionally, women’s only skiing camps and teens’ multi day programs are available. Further, many of the ski schools found in the area tailor skiing packages according to the unique requirements of skiers.

Apart from these, many ski resorts and hotels in the area provide superb options for a memorable skiing. For unique experiences, some of the resorts in the area provide astounding ski chalets. A specialty of these options is that many of them are located within easy reach of the lifts.

Whistler hosts a range of significant skiing events. For instance, Whistler Mountain is a venue for World Cup ski and snowboard races that is held during the beginning of the season. Similarly, Blackcomb Mountain hosts World Cup freestyle competition every January. Besides, Whistler has been chosen as the venue for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

China Insider’s Look At Qingdao

Mention Qingdao, and many people will recount rather hazy nights spent consuming lukewarm longnecks of China’s most famous beer. Indeed, Qingdao – the capital of China’s northeastern Shandong Province – is home to the most famous brewery in the country. But there’s a lot more to the city of nine million people than beer, bubbles and brewing.

Boasting the largest fishing and trade port in northern China, the beautiful coastal city is one of extremes. Located in Jiaozhou Bay, the former German treaty port boasts an expansive German concession district, replete with unique colonial architecture dating back hundreds of years, beautiful old villas, and wide, tree-lined avenues. Qingdao also has notable Japanese and Korean communities, thanks to their close proximity to the city, and important trade relationships as a result.

Aside from China’s southern Hainan Island, Qingdao has arguably the best beaches in the country. Further out of town, the magnificent Laoshan Mountains are a starkly beautiful conglomerate of granite steeps and peaks, overflowing with natural springs, and offering spectacular vistas of the ocean and city below.

But perhaps Qingdao’s biggest claim to fame is its designation as an official Olympic city. Come August 8, 2008, it will host the sailing events for the 2008 Beijing summer Olympic Games – one of only five cities home to Olympic events outside of the capital. In preparation, a 45-hectare (111-acre) dockyard in Qingdao’s Fushan Bay has been transformed into a world-class sailing facility, garnering rave reviews from sports enthusiasts during Olympic test events. After the Games, the marina will be remodeled into an exclusive resort featuring a five-star international hotel, an Olympic museum, spa, fitness and health clubs, a shopping mall and office space. Qingdao’s going for gold indeed.

Attractions
Located to the southeast of the city in Jimo, Qingdao’s numerous natural hot springs vary widely in terms of size and temperature. Generally heated to between 30 and 60 Celsius, although sometimes reaching a scorching 93 Celsius, the waters are laden with minerals that will heal even the weariest limbs.
Island Hopping – Also known as Lute Island for the fact that it resembles the ancient musical instrument when viewed from the air, Xiaoqingdao Island is a pleasant little peninsula, connected to the mainland by a thin thread of land. Dotted with black pines, flowers and trees laden with fruit when the season permits, it’s extremely popular with young lovers who converge to stroll through the parks and enjoy views of nearby Yellow Island (Huangdao).

Beach Baby – Qingdao has six beaches, and doesn’t let you forget the fact. The sensibly named Number 1 Beach is also the most popular. If you visit in the winter you’ll see that it’s lined with fine yellow sand, overhung with giant pine and cypress trees. If you visit in summer, all you’ll see is a 580-meter (1,903-foot) stretch of beach umbrellas. The Number 6 Beach is also very popular, especially with tai chi practitioners and fishermen.

Art And Culture
Qingdao is hugely famous for its intricate shell carvings, and the Qingdao Shell Carving Museum is the place in town to get up to speed with the latest trends in the art. Aside from checking out carvings from China’s greatest masters, the museum is a good place to pick up shell souvenirs.

History Of Hops – Tired of checking out hundred-year-old ceramics and bones that have seen better days? The Tsingtao Brewery Museum might just be your pint of ale, then. Built in 1903, the museum is located on the premises of the original Tsingtao Brewery, and it’s an interesting place to learn not only about the history of the city, but also about the history of everyone’s favorite beverage, beer.

Entertainment
Underwater Love – Opened in 1932, China’s first public aquarium, Qingdao Underwater World, sprawls across both sides of the street, just opposite the bustling Number 1 Beach. An underground tunnel connects the various chambers of the sea world, with conveyer belts ferrying you about, permitting almost 360 degree underwater vistas.

Just Cruising – If you’re not in a hurry to get to your next destination, cruise there in style aboard one of the many cruise liners docking in Qingdao. From the Qingdao Passenger Transport Center, ships depart for Shanghai, Yellow Island, Xuejia Island, as well as Inchon, Korea and Shimonoseki, Japan.

Wining And Dining
Take To The Streets – Some of the most authentic cuisine to be had in Qingdao can be found in the dozens of quaint restaurants lining Yunxiao Road Gourmet Street, Minjiang Road Gourmet Street and Maidao Seafood Street. The latter is particularly famous for fried spicy clams, seafood wonton, and roasted squid. For barbeque, head to the stalls of Taishan Road – you’ll be able to smell the sweet aroma of roasting meat and seafood well before you see it.

Beery Good – A small street annexed from the Qingdao Brewery, Beer Street is pretty much just that – a street dedicated to beer. Located in the Dengzhou Road area, the street features dozens of small bars serving up many local brews, as well as liquid gold from all over the world.

Retail Therapy
Mass Market – Attracting almost as many visitors as the Great Wall of China, Jimo Lu sees an average 200,000 daily shoppers hit its aisles for a bit of friendly bargaining. This is the place in Qingdao to visit if you’re after, well, just about anything really – from purses to second hand bicycles, furniture and even obscure Chinese medicine.

Night Shopping – if you still have some energy left, head to the Tai Dong night market. Opening around 5 p.m. every day, Tai Dong is a cheap and fun place to pick up Chinese souvenirs. It’s also a great place to try out local snacks, including smelly tofu, meat skewers and local pork hamburgers.

Hot Events
Clamming Up – Paying homage to its fishing village roots, Qingdao throws out the nets every May for the annual Clam Festival. The festival, which also marks the onset of warmer weather, is basically just an excuse to consume fresh seafood and local beer in the sun, but who’s complaining? If you tire of all the consumption, there are organized activities, including tours of local fishermen’s homes, fishing competitions, and military simulations.

Qingdaofest – Established in 1991, the Qingdao International Beer Festival is one of the most highly anticipated annual events in China. Kicking off on the second weekend of August and lasting 16 days, the festival pays tribute to liquid gold with beer drinking competitions, parties, entertainment, trade exhibitions, and dozens of food and beer stalls representing countries from all around the world. Last year, over 930 tons of beer were consumed across town.

Bahamas Holidays – Truly a tourist’s delight

The Bahamas is a cluster of many big and small islands in the West Indies. Now an independent country, the Bahamas has breathtaking beaches and marine life to experience on an exotic holiday. From snorkelling, dolphin encounters, diving and sailing to simply sun bathing on the beaches, the Bahamas offers the one of the best holiday experiences. The Bahamian land is more than just beaches, as you can also visit the historical places, museums, take a safari, enjoy the old architectural rich forts as well as the beautiful green natural parks.

Listed below are some of the popular places you can visit when holidaying in Bahamas:

Lucayan National Park

This tourist spot in the Bahamas is home to many exciting activities such as swimming, caving and kayaking. This natural and beautiful park is known as a real treat for a great family time. You can take the cave tour, walk and trail down the mangrove lined stream, picnic with your loved ones at the Gold beach or enjoy swimming for relaxation. On a Bahamian holiday you must make it a point to visit this natural wonder on Grand Bahama Island.

Pirates of Nassau

The Nassau downtown displays a fascinating educational program that takes you through the life and tales of pirates. Tourist and visitors holidaying in Bahamas often visit this tourist spot to experience Bahamian culture.

Blue Lagoon Island

When on a holiday in Bahamas, you must not forget to visit the dolphins on the Blue Lagoon Island. This place is a famous tourist spot in the Bahamas due to its superb beaches and the experience it offers. It’s worth visiting the island, as you get to cherish the beauty of dolphins, take picture of them and even swim with them. Located in Nassau, this island is perfect way to unwind on your Bahamian holiday.

Bahamas Jeep Safari Tours

The best way to enjoy a Bahamian holiday is to take a jeep safari tour of the island. Tourist and visitors often get drawn towards the thrilling, exciting and instructive trip as it takes them to museums, beaches and other natural and historical tourist spots. The sight seeing offered in the safari adds to the scenic beauty of your holiday in Bahamas.

Fort Charlotte

This tourist spot is found to fascinate those tourist and visitors with interests in military sites and stories. Built in 18th century, the site is situated in Marcus Bethel Way and West Bay Street in Nassau. The place got its name after the name of George III’s wife. Things to experience in this fort include mysterious dungeons, a waterless moat, ramparts and a drawbridge.

Beaches

While on a Bahamian holiday, you can not afford to miss the exotic and vivid beaches of the Bahamas. The place has two very famous and known beaches to offer, which are the Paradise and Cabbage beach. The beaches act as a perfect tourist spot for those on a holiday in the Bahamas. The scenic beauty, coconut trees, water side and the casuarinas add to the whole holiday mood for all. Other great beaches in the Bahamas are Lucaya beach, Xanadu beach and the Gold Rock beach.

Best time to holiday in Bahamas

Ideal time to enjoy a Bahamian holiday is during the summer time i.e. in the months from June to August, when it’s breezy and warm.