Thursday, October 22, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
Late Holidays
The Reichstag
The Reichstag is the seat of the German Bundestag or federal government and, with its new dome, one of the Berlin's biggest crowd-draws. Its colorful past reflects the turbulence of German history since the 19th century.
The Reichstag was constructed from 1884–94 by Paul Wallot, since a representative building was needed to house the parliament of the newly-founded German state. The inscription "Dem Deutschen Volke" ("To the German people") was only added in 1916 during the First World War, because Wilhelm II. had previously been against it. On 9 November 1918, the politician Philipp Scheidemann announced the establishment of the Republic from one of its windows. Part of the Reichstag was destroyed in a fire on 27 February 1933: the exact cause has never been identified, but the fire was used by the Nazis to justify their persecution of political opponents. After the war, the devastated building was rebuilt in a simplified form from 1961–71 to plans by Paul Baumgarten, but it was not used for parliamentary functions. The dome, which had been blown up in 1945, was not rebuilt. Inside the edifice bordering the Berlin wall there was an exhibition, "Questions on German History", which is now displayed in the Deutscher Dom. After reunification, the German Federal Government decided to use the building as a parliament once again. From 1994–99 the Reichstag was reconstructed and extended by the Architect Sir Norman Forster, taking into consideration both the immense historical implications and its function as a modern working parliament, and adding an accessible dome. Before the renovation work began in 1994, the building became the stage for one of the most spectacular art events in Europe: it was wrapped by Christo and Jeanne Claude. The glass dome, which was at first the subject of great controversy, has now become one of the newest landmarks in the city. Since 1999 the Reichstag building has once again been the seat of the German Bundestag.
Reichstag at night
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Late Holidays
With the political reasons for its creation fast receding into history, Hong Kong’s geographical oddity comes into focus. The few square kilometres of territory conceded to the British now top the UN list for urban population density. Hong Kong Island itself is the core of the old imperial possession, with Kowloon just across the harbour forming the other half of the main conurbation. Further north are the New Territories, leased from China in 1898, which form a slightly more rural hinterland. And around this main focus are the large islands of Lamma and Lantau and the smaller Outlying Islands that complete the patchwork.
This assortment of pinnacles and paddies sits slap in the South China Sea’s typhoon alley. In winter and early spring, the climate can be mild and fresh but, in May, the ever-present humidity skyrockets and summer is both hot and frequently wet. Typhoons hit during summer and early autumn and, even without them, ferocious rainstorms fall intermittently. Hong Kong is not the ideal summer holiday destination.
The city’s economy has suffered since the Asian economic crisis of 1997, never regaining the same vigour (and insane property prices), although commerce is still its defining characteristic. In the proverbial scale of Cantonese values, money comes first. And Hong Kong still has plenty of that. Hong Kong has a more determined sense of its separate identity than ever before, although it remains a thrustingly commercial city, whose dedication to fast money has never been greater. But the city also has its unsung natural beauties, in the shape of looming mountains, secluded islets, white beaches and island landscapes. The Special Administrative Region government recently branded the entire city as ‘Asia’s World City’. Visitors can judge how true that is but, unquestionably, Hong Kong remains unique.
Late Holidays
Family Holiday in Singapore
Going to Singapore with Kids
Singapore is sunny all year round, so anytime's a good time to bring your family on a trip here. If your visit coincides with the Arts Festival, you'll find special activities for kids - or the Great Singapore Sale - which often lasts for the whole month of June, and has department stores and shops all over the island giving great discounts. Christmas, when the whole stretch of Orchard Road is strewn with fairy lights, is also an excellent time to bring the kids. Where to stay Most of the hotels are family- and children-friendly, with large rooms and other amenities on hand. The larger hotels often have a day-care nursery or offer baby-sitting services and some are attached to, or near, 24-hour convenience stores. Many hotels offer to book you on day tours, or operate special bus tours of their own -- so you can see all the sights without too much of a hassle. Another ideal area to stay in is Sentosa - Singapore's offshore island theme park. There's the Beaufort Hotel as five-star choice, or you can rough it out in hostels and guest houses. Your kids can spend one or two full days just wandering around the island, with its many theme sites and attractions. Singapore Night Safari A must for the children is Singapore's world-famous Night Safari. This fascinating zoo is special in many ways - it features only nocturnal animals housed in their natural surroundings, without cages or barbed wire. Book yourselves on the tram ride that will take you on a winding journey through the deep jungle, thick rainforest or dusty savannah - all in the dark of night.
If you're hankering after the wide open spaces there's always the Botanical Gardens, a large and beautiful landscaped park where you can choose to wander in the Tropical Plants and Jungle section, the National Orchid Garden, or the Palm Trees section. Families are often seen having a picnic in these scenic surroundings. Don't forget to set a day aside for Sentosa, Singapore's island based theme park. You can get there by taxi, ferry or - most fun of all -- by cable car. At the island, you can visit Underwater World, a spectacular aquarium where you can see all kinds of fishes, sharks and giant squid; Volcano Land, where you journey to the centre of the earth; Fantasy Island, a huge pool with slides, rides and waterfalls; and lots more. Sentosa has a few pretty, artificial beaches, but if you want the real thing you can bring your family down to East Coast Park. Besides lazing at the beach, you can go para-sailing, wind-surfing or roller-blading and cycling along the special pathways by the sea. There are great food centres and seafood restaurants at East Coast Park, too. |
Singapore is one place where you can be sure the whole family will have fun. From exciting theme parks and spectacular zoos to sunny beaches and beautiful botanical gardens, you'll find lots of things to occupy your kids - and yourself, too. 
The Singapore Zoological Gardens and Jurong Bird Park also feature animals in their natural surroundings. These are ideal places to introduce your children to wildlife, and even to have a picnic. The night safari, zoo and bird park hold regular daily shows featuring seals, boa constrictors or parrots doing clever and amusing stunts. If you're game for it, you can also arrange for your family to have breakfast with the friendly orangutan of the Singapore Zoo. Late Holidays
Geneva - this is Switzelands most cosmopolitan city with the highest percentage of inhabitants from other parts of the world. For the intelectual, Geneva is littered with museums on any and every subject. The city is also home to the united Nations Building and the magnificent Jet d'eau, the 140 meter water fountain which is the tallest in the world and not to be missed.
Basel - the vibey University town of Basel not only has the highest concentration of museums in the world and a huge amount of delicious cafes and restaurants. Visit the Old Town and walk the charming cobblestone streets and view the beautiful medieval buildings. Other attractions include the Botanical Gardens, Munster Church and Basel zoo.
Jungfrau Region - locals will tell you that this is the birth place of skiing. True or not you can take Europe's longest chairlift up the Mannlichen for spectacular views of Eiger, Jungfrau and Manch peaks. The Lauterbrunnen Valley area is known for the 72 waterfalls and is a stunning place to visitwhen you get tired of the ski slopes. Take a train ride on Europes highest railway to get a great feel for the region.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Late Holidays
Scotlands west coast offers the greatest landscapes. This photo series gives an impression on the sights we encoutered during our trip through the Highlands.
Abandoned "Barnton Hotel", Edinburgh, Scotland
Cheap Hotels in Edinburgh are not easy to find with the great popularity of Edinburgh as a destination for weekend hotel breaks and for business conferences. Fortunately the building of new hotels in the last couple of years and the change in economic fortunes has begun to create a glut of rooms at every grade of hotel which is ideal for visitors seeking a cheap hotel room in Edinburgh for a night or weekend.
Kings Park Hotel
Friday, August 28, 2009
Late Holidays
A late summer or early autumn visit is good for holidaymakers who appreciate the beaches being less busy than the peak summer months - it's also possible to get the table of your choice at the restaurants, and the service is often better as the restaurant staff are serving less people.
And the weather in Majorca is astonishingly good most September and Octobers - usually in the 70's farenheit during the day - good enough for swimming in the Mediterranean or an outdoor pool.
But apart from the good weather in Majorca and less people around, what is Majorca like for those who haven't been before and might be considering their late holidays in Majorca?
While you are in Majorca, be sure to visit the beautiful Bellver Castle. It was built for King James II in the 14th century and later turned into a military prison in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, it is one of the most popular landmarks on the island. Palma Cathedral is also a must-see. Constructed on the site of a destroyed Arab Mosque, the architecture of the cathedral is stunning.
Water sports and golf are also very popular in Majorca. Some local businesses offer dive or boat tours and diving lessons. Diving in the Mediterranean Sea is an experience like no other. Some species of tropical fish and marine life exist only in this temperate climate. Crystal clear waters offer a great viewing distance. Local businesses also offer boat and water craft rentals for those who wish to explore the open sea on their own.
The island has a very colourful history dating back to the Paleolithic period. It has been under Roman, Byzantine and Spanish rule.
Museums in various villages on the island showcase a wide variety of artefacts from each period of history. The official spoken languages on Majorca are Catalan and Spanish, but many locals are becoming fluent in English and German as well.
Majorca holidays are also great for families because of good sheer number of amusement parks on the island. Aqualandia El Foro de Mallorca in Palma is a water park with mini golf and a very nice wax museum. Aquapark is another water park with a water castle and go-kart track that is generally enjoyed by all ages. Hydropark is a water park with a primary focus on the enjoyment of smaller children.
Aquacity S'Arenal is one of the largest water parks in the world. It features several water rides, a parrot show, petting zoo and mini golf. The Auto Safari is another major attraction for families, especially those with young children. The tour showcases many animals including monkeys, giraffes and zebras while the mini zoo gives an up close view of baby animals and reptiles.
Whether it's for a late family holiday or as a couple - or just by yourself, be sure to consider holidays in Majorca for an autumn break.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Plan for Late Holidays
Late holidays are the perfect remedy for those everyday work blues. An unplanned last minute holiday can lift your mood, inspire your mind and make you feel re-vitalised. Planning a holiday well in advance clearly has some benefits, not least that growing feeling of pre-holiday excitement and anticipation. But when you book late holidays you skip straight to that fantastic final stage- getting on the plane!
- Late holidays mean different things to different people but generally anything departing in the next few weeks could be considered a late holiday. Search for the best deals on late holidays at holiday hypermarket by setting the ‘Departing on’ date to about two or three days in advance of the day your planning to fly. Select a ‘Date range’ that’s within the period in which you hope to depart, but try not to be too strict about flying on any particular day, that way you’ll have more to choose from.
- Be realistic about prices! Although tour operators may drop prices at the very last minute to sell the final few seats on a plane, you can still expect to pay for what you’re getting. So don’t hold your breath for a two week all-inclusive late holiday deal to the south for £199!
- For the best chance of finding cheap late holidays try to avoid weekend flights and those during the popular school holiday periods.
- Try to be flexible with your choice of destination and remember that the ‘peak period’ varies depending on the destination.
- Prices are more often than not dictated by the demand for seats so you may find that very popular destinations will often sell out before they actually become the last minute ‘bargain’ you’d hoped for. If you do find late holidays that are within your budget don’t delay too long in booking or you may miss out.
While last minute holidays conjure up images of sunny European beach resorts there is no reason nowadays why last minute holidays shouldn’t venture further afield. Regular charter flights and all inclusive holidays to destinations like Goa, Florida and Cuba mean exotic locations now need the minimum of planning. Package holidays and all inclusive package take the worry out of holiday planning and provide excellent hassle-free last minute holidays. Last minute holidays are particularly attractive to those with flexibility but the sheer amount of last minute holidays on offer now entices every kind of holidaymaker from golfers to families with children.