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Archive for February, 2009

What To Do On A Vacation In Cairo

February 28th, 2009 No comments

If you are looking to go on an amazing holiday this year, there is no place like Cairo, Egypt to uncover an exploratory journey. Cairo is the heart of Egypt, the kingdom of pyramids, pharaohs, and incomprehensible mysteries. In the present world, Egypt has become a paradise for the tourists who look for adventure and enjoyment in one package. Cairo, especially is full of never-ending wonders to enchant the tourists at each step.

Cairo is all about historical places, wonders of the world, art, culture, entertainment, food, and whatever else can be at a perfect holiday spot. Although you can hardly exhaust to unfold things in Cairo, but here we have jotted down some of the best and most phenomenal things to do in Cairo.

The pyramid of Giza, one of the famous wonders of the world should be the first location to visit. Located on the left bank of the Nile, this pyramid is a matchless sight for the locals as well as the tourists. The Giza Necropolis has the Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. The Great Sphinx is also located right here.

Next place you go should be the stunning Museum of Islamic Ceramics. This museum is full of astounding collection of antiques from several Islamic periods of the land. The collection was first kept in the National Library, however, as it grew more and more with time, the antiques necessitated more space for display and were therefore shifted here.

Considered as one of the must-see attractions, the Pharaonic Village is a blast from the past and takes you 3000 years back! This village is a page from history where you get to see the way of life, and above all the era of the pharaohs. The Hanging Church is one more piece of art you must insert in to your to do list. It is situated above a gatehouse of Babylon Fortress and dates back to the 3rd century.

Other than visiting historical places, you can shop at Cairo’s Khan el Khalili Market. It was originally made in 1382, and in conjunction with shopping its historical impact is intense. Then, you can head to the Giza Zoo, which is a great spot for family and children. It is overflowing with greenery; this Zoo has several animals from all around the world.

Cairo tower is one more spot you must not miss. It is 187 meters tall, and dwarves the Great Pyramid at Giza by 45 meters. Preferably, you should visit it in the evening. You can also eat at the tower’s restaurant with an amazing rotating floor. The Citadel is certainly an enchanting place for the tourists. It has numerous museums and ancient mosques which provide you with plenty to explore.

Felfela is a great place to eat with a blend of local traditional cuisine and Middle Eastern and African recipes. At Felfela you get all sorts of foods to delight your taste buds along with the marvelous dcor and an alluring ambiance for the tourists.

With all this and a lot more, a holiday at Cairo will endow you with infinite memories which you will cherish forever! Have a great trip!

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Family Fun in New York’s Catskill Mountains

February 28th, 2009 No comments

[I:http://phila-airport-parking.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/LJJames2.jpg] Right now for most Americans money is getting a bit tight. We all still want to have those great family trips that we take every year, but we have to watch how much we spend. Well I just had a great time with my family in New York’s Catskill Mountains that didn’t put us all in the poor house.

I was in the Catskill area with Family for the Christmas Holidays. My younger Sister has three kids. Which makes me an Uncle and I always enjoy spending time with my two Nieces and Nephew, The Youngest is 6 years old and the oldest is 13 years old. Now when the age gap is that far apart it can make finding something they all want to do very difficult. Well We where also looking for something to do that not only the kids but us adults could enjoy as well.

It took some time but my younger Brother came up with the idea of Snow Tubing. It sounded good to me. The Kids loved the idea and so did my Sister, Her Husband and even my Mother. OK so then came the part where the money comes in. I called up Windham Mountain to get their Snow tubing times and rates (http://www.windhammountain.com/mountain/tubing) . When they told me their snow tubing rates I was surprised as they where not too bad $20 a person for two hours $25 for four hours and they had a Friday night special of only $15 dollars from 4pm to 9pm ! Only $15 for Five hours, I was sold as it just happened to be Friday.

So the group of Nine of us piled into two vehicles and we where off to do some tubing on Windham’s 650 foot snow covered snow tubing slope. We where Lucky as the weather was warm for December in the Catskill Mountains. The Slope was perfect, there where about ten lanes to slide down and the Snow Tubing staff kept the line moving. [I:http://phila-airport-parking.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/LJJames9.jpg]

Let me see if I can explain how everything went. When we got up to the Slope we grabbed a large canvased covered Snow Tube then picked a lane. We could go down the lane in groups or by ourselves. I have to say my first trip down caught me by Surprise. It has been a few years since I have been sleigh riding but I know I never went that fast down the old hill. Now hearing me say how fast the slope is, may make you think you or your kids might be scared. Don’t worry about that, I saw kids as young as three years old tubing down the Slope and they were loving it!

At the bottom of the hill there are mats placed at the end of every lane to slow you down safely, Along with attendants ready to help you if you needed it( I didn’t see anyone who needed any help). Now anyone who has gone Sleigh riding as a kid remembers the trip down the hill was always the fun part, It’s the walk back up that is work. Well not at Windham’s snow tube park. The canvases that cover the snow tubes have long straps that hook up to a conveyor so all you have to do is sit in your tube and then slowly slide back up the Slope! The Straps also make it perfect so the attendants can spin you (only if you ask nicely) as you are sliding down the slope.

After about three hours of snow tubing everyone but my brother and his girlfriend was getting tired. So we went into the large Ski lodge, which is only about ten feet from the snow tubing lanes. While inside the lodge we all enjoyed some nice hot Chocolate while sitting by the Fire place.

I am not a big fan of winter activities, But I have to say we all had a great time even if we didn’t make it the full five hours. Life can often get a little crazy and too fast paced, Every once in a while we all need some affordable old fashion family fun, (With a few modern convinces of course)

I am LJ James AmericanBikerX.com Radio Show BikerLowdown.com

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Amanwana: An Indonesion Island Paradise

February 28th, 2009 No comments

Amanwana Resort is located on the Indonesian Island of Moyo, near Bali. The resort is has the feel of a luxury camp, complete with tent accommodations. Each tent is decorated in soft natural colors, with hardwood floors, teak windows, and its own coral stone deck.

Moyo Island is a nature preserve, and the camp reflects that. The primary attractions are diving and snorkeling, either from the camps boats or the jetty.The guests enjoy an incredible world of seldom-seen sea life: Giant and Hawksbill turtles swimming amidst a coral reef, tropical fish darting through turquoise waters and multi-colored plant life. The island teems with macaque monkeys, deer and wild boar. Eagles and Osprey nest on the island as well.

The tents nestle under a canopy of trees. They are fully air-conditioned, and sound proof, with a canvas roof and solid coral walls. They are beautifully appointed with hardwood flooring, a bed, a writing desk and luxury bath. Each has its own private coral stone deck. Sand paths lead the way to the common areas and facilities.

The dining pavilion is open-air, with coconut-wood columns and hardwood floors. Every table has a view of the sea. Traditional Asian entrees are offered at every meal, as well as western selections. The resort offers barbeques on the beach and dinner cruises.

The Dive Centre can assist with equipment or arrangements for diving. Other water sports are offered, including kayaking, wind surfing, snorkeling and Hobie Cats. The boardwalk is the spot for sunning and snacks, with a fresh water pool for dipping.

The Jungle Cove Spa offers spa treatments in an outdoor setting. Coral stone walls divide the outdoor spa into three areas, all facing the bay. Enjoy a massage with watching distant Mount Rinjani, or a long soak under a shady tamarind tree.

To get the Amanwana resort, travelers from the US usually connect through Singapore or Hong Kong. From there, domestic flights are available, as is some ferry service. Rates begin at 800.00 per night. Meal plan is mandatory.

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Stay at Rodeway Inn South Burlington in Burlington Vermont

February 28th, 2009 No comments

When traveling to Burlington, Vermont, you’ll want to stay at Rodeway Inn South Burlington. This lovely inn is conveniently located within minutes of the downtown Burlington, Vermont area – so you’ll be able to see all of the sights and attractions that you want to see. Families visiting students from Champlain College will especially appreciate its proximity.

Enjoy the complimentary airport shuttle that operates on demand – twenty-four hours a day. You’ll be picked up from the hotel and then taken to the airport for your return flight. This is an ideal service for any traveler, knowing that you’ll be back at the airport within minutes.

Rodeway Inn is conveniently located to several colleges including the University of Vermont and Saint Michael’s College. You’ll also be just minutes from Lake Champlain, the Church Street marketplace for lovely restaurants and shops and also the Flynn Center for Performing Arts. Skiers will appreciate knowing they are a short half-hour from Bolton Valley, Smugglers’ Notch and Stowe Mountain.

There are so many fun activities in this part of Vermont to do. Enjoy biking, boating, fishing and golfing. Or simply stroll through the shopping district and find a great restaurant to have lunch or dinner!

This hotel has many amenities including a complimentary continental breakfast, free wireless Internet access in every room, free local calls and they are additionally a pet friendly hotel (so Fluffy or Fido can stay with you – certain rules apply, so be sure to ask).

Seattle: What To See When Visiting The Emerald City

February 27th, 2009 No comments

Seattle is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and certainly the most friendly and interesting in the Northwest. Despite its rainy reputation, the summer and early fall months are a great time to visit. The weather tends to be dry, with low humidity, and cool compared to most of the country. This is an outdoor city, so bring your walking shoes to make the most of your visit. And it’s hilly, so be prepared!

While you are there, you have to visit the Pike Place Fish Market. The market is worth a visit just for the fabulous produce and flowers. Everything seems to grow bigger and better in the Northwest. But the big draw is a booth that sells fish that has become very famous due to some motivational speakers recently. The employees of this booth are very witty, love their jobs and fling fish at each other and customers. A crowd gathers everyday to see the show and enjoy the repartee. Grab some coffee and a hot doughnut from one of the stalls and have a ball.

Right across the street is the first Starbuck’s Coffee, which is worth visiting for the delicious aroma alone. The coffee scent has permeated the creaking old floors and wooden counters and the cozy ambiance is everything a coffee house should be. There is quite literally a coffee house on every corner in Seattle, and still this one is special.

The most easily identifiable landmark in Seattle is the Space Needle. Built for the 1962 Worlds Fair, the Needle is 605 feet high and provides 360 degree views of the city and Elliott Bay. When the weather is fine, you may be treated to a stunning view of Mount Ranier, a still-active volcano that can seem to float over the city like Atlantis.

A museum for rock music fans, the Seattle Music Experience, is located next to the Space Needle in a Frank Gehry designed building. The museum houses music memorabilia and hands on music labs. Particularly interesting is the number of Jimi Hendrix exhibits.

The Seattle Underground: The Great Seattle Fire in 1889, destroyed 33 city blocks. The original structures were built of wood and on filled-in tidelands which often flooded. When they rebuilt the city they did so two stories above the original street level. The less desirable elements of the city literally took their businesses underground. Tours are offered several times a day through subterranean warren of original storefronts, speakeasies and dives.

There are two great tour operators in town.

1) Tour Seattle at your own pace with a hop-on, hop-off Double Decker buses. Get on and off at seven different stops around the city and explore at your leisure.

2) A stranger option is Duck Tours of Seattle. A ‘duck” is an amphibious craft that the company uses to take guests through downtown and then onto nearby Union Lake. Union Lake is where the house from “Sleepless in Seattle” is located, as well as some of the ships from “Deadliest Catch”. The tour operators are crazy, and if your dignity is important, this is not the tour for you. If you are looking for a fun, 90 minute tour, see www.ridetheducksof seattle.com. Prices are about 25.00 adult and 15.00 child. Open daily.

2) A fun and interactive way of seeing the city is aboard a “Duck”. This is an amphibious landing craft developed during WWII. The tour explores both downtown Seattle and a nearby lake familiar to “Sleepless in Seattle” fans.

The grand Fairmont Olympic Hotel is the only Five Star hotel in the area. Built in 1924, this Italian Renaissance beauty has hosted virtually every major civic and private event in Seattle and the ornate lobby is the spot to celebrity watch. The rooms, while elegant, are not large and you may want to opt for a suite. The service and cuisine are everything you would expect from a five star hotel. Try the granola at breakfast. The chef will happily share his famous recipe with you. The hotel is right in the heart of the city.an easy walk to shopping, the Waterfront, Pike Place Market, and the monorail to the Space Needle.

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is the only five star hotel in Seattle. A gorgeous replica of an Italian Renaissance palace, this hotel has the grandest lobby in Seattle. Gilt-and-crystal chandeliers hang from the arched ceiling, while ornate moldings grace the glowing hand-burnished oak walls and pillars. Although many of the guest rooms tend to be rather small (with either two twin beds or one king bed), all are very elegant. If you crave extra space, opt for one of the suites, of which there are more than 200 (however, be aware that the executive suites aren’t much bigger than the hotel’s deluxe rooms). The service and cuisine are superb. Make sure you try the chef’s famousgranola at breakfast. Situated in the heart of the city, the hotel also enjoys a perfect location–just minutes from the city’s famous Pike Place Market, Seattle Waterfront, and Space Needle. Most of the city’s exclusive events and celebrity watching take place at the Fairmont. Seattle is filled outdoor art, friendly people, beautiful views, and vigorous activity. Do yourself a favor and visit soon.

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