Tag Archive | "China"

9 great places to be a recluse

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In the Loisaba Wilderness, outdoor “star beds” expose you to the Kenyan elements.

 

 

 
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • These places offer some of the world’s most beautiful me-time fixes
  • Book yourself in at a ger camp beside Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur for a sweet escape
  • Kettuvallam houseboats in the Indian state of Kerala are floating luxury hotel rooms
  • Only 12 guests are allowed on Australia’s five-acre Wilson Island at one time
  • (CNNGo) — If hell is other people, maybe you can find heaven where other people aren’t.

    These places, though not entirely devoid of human life, offer some of the world’s most beautiful me-time fixes.

    1. Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse, Mt. Everest

    Location: Tibet Autonomous Region, China

    It’s freezing, there’s barely any oxygen and it has claimed more than 200 lives. But you don’t actually need to hit Mt. Everest’s summit to get away from it all.

    Head for the North Face and you’ll pass by Rongbuk Monastery. At an elevation of 5,100 meters (16,732 feet), it’s an anxiety-settling 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) short of the death zone.

    Opposite is the guesthouse, a basic, electricity-rationed, rustic little property where you can gaze upon Everest’s face and experience all the internal contemplation it brings on without having to risk life and limb.

    Rate: Less than $10 per night. Information at windhoursetour.com.

    Rongbuk Monastery, Everest Base Camp, Tsang, Tibet, China

    2. Great White Lake, Mongolia

    Location: Central Mongolia, between Tariat town and Terkhiin Tsaagan Nuur’s eastern shore

    Book yourself in at a ger camp beside Central Mongolia’s Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur, or “Great White Lake,” in the lush Khangai Mountain region and you’ll wonder why people ever felt the need to congregate in cities.

    Located in the Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park, the area is pockmarked with volcanic rock. The lake itself was created by lava flow from an eruption thousands of years ago.

    Even if there are others in your camp, go for a walk and within 20 minutes it’ll just be you, a vast expanse of land and a few pesky flies.

    Rates: Less than $20 per night. Multi-day horseback tours and camps can be booked via onthegotours.com, or you can hike from camp to camp.

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    3. Kettuvallam houseboat, India

    Location: State of Kerala, southern India

    They look like giant wicker baskets, but the kettuvallam houseboats that ply the many channels and backwaters of the Indian state of Kerala are floating luxury hotel rooms.

    The boats can accommodate up to six guests and while you can disembark if the need grabs you (finished your novel too quickly?), it’s just as easy to remain on the water and let attentive crews cater to you for several days.

    Rates: $210 for 22 hours. Book via thehouseboatskerala.com.

    4. Wilson Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

    Location: Off the coast of Gladstone, Australia

    If only Robinson Crusoe had it so good. Just 12 guests are allowed on this five-acre island at any one time, so no need to run out at dawn to reserve the sun loungers.

    Guests have access to a library and various resort-style amenities, such as toiletries, housekeeping service and food and drinks.

    If you book in January, you may have to share the place with green and loggerhead turtles, which crawl onto shore to lay their eggs.

    Rates: From $680 per night for one of six permanent luxury tents. Book at wilsonisland.com.

    Wilson Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Tel +61 3 9413 6284

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    5. Takaro Peace Resort, New Zealand

    Location: South Island, New Zealand

    Takaro Peace Resort is so out of the way that guests used to have to fly directly to this wellness spa and relaxation lodge. Thanks to a new private road, it’s now even easier to ignore other people.

    As well as holing yourself up in one of the resort’s 10 luxury feng shui-designed chalets, you can go on glow-worm cruises and walks on the magnificent 2,000-acre private estate.

    Rate: From $190 (for standard chalet) per person per night. Book at takarolodge.com.

    914 Takaro Road, Te Anau 9640, New Zealand. Tel +64 3 249 0161. contact@takaropeaceresort.com

    6. International Dhamma Hermitage, Thailand

    Location: Chaiya, Thailand

    If you find it hard to find silence for 10 minutes during “normal” life, you might want to book a stay at International Dhamma Hermitage, a meditation resort attached to the Wat Suan Mokkh forest monastery 640 kilometers (about 400 miles) south of Bangkok.

    Every month the resort hosts 10-day meditation retreats, during which participants take on vows of silence.

    Turns out running your mouth is not an easy habit to break.

    You get up early and fast between noon and dawn. Sitting on “luxury beds or seats” is a no-no.

    Guests must register in person on the last day of the previous month.

    Rate: $66 for 10 days. For more info go to suannmokkh-idh.org.

    International Dhamma Hermitage, 1.5 kilometers (about 1 mile) from Wat Suan Mokkh, Chaiya, Surat Thani, Thailand. Khun.Reinhard@gmail.com

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    7. Alert, Canada

    Location: Nunavut, Canada

    Located just 817 kilometers (507 miles) from the North Pole, and more than 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles) from the nearest city, Alert is the last stop for civilization in the northern hemisphere. In the 2006 census, its permanent population was five.

    Alert is mainly home to military and meteorological personnel and installations. The only feasible way to get there is by hitching a ride the next time the Canadian military sends a plane.

    There are no tourist facilities and you’ll have to bring your own food. And sleeping bag. Then build your own igloo.

    8. Kulala Wilderness Camp, Namibia

    Location: Namib Desert, Namibia

    If by becoming a recluse your intention is to feel small and insignificant, you need look no further than the Sossusvlei in the southern part of the Namib Desert. Sossusvlei roughly translates as “marsh of no return,” and that pretty much tells the story of this remote spot.

    It’s a dead, dry, Dali-esque place, with the Deadvlei, a ghostly white clay pan area full of dead acacia trees, set against burning red sand dunes.

    Book stays at the Kulala Wilderness Camp, within a private 37,000-hectare reserve, throughsafariadventurecompany.com.

    Rate: From $300 per adult per night.

    350 kilometers (217 miles) from Windhoek, Namibia. Tel +27 11 257 5111. info@wilderness-adventures.com

    9. Loisaba Wilderness, Kenya

    Location: Laikipia, Kenya

    How do you make your African safari even more adventurous? Spend nights out with the animals.

    In the Loisaba Wilderness, outdoor “star beds” expose you to the Kenyan elements (you do get a mosquito net). The unique beds, which jut out over the Ewaso Ng’iro River, are a joint venture between Loisaba and the local Laikipiak Maasai.

    Traditional Samburu and Laikipiak Maasai warriors guide and look after you during your wilderness stay. Each bed-lodging can accommodate two to four people.

     

     Loisaba Wilderness, Nanyuki, Kenya. Tel +254 (0)62 31072. contact@takaropeaceresort.com

    By Winnie So, CNNGo

    Rate: $740-$1,190 per night through Loisaba Wilderness.

     

     

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    Beautiful and Intriguing Bridges in the World

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    The Seven Mile Bridge, Florida, USA

    Total length :  10 km

    Construction completion : 1982

    The Seven Mile bridge connects the Gulf of Mexico to the Florida Strait. The length and spectacular view of the bridge have attracted many film makers. True Lies, 2 Fast 2 Furious, The James Bond thriller License to Kill are few movies that were filmed along the Seven Mile bridge.

    Oliveira Bridge, Brazil

    Total length : 1.6 kms

    Construction completion : 2008

    The Brazilian cable-stayed bridge, which is 453 ft tall and 1.6km long, is one of the most wonderful bridges that you come across in South America. It is built over the Pinheiros River. The bridge deck has the shape of the alphabet “X” and it is the only bridge that have two curved tracks. It was opened in May, 2008 and since then it has become a popular shooting spot for automobile advertisements.

    Magdeburg Water Bridge, Germany

    Total length : 918 m

    Water depth: 4.25 m

    The most noticeable thing about the bridge is that it is not cars and buses that run through it, instead the vehicles are boats and ships! Canal engineers in Germany started the plans for building the Magdeburg Water in the year 1919. But the project was put on hold by the East German Government because of the World War and Cold War that took place later. The project was reopened in 1997 and the bridge got built in 6 years.

    Hangzhou Bay Bridge, China


    Total length : 35.673 kms

    Hangzhou Bay Bridge is the longest trans-oceanic bridge in the world, connecting the municipalities Jiaxing and Ningbo in China. The entire bridge is 35.673 km in length and has 6 lanes of express ways. The bridge was built in 4 years but it was opened to the public only in 1st May, 2008, 1 year after testing and evaluating the work.

     Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia

    Total length : 1.149 kms

    Construction completion : 1932

    The Coat Hanger or the Sydney Harbour Bridge is not only the world’s widest span bridge but also the tallest steel arch bridge. The construction of the bridge began in 1923 and it was completed after 9 long years on 19th January 1932. The dramatic view of the Sydney harbour, bridge and the Opera house have attracted millions of tourists and film makers and they have become an iconic symbol.

    Tower Bridge, England


    Total length : 244 m

    Construction completion : 1894

    The most important fact to be pointed out about Tower bridge is that it is not “London Bridge” as many people seem to believe. The bridge is 244 m long and was opened to the public on 30th June, 1894. About 40000 passengers passes through the bridge and it is regarded as one of the busiest bridges in the world.

    Alcántara Bridge, Spain


    Total length : 194 m

    Construction completion : 106 CE

    The Roman stone arch bridge, built over the Tagus river in 106 CE, is also known as Puente Trajan. The 194 m long bridge was first damaged in 1214 when the Moors destroyed the smallest arch. In 1543, it was rebuilt but the second arch was destroyed by the Spanish to stop the Portuguese. Again in 1809, it was blown up to stop the French. That’s one historic bridge!

    Si-o-se Pol, Iran

    Total length : 976 ft

    Construction completion : 1602

    Si-o-se Pol, the Bridge of 33 arches, is also called the Allah-Verdi Khan Bridge. This  bridge, built in 1602, is 976 ft long and was built in just 3 years. The bridge is famous because of its wonderful structure and also  because it is the finest example of Safavid dynasty bridge design.

    Cooper River Bridge, South Carolina, USA


    Total length :  10 km

    Construction completion : 2005

    The structure of Cooper River Bridge, also known as Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, is so strong that it can withstand any hurricanes (even in excess of 300 mph) or earthquakes (about 7.3 or 7.4 on the Richter scale). With a main span of 1,546 ft, it is one of the longest cable-stayed bridge. Total cost: $531 million.


    Donghai Bridge,China


    Total length :  32.5 km

    Construction completion : 2005

    The bridge connecting Shanghai and Yangshan, was longest sea cross bridge before Hangzhou Bay bridge opened. It also contains cable stayed sections for the passage of large ships.

    Vasco Da Gama Bridge, Lisbon, Portugal


    Total length :  10.7 miles

    Construction completion : 1998

    Vasco da Gama bridge, the 9th longest bridge in the world, is the longest bridge in Europe. The speed limit for vehicles is 120 kmph (100 kmph in one section). During windy, rainy and foggy conditions, the speed limit is reduced to 90 kmph. The bridge has also proven that it can withstand hurricanes, even with speeds of 250 kmph!

    Chengyang Bridge,Sanjiang, China


    Total length :  64.4 m

    Construction completion : 1916

    This bridge, also known as the Wind-Rain bridge, contains wooden handrails on both sides and is a perfect combination of painting, bridge, corridor, veranda and Chinese pavilion. It consists of 2 platforms (at the two ends of the bridge), 3 piers, and 4 spans, 5 pavilions, 19 verandas, and 3 floors. The piers are made of stone, the upper structures are mainly wooden and the roofs are covered with tiles.

    Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy


     

    Construction completion : 996

    Ponte Vecchio (means Old Bridge) is a medieval bridge, built across the Arno river in Italy. The bridge is noted for the shops that are built along it, which were occupied by butchers at first. Later, jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers occupied the place.

    Golden Gate Bridge, California, USA


    Total length :  2.7 km

    Construction completion : May, 1937

    The Golden Gate connects San Francisco and Marin County and is reported as the seventh-largest suspension bridge in the world. The overall cost for the construction of the bridge was $26 million!

    Hoover Dam Bridge, Nevada & Arizona, USA


    Total length :  580 m

    Also known as Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. The bridge is being built over Colorado river linking Nevada and Arizona in the US. The bridge is expected to open in November, 2010, and the estimated cost of the bridge is around $240 million!

    King Fahd Causeway, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain


    Total length :  28 km

    Construction completion : 1986

    Location : Saudi Arabia, Bahrain

    The causeway was built to better the relationships and bonds between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The construction officially began in 1968 and it took 18 years to complete, costing a whopping $1.2 billion! Census reports in 2001 reported that over 10 million passengers traveled through the causeway in a single year.

    Penang Bridge, Malay Peninsula, Malaysia


    Total length :  13.5 km

    Construction completion : 1985

    Location : Malay Peninsula, Malaysia

    The bridge connects Gelugor to Seberang Prai in Malaysia. Currently the bridge is expanding from 4 lanes to 6 lanes to accommodate the increase in traffic.

    Rialto Bridge, Venice, Italy


    Width :  22.9 m

    Construction completion : 1591

    Location : Venice, Italy

    Rialto bridge is one of the four bridges spanning the Grand canal in Venice. It is the oldest among them.

    Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge, China

    ,

    Length :  79.7 km

    Construction completion : 2008

    The bridge is a part of the Zhengzhou – Xi’an High Speed Railway Line, connecting Zhengzhou and Xi’an. Even though the bridge was completed in 2008, it was open to the public only on 6th February, 2010.

    Mahtma Gandhi Setu,  Bihar, India


    Length :  5.57 km

    Construction completion : 1982

    The bridge is built over the holy river Ganges connecting Patna to Hajipur in Bihar. Before the bridge was built, it was a tedious process for the passengers to travel from Hajipur to Patna and vice versa. Either they had to take ships or they had to take a longer rail route. The bridge became a solution to all these problems.

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    Asia Destinations, Top Ten

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    Top 10 Asian places to see before you die

     

    1. Lhasa, Tibet

    One of the most fascinating cities in Asia, Lhasa has to be top of the list. It will definitely be a literal highlight of any round the world trip. Home to the iconic Potala Palace, Drepung and Sera Monasteries and Jokhang temple, this has to be one of the most spiritual places on earth. The smell of incense, yak butter and burning rosemary seems to linger in the air. Don’t let the Chinese visa and permit formalities put you off – just go!

     

    2. Hoi An, Vietnam

    Easily the most charming town in the whole of South-East Asia, Hoi An isn’t all about the tailors. There’s also fantastic food, an almost deserted beach and beautiful colonial architecture. Rent a bicycle and soak up the atmosphere.

     

    3. Bhaktapur, Nepal

    Not far from the capital, Bhaktapur’s architecture and UNESCO status easily lures travellers down its narrow streets. A great place to pick up pottery and other souvenirs, a walk through its crooked alleys feels like a trip back in time.

    4. Luang Prabang, Laos

    Often referred to as a tonic for the soul, Luang Prabang has something for even the most jaded traveller. There’s the fantastic temples and monuments, the incredible food, the tree-lined colonial boulevards and the orange-robed monks collecting alms. The relaxed atmosphere is so infectious it’s easy to get stuck here. Don’t fight it, just go with the flow.

    5. Angkor Temples, Cambodia

    One of the few places that really does live up to all that hype. There truly is something magical about the incredible temple complexes at Angkor. Perhaps it’s the sheer volume of temples, the size, the intricate detailing, or the age of these incredible structures. Whatever the reason, scrambling through the jungle ruins and clambering up ancient steps, makes you feel like a real explorer.

    6. Ko Tao Island, Thailand

    Without a doubt Ko Tao has some of the best diving in the country and offers a great place to take a break from travelling around the world. Brightly coloured coral and tropical fish are the perfect bait for those seeking to gain their PADI certificates. But it’s not all about the diving; unlike many other Thai islands, Ko Tao has a real chilled-out feeling and beaches that are often deserted during the day – since everyone else is out diving.

    7. Pushkar, India

    Numerous temples, stunning Pushkar lake and a market you could get lost in, this should be an essential stop on your trip to India. When you’re planning your round the world trip, aim to stop here in November and catch the Pushkar Camel Fair and see who wins the infamous longest moustache competition.

     

    8. The Great Wall, China

    As impressive as it sounds; the Great Wall of China should not be missed. It’s a real round the world travel favourite. Trekking along the wall will take you a few hours’ minimum and work up quite a sweat, especially in the summer months. But the feeling you’ll get when you reach the end of your journey is unbeatable. Try to opt for the less visited sections of the wall for a more authentic, though unstable, experience.

    9. Everest Base Camp, Tibet

    Better viewed from the Tibetan side, Everest fills those who view it with awe. Stay on the right side of the Everest Guesthouse for views of the mountain from your window. While, there you can also visit the highest monastery in the world at Rombuk. Adding an Everest Base Camp trek to your Round the World trip will be something to remember forever,

    10. Plain of Jars, Laos

    The enigmatic Plain of Jars make a great day trip from Phonsovan. Rather than visiting all the fields one after another, it’s best to break them up with trips to local villages. There are numerous producing Lao Lao (Laotian Whiskey) and some can even offer you lunch.

    Need more help planning your round the world, including all these essential Asian places? We’re experts in Round the World flights, and we can also book all kinds of adventure tours within Asia.

    We are independent, friendly experts in Round the World flights and adventure tours: http://www.travel-nation.co.uk

    The world is out there waiting for you, so what are you waiting for?

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryony_Holland

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    Top Ten Cities in The World

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     Top 10: Hong Kong, China

     

    As We all known, Hongkong’s step is faster than the pace of life of New York, , work still busy than London, beautiful landscape is more charming than Paris. Many female models and actors in a tight schedule over will come to Hong Kong to fully relax. Since reunification, the regular beauties will see the mainland to visit Hong Kong.

     

    Top 9: Tel Aviv, Israel

    In this city, you will find here is the exquisite beauty. Look for nightlife here , charming beaches, you will obviously feel the eyeballs are not enough; However, before long you will find women here are just like you, handsome guy like clouds in the city, so that “colored women” who dizzying.

     

    Top 8: Montreal, Canada

     

    This is a Canadian city full of French flavor, is a convergence of European culture and North American style city, but also a large number of national integration in the city. In Montreal, you will find beauty here, eclectic, all races, all colors, all kinds of size, variety of styles, everything. The city’s many institutions of higher learning, every year the influx of a large number of freshman (freshmen), for the city into fresh (fresh) of the “blood.” The city with 200 million people, “Beauty density” is high.

     

    Top 7: Stockholm, Sweden

     

    The city’s many universities, young beauties are more enough to be loaded by truck. If you do not believe, can go trendy Sture plan district around, where “eight days a week, 25 hours a day,” waiting for you at any time. If you think too Stureplan fashion, not for you, you can walk around to the south of the city, where beautiful women dressed casually, buy a beer, relax and enjoy leisure air here.

    Top 6: Miami, Los Angeles, U.S.A

     

    If you like to see “artificial beauty”,; but is skinny beauty of your appetite, then go Miami. Hollywood as a film center, the beauty of this issue that should have a quite say, In addition, there are a lot of American cities, can be regarded as “Beauty’s nest”, such as New York, Houston, and Dallas; on, and must not be less Las Vegas.

     

    Top 5: Prague, Czech Republic

     

    Prague, famous for beer and women, however, if three-body version of hot star Veronika – DiGiorgio Nova dangling in front, who Gude Shang beer ah! However, to advance it clear that not all women are like the body of Prague. But definitely worth a visit in Prague, buy a glass of Pilsner Urquell beer; sit on the curb it slowly to enjoy a visual feast.

    Top 4: Copenhagen, Denmark

     

    People who have been to Copenhagen will be on the tall, beautiful women here, remember, when we do this “world’s top ten beauty nest” voted, they will not forget to Copenhagen one vote.

     

    Top 3: Caracas, Venezuela

     

    Venezuela in a friendly, hospitable, with amusing Venezuelan woman to make friends is very easy, especially in the capital Caracas. Here’s a woman beautiful, sexy, elegant, Words cannot describe. In a variety of beauty contest, Miss Venezuela is often the last to win title, no squeeze into the finals in women’s beauty pageant of Venezuela, you heard it? Early years, the pirates with a large number of booty looted landed in Caracas, pearl agate, gold and silver as much as natural Needless to say, but with the sweep to the beauty to the ratio become eclipsed by the treasure. Today, Caracas dream of every man land.

     

    Top 2: Milan, Italy

     

    Italy is the fashion capital, is the natural “beauty capital,” how to say it has less points to win the “unfair” because the place where there are fashionable, more naturally beautiful.

     

    Top 1: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Rio de Janeiro, famous for two things: the beach and the beach beautiful. beauties on the Beach, not only sexy, attractive, but also outgoing and friendly. If you are a jazz fan, you certainly heard of Bossa Nova’s “The Girl from Ipanema”, just as in the song sung, as gathered on the beach with hot, beautiful woman, and, bikini cloth was minimal (China National Geographic Network Zhang to)

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    Beautiful Photos of China

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    Forget everything you think you know about China and take a couple minutes to ponder these photos. These are some truly inspiring photos of China. Enjoy.
     
     






















    Photographer: Feng Jiang

    Little about China from Wikipedia:
    China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations and for most of the last two millennia was one of the largest and most advanced civilizations in the world, until the 1850s when it missed the industrial revolution. Subsequently, imperialism, wars and civil wars damaged the country and its economy up to the end of the civil war in 1949. In the 1950s, change to economic policies in the Republic of China (Taiwan) transformed the island into a technology-oriented industrialized developed economy. It became known as one of the Four Asian Tigers along with Hong Kong, South Korea and Singapore. In mainland China, in the 1970s, reforms known as the Four Modernizations modernized the agriculture, industry, technology and defense, eventually making the PRC one of the major powers. China is viewed as the source of many major
    inventions. It has also one of the world’s oldest written language systems.

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    10 Iconic Travel Experiences

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    We find those 10 iconic experiences that are as special as the place they’re from.

    1. Surfing in Hawaii, USA

    Learning to surf here is special. Polynesia was the birthplace of surfing – he’e nalu (wave sliding) was first observed here by Europeans in the 18th century – but Hawaii remains the focal point for the world’s coolest lifestyle. Plenty of surf schools and instructors will patiently teach you how to read the ocean for swell, paddle into a wave and, critically, learn to stand and ride at beginner spots such as Waikiki Beach and Puena Point. Between sessions you can watch the pros shred heaving monsters at reef breaks such as Pipeline, Off the Wall and Sunset Beach. Learn to bottom turn with the Waikiki Beach Boys; two-hour lessons cost US$99 and run twice daily from Monday to Saturday.

    2. Cooking in Hanoi, Vietnam

    On the banks of the Hoi An River, the Red Bridge Restaurant and Cooking School is one of many restaurants offering courses to meet the growing demand for tutorials in quality Vietnamese cuisine. One-day and half-day cooking tours will match your culinary skills, from non-existent to cordon bleu. Starting with a trip to a local market, where you’ll select ingredients and learn by observing street vendors, you’ll then return to the restaurant for an expert demonstration before putting your new-found knowledge into practice. Expect to serve up rice-paper rolls and marinated beef, decorated with a pineapple boat. Classes usually last about three hours, include four dishes and cost around US$40 per person. Take a camera so you can remember each dish you master.

    3. Archaeological research trips at Crow Canyon, USA

    Crow Canyon Archaeological Center offers up to 11 trips annually for those willing to get their hands dirty as they dabble in amateur archaeology. Visitors’ accommodation is in one of 10 ‘hogans’, circular log cabins built in the traditional Navajo style, at the centre’s 28-hectare campus. The campus is part of a site that was occupied by Ancestral Puebloans of Mesa Verde more than 1000 years ago. The trips, lasting seven to 10 days, allow visitors to explore the land in relation to what is known about the region’s indigenous occupants, through studying the interaction of light, landscape and architecture, or participating in a dig. Find out more about resources for teachers and students at www.crowcanyon.org.

    4. Yoga in Rishikesh, India

    A trip to the birthplace of yoga is an obvious choice if you’re looking for a mystical experience inside and out. Not only does yoga promote relaxation through meditation; research conducted by the University of Texas has revealed it can help alleviate the negative side effects of cancer treatment. At Rishikesh, in the serene foothills of the Himalayas, special retreats invite novices to practice stretching, breathing and contemplation alongside qualified yogi masters. Depending where you stay you might also be encouraged to help out in the organic garden and cook for the group, in between soul-enriching excursions into the mountains. Ashrams offer courses to suit your level, from a few weeks to three months; get a feel for serenity at www.yogashramrishikesh.com.

    5. Spanish in Patagonia, Argentina

    The small town of Bariloche, surrounded by glacial lakes, forests and the valleys and mountains of the Andes, is so inspiring you’ll probably learn more Spanish here in a month than you might elsewhere in a whole year. Sometimes called ‘the Switzerland of South America’, Bariloche is the base for most Patagonian language schools, so there’s always a good mix of international students should you wish to slack off from speaking Spanish. There are plenty of optional excursions too, from nearby skiing at Cerro Catedral, South America’s premier downhill resort, to a refreshing day trip through thick forest to the glorious Cántaros waterfall. Select courses from one-week intensives to six weeks of private tuition; visit www.spanishinbariloche.com.

    6. Calligraphy in Kyoto, Japan

    Anyone looking to make their mark using the traditional characters of Japanese calligraphy will find the course run by the Women’s Association of Kyoto simultaneously frustrating and rewarding. Calligraphy written in Japanese is not at all easy, so you’ll need to keep focused if you want to make your instructor proud. After receiving a lecture about the history of the Japanese literary art form, you will be shown and told how it’s done. Then it’s over to you, grasshopper, as you sketch your favourite Japanese character, such as the symbol for ‘peace’ or ‘love’, before adding your signature. One lesson is enough to ensure you pity Japanese school kids forever. WAK JAPAN (wakjapan.com) offers courses based in Kyoto; book online for a discount.

    7. Mountain biking in Marin County, USA

    Thanks in large part to the pioneering efforts of bike designer Joe Breeze, Marin County, and in particular Mt Tamalpais, has become famous worldwide as the birthplace of mountain biking. Located just north of San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge, there’s no more rugged or exciting arena to develop a passion for downhill riding. Throughout summer, countless tour operators, catering to kids, women, amateurs and pros, offer tuition and guided trail riding, including bike hire and transport to the start of hundreds of trails among more than 2550 hectares of redwood groves and oak woodlands. Trails range from the gently sloping and visually spectacular to the you-must-be-kidding-me steeply insane. For trail maps, customised tours and bike hire information visit www.mountainbikingmarin.com.

    8. Kung fu at Shaolin Temple, China

    Every year foreigners can apply to attend classes at the Shaolin Temple, amid the beautiful Song Shan mountains in China’s Henan province. Trainees at the 1500-year-old monastery, the birthplace of kung fu, embark on a steep learning curve led by extraordinarily disciplined ‘warrior-monk’ tutors. You won’t notice who you’re sharing a dorm with, as the gruelling regime starts at 8.30am (Chinese students begin at 5am) and lasts until at least 7pm. For inspiration, watch the coaches prepare for daily tourist performances, in which they snap iron bars with their heads and break glass by throwing a pin at it. Visitor opening hours are 8am–7pm daily, all year; www.infohub.com offers a 10- to 30-day training tour for budding Bruce Lees (around US$2000).

    9. Bush-survival skills in Esingeni, Kenya

    If you can last a one-week survival course in Kenya’s pristine wilderness, then chances are you’ll emerge feeling more human than you’ve ever felt before. Qualified field experts lead small-group tours from the Esingeni Bush Camp, based on a private game reserve. Participants learn how to construct a shelter, make a fire, locate and prepare food, and extract water from plants. You will also be taught how to navigate using the stars as you traverse the countryside, which is abuzz with unfamiliar sights, sounds, smells and animals. Anyone who has imagined what life was like before the agrarian revolution can find out here. Book a five-day bush survival course at www.conservationacademy.co.za; it costs around KES3500 per person.

    10. Stove building in Cadmalca, Peru

    At the Cadmalca Community Lodge in Peru’s remote northern highlands, a simple but potentially life-saving ecoproject allows travellers to do something challenging and useful, while becoming immersed in a culture they would otherwise find difficult to access. In return for being lodged and shown around by a local host family, visitors will source the construction materials for a cooking stove that’s ideally suited to high altitude conditions – and then build it. The stoves have been shown to help reduce serious respiratory conditions associated with cooking over the open fires that are contained in the majority of mountain huts. Tours last seven days and depart from Lima; book before you arrive and expect to pay around US$1000.

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    Farmhouse Bed & Breakfasts

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    Agriturismo Villa Vittoria, Guardavalle, ItalyAgriturismo Villa Vittoria,

    Nestled between the mountains and the sea is Agriturismo Villa Vittoria, a typical Italian country residence. This farmhouse B&B features three individual apartments, each with its own private entrance, while the garden is home to a large swimming pool surrounded by orange trees. Cookery classes offer guests the opportunity to prepare some of the rustic Italian recipes that can be enjoyed in the dining room.

    Casa Val del Rei, Tavira, PortugalCasa Val del Rei

    Located in Tavira, a quaint fishing village of cobblestone streets and picturesque squares, Casa Val del Rei is a cosy B&B offering all the rustic charm of traditional Portugal. The restored farmhouse maintains the region’s characteristic architecture, with shady courtyards and whitewashed walls, and is home to seven attractive en-suite guestrooms. Casa Val del Rei is located right next to the Benamor golf club and is just a five-minute drive from the beach.

    Farmers Holiday Inn, Yangshuo, ChinaFarmers Holiday Inn, Yangshuo

    Farmers Holiday Inn stands out for two reasons; the popular restaurant serving a rustic menu of freshly-prepared local dishes and the stunning scenery of one of the most picturesque regions of China. Located on the Yulong Lake, surrounded by the dramatic silhouettes of the Karst Mountains, this traditional Chinese inn is close to many of the region’s main attractions, and offers comfortable accommodation in a peaceful environment to guests from all over the world.

    Finca El Cielo, San Agustín, ColombiaFinca El Cielo, San Agustín

    Embracing its rural Andean setting, the farmhouse of Finca El Cielo is constructed using the strong bamboo native to the area, and decorated using the expertise and handiwork of local artisans. No modern convenience is overlooked, however, with orthopedic mattresses, en-suite bathrooms and even a natural swimming pool. Finca El Cielo is set near the village of San Agustín, whose rich history dates back to 3,000 B.C., evidence of which can be seen at the nearby UNESCO World Heritage archaeological park.

    Fortview House, Cavan, IrelandFortview House, Cavan

    In the midst of the Celtic countryside, Fortview House offers all the comforts of a real Irish home, with a glowing turf fire, homemade bread and a warm welcome. Offering six spacious en-suite rooms, this farmhouse B&B is surrounded by landscaped gardens, woodland and lakeside scenery and two ancient forts. The attractive hamlet of Cloverhill is just four miles from Fermanagh and six miles from Cavan town, and the area is ideal for fishing, walking or golf.

    George Green Farm, Stansted, EnglandGeorge Green Farm, Stansted

    Conveniently situated halfway between London and Cambridge is the picturesque village of Little Hallingbury, home to George Green Farm. Housed in a seventeenth-century listed building, the farmhouse offers a series of attractively-decorated guestrooms with luxury features including spacious en-suite bathrooms and LCD televisions. While no longer a working farm, the property is home to a number of animals, including two horses. Just a short drive from Stansted Airport, the English countryside has never been more accessible.

    Les Glycines St. Sulpice, Paris Beauvais, FranceLes Glycines St. Sulpice

    Located in a picturesque village to the south of Beauvais, Les Glycines St. Sulpice is an intimate farmhouse property with just three rooms and two suites. Guest rooms feature en-suite bathrooms and are rustically decorated with tiled floors and beamed ceilings. Just over an hour’s drive from Paris, the region offers horse riding and golf, as well as the beautiful cathedrals of Amiens and Beauvais.

    Skovfryd , Silkeborg, DenmarkSkovfryd , Silkeborg,

    Once a working farm, Skovfryd Bed & Breakfast has dedicated itself since 1974 to providing a peaceful hideaway in the Danish countryside. Located just an hour’s drive from the seaside city of Aarhus, guests can enjoy cosy rooms, a relaxed atmosphere and a tasty breakfast accompanied by a view of rolling hills, quaint windmills and neighbouring farms.

    Uitspan Guest Farm, Upington, South AfricaUitspan Guest Farm, Upington

    Enjoying another unique location is Uitspan Guest Farm in South Africa’s Northern Cape. Situated in the agricultural town of Upington in the Southern Kalahari Desert, this farmhouse B&B provides comfortable accommodation, friendly hospitality and impeccable attention to detail. Guests can take a guided tour through the vineyards and the wine cellars, enjoy a boat ride along the Orange River or have a quick dip in the swimming dam before returning to the house for a braai (a South African BBQ).

    Varlet Farm, Ypres, BelgiumVarlet Farm, Ypres

    Varlet Farm offers guests a warm welcome and cosy accommodation in homely rooms, set on a working farm. What really makes this family-run property interesting is its historical setting at the heart of the battlefields of Flanders, one of the most iconic and significant locations in military history. The family can provide a detailed history of the site, and their garage contains a museum of artifacts that have been unearthed in the normal course of farming.

    To view any of these Farmhouse B&Bs, visit http://www.bedandbreakfastworld.com/.

    BedandBreakfastworld is a new website from Web Reservations Internataional – http://www.webresint.com/. Our new website provides over 9,000 B&B’s worldwide. These B&B’s have been working with us for some time and their properties have been displaying on hostelworld.com. However, we hope that with our new website their properties will reach a new audience.

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzanne_Holland

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    Experience China

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    china


    Enjoyed watching the Olympics in Beijing? Time to experience China for yourselves! Spring and Autumn are the best times to go from the weather perspective, but you will enjoy China whatever time you go.

    The first step in planning your trip is deciding where to go in China.The answer to that is very simple… it depends! Sorry, had to say that.

    Seriously though, it does depend on a couple of questions: the time your have to spend in China and your interests (historical, natural wonders, cultural, all of the above, etc.)

    The main must-visit places in China are Beijing, Xi’an and Guilin. Why?

    Beijing – the capital and heart of China. Home of the fabulous Ming Dynasty legacies such as the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven. And of course the fabled Great Wall. Not to mention some of the modern marvels such as Tian’anmen Square, and the ultra-new icons The Water Cube, Bird’s Nest and other Olympic venues. If you want to read more on Beijing click here.

    Xi’an – Xi’an is the cradle of Chinese civilization. Located in the very center of the Middle Kingdom (the literal translation of China), Xi’an served as the ancient capital of China for 11 dynasties from the 11th century B.C. to the early 10th century A.D. and was the first capital of a unified China. Xi’an is over 2000 years old, with 73 emperors buried here. As the starting point of the famous ancient “Silk Road” that linked China with central Asia and the Roman Empire, Xi’an was the key place for China to open the door to the outside world! From as early as the Second Century B.C. Want to read more on Xi’an? Click

    Guilin – the most beautiful city in China! The scenery of Guilin has inspired thousands of Chinese artists over the ages to draw such beautiful paintings! Guilin is the very essence of the classical Chinese landscape paintings; fantastically shaped peaks that are studded with pines and delicate pavilions, partly shrouded in the mist. You will get easily get lost at this peaceful land of Shangri-La! More on Guilin can be found

    Of course I have not even mentioned Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, or a dozen other wonderful places to see. It all depends of course on how much time you have.

    If you want to know more just ask! That is the whole purpose of this Blog. Let me know how long you are thinking of spending in China and I will be happy to give you suggestions.

    Happy Journeys!

    Jia Thompson is a tourism veteran with over ten years

    experience in the Chinese Tourism industry, and the owner of JIA’s

    Dream Tours, a tour company that specializes in tours to China.

    Jia Liu Thompson http://www.jiasdreamtours.com/index.html

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    China Holiday – U2 – Hong Kong & Lantau Island

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    [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbWGGfFYrX4 331 276]

    I Went to China earlier this year and places featured her are Hong Kong, Lantau Kowloon Harbour Victoria Peak, Buddha Po Lin Nathan.

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