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The New Black in Brisbane

Posted by amy on November 30, 2009 with No Comments
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Australia’s eastern coast is a beautiful place to go to dream, letting all the worries and responsibilities of the world fall away and to surround yourself with great gorgeous nature.  Creeks and hills run all through Brisbane, speaking of an idyllic place and time, that somehow seems out of sync with such a lively urban center.  There are many splendid contradictions here that move almost toward the absurd, and it’s reflected in the generous sense of humor that the locals all seem to share.  The city itself is really magnificent, large enough to make for a fantastic place to getaway, but still small enough that you can leave here feeling like you’ve had a taste of the real Brisbane.  There are a host of attractions and exciting events to keep your itinerary packed, or, if you like, you can keep the schedule very loose and enjoy all the things that might come up while you’re here.  It’s also a splendid place to come and do nothing.

There’s something for everyone when it comes to accommodations in Brisbane.  Boutique hotels are a fantastic choice for those looking for lodgings that cater to individual sensibilities, but still offer a sense of the city’s unique and very charming style.  It’s always lovely to wake up in surroundings where there is great attention to detail, and an attempt to offer a sense of the local atmosphere.  Brisbane is a fascinating place in general, with a long, interesting history, where multiple populations and cultures have come to stay over the centuries.  In the recent decades, it’s been at the cutting edges of world culture, and has had a stunning history as a major player in the music scene.  This might all come to an end when Short Stack comes to play.

Kidding, really.  Short Stack is a wild and raving new band in Australia that’s had a lot of good reviews, and a lot of pans, and the group is rising fast with an enormous sense of humor that is perfectly suited to Brisbane.  Their Stack is the New Black tour is playing in all the big cities, and has been anticipated with a number of good reasons.  The band is already well known for bringing back big hair and makeup, and offers spectacle that is designed to appeal to the preteen set, but with a tongue-in-cheekness that’s also got enormous appeal to a host of post-ironic 20 and 30-somethings.  The music is loud and bold, and it’s written for a pop audience, but it’s also extremely cool, with an edge of madness that suggests these boys could have a lot more to say when the first blush is over.

Jumeirah Beach in Dubai

Posted by amy on November 24, 2009 with No Comments
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A trip to Dubai would not be complete without a trip to the Jumeirah strip, one of the longest beachfronts in the city, filled with palm trees and lifeguards.  Check the day, though, before you go, because unlike other beaches in the world, some of the days are segregated by gender.  As a convenience to women, the beach only allows females on certain days in order to allow them to sunbathe without the attention of men.  Immediately, next to the beach, you will find Jumeirah Park, which can provide a break and offer a place to eat or get-together with family and friends.

Whether you’re an expatriate or a traveler staying in a 5 star Dubai hotel, Jumeirah Beach has a lot to offer its visitors.  The area was once the province of traders, pearl divers, and, of course, fishermen.  In more recent times, from the 1960s forward, Jumeirah contained expatriates who worked in the emirate; however, since 1995, housing has expanded greatly across the city, and now Jumeirah is an exclusive section of the city, leading to the use of the area’s name to help identify products and clubs.

The majority of Dubai’s beaches are beside Jumeirah Road.  The blue-green waters of the Arabian Gulf lap at the white, pristine sand.  The many private clubs and hotels, divided beaches with public access, have high-quality maintenance for their patrons and luxurious facilities, not common in most desert cities: lawns, swimming pools, drink and food service on the beach.  If you choose not to stay in these hotels and resorts, don’t think that means you can’t see these beaches:  It’s possible for the public to attend by paying a daily rate that can be anywhere from ten dollars up to fifty dollars.  If you don’t want to pay a fee, then close by there’s the public beach at Al Mamzar Park; these facilities have the following: barbecues, kiosks, as well as playgrounds and places for family picnics.

Remember, in the upcoming months, the temperatures are going to be pretty pleasant, and the beaches will fill up with tourists.  Summer temps, in contrast, may reach as high as 104 to 122 degrees, with humidity just as high!

Hong Kong Night Flash

Posted by amy on November 23, 2009 with No Comments
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Hong Kong in the night time is like a sparkler going off all the time. This is the home of the worlds largest light and sound show, and it goes off every night at 8:00pm.  This event is actually in the Guinness Book of world records. There are 44 strategically chosen buildings that are involved and they are located around the Victoria Harbor. The whole city lights up with  a spectacle of laser beams, search lights and in every color possible. This unforgettable display of night time color is synced up with music and narration that inspires the spirit, diversity and all around energy of this thriving metropolis.

The Symphony of lights is best seen from the harbor. Visitors can catch a dinner cruise or  take a walk along the waterfront boardwalk, on either side of the harbor, to catch this breath taking show. There are five main themes represented in the display. It starts with the awakening, moves into energy, reminds us of heritage, takes us to partnership and in the finale we are brought into true celebration. Through out the year their are always special days to celebrate. On a special day, they will bring out even more pyrotechnic launches from the middle of the harbor. This of course, add even more pow to this visual punch.

After English speaking visitors have checked into one of the best hotels Hong Kong; has to offer, they should head down to the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. It is located between the Avenue of Stars and the Hong Kong Cultural Center. The music and narration is done in English outside the Golden Bauhinia Square, the Hong Kong Cultural Center as well as the Golden Bauhinia Square located in Wan Chai on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. If there is a Tropical Cyclone Warning 3 or above or a red/black rainstorm warning at 3pm then the show is cancelled for that day.

Fichter Fishless in Mallorca

Posted by amy on November 23, 2009 with 1 Comment
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Mallorca is one of those places that can live up to its reputation splendidly.  The natural splendor here is simply magnificent, with glorious beaches that add the perfect compliment to any lifestyle.  For some people who live here, and who visit here, the sea is the center of things, physically and metaphorically.  Many people will [...]

Obelisk in New York Central Park

Posted by amy on November 16, 2009 with No Comments
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New York City is full of amazing cultural elements as well as social landmarks and national icons. There is always something incredible to do and see while visiting the city and while many people consider Central Park to be a place to get away from it all, which it can be, and to experience some [...]

President Polk Born Outside Charlotte

Posted by amy on November 12, 2009 with No Comments
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Gertie’s husband Will was being transferred to Charlotte, North Carolina. This was going to be quite a change for Gertie who had lived her entire life in Tucson, Arizona. She even went to college there and settled in the mid sized desert town thinking she might live there her entire life. All she could remember [...]

Marvellous Treasures in Phoenix

Posted by amy on November 12, 2009 with No Comments
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We were in Phoenix participating in the Rich Dad, Poor Dad Conference. I thought, for some reason that Phoenix would be a dull small Southwestern little city. But I was wrong, so very wrong. I didn’t attend all the workshops scheduled, I never do when I’m in a city I haven’t visited before, so that [...]

Sowerwine in Melbourne

Posted by amy on November 10, 2009 with No Comments
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Australia is a fantastic place, and never fails to live up to its reputation for world-class hospitality.  Guests in Melbourne are made to feel welcomed, with a warm reception and a genuine friendliness that will last long after your stay here.  Every trip here hold many opportunities to make lasting memories, as well as providing [...]