tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55009282508464615562024-02-06T23:35:52.185-08:00Amazing Vacationdanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-11311713835234715762010-11-30T06:58:00.000-08:002010-11-30T06:58:00.430-08:00Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Machu Picchu" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3wGBBkZMFI/AAAAAAAAAv4/N4I_-_m7IKA/s320/machu+picchu+happy+travel++2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><b>Machu Picchu</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Machu Picchu" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3wFen5yF0I/AAAAAAAAAvo/yWEje7ttjIs/s320/machu+picchu+happy+travel++1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 287px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Machu Picchu</span> (Quechua: <b>Machu Pikchu</b>, "Old Peak", pronounced [ˈmɑ.t͡ʃu ˈpix.t͡ʃu])</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="The Incas started building it around AD 1430" border="0" id="http://amazing-traveling.blogspot.com/" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3wFd5uf51I/AAAAAAAAAvY/p2LmkgDBLTU/s320/machu+picchu+happy+travel++3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Incas started </span>building it around AD 1430</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3wFJ9skabI/AAAAAAAAAvA/xfiZFJuEsTo/s320/machu+picchu+happy+travel++4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 214px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Machu Picchu</span> was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983</div><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="http://amazing-traveling.blogspot.com/" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3wFJuy5xBI/AAAAAAAAAu4/I5vbBprGF5A/s320/machu+picchu+happy+travel++5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Machu Picchu</span> (Quechua: Machu Pikchu, "Old Peak", pronounced [ˈmɑ.t͡ʃu ˈpix.t͡ʃu]) is a pre-Columbian Inca site located 2,430 metres (8,000 ft) above sea level. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, which is 80 kilometres (50 mi) northwest of Cuzco and through which the Urubamba River flows. Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438-1472). Often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas", it is perhaps the most familiar icon of the Inca World.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The Incas started building it around AD 1430 but it was abandoned as an official site for the Inca rulers a hundred years later at the time of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. Although known locally, it was unknown to the outside world before being brought to international attention in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, an American historian. Since then, Machu Picchu has become an important tourist attraction.<br />
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<b>Machu Picchu</b> was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Since it was not plundered by the Spanish when they conquered the Incas, it is especially important as a cultural site and is considered a sacred place. Machu Piccu was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World through an online and telephone poll conducted by the New7Wonders foundation.<br />
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<b>Machu Picchu</b> was built in the classical Inca style, with polished dry-stone walls. Its primary buildings are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows. These are located in what is known by archaeologists as the Sacred District of Machu Picchu. In September 2007, Peru and Yale University reached an agreement regarding the return of artifacts which Hiram Bingham had removed from Machu Picchu in the early twentieth century.</div>danishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-77785114098737638762010-11-30T03:03:00.000-08:002010-11-30T03:03:00.199-08:00Dubai Towers Dubai<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoklMNGLE-lIBR0zJqtzF_FTxgUDkmXJV8qnWFAqBiS1cq47lr5kZYWRpMc69kvLw4AMagK2Uagh6RwsHzy_pDb8dtDIyyQgqxpKBDbfGQusx8C50jGrDGlpXRLIjy6GoKUCMjvY614OtQ/s400/DubaiTowers2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" border="0" /></a><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/"><br />
</a><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" src="http://www.eikongraphia.com/wordpress/wp-content/DubaiTowersTheLagoonNightCopyrightTVSA2Small.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" border="0" /></a><a href="http://amazing-traveling.blogspot.com/"><br />
</a><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" src="http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/2517/image25ali6qn5.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" border="0" /></a><a href="http://amazing-traveling.blogspot.com/"><br />
</a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/215/516593529_1531244490.jpg" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/">Dubai Towers Dubai</a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Dubai Towers Dubai is a four tower complex proposed in the city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The developer, Sama Dubai, intends this to form the centrepiece of The Lagoons, a megaproject located on Dubai Creek which will consist of seven islands. The towers have between 57 to 94 stories[1] and although the heights are not known, it is believed the tallest will top 400 metres (1,310 ft) while two others will rise beyond 300 metres (980 ft).</div>danishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-88901547426841740502010-11-29T19:01:00.000-08:002010-11-29T19:01:00.639-08:00The Canadian Rockies have numerous high peaks and ranges, such as Mount Robson and Mount Columbia<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3thXnkfLRI/AAAAAAAAAuY/zZxnMVPKns4/s320/Canadian+Rockies+2.jpg" alt="The Canadian Rockies" id="http://amazing-traveling.blogspot.com/" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Canadian Rockies</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3thim8fnzI/AAAAAAAAAuw/93M8P15RzYY/s320/Canadian+Rockies+4.jpg" alt="Canadian Rockies" id="http://amazing-traveling.blogspot.com/" border="0" /></a><b>Canadian Rockies</b> by Train<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3thYlbxELI/AAAAAAAAAuo/k3voNyQVb2Q/s320/Canadian+Rockies+5.jpg" alt="The Canadian Rockies have numerous high peaks and ranges, such as Mount Robson and Mount Columbia" id="http://amazing-traveling.blogspot.com/" border="0" /></a>The Canadian Rockies have numerous high peaks and ranges, such as Mount Robson and Mount Columbia<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3thYSxyLhI/AAAAAAAAAug/gUbwyhJgxPY/s320/Canadian+Rockies+1.jpg" alt="Canadian Rockies Train Vacations" id="http://amazing-traveling.blogspot.com/" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Canadian Rockies Train Vacations</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3thXK4KaMI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/QZK9Jt1W59U/s320/Canadian+Rockies+3.jpg" alt="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Canadian Rockies</span> comprise the Canadian segment of the North American Rocky Mountains range. They are the eastern part of the Canadian Cordillera, extending from the Interior Plains of Alberta to the Rocky Mountain Trench of British Columbia. The southern end borders Idaho and Montana of the USA. The northern end is at the Liard River in northern British Columbia.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">The Canadian Rockies</span> have numerous high peaks and ranges, such as Mount Robson (3,954 metres (12,970 ft)) and Mount Columbia (3,747 metres (12,290 ft)). The Canadian Rockies are composed of shale and limestone (unlike their American cousins). Much of the range is protected by parks and a World Heritage Sitedanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-59645724079140362552010-11-28T18:46:00.000-08:002010-11-28T18:46:00.321-08:00Iguazú National Park contains one of the greatest natural beauties of Argentina, the Iguazu Falls, surrounded by the subtropical jungle<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3tbEFQb15I/AAAAAAAAAuI/rJKcrrEtbH8/s320/Iguazu+National+Park+5.jpg" alt="The Iguazú National Park" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Iguazú National Park</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3ta41H2heI/AAAAAAAAAuA/mlYBbRzFTbA/s320/Iguazu+National+Park+4.jpg" alt="Iguazú National Park" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Iguazú National Park</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3ta4d1pW7I/AAAAAAAAAt4/ZMl8Z81fxGs/s320/Iguazu+National+Park+3.jpg" alt="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3ta4d1pW7I/AAAAAAAAAt4/ZMl8Z81fxGs/s320/Iguazu+National+Park+3.jpg" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" border="0" /></a>The area of the park was inhabited 10,000 years ago by the hunter-gatherers of the Eldoradense culture</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3ta4HirkcI/AAAAAAAAAtw/l4JJfMKdCok/s320/Iguazu+National+Park+2.jpg" alt="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" border="0" /></a>The park was created in 1934 and it contains one of the greatest natural beauties of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Argentina</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3ta3moNDkI/AAAAAAAAAto/sP7nFp8VLwg/s320/Iguazu+National+Park+1.jpg" alt="Iguazú National Park contains one of the greatest natural beauties of Argentina, the Iguazu Falls, surrounded by the subtropical jungle" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Iguazú National Park</span> is a national park of Argentina, located in the Iguazú Department, in the north of the province of Misiones, Argentine Mesopotamia. It has an area of 550 km2 (212 sq mi).<br />
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The park was created in 1934 and it contains one of the greatest natural beauties of Argentina, the Iguazu Falls, surrounded by the subtropical jungle. Across the Iguazu River lies its Brazilian counterpart (Iguaçu National Park). Both sites were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, in 1984 and 1986.<br />
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The area of the park was inhabited 10,000 years ago by the hunter-gatherers of the Eldoradense culture. They were displaced around 1,000 CE by the Guaraní, who brought new agricultural technologies, and were displaced in turn by the Spanish and Portuguese conquistadores in the 16th century, though their legacy is still alive in this area (the name of the park and the river is Guaraní y guasu, "large water"). The first European to visit the zone was Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, in 1542; Jesuit missions followed in 1609.</div>danishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-37961322370124588672010-11-27T18:22:00.000-08:002010-11-27T18:22:00.697-08:00Cape Town is one of the most multicultural cities in the world<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Cape Town" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3tW6I_gr7I/AAAAAAAAAtg/_eBx2RHZnfg/s320/cape+town+5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 253px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cape Town</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Cape Town is an absolutely wonderful city for you and your kids" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3tW0KkL89I/AAAAAAAAAtY/nlJpQkJf30I/s320/cape+town+4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 214px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cape Town is an absolutely wonderful city for you and your kids</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Cape Town is one of the most multicultural cities" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3tWz0HfZQI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/XEaDPIooihI/s320/cape+town+3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 214px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Cape Town is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, reflecting its role as a major destination for immigrants and expatriates to South Africa</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Cape Town Travel" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3tWzVTXFyI/AAAAAAAAAtI/LKIbgQyutqI/s320/cape+town+2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 215px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cape Town (Afrikaans: Kaapstad; Xhosa: iKapa)</span></div><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" border="0" id="http://amazing-traveling.blogspot.com/" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3tWzBtI9SI/AAAAAAAAAtA/DAt1xhwiHHQ/s320/cape+town+1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 222px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Cape Town (Afrikaans: Kaapstad; Xhosa: iKapa) is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the largest in land area, forming part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality. It is the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape, as well as the legislative capital of South Africa, where the National Parliament and many government offices are situated. Cape Town is famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, including such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Cape Town is Africa's most popular destination for tourism.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town was originally developed by the Dutch East India Company as a victualling (supply) station for Dutch ships sailing to Eastern Africa, India, and the Far East. Jan van Riebeeck's arrival on 6 April 1652 established the first permanent European settlement in South Africa. Cape Town quickly outgrew its original purpose as the first European outpost at the Castle of Good Hope, becoming the economic and cultural hub of the Cape Colony. Until the Witwatersrand Gold Rush and the development of Johannesburg, Cape Town was the largest city in South Africa.<br />
Cape Town is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, reflecting its role as a major destination for immigrants and expatriates to South Africa. As of 2007 the city had an estimated population of 3.5 million. Cape Town's land area of 2,455 square kilometres (948 sq mi) is larger than other South African cities, resulting in a comparatively lower population density of 1,425 inhabitants per square kilometre (3,690 /sq mi).</div>danishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-1178556604367782202010-11-26T12:21:00.000-08:002010-11-26T12:21:00.228-08:00The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the world's biggest single structure made by living organisms<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3r_rjAPNdI/AAAAAAAAAs4/LQEUV_OYoFE/s320/Great+Barrier+Reef++Australia+5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 210px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Great Barrier Reef</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="The Great Barrier Reef supports a wide diversity of life" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3r_meObATI/AAAAAAAAAsw/xlohUJHsUKM/s320/Great+Barrier+Reef++Australia+4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 231px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Great Barrier Reef supports a wide diversity of life</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3r_lz1jhuI/AAAAAAAAAso/lqkpEFg1_1Y/s320/Great+Barrier+Reef++Australia+3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 218px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">A large part of the reef is protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3r_lQYxGjI/AAAAAAAAAsg/N8zZcQQ5wDs/s320/Great+Barrier+Reef++Australia+2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 262px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>The Great Barrier Reef has long been known to and utilised by the Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and is an important part of local groups' cultures and spirituality</div><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3r_lI4AzdI/AAAAAAAAAsY/5lrql9gflsc/s320/Great+Barrier+Reef++Australia+1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,600 kilometres (1,600 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi). The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the world's biggest single structure made by living organisms. This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. The Great Barrier Reef supports a wide diversity of life, and was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981. CNN has labelled it one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. The Queensland National Trust has named it a state icon of Queensland.<br />
A large part of the reef is protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which helps to limit the impact of human use, such as overfishing and tourism. Other environmental pressures to the reef and its ecosystem include water quality from runoff, climate change accompanied by mass coral bleaching, and cyclic outbreaks of the crown-of-thorns starfish.<br />
The Great Barrier Reef has long been known to and utilised by the Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and is an important part of local groups' cultures and spirituality. The reef is a very popular destination for tourists, especially in the Whitsundays and Cairns regions. Tourism is also an important economic activity for the region. Fishing also occurs in the region, generating AU$ 1 billion per year.</div>danishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-35471646007306295492010-11-25T12:12:00.000-08:002010-11-25T12:12:00.740-08:00The Grand Canyon (Spanish: Gran Cañón) is a steep-sided gorge carved by the Colorado River in the United States in the state of Arizona<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="The Grand Canyon" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3r9PYQDcfI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/M2GsrX2BJPg/s320/Grand+Canyon+5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 277px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Grand Canyon</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Grand Canyon" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3r9IW1bLUI/AAAAAAAAAsI/EBmDEb858zo/s320/Grand+Canyon+4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 237px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Grand Canyon</span> is 277 miles (446 km) long, ranges in width from 4 to 18 miles (6.4 to 29 km) and attains a depth of over a mile (1.83 km) (6000 feet)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Spanish: Gran Cañón" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3r9IBg4rUI/AAAAAAAAAsA/Ki_d2zlJ7lU/s320/Grand+Canyon+3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 253px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">The Grand Canyon (Spanish: Gran Cañón)</span><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Spanish: Gran Cañón" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3r9HpwOzDI/AAAAAAAAAr4/bWVUVdr_SJ8/s320/Grand+Canyon+2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 211px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Grand Canyon (Spanish: Gran Cañón)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="http://amazing-traveling.blogspot.com/" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3r9HPRmuhI/AAAAAAAAArw/aFIaRcxjgG8/s320/Grand+Canyon+1.jpg" style="display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>The Grand Canyon (Spanish: Gran Cañón) is a steep-sided gorge carved by the Colorado River in the United States in the state of Arizona.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>It is largely contained within the Grand Canyon National Park, one of the first national parks in the United States. President Theodore Roosevelt was a major proponent of preservation of the Grand Canyon area, and visited it on numerous occasions to hunt and enjoy the scenery.<br />
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The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, ranges in width from 4 to 18 miles (6.4 to 29 km) and attains a depth of over a mile (1.83 km) (6000 feet). Nearly two billion years of the Earth's geological history have been exposed as the Colorado River and its tributaries cut their channels through layer after layer of rock while the Colorado Plateau was uplifted. While the specific geologic processes and timing that formed the Grand Canyon are the subject of debate by geologists, recent evidence suggests the Colorado River established its course through the canyon at least 17 million years ago.Since that time, the Colorado River continued to erode and form the canyon to the point we see it as today.<br />
Before European immigration, the area was inhabited by Native Americans who built settlements within the canyon and its many caves. The Pueblo people considered the Grand Canyon ("Ongtupqa" in Hopi language) a holy site and made pilgrimages to it. The first European known to have viewed the Grand Canyon was García López de Cárdenas from Spain, who arrived in 1540</div>danishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-2828553976859781392010-11-24T03:50:00.000-08:002010-11-24T03:50:00.514-08:00The Leaning Tower of Pisa (Italian: Torre pendente di Pisa)<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="The Leaning Tower of Pisa" border="0" src="http://www.freefoto.com/images/14/19/14_19_53---The-Leaning-Tower-of-Pisa--Tuscany--Italy_web.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 437px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 328px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Italy Pisa the Leaning Tower</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Torre pendente di Pisa" border="0" src="http://www.sketch-plus.com/images/great_buildings/Leaning_Tower_of_Pisa/3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 442px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 332px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Italy Pisa the Leaning Tower</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Torre pendente di Pisa" border="0" src="http://www.fecielo.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/the-leaning-tower-of-pisa-tuscany-italy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 254px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 339px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Italy Pisa the Leaning Tower</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" border="0" src="http://www-cs-students.stanford.edu/%7Ejcheng/images/leaning_tower.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 453px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 340px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Italy Pisa the Leaning Tower</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="The Leaning Tower of Pisa" border="0" src="http://www.summerabroad.utoronto.ca/gallery/england/ShaunChen2.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 458px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 344px;" /></a><span style="color: #990000; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Italy Pisa the Leaning Tower</span><br />
</div>The Leaning Tower of Pisa (Italian: Torre pendente di Pisa) or simply The Tower of Pisa (La Torre di Pisa) is the campanile, or freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa. It is situated behind the cathedral and is the third oldest structure in Pisa's Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo) after the cathedral and the baptistry.<br />
Although intended to stand vertically, the tower began leaning to the southeast soon after the onset of construction in 1173 due to a poorly laid foundation and loose substrate that has allowed the foundation to shift direction. The tower presently leans to the southwest.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The height of the tower is 55.86 m (183.27 ft) from the ground on the lowest side and 56.70 m (186.02 ft) on the highest side. The width of the walls at the base is 4.09 m (13.42 ft) and at the top 2.48 m (8.14 ft). Its weight is estimated at 14,500 metric tons (16,000 short tons). The tower has 296 or 294 steps; the seventh floor has two fewer steps on the north-facing staircase. The tower leaned at an angle of 5.5 degrees. but after the restoration works between 1990 and 2001 the tower leans at an angle of 3.99 degrees. This means that the top of the tower is 3.9 metres (12 ft 10 in) from where it would stand if the tower were perfectly vertical.</div><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source : wikipedia.com</span>danishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-10128572813966867332010-11-23T15:34:00.000-08:002010-11-23T15:34:00.144-08:00Eating in Kuching - Chinese New Year's Eve Dinner<div style="text-align: justify;">The Chinese Communities in Malaysia are very adamant about keeping their culture alive, and those in Sarawak are no exception. Chinese New Year is the biggest celebration of the year, and no expenses are spared to make it a memorable and joyous occasion. New Year goodies, lion dances, flowers, New Year decor all make a killing this time of the year. Even firecrackers and fireworks which have been banned for many years will surface mysteriously when the time comes. On New Year's Eve, you won't be able to sleep way past mid night due to the crackle of firecrackers and fire works.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Chinese New Year's Eve Dinner</span> is the equivalent of the Christmas Dinner. Family members who are away will make it a point to return home for the Reunion Dinner. In Malaysia we call it "Balik Kampung" - going home to the village. In Kuala Lumpur and other big cities this is the cause of massive traffic jams and much stress during festive occasions.<br />
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Nowadays many families including mine choose to have the Reunion Dinner at a restaurant. Having it at home would mean having to spend the whole day and even days before preparing for the dinner, and hours cleaning up afterward. With lots of things to be done before the first day of New Year, it is simply too tiring.<br />
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Most the restaurants would be booked out way ahead, and many have introduced 2 seatings to cater for the demand. We chose to go for the early 5.00 p.m. seating so that we can get home earlier. About half of the restaurant was occupied for the early sitting.<br />
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<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQENpRlIuWJwvGaez0o2pfEH2JQBytmbLSgcAJ9VvsH0vGrm0TW8ueJCmXgIq1DViKg4Fp1pXLb_ml0pXD2Tvjaphaf_dE3N6983jYCoQbUcGUfLzxrK97IO1CeXaIYV1dN8Oxq9J6LNOh/s400/P1070589.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Nwji-LvqLD49bNaeSfqu0JI1WstM4_nNXAq6_P-L_1LV-aO9WqFlekO_e_QvyzRg04DFf1f8hDReCfabgsjsPUdbJpkV3H4l-MV32axtAoZizyhcZzQozvSoZqlA5E98pXAqlt5T-2JK/s400/P1070636.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
You can't have a CNY Dinner without Yee Sang. This was actually invented by the Chinese in Malaysia based on the tradition of having fish during the occasion. It is like a salad that is tossed to "loh hei" or "raise the good luck". Recipes vary from restaurant to restaurant - usually a mixture of crunchy and sweet ingredients like dried fruits and nuts mixed with raw fish slices. Nowadays salmon is commonly used.<br />
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<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGunYJvYxfyyy1Ki-LG0nX1OnWIuUHw-cpsEvvLlhGC42b6x1SyVUjLCxKAZ-eoE7QSvxWgxwYHZq_3AS9vywPEC40i3wdtWcZG3JfLnV0v2JOs9YFetcTl8HxuRCrUIH-kXdW4quahB5Q/s400/P1070592.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://amazing-traveling.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmmCPpckMraRh19C73UH17AKdIuGfZ__BzJ-IKGh8XSSdKfkWgysaM7X7tb3RGiaUl5CfAptEO9szy4MJZylYBcCL0cqXwtEhYEMBafZFXdnSyF_ww_XQHgTGKB5PP6BOIORJJcB6Ws5b/s400/P1070607.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhgUmGetqu9Ge1tMFxS-wpJairGK0499v1Ry8nkOedOWDwdZOHJFuXTZ8TZ5TObajWt6UoO491CBPNeScSJNwHJo_sdqtj_IJatgy9Y_lzLBJwiZVZQibCyYYQnkDPOzbcgiq0c8y_Zxi/s400/P1070618.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Roast suckling pig, much prized for the crispy skin. It is served with steamed buns, a sweet sauce and pickled vegetables.<br />
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<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrww9lL_WXGKJKMguXLyx8NXqQPPSceQq-cuhGFQBqXMS0IlvB8V4O_oQpSHpi2LVuEDY5OnaRMpWic2UzcGR4qHFy4LzNaRdgYmBHpDfmtRdyFK9WnYkSIZZtF3JrYlrPRBGibCdPraH/s400/P1070633.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Fish is a must-have item for CNY Dinner. In Chinese fish is "yee" which sounds like "abundance", so to have fish every year means you will have lots of abundance all year round.<br />
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<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZAgMT_1K88ToCZzH0ZPcMqK-wumKHHOpFm6A84f2H5na-Hyl3997vMs5SWJiohXScyTaw4dQhyVM56ZfyJGufzdgtE7PcdIu9GsN2LK-6NO0bn8cYwHJu8et_oysibW421Guve3AI3ZB/s400/P1070640.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Steamed scallops with vermicelli. Very fresh and sweet, a rare treat in Kuching.<br />
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<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAqBtzvXxEh9tKx9pEzAAiX_7yNDRw4c0llbwKu9KNyRbk1SRTGSZ_EMQ9qp5qX8Dwsm8lIyZ-2n4wr7hNgJxgqBX2KOSlR9es_GkDVxWQCyFYNcXCGIvReVLGBU5rMMD25eV26dh15FD/s400/P1070642.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Prawns done 2 ways - with a honey sauce on one side and mayonnaise on the other side. The one with honey sauce was better.<br />
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<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1bwhyvncAzCwN0uJ_rHofzexOlvL_mRVnbimnSjzHvNavP7bd1G3LdIMNBLBJtmIQYD5_WYS7GlnahfnoYobmjn6GVh6ka4vobSRG2v3jMDm3_nFkCyJxUZOTHCd2ZIALysyFb_BduLK/s400/P1070645.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Broccoli with 2 types of mushrooms.<br />
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<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjsSBFgJLEUIHYz2g7PlAyvSeOmWuIL5zh-xTIJy21vWVSW13KTN3c_kAlw8OAzl-nuSR_qjz7Wsmn5KEUdsNA09c2Uh0uYFi_xgZZmeTVJa9gz-kv_4FwH-2J8LTjRlm3g0tSWu3BKAG/s400/P1070651.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Eight Treasured Sticky Rice. This is savoury and sweet - it is more of a dessert. Quite nice, but takes a bit of getting used to because of the unusual combination of sweet and savoury ingredients.<br />
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<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfOsPT4LOrgxm4wTj0_t8Uo58Upi0n7g-m4XtljJ-WFFA71zzXWzcRGnhhjgjhopJF6mZNA-q0gUpEaQScp6FF88gGaCIL4Jpv1dYiIBn9oT2EaYABEgTILftj0ZvqzGLWeVkE44Skk8y/s400/P1070652.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Dinner was over really fast as the restaurant was rushing for the second seating at 7.00 p.m. Time to go home and prepare for the big day !</div></div>danishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-45818497951682919392010-11-21T09:22:00.000-08:002010-11-21T11:07:38.627-08:00Senggigi Island of Lombok<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/%22" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxrWMkaM5lmpn031ITKjSw5LWB0ito4ZGDYNEoDchcgXVyQRZJHdql1i0L_GrszfuoYhqau3-DGpZJ6QeXFu3A9cG01JcuWHKwhVkUQ_qXCc0ZD8S1QlF8zHGcaPtl3InqXln5G3dV87E/s400/senggigi_beach.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="color: #33ffff; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">Senggigi Island</span><br />
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</span></div><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://jalanjalanterus.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/senggigi2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.lombok-giliislands.com/photo/seven15.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/%22" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREa09dUIMeHbqiKXp8B9YWfP_hpt4M4-T9LM7DihI7oGnTqDQSEKoPnyTlnbaVtpX7U48Up4Q-DNdqCLxd9lltY-jS6kxx0WZ28eB2W_ibL6heayXPm6G9Dv5FoMsZ0NUerTM5tjKxzI/s320/3234071-a_perfect_sunset_at_senggigi_c_ukirsari-Pulau_Lombok.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://sbie.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/senggigi-beach2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="color: #33ffff; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Senggigi Island </span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Senggigi is the main tourist strip of the Indonesian island of Lombok, stretched out along the several kilometers of the beachfront, just to the north of the capital Mataram. The site of a building frenzy in the late 1990s when Lombok was hyped to be the next Bali, the communal violence of 2000 and the 2002 Bali bombing dealt Senggigi a severe blow, with tourist numbers declining precipitously and many construction projects halted.</div><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source : Wikipedia.com</span>danishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-13145269953372522612010-11-20T23:35:00.000-08:002010-11-21T11:07:17.934-08:00Whiteheaven Beach is the epitome of paradise found.<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Whiteheaven Beach" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3j7-0kndDI/AAAAAAAAAqY/foNahuEh8cc/s320/whitehaven+beach+2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 214px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Whiteheaven Beach Travel" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3j70gjdbnI/AAAAAAAAAqI/-j_pUe3lET0/s320/whitehaven+beach+1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Whiteheaven Beach Tourism" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3j70ITi3II/AAAAAAAAAqA/KyciYxwsrWk/s320/whitehaven+beach+3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 214px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Whiteheaven Beach The best beach" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w0wbdXiwtXc/S3j7zyFVDFI/AAAAAAAAAp4/XtsXayqkHA8/s320/whitehaven+beach.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 214px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
The name Whitehaven Bay was given in 1879 by Staff Commander E.P. Bedwell, RN, in SS Llewellyn, being one of the many names from the then English county of Cumberland he brought to the area following on from Cook's 1770 naming of the group The Cumberland Isles'. Whitehaven is a town on the shore of Solway Firth. The name is particularly apt because the bay and its environs carry a large deposit of pure white silica sand giving the area a dazzling white clean appearance and this may have influenced Bedwell in his naming.</div>Whitehaven Beach sand ...<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Most overnight vessels in the Whitsundays include Whitehaven Beach if possible during their voyages around the islands. Try polishing your jewelry in the sand while you laze on the beach ! The sand is minute powder-size grains of quartz and has been assayed at 99.89% pure, well above the minimum requirement for glass-making and suitable for the finest glass for optical lenses for binoculars etc. Its origin is not known definitely but geologists say it does not have a local origin as rocks of the Whitsunday area are quartz-poor. They think the most likely explanation is that it is the result of a longshore drift system which brings sand from the south along the Queensland coast, very evident in the Gold Coast/Fraser Island area. The Whitehaven sand is so pure it indicates that during the drift all heavy mineral sands and other impurities have been winnowed out leaving the quartz sand. Probably there is an eddy effect in Whitehaven Bay which causes the sand to drop out and accumuulate there.</div><br />
Feeling the powder fine sand beneath your feet and swimming in turquoise waters while this 3D postcard stretches before you is an unforgettble sensation. Known affctionately as 'The Beach', Whiteheaven Beach is the epitome of paradise found.danishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-10832083629561906452010-11-19T23:15:00.000-08:002010-11-21T11:04:23.661-08:00Broadway Tower in England<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Broadway Tower in England" border="0" src="http://staticphotog.modernthings.org/images/120t.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 288px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 384px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Happy Travel : Broadway Tower in England</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Happy Travel : Broadway Tower in England" border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/Broadway-tower-cotswolds-modf.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 279px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 371px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Happy Travel : Broadway Tower in England</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" border="0" src="http://www.infobritain.co.uk/Broadway_Tower.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 277px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 370px;" /></a> <span style="color: #33ff33; font-family: arial;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #33ff33; font-family: arial;">Broadway Tower in England</span><br />
</div><div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">Broadway Tower is a folly located on Broadway Hill, A44 between Evesham and Moreton-in-Marsh, one mile (1.6 km) south-east of the village of Broadway, Worcestershire, England, at the second highest point of the Cotswolds after Cleeve Hill. Broadway Tower's base is 1,024 feet (312 metres) above sea level. The tower itself stands 55 feet (17 metres) high. Today, it is a tourist attraction with various exhibitions open to the public for a small fee.</div><div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">The "Saxon" tower was designed by James Wyatt in 1794 to resemble a mock castle, and built for Lady Coventry in 1799. The tower was built on a "beacon" hill, where beacons were lit on special occasions. Lady Coventry wondered if a beacon on this hill could be seen from her house in Worcester - approximately 22 miles (35 km) away - and sponsored the construction of the folly to find out. The beacon could be seen clearly.</div><div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">Over the years, the tower was home to the printing press of Sir Thomas Phillipps, and served as a country retreat for artists including William Morris.</div><div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">The tower is on the Cotswold Way; it is easily reached by following the Cotswold Way from the A44 road at Fish Hill, or by a steep climb out of Broadway village.</div><div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">Near the tower is a memorial to the crew of an A.W.38 Whitley bomber that crashed there during a training mission in June 1943.</div><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source ;Wikipedia.com</span>danishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-24611513570579469512010-11-18T06:49:00.000-08:002010-11-21T11:03:44.311-08:00Federal Hill, Baltimore Travel Image<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Federal Hill, Baltimore" border="0" src="http://www.southbaltimore.com/InnerHarbor/FederalHill/images/FederalHillParkb.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Federal Hill, Baltimore" border="0" src="http://www.federalhill.info/images-gallery/Federal-Hill-Memorial.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Monument 7 Baltimore Armistead Tower FederalHill" border="0" src="http://www.kilduffs.com/Monument_7_Baltimore_Armistead_Tower_FederalHill_PC.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Federal Hill, Baltimore Travel Image" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3446/3243083720_9829c743e8.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: arial;"> </span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Federal Hill, Baltimore Travel Image</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The neighborhood is named for the prominent hill that is easily viewed from the Inner Harbor area, to which the neighborhood forms the physical south boundary. The hillside is a lush green and serves as a community park. The neighborhood occupies the northwestern part of a peninsula that extends along two branches of the Patapsco River—the Northwest Branch (ending at the Inner Harbor) and the Middle Branch. This peninsula is generally referred to as the South Baltimore Peninsula, and includes the neighborhoods of Federal Hill, Locust Point, Riverside, South Baltimore, and Sharp-Leadenhall. While not physically a part of the peninsula, Otterbein is also included in the collection of neighborhoods which make up greater South Baltimore. Traditionally, Federal Hill was roughly triangular, bordered by Hanover Street to the west; Hughes Street, the harbor, and Key Highway to the north and east; and The Rail Yard to the south.</div><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source : Wikipedia.com</span>danishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-40894892702077769022010-11-17T06:44:00.000-08:002010-11-21T11:02:47.672-08:00Tower Bridge was originally painted green, then brown, before becoming the current red, white and blue in 1977 for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://cache.virtualtourist.com/3304440-Tower_Bridge_Feb_2007-London.jpg" alt="Tower Bridge London" border="0" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.destination360.com/europe/uk/images/s/uk-tower-bridge.jpg" alt="Queen’s Silver Jubilee" border="0" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://to55er.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/london_tower_bridge5.jpg" alt="Tower Bridge" border="0" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.saidaonline.com/en/newsgfx/london%20tower%20bridge-saidaonline.jpg" alt="Tower Bridge" border="0" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.freefoto.com/images/31/26/31_26_2---Tower-Bridge-at-night--London--England_web.jpg" alt="Tower Bridge at night London England" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >London Tower Bridge Image</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tower Bridge</span> was originally painted green, then brown, before becoming the current red, white and blue in 1977 for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. Thankfully for the British taxpayer it was decided not to cover the bridge in gold leaf for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002. The bascules currently lift around one thousand times a year, or three times a day. Originally powered by pressurised water from the engine room housed on the south side of the bridge, when first opened the bascules were up and down with more regularity than a vicar in a brothel, and with this in mind the design called for two pedestrian walkways joining the tops of the towers. </div>danishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-45262094382158449392010-11-16T02:01:00.000-08:002010-11-21T10:59:27.217-08:00Burj Dubai unveiled in a grand ceremony<div style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Burj Dubai" border="0" src="http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2007/07/21/dubaitower_narrowweb__300x509,0.jpg" style="display: block; height: 610px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 360px;" /></a>Burj Dubai</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;"><img alt="Burj Dubai" border="0" src="http://www.scottfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/burj-dubai-worlds-tallest-building.jpg" style="display: block; height: 550px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 365px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;"><img alt="Burj Dubai" border="0" src="http://rst.gsfc.nasa.gov/Sect6/burj-dubai-tower-photo.jpg" style="display: block; height: 324px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 371px;" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Dubai: Burj Dubai, standing tall at nearly 2,684 feet (818 meters) and twice the height of the Empire State Building, was unveiled on Monday in a grand ceremony.</span></div><div class="txt" id="font_text" style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Burj Dubai has 168 stories, making it the tallest structure on earth. After six years, $1.5 billion and a last-minute name change, the Burj Dubai - now the Burj Khalifa has officially opened for business.</span></div><div class="txt" id="font_text" style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">During a glitzy celebration Monday night, the full scope of the Burj was finally revealed.</span></div><div class="txt" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">It's an astonishing feat of engineering.</span></div><div class="txt" id="font_text" style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">The architects say it's inspired by the shape of a desert flower, built in the shape of the letter Y. Its elevators can travel 1,600 feet in two minutes.</span></div><div class="txt" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Almost twice the height of New York's famous Empire State Building, the temperature in Celsius at the top is up to 10 degrees cooler than at the bottom.</span></div><div class="txt" id="font_text" style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">It boasts luxury apartments and offices, four swimming pools, a private library and a hotel designed by Giorgio Armani.</span></div><div class="txt" id="font_text" style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">It will also have the most elevated place of worship in the world with plans for a mosque on the 158th floor.</span></div><div class="txt" id="font_text" style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">"It's really a reflection of the people who live in this city. It's a reflection of the environment in this city, that's optimistic, that's happy, that's cheerful. It's also a reflection of the leadership, and the attitude that the leadership have here which is yes it can be done," says Emaar Properties Chairman Mohamed Alabbar.</span></div><div class="txt" id="font_text" style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">But as Dubai tries to focus the spotlight on the Burj, its debt crisis is making headlines around the world.</span></div><div class="txt" id="font_text" style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">In November 2009 Dubai shocked investors when it asked for a freeze on payments towards its $26 million debt and then took a $10 million bailout from its neighbour, Abu Dhabi.</span></div><div class="txt" id="font_text" style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Dubai will likely survive its financial woes and the developer of Burj Dubai is confident his investment will pay off.</span></div><div class="txt" id="font_text" style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">"There's a life to live, there's activities to be done. And you know this slowdown has been here now for us for over fifteen months and we expect that we should be on the way back to gradual growth and gradual activity," says Alabbar.</span></div><div class="txt" id="font_text" style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Perhaps the Burj will provide the jump start this emirate so desperately needs. The developer says the building is already 90 per cent sold.</span></div>danishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-71109868273650736252010-11-15T14:00:00.000-08:002010-11-15T14:00:03.072-08:00Kuching Travel - Tune Hotel<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tune Hotel</span> is a good example of a budget hotel done right. It is no-frills but not cheap and sleazy. The locations are usually impeccable, and you get from the front desk to your room in a few minutes. I've stayed at the Tune Hotel in Kuala Lumpur (at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman - opposite Maju Junction Shopping Complex) and the one at LCCT, and also the one in KK when it just opened. I always find the beds a joy to sleep on, and the shower better then many 5 star hotels - instant hot water and powerful. The down side is that the rooms can be a bit small and takes some getting used to. Rooms at the KL hotel are quite reasonably sized, but those at LCCT are tiny. There is only enough room for a queen size bed and you have to walk sideways to navigate yourself to the bathroom. For the price and the convenience, can't really complain too much. There have been mixed reviews on other sites about maintenance and service issues, so do check out the reviews before booking. The extreme no-frills concept is not for everyone.<br />
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Tune Hotel Kuching opened not too long ago. In terms of location it is inbeatable - right opposite The Hilton. It is also within walking distance to the Kuching Waterfront, Main Bazaar and Padungan Area. I went to check it out recently and found the lobby area following the basic Tune Hotel formula - small but efficient check-in counter, a very basic cafe, simple but comfy couches, and a couple of internet terminals for your convenience. All in all a breath of fresh air compared to many other budget hotels. I didn't get to see the rooms so have no idea on the room size.<br />
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<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFbyv8rpqE-k4ZRsiWweiPH9yQVdxtoYuLgZyte2EzshkQ99QTirJ0rN3u9A_Ziy1TH6gM0MjAYMpjewarC1zQLpOz-EkjuO1ZcQRX2oXThjUom-OvaVVNyj1zIx6DpjqXeo40kpeM9MS/s400/P1070570.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfxvkeREE5utfIL_yhPmM7PQhCXUA0TutlDBwzKAxbYKDOQYNDEb7bjwmeP-9ZgS4wiDkrACHCr67OQpZOTeN3LtVh9yxlr5BJIFM9Ni8ch9X-G00af7tml3ANchWVQ3Lo3IenS01Q1tm/s400/P1070576.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeW30D1B-HKOSK8w0McGSMvRr1tHK5_3E7cKsM0gqgSV1KXUxm64sfBA4N4uuzI1frBErFjEjc_4qNfO-F4WTUWc8kS7OQDInq4w4o7ths51U9QpfPdrKlm4rjtXbZcSu-3LSl0gavyDrJ/s400/P1070579.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
The lobby is quite big and comfortable.<br />
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<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QM52FTqozbvtE99X6HVMSIPg_n4MOearQhyphenhyphen89jFBtpQQqrEiQP23r8IYO_4n1v0lg2lNJWQxXlikr2cl06zWahGAqiwT-7Srk6CIQgv0UK1n0jcY0gzuDapBGi4cjfR12E4yGzzWOHod/s400/P1070586.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvzyv3f2c5nWDnqN9ZHR4SE0HSn_3CAquBUQXLISkvitdZmw46R93Z6oDPGnspa7w39Owqzk243W2dwUomubPTWQMIbpxwxgwmXa7XZ4NFwa2-h6waiIeXOztJVXS-toYiRvYPhlxKXp7/s400/P1070587.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRalZLfoVd_EL9TrNiGth9fBhT7xw1MYojCDQ_-s3jUxaFhU8vZaVL4lZKSbQhjLTYP_SgYrs1NUp-tj5t2aSF8u1FLgcLZ3fNbhNBJEHAzE0xrIh6H3pfUqn4AlbWjKIKtnPoh8_jXCe/s400/P1070583.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Free internal terminals. I like that you have to stand while using the terminals so people can't hog the terminals.<br />
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<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cwtds0y13DwUO7hb7_-US-2vVofjnTEzynWf16016Sjaa24M6XQ0yjt6cXVQQ04Wr-0EFR1WgluNA6G8bP0guPtXka19yC86tCpYHI-Ia4DlrKQfAaRXb_H8WxDNp4pN9P142fdkLgwO/s400/P1070585.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
The basic charge at Tune Hotel only covers the room. You pay for everything else - air-cond, towel and soap, wi-fi, etc. There are no in-room phones so if you need to talk to the front desk you have to physically walk there. Don't even talk about porter service. All these extra charges add up, but in big cities like KL they still offer extremely good value. In Kuching though you may be able to find better deals if you look around.</div>danishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-62059518476423868252010-11-14T14:00:00.000-08:002010-11-15T09:49:25.199-08:00Kuching Travel - Hilton Hotel<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kuching Hilton</span> was the first 5 star International hotel in Kuching, and to date it remains the standard by which others are measured. The rooms facing the Sarawak River also have the best views in Kuching, and it is great waking up to see the idyllic river winding its way through the old town.<br />
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<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwk1HTX0XgYivdzcpD1z_KFcfwYj5cIwxaVD255pojr-rk-IINyqgIXSNmqOTuBunPiuLGMf2FCEvrH_70FuPe6d5wUVh7yN6fWSldhQHZ5LmANMtWNc8F1rYauMCQE6AXXA_2_i2Wu8l/s400/P1070349.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicDx5eF1lagrg8BBXs2JnVxaSxhf0s218Q6ouG2h6LP5nZOLo30yY7LxYa4isUqSaG1gXgZ_vDicWmDFeUyPoFmM1JD2Kd8Uts7Z2akQsEDLVjSAzIMHgbnVOYeJIt6euazBSB-tw2nti/s400/P1070572.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JW_i-KS8idyCtdPeC7CejahrF2bc6FRd07qDU5nE7Ehu674e9VxYBpo9gcEObmhuJw4Cqkfas-iXyBkv1VyOJlwu8RujROjH7eZGQQkI_E5_3G1wtLEVulsBjBJ6iX3d1EbHS-uVN6Wq/s400/P1070573.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
The design of the hotel was getting a bit dated, but a few years back it was given a major makeover and now the lobby area is quite nice and cosy. Consistent with other Hiltons in Asia, they have put a cafe - Cafecino, right in the lobby. This was a great move as the lobby has lots more life and looks a lot more interesting. Its also a great place for coffee and snacks, and arguably serves the best coffee in Kuching. They use Coffex coffee from Australia.<br />
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<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RWmxn89N-DFJws-HtP_0YC4U59lZFjGwDLeJu7-4gigYo0o-c3I-cfXcZBTRfSi4Jdv99P55V2PiIuPjFFqQe2M7gdWOx3PsneQJv95nqdOdBwl8nkBGovFrOH-MWqXYi0qo4aBPFwBJ/s400/P1070496.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVlwX2w6M15u2EI8BL68TaqJ0LiO57jhlaeJUdMtQyo6oF7QYbLqz0wAy3CdovgzvwsK1ZiqDF_A235mba8L8CaX7QapNkvfWL5KnsfQWD17g5q5mpLdjvdf3Ul_QfClkSycCb1vDwkTd/s400/P1070497.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
The lobby looks fabulous after the makeover.<br />
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<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zzshbySatcfAhC95aaXBuhkrZYo10_yZhPwqvXKu2U_w7P0DtN01yb2OWB5SeLJjBHCekBvgaP0TeG10d5dO5BpHQyYQanCZ9970a2rq5HOD8BoP9cl_UN_5rLb8Wa2W-C8GtYgE3bWW/s400/P1070495.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_kVCD0jbqlN9mkxQfr775HVjqkg-Wp748rgFX8toHUlsw-omQW9P_Hjvwom8HKKqV0b8Io5WsxbQiU4BuqyMAcLNjvCfoQhwI-eNyvk8KuAhkSvklcVjvq539mjeP0Fr5pI8W0xHK9PL/s400/P1070501.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHvIUQB5rZoGOEmHpuM2ic_ixcqThjY1TzLw878_3oyJx1TbKKQchbV9wBn7-so-f6wO-Gd_KlML0ZYD-nv1sglteLeOhQmXyvNptOyDIDd71UH86Ww30b0e3ewZwjG4qHzdHrKUyxqMG/s400/P1070543.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Another major change was the old pub which was transformed into the Senso Lounge with a chillout vibe. Outside the lounge is a small corner which serves as a lobby lounge.<br />
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<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFY-fDrjr7zyq9upjCiica7g9ZzHUhaHHivnvtpaFGqk5iicVZ6VyakO7fBhDRirV9lYFWTwVJO1I12FiUe2iN58qL45QWr1fSZrAh4mKwSwivgY4UKw7pUfaWp4o3B1XjiP9zYIpli5bd/s400/P1070504.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDWaSOI9E-vx6966nmFgP_k8-mbGPs4g_MpL1g0n9KxEKnyu0cEZm_Id4a14URC1FRuRFH0NBPjXcB3LSUGDa5f8jL1rUxtzK2mjV0ZJnTshn8wXzbO3qn8CLdA04-LEFWOWrbfZczFDv/s400/P1070506.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Hilton Kuching has several F&B outlets which are quite popular with Kuchingites - the Waterfront Cafe which serves daily buffets, Hilton Steak House and Toh Yuen Chinese Restaurant. While the Steak House has been surpassed by other establishments, Toh Yuen is still one of the best Chinese Restaurants in town.<br />
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If you are looking for top 5 star accommodation in Kuching, Hilton is probably still the best choice. The location is also great, right next to the Kuching Waterfront.<br />
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</div>danishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-14771973708866106392010-11-13T07:02:00.000-08:002010-11-15T09:48:49.749-08:00Uluwatu Travel In Bali<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://annurelitatravel.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/uluwatu.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://jalanjalanterus.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/uluwatu.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gustputra.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/pura-uluwatu.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JAKLzsnfaX4fezQEgQ4moPbd1v34Ots3GxB6m0p6CkwLsOz3AC4RAmHgP7uN8MUgvFM8vpgKYXUU2gV3cuA7jj_pX_pP_82830G0kLSA17ZzZcrwYSiMwZP5EHPJVhIl0644qOySgCs/s200/DSC08931.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 150px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a><span style="color: #66ff99; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Uluwatu Travel In Bali</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Officially known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu (yes, that's the real name: "Luhur" means "something of divine origin" while "Uluwatu" can be broken into "ulu" which means "land's end" and "watu" means "rock" in the old language). Nonetheless, merely mentioning Uluwatu will get you here in no time.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">To me, this is the most spectacular temple on the island of Bali. The inner sanctum of the pura is perched majestically on the edge of a steep cliff that towers above the legendary surf breaks of southern Bali.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">While I'm not too sure what the view is like from within the inner temple itself, the views are best enjoyed on two different vantage points on both northern and southern portions of the area.</div>danishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-12209831775002482732010-11-12T02:21:00.000-08:002010-11-15T09:48:20.113-08:00The Tower of London was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1078.<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Gherkin behind the Tower of London" border="0" src="http://edsphotoblog.com/wp-content/photos/800px/0402_gherkin_tower_of_london.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Tower of London" border="0" src="http://www.inhabitat.com/wp-content/uploads/greengherkin.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Gherkin behind " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMQdMZaPDMIo9RhDYq58UFykuHSIZS8rk0lpXtTYQjQQLW9TsSLbDHpxppKyQub125XJPvpVCzYYWYx2AITuVPrNji70Sb1S9iuRrZB8QNtI6t5HTx0En8dTs90kcD4oFVc6Cm4x5SKg/s400/080516_175958+Gherkin-egg-shaped-building-london.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/131/318637581_477536598c.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Gherkin behind the Tower of London" border="0" src="http://jdredit.co.uk/pixelpost/images/20090222134859_dscn3875%20gherkin%20%20blog.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 533px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="color: #33ff33; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Gherkin behind the Tower of London</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tower of London</span> was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1078. In contrast the Gherkin Building, which is actually called 30 St Mary Axe or the Swiss Re Building was designed by the architects Foster and Partners. Construction started in 2001 and the building was completed in 2004.</div>danishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-90055066324188201972010-11-11T07:27:00.000-08:002010-11-15T09:47:52.009-08:00GWK (Garuda Wisnu Kencana) In Bali<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://beritadaerah.com/UserFiles/Image/travel/garuda%20wisnu%20kencana/gwk7.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfWs7x9_167IXcisVpsbN2W4mgsA_gBiT60_7JQNXp_Emfj-SCLeYAyqtdsTTVGdNuy7EC3C1JR9nOLG1zxj1KkboIUfwO5UByHL5ChvBGSdu0ZrviFrF3YorMvbn_DnFk_3uk838iMuy/s400/Garuda+GWK.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://nengpika.blog.friendster.com/files/gwk.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff6666; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Garuda Wisnu Kencana</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mandala Garuda Wisnu Kencana, or Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) is a private cultural park on the Bukit Peninsula at the southern end of the island of Bali in Indonesia. Bukit is a limestone plateau with Uluwatu to the west and Nusa Dua to the eastern.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is devoted to the Hindu god Vishnu, and his mount, Garuda, the mythical bird who is his companion.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Currently, the statue of Vishnu is 23 m high, although the original plan was for a 146 meter gold plated Vishnu riding Garuda on top of an 11 storey entertainment complex. The idea was not without controversy, and religious authorities on the island complained that its massive size might disrupt the spiritual balance of the island, and that its commercial nature was inappropriate.</div><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source : Wikipedia.com</span>danishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-7775978072899222872010-11-10T02:38:00.000-08:002010-11-11T11:11:45.560-08:00Australia : Sydney<div style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJ045-YfJbBBeskRuc7TdQ97yhGhifeQjIRcYvQf-Ah5C5K2lLPGIhdJFfUF5iO7tHUu9b0MnFsI7h1BYCTK_ZeYwOF3oZZwz1KvvUCWnzVRnS3yoc316UlacS4MrkYvJQ7kppzebQa7G/s320/fireworks_2007_afp_wideweb__470x314,2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 305px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 457px;" /></a></div><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: left;">Howdy from Sydney-side of things again. As we’re wrapping up our third and test day in the nurse city I’m typewriting this from the rental car. It’s quite the accomplishment considering this is Mr. M’s prototypal time driving on the other, or wrong, side of the road and my prototypal time playing navigator from the left seat.<br />
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As we cross over the imposing Harbour Bridge and attain our artefact to the intoxicant location of Hunter Valley, it’s a beatific time to reflect on the terminal few days…<br />
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We returned from the Great Barrier Reef island of Hamilton on New Year’s Eve, landing in Sydney with meet sufficiency time to rush to the incoming hotel, change clothes and head discover to our dinner reservations at Rockpool Bar & Grill<br />
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<i>Starting with pre-dinner cocktails in the bar – mixed handily by suspender-wearing bartenders – I chose an almond sidecar while Marc enjoyed his Manhattan. </i><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">They would not be our last cocktails of the night. </div><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseyiEgICfxySsuFC2K2C9sDzwBT-FDnuBPP4uyhNPLT-OLU9rzkbKXYY-5izNon3qfWoG35dOyL3NqzkhdbWOzHF8P2R7kOyYptqWX8A2B9nh9skqeqwTOY1AuzawbTTIs7FzNrEAt68s/s320/DSC00411.JPG" style="display: block; height: 345px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 461px;" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><i>There are 6,500 Riedel glasses lining the oft-photographed bar. Woowee.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Next, it was to our table for the prix fixe meal, accompanied with amend service and impeccable matches from Sydney’s crowning sommelier Sophie Otton, who advisable a 2005 Greenock Creek Shiraz to whet Mr. M’s demands for a jammy inhabitant shiraz (she titled it “muscular”). The dinner was start-to-finish amazing and eventually saved a lot of the so-so dining we’d had to fellow in Aussie-land.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><i>After dinner and dessert we headed back to the bar and spent the next few hours testing the bartenders’ skillz with some newly found NYE friends. (Isn’t everyone your friend on New Year’s Eve?)</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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About 30 minutes before the clock struck twelve, Mr. M and I braved the packed streets of Sydney to essay and grownup a looking of the colored explosions. Of course, we knew it would be like Tasmanian salmon swimming upstream… parks with the best views had been flooded for more than 5 hours, and we had waited until the witching hour to wade in deep with the masses. Sydney boasts the largest public assembling – about 1.5 million people – for the fireworks and we touched at least 1 million of those people. Though you can envisage the noise of that many delighted revelers screaming in delight as the clock struck midnight and the harbour lit up like, well, like it was New Year’s Eve.<br />
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We impact 2010 seventeen hours earlier than CST, so Mr. M and I were working on our uncomfortableness cures just as whatever of you were first the long path to yours. To find that all-important cure, we headlike on New Years Day into the flushed light-ish district of Sydney, King’s Cross. Sure enough, we stumbled upon a Mexican restaurant, Tomatillo, and pronto chowed downbound on Chipotle-like burritos and kept our Mexican-food-in-foreign-countries-streak alive.<br />
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</div>The inclementness skies stayed with us through the day, though we also managed to get in a walk downbound to Finger Wharf before the rain dispatched us inside to a pub.<br />
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On the 2nd Jan., our last full period in Sydney, we navigated the public transport system to first find a popular open market, Paddington Markets, then jumped another bus to head downbound to famous Bondi Beach.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><i>Bondi Beach -- a view of the storm clouds rolling in</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What do you think followed us to Bondi Beach, though? That’s right kiddos – the rain! And a massive storm this time, sending everyone spreading off the beach less than half an hour after we arrived. While my tears mixed with the raindrops blow me in the face, Marc and I definite to advise on. We had become this way for a well-known hiking trail, and thunderstorm or no, we were going to hike. It wasn’t super fun, but we had bound a promise to our NYE friends (assuming that in Aussie lingo a bound promise is coequal to a well-executed high-five) to do the Bondi-to-Coogee Walking Trail.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTP5PbJPCOEKgrgASJiHFTZam300Nt4Enm6aNhN-MPNdQs6TdV4ytKpjjLhqCA_z_M4H7bRt8N7X0fCj5mgbNAXFkxvd0sqFNuTrybnATJaVz8EMtsx4cORHfdBNrw9DkO_zJime8rZrDl/s320/crab.JPG" style="display: block; height: 179px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 470px;" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><i>Marc took this pic of a little crab during our hike</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i> </i> </div><div class="MsoNormal">One could envisage that given good weather the views would be spectacular. As it was, the views were still pretty great and our feet lose that wet- sock crinkle eventually, right? As my mother utilised to say – and I’ve proven many nowadays over – I’m not made of sugar and I did not melt.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<i>For our final party in the city we headlike back out to Sydney’s Chinatown, munching on noodles and cashew chicken amid the crowded chaos.</i><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">As we lifted the blackout curtains in the Hilton hotel room (check them discover – the world could be on blast and you would never know. Dangerous. Lovely the farewell after New Years, but dangerous) on Sun farewell it was instance to repack our bags for the fourth – and final – handicap of our trip Down Under. Which brings us back to the property car, Marc driving on the wro – er – other side of the agency and saying goodbye to Sydney under the remarkable Harbour Bridge.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUzX3A9YzSEDInMxu0PhE3scTdpPN3OUEROqbvf4yjM3EzaHOk9PSq0anO__rqEOxA1nls6MgenBe_LS-Nws9v9CVSbFGokFPDWVk8hp6m0nEmGN6kkVhD_i-ZC1_BCmr4hwo3aDjnFKl/s320/bridge.JPG" style="display: block; height: 288px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 436px;" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><i>Bye Bye Sydney. Next stop… Hunter Valley wine region.</i></div></div>danishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-19693895424608285762010-11-09T02:39:00.000-08:002010-11-11T11:11:05.953-08:00Alexandria Travel World Beautiful<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://chss2.montclair.edu/rennert/images/fort-qaitbay-alexandria-egy229.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/resources/2007/11/LibraryofAlexandria.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Alexandria (Arabic: الإسكندرية al-Iskandariyya; Coptic:Rakotə; Greek: Ἀλεξάνδρεια; Egyptian Arabic: اسكندريه Iskandariyya), with a population of 4.1 million, is the second-largest city in Egypt, and is the country's largest seaport, serving about 80% of Egypt's imports and exports. Alexandria is also an important tourist resort.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Alexandria extends about 32 km (20 mi) along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in north-central Egypt. It is home to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (the new Library), and is an important industrial center because of its natural gas and oil pipelines from Suez, another city in Egypt. Alexandria was also an important trading post between Europe and Asia, because it profited from the easy overland connection between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In ancient times, Alexandria was one of the most famous cities in the world. It was founded around a small pharaonic town c. 331 BC by Alexander the Great. It remained Egypt's capital for nearly a thousand years, until the Muslim conquest of Egypt in AD 641 when a new capital was founded at Fustat (Fustat was later absorbed into Cairo).</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Alexandria was known because of its lighthouse (Pharos), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; its library (the largest library in the ancient world); and the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. Ongoing maritime archaeology in the harbour of Alexandria, which began in 1994, is revealing details of Alexandria both before the arrival of Alexander, when a city named Rhacotis existed there, and during the Ptolemaic dynasty.</div><br />
Source : Wikipedia.comdanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-83239385738123513322010-11-08T18:19:00.000-08:002010-11-08T18:19:00.480-08:00The Walt Disney Concert Hall at 111 South Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/137/330733455_237b2db51c.jpg" alt="Walt Disney Concert Hall" border="0" /></a><br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.studio-international.co.uk/studio-images/gehry/disney_hall_5b.jpg" alt="Walt Disney Concert Hall" border="0" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.essential-architecture.com/MISC/Walt-Disney-Concert-Hall-01.jpg" alt="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" border="0" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.iatwm.com/200603/FrankGehry/Walt%20Disney%20Concert%20Hall%202.jpg" alt="Walt Disney Concert Hall" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Walt Disney Concert Hall </span><br />
</div><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Walt Disney Concert Hall at 111 South Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles</span>, California is the fourth hall of the Los Angeles Music Center. Bounded by Hope Street, Grand Avenue, 1st and 2nd Streets, it seats 2,265 people and serves (among other purposes) as the home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Lillian Disney made an initial gift in 1987 to build a performance venue as a gift to the people of Los Angeles and a tribute to Walt Disney's devotion to the arts and the city. The Frank Gehry-designed building opened on October 23 2003. Both the architecture by Frank Gehry and the acoustics of the concert hall (designed by Yasuhisa Toyota) were praised in contrast to its predecessor, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.<br />
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Source : Wikipedia.comdanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-65772601940598519102010-11-07T11:34:00.000-08:002010-11-08T17:50:46.704-08:00Sedona is a Beautiful Vacation<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Sedona is a Beautiful Vacation" border="0" src="http://www.ancientsea.com/1/sedona-spa-retreats-lodging/sedona-vacation-home.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 313px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 399px;" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Sedona, Arizona is one of the a lot of admirable vacation locations in the USA. It has been admired as a arresting airy anchorage back aged times. Native Americans accept been advancing to Sedona for their religious ceremonies, their airy awakenings, their rites of access and their weddings for hundreds of years. The aboriginal time you appointment this marvellous basin with its awe alarming beauty, you will accept why it has been admired for so long. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Red sandstone cliffs acceleration a thousand anxiety aloft the basin floor. Buttes, mesas and pinnacles of bedrock acceleration throughout the valley. Everywhere the rocks accept been breakable into absurd shapes akin behemothic fortresses, towers, pinnacles and added alien visages. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The apple of Sedona is amid in the bosom of this breathtaking splendour amidst by bottomward abundance streams, abundant blooming meadows, and forested hillocks all bedeviled by the arty red bedrock formations. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Grand Canyon, just a 90 minute drive to the north, is agnate to Sedona but on a abundant beyond scale. Added geological attractions like Yosemite Basin are appropriately magnificent. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The distance is semi arid, so it gets little rain or snow, but it has a abounding accumulation of baptize from the adjacent mountains. Summers are a bit milder and winters a bit colder than the low distance chastening abreast Phoenix. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sedona reputedly is the area of several accepted vortexes that accommodate airy healing and abstract enlightenment. New age advocates appear to this admirable basin gluttonous airy and concrete rejuvenation. You can calmly appointment some of these vortexes and sit on the rocks arresting the abstract activity sources. I alone anticipate a canteen of acceptable wine helps. Shops and boutiques in the apple advertise ability crystals, Indian amulets, chestnut bracelets and added airy appliances. Many of the resorts and spas action yoga classes and assorted abstruse airy regimens in accession to the accepted massages, facials and acceptable cures. </div>danishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04810450593346923576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500928250846461556.post-41751063536781488522010-11-06T23:15:00.000-07:002010-11-08T17:50:14.023-08:00BSD Ocean Park Travel World<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" border="0" src="http://www.tabloidharapanindah.com/imgupl/_Ocean_Park_BSD_03.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" border="0" src="http://budi.winarno.org/images/OceanPark.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="http://amazing-traveling.blogspot.com/" border="0" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/jentl_2007/gambar/OceanPark05.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="http://amazing-vacation-travel.blogspot.com/" border="0" src="http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/4616/okemberraksasap1010075yr7.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 530px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 398px;" /></a><span style="color: #ff6666; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">BSD Ocean Park Travel World</span><br style="color: black;" /><span style="color: black;"> Travel Adventure</span><br />
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