1001 Places I’d Like to Visit before I Die #17 – Florida

Posted by mirage on May 10, 2012 in 1001 Places | 0 comments

My kids always look back to a Disneyland adventure (Paris).

Over, under, sideways, forward, backward, and all around… the faint of heart need not be scared because this is not what you can expect from your Florida flights. After a safe and uneventful flight to Florida, you can rediscover the child in you and enjoy the exhilarating rides in one or several of this key US city’s theme parks and water fun parks. The kids would of course love it a lot! They love Disneyland and I think no matter which part of the world, they’s be happy to come back.

Three of the theme parks that you can visit in Florida are Disney World, the Universal Studios, and Sea World. When you book your Florida flights, you can already book hotels or any accommodation of your choice at locations near the theme parks that you want to visit. In and around Disney World, for example, are hotels and apartments where you can get park admission packages together with your room and board bookings. There are also shuttle services to take you to Disney World’s park entrance and then back to your hotel’s doorstep at the end of the day.

Also within Orlando, Florida are the Universal Studios and Sea World. These two theme parks are within a stone’s throw away from Disney World. The Universal Studios is paired up with another theme park, Islands of Adventure, under the same umbrella of companies. These theme parks have movie-based rides and attractions – you can even sing, dance, or dine with popular characters like Woody Woodpecker, Spiderman, and other Marvel Superheroes. The attractions you can find in these theme parks include the Universal CityWalk, the Revenge of the Mummy, and the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit rollercoaster.

The Sea World theme park in Orlando, Florida is a water and marine mammal park. This park features a lot of thrill rides – definitely not your typical rollercoaster ride. Sea World is particularly known for its Journey to Atlantis ride, the Wild Arctic helicopter ride, and its animal observation stations. Another unique attraction at Sea World is the Shark Encounter. In this “ride,” park visitors are put into an acrylic tube and submerged into a tank to see sharks swimming around. Younger kids can also have some active play time with the park’s mascot, Shamu, at the Happy Harbor.

There’s certainly a lot for the entire family to enjoy in Florida theme parks. Attractions are not limited to heart-stopping and gravity defying rides. A whole lot more attractions and activities are left for younger children, the elderly, or those who just cannot take the extreme excitement to choose from. Strolling along the cobblestoned walks of the theme parks or going into a park building whose interiors have been transformed into a different realm can be just as exciting.

Nickelodeon Suites Resort Lake Buena Vista, Orlando via http://blog.oyster.com

Learning a Language on a holiday

Posted by mirage on May 8, 2012 in Learning a Language Holidays | 12 comments

Many times I’ve mentioned how I’m fascinated with all walks of life, of culture and languages. I still do, had I the chance and the money I’d go and spend some time on those cities I’ve listed here on my bucket list, immerse myself and learn their language. I had always hope to work as a “real” translator and though I’d go for German – English, Spanish – English, adding Russian and French translation to the languages mentioned above would be great.

If you’re young and single, I suggest you scout the scholarship grants offered by different countries and go on that language learning and expand on your choice of career. If you are able then book that holiday for your next adventure and learn a new language to add to your abilities. Here are my top picks of places to visit and study a language.

1. Tokyo, Japan. Hajimemashite! I’ve always been fascinated with Nihongo and everything Japanese but until now, my knowledge of the language is limited. If hubby ever asks me again where would I want to settle I’ll choose Japan without batting an eyelash. Studying Japanese in Tokyo is offered by many holiday packages there and includes accommodation on dormitories, apartments or homestay where you get to have foster parents/families. Trips to key city attractions – Tokyo tower, Sanrio Puroland, different shrines and parks are included too as well as going to Mt. Fuji, Kyoto and other parts of Japan. To watch sumo tournaments, shop at Shibuya and see the statue of the famous akita inu, Hachiko, is also a must.

The food of course is an added bonus, dine and wine at Ebisu’s famous district. For a sushi lover like me, nothing’s best than Japan’s authentic and fresh offerings. Oh, don’t forget the Unagi! And no trip to Japan is complete without Karaoke, sing to your heart’s content wearing a traditional Yukata as you do!

To spend a Tokyo holiday in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom would be lovely. photo from http://www.melodramatic.com

2. Barcelona, Spain. Hola! Como Estas? Growing up, Spanish is the third language I learned. I had a refresher course at one of Vienna’s schools some time ago and would love to go on a trip to Barcelona to practice my skills with the locals. Though I’ve practiced with friends from Peru and Colombia living in the city but a view of the historic city and a feel of the real Spanish environment would surely be a wonderful experience. Like Tokyo, one can stay at a dormitory, a room for rent and at budget hotels while on vacation. Enjoy tapas as much as you can while in this region and gulp them down with orxata, cerveza or granizado.

To view the Pyrenees and the Montserrat, two grand mountains in the area is on my list of things to do. Add also Tibidabo. To photograph the famous church, Sagrada Familia that has been cited as a UNESCO world heritage site is also on my list.

The Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família. via http://endandaim.blogspot.com

3. Dordogne, France. Bonjour, comment allez-vous? Paris will always be the city that one would choose if France is mentioned but a better department to experience a different feel of what the French has to offer is Dordogne. It is very close to Barcelona bordered by the Pyrenees.

To be in the French region means a lot of wine and gustatory experience. French fashion is haute couture, French fare is haute cuisine. Stay at a manor, an apartment or pension house on your stay and enjoy the wide array of food France has to offer. Start with salmon terrine (meatlof/pate) or Foie gras (fattened duck liver) for your  hors d’œuvre or entrée, have a Pot-au-feu (beef stew) for your plat principal then pick your choice of cheese for the next course. Finally choose from the most loved pattiserie the French has to offer.

In Dordogne you can go canoeing or kayaking at the Dordogne River. Visit chateaus, parks and manors that the department is known for. Immersion classes are widely available in Dordogne. I bet you would want to stay longer even after your course is done.

Château de Puymartin.

4. London, England. If English is not your first language or you would like to brush up and master the language, no other city would be best but London. It is another city of fashion couture and where the most famous museums are  located. London is and has always been a top tourist destination. It is also one of the top choice for students who want to further not only their English but their careers as well.

While in London, you can go about to see an old piece of art, a rare book edition of one of your favorite English authors, world renown architectures perhaps walk at the famous and real bridge from the nursery rhyme.

Forget not to visit the Westminister and Buckingham palaces, the gardens that abound the city, ride a red double-decker bus and take a photo beside that red telephone box!

True, there is in London all that life can afford and offer…make sure you have enough for your shopping escapade…London has so much to offer for shoppers…more appropriate because it is one of the Big 4 of the fashion world.

London at night. photo via http://reserviso.com

Whichever language and city you choose, make sure that you have a decent camera with you to capture all the wonderful scenery, the people you’ve met. In time, you can also blog about your experience in that particular city in the language you learned there. ^_^

Med Cruises: A Holiday of Multi-cultural Experiences

Posted by mirage on May 6, 2012 in Cruises | 5 comments

Instead of going to one country on a holiday, it would be a much more interesting experience to have a grand vacation and visit several countries in one region one after the other. Med Cruises offers packages and excursion tours that will take you to the different countries in the Mediterranean for you to experience their multi-cultural offerings. You can book your cruise and choose the tours and excursions you are interested in. These cruises usually have their own staff of tour coordinators to guide you through your exploration of the Mediterranean.

Santorini, still is so lovely. http://www.royal-olympic-cruises.com

On-board activities and amenities add to the exciting things that you can do while on vacation. Cultural shows, shopping outlets, swimming pools, theatres, restaurants, and other recreational facilities are made available for tourists on a cruise. Even children are taken cared of with specially designed programs, activities, and events to ensure that they too enjoy the cruise as much as their parents and adult companions.

You do not have to choose between romantic Greek islands and shopping and dining in Spain’s Palma de Mallorca. You can enjoy different sights, sounds, and tastes from a handful of countries while on vacation on Med Cruises. Take a seven-day cruise at the Mediterranean to visit key destinations in about three to four countries in the region. The cruise ship docks for about six to eight hours, or sometimes even overnight, more than enough time for you to go out and enjoy your chosen excursion tours. Some of the excursion tours that you can book include:

1. The Vatican Museum Tour – After docking in Civitavecchia, Italy, you can take an hour and a half bus ride to Rome where your sightseeing tour starts with a visit to several monuments including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pyramid, and many others. A guided walking tour ensues at the Vatican Museum where historical masterpieces from the collections of the Roman Popes have been preserved. You will also get to set foot inside the Sistine Chapel, the Piazza San Pietro, and the Basilica during this tour.

2. The Beach Tour – Enjoy Tunisia’s sandy bays and beautiful coastal views with a trip to Gammarth, a seaside resort that’s a short drive away from the port of La Goulette, Tunisia. Just a few hours on the resort will give you a refreshing break from the walking and sightseeing.

3. The Valldemosa Palace Visit – Shopping and dining are not the only things to enjoy in the port of Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Drive on out to Valldemosa for a taste of history and architecture. The historic Carthusian monastery of Cartoixa and the architectural work of art in the King Sancho Palace will present you with a stark contrast between humble and peaceful cloisters and opulent and regal trimmings.

1001 Places I’d Like to Visit Before I Die #16 – Namibia

Posted by mirage on May 4, 2012 in 1001 Places | 9 comments

Wild in focus. http://travel.nationalgeographic.com

The nature lover in me is starting to feel quite stifled by urban living. I have always wanted to take a trip to Africa and when I came across some online brochures about flights to South Africa, there was no doubt in my mind that Namibia should be my next vacation destination.

 It would be great if I can get in through Cape Town International so I can take a side trip to the winelands in the area – and, of course, who would not want to visit a city that is considered to be one of the most beautiful the world over? I can head out to Namibia through Johannesburg where there are flights to Namibia every day. My itinerary will have to be fixed depending on the great deals on these flights that are available online.

Namibia is northwest of Johannesburg, sitting right above the Northern Cape of South Africa. This country used to be a province of South Africa and boasts of the same natural attractions, flora, and fauna that abound in the entire African continent. On my list of places to visit are the Fish River Canyon Park, the Waterberg Plateau Park, and the Namib Naukluft National Park. These three places will give me a tip-to-tip exploration of Namibia. I’m looking for flights to South Africa that offer deals on tours and visits to Namibia and these natural treasures. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get by with the vacation money I have saved up – I definitely would not want to pass up any of Namibia’s and South Africa’s best sights.

They say that the Fish River Canyon Park on the southern part of Namibia is one of the largest all over the world and is one of the country’s natural wonders. I’d like to try to do some hiking on the Fish River Canyon Trail, although I have to remember to get some waterproof packs and Ziplock packs for my hiking essentials. Perhaps after a cold dip in the river waters, swimming along with big fishes, I can go on to see some desert creatures at the Namib Naukluft National Park. It would be such an experience to see the Namib Desert’s towering sand dunes up close.

Next up would be the Waterberg Plateau Park up in northern Namibia where rare game species, endangered species, and breeding colonies can be found. There’s a four-day hike package but, I’d have to think about whether I have enough time, money, or energy left after my exploration of south and central Namibia to do some more hiking in this hot and arid country.

A Weekend In Cardiff

Posted by mirage on May 2, 2012 in England | 0 comments

Cardiff City Hall. photo via http://www.europeish.com

Cardiff is a great place to choose for a weekend mini-break, as the city has lots to offer to all visitors.

You’ll also find good value Cardiff hotels to choose from, including three Travelodge’s in the heart of the city, that won’t break the bank.

If you only have two days in the city, you’ll want to squeeze in as much as possible. Here are some suggestions to add to your ‘must do’ list so that you don’t miss a thing while in one of the most welcoming Welsh cities.

Millennium Stadium
The Millennium Stadium is an iconic landmark, not only in Cardiff or Wales, but in the UK. It has a full programme of sporting events, so if you love your rugby or your motorsports you should check out what’s on at ticketmaster.co.uk.

Wales Millennium Centre
Another iconic landmark in Cardiff, the Wales Millennium Centre (also known as the Armadillo) has been seen on shows such as Doctor Who and Torchwood. It’s a huge centre for performing arts, and you’ll find shows, tours, exhibitions, workshops and talks to suit all ages and tastes. Head to www.wmc.org.uk/WhatsOn for details of the 2012 programme.

Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay has benefitted from complete re-development and is now a great place to eat and drink in a waterfront location.

Cardiff Caste
This attraction is great for all ages, and its city centre location means it’s great for those who have travelled to Cardiff by train. You can take a 50 minute tour to learn all about this mid 19th century architectural wonder, and its breathtaking interior.

Techniquest
If you’re travelling to Cardiff as a family then Techniquest is a great family friendly attraction. This interactive science museum features hands on exhibits that all ages will enjoy getting to grips with.

Now you have a great ‘to do’ list, all you need to do is find Cardiff hotels to suit your requirements and you can start ticking them off!