Stripping Boredom at the Las Vegas Strip

We all once in our lives found this weird chance to gamble and pretty much have fun. It is an inner human trait to be challenged by games and it also a human nature to want to win.

We have been all mesmerized by the show of lights and sounds, the spectacle of huge buildings and majestic views, been pampered by the bright moonlit sky, been addicted to crowded places, tasted sumptuous food and enjoyed fancy drinks on top of a good company.

But admit it; all of the aforementioned activities weren’t able to take place all at the same time. On the infamous Las Vegas Strip however, a single trip to the strip would make you a millionaire because of the experiences you would harness.

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LOCATION

The Las Vegas Strip is located at the Las Vegas Boulevard South in Clark County, Nevada. It is the world famous roadway of big names in hotels and accommodation, leisure stays, casinos and other recreational structures. The Las Vegas Strip is approximately 4.2 miles in length and is under the jurisdiction of the Las Vegas City administration.

Technically speaking, the Las Vegas boundary is from Sahara Avenue up until Russell Road and pretty much sums up the mileage situated above. The well-known Las Vegas sign is located in the median just south of Russell Road.

CLIMATE

Las Vegas’ climate is a subtropical, hot desert climate, typical of the Mojave Desert in which it lies. The city enjoys abundant sunshine year-round; it has an average of about 310 sunny days per year. It is virtually free of tornadoes and ice storms. Dew points in the summer are exceptionally low, ranging from 40.6 °F (4.8 °C) to 44.0 °F (6.7 °C).

So when visiting the Las Vegas Strip, better make sure that you’re ready for a humid and hot-temped area and don the most free-flowing and comfortable clothes that you own.

TRANSPORTATION

One of the most famous forms of transportation that one can use when visiting the Strip is the Las Vegas Monorail which runs on the east side of the Strip from Tropicana Avenue to tipmost Sahara Road.

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Double-decker buses known as The Deuce also dominate the streets of the Strip which gives transportation between the infamous Mandalay Bay and the Bonneville Transit Center. The Deuce also stops to every near casino along the way.

Free trams also operate on the West Side of the Strip such as the Mandalay Bay Tram (connecting hotels Mandalay Bay, Luxor and Excalibur), City Center Tram (for hotels Monte Carlo, Crystals and The Bellagio) and trams between Treasure Island and The Mirage.

If you’re the cab type of tourist, better make sure to give drivers a specific location to drop you off as they have this rule of only bringing you to an identified hotel doorstop.

WHAT TO SEE

Palms and Palms Place

A block west of the Strip, the 3 towers of the Palms Hotel & Casino dominate the sky. The 55-floor, 703-room Palms is the handiwork of George Maloof, part owner of the Sacramento Kings basketball team. If they hanker for a hoop, the Palms’ 40-story Fantasy Tower has a fantasy suite with a bedroom that doubles as a hardwood basketball court.

In the Fantasy Tower, you’ll also find a bowling suite, a “G” suite, a Barbie suite (hope you like pink!) and a super-deluxe Playboy suite. Many of these fantasy suites include revolving lap dance sofas, showers with poles viewed from the living room bar and terrace Jacuzzis for thrill-soaked views.

Also find rock concerts at The Pearl, a pool scene that attracts the Paparazzi and 4 nightclubs. Adjacent Palms Place offers a condo-hotel room with kitchen, living room and office area. For dining, there’s cool retro fare from Kerry Simon’s eponymous café called Simon.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

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Take Harmon Avenue east from the Las Vegas Strip and wind up at a hip junction that started many of the prevailing youth trends in town. Themed bowling suites? A Hard Rock first. Over-the-top and outside-the-bikini pool scenes? Blame it on the Hard Rock.

The guest population at this 657-room, “boutique-sized, by Vegas standards” hotel keeps a youth demo of 20s and 30s, bolstered by a sizzling nightclub scene (Vanity), pool scene (REHAB) and intimate, legend-name rock concerts at The Joint (Dylan plays here, Styx and REO Speedwagon are on the roster as are Bob Weir and Phil Lesh, and Incubus). Enjoy the Gambler’s Special at Mr. Lucky’s 24/7 café: a full surf and turf dinner. Ask for it by name. It’s not on the menu.

M Resort

Traveling south on Las Vegas Boulevard, leave the lights of the Strip, pass the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, and watch for the glass tower rising like a tinted blue cruise ship on the desert horizon. M Resort opened in 2009 about 7 miles from the Strip.

The 390-room gleaming oval floats along in this rural spot with spacious, contemporary rooms offering desert views (often toward the distant neon), outdoor lounges, creative cocktail spots, a spa, one of the best buffets in town and an up–and-coming pool scene.

Ravella Lake Las Vegas

If you are willing to venture way off the path, Ravella at Lake Las Vegas is a destination of its own. This is Vegas done Scottsdale-style on a 300-acre, man-made lake surrounded by miles of golf greens and rolling desert foothills 17 miles southeast of the Strip.

The 349-room hotel is now part of the Dolce Hotels chain and offers furnishings and marble accents loaded into a neo-Tuscan theme. The location does come with Vegas benefits. Casino MonteLago connects Ravella to its Moroccan-themed neighbor on the lake, Loews Lake Las Vegas. And in the tradition of Las Vegas’ great faux flair, this destination, too, comes with an “elsewhere” motif.

The southern Mediterranean import includes MonteLago Village, which is designed as a meandering Italian fishing village with cobblestone walkways, wine bars, espresso bistros and plenty of clothing and notion boutiques. In the summer, a floating lakeside platform becomes a stage for live concerts under the stars.

JW Marriott Las Vegas

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This hotel 10 miles west of the Strip in Summerlin, opened in 1999 as a luxury resort anchored into the area’s championship golf greens. The rolling Mediterranean manor features 541-rooms and a 49,000-square-foot spa.

Guest rooms remain comfortably luxurious with windows onto the desert, pools and gardens. Find a casino, a buffet and a promenade here, but the spa remains a central attraction mostly for its outdoor pool and watercourse of healing Jacuzzi jet cubbies.

Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa

Also about 10 miles west of the Strip is a shiny, red tower accented by the red rock hills behind it. Station Casinos opened the 815-room Red Rock Hotel in 2006 as their ode to hip hotels with a summer rock concert line-up staged at the pool and a Rande Gerber nightclub.

The glassy, clean-edged guest rooms run in desert hues. The spa presents unusual experiences, such as a boxing ring for couples and guided excursions into the desert as part of its “Adventure Spa” menu. Dining includes a worthy buffet, a quality steakhouse and options to load up on burgers and tacos.

Most off-Strip properties provide shuttles to the Strip at prescribed times. Better to consider staying where you are, chilling in the relative quiet and indulging in something completely different: a peaceful Las Vegas vacation.

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Get Enthralled at Telegraph Hill, California

When you contemplate on palaces or castles, such places as London, Sterling, and Windsor suggest itself.

But one might not anticipate that San Francisco, California should also be well thought-out. Julius Castle on striking Telegraph Hill is an abstruse secret, a gem concealed at the end of an isolated San Franciscan lane.

LOCATION AND TRANSPORTATION

Telegraph Hill is a locality in San Francisco, California. It is one of San Francisco’s original Seven Hills, and one of its infamous 44 hills. So-called for a gesticulate telegraph that formerly stood on its peak, Telegraph Hill served as a refuge for unfortunate settlers, wealthy investors and inspired artists.

Its flight of stairs pass through some of the city’s most amiable landscape, but if you’d desire to avoid the ascent up the 284-foot hill, you can take a cab or bus straight to Coit Tower and initiate the trip from there.

CLIMATE

The city is situated in a network of over 40 hills, measuring altitudes of nearly 1,000 feet and this every so often grounds for wide disparities in hotness and sky conditions in diverse areas.

The Pacific breeze retains the temperatures usually moderate, infrequently reaching beyond 75 degrees or below 45 degrees, marking San Francisco as the air-conditioned city. The climate is very comparable to coastal regions on the Mediterranean.

WHAT TO SEE

Julius Castle (1)

This fortress was never used to guard a city. No monarchy ever reigned from a throne in this castle. Nevertheless, a banquet fit for monarchs is primed every night inside this modern citadel. Staring out on the sea from the Golden Gate to the Bay Bridge and yonder, Julius Castle offers one of the most remarkable sights in the city while having a royal dinner.

Built to bear a resemblance to a castle using Redwood trees and maples, Julius Castle dates back to the early 1920’s. An Italian settler Julius Roz projected a castle on the hill, and his dream became actuality come 1922.

If you have relished too much of the regal food and wine in the interior of the castle, you might want to try some after-dinner bustle by either attempting to go further up Coit Tower, or downhill via the Filbert Stairs.

Coit Tower (2)

Set at the topmost of the hill, Coit Tower overlooks the urban both from its base, and all the more marvelously from the tip of its turret.

The tower, which was put up in 1933 and with funds bequeathed by Little Hitchcook Coit, provides more than just the picturesque sights outside.

Murals or wall paintings embellish the inside of the stronghold illustrating scenes during the great depression of California and other historic events.

Filbert Stairs (3)

If ascending the hills of San Francisco has hastily mislaid its allure, then wandering in the contrasting path down the Filbert Stairs may be a better option. These stairways run down to Sansome Street, right off of the renowned Embarcadero trailing side to side unspoiled gardens and fine-looking homes.

As you wander at the scenic spots on your 377 steps expedition downhill, make certain and appreciate that you are undertaking the only way of getting at the 19th century cottages you pass by, as there is no other access to the road.

As you depart to travel around these other exhilarating fascinations, revel in the thought that you just feasted at a world-class palace, right in the heart of contemporary California.

http://laurenceourac.com/get-enthralled-at-telegraph-hill-california/

Experience Australian Wildlife through Kakadu

Australia had been known as a country wherein there are more ‘bushes’ than urbanized and inhabited areas. It is with this country-continent that the world had come to see how people and their discipline can preserve a rich flora and fauna without being hindered of continual success.

Australia is known to have vast landscapes, dusty adventure treks, rare land animals and a plethora of wildlife parks that are being taken care of the government themselves. It is with huge pride that Australians brag about how bountiful their outdoors is and the long list of activities that a traveller can do during his stay.

One of the many gems that Australia has to offer is the well-preserved and tourist magnet Kakadu National Park.

LOCATION

The Kakadu National Park is located 240 kilometers east of the Australian state Darwin which is the country’s tropical North. It is dubbed as Australia’s largest territorial national park which covers almost 20,000 square kilometers of ecological and biological diversity.

It extends from the coast and estuaries in the north through floodplains, billabongs and lowlands to rocky ridges and stone country in the south. These landscapes are home to a range of rare and endemic plants and animals, including more than one-third of Australia’s bird species and one-quarter of its freshwater and estuarine fish species.

CLIMATE

Kakadu is located in the tropics, 12 to 14° south of the Equator. The climate is monsoonal, characterized by two major seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The ‘build up’ describes the transition between these two seasons.

During the dry season (April/May to September), dry southerly and easterly trade winds predominate. Humidity is relatively low and rain is very unusual.

At Jabiru the average maximum temperature for June-July is 32°C. During the ‘build up’ (October to December) conditions can be extremely uncomfortable with high temperatures and high humidity. However ‘build up’ storms are impressive and lightning strikes are frequent. In fact the Top End of Australia records more lighting strikes per year than any other place on earth. At Jabiru the average maximum temperature for October is 37.5°C.

The wet season (January to March/April) is characterized by warm temperatures and, as one would expect, rain. Most of the rain is associated with monsoonal troughs formed over Southeast Asia, although occasionally tropical cyclones produce intense heavy rain over localized areas.

At Jabiru the average maximum temperature for January is 33°C. Annual rainfall in Kakadu National Park ranges from 1,565 mm in Jabiru to 1,300 mm in the Mary River region.

TRANSPORTATION

The most convenient way to get to Kakadu National Park is by coach tour or by hiring a car and travelling from the nearest cities of Darwin and Katherine.

WHAT TO SEE

Bowali Visitor Center 

The Kakadu National Park staff is on hand to help you plan your Kakadu visit and there’s also a walk-through display including a humongous crocodile skeleton and an air-conditioned library.

Marrawuddi Gallery

The Marrawudi Gallery promotes aboriginal fine art by artists from Kakadu and nearby regions. Visitors can purchase arts, crafts and artifacts made by Kakadu inhabitants and nearby Arnhem Land.

Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Center

Near Cooinda in the Yellow Water region, Warradjan is a must-see.

The circular design of this cultural centre represents a Warradjan (pig-nosed turtle). The centre’s large display, developed by Kakadu’s Aboriginal owners, provides detailed information about Aboriginal culture in Kakadu. There is also a video room and a gallery that sells arts and crafts, books, cards and light refreshments.

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A Splendid Edifice of Love: The Taj Mahal

The tales of prince and princesses had been indelible to our minds since childhood. We have read and heard a lot of stories, fictitious and real, from our parents, from the books that we peruse in school, from the television show that we follow and the list will never end.

We can all agree that stories of royalty had been enjoyable to hear because it is with these kind of things that we can say that even the most affluent beings had been afflicted by love. Grief-stricken by the demise of his third wife, Shah Jahan, a real-life emperor, had turned his sorrow into an architectural wonder which is now we know as The Taj Mahal.

LOCATION

The location for Taj Mahal was clearly a well thought out decision by Shah Jahan who chose a peaceful site about one and a half miles away from Agra at the southern edge of the city at the banks of river Yamuna.

This location also had a strategic importance for the emperor, as it could be seen from his palace in the Agra Fort. The closeness to the river Yamuna not only gave this location a scenic edge, but also met the need for water during construction purposes and laying out the garden.

Moving on to the Taj, the entire complex consists of a number of buildings comprising of a mosque, a guesthouse and the mausoleum, housing both the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. A long and beautiful walkway leads to the main mausoleum, which is built of pure white marble.

Four waterways divide the gardens that stand in front of the Taj into four parts and then, meet in a pool at the center. It is believed that half of the beauty of Taj Mahal comes from this strategic location where it stands.

CLIMATE

The location of the Taj Mahal is in Uttar Pradesh in India and is primarily under the humid subtropical with dry winter type of climate. Some climate experts dubbed this weather phenomenon as the tropical monsoon. Summers in where the Taj Mahal is located experiences extremely hot winters and the most-awaited rainy season can be on the extremes of utterly wet or very dry.

Due to the strategic positioning of the Taj Mahal, one must surmise that the sun brings out the majestic and magnificent view of this structure every time the sun’s rays hit its marbled components.

TRANSPORTATION

With Taj Mahal being in the premises of the Agra city and the city itself being the 19th most populous city of India, getting to it and the stupendous Taj Mahal isn’t much of a problem. The Taj Mahal is located within 6 km of distance from the Agra city centre and is easily accessible by auto rickshaw or a cab.

With the city being well connected by national highways, it is easily accessible through road from all major cities in India. The three railway stations: Agra Cantt, Agra Fort Railway station (from where the Taj is at 10-15 minutes of walking distance), and Raja ki Mandi connect almost all cities of the country and make access to the city of Taj an easy affair.

For those who are extremely busy but still do not want to miss an opportunity to immerse them in the beauty of the Taj Mahal, getting to Agra by flight would be the easiest way out. Agra airport, which is around 6 km from the city centre, has Indian Airways’ flights flying in and out on a daily basis.

WHAT TO SEE

Aside from the fact that the Taj Mahal is the best attraction to lay your eyes on whenever in Uttar Pradesh, below are some of the other attractions that you can also visit nearby:

Agra Fort

One of the famous tourist places near Taj Mahal, India, is the Agra Fort. Situated near Taj Mahal, it was constructed by the Emperor Akbar in the year 1565.

However, numerous additions were carried on in this fort, till the time of Shah Jahan. A beautiful example of Mughal architecture made up of entirely of red sandstone, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Akbar’s Tomb, Sikandra

The tomb of Akbar, situated at Sikandra, is the last resting place of the Mughal Emperor, Akbar the Great and is only 13 km from the Agra Fort.

The architectural style of this tomb is quite different from almost all the other tombs of the Mughals. This pyramidal tomb was completed by Akbar’s son Jahangir in the year 1613 and has the 99 names of Allah inscribed on it.

Fatehpur Sikri

The deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri is situated near Agra. Constructed by Mughal Emperor Akbar, it was completed in the year 1584. Located 35 Km from Agra, it is one-of-its-kind city and is counted amongst the most majestic cities of the Mughal Empire.

It’s also one of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites situated in Agra, other two being Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb

Noor Jahan, the wife of Jahangir, got the Itmad-ud-Daulah’s tomb constructed in between 1622 and 1628 AD. It was constructed in the memory of her father Ghiyas-ud-Din Beg.

Located on the left bank of river Yamuna, the tomb is an opulent structure and is considered to be an antecedent of the Taj Mahal because of its intricate carvings and inlay work.

Mankameshwar Temple

About 2.5 km from Taj Mahal and less than 1 km away from Agra Fort is located one of the four ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva that stand on each corner of the Agra city.

It is surrounded by the markets of the Mughal era gone by.

Ram Bagh

Build by Babur in 1528, Ram Bagh is the oldest Mughal garden in India. Located on the banks of river Yamuna, less than 3 km away from Taj Mahal, it was designed so that the wind from the river coupled with greenery would help maintain cool during the peak summer days. The original name of this garden was Aram Bagh or the Garden of Relaxation.

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The Great City of Alexandria in Egypt

It is written down in history, that the city of Alexandria in Egypt played a huge cultural and historic role for the country. It was the capital of Greco-Roman Egypt and once the seat of power of Queen Cleopatra.

Magnificent landmarks where built in the city including the Pharos Lighthouse – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Great Library. But alas, all these were gone. The grandeur that was once Alexandria vanished.

The grandeur that was once Alexandria

Fortunately, in the 19th century, reconstruction to the once mighty city was done. This time a mixture of European style was mixed with renaissance style.

Panoramic view of Alexandria, Egypt (1)

Current day Alexandria is now known as the “Pearl of the Mediterranean.” It is a collision and mixture of two great ancient cities: Greece and Egypt. Tourists are in for a treat once they set foot in Alexandria. There are interesting mosques and ancient structures that one would love to see.

OVERVIEW OF ALEXANDRIA

Alexandria, Egypt at night (2)

GEOGRAPHY

Alexandria has a total land area of 2,679 square kilometers making it the second largest city in the country. It lies along the Mediterranean Coast. This strategic location makes it an easy access for tourists and trade. Furthermore, being a coastal city it offers a good source for tourism.

CLIMATE

Generally the climate in Alexandria is hot. But due to winds from the Mediterranean Sea, temperatures could be cooler. The coldest months are from January to February with temperatures ranging from 12 to 18 degrees Celsius. It is common to experience storms during these months. On the other hand, the hottest and driest months are from July to August with temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius.

DEMOGRAPHICS

In 2013 the total population of the city reached more than 4.5 million. Due to historic influences there is a mixture of religious beliefs. The three predominant religions in the city include Islam, Christianity and Judaism.

Important Islamic structures include El-Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque, Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque, Bilal mosque, al-Gamaa al Bahari, Hatem mosque, and many more.

El-Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque (3)

As for Christians, Alexandria is the third most important city after Rome and Constantinople. Throughout the years a number of important architectures and structures were built.

Judaism is the least popular of the three bust still a number of citizens follow this practice. The most prominent synagogue is Eliyahu Hanvi Synagogue.

Eliyahu Hanvi Synagogue

TRANSPORTATION

The principal and most convenient port of entry and exit to Alexandria is via the airports. There are two airports within the city: Alexandria International Airport and Borg al Arab Airport.

Aside from flying one could try the railroad, tram, buses, taxis, minibuses, and vie sea port. Alexandria has four harbors: Western Harbor – for import and export trades, El Dekhiela Harbor, Eastern Harbor – fishing and yachting harbor, and Abu Qir Harbor – for commercial use.

Alexandria Harbor (4)

PLACES TO SEE AND VISIT

Two ancient structures: the Lighthouse of Alexandria and the Library of Alexandria, are two of the greatest architectures ever built. It was the symbol of Alexandria’s greatness and triumph. Unfortunately these two structures were destroyed but its legacy will live on.

LIGHTHOUSE OF ALEXANDRIA

A drawing of the Lighthouse of Alexandria

The mighty Lighthouse of Alexandria or simply the Pharos of Alexandria was built between the years 280 to 247 BC. The height of the architecture reached 137 meters making it one of the tallest structures to be built during the time. Due to its magnificence it was included as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Unfortunately two earthquakes hit the city in 966 and 1323 destroying the whole structure.

LIBRARY OF ALEXANDRIA

The Royal Library of Alexandria, also known as the Ancient Library of Alexandria was the largest and most important libraries during the ancient times. The library was built in honor of the nine Muses – goddesses of the arts. The building stood and served its purpose since the 3rd century BC until 30 BC during the Roman conquest. The library was burned during the Roman conquest. The collection of scrolls and books were all destroyed.

Do not be disheartened by the destruction of these important structures because overtime new building, landmarks, and architectures were built. These structures have attracted a number of tourists.

MONTAZA PALACE

Montaza Palace (5)

The Montaza Palace is a famous landmark of the city. The location of the palace overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.

The first building in the palace was the Salamlek Palace which was built in 1892. It was the residence and hunting lodge of the king. In 1932 there was an expansion in the palace grounds and the Al-Haramlik Palace and royal gardens were added. This new addition incorporated Turkish and Florentine styles with a twist of Italian Renaissance tower.

Currently the Al-Montaza Park is an open public park and a forest reserve. The Al-Haramlik is a public museum. And the Salamlek Palace is a hotel.

CITADEL OF QAITBAY

Citadel of Qaitbay

During the 15th century a defensive fortress was built along the Mediterranean coast of Alexandria. The fortress was named Citadel of Qaitbay or Fort of Qaitbay. It was built exactly at the site of the Lighthouse of Alexandria. The function of the fortress was to protect the city against northern invaders. Currently the citadel serves as a Maritime Museum.

EL-MURSI ABUL –ABBAS MOSQUE

El-Mursi Abul-Abbas Mosque

Near the Citadel of Qaitbay one could find El-Mursi Abul-Abbas Mosque. The said mosque is the most important Islam architecture built in the city. It contains the tomb of the 13th century Alexandrine Sufi saint el-Mursi Abul Abbas.

BIBLIOTHECA ALEXANDRINA

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

In commemoration of the Library of Alexandria, another library was built along the Mediterranean Coast: the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The location was chosen due to its proximity to the old library. It is considered to be the main library and a cultural center.

The library contains books that are written in three different languages: Arabic, English, and French.

The library can hold ever eight million books on its eleven floor building. There are sections designed to hold maps, multimedia, a place for the blind and visually impaired, young people, and children. Aside from the library there is also a conference center, four museums, four art galleries, and a planetarium.

POMPEY’S PILLAR

Pompey’s Pillar

Another historic attraction in Alexandria is Pompey’s Pillar. This is a roman triumphal column located at Alexandria.

It was built in 297 AD as a memento of the Roman victory versus the Alexandrian revolt. It stands at a height of 26.85 meters and a width of 2.71 m.

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Visiting the Quaint Narragansett of Rhode Island

Narragansett is a humble city in Rhode Island. The Island is not as popular as other US destinations like New York or Las Vegas, but this spot is known for its beaches and summer recreation.

LOCATION

Narragansett is a settlement in Washington County, Rhode Island, USA. The town is informally branded as Gansett. The urban of Narragansett subjugates a slender strip of territory from the eastern tier of the Pettaquamscutt River to the coast of Narragansett Bay. In 1888, it was disjointed from South Kingstown, and promulgated as a town in 1901.

CLIMATE

Narragansett catches 49 inches of rain in a year but typically, there are 207 sunny days per year in this island. Its hottest is around 81 degrees in July, while coldest is in January which measures down to 19 degrees.

TRANSPORTATION

Amtrak service is available to get you to Providence, Kingston and Westerly, Rhode Island, from other cities all over the Northeast Corridor. Another means of transportation is a seasonal 30 minute hi-speed ferry which leaves from Point Judith and reaches the town center of Old Harbor, Block Island.

WHAT TO SEE

Point Judith Lighthouse

This lighthouse was constructed in the early 1800s, so you just have an inkling that there’s a lot of history around it. Vacationers love this amazing lighthouse. You can just sit back and relax at an unobtrusive spot while you wonder at the lighthouse and take in the cool breeze and sounds of the ocean.

Narragansett Beach

There’s a motivation why this is very prevalent among citizens. A lot of them will tell you that this is the town’s “selling point” because this is one of the main tourist spots in the city. Yes, you don’t even have to soak in the pristine waters of this beach.

You can just simply marvel at the sand and the other distant views. It really is one of the prime spots to visit in Narragansett. Why not think through taking a surfing lesson when it’s actually one of the first things that travelers do when they visit the beach. Warm Winds is one of the most reliable surf shops in the area and their surfing lessons are always a hit.

Camp at the Fishermen’s Memorial State Park & Campground

If your impression of pleasure is camping, then this abode has you covered. This is specifically right if you’re an aficionado of RV camping. You’ll get the best sights if you’re coming with an RV, including the comfort and convenience of course.

The best time to visit the campsite is during off-seasons if you want some peace and quiet, and the month of October is a good time to visit. Also, make sure not to camp at the first spot that you see. Make sure to travel around for a lot of other ideal sites.

Visit the Fishing Village of Galilee

You will definitely not get bored watching a lot of fishing vessels in this fishing village. If you find fishing pleasurable, this is one of the best things to do in Narragansett RI that you shouldn’t miss out. If you’re fortunate, your stay may even concur with the largest tuna derby in the world.

There are a lot of exciting and reasonably priced activities to do in Narragansett. And these are proof that you don’t have to break a piggy bank just to have a vacation worth remembering.

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The Splendor of Monaco

There’s this certain setting in Europe that has that definite feeling of indulgence and a place where one can rightly get disengaged from the stress of everyday life: Monaco. This tiny territory offers a glimpse of their culture and a leeway of more sights and spectacles.

LOCATION

Monaco, a trivial sovereign heritable domain in Western Europe, is situated on the Mediterranean Sea beside the southern coastline of France, also recognized as the French Riviera or Côte d’Azur.

It is the second tiniest self-governing state in the world after the Vatican City. The state is only 1.95 square kilometers in area, or about 3 times the dimensions of the Mall in Washington, D.C. The landscape is mountainous, jagged, and rock-strewn, but very exceedingly developed.

CLIMATE

Monaco has a trifling climate all through the year, the warmest months are July and August, while January and February being the coolest. Rain typically falls during the colder winter months and there is just only 60 days of rain every year.

GETTING AROUND MONACO

Monaco is tiny, as it is well known and you can walk from one end to the other in under an hour if you skirt the hills and inclines.

If you want to rest the legs, you can go hail a cab but it is not advisable because they’re gravely expensive. There are cheap bus services however and in this tiny state there are five bus lines, one of which is pretty sure to be going exactly where you want to be.

You can also have access to the Bateau Bus (boat bus), which transports transversely to the port and back.

Lastly, you should not snob the Azur Express. The compact little tourist train is rather fun to ride on to when you’re on holiday. It starts off from the Oceanographic museum and, in 30minutes, spectacles you with many Monaco tourist attractions with English interpretation, and only for 6 euros.

WHAT TO SEE

The Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology (1)

There are quite a few museums in this principality that you shouldn’t oversee. The Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology showcases astounding displays that highlight the human evolution.

Upon your admission to this first museum, you also get a free entrance to the Exotic Garden, a garden of bewildering blooms on the crest of the mountains.

Oceanographic Museum (2)

The Oceanographic Museum is situated on the spot of the legendary Rock of Monaco. This museum has been showcasing the world of arts and sciences for over a hundred years now.

Museum of the Chapel of Visitation (3)

The Museum of the Chapel of Visitation is for the art enthusiasts. Here you will discover masterpieces of great painters like Rubens and Ribera.

Monte-Carlo Casino and Opera House (4)

Get ready to be glammed up for there’s no other place in the globe to go to and experience luxury but the Monte-Carlo Casino and Opera House.

The said structure has been holding on to its luxurious appeal since 1893 and had its first restoration in 145 years before it was re-opened to the public in 2010.

Monte-Carlo Munchkins Club (5)

The Monte-Carlo Munchkins Club is ideal if you are planning to travel with your children. With its state of the art facilities, children from ages 1 to 8 can delight in activities like arts and crafts workshops, dance classes, and even cooking classes.

This club has a pretty high admission rate for children; however, it’s somehow worth it to know that your little ones are safe and at the same time entertained while you and your better half enjoy the other sights that Monaco has to offer.

Monaco has so much more to boast as an alluring principality of Europe. It’s one destination that can truly enthrall anyone and you can actually consider it as your start off point to visit other epic places like France and Italy. So plan your trip the soonest and take advantage of a once in a lifetime luxurious Monaco vacation.

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The Fast-Growing and Unstoppable Rise of Istanbul

If you loved being sun-kissed and want to don a glaring tan, you must be visualizing yourself wandering on cities where the sun never seems to set.

Walking with the lightest of outfits, you imagined yourself sweating (in a good way, please) and holding an iced cappuccino all the while enjoying the humid air that hits your sticky face.

You loved mornings, and mornings equaled sunshine so therefore, sunshine is a gift to you rather than a curse. On the top of your ‘retirement’ destinations are countries from outskirts Europe, and the lavish land of Istanbul, Turkey is on priority.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Two years after Istanbul had been dubbed as the European Capital of Culture, the city had harnessed almost 11 million of foreign visitors from all over the world. This feat had ranked Istanbul as the world’s fifth most populous tourist destination worldwide.

Istanbul’s rich heritage, the numerous cultural and entertainment sites and the adorable and welcoming inhabitants had been few of the many reasons why the city attracted so many tourists in so limited time span.

With the confidence that they had from the growth of their tourism, they even betted for the Summer Olympics for five times capitalizing on their rapid expansion and country’s continual revitalization.

LOCATION

Located in the heart of the country Turkey, Istanbul is the country’s largest city. It hugely constituted the country’s cultural, economic and historical aspects which makes it a must-visit city.

It is also a transcontinental city in Eurasia, sharing the land of the European side for its commercial and historical centers while the third of the city’s general populace is on the Asian side. Istanbul straddles the Bosporus strait which is situated between the Sea of Marmara and the infamous Black Sea.

CLIMATE

Istanbul has a borderline Mediterranean climate, humid subtropical climate oceanic climate because of its location in the transitional climatic zone. Istanbul can be divided into two subgroups when it comes to climate classification.

Scientifically called microclimates, Istanbul’s northern half inhibits characteristics of oceanic and humid subtropical climates due to the humidity brought about by nearby Black Sea while the southern side is typically warmer and drier due to less humidity.

Those parts of the city which is away from huge bodies of water have a more pronounced night-day and summer-winter temperature differences. These parts experience below or average freezing points at night during winter.

TRANSPORTATION

Istanbul has two international airports, the larger of which is Istanbul Atatürk. Atatürk, located 24 kilometers (15 mi) west of the city center, handled 51.2 million passengers in 2013, making it the fifth-busiest airport in Europe and the eighteenth-busiest in the world.

Sabiha Gökçen International, 45 kilometers (28 mi) southeast of the city center, opened in 2001 to relieve Atatürk. Dominated by low-cost carriers, Istanbul’s second airport has rapidly become popular among travellers, especially since inaugurating a new international terminal in 2009; the airport handled 14.7 million passengers in 2012, a year after Airports Council International named it the world’s fastest-growing airport.

Atatürk has also experienced rapid growth, as its 20.6 percent rise in passenger traffic between 2011 and 2012 was the greatest among the world’s top 30 airports. Because of the traffic at Istanbul’s current airports, a third international airport is planned for the Black Sea coast.

Building a new runway at Atatürk Airport was rejected due to the cost involved; however, environmental concerns have also been raised with respect to the plans for a third airport.

Currently under construction, the new international airport of Istanbul will become the largest airport in the world upon the completion of all four stages of the project, with a capacity to serve 150 million passengers per annum.

WHAT TO SEE

Blue Mosque

Facing Aya Sofya across a small park and mirroring its domed silhouette, the early 17th-century Blue Mosque is one of only a handful of mosques in the world to boast six minarets. Is it really blue?

Well, not noticeably, although all the walls are papered with fine İznik tiles. To view it as the architect, Sedefkar Mehmed Aga, originally intended, enter via what looks like the side entrance from the Hippodrome.

Afterwards, pop your head into a building the size of a small mosque on the corner of the complex. This houses the tomb of Sultan Ahmed I, the man who gave his name to both the mosque and the neighborhood.

Istanbul Archaeology Museums

Walk to Istanbul’s three-in-one equivalent of the British Museum via the grounds of Topkapi Palace or through Gulhane Park. If time is tight, go straight to the large porticoes building housing the glorious sarcophagus of Alexander which depicts scenes from the life of Alexander the Great in vivid 3D.

Kids will love the model Trojan Horse in the children’s section. Then pop into the lovely Tiled Pavilion, one of the city’s oldest Ottoman structures, beautifully restored to show off its finest ceramics. Finally, catch a glimpse of a peace treaty from 1269 BC preserved in the part of the museum nearest to the gate.

Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum

Housed in what was originally the palace of Ibrahim Pasha, a favorite grand vizier of Suleiman the Magnificent, and overlooking the Hippodrome where Byzantine lovers of chariot racing once brought the same passion to their sport as modern Turks do to football, this museum houses a magnificent collection of gigantic carpets from all over the country.

Its basement features reconstructions of everything from a fully-fitted nomad tent to a grand interior from a 19th-century Bursa mansion. Don’t leave without trying a thick black Turkish coffee in the pretty cafe in the grounds.

Süleymaniye Mosque

Unmissable as you stand on the busy Galata Bridge and look up at the city’s historic skyline is the mosque designed by the great Ottoman architect Sinan for Suleiman the Magnificent. Newly restored to its original splendor, it is generally regarded as the finest of the 42 surviving mosques he designed for Istanbul.

Unusually, it retains much of the original complex of social service buildings that came attached to it, including several madrasahs, a hospital, a library and a hamam. Locals come here to eat kuru fasuliye, the Turkish take on baked beans, in a street once haunted by opium addicts.

Chora Church

It’s a bit of a schlep to get there but the restored Chora Church in the old city walls offers a stunning glimpse of late Byzantine splendor, its walls and ceilings adorned with glittering mosaics and breath-taking frescoes.

Like Aya Sofya, it has made the journey from Byzantine church to Ottoman mosque and then to modern museum, and now stands in a neighborhood of restored Ottoman wooden houses, prettily painted in pastel colors. Before you go back to your hotel, take a look at the nearby walls that ringed old Constantinople and date back to the fifth century.

Galata Tower

Watery Istanbul is a city that cries out to be viewed from on high, and you can get a bird’s-eye view of everything from the balcony at the top of the Galata Tower in Beyoğlu, the modern part of old Istanbul that, in pre-Republican days, was home to the city’s foreign residents.

Built in 1348, the tower once formed part of a sub-city belonging to the Genoese that stretched right down to the Bosphorus. In a footnote to aviation history, it was from this tower that Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi flew across the Bosphorus from Europe to Asia in 1638, thus inaugurating the first ever intercontinental flight.

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Careening through the Seas and Sights of Barbados Island

Yes, you are guilty that the only reason why you know Barbados is because this is where Rihanna had been born. Much as we wanted to hide this fact, so much little had been known of Barbados and unfortunately for us, we’re missing out on a lot of fun.

Barbados, a summer destination to those who know it, had been recently receiving a lot of raves on the travelling community as this country promises a lot of gritty white sands and the feel-good prick of summer sun.

Owning the glory of the sun, Barbados is just the perfect destination to stay tan and feel the lukewarm chill of the ocean. With its rich flora and fauna, a traveller will revel on its ability to transport them into a place close to paradise.

BARBADOS

When someone thought of the beach, Barbados is one of the best islands that had been crafted by the mighty hands of the Creator. The long stretch of white sand and the accompanying clear seawater had been the strengths of this unassuming island.

The towering greens and the freshest air one can breathe on is one of the few reasons why Barbados, despite of the long and winding travel, is a haven for beach lovers and suckers for relaxation. Barbados’ heavenly position in the globe is at the vast Atlantic Ocean which is east of the other infamous island called West Indies.

LOCATION

Barbados is a sovereign island country in the Lesser Antilles. It is 34 kilometers (21 mi) in length and up to 23 kilometers (14 mi) in width, covering an area of 432 square kilometers (167 sq mi).

It is situated in the western area of the North Atlantic and 100 kilometers (62 mi) east of the Windward Islands and the Caribbean Sea; therein, it is about 168 kilometers (104 mi) east of the islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and 400 kilometers (250 mi) north-east of Trinidad and Tobago. Barbados is outside of the principal Atlantic hurricane belt.

CLIMATE

The country generally experiences two seasons, one of which includes noticeably higher rainfall. Known as the “wet season”, this period runs from June to November. By contrast, the “dry season” runs from December to May. On the Köppen climate classification scale, much of Barbados is regarded as a Tropical monsoon climate (Am). However, gentle breezes of 12–16 kilometers per hour (8–10 mph) abound throughout the year and give Barbados a civilized climate which is moderately tropical.

Infrequent natural hazards include earthquakes, landslips, and hurricanes. Barbados is often spared the worst effects of the region’s tropical storms and hurricanes during the rainy season. The far eastern location in the Atlantic Ocean puts the country just outside the principal hurricane strike zone.

On average, a major hurricane strikes about once every 26 years. The last significant hit from a hurricane to cause severe damage to Barbados was Hurricane Janet in 1955, and in 2010 the island was struck by Hurricane Tomas, but this caused only minor damage across the country.

TRANSPORTATION

In addition to being one of the world’s most densely populated countries, Barbados also has one of the most dense road networks in the world. Although Barbados is only about 34 kilometers (21 mi) at its widest point, a car journey from Six Cross Roads in St. Philip (south-east) to North Point in St. Lucy (north-central) can take one and a half hours or longer, thanks to the country’s narrow, winding and rough roads.

Some hotels also provide visitors with shuttles to points of interest on the island from outside the hotel lobby. There are several locally owned and operated vehicle rental agencies in Barbados but there are no multi-national companies.

The island’s lone airport is the Grantley Adams International Airport. It receives daily flights by several major airlines from points around the globe, as well as several smaller regional commercial airlines and charters.

The airport serves as the main air-transportation hub for the eastern Caribbean. In the first decade of the 21st century it underwent a US$100 million upgrade and expansion.

There is also a helicopter shuttle service, which offers air taxi services to a number of sites around the island, mainly on the West Coast tourist belt. Air and maritime traffic is regulated by the Barbados Port Authority.

WHAT TO SEE

Barbados Museum and Historical Society

The Barbados Museum and Historical Society is located in St. Michael, in the historic Garrison Savannah area. The Museum has a collection of over 500,000 artifacts and with over seven galleries to visit including African and Children’s galleries, there’s something to suit all interests. It’s a great place to get a feel for the heritage of Barbados and the diversity of culture on the island.

Bathsheba and Scotland District

The Scotland District in St. Andrew, and Bathsheba in St. Joseph, are located along the rugged east coast of the island. They are both great places to take a drive to, either with an organized tour, taxi or perhaps hire a car.

These areas are different from the rest of the island, which is relatively flat. Here, you will find steep roads and dramatic breathtaking views, so make sure you take your camera. Parts of St. Andrew were named the Scotland District, due to the similarities with the green rolling hills and fields of Scotland. It is also home to the highest point in Barbados, Mount Hillaby.

Although Bathsheba is a quieter area of Barbados, it does have some excellent restaurants to sit and watch all the surfing action or simply take in the gorgeous surrounds.

Flower Forest

The Flower Forest is one of the most scenic places to see in Barbados. Located on the edge of the Scotland District in St. Joseph, this beautiful forest of trees, flowers, shrubs and herbs commands spectacular views of the east coast and is not to be missed. You’ll find imported plants and trees, as well as a lovely palm collection, providing much-needed shade and an ideal place for a picnic.

Kensington Oval

Cricket has always been a major pastime in Barbados, and even if there are no matches playing while you’re visiting the island, it’s still well worth taking a trip to Kensington Oval in Bridgetown. 

Kensington Oval is Barbados’ oldest cricket ground, with the ground itself dating back to 1882.

The ground was also host to the ICC Cricket World Cup Final in 2007, undergoing a major refurbishment especially for the event. Guided tours of the Oval are available during the week and there’s a gift shop selling cricket memorabilia and souvenirs of the West Indies cricket team.

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