Fri, 03/30/2012 - 12:31 — Anonymous Newsletter Date: 30 March 2012
Newsletter Contents Articles: 15 of the world's best eco lodges iReport:
Under the sea in Cozumel, Mexico Shanghai walking tour: The former French
Concession 5 blooming great flower festivals Survival gadgets that would
impress MacGyver Promo: What's the world's best street food? Follow
CNNGo on Twitter Discover: Gallery: How dead airplanes get a second life By
City: Calling all voyeurs: Google Street View hits Thailand Travel chaos:
Bangkok airport ordered to get its act together It's khao chae season: How to
eat Thailand's classic summer treat World's first airport IMAX cinema coming
to Hong Kong Bon voyage: Queen Mary 2 steams out of Hong Kong Liberatum
brings Pharrell Williams and Mike Figgis to Hong Kong Best places to spot
tigers in India Insider Guide: Best of Delhi Uncovering Dhaka: 10 things to
know 20 best Beijing hotels 7 of China's coolest outdoor activities Tycoon
class: China's super-rich get their own travel brand Southeast Asia: The next
Mediterranean of cruises? 3 reasons to ditch Bali Insider Guide: Best of
Kuala Lumpur 'Weird Japan' blinds tourists to the real Nippon US baseball's
opening day heads to Japan Not so strange after all: Making sense of 'weird
Japan' What recession? See Australia on the cheap Qantas to charter
Australia's first commercial flight powered by cooking oil YouTube viral
video gives Melbourne edge over Sydney Places Obama should visit in Seoul
Guide to pojangmacha: Why Koreans love drinking in tents Hwanseon cave:
Hiking with bats and Buddhas Show map at bottom of page
Friday, March 30, 2012
Best of Delhi, Mexican scuba adventure, planes reincarnated as furniture
Fri, 03/30/2012 - 12:41 — Anonymous Newsletter Date: 30 March 2012
Newsletter Contents Articles: Insider Guide: Best of Delhi iReport: Under
the sea in Cozumel, Mexico How to disappear for a year Best places to spot
tigers in India Survival gadgets that would impress MacGyver Promo:
What's the world's best street food? Follow CNNGo on Twitter Discover:
Gallery: How dead airplanes get a second life By City: Calling all voyeurs:
Google Street View hits Thailand Travel chaos: Bangkok airport ordered to get
its act together It's khao chae season: How to eat Thailand's classic summer
treat World's first airport IMAX cinema coming to Hong Kong Bon voyage: Queen
Mary 2 steams out of Hong Kong Liberatum brings Pharrell Williams and Mike
Figgis to Hong Kong India art events worth traveling for in 2012 6 best sari
shops in Mumbai Uncovering Dhaka: 10 things to know 20 best Beijing hotels 7
of China's coolest outdoor activities Tycoon class: China's super-rich get
their own travel brand Southeast Asia: The next Mediterranean of cruises? 3
reasons to ditch Bali Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur 'Weird Japan'
blinds tourists to the real Nippon US baseball's opening day heads to Japan
Not so strange after all: Making sense of 'weird Japan' What recession? See
Australia on the cheap Qantas to charter Australia's first commercial flight
powered by cooking oil YouTube viral video gives Melbourne edge over Sydney
Places Obama should visit in Seoul Guide to pojangmacha: Why Koreans love
drinking in tents Hwanseon cave: Hiking with bats and Buddhas Show map at
bottom of page
Newsletter Contents Articles: Insider Guide: Best of Delhi iReport: Under
the sea in Cozumel, Mexico How to disappear for a year Best places to spot
tigers in India Survival gadgets that would impress MacGyver Promo:
What's the world's best street food? Follow CNNGo on Twitter Discover:
Gallery: How dead airplanes get a second life By City: Calling all voyeurs:
Google Street View hits Thailand Travel chaos: Bangkok airport ordered to get
its act together It's khao chae season: How to eat Thailand's classic summer
treat World's first airport IMAX cinema coming to Hong Kong Bon voyage: Queen
Mary 2 steams out of Hong Kong Liberatum brings Pharrell Williams and Mike
Figgis to Hong Kong India art events worth traveling for in 2012 6 best sari
shops in Mumbai Uncovering Dhaka: 10 things to know 20 best Beijing hotels 7
of China's coolest outdoor activities Tycoon class: China's super-rich get
their own travel brand Southeast Asia: The next Mediterranean of cruises? 3
reasons to ditch Bali Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur 'Weird Japan'
blinds tourists to the real Nippon US baseball's opening day heads to Japan
Not so strange after all: Making sense of 'weird Japan' What recession? See
Australia on the cheap Qantas to charter Australia's first commercial flight
powered by cooking oil YouTube viral video gives Melbourne edge over Sydney
Places Obama should visit in Seoul Guide to pojangmacha: Why Koreans love
drinking in tents Hwanseon cave: Hiking with bats and Buddhas Show map at
bottom of page
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tiger spotting in India, Obama's Seoul guide, HK new budget airline
Tue, 03/27/2012 - 11:27 — Anonymous Newsletter Date: 27 March 2012
Newsletter Contents Articles: Best places to spot tigers in India Places
Obama should visit in Seoul Qantas and China Eastern team up on new Hong Kong
budget airline 3 reasons to ditch Bali 101 of the best sports bars in the
U.S. Promo: What's the world's best street food? Like CNNGo on Facebook
Discover: iReport: Gorilla trekking in Uganda By City: Calling all
voyeurs: Google Street View hits Thailand Travel chaos: Bangkok airport
ordered to get its act together It's khao chae season: How to eat Thailand's
classic summer treat Bon voyage: Queen Mary 2 steams out of Hong Kong
Liberatum brings Pharrell Williams and Mike Figgis to Hong Kong Skip the
pasta! And other unsavory truths about airplane food Insider Guide: Best of
Delhi Uncovering Dhaka: 10 things to know Air India operates (almost)
all-female flights 7 of China's coolest outdoor activities Tycoon class:
China's super-rich get their own travel brand World's greatest wildernesses
-- a traveler's guide Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur How Singapore
became Asia's culinary capital 15 bizarre, but amazing, hotels 'Weird Japan'
blinds tourists to the real Nippon US baseball's opening day heads to Japan
Not so strange after all: Making sense of 'weird Japan' YouTube viral video
gives Melbourne edge over Sydney Cheers: Sydney Harbour Bridge turns 80
Tuscany down under on Melbourne's outskirts Guide to pojangmacha: Why Koreans
love drinking in tents Hwanseon cave: Hiking with bats and Buddhas Beyond
Seoul: 19 reasons to explore Korea Show map at bottom of page
Newsletter Contents Articles: Best places to spot tigers in India Places
Obama should visit in Seoul Qantas and China Eastern team up on new Hong Kong
budget airline 3 reasons to ditch Bali 101 of the best sports bars in the
U.S. Promo: What's the world's best street food? Like CNNGo on Facebook
Discover: iReport: Gorilla trekking in Uganda By City: Calling all
voyeurs: Google Street View hits Thailand Travel chaos: Bangkok airport
ordered to get its act together It's khao chae season: How to eat Thailand's
classic summer treat Bon voyage: Queen Mary 2 steams out of Hong Kong
Liberatum brings Pharrell Williams and Mike Figgis to Hong Kong Skip the
pasta! And other unsavory truths about airplane food Insider Guide: Best of
Delhi Uncovering Dhaka: 10 things to know Air India operates (almost)
all-female flights 7 of China's coolest outdoor activities Tycoon class:
China's super-rich get their own travel brand World's greatest wildernesses
-- a traveler's guide Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur How Singapore
became Asia's culinary capital 15 bizarre, but amazing, hotels 'Weird Japan'
blinds tourists to the real Nippon US baseball's opening day heads to Japan
Not so strange after all: Making sense of 'weird Japan' YouTube viral video
gives Melbourne edge over Sydney Cheers: Sydney Harbour Bridge turns 80
Tuscany down under on Melbourne's outskirts Guide to pojangmacha: Why Koreans
love drinking in tents Hwanseon cave: Hiking with bats and Buddhas Beyond
Seoul: 19 reasons to explore Korea Show map at bottom of page
Best street food cities, king penguin sitings, drinking in tents
Fri, 03/23/2012 - 14:37 — Anonymous Newsletter Date: 23 March 2012
Newsletter Contents Articles: Asia's 10 greatest street food cities Guide
to pojangmacha: Why Koreans love drinking in tents Liberatum brings Pharrell
Williams and Mike Figgis to Hong Kong Hwanseon cave: Hiking with bats and
Buddhas US baseball's opening day heads to Japan Promo: What is China's
most delicious dish? Follow CNNGo on Twitter Discover: iReport: Admiring
penguins on South Georgia Island By City: Travel chaos: Bangkok airport
ordered to get its act together It's khao chae season: How to eat Thailand's
classic summer treat 7 myths about traveling in Thailand Skip the pasta! And
other unsavory truths about airplane food Hong Kong airport's third runway
gets government nod 7 reasons to love the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens Uncovering
Dhaka: 10 things to know Air India operates (almost) all-female flights India
constructing larger replica of Angkor Wat World's greatest wildernesses -- a
traveler's guide Demystifying the Chinese traveler The rise of China-centric
hotel brands Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur How Singapore became Asia's
culinary capital 15 bizarre, but amazing, hotels Not so strange after all:
Making sense of 'weird Japan' Fukushima Taiko drummers Japan's newest
stateside export Tokyo's shiny new billion-dollar Palace Hotel YouTube viral
video gives Melbourne edge over Sydney Cheers: Sydney Harbour Bridge turns 80
Tuscany down under on Melbourne's outskirts Beyond Seoul: 19 reasons to
explore Korea Brazilian inventor designs mask to charge iPhones via breathing
Fun suitcases for every type of traveler Show map at bottom of page
Newsletter Contents Articles: Asia's 10 greatest street food cities Guide
to pojangmacha: Why Koreans love drinking in tents Liberatum brings Pharrell
Williams and Mike Figgis to Hong Kong Hwanseon cave: Hiking with bats and
Buddhas US baseball's opening day heads to Japan Promo: What is China's
most delicious dish? Follow CNNGo on Twitter Discover: iReport: Admiring
penguins on South Georgia Island By City: Travel chaos: Bangkok airport
ordered to get its act together It's khao chae season: How to eat Thailand's
classic summer treat 7 myths about traveling in Thailand Skip the pasta! And
other unsavory truths about airplane food Hong Kong airport's third runway
gets government nod 7 reasons to love the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens Uncovering
Dhaka: 10 things to know Air India operates (almost) all-female flights India
constructing larger replica of Angkor Wat World's greatest wildernesses -- a
traveler's guide Demystifying the Chinese traveler The rise of China-centric
hotel brands Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur How Singapore became Asia's
culinary capital 15 bizarre, but amazing, hotels Not so strange after all:
Making sense of 'weird Japan' Fukushima Taiko drummers Japan's newest
stateside export Tokyo's shiny new billion-dollar Palace Hotel YouTube viral
video gives Melbourne edge over Sydney Cheers: Sydney Harbour Bridge turns 80
Tuscany down under on Melbourne's outskirts Beyond Seoul: 19 reasons to
explore Korea Brazilian inventor designs mask to charge iPhones via breathing
Fun suitcases for every type of traveler Show map at bottom of page
Best of Delhi, how to work and travel, most expensive suites
Mon, 03/26/2012 - 11:13 — Anonymous Newsletter Date: 26 March 2012
Newsletter Contents Articles: Insider Guide: Best of Delhi How to disappear
for a year World's 15 most expensive hotel suites 'Weird Japan' blinds
tourists to the real Nippon Calling all voyeurs: Google Street View hits
Thailand Promo: What's the world's best street food? Follow CNNGo on
Twitter Discover: iReport: Admiring penguins on South Georgia Island By
City: Travel chaos: Bangkok airport ordered to get its act together It's
khao chae season: How to eat Thailand's classic summer treat 7 myths about
traveling in Thailand Liberatum brings Pharrell Williams and Mike Figgis to
Hong Kong Skip the pasta! And other unsavory truths about airplane food Hong
Kong airport's third runway gets government nod Uncovering Dhaka: 10 things
to know Air India operates (almost) all-female flights India constructing
larger replica of Angkor Wat Tycoon class: China's super-rich get their own
travel brand World's greatest wildernesses -- a traveler's guide Demystifying
the Chinese traveler Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur How Singapore became
Asia's culinary capital 15 bizarre, but amazing, hotels US baseball's opening
day heads to Japan Not so strange after all: Making sense of 'weird Japan'
Fukushima Taiko drummers Japan's newest stateside export YouTube viral video
gives Melbourne edge over Sydney Cheers: Sydney Harbour Bridge turns 80
Tuscany down under on Melbourne's outskirts Guide to pojangmacha: Why Koreans
love drinking in tents Hwanseon cave: Hiking with bats and Buddhas Beyond
Seoul: 19 reasons to explore Korea Show map at bottom of page
Newsletter Contents Articles: Insider Guide: Best of Delhi How to disappear
for a year World's 15 most expensive hotel suites 'Weird Japan' blinds
tourists to the real Nippon Calling all voyeurs: Google Street View hits
Thailand Promo: What's the world's best street food? Follow CNNGo on
Twitter Discover: iReport: Admiring penguins on South Georgia Island By
City: Travel chaos: Bangkok airport ordered to get its act together It's
khao chae season: How to eat Thailand's classic summer treat 7 myths about
traveling in Thailand Liberatum brings Pharrell Williams and Mike Figgis to
Hong Kong Skip the pasta! And other unsavory truths about airplane food Hong
Kong airport's third runway gets government nod Uncovering Dhaka: 10 things
to know Air India operates (almost) all-female flights India constructing
larger replica of Angkor Wat Tycoon class: China's super-rich get their own
travel brand World's greatest wildernesses -- a traveler's guide Demystifying
the Chinese traveler Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur How Singapore became
Asia's culinary capital 15 bizarre, but amazing, hotels US baseball's opening
day heads to Japan Not so strange after all: Making sense of 'weird Japan'
Fukushima Taiko drummers Japan's newest stateside export YouTube viral video
gives Melbourne edge over Sydney Cheers: Sydney Harbour Bridge turns 80
Tuscany down under on Melbourne's outskirts Guide to pojangmacha: Why Koreans
love drinking in tents Hwanseon cave: Hiking with bats and Buddhas Beyond
Seoul: 19 reasons to explore Korea Show map at bottom of page
Wilderness adventure guide, Rugby Sevens weekend, the scoop on 'Scoot'
Wed, 03/21/2012 - 12:56 — Anonymous Newsletter Date: 21 March 2012
Newsletter Contents Articles: World's greatest wildernesses -- a traveler's
guide 7 reasons to love the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens YouTube viral video gives
Melbourne edge over Sydney Singapore Airlines' no-frills 'Scoot' set for June
take-off Hong Kong airport's third runway gets government nod Promo: What
is China's most delicious dish? Follow CNNGo on Twitter Discover: China:
Where you can sleep wherever, whenever By City: 7 myths about traveling in
Thailand Travel jargon: What hotels say vs. what they mean World's first
Cartoon Network water park to open in Thailand The dirty-fun guide to Hong
Kong's Wanchai bars Pocket darkroom: Hong Kong's first Instagram exhibit No
more flying dolphins on Hong Kong Airlines Uncovering Dhaka: 10 things to
know Air India operates (almost) all-female flights India constructing larger
replica of Angkor Wat Demystifying the Chinese traveler The rise of
China-centric hotel brands Move to dump Chinglish from Beijing menus Insider
Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur How Singapore became Asia's culinary capital 15
bizarre, but amazing, hotels Not so strange after all: Making sense of 'weird
Japan' Fukushima Taiko drummers Japan's newest stateside export Tokyo's shiny
new billion-dollar Palace Hotel Cheers: Sydney Harbour Bridge turns 80
Tuscany down under on Melbourne's outskirts 10 of the best Sydney day trips
for children Beyond Seoul: 19 reasons to explore Korea Brazilian inventor
designs mask to charge iPhones via breathing Fun suitcases for every type of
traveler Show map at bottom of page
Newsletter Contents Articles: World's greatest wildernesses -- a traveler's
guide 7 reasons to love the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens YouTube viral video gives
Melbourne edge over Sydney Singapore Airlines' no-frills 'Scoot' set for June
take-off Hong Kong airport's third runway gets government nod Promo: What
is China's most delicious dish? Follow CNNGo on Twitter Discover: China:
Where you can sleep wherever, whenever By City: 7 myths about traveling in
Thailand Travel jargon: What hotels say vs. what they mean World's first
Cartoon Network water park to open in Thailand The dirty-fun guide to Hong
Kong's Wanchai bars Pocket darkroom: Hong Kong's first Instagram exhibit No
more flying dolphins on Hong Kong Airlines Uncovering Dhaka: 10 things to
know Air India operates (almost) all-female flights India constructing larger
replica of Angkor Wat Demystifying the Chinese traveler The rise of
China-centric hotel brands Move to dump Chinglish from Beijing menus Insider
Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur How Singapore became Asia's culinary capital 15
bizarre, but amazing, hotels Not so strange after all: Making sense of 'weird
Japan' Fukushima Taiko drummers Japan's newest stateside export Tokyo's shiny
new billion-dollar Palace Hotel Cheers: Sydney Harbour Bridge turns 80
Tuscany down under on Melbourne's outskirts 10 of the best Sydney day trips
for children Beyond Seoul: 19 reasons to explore Korea Brazilian inventor
designs mask to charge iPhones via breathing Fun suitcases for every type of
traveler Show map at bottom of page
Rugby Sevens weekend, Best of Kuala Lumpur, In-flight meal truths
Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:01 — Anonymous Newsletter Date: 23 March 2012
Newsletter Contents Articles: 7 reasons to love the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens
Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur Skip the pasta! And other unsavory truths
about airplane food World's greatest wildernesses -- a traveler's guide Guide
to pojangmacha: Why Koreans love drinking in tents Promo: What is China's
most delicious dish? Connect with us on Linkedin Discover: iReport:
Admiring penguins on South Georgia Island By City: Travel chaos: Bangkok
airport ordered to get its act together It's khao chae season: How to eat
Thailand's classic summer treat 7 myths about traveling in Thailand Hong Kong
airport's third runway gets government nod Liberatum brings Pharrell Williams
and Mike Figgis to Hong Kong The dirty-fun guide to Hong Kong's Wanchai bars
Uncovering Dhaka: 10 things to know Air India operates (almost) all-female
flights India constructing larger replica of Angkor Wat Move to dump
Chinglish from Beijing menus Demystifying the Chinese traveler The rise of
China-centric hotel brands Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur How Singapore
became Asia's culinary capital 15 bizarre, but amazing, hotels Not so strange
after all: Making sense of 'weird Japan' Fukushima Taiko drummers Japan's
newest stateside export Tokyo's shiny new billion-dollar Palace Hotel YouTube
viral video gives Melbourne edge over Sydney Cheers: Sydney Harbour Bridge
turns 80 Tuscany down under on Melbourne's outskirts Beyond Seoul: 19 reasons
to explore Korea Brazilian inventor designs mask to charge iPhones via
breathing Fun suitcases for every type of traveler Show map at bottom of page
Newsletter Contents Articles: 7 reasons to love the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens
Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur Skip the pasta! And other unsavory truths
about airplane food World's greatest wildernesses -- a traveler's guide Guide
to pojangmacha: Why Koreans love drinking in tents Promo: What is China's
most delicious dish? Connect with us on Linkedin Discover: iReport:
Admiring penguins on South Georgia Island By City: Travel chaos: Bangkok
airport ordered to get its act together It's khao chae season: How to eat
Thailand's classic summer treat 7 myths about traveling in Thailand Hong Kong
airport's third runway gets government nod Liberatum brings Pharrell Williams
and Mike Figgis to Hong Kong The dirty-fun guide to Hong Kong's Wanchai bars
Uncovering Dhaka: 10 things to know Air India operates (almost) all-female
flights India constructing larger replica of Angkor Wat Move to dump
Chinglish from Beijing menus Demystifying the Chinese traveler The rise of
China-centric hotel brands Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur How Singapore
became Asia's culinary capital 15 bizarre, but amazing, hotels Not so strange
after all: Making sense of 'weird Japan' Fukushima Taiko drummers Japan's
newest stateside export Tokyo's shiny new billion-dollar Palace Hotel YouTube
viral video gives Melbourne edge over Sydney Cheers: Sydney Harbour Bridge
turns 80 Tuscany down under on Melbourne's outskirts Beyond Seoul: 19 reasons
to explore Korea Brazilian inventor designs mask to charge iPhones via
breathing Fun suitcases for every type of traveler Show map at bottom of page
Best of Kuala Lumpur, flying habits revealed, Uganda's amazing gorillas
Mon, 03/19/2012 - 12:30 — Anonymous Newsletter Date: 19 March 2012
Newsletter Contents Articles: Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur People on
planes do the weirdest things 7 myths about traveling in Thailand Cheers:
Sydney Harbour Bridge turns 80 The rise of China-centric hotel brands
Promo: What is China's most delicious dish? Follow CNNGo on Twitter
Discover: iReport: Gorilla trekking in Uganda By City: Travel jargon:
What hotels say vs. what they mean World's first Cartoon Network water park
to open in Thailand Beautiful islands, horrible airports: Upgrades on the way
for Bali, Phuket Pocket darkroom: Hong Kong's first Instagram exhibit No more
flying dolphins on Hong Kong Airlines Be a Taipei Sweet Potato Mama for a day
Uncovering Dhaka: 10 things to know Air India operates (almost) all-female
flights India constructing larger replica of Angkor Wat Move to dump
Chinglish from Beijing menus How to drink Chinese tea Ultimate guide to
Suzhou, China's 'paradise on earth' How Singapore became Asia's culinary
capital 15 bizarre, but amazing, hotels Singapore's dirty accolade:
Asia-Pacific's biggest carbon footprint Not so strange after all: Making
sense of 'weird Japan' Fukushima Taiko drummers Japan's newest stateside
export Tokyo's shiny new billion-dollar Palace Hotel Tuscany down under on
Melbourne's outskirts 10 of the best Sydney day trips for children Life and
death on the Sydney tourist trail Beyond Seoul: 19 reasons to explore Korea
Brazilian inventor designs mask to charge iPhones via breathing Fun suitcases
for every type of traveler Show map at bottom of page
Newsletter Contents Articles: Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur People on
planes do the weirdest things 7 myths about traveling in Thailand Cheers:
Sydney Harbour Bridge turns 80 The rise of China-centric hotel brands
Promo: What is China's most delicious dish? Follow CNNGo on Twitter
Discover: iReport: Gorilla trekking in Uganda By City: Travel jargon:
What hotels say vs. what they mean World's first Cartoon Network water park
to open in Thailand Beautiful islands, horrible airports: Upgrades on the way
for Bali, Phuket Pocket darkroom: Hong Kong's first Instagram exhibit No more
flying dolphins on Hong Kong Airlines Be a Taipei Sweet Potato Mama for a day
Uncovering Dhaka: 10 things to know Air India operates (almost) all-female
flights India constructing larger replica of Angkor Wat Move to dump
Chinglish from Beijing menus How to drink Chinese tea Ultimate guide to
Suzhou, China's 'paradise on earth' How Singapore became Asia's culinary
capital 15 bizarre, but amazing, hotels Singapore's dirty accolade:
Asia-Pacific's biggest carbon footprint Not so strange after all: Making
sense of 'weird Japan' Fukushima Taiko drummers Japan's newest stateside
export Tokyo's shiny new billion-dollar Palace Hotel Tuscany down under on
Melbourne's outskirts 10 of the best Sydney day trips for children Life and
death on the Sydney tourist trail Beyond Seoul: 19 reasons to explore Korea
Brazilian inventor designs mask to charge iPhones via breathing Fun suitcases
for every type of traveler Show map at bottom of page
Chinese travelers explained, HK's dirty-fun bars, Spring Break alternatives
Tue, 03/20/2012 - 11:59 — Anonymous Newsletter Date: 20 March 2012
Newsletter Contents Articles: Demystifying the Chinese traveler The
dirty-fun guide to Hong Kong's Wanchai bars 7 great alternative Spring Break
destinations It's khao chae season: How to eat Thailand's classic summer
treat The rise of China-centric hotel brands Promo: What is China's most
delicious dish? Follow CNNGo on Twitter Discover: iReport: Gorilla trekking
in Uganda By City: 7 myths about traveling in Thailand Travel jargon: What
hotels say vs. what they mean World's first Cartoon Network water park to
open in Thailand Pocket darkroom: Hong Kong's first Instagram exhibit No more
flying dolphins on Hong Kong Airlines Be a Taipei Sweet Potato Mama for a day
Uncovering Dhaka: 10 things to know Air India operates (almost) all-female
flights India constructing larger replica of Angkor Wat Move to dump
Chinglish from Beijing menus How to drink Chinese tea Ultimate guide to
Suzhou, China's 'paradise on earth' Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur How
Singapore became Asia's culinary capital 15 bizarre, but amazing, hotels Not
so strange after all: Making sense of 'weird Japan' Fukushima Taiko drummers
Japan's newest stateside export Tokyo's shiny new billion-dollar Palace Hotel
Cheers: Sydney Harbour Bridge turns 80 Tuscany down under on Melbourne's
outskirts 10 of the best Sydney day trips for children Beyond Seoul: 19
reasons to explore Korea Brazilian inventor designs mask to charge iPhones
via breathing Fun suitcases for every type of traveler Show map at bottom of
page
Newsletter Contents Articles: Demystifying the Chinese traveler The
dirty-fun guide to Hong Kong's Wanchai bars 7 great alternative Spring Break
destinations It's khao chae season: How to eat Thailand's classic summer
treat The rise of China-centric hotel brands Promo: What is China's most
delicious dish? Follow CNNGo on Twitter Discover: iReport: Gorilla trekking
in Uganda By City: 7 myths about traveling in Thailand Travel jargon: What
hotels say vs. what they mean World's first Cartoon Network water park to
open in Thailand Pocket darkroom: Hong Kong's first Instagram exhibit No more
flying dolphins on Hong Kong Airlines Be a Taipei Sweet Potato Mama for a day
Uncovering Dhaka: 10 things to know Air India operates (almost) all-female
flights India constructing larger replica of Angkor Wat Move to dump
Chinglish from Beijing menus How to drink Chinese tea Ultimate guide to
Suzhou, China's 'paradise on earth' Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur How
Singapore became Asia's culinary capital 15 bizarre, but amazing, hotels Not
so strange after all: Making sense of 'weird Japan' Fukushima Taiko drummers
Japan's newest stateside export Tokyo's shiny new billion-dollar Palace Hotel
Cheers: Sydney Harbour Bridge turns 80 Tuscany down under on Melbourne's
outskirts 10 of the best Sydney day trips for children Beyond Seoul: 19
reasons to explore Korea Brazilian inventor designs mask to charge iPhones
via breathing Fun suitcases for every type of traveler Show map at bottom of
page
In-flight meal secrets, Bangkok airport chaos, Korea's 'bat cave'
Thu, 03/22/2012 - 12:55 — Anonymous Newsletter Date: 22 March 2012
Newsletter Contents Articles: Skip the pasta! And other unsavory truths
about airplane food Travel chaos: Bangkok airport ordered to get its act
together Hwanseon cave: Hiking with bats and Buddhas US baseball's opening
day heads to Japan Hong Kong airport's third runway gets government nod
Promo: What is China's most delicious dish? Follow us on Google+
Discover: China: Where you can sleep wherever, whenever By City: It's
khao chae season: How to eat Thailand's classic summer treat 7 myths about
traveling in Thailand Travel jargon: What hotels say vs. what they mean 7
reasons to love the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens The dirty-fun guide to Hong Kong's
Wanchai bars Pocket darkroom: Hong Kong's first Instagram exhibit Uncovering
Dhaka: 10 things to know Air India operates (almost) all-female flights India
constructing larger replica of Angkor Wat World's greatest wildernesses -- a
traveler's guide Demystifying the Chinese traveler The rise of China-centric
hotel brands Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur How Singapore became Asia's
culinary capital 15 bizarre, but amazing, hotels Not so strange after all:
Making sense of 'weird Japan' Fukushima Taiko drummers Japan's newest
stateside export Tokyo's shiny new billion-dollar Palace Hotel YouTube viral
video gives Melbourne edge over Sydney Cheers: Sydney Harbour Bridge turns 80
Tuscany down under on Melbourne's outskirts Beyond Seoul: 19 reasons to
explore Korea Brazilian inventor designs mask to charge iPhones via breathing
Fun suitcases for every type of traveler Show map at bottom of page
Newsletter Contents Articles: Skip the pasta! And other unsavory truths
about airplane food Travel chaos: Bangkok airport ordered to get its act
together Hwanseon cave: Hiking with bats and Buddhas US baseball's opening
day heads to Japan Hong Kong airport's third runway gets government nod
Promo: What is China's most delicious dish? Follow us on Google+
Discover: China: Where you can sleep wherever, whenever By City: It's
khao chae season: How to eat Thailand's classic summer treat 7 myths about
traveling in Thailand Travel jargon: What hotels say vs. what they mean 7
reasons to love the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens The dirty-fun guide to Hong Kong's
Wanchai bars Pocket darkroom: Hong Kong's first Instagram exhibit Uncovering
Dhaka: 10 things to know Air India operates (almost) all-female flights India
constructing larger replica of Angkor Wat World's greatest wildernesses -- a
traveler's guide Demystifying the Chinese traveler The rise of China-centric
hotel brands Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur How Singapore became Asia's
culinary capital 15 bizarre, but amazing, hotels Not so strange after all:
Making sense of 'weird Japan' Fukushima Taiko drummers Japan's newest
stateside export Tokyo's shiny new billion-dollar Palace Hotel YouTube viral
video gives Melbourne edge over Sydney Cheers: Sydney Harbour Bridge turns 80
Tuscany down under on Melbourne's outskirts Beyond Seoul: 19 reasons to
explore Korea Brazilian inventor designs mask to charge iPhones via breathing
Fun suitcases for every type of traveler Show map at bottom of page
Best Beijing hotels, IMAX at HK airport, beware Asia's fake meds
Wed, 03/28/2012 - 14:57 — Anonymous Newsletter Date: 28 March 2012
Newsletter Contents Articles: 20 best Beijing hotels World's first airport
IMAX cinema coming to Hong Kong The drugs don't work: Asia's massive fake
meds industry Southeast Asia: The next Mediterranean of cruises? Qantas and
China Eastern team up on new Hong Kong budget airline Promo: What's the
world's best street food? Follow CNNGo on Twitter Discover: iReport:
Admiring penguins on South Georgia Island By City: Calling all voyeurs:
Google Street View hits Thailand Travel chaos: Bangkok airport ordered to get
its act together It's khao chae season: How to eat Thailand's classic summer
treat Bon voyage: Queen Mary 2 steams out of Hong Kong Liberatum brings
Pharrell Williams and Mike Figgis to Hong Kong Skip the pasta! And other
unsavory truths about airplane food Best places to spot tigers in India
Insider Guide: Best of Delhi Uncovering Dhaka: 10 things to know 7 of
China's coolest outdoor activities Tycoon class: China's super-rich get
their own travel brand World's greatest wildernesses -- a traveler's guide 3
reasons to ditch Bali Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur How Singapore
became Asia's culinary capital 'Weird Japan' blinds tourists to the real
Nippon US baseball's opening day heads to Japan Not so strange after all:
Making sense of 'weird Japan' YouTube viral video gives Melbourne edge over
Sydney Cheers: Sydney Harbour Bridge turns 80 Tuscany down under on
Melbourne's outskirts Places Obama should visit in Seoul Guide to
pojangmacha: Why Koreans love drinking in tents Hwanseon cave: Hiking with
bats and Buddhas Show map at bottom of page
Newsletter Contents Articles: 20 best Beijing hotels World's first airport
IMAX cinema coming to Hong Kong The drugs don't work: Asia's massive fake
meds industry Southeast Asia: The next Mediterranean of cruises? Qantas and
China Eastern team up on new Hong Kong budget airline Promo: What's the
world's best street food? Follow CNNGo on Twitter Discover: iReport:
Admiring penguins on South Georgia Island By City: Calling all voyeurs:
Google Street View hits Thailand Travel chaos: Bangkok airport ordered to get
its act together It's khao chae season: How to eat Thailand's classic summer
treat Bon voyage: Queen Mary 2 steams out of Hong Kong Liberatum brings
Pharrell Williams and Mike Figgis to Hong Kong Skip the pasta! And other
unsavory truths about airplane food Best places to spot tigers in India
Insider Guide: Best of Delhi Uncovering Dhaka: 10 things to know 7 of
China's coolest outdoor activities Tycoon class: China's super-rich get
their own travel brand World's greatest wildernesses -- a traveler's guide 3
reasons to ditch Bali Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur How Singapore
became Asia's culinary capital 'Weird Japan' blinds tourists to the real
Nippon US baseball's opening day heads to Japan Not so strange after all:
Making sense of 'weird Japan' YouTube viral video gives Melbourne edge over
Sydney Cheers: Sydney Harbour Bridge turns 80 Tuscany down under on
Melbourne's outskirts Places Obama should visit in Seoul Guide to
pojangmacha: Why Koreans love drinking in tents Hwanseon cave: Hiking with
bats and Buddhas Show map at bottom of page
Australia on a budget, Thailand wine tours, Cool travel gadgets
Thu, 03/29/2012 - 09:55 — Anonymous Newsletter Date: 29 March 2012
Newsletter Contents Articles: What recession? See Australia on the cheap
Thailand wine tours: Where to spend a weekend in the vineyards 9 coolest
adventure travel items Qantas to charter Australia's first commercial flight
powered by cooking oil World's first airport IMAX cinema coming to Hong Kong
Promo: What's the world's best street food? Connect with us on Linkedin
Discover: iReport: Admiring penguins on South Georgia Island By City:
Calling all voyeurs: Google Street View hits Thailand Travel chaos: Bangkok
airport ordered to get its act together It's khao chae season: How to eat
Thailand's classic summer treat Bon voyage: Queen Mary 2 steams out of Hong
Kong Liberatum brings Pharrell Williams and Mike Figgis to Hong Kong Skip the
pasta! And other unsavory truths about airplane food Best places to spot
tigers in India Insider Guide: Best of Delhi Uncovering Dhaka: 10 things to
know 20 best Beijing hotels 7 of China's coolest outdoor activities Tycoon
class: China's super-rich get their own travel brand Southeast Asia: The next
Mediterranean of cruises? 3 reasons to ditch Bali Insider Guide: Best of
Kuala Lumpur 'Weird Japan' blinds tourists to the real Nippon US baseball's
opening day heads to Japan Not so strange after all: Making sense of 'weird
Japan' YouTube viral video gives Melbourne edge over Sydney Cheers: Sydney
Harbour Bridge turns 80 Tuscany down under on Melbourne's outskirts Places
Obama should visit in Seoul Guide to pojangmacha: Why Koreans love drinking
in tents Hwanseon cave: Hiking with bats and Buddhas Show map at bottom of
page
Newsletter Contents Articles: What recession? See Australia on the cheap
Thailand wine tours: Where to spend a weekend in the vineyards 9 coolest
adventure travel items Qantas to charter Australia's first commercial flight
powered by cooking oil World's first airport IMAX cinema coming to Hong Kong
Promo: What's the world's best street food? Connect with us on Linkedin
Discover: iReport: Admiring penguins on South Georgia Island By City:
Calling all voyeurs: Google Street View hits Thailand Travel chaos: Bangkok
airport ordered to get its act together It's khao chae season: How to eat
Thailand's classic summer treat Bon voyage: Queen Mary 2 steams out of Hong
Kong Liberatum brings Pharrell Williams and Mike Figgis to Hong Kong Skip the
pasta! And other unsavory truths about airplane food Best places to spot
tigers in India Insider Guide: Best of Delhi Uncovering Dhaka: 10 things to
know 20 best Beijing hotels 7 of China's coolest outdoor activities Tycoon
class: China's super-rich get their own travel brand Southeast Asia: The next
Mediterranean of cruises? 3 reasons to ditch Bali Insider Guide: Best of
Kuala Lumpur 'Weird Japan' blinds tourists to the real Nippon US baseball's
opening day heads to Japan Not so strange after all: Making sense of 'weird
Japan' YouTube viral video gives Melbourne edge over Sydney Cheers: Sydney
Harbour Bridge turns 80 Tuscany down under on Melbourne's outskirts Places
Obama should visit in Seoul Guide to pojangmacha: Why Koreans love drinking
in tents Hwanseon cave: Hiking with bats and Buddhas Show map at bottom of
page
Qantas to charter Australia's first commercial flight powered by cooking oil
Wed, 03/28/2012 - 23:00 — Anonymous by CNNGo staff It's difficult to
believe that it's only been four years since Time Magazine ran the headline
"Can Airplanes Fly on Biofuel?". Now it seems that all airlines are
jumping on the biofuel train (excuse our mixed metaphors), whether it's for
the marketing factor (hey, we're writing about it), or because it's
perceived as the hottest green initiative right now. Case in point: Qantas is
the latest airline to launch a flight powered by cooking oil. Tickets are
currently on sale for Australia's first commercial biofuel flight, which is
slated for April 13 from Sydney to Adelaide, not from Melbourne to Adelaide
as some news agencies have been reporting. The 300-seater Airbus 330 will
use U.S.-imported biofuel in one of its two engines -- the same cooking oil
that was previously used by Lufthansa in a six-month trial (the world's
first) during which 1,200 biofuel-flights were completed between Hamburg and
Frankfurt. read more
believe that it's only been four years since Time Magazine ran the headline
"Can Airplanes Fly on Biofuel?". Now it seems that all airlines are
jumping on the biofuel train (excuse our mixed metaphors), whether it's for
the marketing factor (hey, we're writing about it), or because it's
perceived as the hottest green initiative right now. Case in point: Qantas is
the latest airline to launch a flight powered by cooking oil. Tickets are
currently on sale for Australia's first commercial biofuel flight, which is
slated for April 13 from Sydney to Adelaide, not from Melbourne to Adelaide
as some news agencies have been reporting. The 300-seater Airbus 330 will
use U.S.-imported biofuel in one of its two engines -- the same cooking oil
that was previously used by Lufthansa in a six-month trial (the world's
first) during which 1,200 biofuel-flights were completed between Hamburg and
Frankfurt. read more
Thailand wine tours: Where to spend a weekend in the vineyards
Thu, 03/29/2012 - 08:23 — Anonymous by Timothy FranceThailand's wine-making
industry has come a long way. No longer causing connoisseurs to recoil in
horror at first sniff, these days locally-produced labels are served
by high-end Thai restaurants and exported abroad. But it wasn't an easy
path. About 20 years ago Thailand took to wine producing with its
characteristic defiance of international norms, rejecting the age-old
traditions that say wine grapes can't be grown further south than Cairo or
Lhasa. Breaking those rules, vineyards across Thailand's three
distinguished winemaking regions now produce quality wine 1,770 kilometers
further south than old school thinking dictates. These are the 'new
latitude wines', and although they don't rate highly alongside famous French
vintages, wine lovers should swallow their skepticism before condemning Thai
wines to the cooking pot. For a closer look at Thailand's growing wine
industry, get out of Bangkok and take a wine tour. Most of the country's
revered vineyards, featured here, offer visitors a chance to get off the
heavily beaten tourist track and see how grapes are grown and wines are
made. read more
industry has come a long way. No longer causing connoisseurs to recoil in
horror at first sniff, these days locally-produced labels are served
by high-end Thai restaurants and exported abroad. But it wasn't an easy
path. About 20 years ago Thailand took to wine producing with its
characteristic defiance of international norms, rejecting the age-old
traditions that say wine grapes can't be grown further south than Cairo or
Lhasa. Breaking those rules, vineyards across Thailand's three
distinguished winemaking regions now produce quality wine 1,770 kilometers
further south than old school thinking dictates. These are the 'new
latitude wines', and although they don't rate highly alongside famous French
vintages, wine lovers should swallow their skepticism before condemning Thai
wines to the cooking pot. For a closer look at Thailand's growing wine
industry, get out of Bangkok and take a wine tour. Most of the country's
revered vineyards, featured here, offer visitors a chance to get off the
heavily beaten tourist track and see how grapes are grown and wines are
made. read more
What recession? See Australia on the cheap
Thu, 03/29/2012 - 02:55 — Anonymous by Lauren FritskyWith the seemingly
never-ending global recession, the strong Aussie dollar and the increasing
cost of living in Australia, some might say -- beyond the obvious broader
economic hurt -- that there's trouble in store for anyone in the business
of tourism. In fact, the latest statistics show the number of Aussies
choosing to vacation overseas in 2011 was a record 7.8 million -- that's a
full two million more than the total of incoming tourists, causing something
of a problem for a country that relies so much on being an attractive
destination for vacationers of all stripes. While it's true that flights
from abroad can be expensive and the cost of staying and playing in cities
like Sydney exorbitant, it is possible to see Australia on a budget. The
tricks, as we'll show you, include being smart about how you get around and
discovering the alternatives to the pricey tours. Read on and save enough for
more than a few extra shrimps on the barbie.read more
never-ending global recession, the strong Aussie dollar and the increasing
cost of living in Australia, some might say -- beyond the obvious broader
economic hurt -- that there's trouble in store for anyone in the business
of tourism. In fact, the latest statistics show the number of Aussies
choosing to vacation overseas in 2011 was a record 7.8 million -- that's a
full two million more than the total of incoming tourists, causing something
of a problem for a country that relies so much on being an attractive
destination for vacationers of all stripes. While it's true that flights
from abroad can be expensive and the cost of staying and playing in cities
like Sydney exorbitant, it is possible to see Australia on a budget. The
tricks, as we'll show you, include being smart about how you get around and
discovering the alternatives to the pricey tours. Read on and save enough for
more than a few extra shrimps on the barbie.read more
9 coolest adventure travel items
Thu, 03/29/2012 - 01:00 — Anonymous by Jane LeungCalling all Bear Grylls
wannabes – you could try and "take on the wild" like the Chuck Norris
of the outdoors, but you will probably only end up with frozen toes and a
shattered ego. Instead, kit yourself out with some super-cool adventure
travel products; it's not cheating, it's winning. Also on CNNGo: Best
travel products for 2012 Perfect for getting a shot of your own bubbles. 1.
Scuba cam Save the underwater cameras for snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef.
This Wide Angle Scuba Cam is for researchers or extreme divers who want to
take stunning panoramas beneath icy deserts like the North Pole or close-ups
of jaws during a too-close-for-comfort Shark Dive. This camera is embedded in
the apex of the snorkel which is handy for anyone trying to swim for their
life.read more
wannabes – you could try and "take on the wild" like the Chuck Norris
of the outdoors, but you will probably only end up with frozen toes and a
shattered ego. Instead, kit yourself out with some super-cool adventure
travel products; it's not cheating, it's winning. Also on CNNGo: Best
travel products for 2012 Perfect for getting a shot of your own bubbles. 1.
Scuba cam Save the underwater cameras for snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef.
This Wide Angle Scuba Cam is for researchers or extreme divers who want to
take stunning panoramas beneath icy deserts like the North Pole or close-ups
of jaws during a too-close-for-comfort Shark Dive. This camera is embedded in
the apex of the snorkel which is handy for anyone trying to swim for their
life.read more
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
World's first airport IMAX cinema coming to Hong Kong
Wed, 03/28/2012 - 08:50 — Anonymous by Hiufu WongDull layovers at Hong Kong
International (HKIA) will be a thing of the past once the world's first
airport IMAX cinema opens. Due to welcome its first customers before the end
of June, the new IMAX cinema from Hong Kong cinema chain, UA Cinemas, will
replace the 4D Extreme Screen in terminal two. The IMAX cinema will boast a
giant screen -- 13.8 meters high and 22.4 meters wide -- and 358 seats,
making it the largest of Hong Kong's three IMAX theaters. Hong Kong residents
and visitors are able to access the cinema, as it is landside at the airport.
The cinema will show both 2D and 3D movies, mainly Hollywood blockbusters and
edutainment films. Tickets are likely to cost HK$150, the same as other IMAX
cinemas. read more
International (HKIA) will be a thing of the past once the world's first
airport IMAX cinema opens. Due to welcome its first customers before the end
of June, the new IMAX cinema from Hong Kong cinema chain, UA Cinemas, will
replace the 4D Extreme Screen in terminal two. The IMAX cinema will boast a
giant screen -- 13.8 meters high and 22.4 meters wide -- and 358 seats,
making it the largest of Hong Kong's three IMAX theaters. Hong Kong residents
and visitors are able to access the cinema, as it is landside at the airport.
The cinema will show both 2D and 3D movies, mainly Hollywood blockbusters and
edutainment films. Tickets are likely to cost HK$150, the same as other IMAX
cinemas. read more
20 best Beijing hotels
Wed, 03/28/2012 - 00:57 — Anonymous by Tom O'MalleyThat amazing opening
ceremony or Usain Bolt's record-breaking 100-meter run might be what much of
the public still remembers, but for travelers there's a more important legacy
of Beijing's Olympic Games party: hotel beds. Thousands of rooms and beds,
from big-chain luxury operations to chic courtyard hostels, are left unfilled
in the city. Lots of rooms means lots of bargains on Beijing hotel rooms.
Whether you want to bathe like an emperor in the central business district
(CBD) or drop a rucksack an alleyway near the Forbidden City, Beijing has got
you covered in covers. Luxury The Opposite House (瑜舍)Marble bathrooms are
so last century. Opened in 2008, this six-story, glass-walled, 99-room
boutique hotel is the city's hippest address. The work of Japanese
architect Kengo Kuma, it shows off Beijing's Olympic commitment to design and
style.read more
ceremony or Usain Bolt's record-breaking 100-meter run might be what much of
the public still remembers, but for travelers there's a more important legacy
of Beijing's Olympic Games party: hotel beds. Thousands of rooms and beds,
from big-chain luxury operations to chic courtyard hostels, are left unfilled
in the city. Lots of rooms means lots of bargains on Beijing hotel rooms.
Whether you want to bathe like an emperor in the central business district
(CBD) or drop a rucksack an alleyway near the Forbidden City, Beijing has got
you covered in covers. Luxury The Opposite House (瑜舍)Marble bathrooms are
so last century. Opened in 2008, this six-story, glass-walled, 99-room
boutique hotel is the city's hippest address. The work of Japanese
architect Kengo Kuma, it shows off Beijing's Olympic commitment to design and
style.read more
The drugs don't work: Asia's massive fake meds industry
Tue, 03/27/2012 - 23:03 — Anonymous by Simon RoughneenIf you're traveling
to Asia and have a health complaint, beware -- some countries in the region
are hot spots for the manufacture and sale of bogus medication. Cambodia,
Laos and Myanmar are of particular concern -- peddlers of fake medication use
older heroin and methamphetamine smuggling networks around the "Golden
Triangle" to get their drugs across borders. "Be careful what you buy --
and where" is the message to consumers and travelers from experts who met
at a forum on the subject in Bangkok recently, not far from street vendors
peddling fake sex pills near one of the city's red-light areas. "An
estimated 3,000 people die each day around the world from taking fake
medications," reckons Scott Davis, a former U.S. customs official, now
senior regional director (Asia-Pacific) in Pfizer's Global Security section.
Viagra is Pfizer's most frequently counterfeited medicine, he adds.read
more
to Asia and have a health complaint, beware -- some countries in the region
are hot spots for the manufacture and sale of bogus medication. Cambodia,
Laos and Myanmar are of particular concern -- peddlers of fake medication use
older heroin and methamphetamine smuggling networks around the "Golden
Triangle" to get their drugs across borders. "Be careful what you buy --
and where" is the message to consumers and travelers from experts who met
at a forum on the subject in Bangkok recently, not far from street vendors
peddling fake sex pills near one of the city's red-light areas. "An
estimated 3,000 people die each day around the world from taking fake
medications," reckons Scott Davis, a former U.S. customs official, now
senior regional director (Asia-Pacific) in Pfizer's Global Security section.
Viagra is Pfizer's most frequently counterfeited medicine, he adds.read
more
Southeast Asia: The next Mediterranean of cruises?
Tue, 03/27/2012 - 13:29 — Anonymous Land ahoy, cruisers. Singapore's new
International Cruise Terminal is set to open later this year, with officials
hoping the massive US$400 million facility will bring in some of the
world's largest ships. Cruises are fast gaining in popularity in Asia, with
several of the big global lines -- Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Holland
America and Celebrity -- already offering passengers itineraries in the
region. But the Asian cruise industry is a long way behind Europe or North
America, the latter of which accounts for around 60 percent of the global
cruising market according to industry figures. A graphic rendering of the
US$400 million Singapore International Cruise terminal. Aw Kah Peng, CEO of
the Singapore Tourism Board, told media she hopes that will change with the
opening of the city's new cruise terminal, located between downtown Singapore
and Sentosa Island. "We think there's a lot of untapped potential in
cruising," she says. "Southeast Asia as a whole region is really interesting
for cruising because of the many islands that form the archipelago of
Indonesia, as well as Philippines and the long wonderful coastlines of our
neighbours like Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand. We think that Southeast Asia
can be the next Mediterranean when it comes to cruising."read more
International Cruise Terminal is set to open later this year, with officials
hoping the massive US$400 million facility will bring in some of the
world's largest ships. Cruises are fast gaining in popularity in Asia, with
several of the big global lines -- Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Holland
America and Celebrity -- already offering passengers itineraries in the
region. But the Asian cruise industry is a long way behind Europe or North
America, the latter of which accounts for around 60 percent of the global
cruising market according to industry figures. A graphic rendering of the
US$400 million Singapore International Cruise terminal. Aw Kah Peng, CEO of
the Singapore Tourism Board, told media she hopes that will change with the
opening of the city's new cruise terminal, located between downtown Singapore
and Sentosa Island. "We think there's a lot of untapped potential in
cruising," she says. "Southeast Asia as a whole region is really interesting
for cruising because of the many islands that form the archipelago of
Indonesia, as well as Philippines and the long wonderful coastlines of our
neighbours like Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand. We think that Southeast Asia
can be the next Mediterranean when it comes to cruising."read more
Monday, March 26, 2012
Qantas and China Eastern team up on new Hong Kong budget airline
Tue, 03/27/2012 - 10:31 — Anonymous In the first tie-up of its kind,
Australian carrier Qantas and China Eastern Airlines are putting together a
new passenger airline with the goal of tapping into the booming Chinese
market. Due to launch in 2013 and subject to regulatory hurdles, Jetstar Hong
Kong will be a US$198-million joint venture, with both parties holding equal
stakes. Previous partnerships between Chinese airlines and overseas carriers
have been passenger codeshares or freight-only operations. Fares slashed
Jetstar Hong Kong intends to target the budget air-travel market -- a sector
currently underdeveloped in the region. With fares 50 percent lower that
traditional carriers, the new airline aims to serve greater China, as well as
Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia.read more
Australian carrier Qantas and China Eastern Airlines are putting together a
new passenger airline with the goal of tapping into the booming Chinese
market. Due to launch in 2013 and subject to regulatory hurdles, Jetstar Hong
Kong will be a US$198-million joint venture, with both parties holding equal
stakes. Previous partnerships between Chinese airlines and overseas carriers
have been passenger codeshares or freight-only operations. Fares slashed
Jetstar Hong Kong intends to target the budget air-travel market -- a sector
currently underdeveloped in the region. With fares 50 percent lower that
traditional carriers, the new airline aims to serve greater China, as well as
Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia.read more
Where Obama should visit in Seoul
Tue, 03/27/2012 - 05:29 — Anonymous by CNNGo staff The highest-profile
business travelers to Seoul this week? Barack Obama, and about 5,000 other
delegates gathering in Seoul for the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit. Although
he's only been in town for a day, Obama has already taken one of
our favorite road trips in the country, visiting the world's most heavily
armed border. Despite his jam-packed schedule, a man's got to eat. And
enjoy some downtime checking out the city. Given that it's his third trip
here as President, we feel he'd appreciate more of an insider's itinerary
of Seoul. If we had control of the commander in chief's schedule planner,
here are the places we'd pencil in.read more
business travelers to Seoul this week? Barack Obama, and about 5,000 other
delegates gathering in Seoul for the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit. Although
he's only been in town for a day, Obama has already taken one of
our favorite road trips in the country, visiting the world's most heavily
armed border. Despite his jam-packed schedule, a man's got to eat. And
enjoy some downtime checking out the city. Given that it's his third trip
here as President, we feel he'd appreciate more of an insider's itinerary
of Seoul. If we had control of the commander in chief's schedule planner,
here are the places we'd pencil in.read more
Best places to spot tigers in India
Tue, 03/27/2012 - 05:00 — Anonymous by Pri ShewakramaniWanna see a real
wild tiger? Head to India where nearly half of the world's remaining wild
tiger population still roams. But the 1,400 big cats are spread out over more
than 40 national parks in the country. So to help increase the odds of
spotting a tiger in India, we have narrowed it down to these five places
where it is more likely that you will get a good sighting. Very big cats:
tigers can weigh up to 300 kilos. Bandhavgarh National Park: Greatest chance
of spotting a tiger Bandhavgarh National Park is a wildlife sanctuary in
Madhya Pradesh. It has the highest density of tigers in the region. The core
area of the park is spread over 100 square kilometers and is home to more
than 50 tigers. The park is known as the land of the white tiger, even though
they no longer roam here. The last white tiger that was spotted in the wild
was captured here by Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa in 1951. read more
wild tiger? Head to India where nearly half of the world's remaining wild
tiger population still roams. But the 1,400 big cats are spread out over more
than 40 national parks in the country. So to help increase the odds of
spotting a tiger in India, we have narrowed it down to these five places
where it is more likely that you will get a good sighting. Very big cats:
tigers can weigh up to 300 kilos. Bandhavgarh National Park: Greatest chance
of spotting a tiger Bandhavgarh National Park is a wildlife sanctuary in
Madhya Pradesh. It has the highest density of tigers in the region. The core
area of the park is spread over 100 square kilometers and is home to more
than 50 tigers. The park is known as the land of the white tiger, even though
they no longer roam here. The last white tiger that was spotted in the wild
was captured here by Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa in 1951. read more
3 reasons to ditch Bali
Tue, 03/27/2012 - 00:57 — Anonymous by Charlene FangIf Bali's honking
Bluebird taxis, zipping motorcycles, monstrous daily traffic jams and
persistent beach touts obliterate your Bali dream within a few hours of
landing, there are alternatives. Plus, in light of the recent news regarding
a police standoff with suspected terrorists, you may want to look around. At
these three islands life slows to a crawl and the agenda is nothing more
complicated than topping up your tan and embracing the outdoors. Gili Islands
The Gili Islands: downside? You have to walk everywhere. Upside? Everything
else.Think of the Gili Islands -– consisting of Gili Trawangan, Gili Air
and Gili Meno -- as Bali in the 1970s but with all the modern amenities
travelers have become accustomed to: fresh water showers (only at some
resorts), Wi-Fi, Lavazza espresso. Most stay on Gili Trawangan, eager to make
the most of a more real island experience, and to escape the constant calls
of "transport, you want transport?"read more
Bluebird taxis, zipping motorcycles, monstrous daily traffic jams and
persistent beach touts obliterate your Bali dream within a few hours of
landing, there are alternatives. Plus, in light of the recent news regarding
a police standoff with suspected terrorists, you may want to look around. At
these three islands life slows to a crawl and the agenda is nothing more
complicated than topping up your tan and embracing the outdoors. Gili Islands
The Gili Islands: downside? You have to walk everywhere. Upside? Everything
else.Think of the Gili Islands -– consisting of Gili Trawangan, Gili Air
and Gili Meno -- as Bali in the 1970s but with all the modern amenities
travelers have become accustomed to: fresh water showers (only at some
resorts), Wi-Fi, Lavazza espresso. Most stay on Gili Trawangan, eager to make
the most of a more real island experience, and to escape the constant calls
of "transport, you want transport?"read more
101 best sports bars in the United States
Mon, 03/26/2012 - 23:14 — Anonymous by Jordan BurchetteThe rest of the
world is great. But when you're returning to the states from an extended
tour overseas and you've seen all of the 10 total minutes of cricket you
can suffer, chief among your priorities is likely going to be the gluttonous
consumption of beer, buffalo wings and a ball game. That means settling down
for three or more hours at a local sports bar. But which one? There are
plenty of bars out there for sports fans, but very few run by sports fans.
Playing the game on a couple of TVs doesn't make you a sports bar any more
than playing "Caddyshack" on loop makes you a movie theater.read more
world is great. But when you're returning to the states from an extended
tour overseas and you've seen all of the 10 total minutes of cricket you
can suffer, chief among your priorities is likely going to be the gluttonous
consumption of beer, buffalo wings and a ball game. That means settling down
for three or more hours at a local sports bar. But which one? There are
plenty of bars out there for sports fans, but very few run by sports fans.
Playing the game on a couple of TVs doesn't make you a sports bar any more
than playing "Caddyshack" on loop makes you a movie theater.read more
Bon voyage: Queen Mary 2 steams out of Hong Kong
Mon, 03/26/2012 - 14:23 — Anonymous by Hiufu WongAmateur and professional
photographers have been prowling Kwai Tsing container terminal for the past
two days for just one reason -- to get the quintessential shot of Queen Mary
2 whilst in Hong Kong waters. The 345-meter, 17-deck, 151,400-ton liner
was the largest passenger ship in the world when she was launched nine years
ago this month. Although no longer the record holder, Queen Mary 2 -- which
can carry 2,620 passengers -- is still dearly loved by many cruise goers
because of her classic and luxurious facilities. The liner's
round-the-world voyage started from Southampton in January, and has taken in
ports in Africa, Australia, Japan and China before docking in Hong Kong early
yesterday. The biggest ballroom at sea.read more
photographers have been prowling Kwai Tsing container terminal for the past
two days for just one reason -- to get the quintessential shot of Queen Mary
2 whilst in Hong Kong waters. The 345-meter, 17-deck, 151,400-ton liner
was the largest passenger ship in the world when she was launched nine years
ago this month. Although no longer the record holder, Queen Mary 2 -- which
can carry 2,620 passengers -- is still dearly loved by many cruise goers
because of her classic and luxurious facilities. The liner's
round-the-world voyage started from Southampton in January, and has taken in
ports in Africa, Australia, Japan and China before docking in Hong Kong early
yesterday. The biggest ballroom at sea.read more
7 of China’s coolest outdoor activities
Mon, 03/26/2012 - 11:01 — Anonymous by Jade BremnerChina is not famous for
adventure tourism, but it's actually one great destination to seek a new
adrenaline high. And here are seven ways (in no particular order) to travel
the Middle Kingdom with a new heart rate. 1. Kiteboarding, Fujian See
China's minority region, Lance Armstrong-style. One of the rides of your life
consists of a challenging climb up to 1,900 meters on two wheels. Cycling
around 40 kilometers per day on varied terrain, from cobbled streets, tricky
dirt tracks and sheer cliff faces, you'll snake past incredible sights such
as the ice-capped Jade Dragon Mountain and one of the world's deepest river
canyons -- Tiger Leaping Gorge. read more
adventure tourism, but it's actually one great destination to seek a new
adrenaline high. And here are seven ways (in no particular order) to travel
the Middle Kingdom with a new heart rate. 1. Kiteboarding, Fujian See
China's minority region, Lance Armstrong-style. One of the rides of your life
consists of a challenging climb up to 1,900 meters on two wheels. Cycling
around 40 kilometers per day on varied terrain, from cobbled streets, tricky
dirt tracks and sheer cliff faces, you'll snake past incredible sights such
as the ice-capped Jade Dragon Mountain and one of the world's deepest river
canyons -- Tiger Leaping Gorge. read more
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Calling all voyeurs: Google Street View hits Thailand
Mon, 03/26/2012 - 07:40 — Anonymous by Richard S. EhrlichFor the first
time, Google is exposing gorgeous, hedonistic and possibly even embarrassing
photos of people, beaches, entertainment zones, hotels, homes, temples and
other scenes in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket via its Street View maps.
Anyone in the world can go online and, for free, gawk at Google's pictures,
which are "digitally stitched" together to offer a movable journey through
Thailand's three famous tourism hotspots -- including countless shots of
Thais and foreigners unaware they've been photographed. Google hopes its
newest Street View portal will emphasize the paradises and delights of
Thailand, and lure more tourists to enjoy the lusciousness this Southeast
Asian tropical land offers. "We drove Phuket, Chiang Mai and Greater Bangkok
and we got 95 percent of those areas, and have images that are 360-degree
panoramas," says David Marx, global communications and public affairs manager
for Google Asia Pacific. "Tourists within Thailand and outside of Thailand
can use this as kind of a tool to plan their trips and to virtually explore
Thailand." read more
time, Google is exposing gorgeous, hedonistic and possibly even embarrassing
photos of people, beaches, entertainment zones, hotels, homes, temples and
other scenes in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket via its Street View maps.
Anyone in the world can go online and, for free, gawk at Google's pictures,
which are "digitally stitched" together to offer a movable journey through
Thailand's three famous tourism hotspots -- including countless shots of
Thais and foreigners unaware they've been photographed. Google hopes its
newest Street View portal will emphasize the paradises and delights of
Thailand, and lure more tourists to enjoy the lusciousness this Southeast
Asian tropical land offers. "We drove Phuket, Chiang Mai and Greater Bangkok
and we got 95 percent of those areas, and have images that are 360-degree
panoramas," says David Marx, global communications and public affairs manager
for Google Asia Pacific. "Tourists within Thailand and outside of Thailand
can use this as kind of a tool to plan their trips and to virtually explore
Thailand." read more
'Weird Japan' blinds tourists to the real Nippon
Mon, 03/26/2012 - 09:00 — Anonymous by Andrew PothecaryArt-gallery-worthy
kaiseki banquets, startlingly obese celebrity sumo wrestlers, hour-long
tea-making rituals, boiling baths without soap and many more seemingly unique
aspects of Japan have long been a draw for visitors, but is there a chance
the "weird Japan" obsession hides a far more interesting reality? If you've
ever been to Japan, you'll have heard all about how strange, bizarre and
even downright alien to Westerners it all is over here. Usually from locals,
of course, who typically add the somewhat ambitious qualifier of "unique"
for good measure. As a long-time resident who's heard the spiel more than a
few times, I suspect, however, that this obsessive navel-gazing is more about
wishful thinking and less about anything particularly odd about an entire
country. More precisely, I believe it's a relatively small Japanese
cultural twist and focus on formality -- or fetishism, if you prefer -- that
creates an impression of huge cultural differences and that's what I'd
like to explore. And before you page down to the comments section, ready to
bash the keyboard a new one, let me assure you, this is not another article
about how "alien" Japan is -- in fact, it's quite the opposite.read
more
kaiseki banquets, startlingly obese celebrity sumo wrestlers, hour-long
tea-making rituals, boiling baths without soap and many more seemingly unique
aspects of Japan have long been a draw for visitors, but is there a chance
the "weird Japan" obsession hides a far more interesting reality? If you've
ever been to Japan, you'll have heard all about how strange, bizarre and
even downright alien to Westerners it all is over here. Usually from locals,
of course, who typically add the somewhat ambitious qualifier of "unique"
for good measure. As a long-time resident who's heard the spiel more than a
few times, I suspect, however, that this obsessive navel-gazing is more about
wishful thinking and less about anything particularly odd about an entire
country. More precisely, I believe it's a relatively small Japanese
cultural twist and focus on formality -- or fetishism, if you prefer -- that
creates an impression of huge cultural differences and that's what I'd
like to explore. And before you page down to the comments section, ready to
bash the keyboard a new one, let me assure you, this is not another article
about how "alien" Japan is -- in fact, it's quite the opposite.read
more
Insider Guide: Best of Delhi
Sun, 03/25/2012 - 23:30 — Anonymous by Isha Singh SawhneyThe best of Delhi
is where the new Indian cool is being born. Once dismissed as a town of
bureaucrats as inspiring as a damp sock, India's capital city is slowly but
surely shedding its frumpy image. Delhi has the basic hallmarks of a buzzing
world city: posh new hotels, glam restaurants and a huge and growing
population (16.7 million, by one estimate). To entertain the new throngs,
amped-up venues are cropping up in Delhi like green grass after a monsoon.
And if Mumbai has Bollywood, Delhi has high culture. Performing arts, book
launches and tons of art galleries make the best of Delhi an Indian culture
homebase.read more
is where the new Indian cool is being born. Once dismissed as a town of
bureaucrats as inspiring as a damp sock, India's capital city is slowly but
surely shedding its frumpy image. Delhi has the basic hallmarks of a buzzing
world city: posh new hotels, glam restaurants and a huge and growing
population (16.7 million, by one estimate). To entertain the new throngs,
amped-up venues are cropping up in Delhi like green grass after a monsoon.
And if Mumbai has Bollywood, Delhi has high culture. Performing arts, book
launches and tons of art galleries make the best of Delhi an Indian culture
homebase.read more
How to disappear for a year
Mon, 03/26/2012 - 00:24 — Anonymous by Jini ReddyBored of the rat race?
Hopelessly addicted to travel? Or maybe you're simply craving new (and
fabulous) scenery, a life change, an adventure or a time out. Whatever the
motivation, unless your pockets are lined with gold you'll need cash to
fund your year out. If you don't want to waste a minute, here's how to
earn it while on the road. Click on your preferred great escape: Scuba
instructor, Malaysia | English teacher, Thailand Cruise ship worker,
Caribbean | Ranch wrangler, U.S. Farm worker, Sierra Leone | Yacht
hand, France Ski instructor, Austria | Tour guide, Africa Bartender,
England | Massage therapist, Seychelles Rafting guide, Zimbabwe |
Bollywood extra, India 1. Scuba instructor in Malaysia Coolest office
ever.Few things take you out of the "real world" as well as an hour's
swim 10 or 15 meters below an ocean surface. So if you're a confident
swimmer, training to be an accredited scuba dive instructor could be your
calling.read more
Hopelessly addicted to travel? Or maybe you're simply craving new (and
fabulous) scenery, a life change, an adventure or a time out. Whatever the
motivation, unless your pockets are lined with gold you'll need cash to
fund your year out. If you don't want to waste a minute, here's how to
earn it while on the road. Click on your preferred great escape: Scuba
instructor, Malaysia | English teacher, Thailand Cruise ship worker,
Caribbean | Ranch wrangler, U.S. Farm worker, Sierra Leone | Yacht
hand, France Ski instructor, Austria | Tour guide, Africa Bartender,
England | Massage therapist, Seychelles Rafting guide, Zimbabwe |
Bollywood extra, India 1. Scuba instructor in Malaysia Coolest office
ever.Few things take you out of the "real world" as well as an hour's
swim 10 or 15 meters below an ocean surface. So if you're a confident
swimmer, training to be an accredited scuba dive instructor could be your
calling.read more
Saturday, March 24, 2012
World’s 15 most expensive hotel suites
Sun, 03/25/2012 - 05:00 — Anonymous by Helen ArnoldNothing says "senseless
overspending" like blowing thousands on a place to sleep, shower and store
your clothes while you go about your day. Luckily for the fortunate 1
percent, there are places that cater to exactly that. 15. The Presidential
Suite, Intercontinental, Hong Kong US$13,715 per night Renowned for being
Asia's finest Presidental Suite, the room offers an "IMAX" experience of
Hong Kong. Experience a wrap-around harbour view terrace (2500 sq. feet) with
a rooftop infinity swimming pool and Jacuzzi overlooking Victoria Harbour and
Hong Kong Island. The dining room, master bedroom and bathroom and private
gym also have panoramic harbour views. The suite also has a private study and
kitchenette.read more
overspending" like blowing thousands on a place to sleep, shower and store
your clothes while you go about your day. Luckily for the fortunate 1
percent, there are places that cater to exactly that. 15. The Presidential
Suite, Intercontinental, Hong Kong US$13,715 per night Renowned for being
Asia's finest Presidental Suite, the room offers an "IMAX" experience of
Hong Kong. Experience a wrap-around harbour view terrace (2500 sq. feet) with
a rooftop infinity swimming pool and Jacuzzi overlooking Victoria Harbour and
Hong Kong Island. The dining room, master bedroom and bathroom and private
gym also have panoramic harbour views. The suite also has a private study and
kitchenette.read more
Friday, March 23, 2012
Asia's 10 greatest street food cities
Fri, 03/23/2012 - 14:20 — Anonymous by Lina Goldberg The food is one of the
best things about the Asian continent. But do you know where to find its best
street dishes? Now you do. We've put together a collection of the best
examples of street food from 10 of the greatest foodie cities in Asia, and
also made some handy maps to show exactly where to get them. While the nature
of mobile street carts and movable market stalls means pinpointing every dish
isn't possible, we have shown which roads in each city are more than likely
to have someone selling each food. Start your Asian street food journey
below, by clicking on a city. Penang read more
best things about the Asian continent. But do you know where to find its best
street dishes? Now you do. We've put together a collection of the best
examples of street food from 10 of the greatest foodie cities in Asia, and
also made some handy maps to show exactly where to get them. While the nature
of mobile street carts and movable market stalls means pinpointing every dish
isn't possible, we have shown which roads in each city are more than likely
to have someone selling each food. Start your Asian street food journey
below, by clicking on a city. Penang read more
Tycoon class: China's super-rich get their own travel brand
Fri, 03/23/2012 - 16:02 — Anonymous by CNNGo staffChinese travelers struck
lucky this month. Domestic business travelers got two dedicated hotel
brands; geeks were let loose on a new travel-focused social website,
Fengche.com; and now the nouveaux riches have been presented with an
exclusive travel brand, as one of China's biggest travel websites, Ctrip,
launches HHtravel (鸿鹄逸游), targeted directly at Chinese tycoons. Huge
tycoon travel market, but no dedicated brand According to the "2011 China
Personal Fortune Report," the country is home to more than 500,000
people (link in simplified Chinese) with disposable assets of more than RMB
10 million (roughly US$1.6 million). Moreover, the "Hurun Report" --
aka "The China Rich List" -- pointed out last year that China currently has
more than 4,000 yuan billionaires (link in simplified Chinese) "Yet no
professional organization in China is guiding these people on how to
travel," says Hua Li (华莉), Ctrip's marketing director.read more
lucky this month. Domestic business travelers got two dedicated hotel
brands; geeks were let loose on a new travel-focused social website,
Fengche.com; and now the nouveaux riches have been presented with an
exclusive travel brand, as one of China's biggest travel websites, Ctrip,
launches HHtravel (鸿鹄逸游), targeted directly at Chinese tycoons. Huge
tycoon travel market, but no dedicated brand According to the "2011 China
Personal Fortune Report," the country is home to more than 500,000
people (link in simplified Chinese) with disposable assets of more than RMB
10 million (roughly US$1.6 million). Moreover, the "Hurun Report" --
aka "The China Rich List" -- pointed out last year that China currently has
more than 4,000 yuan billionaires (link in simplified Chinese) "Yet no
professional organization in China is guiding these people on how to
travel," says Hua Li (华莉), Ctrip's marketing director.read more
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Liberatum brings Pharrell Williams and Mike Figgis to Hong Kong
Thu, 03/22/2012 - 14:09 — Anonymous by Samantha LeesePharrell Williams will
speak on music and design with Khalil Fong.International culture conference,
Liberatum, is coming to Hong Kong for the first time on April 27-29. It will
bring together an eclectic mix of cultural powerhouses, from V.S Naipaul to
Pharrell Williams to Mike Figgis (best known for writing and directing
"Leaving Las Vegas") and Hong Kong's own Wing Shya and Khalil Fong. The
celebrity brains will gather for a three-day powwow to present and talk about
their own projects to the public as well as exchange ideas amongst
themselves. Liberatum is a multidisciplinary festival founded by Pablo
Ganguli in London 11 years ago. It has since taken place in several
countries, including Russia, India, Morocco, Papua New Guinea and Turkey. It
claims to be a humanitarian effort of "international cultural diplomacy" as
well as a celebration of "art, design, fashion, literature, film, music and
ideas." Basically an excuse to bring together some of the most glamorous
thinkers of our time in different parts of the world.read more
speak on music and design with Khalil Fong.International culture conference,
Liberatum, is coming to Hong Kong for the first time on April 27-29. It will
bring together an eclectic mix of cultural powerhouses, from V.S Naipaul to
Pharrell Williams to Mike Figgis (best known for writing and directing
"Leaving Las Vegas") and Hong Kong's own Wing Shya and Khalil Fong. The
celebrity brains will gather for a three-day powwow to present and talk about
their own projects to the public as well as exchange ideas amongst
themselves. Liberatum is a multidisciplinary festival founded by Pablo
Ganguli in London 11 years ago. It has since taken place in several
countries, including Russia, India, Morocco, Papua New Guinea and Turkey. It
claims to be a humanitarian effort of "international cultural diplomacy" as
well as a celebration of "art, design, fashion, literature, film, music and
ideas." Basically an excuse to bring together some of the most glamorous
thinkers of our time in different parts of the world.read more
iReport: Admiring penguins on South Georgia Island
Fri, 03/23/2012 - 00:29 — Anonymous by Jonathan Pozniak"South Georgia is
synonymous with three things: Shackleton, penguins and seasickness," says
iReporter Jonathan Pozniak. That is not far from the truth. South Georgia
Island is the home of one of the largest king penguin colonies on earth and
the resting place for Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton, the Anglo-Irish polar
explorer. It is one of the United Kingdom's overseas territories located in
the Antarctic. Pozniak shares his adventure and photos for our iReport
assignment -- "Adventure travel." Pozniak visited South Georgia Island on
Christmas Day 2010 after a three-day sail through 30-foot waves from South
America. As a fashion and beauty photographer from New York, Pozniak says the
first sight of untouched South Georgia through his binoculars was the most
unforgettable. "I think the coolest part was when you're approaching the
island, you've sailed for about three days through very choppy water and
you're exhausted and seasick and you see these giant mountains in the
horizon. And you take your binoculars and you see these little black and
white specks."read more
synonymous with three things: Shackleton, penguins and seasickness," says
iReporter Jonathan Pozniak. That is not far from the truth. South Georgia
Island is the home of one of the largest king penguin colonies on earth and
the resting place for Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton, the Anglo-Irish polar
explorer. It is one of the United Kingdom's overseas territories located in
the Antarctic. Pozniak shares his adventure and photos for our iReport
assignment -- "Adventure travel." Pozniak visited South Georgia Island on
Christmas Day 2010 after a three-day sail through 30-foot waves from South
America. As a fashion and beauty photographer from New York, Pozniak says the
first sight of untouched South Georgia through his binoculars was the most
unforgettable. "I think the coolest part was when you're approaching the
island, you've sailed for about three days through very choppy water and
you're exhausted and seasick and you see these giant mountains in the
horizon. And you take your binoculars and you see these little black and
white specks."read more
Guide to pojangmacha: Why Koreans love drinking in tents
Thu, 03/22/2012 - 23:00 — Anonymous by Esther Oh , Frances Cha, Seoul
EditorIt's a typical Wednesday night at Hanshin Pocha -– a street bar
with a plastic tarp for a wall in the trendy Hongdae district. The plastic
stools are uncomfortable, the bathroom is repulsive, half the customers are
chain-smoking and the noise level is slightly below rock concert level, but
all the tables are full and people are lining up to get in. And it's only 8
p.m. While every table starts out single-sex, by the end of the night the
boundaries have blurred, as the guys approach the girls' tables with
pick-up lines that range from asking for shots to claiming they lost a
drinking game and had to go chat up a girl. "We're famous for our
chicken feet (닭발) and 'booking'," says Choi Sung-wook, the manager,
referring to the Korean term for groups of men foraging for groups of women
and vice versa. "Our waiters don't facilitate the 'booking' -- the
customers just do it themselves."read more
EditorIt's a typical Wednesday night at Hanshin Pocha -– a street bar
with a plastic tarp for a wall in the trendy Hongdae district. The plastic
stools are uncomfortable, the bathroom is repulsive, half the customers are
chain-smoking and the noise level is slightly below rock concert level, but
all the tables are full and people are lining up to get in. And it's only 8
p.m. While every table starts out single-sex, by the end of the night the
boundaries have blurred, as the guys approach the girls' tables with
pick-up lines that range from asking for shots to claiming they lost a
drinking game and had to go chat up a girl. "We're famous for our
chicken feet (닭발) and 'booking'," says Choi Sung-wook, the manager,
referring to the Korean term for groups of men foraging for groups of women
and vice versa. "Our waiters don't facilitate the 'booking' -- the
customers just do it themselves."read more
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Hwanseon cave: hiking with bats and Buddhas
Thu, 03/22/2012 - 04:57 — Anonymous by Rachel Sang-hee HanMany Koreans may
not have heard about Hwanseon Cave located within Deokhang mountain in
Gangwon Province. The 6.2-kilometer cave is actually the biggest limestone
cave in South Korea, and the second biggest in all Asia (the world's biggest
is Son Doong cave in Veitnam). It takes about four hours to get to the region
of Samcheok city, but you then have to climb more than 40 minutes through the
steep hills and mountains. Yes, Gangwon Province is the chilliest region in
Korea. And that's not even the actual "cave" entrance. You either have to
take a 15-minute monorail ride or hike up to get to to the top of
the mountain, where you can then finally see the large mouth of the
cave. read more
not have heard about Hwanseon Cave located within Deokhang mountain in
Gangwon Province. The 6.2-kilometer cave is actually the biggest limestone
cave in South Korea, and the second biggest in all Asia (the world's biggest
is Son Doong cave in Veitnam). It takes about four hours to get to the region
of Samcheok city, but you then have to climb more than 40 minutes through the
steep hills and mountains. Yes, Gangwon Province is the chilliest region in
Korea. And that's not even the actual "cave" entrance. You either have to
take a 15-minute monorail ride or hike up to get to to the top of
the mountain, where you can then finally see the large mouth of the
cave. read more
Travel chaos: Bangkok airport ordered to get its act together
Wed, 03/21/2012 - 13:07 — Anonymous by CNNGo staffAirport officials are
working to solve issues of overcrowding and painfully long immigration lines
that are causing many passengers to miss flights at Bangkok's
Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Immigration troubles have been acute for
nearly a month according to various reports, with some travelers complaining
of wait times of more than two hours at both departure and arrival
immigration checkpoints last week. Depending on the time of day,
international fliers either breeze through or get stuck in travel gridlock.
"Allow plenty of time to go through passport control," advised traveler J
Cullen of the United Kingdom on Skytrax's Airlinequality.com on Wednesday.
"It took us a very uncomfortable [and squashed] hour to get through a queue
of only 20 meters." In response to the overcrowding and insufferable lines,
Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra says she wants all budget carriers to
move to Bangkok's secondary Don Muang airport to ease congestion at
Suvarnabhumi. read more
working to solve issues of overcrowding and painfully long immigration lines
that are causing many passengers to miss flights at Bangkok's
Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Immigration troubles have been acute for
nearly a month according to various reports, with some travelers complaining
of wait times of more than two hours at both departure and arrival
immigration checkpoints last week. Depending on the time of day,
international fliers either breeze through or get stuck in travel gridlock.
"Allow plenty of time to go through passport control," advised traveler J
Cullen of the United Kingdom on Skytrax's Airlinequality.com on Wednesday.
"It took us a very uncomfortable [and squashed] hour to get through a queue
of only 20 meters." In response to the overcrowding and insufferable lines,
Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra says she wants all budget carriers to
move to Bangkok's secondary Don Muang airport to ease congestion at
Suvarnabhumi. read more
U.S. baseball's opening day heads to Japan
Thu, 03/22/2012 - 04:55 — Anonymous by Dan ShapiroWith professional
football eclipsing baseball as America's pastime, and Japan's dominance at
the 2006 and 2009 World Baseball Classics (WBC), is it time to proclaim Japan
as the world's ichi-ban baseball country? No doubt U.S. baseball fans would
take exception to that claim, but consider that even before the Nippon
Professional Baseball (NPB) league begins its 76th season on March 30, Major
League Baseball will throw out the first pitch of its 2012 season not at a
packed stadium in the United States, but at the Tokyo Dome. Tokyo will host a
pair of games on March 28 and 29 between the Ichiro Suzuki-led Seattle
Mariners and Hideki Matsui's Oakland Athletics. Before that, a stellar
lineup of games will be played between local outfits and the visitors from
across the Pacific, making Japan in late March one hot destination for sports
fans. In honor of the coming season of "Puro Yakyu," as pro baseball is
known in Japan, herewith are some of the legends who raised the profile of
Japanese baseball around the world.read more
football eclipsing baseball as America's pastime, and Japan's dominance at
the 2006 and 2009 World Baseball Classics (WBC), is it time to proclaim Japan
as the world's ichi-ban baseball country? No doubt U.S. baseball fans would
take exception to that claim, but consider that even before the Nippon
Professional Baseball (NPB) league begins its 76th season on March 30, Major
League Baseball will throw out the first pitch of its 2012 season not at a
packed stadium in the United States, but at the Tokyo Dome. Tokyo will host a
pair of games on March 28 and 29 between the Ichiro Suzuki-led Seattle
Mariners and Hideki Matsui's Oakland Athletics. Before that, a stellar
lineup of games will be played between local outfits and the visitors from
across the Pacific, making Japan in late March one hot destination for sports
fans. In honor of the coming season of "Puro Yakyu," as pro baseball is
known in Japan, herewith are some of the legends who raised the profile of
Japanese baseball around the world.read more
Airline food: Why you should always order the stew
Thu, 03/22/2012 - 00:16 — Anonymous by Zoe Li, Hong Kong EditorFritz Gross
wants to make good food; doesn't want to get sued. If you need one golden
strategy for ordering your in-flight meal, it's this: always order the
stew. If the stew's not available, go for fried rice and fatty fish. Pasta,
noodles, chicken breast or anything deep-fried does not fare so well in the
harsh conditions of the aircraft galley. These recommendations come straight
from the people tasked with making the millions of meals served in-flight
every day, like Fritz Gross, director of culinary excellence at LSG Sky Chefs
Asia Pacific. As the guy in charge of LSG Sky Chefs' Hong Kong operation,
which churns out 30,000 meals daily for airlines such as DragonAir, United
Airlines and British Airways, Gross' challenge is a tough one:read more
wants to make good food; doesn't want to get sued. If you need one golden
strategy for ordering your in-flight meal, it's this: always order the
stew. If the stew's not available, go for fried rice and fatty fish. Pasta,
noodles, chicken breast or anything deep-fried does not fare so well in the
harsh conditions of the aircraft galley. These recommendations come straight
from the people tasked with making the millions of meals served in-flight
every day, like Fritz Gross, director of culinary excellence at LSG Sky Chefs
Asia Pacific. As the guy in charge of LSG Sky Chefs' Hong Kong operation,
which churns out 30,000 meals daily for airlines such as DragonAir, United
Airlines and British Airways, Gross' challenge is a tough one:read more
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Preparing for takeoff: Hong Kong International Airport's third runway
Wed, 03/21/2012 - 11:03 — Anonymous by Rachel Sang-hee HanThe Hong Kong
government has conditionally approved the proposal to build a third runway at
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). The announcement came on Tuesday
despite concerns of pollution and encroachment on the habitat of China's
endangered white dolphins. The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) says a
quantitative survey held last summer, as part of a three-month public
consultation period on the expansion of the airport, showed that 73 percent
of the respondents preferred the three-runway option. The alternative was
maintaining the two-runway system, yet adding more facilities such as another
passenger concourse. "Our airport's future development into a three-runway
system is crucial if we are to maintain Hong Kong's status as a leading
international and regional aviation center," said Dr. Marvin Cheung Kin-tung,
chairman of the AAHK. read more
government has conditionally approved the proposal to build a third runway at
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). The announcement came on Tuesday
despite concerns of pollution and encroachment on the habitat of China's
endangered white dolphins. The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) says a
quantitative survey held last summer, as part of a three-month public
consultation period on the expansion of the airport, showed that 73 percent
of the respondents preferred the three-runway option. The alternative was
maintaining the two-runway system, yet adding more facilities such as another
passenger concourse. "Our airport's future development into a three-runway
system is crucial if we are to maintain Hong Kong's status as a leading
international and regional aviation center," said Dr. Marvin Cheung Kin-tung,
chairman of the AAHK. read more
YouTube viral video gives Melbourne edge over Sydney
Wed, 03/21/2012 - 09:06 — Anonymous Double good news for Melbourne right
after the Formula 1 circus hit town for the Australian Grand Prix -- not only
has it has surged past Sydney on visitor numbers, but it has also spawned a
YouTube viral sensation. Credit goes to Victoria's "Play Melbourne"
campaign, which launched last year in a bid to raise the profile of
Australia's second city. Aside from giving away free air tickets to
Melbourne everey week, the promo has also been running a quirky video
highlighting what organizers see as the "fun" aspects of life there. The
flick shows a group of flighty young visitors racing through the city,
finding delight and surprise in equal measure. Lashings of fun Backed by more
than a million YouTube views, that's something those pulling the strings
clearly believe matters to incoming travelers.read more
after the Formula 1 circus hit town for the Australian Grand Prix -- not only
has it has surged past Sydney on visitor numbers, but it has also spawned a
YouTube viral sensation. Credit goes to Victoria's "Play Melbourne"
campaign, which launched last year in a bid to raise the profile of
Australia's second city. Aside from giving away free air tickets to
Melbourne everey week, the promo has also been running a quirky video
highlighting what organizers see as the "fun" aspects of life there. The
flick shows a group of flighty young visitors racing through the city,
finding delight and surprise in equal measure. Lashings of fun Backed by more
than a million YouTube views, that's something those pulling the strings
clearly believe matters to incoming travelers.read more
7 reasons to love the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens
Wed, 03/21/2012 - 05:05 — Anonymous Celebratory hakka by the New Zealand
team after winning in 2011. The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens 2012 will take place
this weekend, March 23-25. It is one of the few world-class international
events to make it to this sports-starved part of the world. And fans make
sure it counts. Tickets to Hong Kong Rugby Sevens always sell out within
hours because the rugby action on the pitch is excellent and the partying
off-pitch is crazy, especially in the notorious South Stand. Here are some
of the things Sevens fans look forward to each year. Why do you love the Hong
Kong Rugby Sevens like it's your own birthday? Let us know in the comments
box below.read more
team after winning in 2011. The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens 2012 will take place
this weekend, March 23-25. It is one of the few world-class international
events to make it to this sports-starved part of the world. And fans make
sure it counts. Tickets to Hong Kong Rugby Sevens always sell out within
hours because the rugby action on the pitch is excellent and the partying
off-pitch is crazy, especially in the notorious South Stand. Here are some
of the things Sevens fans look forward to each year. Why do you love the Hong
Kong Rugby Sevens like it's your own birthday? Let us know in the comments
box below.read more
China: Where you can sleep wherever, whenever
Wed, 03/21/2012 - 09:21 — Anonymous by Gillian BolsoverIn a 24-hour country
like China, it's natural that people get a little tired. Fortunately, in
China there's an extremely high social acceptance of public sleeping. These
public sleepers show how to get some quick rest in China. More on
CNNGo: Sleep street in Tokyo Originally published August 2011, updated March
2012read more
like China, it's natural that people get a little tired. Fortunately, in
China there's an extremely high social acceptance of public sleeping. These
public sleepers show how to get some quick rest in China. More on
CNNGo: Sleep street in Tokyo Originally published August 2011, updated March
2012read more
World's greatest wildernesses -- a traveler's guide
Wed, 03/21/2012 - 00:58 — Anonymous by Anthea GerrieFew things give a sense
of excitement-veering-into-fear like the moment you realize you're lost,
alone and in the middle of a vast area with no cell signal. Thankfully
tours to these wild regions guarantee to get you out again safely. 1.
Antarctica Every body stop! Gerald dropped a contact lens. This
30,000-square-kilometer swathe of eastern Africa is the scene of the
migration of mega-herds of wildebeest and zebra. They are pursued by the
highest concentration of predators on the continent, including lion, cheetah
and leopard. While there's no shortage of luxury camps and conventional
safaris, the best way to witness the migrations is to follow them in a mobile
tented camp which ups sticks every day and follows the animals as they eat,
drink and outwit their pursuers. Access is via air to Kilimanjaro. The most
spectacular viewing period is The Great Migration, August through October,
followed by the March calving season.read more
of excitement-veering-into-fear like the moment you realize you're lost,
alone and in the middle of a vast area with no cell signal. Thankfully
tours to these wild regions guarantee to get you out again safely. 1.
Antarctica Every body stop! Gerald dropped a contact lens. This
30,000-square-kilometer swathe of eastern Africa is the scene of the
migration of mega-herds of wildebeest and zebra. They are pursued by the
highest concentration of predators on the continent, including lion, cheetah
and leopard. While there's no shortage of luxury camps and conventional
safaris, the best way to witness the migrations is to follow them in a mobile
tented camp which ups sticks every day and follows the animals as they eat,
drink and outwit their pursuers. Access is via air to Kilimanjaro. The most
spectacular viewing period is The Great Migration, August through October,
followed by the March calving season.read more
Singapore Airlines' no-frills 'Scoot' set for June take-off
Tue, 03/20/2012 - 12:07 — Anonymous Singapore's new no-frills airline has
finally released details of its aircraft, routes and fares as it goes on a
social marketing blitz to promote its launch in June. Named "Scoot," the
budget airline's first route will be a daily Singapore-Sydney service, said
company officials, with a Singapore-Gold Coast route to follow. Over the
weekend, Scoot announced it had just purchased its first Boeing 777-200 from
parent company Singapore Airlines. Execs tell CNNGo that the SIA aircraft
will be painted and retrofitted in the next two months before Scoot takes to
the air in June. The airline launched a series of videos, social media
campaigns and stunts this month -- Scoot CEO Campbell Wilson rolled up to
one press conference on a yellow scooter -- driving the point home that this
is an airline with "Scootitude," which is the airline's trademark. (We
don't really know what it means.) Scoot passengers will get a choice of
three fare packages: Fly (seat only); FlyBag for passengers with luggage; and
FlyBagEat for anyone who wants to pre-order meals, which will be cheaper than
buying them on board. According to Australian Business Traveller, there won't
be any conventional in-flight video screens but passengers will be able to
rent pre-loaded iPads.read more
finally released details of its aircraft, routes and fares as it goes on a
social marketing blitz to promote its launch in June. Named "Scoot," the
budget airline's first route will be a daily Singapore-Sydney service, said
company officials, with a Singapore-Gold Coast route to follow. Over the
weekend, Scoot announced it had just purchased its first Boeing 777-200 from
parent company Singapore Airlines. Execs tell CNNGo that the SIA aircraft
will be painted and retrofitted in the next two months before Scoot takes to
the air in June. The airline launched a series of videos, social media
campaigns and stunts this month -- Scoot CEO Campbell Wilson rolled up to
one press conference on a yellow scooter -- driving the point home that this
is an airline with "Scootitude," which is the airline's trademark. (We
don't really know what it means.) Scoot passengers will get a choice of
three fare packages: Fly (seat only); FlyBag for passengers with luggage; and
FlyBagEat for anyone who wants to pre-order meals, which will be cheaper than
buying them on board. According to Australian Business Traveller, there won't
be any conventional in-flight video screens but passengers will be able to
rent pre-loaded iPads.read more
Is this Korea's most beautiful restaurant?
Tue, 03/20/2012 - 23:38 — Anonymous by Frances Cha, Seoul EditorUnamjeong
restaurant in Gangwon Province has a dubious claim to fame: the most
expensive oxtail soup in Korea. A bowl here will set you back ₩47,000
(US$42). But I think it's memorable for another reason: being the most
beautiful restaurant in the country. I was introduced to Unamjeong by a
photographer couple on a ski trip to Gangwon Province. We were staying at the
High1 Resort, and they were the first to claim the resort's restaurant might
just be the most beautiful in Korea. A "beautiful" government-run ski
resort restaurant in the Gangwon Province? Needless to say I was
skeptical. read more
restaurant in Gangwon Province has a dubious claim to fame: the most
expensive oxtail soup in Korea. A bowl here will set you back ₩47,000
(US$42). But I think it's memorable for another reason: being the most
beautiful restaurant in the country. I was introduced to Unamjeong by a
photographer couple on a ski trip to Gangwon Province. We were staying at the
High1 Resort, and they were the first to claim the resort's restaurant might
just be the most beautiful in Korea. A "beautiful" government-run ski
resort restaurant in the Gangwon Province? Needless to say I was
skeptical. read more
Monday, March 19, 2012
It's khao chae season: How to eat Thailand's classic summer treat
Tue, 03/20/2012 - 07:40 — Anonymous by Kitty Chirapongse As summer
approaches, Thailand is starting to get unbearably toasty. One of the few
redeeming qualities of the hot season is that restaurants all over the
country will soon start serving the delicious but complicated summer dish,
khao chae. Khao chae -- which means "rice soaked in water" -- made its first
appearance in the court of King Rama II as a means of relief during the hot
season. In fact, Thai celebrity Chef McDang, who grew up in a Bangkok palace,
argues that it's the only Thai dish that can truly be considered "royal Thai
cuisine." Khao chae was adapted from a simple Mon recipe into the complex,
multi-dish variety found today. And though you don't need to be a member of
high society to enjoy it, due to the elaborate process required to make the
side dishes it's only widely available from mid-March until the end of April.
To help the uninitiated get a taste of this popular treat here's a quick
guide to khao chae. Side dishes include deep-fried kapi balls and
pork-stuffed green peppers drizzled with egg. What is it? There are three
parts to khao chae: rice, jasmine-scented water (hence the floating flowers)
and crushed ice. The rice is parboiled (boiled with its husk in tact) to keep
its shape so it doesn't get mushy when immersed in water, making it chewier
than regular cooked rice.read more
approaches, Thailand is starting to get unbearably toasty. One of the few
redeeming qualities of the hot season is that restaurants all over the
country will soon start serving the delicious but complicated summer dish,
khao chae. Khao chae -- which means "rice soaked in water" -- made its first
appearance in the court of King Rama II as a means of relief during the hot
season. In fact, Thai celebrity Chef McDang, who grew up in a Bangkok palace,
argues that it's the only Thai dish that can truly be considered "royal Thai
cuisine." Khao chae was adapted from a simple Mon recipe into the complex,
multi-dish variety found today. And though you don't need to be a member of
high society to enjoy it, due to the elaborate process required to make the
side dishes it's only widely available from mid-March until the end of April.
To help the uninitiated get a taste of this popular treat here's a quick
guide to khao chae. Side dishes include deep-fried kapi balls and
pork-stuffed green peppers drizzled with egg. What is it? There are three
parts to khao chae: rice, jasmine-scented water (hence the floating flowers)
and crushed ice. The rice is parboiled (boiled with its husk in tact) to keep
its shape so it doesn't get mushy when immersed in water, making it chewier
than regular cooked rice.read more
Demystifying the Chinese traveler
Tue, 03/20/2012 - 04:58 — Anonymous by Tracy YouIn 2012 Chinese
tourists are expected to take nearly 80 million international trips,
spending US$80 billion in the process, according to the China Tourism
Academy. That's a lot of travel -- 8 percent of the total one billion
international trips expected to be taken this year, in fact. Many
hospitality companies are preparing by offering Chinese-oriented tours and
amenities. But what can the rest of the world expect? Given that the Chinese
received a bit of a bashing in the comments to our "Who are the world's worst
travelers?" article, it's time to set the record straight about this
oft-maligned nation of jetsetters. Also on CNNGo: The rise of
Chinese-centric hotel brandsread more
tourists are expected to take nearly 80 million international trips,
spending US$80 billion in the process, according to the China Tourism
Academy. That's a lot of travel -- 8 percent of the total one billion
international trips expected to be taken this year, in fact. Many
hospitality companies are preparing by offering Chinese-oriented tours and
amenities. But what can the rest of the world expect? Given that the Chinese
received a bit of a bashing in the comments to our "Who are the world's worst
travelers?" article, it's time to set the record straight about this
oft-maligned nation of jetsetters. Also on CNNGo: The rise of
Chinese-centric hotel brandsread more
7 great alternative Spring Break destinations
Mon, 03/19/2012 - 23:00 — Anonymous by Jordan RaneMiami Beach. Aspen. The
lido deck of a 10-story cruise vessel bound for St. Thomas. The nearest
tanning bed. America is full of well-oiled Spring Break routines you already
know enough about. Looking for something a little different for this Spring
Break? Here are seven worthy alternative Spring Break destinations that
won't break the bank or, worse, land you up in a giddy throng of pool
boozers rehearsing for an MTV spot. Get down at the Grand Canyon Step off
the beaten path. Most of the five million annual visitors to Grand Canyon
National Park come to gape into its perspective-busting, 1,800-meter-deep,
446-kilometer-long, 29-kilometer-wide abyss during the summer, without
venturing more than 100 steps below the steaming canyon's rim. Another
option: losing the gawker crowds and making that once-in-a-lifetime descent
to the bottom of the world's most famous hole in the ground.read more
lido deck of a 10-story cruise vessel bound for St. Thomas. The nearest
tanning bed. America is full of well-oiled Spring Break routines you already
know enough about. Looking for something a little different for this Spring
Break? Here are seven worthy alternative Spring Break destinations that
won't break the bank or, worse, land you up in a giddy throng of pool
boozers rehearsing for an MTV spot. Get down at the Grand Canyon Step off
the beaten path. Most of the five million annual visitors to Grand Canyon
National Park come to gape into its perspective-busting, 1,800-meter-deep,
446-kilometer-long, 29-kilometer-wide abyss during the summer, without
venturing more than 100 steps below the steaming canyon's rim. Another
option: losing the gawker crowds and making that once-in-a-lifetime descent
to the bottom of the world's most famous hole in the ground.read more
The dirty-fun guide to Wanchai bars
Tue, 03/20/2012 - 00:00 — Anonymous by Dan PordesSo many cheerful Wanchai
activities; so little night time. At Wanchai bars, we could be sipping a rare
craft beer out of a sweaty crystal chalice and still feel like we're doing
something dirty. Not quite able to shake off its history as a port of call
crawling with prostitutes, Wanchai is one nightlife hot spot where the "World
of Suzy Wong" image of Hong Kong still feels alive. In fact, the 1960s movie
was filmed here. Today, flashy new Wanchai bars and clubs sit in a backdrop
of aging topless bars on the Lockhart Road barstrip. No matter how the chrome
shines at the grand opening of a Wanchai nightclub there is always an
undercurrent of sleaze. And it's great. A Wanchai party just feels more
uninhibited than other parties. Drinks prices are also attractive -- often
half of those in Lan Kwai Fong -- drawing thirsty people to Wanchai bars like
fat flies to hot dung.read more
activities; so little night time. At Wanchai bars, we could be sipping a rare
craft beer out of a sweaty crystal chalice and still feel like we're doing
something dirty. Not quite able to shake off its history as a port of call
crawling with prostitutes, Wanchai is one nightlife hot spot where the "World
of Suzy Wong" image of Hong Kong still feels alive. In fact, the 1960s movie
was filmed here. Today, flashy new Wanchai bars and clubs sit in a backdrop
of aging topless bars on the Lockhart Road barstrip. No matter how the chrome
shines at the grand opening of a Wanchai nightclub there is always an
undercurrent of sleaze. And it's great. A Wanchai party just feels more
uninhibited than other parties. Drinks prices are also attractive -- often
half of those in Lan Kwai Fong -- drawing thirsty people to Wanchai bars like
fat flies to hot dung.read more
iReport: Gorilla trekking in Uganda
Mon, 03/19/2012 - 10:28 — Anonymous by L. Craig Smith Uganda may be in the
news for other reasons at the moment, but you don't have to be bent on
overthrowing Joseph Kony to understand the importance of this African
region. With fewer than 800 mountain gorillas alive in the world today --
spread over four national parks in Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo -- getting an
close look at these beautiful creatures is an experience few will ever have.
As part of a CNNGo iReport assignment asking for adventure travelers to
share their favorite memories, iReporter L. Craig Smith of Mission Viejo,
California, provided these fantastic photos of his 2010 trip to
Uganda's Bwindi National Forest, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. But
getting there isn't easy. Smith says it took three days of flights before he
landed in Entebbe, Uganda. "It is the same Entebbe airport where Israel
rescued its citizens in 1976," he says, referring to the celebrated Operation
Entebbe. "There are still bullet holes in the passenger departure area."read
more
news for other reasons at the moment, but you don't have to be bent on
overthrowing Joseph Kony to understand the importance of this African
region. With fewer than 800 mountain gorillas alive in the world today --
spread over four national parks in Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo -- getting an
close look at these beautiful creatures is an experience few will ever have.
As part of a CNNGo iReport assignment asking for adventure travelers to
share their favorite memories, iReporter L. Craig Smith of Mission Viejo,
California, provided these fantastic photos of his 2010 trip to
Uganda's Bwindi National Forest, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. But
getting there isn't easy. Smith says it took three days of flights before he
landed in Entebbe, Uganda. "It is the same Entebbe airport where Israel
rescued its citizens in 1976," he says, referring to the celebrated Operation
Entebbe. "There are still bullet holes in the passenger departure area."read
more
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Cheers: Sydney Harbour Bridge turns 80
Mon, 03/19/2012 - 10:39 — Anonymous A bonus point to whoever knows what
Bruce Willis, Glenn Close, Ursula Andress and Patrick McGoohan all have in
common with the Sydney Harbour Bridge. As every joey knows, they all, of
course, share a birthday -- the fact that March 19 this year sees the
Coathanger mark 80 years of getting locals and tourists across Port Jackson
is probably the most significant of the bunch, we'd say. Google Australia
has even marked the day with a Google Doodle of the bridge taking pride of
place on its Aussie search page. Swash and buckle too Get it while you can --
the Coathanger's Google Doodle tribute.The bridge has been an Aussie
celebrity since well before its opening in 1932, when a million people
reportedly turned up for the opening ceremony. The fact that they saw a
sword-wielding Captain Francis De Groot leap in and slash the ribbon ahead of
NSW Premier Jack Lang's more traditional scissors only adds to the
fame.read more
Bruce Willis, Glenn Close, Ursula Andress and Patrick McGoohan all have in
common with the Sydney Harbour Bridge. As every joey knows, they all, of
course, share a birthday -- the fact that March 19 this year sees the
Coathanger mark 80 years of getting locals and tourists across Port Jackson
is probably the most significant of the bunch, we'd say. Google Australia
has even marked the day with a Google Doodle of the bridge taking pride of
place on its Aussie search page. Swash and buckle too Get it while you can --
the Coathanger's Google Doodle tribute.The bridge has been an Aussie
celebrity since well before its opening in 1932, when a million people
reportedly turned up for the opening ceremony. The fact that they saw a
sword-wielding Captain Francis De Groot leap in and slash the ribbon ahead of
NSW Premier Jack Lang's more traditional scissors only adds to the
fame.read more
Travel’s new gold mine: China-centric hotel brands
Mon, 03/19/2012 - 11:02 — Anonymous by CNNGo staffChina is expected to
become the world's largest hotel market by 2025 and the second-largest
business travel market, after the United States, by the end of 2020.
International hoteliers are doing what it takes to secure a foothold in
China's business travel market, and an obvious trend has emerged: building
dedicated brands to cater to Chinese business travelers. Accor re-brands
Grand Mercure French hotel group Accor is re-engineering the Grand Mercure
brand in order to appeal to the upscale Chinese market, especially domestic
business travelers. An upmarket version of Mercure, Grand Mercure first
entered China in 2005 as Accor's stand-out hotel brand in a market yearning
for high-end accommodation. Although the brand is not officially starred in
the country, all Grand Mercures are tagged as four-star establishments. read
more
become the world's largest hotel market by 2025 and the second-largest
business travel market, after the United States, by the end of 2020.
International hoteliers are doing what it takes to secure a foothold in
China's business travel market, and an obvious trend has emerged: building
dedicated brands to cater to Chinese business travelers. Accor re-brands
Grand Mercure French hotel group Accor is re-engineering the Grand Mercure
brand in order to appeal to the upscale Chinese market, especially domestic
business travelers. An upmarket version of Mercure, Grand Mercure first
entered China in 2005 as Accor's stand-out hotel brand in a market yearning
for high-end accommodation. Although the brand is not officially starred in
the country, all Grand Mercures are tagged as four-star establishments. read
more
7 myths about traveling in Thailand
Mon, 03/19/2012 - 09:05 — Anonymous by CNNGo staffNobody wants a rock-free
gin and tonic. If there's a hole through the middle of the ice, fear not. 1.
The ice will kill you Not many Thais drink tap water. Nor do they make ice
with it, so there's really no need to spend your holiday drinking warm
Coke. If you're worried about contamination, the safest thing to do is look
for the circular ice cubes with a hole through the middle. These ones
are made in a factory with filtered water and are perfectly safe for
consumption. Most wait staff are so accustomed to tourists not wanting ice
they automatically leave it out of drinks. On the other hand, many
beer-drinking Thais like to toss a few cubes into their mugs so if you go to
an outdoor bar the waitress will likely pass you a bucket of ice with your
bottle of Singha. read more
gin and tonic. If there's a hole through the middle of the ice, fear not. 1.
The ice will kill you Not many Thais drink tap water. Nor do they make ice
with it, so there's really no need to spend your holiday drinking warm
Coke. If you're worried about contamination, the safest thing to do is look
for the circular ice cubes with a hole through the middle. These ones
are made in a factory with filtered water and are perfectly safe for
consumption. Most wait staff are so accustomed to tourists not wanting ice
they automatically leave it out of drinks. On the other hand, many
beer-drinking Thais like to toss a few cubes into their mugs so if you go to
an outdoor bar the waitress will likely pass you a bucket of ice with your
bottle of Singha. read more
Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur
Sun, 03/18/2012 - 23:30 — Anonymous by Tan Hee HuiKuala Lumpur is one of
Asia's most enticing destinations -- but where do you find the best of KL?
The buzzing Malaysian capital offers a collision course of experiences,
fueled by the country's diverse multi-ethnic groups, such as the majority
Muslim-Malays, Chinese and Indians. To experience the best of KL, you
need to know where to find the most delicious Malaysian cuisine, hunt down
the city's top bargains and experience a wild night out. Start below.
Hotels Luxury You can't go wrong with the lodging of choice for Queen
Elizabeth II, who visited Kuala Lumpur in 1987. Carcosa Seri Negara Set deep
in the city's historic Lake Gardens, this heritage hotel was the official
residence of the highest British representative to the Malay States from 1904
to 1941. read more
Asia's most enticing destinations -- but where do you find the best of KL?
The buzzing Malaysian capital offers a collision course of experiences,
fueled by the country's diverse multi-ethnic groups, such as the majority
Muslim-Malays, Chinese and Indians. To experience the best of KL, you
need to know where to find the most delicious Malaysian cuisine, hunt down
the city's top bargains and experience a wild night out. Start below.
Hotels Luxury You can't go wrong with the lodging of choice for Queen
Elizabeth II, who visited Kuala Lumpur in 1987. Carcosa Seri Negara Set deep
in the city's historic Lake Gardens, this heritage hotel was the official
residence of the highest British representative to the Malay States from 1904
to 1941. read more
People on planes do the weirdest things
Mon, 03/19/2012 - 01:00 — Anonymous by James DurstonStick a sane man (or
woman, but then you're really asking for trouble) in a padded room for long
enough and he or she will eventually go a little mad. The same appears to
hold for air travel. Put someone on a plane and the unnatural sensation of
flying through the sky seems to make us behave strangely -- suddenly the
normal rules of acceptable behavior are sucked down the pan, along with all
that startlingly blue liquid. Here are some things that many of us do in
flight, but at ground level avoid like a Rush Limbaugh fund-raiser. Got
your own strange plane behaviors? Tell us about them in the comments.read
more
woman, but then you're really asking for trouble) in a padded room for long
enough and he or she will eventually go a little mad. The same appears to
hold for air travel. Put someone on a plane and the unnatural sensation of
flying through the sky seems to make us behave strangely -- suddenly the
normal rules of acceptable behavior are sucked down the pan, along with all
that startlingly blue liquid. Here are some things that many of us do in
flight, but at ground level avoid like a Rush Limbaugh fund-raiser. Got
your own strange plane behaviors? Tell us about them in the comments.read
more
Friday, March 16, 2012
Uncovering Dhaka: 10 things to know
Fri, 03/16/2012 - 05:00 — Anonymous by Matt BennettIndia's national cricket
team continues to fight to defend its 2011 Asia Cup title in a match against
Bangladesh today in Dhaka, a city that could very well be described as Asia's
most discreet capital. Despite being spread over 150 square kilometers
and home to an estimated 10 million people, Dhaka is not often a priority
destination for travelers. So what's there to know? Here are 10 things --
cricket included, of course -- that define the city. 1. Crazy for cricket
Bangladeshis are mad about cricket. Dhaka is home to the national stadium and
many of the country's top stars; cricket is played everywhere: alleyways,
parks, roads and even rooftops. With the Asia Cup hosted by Bangladesh this
year, the city is a blaze of green and red flags as kids run around cheering
for the national team.read more
team continues to fight to defend its 2011 Asia Cup title in a match against
Bangladesh today in Dhaka, a city that could very well be described as Asia's
most discreet capital. Despite being spread over 150 square kilometers
and home to an estimated 10 million people, Dhaka is not often a priority
destination for travelers. So what's there to know? Here are 10 things --
cricket included, of course -- that define the city. 1. Crazy for cricket
Bangladeshis are mad about cricket. Dhaka is home to the national stadium and
many of the country's top stars; cricket is played everywhere: alleyways,
parks, roads and even rooftops. With the Asia Cup hosted by Bangladesh this
year, the city is a blaze of green and red flags as kids run around cheering
for the national team.read more
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Move to dump Chinglish from Beijing menus
Fri, 03/16/2012 - 08:32 — Anonymous by CNNGo staffNext time you travel to
Beijing, you will be less likely to find a particular Chinese specialty on
restaurants' menu: hilarious Chinglish dish names. The Beijing authorities
have published a manual listing the official English names for 2,158 Chinese
dishes and 944 foreign foods, hoping to help the city's 70,000 restaurants
rectify their English translations. Chinglish is funny, but might be
misleading Jointly published by the Beijing Foreign Affairs Office and
Beijing Speaks Foreign Languages Programme (BSFLP), the 196-page book covers
most mainstream Chinese dishes in the country's eight most influential
cuisines, from the RMB-5 hand-pulled noodle soup to the extravagant braised
abalone and seafood in casserole. "[Chinglish] might be a funny culture to
international travelers, but the translation of dish names shall not be
misleading to foreigners," said an anonymous officer from BSFLP, a
governmental organization dedicated to raising Beijingers' awareness of
foreign languages. If you have never read an English menu in a local Chinese
restaurant, here are a few examples of what you've been missing.read more
Beijing, you will be less likely to find a particular Chinese specialty on
restaurants' menu: hilarious Chinglish dish names. The Beijing authorities
have published a manual listing the official English names for 2,158 Chinese
dishes and 944 foreign foods, hoping to help the city's 70,000 restaurants
rectify their English translations. Chinglish is funny, but might be
misleading Jointly published by the Beijing Foreign Affairs Office and
Beijing Speaks Foreign Languages Programme (BSFLP), the 196-page book covers
most mainstream Chinese dishes in the country's eight most influential
cuisines, from the RMB-5 hand-pulled noodle soup to the extravagant braised
abalone and seafood in casserole. "[Chinglish] might be a funny culture to
international travelers, but the translation of dish names shall not be
misleading to foreigners," said an anonymous officer from BSFLP, a
governmental organization dedicated to raising Beijingers' awareness of
foreign languages. If you have never read an English menu in a local Chinese
restaurant, here are a few examples of what you've been missing.read more
Travel jargon: What hotels say vs. what they mean
Fri, 03/16/2012 - 13:28 — Anonymous by CNNGo staffAs any advertising guru
worth his online college travel marketing diploma will tell you, the secret
to attracting travelers to a destination and filling hotel rooms is to
embellish the goods without lying. But don't listen to us. The great
"godfather" of advertising David Ogilvy put it far more eloquently: "Never
write an advertisement which you wouldn't want your family to read. You
wouldn't tell lies to your own wife. Don't tell them to mine." That doesn't
mean marketers aren't averse to stretching the truth, all the while adhering
to the most important rule of all: never, ever mention a destination's
shortcomings. The marketing game has spawned plenty of tricky phrases and
deceptive wording that travelers can easily misinterpret. To help sort
through the fluff, we've translated some of the most common travel
advertising parlance, using personal experience. read more
worth his online college travel marketing diploma will tell you, the secret
to attracting travelers to a destination and filling hotel rooms is to
embellish the goods without lying. But don't listen to us. The great
"godfather" of advertising David Ogilvy put it far more eloquently: "Never
write an advertisement which you wouldn't want your family to read. You
wouldn't tell lies to your own wife. Don't tell them to mine." That doesn't
mean marketers aren't averse to stretching the truth, all the while adhering
to the most important rule of all: never, ever mention a destination's
shortcomings. The marketing game has spawned plenty of tricky phrases and
deceptive wording that travelers can easily misinterpret. To help sort
through the fluff, we've translated some of the most common travel
advertising parlance, using personal experience. read more
Korea: 9 provinces, 19 attractions
Thu, 03/15/2012 - 23:00 — Anonymous by Cin Woo Lee As much as we love
hitting up Seoul's crazy venues, it's the rest of the country that offers
up some of the best travel experiences in Korea. Ranging from yummy to quirky
to deeply therapeutic, here's a roundup of provincial attractions to add to
your Korea travel itinerary. Gyeonggi Province MBC Dramia (MBC
드라미아) "I think I see the back of Jung Il Woo's head!" read more
hitting up Seoul's crazy venues, it's the rest of the country that offers
up some of the best travel experiences in Korea. Ranging from yummy to quirky
to deeply therapeutic, here's a roundup of provincial attractions to add to
your Korea travel itinerary. Gyeonggi Province MBC Dramia (MBC
드라미아) "I think I see the back of Jung Il Woo's head!" read more
Wudai-Shiguo: Hong Kong's most talked-about retro store
Fri, 03/16/2012 - 00:00 — Anonymous by Hiufu WongWudai-Shiguo, better known
as WDSG, is one of the most talked-about new shops that opened this week in
Hong Kong's hottest indie shopping area, the Star Street neighborhood. It's
the passion project of six local designers who dismiss all the icons of Hong
Kong as "clichés." "People think that Hong Kong means egg tarts, or when it
comes to design it means the red, white and blue bags," says Kenji Wong,
creative director of WDSG. "I don't think so." Instead, Wong and the WDSG
team are into 1930s Americana. WDSG sells near-historically accurate
reproductions of furniture from the United States and clothing by Mister
Freedom and Ralph Lauren Leather.read more
as WDSG, is one of the most talked-about new shops that opened this week in
Hong Kong's hottest indie shopping area, the Star Street neighborhood. It's
the passion project of six local designers who dismiss all the icons of Hong
Kong as "clichés." "People think that Hong Kong means egg tarts, or when it
comes to design it means the red, white and blue bags," says Kenji Wong,
creative director of WDSG. "I don't think so." Instead, Wong and the WDSG
team are into 1930s Americana. WDSG sells near-historically accurate
reproductions of furniture from the United States and clothing by Mister
Freedom and Ralph Lauren Leather.read more
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Where are the world’s most expensive hotels?
Wed, 03/14/2012 - 14:02 — Anonymous by CNNGo staffIf you're a
Singaporean, Australian or Indian planning to travel on a budget this year,
stay away from Switzerland. According to Hotels.com's annual Hotel Price
Index (HPI), the nation of chocolate, watches and cantons has the most
expensive room rates in the world if you're paying in Singaporean and
Australian dollars or Indian rupees. New Zealanders, on the other hand, will
find that when it comes to finding a place to sleep, their currency has the
least clout in Italy. For Brits, the most expensive country is Oman and for
South Koreans and Japanese, Singapore is the biggest cash sucker, while
Mainland Chinese will spend the most yuan on a hotel room in the United
Kingdom. The findings are all laid out in a series of HPI reports in
multiple languages, compiled by surveying hotel prices in major global
destinations based on bookings made on Hotels.com in 2011. "The Index is
compiled from all transactions on Hotels.com [in 2011], in local currency,
weighted to reflect the size of each market," says Hotels.com. read more
Singaporean, Australian or Indian planning to travel on a budget this year,
stay away from Switzerland. According to Hotels.com's annual Hotel Price
Index (HPI), the nation of chocolate, watches and cantons has the most
expensive room rates in the world if you're paying in Singaporean and
Australian dollars or Indian rupees. New Zealanders, on the other hand, will
find that when it comes to finding a place to sleep, their currency has the
least clout in Italy. For Brits, the most expensive country is Oman and for
South Koreans and Japanese, Singapore is the biggest cash sucker, while
Mainland Chinese will spend the most yuan on a hotel room in the United
Kingdom. The findings are all laid out in a series of HPI reports in
multiple languages, compiled by surveying hotel prices in major global
destinations based on bookings made on Hotels.com in 2011. "The Index is
compiled from all transactions on Hotels.com [in 2011], in local currency,
weighted to reflect the size of each market," says Hotels.com. read more
Brazilian inventor designs mask to charge iPhones via breathing
Thu, 03/15/2012 - 05:00 — Anonymous by CNNGo staff Here's a brilliant and
hilariously geeky gadget for the travelers who won't have easy access to
electrical outlets. The Aire, created by Brazilian inventor João Lammoglia,
is a mask that converts the user's breathing into energy to recharge an
iPhone or MP3 player. "Inside the unit there are small wind turbines that
make the conversion, then the energy is transferred through a cable to the
device," says the official website, which also introduces the MOOV, another
alternative charger which harnesses energy from jogging and walking via a
legband. May we suggest adding a snore muffler? Although the Aire has been
around for awhile -- it was developed in July 2011 and won the "best of the
best" red dot design award in 2011 -- it has been garnering attention only
recently on various tech blogs and radio news. Technabob introduced it as
"How Darth Vader charges his iPhone." Other blogs are happily punning
away about how the mask "breathes new life" into your phone. read more
hilariously geeky gadget for the travelers who won't have easy access to
electrical outlets. The Aire, created by Brazilian inventor João Lammoglia,
is a mask that converts the user's breathing into energy to recharge an
iPhone or MP3 player. "Inside the unit there are small wind turbines that
make the conversion, then the energy is transferred through a cable to the
device," says the official website, which also introduces the MOOV, another
alternative charger which harnesses energy from jogging and walking via a
legband. May we suggest adding a snore muffler? Although the Aire has been
around for awhile -- it was developed in July 2011 and won the "best of the
best" red dot design award in 2011 -- it has been garnering attention only
recently on various tech blogs and radio news. Technabob introduced it as
"How Darth Vader charges his iPhone." Other blogs are happily punning
away about how the mask "breathes new life" into your phone. read more
Not so strange after all: The real Japan up close
Thu, 03/15/2012 - 00:55 — Anonymous by Matt AltYou hear it all the time
from tourists and journalists visiting for the first time: "Japan is so
WEIRD! What's that all about?" Different it may be, but as a wise man
once said, "when the going gets weird, the weird turn pro." Sure, a lot
of Japanese custom seems offbeat when viewed through the lens of a different
culture. Taking potshots is easy. But when you approach things on their own
terms, in their own contexts, most of Japan's supposed "strangeness"
transforms into -- well, everything that's great about the country. And in
that spirit, here's our list of supposedly "weird Japan" things that
just might make your next trip even more fun.read more
from tourists and journalists visiting for the first time: "Japan is so
WEIRD! What's that all about?" Different it may be, but as a wise man
once said, "when the going gets weird, the weird turn pro." Sure, a lot
of Japanese custom seems offbeat when viewed through the lens of a different
culture. Taking potshots is easy. But when you approach things on their own
terms, in their own contexts, most of Japan's supposed "strangeness"
transforms into -- well, everything that's great about the country. And in
that spirit, here's our list of supposedly "weird Japan" things that
just might make your next trip even more fun.read more
World's most bizarre annual events
Thu, 03/15/2012 - 01:00 — Anonymous by Anthea GerrieMardi Gras. Thailand's
Full Moon Parties. Rio's Carnival. It's all too easy for a traveler to have a
stash of pictures, and memories, exactly the same as a million other
travelers. So if you want an alternative story to tell, try these events for
size. 1. International Ice Festival, Israel The ugliest papier-mâché ever
created.Nyepi, the Balinese Lunar New Year, is a day of absolute silence,
contemplation and meditation preceded by 24 hours of glorious mayhem. The Day
of the Dead Moon sees locals converge on villages accompanied by huge
papier-mâché gargoyles known as the ogoh-ogoh. Music, firecrackers and
partying continue throughout the night, ending just before sunrise with the
symbolic torching of the ogoh-ogohs. On March 22, the Como Shambhala Estate
near Ubud will stage is own noise parade, using Balinese cymbals and other
instruments to scare out evil spirits -- but as their own ogoh-oghos are
organic, they will be left to degrade in the ground instead of being
torched.read more
Full Moon Parties. Rio's Carnival. It's all too easy for a traveler to have a
stash of pictures, and memories, exactly the same as a million other
travelers. So if you want an alternative story to tell, try these events for
size. 1. International Ice Festival, Israel The ugliest papier-mâché ever
created.Nyepi, the Balinese Lunar New Year, is a day of absolute silence,
contemplation and meditation preceded by 24 hours of glorious mayhem. The Day
of the Dead Moon sees locals converge on villages accompanied by huge
papier-mâché gargoyles known as the ogoh-ogoh. Music, firecrackers and
partying continue throughout the night, ending just before sunrise with the
symbolic torching of the ogoh-ogohs. On March 22, the Como Shambhala Estate
near Ubud will stage is own noise parade, using Balinese cymbals and other
instruments to scare out evil spirits -- but as their own ogoh-oghos are
organic, they will be left to degrade in the ground instead of being
torched.read more
5 awesome U.S. food trucks worth chasing
Wed, 03/14/2012 - 23:00 — Anonymous by Alex JungA few years ago, spurred by
an economic malaise, many professionally trained chefs began taking to the
streets -- in trucks. Once known by the unsavory moniker "roach coaches,"
food trucks have since experienced a renaissance. Plugged into social media
such as Twitter and Facebook, sourcing local ingredients and sporting graphic
eye-catching designs, food trucks have transformed the American food scene in
a few short years. Historically, food trucks provided meals to folk who
didn't have ready access to food, whether as a canteen for soldiers or a
lunch truck for construction workers. "Nobody wanted to eat off of them
because they were not good food," says Tony Chen, the blogger of SinoSoul
based in Los Angeles. read more
an economic malaise, many professionally trained chefs began taking to the
streets -- in trucks. Once known by the unsavory moniker "roach coaches,"
food trucks have since experienced a renaissance. Plugged into social media
such as Twitter and Facebook, sourcing local ingredients and sporting graphic
eye-catching designs, food trucks have transformed the American food scene in
a few short years. Historically, food trucks provided meals to folk who
didn't have ready access to food, whether as a canteen for soldiers or a
lunch truck for construction workers. "Nobody wanted to eat off of them
because they were not good food," says Tony Chen, the blogger of SinoSoul
based in Los Angeles. read more
Fukushima Taiko drummers Japan's newest stateside export
Wed, 03/14/2012 - 11:17 — Anonymous by Lisa JardineA cool 540 meters above
sea level sits the Yamakiya district of Kawamata in Fukushima Prefecture.
Prior to March 11, 2011, the mountainous region was known for its silk
products and wintertime rice-paddy ice-skating rinks. No one is skating there
this winter -- in fact, no one is living there at all. In May 2011, it was
evacuated when high levels of radiation were found after the nuclear disaster
at the Daiichi nuclear plant in Fukushima. All of its residents were
evacuated to lower ground, scattered and displaced, including the members of
the Yamakiya Taiko Club, an award-winning drumming group consisting of
children from elementary school through high school that has been around for
more than 10 years. But displacement didn't stop these kids from banging on
their mammoth drums, the largest of which measures 3.5 meters in diameter.
And on April 7, they're leaving Japan and taking the show on the road ...
to the United States.read more
sea level sits the Yamakiya district of Kawamata in Fukushima Prefecture.
Prior to March 11, 2011, the mountainous region was known for its silk
products and wintertime rice-paddy ice-skating rinks. No one is skating there
this winter -- in fact, no one is living there at all. In May 2011, it was
evacuated when high levels of radiation were found after the nuclear disaster
at the Daiichi nuclear plant in Fukushima. All of its residents were
evacuated to lower ground, scattered and displaced, including the members of
the Yamakiya Taiko Club, an award-winning drumming group consisting of
children from elementary school through high school that has been around for
more than 10 years. But displacement didn't stop these kids from banging on
their mammoth drums, the largest of which measures 3.5 meters in diameter.
And on April 7, they're leaving Japan and taking the show on the road ...
to the United States.read more
How to be an explorer
Wed, 03/14/2012 - 16:23 — Anonymous by Jini ReddyEver watched those TV
shows about adventurers heading off into the unknown and wondered how to be
an explorer just like them? Well, exploration is no longer the preserve of a
rarefied few. Organizations like the Royal Geographical Society and
Explorers Connect have been set up to make exploration inclusive, open to
anyone with a sense of adventure. It's not all about physical endurance
either: below are 10 exploration-based tours to little-known parts of the
world that the gentleman (or lady) adventurer in the street can join. The
catch? You need a big, jiggly piggy-bank: adventures of a lifetime don't
come cheap. 1. Journey down the Congo River Its heart may be dark, but the
sunsets are sublime.The ambitious undertaking was inspired by the travels of
19th-century explorer Henry Morton Stanley and the Joseph Conrad classic,
"Heart of Darkness."read more
shows about adventurers heading off into the unknown and wondered how to be
an explorer just like them? Well, exploration is no longer the preserve of a
rarefied few. Organizations like the Royal Geographical Society and
Explorers Connect have been set up to make exploration inclusive, open to
anyone with a sense of adventure. It's not all about physical endurance
either: below are 10 exploration-based tours to little-known parts of the
world that the gentleman (or lady) adventurer in the street can join. The
catch? You need a big, jiggly piggy-bank: adventures of a lifetime don't
come cheap. 1. Journey down the Congo River Its heart may be dark, but the
sunsets are sublime.The ambitious undertaking was inspired by the travels of
19th-century explorer Henry Morton Stanley and the Joseph Conrad classic,
"Heart of Darkness."read more
CNNGo TV: Osaka and Kyoto -- the historic heart of Japan
Tue, 03/13/2012 - 14:54 — Anonymous by Brent SwailsWhether it's the
500-year-old soba recipe in the former imperial capital Kyoto, or a signature
takoyaki restaurant in Osaka, there's no escaping Japan's history and culture
in these two cities. CNNGo TV this episode takes a look at some of the
places in Kyoto and Osaka that the locals like to go, including the
fortune-telling Kibune Shrine, a hilarious wrestling show and a
coffee/antiques shop. No longer in the palace, but the royal family is still
a fan of their soba. Honke Owariya This soba shop in the heart of Kyoto has
had plenty of time to get its recipe right. Originally a confectionary
shop, Honke Owariya has been serving up the traditional Japanese noodle dish
since 1465. Back then, it served noodles in the imperial palace. Today, you
can still enjoy your soba in the traditional surroundings of a restored
confectionary shop.read more
500-year-old soba recipe in the former imperial capital Kyoto, or a signature
takoyaki restaurant in Osaka, there's no escaping Japan's history and culture
in these two cities. CNNGo TV this episode takes a look at some of the
places in Kyoto and Osaka that the locals like to go, including the
fortune-telling Kibune Shrine, a hilarious wrestling show and a
coffee/antiques shop. No longer in the palace, but the royal family is still
a fan of their soba. Honke Owariya This soba shop in the heart of Kyoto has
had plenty of time to get its recipe right. Originally a confectionary
shop, Honke Owariya has been serving up the traditional Japanese noodle dish
since 1465. Back then, it served noodles in the imperial palace. Today, you
can still enjoy your soba in the traditional surroundings of a restored
confectionary shop.read more
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Around China in 31 dishes
Tue, 03/13/2012 - 11:06 — Anonymous by Meng YanyanChina has more gourmet
styles than you can shake a lamb skewer at: from the spicy heat of the
southwest to the hearty meat of nomadic minorities, to the seafood-heavy
menus in the southeast. There are 31 provinces and municipalities spread
across the mainland's 9.6 million square kilometers, and each brings a unique
approach to meal times. To take you across the massive country plate by
plate, we've selected a specialty dish from each mainland province and
municipality. If you can't get to them all, you might at least get to major
Chinese cities like Shanghai, where solid renditions of each dish on this
list is available in authentic ethnic eateries. Or just travel though the
entries below.read more
styles than you can shake a lamb skewer at: from the spicy heat of the
southwest to the hearty meat of nomadic minorities, to the seafood-heavy
menus in the southeast. There are 31 provinces and municipalities spread
across the mainland's 9.6 million square kilometers, and each brings a unique
approach to meal times. To take you across the massive country plate by
plate, we've selected a specialty dish from each mainland province and
municipality. If you can't get to them all, you might at least get to major
Chinese cities like Shanghai, where solid renditions of each dish on this
list is available in authentic ethnic eateries. Or just travel though the
entries below.read more
7 wild dates in the Philippines
Wed, 03/14/2012 - 09:38 — Anonymous by Maida PinedaHow many spectacular
wildlife encounters can you claim? A glimpse of an orangutan? Snorkeling with
baracuda? Head to the Philippines and your number will almost certainly
increase. With an estimated 6,000 plant species, 1,100 land vertebrate
species, 100 mammal species and 170 land species that are exclusive to the
Philippines, if it's a date with nature you're looking for, this is one
biodiversity hotspot that won't fail to impress. 1. Befriend a butanding Big
may not be best, but it is beautiful.Go big on animal love with these huge
blue-grey, silver-spotted whale sharks locally called butandings. These
plankton-eating gentle giants -- the largest fish in the world -- measure
about 14 meters and weigh more than 1,500 kilograms. Whale sharks are
regularly spotted in Donsol, Sorsogon and you can expect to see more than a
dozen during the peak months from February to April. The province's tourism
website provides detailed information on how to arrange a snorkeling date
with the butandings in Donsol. Recently, the town of Olsob in the southern
tip of Cebu made international news when its fishermen were discovered to
hand feed and play with the very sociable whale sharks there.read more
wildlife encounters can you claim? A glimpse of an orangutan? Snorkeling with
baracuda? Head to the Philippines and your number will almost certainly
increase. With an estimated 6,000 plant species, 1,100 land vertebrate
species, 100 mammal species and 170 land species that are exclusive to the
Philippines, if it's a date with nature you're looking for, this is one
biodiversity hotspot that won't fail to impress. 1. Befriend a butanding Big
may not be best, but it is beautiful.Go big on animal love with these huge
blue-grey, silver-spotted whale sharks locally called butandings. These
plankton-eating gentle giants -- the largest fish in the world -- measure
about 14 meters and weigh more than 1,500 kilograms. Whale sharks are
regularly spotted in Donsol, Sorsogon and you can expect to see more than a
dozen during the peak months from February to April. The province's tourism
website provides detailed information on how to arrange a snorkeling date
with the butandings in Donsol. Recently, the town of Olsob in the southern
tip of Cebu made international news when its fishermen were discovered to
hand feed and play with the very sociable whale sharks there.read more
The other rat race: Hunting (and eating) rodents in Indonesia
Wed, 03/14/2012 - 14:25 — Anonymous by Raymond WalshDweller of sewers.
Abandoner of ships. Conduit of the plague. No matter what descriptor you
attach to the lowly rat, one thing is pretty much universal -- it's the
critter everyone loves to hate. Except, that is, in Tomohon in North
Sulawesi, Indonesia. Here the rat takes on a very different role -- that of
delicacy -- and for a fee, you can hunt your own rat and eat it for dinner
that evening.The rat hunters of Tomohon -- Oscar, Wem, Stevi, and Chili.
Mario Ben Gavriel's rat-hunting tour can hardly be called the country's
most popular activity -- I am the first foreigner to sign up for the jaunt
and just his third customer in two years. But for those who do take the
plunge, an eye-opening glimpse of local life awaits.read more
Abandoner of ships. Conduit of the plague. No matter what descriptor you
attach to the lowly rat, one thing is pretty much universal -- it's the
critter everyone loves to hate. Except, that is, in Tomohon in North
Sulawesi, Indonesia. Here the rat takes on a very different role -- that of
delicacy -- and for a fee, you can hunt your own rat and eat it for dinner
that evening.The rat hunters of Tomohon -- Oscar, Wem, Stevi, and Chili.
Mario Ben Gavriel's rat-hunting tour can hardly be called the country's
most popular activity -- I am the first foreigner to sign up for the jaunt
and just his third customer in two years. But for those who do take the
plunge, an eye-opening glimpse of local life awaits.read more
Cycling routes that'll take your breath away
Wed, 03/14/2012 - 05:00 — Anonymous by Tim CheungIf you're anything like
us, any major sporting event makes you feel compelled to go out and play that
sport. So it was that with the finale of the Tour de France last week. You
may not be able to speed pedal 200 kilometers, but why would you when some of
the best cycling routes in the world pass through such beautiful scenery?
Here are 10 of world's best bike routes for cyclists who either are up for
breaking a good sweat or simply seeing the world without leaving an ugly
carbon footprint behind. 1. The Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia If you
like a challenge, take on this 243-kilometer windy road along Australia's
south-eastern coast. If a day is all you've got, take the 60-kilometer
route from Torquay to Bells Beach. There you'll cycle through a rural
farmland, enjoy the sweeping ocean views from cliff tops, and snake past the
wetlands around Lake Connewarre. read more
us, any major sporting event makes you feel compelled to go out and play that
sport. So it was that with the finale of the Tour de France last week. You
may not be able to speed pedal 200 kilometers, but why would you when some of
the best cycling routes in the world pass through such beautiful scenery?
Here are 10 of world's best bike routes for cyclists who either are up for
breaking a good sweat or simply seeing the world without leaving an ugly
carbon footprint behind. 1. The Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia If you
like a challenge, take on this 243-kilometer windy road along Australia's
south-eastern coast. If a day is all you've got, take the 60-kilometer
route from Torquay to Bells Beach. There you'll cycle through a rural
farmland, enjoy the sweeping ocean views from cliff tops, and snake past the
wetlands around Lake Connewarre. read more
Pocket darkroom: Hong Kong's first Instagram exhibit
Wed, 03/14/2012 - 00:00 — Anonymous HK InstaYay is a group of Hong
Kong Instagram obsessives and they are holding their first offline photo
exhibit. Co-founder Tyson Wheatley, who's day job is editor at CNN.com,
started the group with two friends a year ago. HK InstaYay has since held 10
photo walks -- participants tour a visually interesting part of Hong Kong and
take photos together. On their iPhones. "The way that I take photos on my
phone is the way that the majority of people will be doing in the next five
years," says Wheatley. "The technology is doing so much better. And the
supporting apps are so good, it's like having a darkroom in your pocket."read
more
Kong Instagram obsessives and they are holding their first offline photo
exhibit. Co-founder Tyson Wheatley, who's day job is editor at CNN.com,
started the group with two friends a year ago. HK InstaYay has since held 10
photo walks -- participants tour a visually interesting part of Hong Kong and
take photos together. On their iPhones. "The way that I take photos on my
phone is the way that the majority of people will be doing in the next five
years," says Wheatley. "The technology is doing so much better. And the
supporting apps are so good, it's like having a darkroom in your pocket."read
more
F1 and roller coasters: US$3 billion development for low-key Lombok
Tue, 03/13/2012 - 13:08 — Anonymous Watch out Singapore. Quiet, unassuming
Lombok might soon be cashing in on the F1 action, too. Following the
opening of the Indonesian island's new international airport last year, now
comes word that a massive integrated resort will soon be under development in
Lombok. Cue the cries of "paradise lost." Set to open in 2015, the
US$3-billion, 1,175-hectare Mandalika Resort Lombok is pegged to include an
F1 race track, integrated theme park, underwater marine museum, eco park,
meeting spaces and a concert hall. According to a report by travel industry
site TTG Asia, the project's first phase, including road construction,
hotel developments and an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course, will be
completed within three to five years. More hotels and attractions will follow
in the second stage.read more
Lombok might soon be cashing in on the F1 action, too. Following the
opening of the Indonesian island's new international airport last year, now
comes word that a massive integrated resort will soon be under development in
Lombok. Cue the cries of "paradise lost." Set to open in 2015, the
US$3-billion, 1,175-hectare Mandalika Resort Lombok is pegged to include an
F1 race track, integrated theme park, underwater marine museum, eco park,
meeting spaces and a concert hall. According to a report by travel industry
site TTG Asia, the project's first phase, including road construction,
hotel developments and an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course, will be
completed within three to five years. More hotels and attractions will follow
in the second stage.read more
Monday, March 12, 2012
5 places to see the brightest Aurora displays
Tue, 03/13/2012 - 11:41 — Anonymous by Hiufu WongThe biggest solar
storm in five years rampaged across the sun's surface last week. Fears that
our cell phone and GPS systems would be knocked out proved unfounded, but our
skies certainly did feel its effect, with beautiful results. Aurora Borealis
(The Northern Lights) has been putting on a show from the end of last
year as a result of frequent massive solar explosions. While they usually
fade in March, thanks to the solar storm there are still some places that are
witnessing the amazing sight. Until mid or late April, particularly in
places in the Auroral Oval -- a zone with active solar radiation activity --
you can still see them. Or you can head South for the Aurora Australis (The
Southern Lights), which are going to shine, albeit less dramatically, from
March onwards. Tromsø, Norway This "Paris" does not need an Eiffel Tower
to light the sky.read more
storm in five years rampaged across the sun's surface last week. Fears that
our cell phone and GPS systems would be knocked out proved unfounded, but our
skies certainly did feel its effect, with beautiful results. Aurora Borealis
(The Northern Lights) has been putting on a show from the end of last
year as a result of frequent massive solar explosions. While they usually
fade in March, thanks to the solar storm there are still some places that are
witnessing the amazing sight. Until mid or late April, particularly in
places in the Auroral Oval -- a zone with active solar radiation activity --
you can still see them. Or you can head South for the Aurora Australis (The
Southern Lights), which are going to shine, albeit less dramatically, from
March onwards. Tromsø, Norway This "Paris" does not need an Eiffel Tower
to light the sky.read more
Fun suitcases for every type of traveler
Tue, 03/13/2012 - 07:55 — Anonymous by Valerie Pergay Black suitcases
aren't only boring, they're much more likely to be grabbed by someone else at
the luggage carousel. Figure out which type of traveler you are and pack
one of these instead. Light but durable. Thrifty traveler -- Patagonia MLC
This affordable and efficient suitcase can be worn or carried in three
different ways -- as a backpack, a shoulder bag and a briefcase -- and is
ideal for the thrifty traveler planning to walk a lot and use crowded public
transportation. US$159 at www.patagonia.comread more
aren't only boring, they're much more likely to be grabbed by someone else at
the luggage carousel. Figure out which type of traveler you are and pack
one of these instead. Light but durable. Thrifty traveler -- Patagonia MLC
This affordable and efficient suitcase can be worn or carried in three
different ways -- as a backpack, a shoulder bag and a briefcase -- and is
ideal for the thrifty traveler planning to walk a lot and use crowded public
transportation. US$159 at www.patagonia.comread more
10 great shoes for 10 amazing trips
Tue, 03/13/2012 - 05:00 — Anonymous by Jennings Brown Just as the right
trip can ruin a pair of shoes, so the wrong pair of shoes can ruin any trip.
Sure, you'll forget the damaged kicks but you might never forgive yourself
for missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience just because you packed
the wrong footwear. That's why it's essential to consider weather,
environment and (sometimes, the strangest) activities while packing for every
excursion. Here are our picks of the best shoes for some extra-special trips
that demand sure-footed planning. No, I'M Spartacus -- it says so on my
authentic gladiator sandals.read more
trip can ruin a pair of shoes, so the wrong pair of shoes can ruin any trip.
Sure, you'll forget the damaged kicks but you might never forgive yourself
for missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience just because you packed
the wrong footwear. That's why it's essential to consider weather,
environment and (sometimes, the strangest) activities while packing for every
excursion. Here are our picks of the best shoes for some extra-special trips
that demand sure-footed planning. No, I'M Spartacus -- it says so on my
authentic gladiator sandals.read more
12 timely reasons to hit the United States in 2012
Mon, 03/12/2012 - 23:22 — Anonymous by Jordan RaneThe United States. If
you've heard of this place, or even seen it on a map, you'll know that
fitting a single attraction (let alone a dozen) into a visit can be a tall
order -- especially if you're in Maine and dying to stop by Six Flags Over
Texas. That means you've got work to do. Lucky for you, we've set up a dozen
timely essentials to start checking off your list. On your mark, get set
… 1. Fenway Park turns 100 Fenway turns 100. Same old Sawx.If you
haven't yet squeezed into Fenway Park, sacred home of the Boston Red Sox,
this is the milestone season to do it.read more
you've heard of this place, or even seen it on a map, you'll know that
fitting a single attraction (let alone a dozen) into a visit can be a tall
order -- especially if you're in Maine and dying to stop by Six Flags Over
Texas. That means you've got work to do. Lucky for you, we've set up a dozen
timely essentials to start checking off your list. On your mark, get set
… 1. Fenway Park turns 100 Fenway turns 100. Same old Sawx.If you
haven't yet squeezed into Fenway Park, sacred home of the Boston Red Sox,
this is the milestone season to do it.read more
Interview: Vikas Swarup reads, writes and travels like crazy
Mon, 03/12/2012 - 23:12 — Anonymous by Samantha LeeseStreet knowledge is
more important than book knowledge for Vikas Swarup. In 2008, Vikas Swarup's
debut novel, "Q&A," was adapted into the Oscar-winning film "Slumdog
Millionaire." Director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Simon Beaufoy cut and
changed much more than just the title. Yet, Swarup was never anything but
tactful when speaking about relinquishing his work to Hollywood. It's no
surprise. By day, Swarup is a high-flying diplomat who has worked in the
Indian Foreign Service for 25 years. Currently the Consul General of India in
Osaka-Kobe, Swarup has been variously posted in Turkey, the U.S., Ethiopia,
Britian and South Africa. read more
more important than book knowledge for Vikas Swarup. In 2008, Vikas Swarup's
debut novel, "Q&A," was adapted into the Oscar-winning film "Slumdog
Millionaire." Director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Simon Beaufoy cut and
changed much more than just the title. Yet, Swarup was never anything but
tactful when speaking about relinquishing his work to Hollywood. It's no
surprise. By day, Swarup is a high-flying diplomat who has worked in the
Indian Foreign Service for 25 years. Currently the Consul General of India in
Osaka-Kobe, Swarup has been variously posted in Turkey, the U.S., Ethiopia,
Britian and South Africa. read more
Asia's first Legoland to open in Malaysia this year
Mon, 03/12/2012 - 13:56 — Anonymous by Hiufu WongYoung families in Asia, or
grown-ups with an uncontainable inner child, may want to pay a visit to
Malaysia this October. Legoland Malaysia has announced plans to open in Johor
Bahru in September or October 2012. The 30-hectare, RM720 million (US$239
million) park will be the first of the Legoland theme parks outside Europe or
the United States and will feature 40 rides, shows and attractions and plenty
of opportunity to build things with small bricks and take them apart again.
You can dodge water blasts on the Aquazone Wave Racers in the Lego Technic
area. For those worried about the Malaysian heat, the park will also include
some specially designed features, such as more undercover shelters to provide
shade from the ever-shining Malaysian sun. "Being located in the tropics
helps too because it is very beautiful and green with 3,500 trees to create
the natural park environment," says Matthew Law, public relations
representative for Legoland Malaysia.read more
grown-ups with an uncontainable inner child, may want to pay a visit to
Malaysia this October. Legoland Malaysia has announced plans to open in Johor
Bahru in September or October 2012. The 30-hectare, RM720 million (US$239
million) park will be the first of the Legoland theme parks outside Europe or
the United States and will feature 40 rides, shows and attractions and plenty
of opportunity to build things with small bricks and take them apart again.
You can dodge water blasts on the Aquazone Wave Racers in the Lego Technic
area. For those worried about the Malaysian heat, the park will also include
some specially designed features, such as more undercover shelters to provide
shade from the ever-shining Malaysian sun. "Being located in the tropics
helps too because it is very beautiful and green with 3,500 trees to create
the natural park environment," says Matthew Law, public relations
representative for Legoland Malaysia.read more
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Tokyo's shiny new billion-dollar Palace Hotel
Mon, 03/12/2012 - 09:06 — Anonymous Any idea what pops out when you insert
US$1 billion into a vending machine marked "Really Spiffy, Ultra-Luxury
Hotels"? We're not totally sure either, but we'll all find out on May
17, when the 23-story Palace Hotel Tokyo opens its doors right by the
Imperial Palace, a stone's throw from Tokyo Station. The new development
actually cost ¥90 billion, which works out at $1.2 billion and change -- an
ambitious investment in trying times for both the global economy and the
Japanese tourist trade. Aside from bringing almost 300 rooms and suites
(¥50,000-¥700,000) to the Tokyo hotel scene, the Palace also contains some
mightily impressive restaurants (in theory at this point, of course) and an
Evian-branded spa. Among the dining options -- hotel management says it's
"aiming for a constellation of Michelin-star restaurants" -- will be
French, run by two-star Patrick Henriroux; Japanese, another two-star man in
Shinji Kanesaka; and Chinese, whose operator also has (you guessed it) a
two-Michelin-star background.read more
US$1 billion into a vending machine marked "Really Spiffy, Ultra-Luxury
Hotels"? We're not totally sure either, but we'll all find out on May
17, when the 23-story Palace Hotel Tokyo opens its doors right by the
Imperial Palace, a stone's throw from Tokyo Station. The new development
actually cost ¥90 billion, which works out at $1.2 billion and change -- an
ambitious investment in trying times for both the global economy and the
Japanese tourist trade. Aside from bringing almost 300 rooms and suites
(¥50,000-¥700,000) to the Tokyo hotel scene, the Palace also contains some
mightily impressive restaurants (in theory at this point, of course) and an
Evian-branded spa. Among the dining options -- hotel management says it's
"aiming for a constellation of Michelin-star restaurants" -- will be
French, run by two-star Patrick Henriroux; Japanese, another two-star man in
Shinji Kanesaka; and Chinese, whose operator also has (you guessed it) a
two-Michelin-star background.read more
A gite in China: French hospitality checks in at Anhui water town
Mon, 03/12/2012 - 04:57 — Anonymous by CNNGo staffHuangshan (黄山), or
Yellow Mountain, is among the most popular Chinese tourist destinations for
international travelers. But just 40 kilometers north of the UNESCO World
Heritage site, an untapped Anhui water town has recently stolen a substantial
slice of limelight from its big brother. Tangmo (唐模), a
four-square-kilometer water town whose name means "the model of Tang
Dynasty," saw the opening of Gîtes de France's first licensed
hotel outside Europe last month. First Gîtes de France hotel outside Europe
The 10-room establishment, which is the first phase of Tangmo International
Countryside Hotel (TICH, 唐模国际乡村酒店), occupies a restored
century-old Huizhou-style residential building, with room types ranging from
standard doubles to deluxe suites. But unlike most gîtes in France, which
are privately owned country houses, the two-story property is a fully
serviced hotel owned by the local travel authority, Anhui Tourism Group
(ATG). read more
Yellow Mountain, is among the most popular Chinese tourist destinations for
international travelers. But just 40 kilometers north of the UNESCO World
Heritage site, an untapped Anhui water town has recently stolen a substantial
slice of limelight from its big brother. Tangmo (唐模), a
four-square-kilometer water town whose name means "the model of Tang
Dynasty," saw the opening of Gîtes de France's first licensed
hotel outside Europe last month. First Gîtes de France hotel outside Europe
The 10-room establishment, which is the first phase of Tangmo International
Countryside Hotel (TICH, 唐模国际乡村酒店), occupies a restored
century-old Huizhou-style residential building, with room types ranging from
standard doubles to deluxe suites. But unlike most gîtes in France, which
are privately owned country houses, the two-story property is a fully
serviced hotel owned by the local travel authority, Anhui Tourism Group
(ATG). read more
After the quake: Rebuilding Japan's tourist trade
Fri, 03/09/2012 - 04:55 — Anonymous by C. James DaleYoshi Matsuda loves
this time of year. "Right now it's so beautiful, amazing," he says from
Wanosato, the luxury ryokan he owns near the city of Hida-Takayama in the
Japanese Alps. The 180-year-old buildings are surrounded by trees. Snow
covers their thatched rooftops. The water of the nearby Miyagawa river rushes
over rocks on its way downstream. It's a setting that promises to become
even more beautiful with the arrival of spring, summer and fall. The only
thing missing -- more guests to enjoy it. "Maybe in May we'll start
recovering from March 11," Matsuda forecasts.read more
this time of year. "Right now it's so beautiful, amazing," he says from
Wanosato, the luxury ryokan he owns near the city of Hida-Takayama in the
Japanese Alps. The 180-year-old buildings are surrounded by trees. Snow
covers their thatched rooftops. The water of the nearby Miyagawa river rushes
over rocks on its way downstream. It's a setting that promises to become
even more beautiful with the arrival of spring, summer and fall. The only
thing missing -- more guests to enjoy it. "Maybe in May we'll start
recovering from March 11," Matsuda forecasts.read more
Gorgeous photo increases fury over Jeju Island blasts
Thu, 03/08/2012 - 11:10 — Anonymous by Frances Cha, Seoul Editor"Gangjeong
Island" was taken by film director Rain Jung. This serene travel photograph
of Gangjeong Village on Jeju Island has been headlining the top trending news
story on local media outlets and SNS in Korea. Yesterday morning,
construction workers began detonating hundreds of kilograms of explosives on
the Gureombi seashore at Jeju Island's Gangjeong Village to make way for a
new naval base, sparking a public outcry from environmental activists, Korean
netizens and Jeju citizens. Hundreds of activists have chained themselves
to vehicles to block contractors from entering the construction site. Twelve
protestors, including a Jeju council member, were "removed from the scene" by
the police, according to the Korea Herald. Gangjeong Village is a small
fishing town that derives most of its income from tourism. Villagers are
afraid the new naval base will affect their livelihood. "The village is
situated near one of the most beautiful walks on the Olle Trail and many
travelers come to see the beautiful views," said a reporter for a local
newspaper who spoke on the condition of anonymity.read more
Island" was taken by film director Rain Jung. This serene travel photograph
of Gangjeong Village on Jeju Island has been headlining the top trending news
story on local media outlets and SNS in Korea. Yesterday morning,
construction workers began detonating hundreds of kilograms of explosives on
the Gureombi seashore at Jeju Island's Gangjeong Village to make way for a
new naval base, sparking a public outcry from environmental activists, Korean
netizens and Jeju citizens. Hundreds of activists have chained themselves
to vehicles to block contractors from entering the construction site. Twelve
protestors, including a Jeju council member, were "removed from the scene" by
the police, according to the Korea Herald. Gangjeong Village is a small
fishing town that derives most of its income from tourism. Villagers are
afraid the new naval base will affect their livelihood. "The village is
situated near one of the most beautiful walks on the Olle Trail and many
travelers come to see the beautiful views," said a reporter for a local
newspaper who spoke on the condition of anonymity.read more
Spa pensions: Koreans embrace a new way to endure freezing winters
Thu, 03/08/2012 - 23:00 — Anonymous by Jiyeon LeeRelaxation or stress
relief in Korea commonly comes in the form of "sweating things out."
Lying on hot floors or eating a tongue-burning spicy dish of soup works fine,
but for many, regardless of the weather, there is no better way to de-stress
than sitting in a steaming hot tub and then getting scrubbed within an inch
of their lives. The communal bath culture, which originated in the early 20th
century with the introduction of public bathhouses, still remains popular --
people visit bathhouses with their children, friends and neighbors, catching
up in the sauna while enjoying a day of intense scrubbing and grooming.
Recently, this old passion for a hot dip started to move away from the
neighborhood public bathhouse to small lodging facilities called "spa
pensions," combining private bathing facilities with popular travel spots
around the country. Music performances and weddings also take place at
Yonaluky. Spa pension manager Kim Min Seong Jae, who runs what he calls a
healing center one hour's drive north of Seoul, believes that people now want
a more personalized experience in their own enclosed space rather than taking
a splash in communal baths.read more
relief in Korea commonly comes in the form of "sweating things out."
Lying on hot floors or eating a tongue-burning spicy dish of soup works fine,
but for many, regardless of the weather, there is no better way to de-stress
than sitting in a steaming hot tub and then getting scrubbed within an inch
of their lives. The communal bath culture, which originated in the early 20th
century with the introduction of public bathhouses, still remains popular --
people visit bathhouses with their children, friends and neighbors, catching
up in the sauna while enjoying a day of intense scrubbing and grooming.
Recently, this old passion for a hot dip started to move away from the
neighborhood public bathhouse to small lodging facilities called "spa
pensions," combining private bathing facilities with popular travel spots
around the country. Music performances and weddings also take place at
Yonaluky. Spa pension manager Kim Min Seong Jae, who runs what he calls a
healing center one hour's drive north of Seoul, believes that people now want
a more personalized experience in their own enclosed space rather than taking
a splash in communal baths.read more
Old-fashioned eats: Japan's soul food
Thu, 03/08/2012 - 23:55 — Anonymous by Robbie SwinnertonWe know it's
obvious, but Tokyo is home to the best Japanese restaurants on the planet.
Countless thousands of them, in fact. So many, it's hard to know where to
start. From the outside everything seems so sleek and modern, you feel you
could be anywhere. Behind its modern façade, though, Tokyo still has many
restaurants where tradition rules, both inside and out -- in the kitchen, on
the table and in that unmistakable ethos that you can only find in Japan.
Here are five all-time classics to try if you want to sample Japan's true
soul food. If you only ever have one chicken sukiyaki dish, make it
Botan.read more
obvious, but Tokyo is home to the best Japanese restaurants on the planet.
Countless thousands of them, in fact. So many, it's hard to know where to
start. From the outside everything seems so sleek and modern, you feel you
could be anywhere. Behind its modern façade, though, Tokyo still has many
restaurants where tradition rules, both inside and out -- in the kitchen, on
the table and in that unmistakable ethos that you can only find in Japan.
Here are five all-time classics to try if you want to sample Japan's true
soul food. If you only ever have one chicken sukiyaki dish, make it
Botan.read more
10 of the world's best sports venues
Fri, 03/09/2012 - 05:00 — Anonymous by Tony SmartThe Olympics is still an
entire spring season away, so instead we're going to hijack the IAAF World
Indoor Championships (that's athletics for any sports dodos out there) as our
peg for this list. They start today, so what better way to kick off three
days of sprained hamstrings and frustrating false starts than with a rundown
of 10 fantastic sports stadiums? Clearly there are many more great sports
venues than these 10, so before any fans of Soccer City or others get their
vuvuzelas in a twist, you can have your moment in the comments box below.
1. Yankee Stadium, New York, United States Concentrated Americana. Just add
beer. The new Yankee Stadium is the third most expensive stadium ever built
(US$1.5 billion), after Wembley Stadium in London and the MetLife Stadium in
New Jersey. read more
entire spring season away, so instead we're going to hijack the IAAF World
Indoor Championships (that's athletics for any sports dodos out there) as our
peg for this list. They start today, so what better way to kick off three
days of sprained hamstrings and frustrating false starts than with a rundown
of 10 fantastic sports stadiums? Clearly there are many more great sports
venues than these 10, so before any fans of Soccer City or others get their
vuvuzelas in a twist, you can have your moment in the comments box below.
1. Yankee Stadium, New York, United States Concentrated Americana. Just add
beer. The new Yankee Stadium is the third most expensive stadium ever built
(US$1.5 billion), after Wembley Stadium in London and the MetLife Stadium in
New Jersey. read more
How to drink Chinese tea
Fri, 03/09/2012 - 13:26 — Anonymous by Anita XuWith the immense popularity
of bubble milk tea and the quirky modern creation of green tea-flavor Sprite,
it's easy to forget the real meaning of a good cup of tea, even in China
where tea leaves have been consumed for roughly three centuries. Sun Yuping
(孙玉萍) is the tea master of Shanghai Fenghe Teahouse. The 53-year-old
woman has been practicing the art of tea for more than 12 years, from boiling
water to the precise temperature to pouring the beverage with the best angle.
We sat down with Sun -- over a cup of tea, of course -- to chat about tea:
when to drink it, how to prepare it, and why you should love it. 1. Spring is
the best season to drink green tea Season matters when it comes to the
quality and taste of tea leaves.read more
of bubble milk tea and the quirky modern creation of green tea-flavor Sprite,
it's easy to forget the real meaning of a good cup of tea, even in China
where tea leaves have been consumed for roughly three centuries. Sun Yuping
(孙玉萍) is the tea master of Shanghai Fenghe Teahouse. The 53-year-old
woman has been practicing the art of tea for more than 12 years, from boiling
water to the precise temperature to pouring the beverage with the best angle.
We sat down with Sun -- over a cup of tea, of course -- to chat about tea:
when to drink it, how to prepare it, and why you should love it. 1. Spring is
the best season to drink green tea Season matters when it comes to the
quality and taste of tea leaves.read more
15 bizarre, but amazing, hotels
Sun, 03/11/2012 - 08:00 — Anonymous by Bija KnowlesWhether it's balanced on
the rim of a volcano or made of crystallized salt, the right hotel can
provide you with a good year's worth of bragging material. The best part is
you don't need to raid the kids' college fund to find some exotic, out-there
rooms. 1. The Balancing Barn, England Find a little balance in this
precariously perched hotel. It was built by Living Architecture, the
brainchild of Swiss philosophical writer Alain de Botton who wrote "The
Architecture of Happiness." The group created a series of homes in the
United Kingdom based on high-quality, modern architecture and de Botton's
work on the connection between environment, architecture and happiness. The
Balancing Barn in Suffolk, on the edge of a nature reserve, sleeps eight
people. Clad in silver tiles and with large windows giving great views, it
has also won a series of travel and design awards.read more
the rim of a volcano or made of crystallized salt, the right hotel can
provide you with a good year's worth of bragging material. The best part is
you don't need to raid the kids' college fund to find some exotic, out-there
rooms. 1. The Balancing Barn, England Find a little balance in this
precariously perched hotel. It was built by Living Architecture, the
brainchild of Swiss philosophical writer Alain de Botton who wrote "The
Architecture of Happiness." The group created a series of homes in the
United Kingdom based on high-quality, modern architecture and de Botton's
work on the connection between environment, architecture and happiness. The
Balancing Barn in Suffolk, on the edge of a nature reserve, sleeps eight
people. Clad in silver tiles and with large windows giving great views, it
has also won a series of travel and design awards.read more
How Singapore became Asia's culinary capital
Sun, 03/11/2012 - 23:30 — Anonymous by Evelyn ChenWhen it comes to eating,
Singapore is famous for two things. First and foremost, delicious street
food. Secondly, contention. The city's cuisine has long been the subject of
spicy debates with northern neighbor Malaysia over the ownership of certain
famed dishes. (Don't dare try to tell a Malaysian that chili crab is
Singaporean.) But close followers of Singapore's dining scene might have
noticed this city-state has morphed from a paradise for wallet-friendly
hawker food to a culinary center heaving with award-winning fine dining
restaurants and celebrity chef outposts. A bowl of lobster bisque at Balzac
Brasserie, famed for its rustic take on French fine dining. So has Singapore
finally arrived as an Asian culinary capital? According to research by
Richard Florida, an author and urban studies theorist, the answer is a
resounding yes. In his article on "Geography of Great Restaurants," Florida
analyzed the number of "best restaurants" per capita using data mined from
San Pellegrino's annual ranking of the world's 100 top restaurants.read
more
Singapore is famous for two things. First and foremost, delicious street
food. Secondly, contention. The city's cuisine has long been the subject of
spicy debates with northern neighbor Malaysia over the ownership of certain
famed dishes. (Don't dare try to tell a Malaysian that chili crab is
Singaporean.) But close followers of Singapore's dining scene might have
noticed this city-state has morphed from a paradise for wallet-friendly
hawker food to a culinary center heaving with award-winning fine dining
restaurants and celebrity chef outposts. A bowl of lobster bisque at Balzac
Brasserie, famed for its rustic take on French fine dining. So has Singapore
finally arrived as an Asian culinary capital? According to research by
Richard Florida, an author and urban studies theorist, the answer is a
resounding yes. In his article on "Geography of Great Restaurants," Florida
analyzed the number of "best restaurants" per capita using data mined from
San Pellegrino's annual ranking of the world's 100 top restaurants.read
more
Insider Guide: What to do in Tokyo
Sun, 03/11/2012 - 23:43 — Anonymous by C. James DaleTokyo is a city that
can roar one moment and whisper at the next, a place where almost anything
seems possible. And sometimes is. After all, 13 million people share this
2,188-square-kilometer piece of the planet, which is home to some of the
world's top restaurants, stores and cafés. It's also a one-stop mecca for
the best of Japan -- culture, quality products and impeccable service. For
the visitor wondering what to do in Tokyo, the choices are limitless. The
city has endured the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, bombings of World War
II, the implosion of its housing bubble in the 1990s and heavy effects of the
March 2011 tsunami/earthquake that hit Japan. Each time, its people have
dusted themselves off and rebuilt. Many tourists already feel an affinity
with Tokyo thanks to Hollywood -- 1978's "Bad News Bears Go To Japan,"
for example (what film were you thinking of?).read more
can roar one moment and whisper at the next, a place where almost anything
seems possible. And sometimes is. After all, 13 million people share this
2,188-square-kilometer piece of the planet, which is home to some of the
world's top restaurants, stores and cafés. It's also a one-stop mecca for
the best of Japan -- culture, quality products and impeccable service. For
the visitor wondering what to do in Tokyo, the choices are limitless. The
city has endured the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, bombings of World War
II, the implosion of its housing bubble in the 1990s and heavy effects of the
March 2011 tsunami/earthquake that hit Japan. Each time, its people have
dusted themselves off and rebuilt. Many tourists already feel an affinity
with Tokyo thanks to Hollywood -- 1978's "Bad News Bears Go To Japan,"
for example (what film were you thinking of?).read more
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