Delta expands network in China

Sun, 02/26/2012 - 16:25 — Anonymous by CNNGo staffAs many as one million
Chinese tourists traveled to the United States in 2011. To transport all of
them from home to the other side of Pacific would have required almost 2,000
A380s, the world's largest civilian aircraft. And those tourist numbers are
expected to increase by up to 40 percent in 2012 due to the new streamlined
U.S. visa policy. No sensible airline would ignore such a market. Which is
probably why Delta Air Lines is expanding its codesharing partnership with
two of China's biggest carriers -- China Eastern and China Southern -- in
order to enhance its China market presence.  Bigger and better The new
agreements, which were approved by Civil Aviation Administration of China on
February 15, will allow both Chinese carriers to stick their codes and flight
numbers on Delta-operated flights between Seattle and Beijing. read more

What to do in Bali

Mon, 02/27/2012 - 04:57 — Anonymous by Charlene FangMany would argue that
Bali is a paradise lost.  It isn't. It's just evolved.  If you want to
know what to do in Bali, remember first that the island has transformed
itself from a laidback surfer hangout into one of the world's most popular
holiday destinations. It now offers as many experiences as the varying hues
of green found in a plot of terraced rice paddy.  Whether you're a
hardcore partygoer determined to eat, drink and not sleep your way through
Seminyak; a yoga devotee seeking peace and tranquility in Ubud's tropical
rainforest setting; a die-hard surfer whose only agenda is to paddle out and
catch the monster swells at Padang Padang; or a curious traveler charmed by
Bali's sacred temples in Manggis -- you can do it all (or do nothing at
all) in Bali. read more

Tuscany down under in the Melbourne suburbs

Mon, 02/27/2012 - 04:55 — Anonymous by Ian Lloyd Neubauer In the mid-19th
century, some 2,000 Swiss-Italians from the cantons of Ticino and Grison
joined the great European migration to the Australian goldfields. Many
settled in Hepburn Shire northwest of Melbourne and home to the largest
concentration of mineral springs in Australia. But, unlike Chinese and other
non-English-speaking migrant groups that moved on when the gold ran out, the
Swiss-Italians remained and prospered in Hepburn in the production of
high-quality wine, cheese, fruits and vegetables. Europe in Oz Built in 1864,
Heritage-listed Villa Parma is arguably one of Hepburn Spring's most
impressive architectural treasures. Reminders of their influence can be found
everywhere in Hepburn -- the Old Macaroni factory on Main Road, the
Bathhouse/Pavilion Café at Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve and at Parma
House -- a stately two-story residence built in 1864 by viticulturist
Fabrizzio Crippa.read more

Bangkok's 'Hitler chic' trend annoys tourists, Israeli envoy

Mon, 02/27/2012 - 04:55 — Anonymous by Tibor KrauszA shopper poses with a
large "McHitler" dummy soliciting donations for flood relief. Its head has
since been covered by a Lucha Libre wrestler's mask. Cartoon pandas,
Teletubbies, Ronald McDonald. At first glance they don't seem to have much
in common beyond a certain childlike quality. But during a visit to Bangkok
you may discover another trait these popular cultural icons now share: their
resemblance to Adolf Hitler. In the Thai capital's latest outbreak of Nazi
chic, pandas, Teletubbies and Ronald have metamorphosed into cutesy alter
egos of the Führer, who seems to exert a childlike fascination over some
young Thais. With any luck you can spot trendy young souls strutting around
in T-shirts bearing cartoonish images of the Nazi dictator. In a particularly
popular design, Hitler is transformed into a cartoonish Ronald McDonald, the
fast-food chain's clown mascot, sporting a bouffant cherry-red hairdo and a
stern look. On another T-shirt the Führer is shown in a lovely panda costume
with a Nazi armband. On yet another he appears as a pink Teletubby with doe
eyes, jug ears and a pink swastika for an antenna. He pouts petulantly like a
spoiled brat while flashing the Nazi salute.read more

10 reasons we love Singapore

Fri, 02/24/2012 - 12:55 — Anonymous by Aimee ChanEveryone loves to complain
about Singapore -- but you're still here, aren't you? There are some very
positive reasons why many are choosing to stay, rather than leave, the Little
Red Dot. It's not just that Singapore is clean, green and safe. And
positivity doesn't mean a cheesy, clichéd campaign slogan or overstated
accolades. Day-to-day life in Singapore can be pretty good, even if you loath
to admit it.read more

Aberdeen's best fish ball shop to close

Fri, 02/24/2012 - 11:13 — Anonymous by Joyce ManIf you are a Hong Kong fish
ball connoisseur, you know Tse Kee. And you are probably lining up at their
doors right now for one of its last bowls of fish balls. The family-run
Aberdeen fish ball joint has been dishing out the Chiu Chow snack with soup
noodles for 65 years. Now, Tse Kee is counting down to its March 31 closing
date. Faced with rising fish prices and staffing problems, the eatery has
decided to shut it doors rather than compromise its commitment to fresh
ingredients. "Your fish has to be fresh, it's that simple," says Tse Chan
Wai-fong, the restaurant's matriarch. Tse Kee has become an institution of
Chiu Chow-style fish snacks. Fish balls, fish dumplings, deep-fried fish
cakes and fish skins are all favorites of Tse Kee's regulars. read more

China's next big travel trend: U.S. TV show tours

Fri, 02/24/2012 - 09:59 — Anonymous by CNNGo staffNow that the U.S.
government has started streamlining the visa process for Chinese travelers,
China's fast-growing tourism market has spotted a new way to zip about the
United States: travel with fewer people but more focus. One Shanghai-based
travel agency recently launched a "U.S. TV show tour" on its website,
grabbing the attention of Chinese netizens and U.S. TV series addicts. TV
shows: travelers' window to the U.S. The 10-day cross-country tour is
organized by Yi Xiang Consultancy (逸香高端定制), a travel agency
specializing in high-end customized outbound trips, and is scheduled to take
off on April 2. Priced at RMB 19,800 (US$3,143), the 20-strong group is set
to touch down in Los Angeles, where they can do V-sign poses in and around
the Nokia Theater (where the 2011 Emmy Awards were presented), take in the
Grammy Museum and swing by a certain TV set to catch the crew in action (Yi
Xiang has yet to reveal the name of the TV show). The group will then head to
Las Vegas for the crime lab in "CSI," which wil be followed by a visit to San
Francisco's Alcatraz Island.read more

Gallery: How to take stunning landscape photographs

Thu, 02/23/2012 - 23:22 — Anonymous by Hark LeeAs a landscape photographer,
I react to weather very differently from most people. A beautiful sunny day
in California without a cloud in the sky would probably cause me to groan,
"Oh please, not again, the weather is terrible." Yes, I am appalled by
clear, sunny days. If there are too many of them, I'm brought down to the
level of chronic depression. The recent three-month long drought caused by La
Niña brought me to the brink of a meltdown. On the other hand, clouds
exhilarate me. And certain kinds of foul weather.read more

10 coolest hotel minibar items

Fri, 02/24/2012 - 05:00 — Anonymous by Hoishan Chan, Hiufu WongWhile the
worst minibar is undoubtedly an empty minibar, there's no escaping the fact
that most, even when bursting with small clinking goods, are over-priced and
underwhelming. But some are worth a lingering look, even if to partake would
mean forgoing the cost of dinner that night. These hotels have reinterpreted
the minibar to provide an alternative (and sometimes very luxurious)
convenience for the discerning hotel guest. Also on CNNGo: World's 15 most
expensive hotel suites 1. Bling H2O bottled water Trump International Hotel &
Tower, Chicago, United Statesread more

Photo gallery: Sukhothai, Thailand's ancient capital

Wed, 02/22/2012 - 13:50 — Anonymous by Derrick Chang For many tourists,
Thailand's ancient history involves a day trip to Ayutthaya. They see a few
demolished ruins between the crowds of other tourists, and return to the
hotel thankful they got that out the way and can now go into R and R mode.
It's a shame they don't head further north to Sukhothai; it's still the
best place to experience a laidback glimpse of Thailand's pre-Bangkok days.
Sukhothai was the capital of Thailand from 1238 until 1438 and features the
Sukhothai Historical Park, which was unaffected by last year's
floods. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with the ruins of royal
palaces, Buddhist temples and historical monuments. If you get there early
enough you'll enjoy the golden morning light and have the park to yourself,
which makes for an incredible photo opportunity. The best way to tour the
ruins in and outside the city walls is to rent a bicycle or a motorbike,
which also gives you a chance to see the scenic countryside surrounding the
old town. Bike rentals are available at the park gates. getting there Buses
depart from Bangkok's Mochit Bus station daily. The trip takes roughly
five-and-a-half hours. There are no direct trains to Sukhothai but you can
travel as far as Phitsanulok and then take a local bus to Sukhothai, which is
about 50 kilometers away. Bangkok Airways flies twice daily to Sukhothai in
the morning and afternoon. The flight takes approximately one hour. Sukhothai
is divided into the old and new towns, which are 12 kilometers apart. If you
want to get to the Sukhothai Historical Park early in the morning, it's
best to stay in the old town. A full range of hotels, resorts and guest
houses lies adjacent to the park. Public buses ferry guests between the old
and new town every 20 minutes.   read more

Japan plans ‘space elevator’ by 2050

Thu, 02/23/2012 - 13:28 — Anonymous by CNNGo staffGoing up -- next stop,
zero-gravity. How would you like to spend a week in an elevator? No, this
isn't David Blaine's latest stunt to survive seven days of Muzak, it's
a plan by one Japanese company to put space onto every traveler's bucket
list. The 36,000-kilometer high, 200-kph lift will be ready by 2050,
according to Obayashi Corporation, and will take passengers a tenth of the
way to the moon. For travelers, it could mean bragging rights over those who
opt for alternative space tourism ventures such as Virgin Galactic and Space
Expedition Curacao, both of which offer sub-orbital flights up to 100
kilometers, well short of Obayashi Corp's 36,000-kilometer high.       
    Also on CNNGo: Tokyo to London in 90 minutes, via spaceread more

The Korean godfather of charcoal-roasted coffee

Thu, 02/23/2012 - 09:07 — Anonymous by Frances Cha, Seoul EditorLocated on
the outskirts of the quirky Heyri Art Village in the Gyeonggi province, Kaldi
Coffee features the high ceilings, beautiful hand-carved wooden tables and
chairs and rows of delicate glass siphon coffeemakers at the bar that would
make it seem like the perfect coffee shop to spend a rainy day. But when
passers-by -- most of whom made the trip to see the various art galleries in
the village -- walk in to order some coffee, they tend to be met with
surprise, rather than the briskly efficient order-taking characteristic of
most coffeeshops. Also on CNNGo: Heyri Art Village: Korea's melting pot of
creativity Despite its appearance, Kaldi Coffee is not really a coffeeshop.
In the coffee-obsessed Korean foodie blogosphere, it is known as "the
factory," and the origin of charcoal-roasted coffee in the country. "The
taste is quite different than coffee made from beans roasted over gas
fire," says owner Seo Duk-sik, 54, of the unique method of roasting beans
over charcoal. "It's subtler, and much more aromatic."read more

Why hailing a Singapore taxi is about to get easier

Thu, 02/23/2012 - 09:58 — Anonymous by CNNGo staffSingapore is famous for
its rigid regulations, and taxis are no exception. Think you can just step
off the curb and hail a ride, New York City style? Sorry.  If you're a
first-time visitor to Singapore, you might find yourself cursing as you watch
cab after cab ignore your attempts to flag them down, despite their
illuminated green lights.  That's because before 10 p.m. in the central
business district (CBD), taxi drivers are only allowed to pick up and drop
off fares at designated stands, where queues can be painfully long during
rush hour, and building driveways.  But new rules that come into effect next
month will make it easier for people looking to catch a ride in the CBD. 
More on CNNGo: Meet Singapore's most tech-enabled taxiread more

10 of the best Sydney day trips for children

Thu, 02/23/2012 - 04:55 — Anonymous by Chantal AbitbolSure, Sydney may be a
cosmopolitan place known for its smart eateries, pubs and colorful nightlife,
but don't be totally fooled. By day, this family-friendly city also offers
loads to do to keep its most-demanding residents happy too. Here's our pick
of the top 10 things to do with the kids. And even if you don't have
children, many are still worth a visit. 1. Splash the dugongs at Sydney
Aquarium Set in the heart of Sydney on Darling Harbour, Sydney Aquarium
showcases more than 12,000 marine animals from 650 species in habitat
displays, including platypuses, seahorses, giant turtles, jellyfish and
thousands of tropical fish. But the main drawcard is a series of underwater,
see-through tunnels, where sharks and giant stingrays glide overhead and
alongside visitors. Also on top of the must-see list -- a pair of native
dugongs, or sea cows, called Pig and Wuru, who were taken into captivity
after being found washed up on different beaches in Queensland.read more

Tokyo’s classiest café brings back the butler

Tue, 02/21/2012 - 22:41 — Anonymous by Brandi Goode"Yes, my princess!"
These are the first words caressing my ears (more like assaulting, really --
these guys are super-genki) as I enter Butlers Café in Shibuya, a retreat
for young females in search of a relaxing afternoon, an English lesson and
most importantly, the chance to interact with friendly men. Friendly foreign
men. The surroundings call to mind a Victorian grandmother's sitting room,
with classical music, ample accents of lace and more hearts and roses
adorning the furniture than can possibly be counted. Butlers Café is one of
a growing band of similarly themed establishments in Tokyo, but it is the
only one where English is the official language. After interviewing 200 women
on the streets of Shibuya nearly six years ago, owner Yuki Hirohata found
that nearly all of them listed English conversation practice as a leading
goal because they wanted to "communicate with foreigners."read more

How to survive a Chinese drinking frenzy

Wed, 02/22/2012 - 04:57 — Anonymous by Trista BaldwinIf you thought
shotgunning a beer in under five seconds back in uni was the pinnacle of
drinking prowess, you've probably never been properly ganbei'd. China's
version of "down the hatch" is a bit like the Power Hour, which involves
repeated and prolonged shooting of small amounts of alcohol -- red wine if
you're lucky, baijiu if you're not. Though observed in all social
circles, ganbei is particularly prominent in China's formal banquet
culture, where business suits and government officials rub elbows, talk
business and get completely sloshed. Shanghai-based food and wine critic
Lawrence Lo and a few seasoned ganbei-ers, shared the secrets of this
thoroughly intoxicating custom.  1. You're in, or you're out While
you're not obliged to chug the night away, it is tacitly expected at a
business banquet.read more

10 hotel rooms where history happened

Wed, 02/22/2012 - 05:00 — Anonymous by Anthea GerrieThe best hotel rooms
don't just have history, they have stories. At these you get a soft bed, an
oversized tub and a chance to see through the eyes of some of history's
cultural protagonists.  Also on CNNGo: Best city hotel rooms with a view 1.
Keith Richards' TV toss: Andaz West Hollywood, United States You'd never
know from the sleek, modern lines that this was formerly the Continental
Hyatt House -- a k a Riot House -- so nicknamed for the hair-raising antics
of out-of-control rockers. This is where Keith Richards threw a TV off his
11th floor balcony in 1975, Jim Morrison hung from a window by his fingertips
and Axl Rose tossed steaks to crowds of adoring fans gathered outside on
Sunset Strip.read more

Asia's first Snow Polo World Cup

Tue, 02/21/2012 - 12:10 — Anonymous by Peter ShadboltYou could be forgiven
for thinking that last week's Snow Polo World Cup 2012, the first to take
place in Asia, was about sport. A dozen teams charged around a snowy pitch,
with mallets whirring and hooves thundering. Hong Kong's players eventually
took the crown by seven goals to four against a spirited South African team
and there was much sweat, shouting and rippling of muscles. But it was about
much more. Also on CNNGo: How China is falling in love with polo The Tianjin
Goldin Polo Club, the venue for the event, is the main recreational
attraction in a massive development 130 kilometers from the centre of Beijing
being built by Hong Kong-listed property developer Goldin Properties Holdings
Limited.read more

It's official: Korea's 50 most unique hotels

Tue, 02/21/2012 - 11:00 — Anonymous by CNNGo staff Never mind expensive
weekend packages at Seoul's luxury hotels. Korea's more unique
accommodations tend to be much more visually interesting -- and not just a
little campy.  Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) announced the publication of
"Korea's most unique accommodations" on Monday. Travel writers and
reporters, as well as high-profile foreign visitors contributed to the
selection of the 50 venues. While the 115-page photograph-filled book will
not be for sale and mostly distributed to the 26 international branches of
KTO, the organization is planning to make it available in an e-book format on
the official Visit Korea website later this month.  The roundup includes
lesser known accommodation options such as the Phoenix Island resort, which
features beautiful glass venues designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, as
well as the recently renovated hanok hotel Kundaemunjip (큰대문집) in
Seoul. read more

Need it or not, here's another dose of luxury for Bangkok

Tue, 02/21/2012 - 11:36 — Anonymous by CNNGo staffA graphic rendering of
the Park Hyatt Bangkok, which features a 'twisted coil' exterior design.
Pack your designer luggage. Bangkok is set to get another 222 luxury hotel
rooms, adding to an already vast number of accommodation options for
travelers in search of high thread counts.  Global hotel brand Hyatt
confirmed this week it will open its first Park Hyatt -- at a cost of 5
billion baht -- in Thailand in 2014.  On the plus side, Bangkok's
embattled travel industry could use some positivity as the news proves
that despite the recent bomb blasts and floods, the city won't go down the
tourism tubes without a fight.    Park Hyatt is the American
corporation's top luxury brand, reserved for cities with strong demand for
posh digs. Luxury travelers have long been in love with Bangkok, though one
has to ask who is going to fill all these rooms in an already crowded
market.  Rates will start from US$300 a night, putting it up there at the
top end of the luxury field with the likes of the Mandarin Oriental,
Peninsula, Four Seasons, Shangri-La, St. Regis, Banyan Tree, Kempinski and
the soon-to-open W.read more

Cha chaan teng cheat sheet: What to order at the most popular eateries in Hong Kong

Mon, 02/20/2012 - 10:15 — Anonymous by Jason BeermanCha chaan tengs fuel
Hong Kong. These local diners are where Hong Kongers sate their appetite for
almost anything at almost any time. They operate round-the-clock, serving
distinctly indigenous comfort food with no-nonsense service and an atmosphere
of bustling industriousness. Cha chaan teng culture came of age in the 1950s
when Hong Kong's increasingly cosmopolitan and westernized middle classes
began to broaden their palates. The result is a melange of tastes that fuses
the cuisines of the various transient populations of Hong Kong into a new
pastiche cuisine: accidental fusion food.  It lacks a singular definition
and there are nearly no parameters. The menu at a typical cha chaan teng is
seemingly endless in scope. Written on paper and taped to the walls, they
extend wall-to-wall like a madman's scrawl.read more

iReport: My favorite China travel photos

Tue, 02/21/2012 - 04:57 — Anonymous Few countries around the world can
provide travelers with such a diverse experience as China. Spreading over
approximately 9,600,000 square kilometers, the nation's vista stretches
from the winding lanes of Kashgar's Islamic old city to the surreal
Shanghai Pudong skyline to the palm tree-lined tropical beaches in Hainan. In
our recent iReport assignment, we asked travelers to share their favorite
China photos and we received myriad incredible views and thrilling travel
tales. The gallery above showcases a selection of the best responses. More on
CNNGo: iReport: My favorite Hangzhou travel photoread more

10 classic American experiences

Mon, 02/20/2012 - 23:46 — Anonymous by Jennings Brown Afraid of returning
to the States and feeling out of sorts?  Arriving on North American shores
for the first time and wondering where to start "experiencing" the United
States?  You're in luck -- we know how to get your Yankee Doodle mojo
working. "We can derive great comfort from visiting a state fair or rodeo,
and enjoying traditions not far removed from those of our great
grandparents," says Kurt B. Reighley, author of "United States of
Americana: Backyard Chickens, Burlesque Beauties, and Handmade Bitters -- A
Field Guide to the New Americana Roots Movement." From Reighley's rah-rah
to road trips, rebel yells and roller coasters, here are 10 experiences
guaranteed to connect anyone with the classic American spirit. read more

Most bike-friendly cities in the U.S.

Mon, 02/20/2012 - 23:16 — Anonymous by Jennings Brown Ernest Hemingway
would love modern Portland. Or Boulder. Or Austin. No, not because of all the
great local beer. Though surely he would have guzzled his fill of that. What
the cranky author really would love about these cities is the biking. "It
is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since
you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them," Hemingway wrote.
"Thus you remember them as they actually are." We asked nationally
recognized bike advocates across the United States, and reviewed information
from the League of American Bicyclists, Alliance for Biking & Walking and the
U.S. Department of Commerce to determine the best U.S. cities to discover by
bike.read more

Show's over: Cirque du Soleil tumbles out of Macau

Mon, 02/20/2012 - 15:17 — Anonymous by Zoe Li, Hong Kong EditorCirque du
Soleil announced earlier this month it is pulling its show "Zaia" out of
Macau due to disappointing ticket sales. The end of "Zaia" is seen as more
proof that Macau is not quite Las Vegas, even as its gambling revenue
consistently surpasses the American city's. Cirque du Soleil's senior
director of public relations, Renée-Claude Ménard, said to The Gazette:
"We knew the (Macau) market was not shifting from 'gaming only' to a
'destination' market ... we knew it would become an issue at some point in
time." "Zaia"'s last show is on February 19, after completing only three
and a half years of its 10-year contract with the Sands Macao. Visitors to
Macau largely focus on gambling and stay for an average of only 1.5 nights, a
short time compared to Las Vegas visitors' 3.6 nights. This affords little
time for Macau visitors to do anything more than gamble. read more

Ultimate checklist for returning U.S. expats

Mon, 02/20/2012 - 23:28 — Anonymous by Jordan BurchetteDepending on how
long you've been abroad, your transition back to the U.S. could be as
stressful -- perhaps even more so -- as your initial expatriation.When you
arrived in your foreign home, you likely had to undergo an understandable
period of culture adjustment. What you may not expect is the inverse upon
your return; the expectation of the familiar derailed by the degree to which
things have changed.Change isn't a bad thing, it's just something
you'll want to prepare for. After consulting with a number of repats,
here's our checklist for re-Americanization. Setting up the basics You'll
have to satisfy fundamental necessities quickly in order to function as an
adult. Here are the major items to take care of.The show is over for
Blackberry. Cell phones/plansBlackberry is dead. The company can no longer
compete with its chief rivals, the iPhone and Android-based handsets, and it
doesn't even do well anymore what it used to; a new Blackberry works worse
than one from two years ago.Three of the four major carriers -- Sprint,
Verizon, AT&T -- carry the iPhone, and all service providers offer some form
of Android-based phone. Check BillShrink for the plan that best suits you.You
may be able to use your existing phone on the AT&T and T-Mobile networks,
which operate on the GSM standard.FinanceThere are four U.S. banks now:
Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Citi. And they're looking for any
and every way to disgorge you of the money you keep with them, including a
recent failed attempt to charge monthly for debit card use. So you might want
to check the Internet for places to store your war chest, find where rates
are most favorable and fees are fewer.High-yield savings, which, before the
financial collapse, reached annual rates upwards of five percent, is now
defined as anything above zero. But check Fat Wallet.com for the best of what
still passes for interest.Housing: Buy or rent?It's bottoms up in the housing
market. Interest rates are at their lowest in modern history. Couple that
with a weakened housing market and, if you're returning permanently, you have
good credit and anything together for a down payment, this is a good time to
consider purchasing a new property. Especially since the paradoxically
crowded housing market is driving up rents in many major cities."Even
though in many cities there are very fewer (housing) listings now than in
previous years, it's still a buyer's market," says Brian Brink of Brink
Appraisal in Portland, Ore. "Although some people still believe we
haven't seen the bottom of the real estate market, there are signs
nationally that the market is stabilizing and has seen its low point."
Everyone has less money now, but everything costs more Economic experts
insist that inflationary pressure in the United States is low, but you
wouldn't know it by looking at the prices of some of the most common items.
Since 2008 …read more

8 modern speakeasies: New wave of U.S. bars taps into an old secret

Mon, 02/20/2012 - 23:58 — Anonymous by Jennings Brown These days, every
major American city seems to have a modern rendition of a Prohibition-era
speakeasy -- secret clubs where illegal alcohol was sold during the booze-ban
days of 1920-1933. Speakeasies might not be technically illegal nowadays, but
their dated decor, hard-to-find entrances and innovative cocktails attempt to
recreate an age when flavors were mixed to overpower the repulsive taste of
rotgut hooch. Which begs the question: why try to recapture the Temperance
Movement? "Sure, most [Prohibition era] speakeasies would be pretty
awful," says Christine Sismondo, author of "America Walks into a Bar: A
Spirited History of Taverns and Saloons, Speakeasies and Grog Shops." "Some
of them had dirt floors, they were in dark basements with inadequate lighting
-- complete fire traps."read more

Shanghai's best museums

Fri, 02/17/2012 - 09:34 — Anonymous by Angela DolandShanghai sometimes gets
dismissed as a shallow city, a vortex of shopping, snacking and spending, but
rewarding cultural explorations do exist in China's commercial center.  Here
are six of Shanghai's best museums to add to your travel itinerary, from a
comprehensive state-run establishment to a hidden-in-the-basement private
institute. 1. Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆) Impress the ladies with your
knowledge of batik and embroidered textiles.Visitors might be tempted to
avoid the Shanghai Museum, the city's most official temple to Chinese
culture. For starters, it's ugly -- the 1990s construction on People's
Square looks like a massive bathroom sink. Get over that first impression and
you'll find treasures inside. One highlight is the ceramics collection and
its Tang Dynasty (618-907) tomb guardians, including a ferocious beast that
seems part dragon, tiger, horse and goat.read more

Life and death on the Sydney tourist trail

Mon, 02/20/2012 - 10:26 — Anonymous by Ian Lloyd Neubauer When you buy a
170-year old hotel and start digging around, you're bound to come across a
few surprises. That's what happened to Shlomi Bonet while unearthing an old
landfill at his heritage-listed property in Breadalbane, a small village
southwest of Sydney that just happens to make a fine day trip out of the
city. Standing on the Old South Road -- the first thoroughfare linking Sydney
and Melbourne -- the Breadalbane Hotel was an alehouse, post office and
staging post for Cobb and Co, the legendary 19th-century stagecoach company.
The hotel's license to serve alcohol was temporarily revoked in 1865 after
the then-publican Thomas Lodge was charged with harboring "The Gentleman
Bushranger" Ben Hall, whose gang spent the night there after holding up
another hotel down the road at the town of Collector. What lies beneath?
Thousands of bottles were consumed at the Breadalbane Hotel until it was
converted into a homestead a century ago, most of which were thrown into
landfills that now pockmark the property. Over time, some of this glass has
found its way to the surface, creating a colonial-era hazard for the current
owner's young family.read more

10 ways to get a cheaper holiday

Mon, 02/20/2012 - 10:00 — Anonymous by Hiufu WongWe work all year with nary
a break to speak about, then blow whatever we've saved on 10 days in a motel
some place, somewhere. With just a little extra research, there are ways to
get that dream holiday far cheaper. Also on CNNGo: 10 cities, 100 amazing
free attractions Feel free to watch my TV and feed my cats. 1. Book a home,
not a hotel With accommodation often accounting for a huge chunk out of your
travel budget, it's one of the easiest ways to cut your costs.read more