Archive for June, 2008

Things to do in Baltimore, Maryland

June 26th, 2008 Tushar Mathur

Baltimore

Although, I have never been to Baltimore, I hear its a great city. I usually write about places I have visited myself, but Zach @ zachstocks.com will be traveling next month to Baltimore. He read my article about attractions in New York and asked me if I would be willing to write about Baltimore and San Fransisco. Now San Fransisco I have visited and love it there. So that wont be a problem. I did some Research and came up with the following things to visit while in Baltimore, Maryland.

Downtown Baltimore offers a plethora of attractions that involve little spending or planning. The fact that many of these points of interest have an educational component is just great.

1. LEXINGTON MARKET – Lexington and Eutaw Streets – 410-685-6169.
For absolutely no money, you can enter the Market, walk around, watch butchers and fishmongers at work, and smell wonderful food cooking. You’ll get a feel for what doing the food shopping used to be like. Be warned: Leaving the Market without buying something will be difficult. Wonderful treats are everywhere, including roasted peanuts, peppermint puffs, thick deli sandwiches, pickled cauliflower, real lemonade, huge salads, steamed crabs, raw oysters and fresh baked goods. You also can have a fantastic meal for just a few bucks.

2. ST. MARY’S PARK – next to 600 North Paca Street
St. Mary’s Park, which once was home to old St. Mary’s Seminary, is an island of green and quiet in the city. You can walk, sit and enjoy the sun, collect leaves, watch squirrels load up on acorns, look for apple windfalls, bring a picnic lunch, and enjoy the singing of local birds – everything from sparrows to crows.

3. WASHINGTON MONUMENT AND MOUNT VERNON PARK – Charles and Monument
Streets – 410-396-1049.
This monument to our first president, while not so imposing as the one in Washington, is arguably more pleasing to the eye. The statue of Washington atop can be seen streets away, and the sight of the Monument at night as one travels up Charles Street always takes the breath away. The surrounding park and buildings appear to have been lifted from a 19th century European city. Fountains, flowers and statues provide points of interest – a particular favorite statue is at the North end near Madison – John Eager Howard, who donated the land for the Monument and park. Benches are available for rest and picnicking. The Monument is open to the public from 10 a.m.

Click to continue reading

Posted in Tourist Attraction Reviews Comments Off

Top Attractions To See While In New York

June 23rd, 2008 Tushar Mathur

In New yorkSeven days in New York City is just enough time to taste the best and still have plenty of energy left to play hard in the city that never sleeps. It may be a very busy visitor attraction but you couldn’t visit New York without seeing the Empire State Building. The Top of the Rockefeller Center probably has the better view and who’s arguing at more than 250m up, but expect to queue and be prepared for times when you cannot see anything in bad weather. Taking a ferry trip and stopping off at the former immigration center on Ellis Island will allow great views of the Statue of Liberty without the long delays that have been normal since 9/11.

As an alternative why not go to Staten Island via the free ferry and look at the Statue of Liberty from there; it is also worth walking around the terminal as well as there are many excellent street performers there. Without going to the site of where the World Trade Center Towers used to be no seven day visit to New York would feel right. It’s strangely moving location and the terrorist struck World Trade Center site covers a huge area but it is a peculiarly unfriendly subject for the photographer. An emotionally lighter attraction is to visit some of the famous stores like Tiffany’s or the Lower East side area where there are numerous bargain warehouses to look around.

Then there is Maceys, where there is always a sale so don’t forget to get your 11 per cent tourist discount card; and you can look but don’t touch at Bloomingdale’s. Another popular visitor destination, which is currently closed for refurbishment is the ISASM or the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum which will be opening it’s doors again late in 2008; well worth looking in if your around at that time of the grand re-opening. There is a great deal there with the USS Intrepid taking center stage being a Second World War aircraft carrier but there is a Concorde and other underwater vessels there too. If you have the time the New York City Police Museum is also worth a look and although it’s free to enter, a five dollar donation per visitor is advised; it contains a great deal of information about the World famous Police Department and you can buy souvenirs too.

Click to continue reading

Posted in Tourist Attraction Reviews Comments Off

Get extra money from blogging

June 20th, 2008 Tushar Mathur
Best opportunity was during you when get some extra money from work. If you a blogger, you could get extra money easily. Bloggerwave gave the opportunity to you for got some extra money from blog , you can make money with blogging.

Very pleasant when with blogging, you could get what was wanted by you. As the biggest advertiser’s company in Europe, bloggerwave wanted to give the appreciation to blogger at instigation to increase their business. And at this time bloggerwave developed very fast, this made bloggerwave gave the opportunity to you to get some extra money from blogging.


Posted in travel, Vacation Comments Off

India

June 19th, 2008 Tushar Mathur
Probably there is no man on earth, not to dream to go to India, where all penetrated symbolism and hidden meaning. In India, where age-old tradition are not crumble under the pressure of civilization, where rickshaw and sacred cows together with luxurious palaces and skyscrapers.

India has always surprised the world, even do it now, inviting tourists from all over the world to join its secrecy, which over the centuries created by Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Portuguese, English. India inconceivable eastern philosophy, which everything is subject of fate and destiny.

India will charm you natural beauty, combine a sea and mountains, deserts and jungles, cold and heat. To list all the attractions of the country of elephants is not possible. The whole culture of India, based on different religious canon, is a monolith, which each side as the famous Taj Mahal Mausoleum, struck by its beauty. That’s why thousands of travelers from all corners of the earth seeking to enter India, which established an excellent tourist industry. Today we are going to India, not only to get acquainted with architectural cuisine, but also to swim in the crystal waters of the oceans, to take up diving, a ride on the backs of camels and elephants, to commit exciting safari in the jungles in India and much more.



The capital: New Delhi
The largest city: Mumbai

Population: 2008 estimate – 1,132,446,000; According to data in 2000: Hindus – 81.3% of the population, Muslims – 12%, Christians – 2.3%, Sikhs – 1.9%, other groups – 2.5%.Around 25 million people of Indian or Indian origin living outside India. While in the U.S., Canada and the UK Indians are employed in high technology sectors.

National particularities: Hindus mental warehouse featuring heavily developed fantasy. They are peaceful, sometimes humiliation polite, often equally disingenuous, as well as very sensual and emotionally, and they can hide their passions. Their virtues are moderation, cleanliness, patience, curiosity, respect for science as well as positive and constant goodwill. They are smiling all the time. To better understand these people, should know that India for centuries, residents tried to follow the principles and rules laid down in ancient holy book-Vedas. According Vedas everyone should learn to express love for God in their daily affairs. In each case should be done with joy and be a small step to self-improvement.

Holidays: India is a multicultural and multireligious society, celebrates holidays and festivals of various religions. There are three national holidays in India: Independence Day, Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanti. In addition, many states and regions have local festivals.

Click to continue reading

Posted in travel, Vacation Comments Off

Maui After Dark

June 18th, 2008 Tushar Mathur

Maui After Dark

This review is a continuation to my earlier post Maui: A True Paradise on Earth. Here we take a look at what Maui has to offer for our “After Dark” entertainment.

Maui is an island teaming with diversity and nighttime offerings on the island are no different. Visitors to Maui can enjoy nature, food and dancing at locations all over the island.

The summit of Haleakala provides a beautiful location to view a Maui sunset. After dark the summit provides the perfect location for stargazing. ‘Tour of the Stars’, offered on the rooftop of the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, features Hawaii?s only recreational telescope.

The Director of Astronomy provides participants with astronomical instruction and then leads them step-by-step through identifying the celestial objects with binoculars and the telescope. Special couples’ only viewings add an additional touch of romance to a Maui vacation. Other Maui stargazing activities are offered at the Grand Wailea Resort and the Kaanapali Embassy Suites.

Many sea creatures become most active after dark. Divers can experience an after-dark dive off Maui when eels, manta rays and big fish come out to play. Mike Severns Diving and Ed Robinson Diving Adventures, both offer nighttime dives to Maui visitors who are scuba certified.

Maui visitors wanting to watch the same nocturnal ocean antics without getting wet should check out the ‘Aquarium After Dark’ program at the Maui Ocean Center.

On full moon nights, Maui visitors can join the Monthly Moonlight Mo?olelo sessions at the Ritz-Carlton. Held on a beach house lawn under the full moon, this event celebrates the Maui island tradition of story-telling.

Every Maui vacation should include one evening spent enjoying the Hawaiian traditional luau celebration. Hula dancers, traditional Hawaiian food, and Hawaiian music are standard at all Maui luaus.

Most hotels and resorts offer luaus but the most authentic luau on Maui is considered to be the Old Lahaina Luau. Luaus on Maui are usually all you can eat and drink, including alcohol. A traditional luau is set on the beach or within sight of the ocean. Maui visitors can experience refreshing ocean breezes while enjoying their great food and entertainment.

Visitors looking for a more traditional vacation party atmosphere can find it on Maui as well. Lahaina and Kihei are considered the best places on Maui to party and meet other tourists. Featuring bars with live music and dancing, both areas draw large crowds in the evening. Resort and hotel bars often host music nightly also.

Dinner shows also draw Maui visitors to Lahaina. Warren and Annabelle’s, located on Front Street, consistently receives rave reviews.

Click to continue reading

Posted in Tourist Attraction Reviews, travel, vacations Comments Off

Welcome To Miami

June 17th, 2008 Tushar Mathur
Miami is a sub-tropical city, climatically very different from most places in the USA. The city is a cosmopolitan playground that attracts more visitors than any other US destination.

Miami appeals to holiday makers wanting warm sun, clean sandy beaches, a laid back lifestyle, sophisticated entertainment in clubs and bars and a mix of art, music and international cuisines.

Travelers visiting Miami may actually spend their time in Miami Beach, a separate municipality situated 4 miles (6 km) across Biscayne Bay from downtown Miami. The combined greater Miami area includes several ethnic neighborhoods such as Little Havana and Little Haiti.

The population of the Greater Miami Area is a 50% mix of assorted Hispanic and the diverse cultural mix is evident in Latin American languages, cuisine and music throughout the city and. Dining in Miami offers the opportunity to visit a different ethnic restaurant every night and enjoy diverse international cuisines.

Once upon a time, Miami attracted mostly retirees turning their backs on snowy, colder climates but nowadays it attracts the ultra-chic glitterati, cashed up yuppies, the boating and yachting fraternity and Cuban immigrants.

** Miami Vacation Attractions

Greater Miami is a great base for access to several major Florida holiday attractions. The northern tip of the Florida Keys is just off shore, the Everglades are just a short distance inland and the affluent enclaves of Palm Beach and Boca Roton are just a short distance along the coast.

The Miami Beach Promenade, aka South Beach, is a favorite spot for cyclists, skaters, joggers and skateboarders. This is the most instantly recognized beach front location in existence and the place to be seen if appearances are important.

Many of the early Miami buildings from the early 1900′s have been restored. A walking tour around the South Beach precinct is recommended to see the spectacular rejuvenation of the 1920′s buildings in the Art Deco Historic District.

Miami boasts fine museums, galleries, historic gardens, zoos, sports stadiums, spring fed natural pools and of course, the ever present golf courses. Greater Miami has lots to brag about when it comes to world class golf courses and is home to some of the most testing courses in the world.

** Miami Vacation Cruises

The busiest cruise ship center of any city in the USA is the Port of Miami with holiday cruises to the Caribbean and Latin America making up the bulk of these cruises, but there are also cruises to all parts of the world.

Cruises are usually well equipped for gambling and casinos open as soon as the ship passes into international waters.

Click to continue reading

Posted in travel, Vacation Comments Off

Bali A Lesson To Be Learned

June 17th, 2008 Tushar Mathur
Bali. Indonesia. I wonder what the world?s view of Bali is today.

Once, before October 11th, 2001 it was safe to bet that it was thought by many to be in the south pacific somewhere, courtesy of Mr. Rogers and Mr. Hammerstein from the musical South Pacific. After that date it was perhaps seen as a Muslim militant stronghold following the horrendous night of bombing that destroyed the lives of so any when the clubs Sari and Padi?s were targeted. This was strengthened by the bombs of October 1 2005, when once again, tourists became the victims as two more sites were bombed.

As a long time visitor to Bali I have to say that both views are wrong.

For one thing, Bali is in the Indian Ocean, part of the Indonesian archipelago. Its people are predominantly Hindu although there is a small percentage of Muslims living seamlessly together.

Those of us who have chosen to make this island our home, are bewildered by the events of the last years. Most foreigners here, are engaged in some kind of business (although it is more a life choice decision to settle here rather than a commercial one), and all business here are ultimately affected by tourism. It has been hardest on the 3 million Balinese, many of course lost their jobs as businesses went to the wall. Even those of us who managed to keep going have been under pressure to keep jobs open.

The people of Bali are not militants. They have been the victims of the out rage as much as the innocent holiday makers who have been killed and maimed by a few extremists. Still they harbor no grudge against their Muslim brothers. It is refreshing to see in today?s world that often is so intolerant of others different from ones self or others of a different faith than ones own, an easy acceptance that not all are evil. A lesson perhaps, many could benefit from learning.

I hope the problems will abate for Bali. I hope reason triumphs over fanaticism. I hope more people will come and see for them selves what this charming island has to offer.

I hope to see you here one day.

Posted in travel, Vacation Comments Off

Going for a stress-free travel

June 12th, 2008 Tushar Mathur

going for a stress-free travel

Whether you are going on business or pleasure, traveling can be very stressful. Tension can start from the planning stage up to the time you are leaving. However, stress does not have to ruin your business or vacation. These simple tips are guaranteed to help you get rid of that travel stress bug.

Plan ahead

There is no replacing good planning. To ensure that your travel will be stress-free, make sure that your flights and hotel accommodations are booked and confirmed. This will put you at ease knowing that delays are unlikely and there will be no surprises at the hotel desk.

If you arrange for transportation for the duration of your travel, all the better. In case, you will have to get around the city by taxi, it is good to ask the concierge to help you find a reputable taxi company.

Be prepared to get lost

Remember that you are on a foreign land and unless you have already traveled there a couple of time, you?ll have no way of knowing how to get around. Becoming lost is probably the biggest nightmare for travelers.

Before embarking on your trip, buy a travel book with maps and some useful phrases that you can use with the locals. Carry with you a credit card, identification papers and enough money to get around the city in case you get lost. It is also a good idea to ask your hotel for a business card which you can show to locals when you ask for directions.

By acknowledging that you can get lost, you can better prepare and be ready for anything.

Keep the communication open

Nothing can be a better stress-buster than staying connected with your family when traveling. With today?s technology, communication is increasingly more available. People who travel can now keep in touch through cellular phones, emails and text messages. Rates in international phone calls are also cheaper now than before.

Reward yourself

Do not procrastinate. If on a business travel, make sure that you have done all your work before you go sightseeing. Set aside a day where all you can do is travel to different sights in the city. If your schedule is spread out, make sure that you have ample time to go somewhere. It will also help to make out an itinerary of places to see. You can always ask the hotel to help you with that.

Eat local cuisine

Eating can minimize travel stress! So, treat yourself to local foods and stay away from your usual staple of burger, spaghetti and cola. Be adventurous and have fun in local restaurants.

Click to continue reading

Posted in Vacation Comments Off

The Versatility Of Bali Blinds

June 10th, 2008 Tushar Mathur
If you are looking for the best designed window blinds, you must be looking for the type called Bali blinds. Bali blinds are stylish and trendy types of window blinds available in the market these days. They will suit your taste as a choosy buyer.

Bali blinds have different styles and shape. You can choose between both aluminum Bali blinds and vinyl Bali blinds. You can choose between horizontal or mini blinds depending on what your room needs. If you are looking for a well coordinated look, you can choose contrast Bali blinds with vertical and horizontal lines in the same room. The shape of your window must be your standard of choosing which Bali blind is to prefer. But with its convenience, no matter what size your window is, you can always look for the best size of Bali blinds that can fit all kinds of window.

The vertical Bali blinds are common to have 1 inch wide measurement while the horizontal Bali blinds are larger with 2 inches wide measurement. If you are looking for Bali blinds for your bathroom and kitchen window, you must buy a vertical Bali blinds.

The best about Bali blinds is that it is made to block light because of its head trail but it doesn’t have a valance. It is well designed to fit any window facing of any size. So it is all right for you to have a cloth valance over the top of your Bali blinds.

If you want a sophisticated contemporary look, try buying aluminum Bali blinds with amazing colors. This type of Bali blinds are made specifically to resist and damage caused by dust and dirt. It is easier to clean. Aside from that, it is made also not to have scratches even if you bent is over and over again. The technology of applied to this type of Bali blinds are advanced so it can resist even if you induce damage on it.

If you are gong to clean your Bali blinds, all you need to do is to use vacuum. If stains get into it, simply wipe them off with a moist cloth containing mild cleanser. On vertical blinds, you can take out the vanes and soak it in water then wash them off afterwards. Detergents are fine to use. So cleaning is never a problem.

So what are you waiting for, buy now and enjoy the benefits you can get from buying Bali blinds of your choice. It is durable and it can give you the privacy you need.

Click to continue reading

Posted in travel, Vacation Comments Off

Travel Cheap But Don’t Be Cheap

June 10th, 2008 Tushar Mathur
Remember those halcyon days when all you needed for the best six week holiday of your life was a couple of quid for can of coke and all the Space Invaders you could eat? Me too. But I’ve got some news for you people. Space Invaders aren’t 10p anymore and grown up holidays are far more expensive then school holidays. So how do you make the most of those four weeks off a year without ending up pooling your change for pickled onion ‘potato’ snacks when you get back? Read our guide to holidaying on the cheap, packed full of money saving tips with an absolute minimum of embarrassing scrimping, and find out.

Don’t trust anyone about travel insurance

Never, ever tick those boxes that say ‘add cheap travel insurance’ when you book a flight, train ticket or hotel. It is highly unlikely that this option will be the best for you in terms of either price or cover. These boxes generally offer extremely limited cover at bumped up prices, and take advantage of the fact that £3.95 each way doesn’t sound unreasonable for ‘complete piece of mind’.

Remember that many of the so-called benefits of these polices will already be covered through your statutory rights, especially if you take the added precaution of booking with a credit card. If you are holidaying in the EU then an E111 form will also give you free basic medical cover. If you are going to book travel insurance then use an online comparison site, get lots of different quotes, and make sure that the policy actually offers you a useful and realistic level of cover.

Don’t raid the mini bar

We all know that Kit-Kats taste better when you’ve just paid £2 for them, but there is no need to for such extravagance when there is a Spar on the corner of every street in the world. Stock up on drinks and snacks before you get to your hotel room, and if you must nick stuff from the bar then choose the easily replaceable stuff and buy new ones to pop back in the next morning.

Monday is free day

Many countries offer free admission to museums, galleries and exhibitions on Mondays so make sure that you take advantage.

Click to continue reading

Posted in travel, Vacation Comments Off
« Older Entries