Visitors to the city of Kolkata find a variety of experiences to make their stay memorable. The second largest city in India, Kolkata is more commonly known in the West as Calcutta (the city’s name was changed in 2001). The city is a mixture of East and West, of tradition and modern life. Known for its culture, arts, and spirituality, the city has a number of historic sites worth exploring. But whatever attractions draw you to the city, you’ll be sure to find delectable food nearby.

Kolkata has long had a reputation for the best restaurants in India. Many of the restaurants in the Esplanada are are over a hundred years old. While there are a number of world cuisines available in more modern eateries, it is the Indian cuisines that shouldn’t be missed. Bengali, Punjabi, Mughlai and other Indian foods are available in the city. Everything from street vendors selling egg rolls, kati rolls(a Kolkata speciality), and puchkas(Kolkata’s version of pani-puri) to upscale restaurants catering to the elite of Kolkata can be found in this modern metropolis.

Kolkata is a great place to find Bengali sweets, which are famous throughout the country. Cheese balls that are dipped in sugary syrup come in several varieties. Try Rasagolla (regular), Pantua (fried), and Rosomalia (dipped in sweetened creamy milk) to experience a range of flavors. Shondesh is made from fresh, finely ground cheese and comes in several hundred variations. Pitha are made from flour mixed with sugar, grated coconut, and other flavors and also come in a number of variations, usually with sweet syrups. The sweet yoghurt known as mishti doi is enjoyed by itself or as an element in other sweets.

Indian-Chinese food is also popular in the city. Most Chinese restaurants offer Indian variations of dishes such as hot and sour soup, chowmein, and fried rice. It wouldn’t be Indian-Chinese cuisine without chillis used to improve the original Cantonese flavors. Some favorite India-Chinese dishes include chilli chicken and chicken sweet corn soup.

In between sightseeing and dining be sure to squeeze in time for shopping and take time to relax in your hotel, especially if they are luxurious accommodations such as those found at the five star Kolkata hotels. Maybe you’ll find the food so inspiring that you’ll bring home a cookbook or two, or at least a desire to check out the Indian restaurant in your neighborhood.

Filed by Dylan at 1:35 pm under Food & Drink, Travel
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The capital of Thailand, Bangkok was originally known as Bang Makok which means “Village of Olives.” For over two centuries, this cosmopolitan city has been the economic, political, and social center of Thailand and most of southeast Asia. A popular tourist destination, it offers incredible cuisine, fabulous shopping and a variety of accomodations including the many five star hotels in Bangkok. The city’s influence extends to arts, entertainment, fashion, and education and can be felt even beyond the borders of Asia and Indochina.

Visitors to Bangkok can’t escape the presence of Tuk-tuks. Love them or hate them (or sometimes both), they are everywhere. The three-wheeled auto rickshaw is a common vehicle for hire in Bangkok and in many other parts of east and south Asia. Most consist of a open sheet-metal frame resting on three wheels. They usually have a canvas roof with space for a drive in the front cabin and three passengers in the rear. The lightness of the vehicle combined with its handlebar steering and small turning radius make it an ideal, if sometimes dangerous, vehicle for manuevering in the dense traffic common in heavily populated cities.

In Bangkok, the tuk-tuk is good as a tourist experience or for very short distances. It’s slow speeds and combined with Bangkok’s traffic congestion make longer distances untenable. Drivers are also likely to try to overcharge tourists, sometimes demanding as much as five times as what the actual price should be. Tuk-tuk’s in Bangkok should be cheaper than taking a regular taxi. If you’re in the regsidential neighborhoods, you may be able to take the less-touristy four-wheeled version. These are mainly used by locals and maids, but tourists can negotiate a trip, usually they stay in the same neighborhood, so make sure your desination is within the drivers boundaries before getting in the vehicle.

Other areas where you’ll find tuk-tuks in common use include Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Vietnam. Even cities in Canada are experimenting with versions that use compressed natural gas in an effort to control pollution.

Filed by Dylan at 1:43 pm under Travel
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While Ibiza has a reputation as a hedonistic party desintation, today’s tourists will find the island has much to offer besides a flourishing nightlife. Together with Formentera, Ibiza was known as the “Islands of Pine Trees” (Islas Pitiusas) by the Greeks. Those who brave the surrounding countryside will see the beauty that gets ignored by those seeking to party all night.

The government has been trying to change the island in recent years. They hope to attract quieter, more cultured tourism and have been working to attract more families. Part of that transformation requires that all new hotels be five (5) star, such as those at 5 star hotel Ibiza.

Many visitors fail to appreciate the natural beauty of the island. Large sections of the island are protected from commericial development as UN World Heritage Sites. Artists flock to the island to depict its natural wonders and many film and photo shoots make use of the rustic landscape. In additional to the sixty or so beaches on the island, there are forests, cliffs, small villages, and historical monuments.

Ses Salinas is one of two National Parks on the island. It is home to salt lakes, lunar cords with ghost trees that are centuries old as well as beaches and cliffs. Another protected area is the nature reserves of es Vedra, es Vedranell and the islands to the southwest of Ibiza. This park encompasses the small islands, the marine environment, beaches, forests, and other natural features. It includes the highest point on the island: sa Talai.

Of course, there is nothing to stop a visitor from taking full advantage of the natural attractions of the island and still partaking of the famous club scene. Ibiza has a little of something for everyone.

Filed by Dylan at 4:52 pm under Travel
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The island that was known in the west as Junk Ceylon has grown into a modern tourist destination. Phuket is the largest of the Thai islands. It is found in the Adaman Sea, 860 kilometers south of Bangkok. Phuket is connected to the mainland by a bridge and has evolved into the most popular destination of the islands.

The many beaches of Phuket offer a variety of activities that appeal to tourists. In addition to normal water activities such as snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing, sunbathing and swimming, the beaches of Phuket offer shopping, fine dining, and exciting nightlife.

The Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Conservation Development and Extension Center oversees the wildlife within the Khao Phra Thaeo wildlife park. A haven of virgin forest, the park seeks to conserve endangered species and features spectacular vegetation. It is also home to an environmental study center.

Home to a diverse population of Buddhists, Thai-Chinese, Malay, Muslims, and Europeans, Phuket provides a rich multi-cultural experience. The cultural diversity is reflected in the range of festivals and events held throughout the year. Some of these include the Vegetarian Festival, the Seafood Festival, the Patong Carnival (also called the Phuket Travel Fair), the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, and the Chao Le (Sea Gypsy) Boat Floating Festival.

Whatever activities they prefer, visitors will find many Five star hotels Phuket as well as fine dining, great shoppping, and a stunning blend of natural resources with modern urban settings.
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Filed by Dylan at 3:34 pm under Travel
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Goa was a Portuguese colony for four hundred and fifty years. It has over sixty miles of beaches – each one unique. The local food mixes Portuguese with Indian. Goa’s hotels and restaurants serve cuisine of the highest quality. Luxury hotels Goa offer a high standard of accommodation and restaurants and bars.

Goa has many colorful bazaars and markets. They offer an impressive range of tailored clothes and shoes. There are always tasty food and drinks available. There are many nightclubs and bars for tourists on the beachfront at Vagator and Anjuna.

The waterfalls at Dudhsagar are well worth visiting. You can bathe in the crystal clear waters amongst the jungle greenery. You may even see monkeys swinging through the trees as you swim.

Filed by Dylan at 1:11 pm under Travel
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When you are visiting a new town or city many people want to get a feel for the local culture and hang out where locals hang out. Newcastle in England is a highly rated city by visitors In the past it was heavily industrialized with major steel, coal and shipbuilding plants. This means that it has much in the ways of visible history as well as amazing coastal scenery and desolate hillsides.

Newcastle is a bike friendly place if the weather is good. There are many places to lock a bike up in the city center as well as cycle lanes on the streets. A few of the Metro stations provide storage for bicycles. Areas to visit include the Quayside, Ouseburn and Jesmond Dene within the city and Whitley Bay and Seaton Sluice on the coast.

The people of Newcastle are so friendly and very helpful so if you ever need help do not hesitate to ask. There is a vibrant folk music scene which is often located in pubs. Check the local newspapers for listings.

Newcastle has many hospitals and other medical facilities. People travel here for the Newcastle cosmetic surgery and other specialized treatment.

Places to see and explore include the river Tyne, the Tyne Bridge, the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, the Castke Keep, Segedunum, Central Arcade, Grainger Town which is the beautiful and historic heart of the city.

Filed by Dylan at 3:51 pm under Travel
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Kuala Lumpur is a relatively new city that was founded in the mid-nineteenth century. The city has been very economically successful and is going through a building boom. It is famous for its modern architecture and especially the Petronas Towers which are one of the tallest buildings in the world.

Its a safe city to visit but one that has lots of energy both during the day and at night. There is a plethora for fun things to see and do in the city including museums, art galleries and traditional shops and marketplaces. Restaurants abound and there are many clubs and nightclubs. There are many modern hotels including a fine range of 5 star hotels Kuala Lumpur. These hotels are both modern and luxurious.

Kuala Lumpur’s history stretches back to the mid 1800s when it was a gathering place for merchants, travelers and miners. The British had a great influence on the city inspiring much of the early architecture. Malaysian independence came about in 1957 and the country was quick to build on the city’s strengths as a business and commerce center.

Filed by Dylan at 7:02 pm under Travel
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Middlesbrough in Northern England developed as a port to handle the local coal industry. Other industries included iron works, shipyards, steel, chemicals, salt and breweries. It was developed as a new town in the 1800s around these industries. During the later part of the 20th century these heavy industries declined.

Middlesbrough has two main museums the Captain Cook Museum and the Dorman Museum. The Captain Cook Museum explores the life of Captain Cook who was born in a building on the site of the museum in 1728. He later became a famous explorer. The Dorman Museum is over a hundred years old and features many artifacts from the area and further a field. The Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art has some impressive works of modern art.

Middlesbrough is now considered a commercial center with many thriving businesses. These include Middlesbrough mortgage services, banks, building societies and other financial institutions.

Middlesbrough is located the edge of the North York Moors. There is plenty to do and see in this area. It is popular with hikers and ramblers. One popular walk is Cleveland Way which is one hundred and nine miles long. Once completed you can claim a certificate.

Filed by Dylan at 5:22 pm under Business and Society, Travel
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Teesside is located in Northeast England. It is an industrial area famous for iron, steel and shipbuilding and includes the towns of Middlesbrough, Redcar and Stockton on Tees. People from the area are known as smoggies which refers to the amount of smog found in the area.

Middlesbrough is like most other large cosmopolitan areas with great restaurants and bars, shopping and nightclubs. It has everything you need including activities such live comedy shows, live music, bowling, multi-screen cinemas, bars and clubs. If you need to get prepared for a night on the town visit a Teesside beauty salon.

The famous Middlesbrough Empire hosts its popular dance nights featuring some of the worlds best DJs including Erick Morillo, Tiesto, Paul Oakenfold, Roger Sanchez, Pete Tong and Paul van Dyke. Other nightclubs include the Middlesbrough Town Hall, the Arena, Onyx, and Club M.

Filed by Dylan at 7:30 pm under Travel
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Majorca (or Mallorca) is the largest in the Spanish Balearic Islands. The islands lie off the north east coast of Spain. It is a popular tourist destination and is one of the most beautiful Mediterranean islands.

The island took off as a tourist destination in the 1960s when many resorts were developed on the south west coast very near to the capital Palma. These resorts include the popular Palma Nova and Magalluf. Many tourists from the northern European countries visit Majorca for the sun and the sea.

Majorca does have much more to offer. Resorts in the north east part of the island attract families as well as walkers, scuba divers, birdwatchers and cyclists. Aludia Bay and Puerto Pollenca are two popular resorts in this part of the island.

More enterprising tourists are attracted to more isolated parts of the island. The north west coast is rugged – and the Sierra de Tramuntara mountains dominate the landscape. You can find some of the more rural villages and towns to visit in this area and get a feel for the idyllic Mediterranean lifestyle.

Accommodation on ranges from five star Mallorca hotels to four star Mallorca hotels as well as villas guest houses and hostels. Some of the five star Mallorca hotels are of the highest standards and are popular with the rich and the famous! The bars and restaurants in the five star Majorca hotels also make great places to people watch!

Filed by Dylan at 12:33 pm under Travel
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I found a video from Liberty League International on You Tube recently. The people in the video do not seem to be actors. In fact, everything I’ve found about Liberty League online seems as though all of the people involved are reaching their potentials.

From what I gather, Liberty League Int helps people learn how to unlock their inner potential and gain control of their lives. The conferences teach how to live your dreams. If I was living my dream I would be at the beach most of the year.

They’ve been to Australia, South Africa, Mexico, Florida, Hawaii and Canada. They are going to Rome, Italy, this year for the summit. I’m sure that between the scheduled events and the black tie affairs, there will be a lot of time for sight seeing.

Filed by Dylan at 9:31 am under Travel
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