Places Must See

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2009-07-02T21:35:00.001-07:00

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America's Top 10 Tourist Attractions

2009-03-11T04:49:00.000-07:00

While at work, I sneak to read some news. I ran through the most popular destinations in the US and thought that many of you are also interested where to go when you visit certain places. I found these information on yahoo travel which this website really have a lot of travel updates and guides.

Ranking the country's most popular destinations
By Rob Baedeker

1. Times Square, New York City:
37.6 million
This Manhattan crossroads of commerce retains the top spot on our list, thanks to increased visitation to the Big Apple in 2008 despite the economic turndown. According to the Times Square Alliance, "80% of visitors to NYC make it a point to visit Times Square." Total NYC visit last year was 47 million, giving us an estimate of 37.6 million travelers through the "Crossroads of the World."
Sources: Forbes Traveler estimate based on figures from The Times Square Alliance and NYC & Company.
In Pictures: America's Top 25 Most-Visited Tourist Attractions
2. The Las Vegas Strip, Nev.:
30 Million
The "Neon Trail" that comprises the heart of Sin City is also part of the federal government's National Scenic Byways Program, which designates roads based on "archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities." Hard to say which of these qualities best describes Vegas, but we can disqualify "natural." Last year, total visitors to Las Vegas numbered 37.5 million; a poll by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority found that an average of 80% of visitors had either stayed overnight or gambled on the Strip, giving us our visitor estimate of 30 million.
Source: Forbes Traveler estimate based on figures from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
3. National Mall and Memorial Parks, Washington, D.C.
25 million
Many of the nation's iconic public landmarks are found in the 1,000-plus acres of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, including the Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson Memorials, and the Korean and Vietnam War Veterans Memorials. The Smithsonian Institution's 19 museums are also adjacent to The Mall; last year, the network of free museums drew more than 25 million visits.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, The Trust for the National Mall, Pressroom of the Smithsonian Institution
4. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston:
20 Million
Built in 1742 by Peter Faneuil, a wealthy Boston merchant, Faneuil Hall served as a commercial center of the city for centuries and a site for famous orations, like Samuel Adams' independence-rallying speech to colonists. Faneuil also includes the restored 19th-century Quincy Market. Today, shoppers account for a large share of visitors, and while we've excluded shopping-only malls (like Minnesota's Mall of America) from this list, Faneuil's historic significance vaults it to the status of cultural attraction.
Source: Faneuil Hall Marketplace
5. Disney World's Magic Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.:
17.1 million
The Magic Kingdom is the most popular of Disney's Florida attractions, followed by Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, and we've used it as a watermark for traffic to Disney Florida's multiple theme-park complex. Magic Kingdom Park includes beloved rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Country Bear Jamboree.
Source: TEA/ERA Theme Park Attendance Report 2007
6. Disneyland Park, Anaheim, Calif.:
14.9 million
With nearly 15 million visitors in 2007, the original Disney Park in Anaheim, California has been a stalwart American tourist attraction since its opening in 1955. Its well-known rides range from Space Mountain to the Pirates of the Caribbean.
Source: TEA/ERA Theme Park Attendance Report 2007
7. Fisherman's Wharf/Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco:
14.1 million
The city by the Bay received approximately 16.1 million visitors in 2007 (the latest data available), and Fisherman's Wharf is its top visitor attraction (visitor estimates for Fisherman's Wharf range from 12 million to 15 million). The Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which includes the famous gold bridge along with numerous other spaces throughout the Bay Area, drew 14.6 million visitors in 2008. It's hard to know the overlap between tourists at the wharf, nearby bridge and other areas in the National Recreation Area. We've averaged the figures to arrive at our 14 million estimate.
Sources: National Park Service 2008 Annual Recreation Visits Report, Fisherman's Wharf Merchants Association, City and County of San Francisco, San Francisco Chronicle.
8. Niagara Falls, N.Y.:
12 million
The Falls, which straddle the U.S.-Canada border, have been a tourist mecca since the mid-19th century. The thundering waters are visible from observation towers, by boat and from various hiking trails and, on the Canadian side, from the Whirlpool Aero Car, an antique cable car. With statistics from the Niagara Falls Tourism Bureau and Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, visitors are approximated at 12 million a year.
Source: Niagara Falls Tourism (Visitor and Convention Bureau) and Niagara Falls Bridge Commission
9. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tenn./N.C.:
9.04 million
America's most visited national park is neither the Grand Canyon nor Yosemite. With more than 800 miles of protected trails, this natural wonder hosted approximately 9 million hikers, birders and drivers last year.
Source: National Park Service 2008 Annual Recreation Visits Report
10. Navy Pier, Chicago:
8.6 million
Opened in 1916, this Chicago landmark on the shore of Lake Michigan has served as a campus and military training facility. Today it hosts 50 acres of shops, restaurants and exposition facilities. The Chicago Shakespeare Theater and the Chicago Children's Museum are here, along with a full calendar of nighttime fireworks shows.
Source: Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority

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2009-03-03T19:38:00.000-08:00

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If you are a Travel Site Owner, please use the form located in your Travel Portal under YTB Advantage to register for this offer.

All discounts here are offered exclusively through Sprint/JMS Wireless. To register for this discount you must complete the application. Sprint/JMS is a business solutions partner of Sprint products only. All of your discounts are provided exclusively through JMS for Sprint accounts.

Rocky Mountains, CO (via Denver): An Outdoorsy Oasis

2009-02-16T16:30:00.000-08:00

Rocky Mountains, CO (via Denver): An Outdoorsy Oasis
Adventure seekers flock to these majestic mountain peaks for fun in the fresh mountain air.

Editor's favorite watering hole: The Mexican food at Rio's is good, but the margaritas are to die for! It's a known fact that you can only drink up to three, or else you won't even be able to stumble out the door.

Local tipple: Coors Light is the drink of choice (it is brewed in the Rockies), but the many microbrews around town are a close second (and are our personal favorites). Take the short tour at the Coors Brewery and get straight to the samples.

Get your game on: "Rock Pile" tickets for bleacher seats at Coors Field are only $4, which is almost as good as free.

Did we mention it's free? Red Rocks Park is located at 6,200 feet above sea level and has countless trails. Its naturally formed, open-air amphitheater is considered the eighth world wonder.

Good to know: Although Denver is officially on the plains next to the mountains, it's still at a high altitude. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Try aspirin or drink caffeine to curb altitude headaches, and wear SPF!

Chill-out spot: If your definition of chilling out means biking, running, playing ultimate Frisbee, and such, you?ll find like-minded folks in Washington Park on the weekends.

Where the locals go: Dive bars like Candle Light Tavern, with darts, pool, foosball, and more are always packed. Otherwise, follow locals outside. Try rock climbing, biking, running, trail running, kayaking, hiking--you name it, it's here.

Local flavor: Steak and Colorado lamb are always tops in the Mile High City, but if you're craving Japanese, then Sushi Den on Pearl Street, is the place to see and be seen (yes, even though CO is land-locked).

Dress code: When in doubt, wear jeans. The REI flagship store is here, so you also can't go wrong with the outdoorsy look either.

BOOK YOUR TRIP NOW!!

Europe 8 Days Tours

2009-02-14T16:36:00.000-08:00

Day 1 USA - PARIS
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2 Arrive in PARIS, FRANCE
You are free to rest or start exploring the French capital. At 6 P.M. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner.
Hotel: Novotel Paris or equivalent first class hotel.(D)

Day 3 PARIS
Discover the world capital of chic and style and admire beautiful and famous sights: the Opéra, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Paris' most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower. You may wish to try out one of Paris' fine restaurants and explore the City of Lights! That night, a lively cabaret show might just be the ticket. (BB)

Day 4 PARIS - WATERLOO - BRUSSELS
Head north to Waterloo, where Napoleon was defeated and European history was changed forever. The afternoon will be dedicated to cosmopolitan Brussels, the thriving Belgian capital with a proud medieval past. Your orientation tour features the Rue Royale with the monument of Congress, the Parliament buildings, the Royal Palace and the main cathedral of Brussels, Saint Michael. Continue on foot to the Grand' Place with its baroque guild houses, the Gothic Town Hall, and the most famous inhabitant of the city, Manneken Pis.
Hotel: Novotel Michelen or equivalent first class hotel. (BB)

Day 5 BRUSSELS - HAGUE - AMSTERDAM
You will take a short drive to The Hague, seat of the Dutch government and the International Court of Justice. Later, start your discovery of Holland with a sightseeing tour of the capital. Enjoy a Canal Cruise along gabled merchant houses and arched drawbridges reminiscent of the Golden Age, and view the strikingly modern buildings of a young-at-heart city. Explore Dam Square and the city on your own, or join your Tour Director for a visit to a major Diamond Center and appreciate how a rough mineral is transformed into a sparkling jewel.
Hotel: Novotel Hotel or equivalent first class hotel (BB-D)

Day 6 AMSTERDAM - COLOGNE - BONN - TRIER
A special treat at the very start of your journey through Germany is spending time in Cologne to visit the awesome Gothic Cathedral. Its twin 515-foot towers, five naves, splendid stained-glass windows, and the shrine of the Three Holy Kings are eloquent testimony to the quality of medieval engineering and craftsmanship. Next is a walking tour through 2,000 years of Bonn's history, with emphasis on its role as a city of culture during the 19th century and its changing role within Germany since reunification. The government quarter, along the west bank of the Rhine, is a complex of modern, rather nondescript white buildings. The two most impressive, both along Koblenzerstrasse, are the former residences of the president and chancellor. Later we will visit the University of Bonn and the House of Beethoven, birthplace of Ludwig Van Beethoven.
Hotel: Mercure Hotel or equivalent first class hotel (BB)

Day 7 TRIER - LUXEMBOURG - REIMS - PARIS
Trier is the oldest seat of a Christian bishop north of the Alps. The Porta Nigra (Black Gate) is the largest Roman City Gate north of the Alps and has been designated a World Hertage Site. The name Porta Nigra originated due to the dark color of its stone.
Arrive in Luxembourg in the afternoon, the harmonious capital of one of Europe's smallest sovereign states. Sightseeing covers the city's past and present, from the fortifications and the Old Town perched high atop a sandstone outcrop with striking views on the Alzette and Pétrusse gorges, to the modern administrative center of European institutions. Visit the turreted Grand Ducal Palace, take a stroll along the panoramic cliff path known as "the most beautiful balcony in Europe," and see the grave of General Patton. Next up is Reims, a city well known for its cathedral, Notre-Dame de Reims, where the kings of France used to be crowned. The Cathedral was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1991, along with the former Abbey of Saint-Remi and the Palace of Tau. Return to Paris at about 8:00 P.M. (BB)

Day 8 PARIS - USA
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Included Features

* Economy Class seats from New York / Paris / New York round trip tickets when you purchase the 'Air Inclusive' offer.
* Buffet Breakfast daily on tour.
* Welcome Dinner in Paris and 1 Dinner.
* First Class hotel accommodations include twin beds in rooms with private facilities; all hotel service charges, tips, and local taxes included.
* Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a washroom on board.
* Pick-up at your Paris hotel.
* Professional, multi-lingual Tour Director on tour.
* Travel wallet with comprehensive tour documents.

Not Included Features

* European Countries Visas.
* Tips for tour guides and drivers (suggested 5 Euro per day per person) .

Departure Dates

The first tour is on January 15, 2008

Tour Fare

* Airport taxes are about $300 per person.
* Triple room: Same tour fare as twin sharing standard room per person.
* Single room: Add $250.
* Child fare: 2-11 years old, stay with parents without extra bed: 20% discount of adult tour fare.
* Child with bed: Same tour fare as adult.
* Weekends (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) departure and return: Add $50 airline surcharge each way.
* A price adjust could occur upward if the dollar slides more than 3% against the Euro.

Airfare Add On

Please contact YTB / Spring Tour for Wholesale airfare to and from major U.S. cities on most major airlines.
Call (800) 627-0886 or Email: ytbeurope@spring-tour.com.

Visa

* US passport holder: No visa required for most of European countries.
Please contact YTB / Spring Tour for European Countries visas fees and requirements.

Optional Excursions

* We strongly recommend YTB clients purchase the Travel Protection Plan.
* Please reconfirm all flights 72 hours prior to departure.
* Please read terms and conditions before booking.

BOOK YOUR TRIP NOW!!

I Can Now Help You w/ All Your Travel Needs

2009-01-14T22:08:00.000-08:00

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Stratosphere Hotel and Casino

2008-12-29T21:50:00.000-08:00

Out of 5 Stars I would rate this hotel 3.5 Stars for some of the glitches I see during our stay over Christmas holiday. Of course only not look at the glitch but I would also like to say the good things about the hotel.

Let me start with the good ones. We've been looking for different deals directly on different hotel's website in Vegas that are located in the strip. Stratosphere had the best rate we found. For 5 days 4 nights stay we paid less than $260.00. For us this is a bargain, since we requested an upgrade upon availability. They had one available room at the premier tower. One problem I had with the room was the smoke scent is ridiculously scent that I can barely breath while am inside the room. We did requested if we can transfer to a non-smoking room since we also did specifically asked for it during our reservation yet they don't have one available. The manager offered to remove the odor when the room is empty. I believe he mentioned that they are going to use Biozone to remove the smoke odor in the room. Biozone is a commercial air purifier, this is a powerful air purifiers for sanitizing and decontaminating air and surfaces by destroying offensive odors such as smoke. Since they don't have non-smoking room available for us we instead stayed in that same room. After we came back to our hotel room it did smell better yet it didn't fully removed the odor of the smoke and it kinda smell like there's mildew in the room when we turned on the A/C. They room was really hot and dry even though we haven't even turned the heater on. I turned the A/C to cool down the room yet the thermostat won't even go below 69. Seriously, it's really hard to sleep if the room is hot.

They have 4 elevators in the garage. People travel with luggages, stroller and carry other personal stuff. It is really inconvinient for their guest to climb up and down the stairs carrying their heavy stuff because the hotel couldn't fix the other three elevators in the garage. If you don't carry anything heavy it's a lot faster for you to use the stairway even you park up in the 7th floor. People with luggages and small children were in line to catch the one an only elevator that operate.

Before I forget! For almost half a day they don't have hot water. I was gonna take a shower but because the water was as cold as ice I was thinking twice to jump in the shower. I ran the shower for about five minutes hoping that there's hot water that would come out. Unluckily an ice cold water keeps going and going. So when I called the frontdesk there I got the bad news.

Well, I have nothing to say about their food because my husband and I didn't even thought of trying their buffet. We did visit one of their store there because I was going to buy bottled water when I asked the prize of the small bottle of water I decided to go outside and buy the water in one of the convenience store. It's rediculous that they charge people $3.00 for an 8 oz. of water.

Officially In Vegas This Christmas

2008-12-19T22:56:00.000-08:00

We will be spending our Christmas holiday as well as our Anniversary in Las Vegas. A week ago we finally booked our hotel. Since we live not that far from Nevada we decided that instead of flying in the busiest season of the year we are going to drive. It's only about six hours drive with no traffic and who knows the traffic situation on the 24th around Los Angeles. But no matter what we still have to drive and have some fun on the road. This is my very first time spending my Christmas in Las Vegas and I think there's going to have a lot of activities going on. Can't wait to see some of the shows.

Las Vegas Baby

2008-12-14T22:26:00.000-08:00

My husband and I decided to change the date of our wedding anniversary to our second wedding date on December 28 since the first one is my birthday. For the last few years we celebrate our anniversary in Las Vegas. Now on our upcoming wedding anniversary we are planing to celebrate our special day in Las Vegas as well as our Christmas Eve. We live a few hours drive to Nevada so the trip is not that over costly because we don't need to pay for the airfare and we found a good discount hotel which is 50% off. We probably book our hotel tomorrow before they sold out.

Presidential Election 2008

2008-11-04T16:17:00.000-08:00

Around 2:15PM PST I had my chance to vote. This is my very first time to vote and I am very proud to let you know. I became a US citizen last August 8, 2008 and later I registered to vote for Presidential Election.

Since I lived in San Diego in Judicial Drive during my registration the Polling location I voted is located in:

NOBEL RECREATION CENTER-MEETING
8810 JUDICIAL DR
SAN DIEGO CA 92122

The polling place was painless. There was no long line, there's not that many people. The only situation I have encountered during my vote which it wasn't major. One of the Preposition instead I mark No I accidentally mark Yes. Well there was a mistake on my cheat sheet. So I asked for a ballot replacement and the first one will go to the spoiled box. This volunteer old man just jump all over me when I asked for a replacement ballot because I made a mistake in one of the California Preposition. He told me that you are only allowed to get a ballot replacement once and that's your only chance and if you make a mistake again after this we don't give you any more ballot.

Well, first of all people make mistake and it doesn't say that you are only allowed to make mistake once. The only sign they have said, when you make a mistake asked for a ballot replacement and don't try to correct them. Second, it doesn't say that you are only allowed to make a mistake once. They should make their sign more clear. So, I told the man, 'Do you need people to vote or not? Because as what you're treating me you don't want me to vote because I asked for a ballot replacement. I can walk out here and you can keep my spoiled ballot. People make mistakes and it doesn't say anything on the sign that you are only restricted to make a mistake once.'

Overall, my vote was successful.

Daylight Saving Time Begins Today

2008-11-02T02:00:00.000-08:00

Let's Fall Back today. DST changed at 2am. If you haven't set your clock to jump backward yet do so from 200DST to 100 Standard Time.

A Few Travel Input

2008-10-22T20:50:00.000-07:00

Nowadays you can really find good deals from different websites. Most of the time package is a bargain when you have more than one person traveling, but you don't necessarily have to buy a travel package all the time. Through a savings website you can still find a cheaper price airfare or rental car than in the company itself. But there's one airline company where you can find better airfare pricing directly from their website when you purchase your airfare 3-4 weeks ahead of time. Southwest Airline offers good prices if you luckily hit the right timing on their website to purchase an airfare. Some airline also offer weekend promotion like United and Frontier. But if you are using your bank mileage to purchase a ticket I don't think it's a good idea to use that mileage to an airline that is going bankrupt like Frontier Airlines because you are not going to get your mileage back and when your flight is canceled you're doomed because I don't think this airline will put you into consideration to seat on the next flight. There might be a little bit of possibility but if the flight is full and you want to be at you destination soon you're screwed.

Site 59

2008-10-12T15:11:00.000-07:00

Before we moved here in Southern California my husband and I travel a lot. Even though we visited a lot of places this doesn't mean that we spend a lot of money in our trip. Of course we try to save and economize our trip.

We search different travel website that offer good package (Air+Hotel+Car) we found site59 they have incredible prices for their last minute packages. We had good savings with our weekend getaway by using this website plus we also found savings code on-line from $50 to $150 additional discount. Just recently they upgraded some options with their website and now they offer last seconds deals and prices are also affordable.

This website help us save with our trip.

Top 10 travel destinations for singles

2008-10-03T21:01:00.000-07:00

To all singles out there who want to travel. Here's the top 10 travel destinations for you. This is an online article from msn.com. Hopefully this helps with your travel plans in the future.

By Editorial staff
ShermansTravel
updated 8:56 a.m. PT, Tues., Feb. 12, 2008

Find a successful love match at one of our great-for-singles spots
Singles set off to freewheeling Amsterdam in droves for the ultimate in boys-being-boys and girls-gone-wild escapades, mesmerized by the city's free-thinking, live-and-let-live mantra. Should you find a fellow single that piques your interest, start your love affair with a hand-in-hand stroll along the 1,000+ bridges that span the city's 160 canals.

Toussaint Kluiters / Reuters file
Ahh ... the single life. Freedom to do what you want, how you want, when you want — but if all that alone time is getting a bit, well, lonely, head to one of the places we've picked as tops for singles looking to pair up, hook up, or shack up this Valentine's Day and beyond. Meet your match while dancing the tango, have a date with a power-hungry politician-in-training, or hit the high seas with similarly uncoupled shipmates — whatever you're into and whoever you're looking for, your chances of a successful love match increase with every visit to one of our great-for-singles destinations.

1. Amsterdam Singles set off to freewheeling Amsterdam in droves for the ultimate in boys-being-boys and girls-gone-wild escapades, mesmerized by the city's free-thinking, live-and-let-live mantra. With a Dutch policy structured on controlling what it can't efficiently outlaw, illegalized American no-nos like marijuana (widely available in Amsterdam's ubiquitous coffee shops) and even prostitution (witness the notorious Red Light District) are both permitted and regulated here. Should you find a fellow single that piques your interest, start your love affair with a hand-in-hand stroll along the 1,000+ bridges that span the city's 160 canals.

2. At sea While cruising has long been regarded as a couples sport, the tides are now turning, with many singles looking to meet their mate on the high seas. Carnival and Royal Caribbean boast a party atmosphere and attract lots of unattached cruisers, while cruise consolidators like VacationsToGo.com host a handful of singles-only voyages throughout the year to destinations like the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Alaska. Though most all cruise ships host singles mixers during the first day or two, special singles-themed cruises like these are gaining popularity and are a guarantee for meeting other travelers looking for love.

3. Buenos Aires Beautiful and bountiful characterizes the singles scene in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires. ToursGoneWild.com, a guide for singles on the move, offers packages with VIP perks to the best A-list clubs, but even if you don't luck out with one of the stunning models that frequent them, there's still plenty of opportunity to meet a fellow single. The popularity of the tango means lots of willing dance partners in Buenos Aires are looking to pair up, and we can't think of a better way to forge a romance than while dancing one of the world's most seductive dances. Even if you come home alone, knowing a few tango moves will certainly be advantageous in your next love affair.

4. Juneau
Legend has it that men outnumber women 2-1 in Alaska — and although actual census data doesn't give the ladies quite such odds, it's nonetheless true that more men than women do live in the 49th state. ABC's TV series Men in Trees is based on this notion, where available men seem to "grow on trees" in small-town Alaska. Burly outdoorsmen who can build a cozy fire (without Duraflame) and take on a grizzly abound, particularly in "bush Alaska" where miners, trappers, and fishermen live. City gals who love fur hats and lipstick equally can descend on the capital, Juneau, for a bit of cosmopolitan flair.

5. Las Vegas With a motto like "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas," it's no surprise that Sin City is rife with opportunities to misbehave. Single guys and gals flock here from around the globe, many in town for the hedonistic tradition of the bachelor / bachelorette party and looking for love (though perhaps of the one-night variety). There's always a chance that you'll meet that special someone and cap off the night with a spontaneous walk down the aisle of a famed Vegas chapel. The nightlife is legendary — from bars and clubs to strip joints and cabarets — so whether or not you manage to hook up here, a good time is guaranteed.

6. Miami With a reputation for bikinis, beaches, and beautiful bodies, a visit to Miami is sure to put you in the mood for love, or at least a fling. But it's not just sun and sand — Miami is also a diverse, cosmopolitan city with plenty of options for singles. Try salsa lessons to pick up some dance moves (as well as a date), check out the thriving gay scene, visit a bookstore with music and readings if you're literary-minded, and hit the dance clubs to rub shoulders with celebrities. The culturally inclined can also check out the newly hip galleries and art scene — perfect for chatting up artsy types.

7. New York If you're on the lookout for a lady with style, sophistication, and street smarts, New York is the obvious place to start your search. Gentlemen take note, the world's culture capital is brimming with single ladies — National Geographic claims there are 185,000 more available women than men in the New York metro area! No wonder those gals from Sex and the City had such a hard time finding guys! There's no shortage of nightlife spots where you might meet that special someone, and with a lifetime's worth of restaurants, museums, concerts, and so much more, you'll never have to go on same date twice.

8. Rome Ciao bella (hello beautiful)! It's easy to feel like Sylvia in Fellini's La Dolce Vita when showered with attention from Italian men in Rome. This dark and handsome breed flirts just as often and as naturally as he breathes and American women may find it hard to resist his charming swagger and poetic whispers. Compliments and stares aside, Italian men, if given the chance, will woo their ladylove over Chianti and carbonara under starry skies on the Piazza Navona. And whether or not you find eternal love in the Eternal City, you're bound to get a taste of la dolce vita — and perhaps a fling with your very own Casanova.

9. Tokyo
Renting hotel rooms by the hour is certainly no foreign concept, but when you do it in Tokyo, it's definitely (slightly) less sleazy. In a city where privacy is at a premium, couples in search of some alone time visit one of the city's Love Hotels (also called couples' hotels and boutique hotels), mostly found in the Shibuya district. Recognizable by their hourly and overnight rates — often posted outside — the emphasis here is on discretion: rooms are typically selected via push button, keys arrive via pneumatic tube or clerk behind dark glass, and multiple hotel exits facilitate clandestine escapes. Rooms, meanwhile, are decked out with everything from mirrored ceilings, to bathtubs for two, and even Karaoke on demand. If you're a singleton on the prowl in Tokyo, you shouldn't have a problem finding someone to share the experience with you.

10. Washington, D.C. Henry Kissinger once said "power is the greatest aphrodisiac," and if you subscribe to that theory, there's no better place for you than Washington, D.C., where love and politics converge. Democrats and Republicans alike debate (and flirt) over drinks everywhere from intimate lounges to rowdy sports bars, while the capital's monuments and museums make for romantic backdrops when lit up at night. With a tantalizing mix of transplants from all over the U.S. and abroad, you're sure to make some interesting — and hopefully high-powered — connections.

Camping Trip Cancelled

2008-09-27T21:13:00.000-07:00

Since we are moving our other stuff from the apartment to our new house this coming weekend our previous weekend plan was canceled. We canceled our upcoming camping trip to South Carlsbad Camp Site. My husband and I were thinking to go to the Air Show instead.

Trip to Northern CA

2008-09-19T11:21:00.000-07:00

We drove from San Diego and took the longer route to San Francisco. Instead of taking I-5 we took the Pacific Coast High Way the scenic route to San Francisco. It took us 25% of our time driving through the scenic route than I-5. The drive was worth it the breeze was very relaxing. If in rush to get to your destination I would not recommend to take PCH instead take I-5. Nothing much to see in I-5 but you'll get to San Francisco in about 7 hours.

Gone for A week

2008-09-10T23:33:00.000-07:00

Will be back early next week and will keep you posted on what happened with my trip to Redwood National and State Park in Northern California.

Sea Isle City Rentals

2008-09-06T21:25:00.000-07:00

Going somewhere for a vacation either with your family or your friends is always fun. I love to go for a vacation with my family as well as with the group of friends somewhere that we can all have some fun. It is kind of boring if you go on a trip by yourself right? It is good to have some company with you either with family or a short trip with friends. Sea isle city rentals offered to many people an affordable cost to rent a vacation house that accommodates your family or friends on vacation. Hotels gets very expensive if you have multiple people gone for a trip and you also have less privacy. Now, city rentals sea isle really beat the hotel price plus you have your own kitchen and perfect privacy. A moment ago I search for 2 week time frame for a vacation and see how much would it cost for a big family that require at least 5 bedrooms for a vacation and here’s what I found, for 5 bedrooms and a 3 bathrooms rental in 32nd street in sea isle city it would cost them from the range of $7,900 to $8,400 and these are all facing ocean front. This is a great deal for many people especially those who want to feel at home while on vacation.

Nature's Beauty

2008-09-05T13:31:00.000-07:00

While spending time in Yosemite my husband and I also spent a lot of time sightseeing and taking pictures. There are so much to see and I just didn't get tired watching the trees and different rock formations.

Here are some of the pictures I took when I visited Yosemite. This shows how beautiful the place is and even the river with a little bit of water left because of high heat. It also shows it's own beauty with different rocks.

The second picture was taken during our photography walk on Saturday morning. We joined with a few people walking around the valley with one of the artist in Ansel Adams Photography. Gabe taught us a few tricks about nature and landscape photography. His inputs was helpful and made me play around with my camera.

Here's the water reflection of the rock formation and it's trees. This picture was taken around 1030 in the morning. I am so glad that this picture turned out pretty well.

This last picture was taken around 1115 in the morning. One dead tree standing alone has a life of it's own with the background of the rock formations and the beautiful sky without over crowding with clouds.

The Beauty of Yosemite

2008-09-03T20:14:00.000-07:00

Yosemite National Park is one of many beautiful attraction in the United State. There are so many variety of people that come visit and enjoy the scenic beauty of different rock formations, water falls, hiking and biking trails, camping and many more outdoor activities. These activities suits for different individuals. There are so many artists also visit Yosemite to paint this beautiful place. I haven't seen as many trees as Yosemite, tall pines are everywhere as well as the Sequoia trees.

So many pictures to take and I just couldn't get enough of it. Now, I would like to share this beauty to you. If you haven't been to Yosemite, this is a place must see. I am sure that you are gonna have a lot of fun as I do.

This rock formation is called 'Half Dome' this is the only half dome in the country and only found in Yosemite. I took this picture from the valley during our photography walk with one of the guide who works in Ansel Adams Photography.

Though the temperature was extreme that day, the walk was worth it. I saw different angle and beautiful views from different ends of the the valley. It seems like the weather also cooperate in order for us to take a few good pictures.

One of the picture I really like is the reflection of this rock formation to the lake. I thought this is really beautiful and a very good capture from my camera. The sky wasn't too cloudy but it's really blue. Trees and sky also have their own reflections to the water.

I wish they still have enough water when we were there in order for me to capture some water falls pictures, but our timing visit wasn't right because there was only one falls that has a little bit of water dripping into the ground. Bridal Falls is the only one left with water. Oh well, we are going to visit Yosemite next year anyway and I am looking forward to it. I am pretty sure I can capture a few pictures of waterfalls because we are going there later spring.

Yosemite Overview

2008-09-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

On June 30, 1864, the bill of an inalienable public trust was signed by President Abraham Lincoln granting the Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias to the State of California. The federal government set a first time history to protect scenic lands for the people to enjoy. A few years later in 1872, Yellowstone became the first official national park. John Muirs struggle against the devastation of the sub-alpine meadows surrounding Yosemite Valley resulted in the creation of Yosemite National Park on October 1, 1890. While the State of California continued to govern the area covered by the original 1864 grant, military units administered the park with headquarters in Wawona. In 1906, dual control of Yosemite came to an end when the State of California receded Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove to the federal government. In 1914, civilian park rangers took over from the military and two years later, on August 25, 1916, through the persistent efforts of Steven Mather and Horace Albright, Congress authorized the creation of the National Park Service to administer all national parks "in such manner and by such means as to leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."

This is were I spent my vacation and the visit was worth it. I had a lot of fun with my husband camping in Wawona and Soquel campground. Though the campground is not the greatest yet the park is a very beautiful place to visit. I never thought that the heat was that extreme for the first few days we were there and at night the temperature dropped that really you need to wear warmer clothing while sleeping in your sleeping bag. From Thursday until Saturday they had over 100 degree Fahrenheit during the day and at night the temperature dropped to lower 60's in Wednesday and Friday in Wawona campground and between upper 30's and lower 50's Saturday and Sunday in Soquel campground. Can you believe the big temperature change? Well, if you are planning to visit you better be prepared. Good thing is I brought long sleeve clothing, socks, gloves and jacket with me as well as for my husband to keep us warm just in-case. This was our first time visit and we never know what's out there specially if we are out camping.

Our drive wasn't that bad. Usually if we only had a few stops it would only take us at least the minimum of six hours but we stopped to stretch and our little kitty sometimes demand with a very loud meow on the driver's ear which means she needs to get out so we have to stop for a little while. We left first thing in the morning on Wednesday around 6:30 or 7:00am and arrived probably around 2:30 or 3:00pm. Battling with LA traffic, stopped for lunch, gas, stretched and MingMing's kitty break.

Federal regulated is more strict with rules compare to state especially when there are so many black bear around like in Yosemite. Food and anything that are scented needs to be stored in a bear proof locker in your campsite. You have to bear proof your car, this means that you have to take anything that smells in your car stored them in your locker, anything includes lotion, soap, car scent.... etc... etc... The locker is a decent size storage to store the stuff we took with us including two cooler, one food container and a few bags here and there.

Blog Award

2008-09-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks Louraine this is pretty.

The rules of the award are:
1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the girls you've nominated.

And the Winners are..

GenGen
Empzie
Shabem
Naomi
Joy
Norma
Zosima

Canopy Tour in Costa Rica

2008-08-26T21:23:00.000-07:00

When you visit Costa Rica, you have to try their longest canopy zip line you can zip through nature. You have to fly through a cable from mountain to mountain. The distance is between 2.5 miles of linear cable. You can really feel your adrenaline while you zip in 40 miles per hour, 2,500 feet long in each cable, 524 feet from the ground. Each tour has it's own observation deck where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the active 'Arenal Volcano' and the tree tops. When we were there the volcano is active and we saw the lava at night from our hotel room.

We had a little bit of training before the started with the real tour. They have a few cable line for them to show you how to zip from one end to another. You don't want to stop half way of the cable because if you do, you're on your own. You have to manually drag yourself to the other end of the cable . No one can really help you, so you have to pay attention during the training. They will teach you how to properly position yourself in order for you to zip straight to the end of the cable. They will also tell you how to slow down when you're almost at the end of the cable and another tour guide will hold you in order for you to have a full stop.

This is one of our unique experience while we were in Costa Rica. If you have fear of heights and you want to try the canopy tour, you better hold your breath and zip from one cable to the other and have fun!

Just leave your message...

2008-08-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

Am up in the mountain this week... Be back after Labor Day.

Take care everyone :)

So you wanna know more about me?

2008-08-24T21:51:00.000-07:00

· Got a degree in BS Accounting here in the US. School was hard but I survived.
· Enjoy volunteer work.
· Novice Photographer. Would like to take classes one of these days when I am not super busy.
· Took 1 semester of culinary class and would like to take more classes when I get a chance.
· Get pleasure from cooking not only Filipino and Thai cuisine but also other gourmet food such as French and Italian.
· My kitchen has too many gadgets and I still feel that I don’t have enough. Tons of recipe books of any kind *Didn't really read all of them*.
· I always think to have my own business someday if I have enough capital =) 'One step at a time'
· Sometimes other people think I am mean but the truth is I am just stating the fact.
· Started blogging a few months ago and was thinking to try digi-scrapbooking.
· Gutsy person most of the time. *wink*
· Planning to try “Sky Diving” maybe before the end of this year.
· Love Ben & Jerry Crème Bru’lee ice cream.
· Love Passion Tea.
· Like the juice mixture of Strawberry, Mango and a little bit of sprite with ice.
· Too attach to my kitty. Planning to get her a brother or a sister of the same breed.

Tag to Every Single Person that read this Post.

------NOW IT'S YOUR TURN LADIES and GENTLEMEN------

RULES:
1. Write something about yourself.
2.Include a photo of yourself or make a collage that reflects you as a person.
3.Participants come back HERE and leave you links.
-1.The Traveler's Memoir 2.Chronicle of My Thoughts 3.

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