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TRAVEL.ADVENTURE.INSPIRE.PLAY
Recycle. Pass it on! INSPIRE
TRAVEL
DISCOVER
LEARN CAMBODIAN CUISINE
LONDON / AUSTRALIA THAILAND / KOSOVO
TREK THE SLOVENIAN MOUNTAINS
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Con-Con, Chile
Letter from our Chief Editor There are a lot of reasons why we travel... but the fact is we are trying to discover our selves... — Jose Ignacio Blavi Aros
I know there is a mystery that attends any journey, and a path that elucidates how the traveler reach his starting point at the first place. Because there’s a lot of reasons why we travel; work, the fun of it, wanting to know other cultures or just escape; but the fact is that we are trying to discover our selves, and this is the perfect opportunity to do so.
passion what you have, so you can start the construction of it. In what you are starting to build, add the love you have within for it, not doing it because of money or other reasons, but because its what you love to do. Then the result of that its always going to be complete wealth in your life.
So whatever is your reason for traveling, use the time you have in it to explore your self, to discover that I bless your travel and your new cycle with it! mystery I was telling you about. To evolve. Jose Ignacio Blavi Aros Start a new cycle, thinking as the Alquimist in your Quest. Network Channel own life; create in your mind the future you are looking after your travels, with the energy that your dream future gives you, transform with fire, with
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Contents 18
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Travel Switzerland discover the largest waterfall in Europe
Thailand’s spiritual relief Combine beautiful white sand beaches with magical meditation spots
Study Abroad 10 reasons to study in Chile
London What to do and See when traveling in this cosmopolitan and elegant city
Quest Publications Inc.
Quest Team:
98 North Steyne, Manly. 2095 Sydney, Australia.
Editor & CEO José Igancio Blavi Aros
Presidente Riesco 4005 2nd floor Las Condes, Santiago Chile. 7550000 +56.2.3384926
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Paris, France What to do in the number 1 city tourist destination in the world
Ko Phangan More than just beaches
Maribor, Slovenia A layback, outdoor sports town, off the map.
Prishtina, Kosovo Now open to the world, this city/town offers the best prices, sight-seeing, and ancient locations in the region.
Chief Technical Officer Elban Abdylaj
Sales Lea Bogatin
Content Producer Patrick Kennedyer Heinrich Schuller
Marketing Manager for South America Veronica Aros
Photography Yosuke Kashiwakura & Ignacio Blavi
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The World by Quest Working everyday to give you more insights in your destination.
Why and how we work, simple as this The reason of why we do this, is to help others develop, evolve, reach what we are all searching for: Happiness. Here is how we think we can do it better.
Once we give you the right tools we can get you closer to reach your dreams, by giving you the right content, to apply it to what ever you need to evolve. As everything can be extrapolated to be used as an example to learn and apply in our own lives.
Now we are also working to help you connect with others, by developing a network in which you are going to be able to see people There are certain things that work better, around you with same interests as you, at that more directly and with more power. We specific time. believe they are Traveling and Sports (specially outdoor sports). All that just by presetting a few categories of the interest youhave divided in “modes” as Sports build, not only character, but also you use to handle your old cell phone. aptitudes and attitudes that help us pursuit Change from one mode to the other, and achieve our goals. But then, outdoor according to what you are doing or where sports also connect us with nature, arising the you are. as we are not looking for the same best and worst on us, making us learn how to while we are at work, than when we are handle it. And traveling take us out of our traveling of at a seminar. comfort zone, make us realize things, see new
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things, learn other ways, wider our perspective on things, on life.
Everyone has big dreams, but only a few go after them. The idea here is, with a little of extra inspiration, help you sort things out to get you where you want to be. Giving you all the information you need to plan your trip and/or go out and play. Dreams don't come true after night, we have to prepare and evolve for them. So we want you to get out there and start doing so! We are your network channel to go after it!
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The Journey by
Vineyards from between Austria and Slovenia
When you set out for Ithaka ask that your way be long, full of adventure, full of instruction. The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops, angry Poseidon - do not fear them: such as these you will never find as long as your thought is lofty, as long as a rare emotion touch your spirit and your body. The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops, angry Poseidon - you will not meet them unless you carry them in your soul, unless your soul raise them up before you. Ask that your way be long. At many a Summer dawn to enter with what gratitude, what joy - ports seen for the first time; to stop at Phoenician trading centres, and to buy good merchandise, mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony, and sensuous perfumes of every kind, sensuous
ITHAKA
North of Koh Phangan
perfumes as lavishly as you can; to visit many Egyptian cities, to gather stores of knowledge from the learned. Have Ithaka always in your mind. Your arrival there is what you are destined for. But don't in the least hurry the journey. Better it last for years, so that when you reach the island you are old, rich with all you have gained on the way, not expecting Ithaka to give you wealth. Ithaka gave you a splendid journey. Without her you would not have set out. She hasn't anything else to give you. And if you find her poor, Ithaka hasn't deceived you. So wise you have become, of such experience, that already you'll have understood what these Ithakas mean.
The Journey by
The clock of Prague
The Journey by
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Sydney, Australia More than just surf, Manly, with its Manly Scenic Walkway you'll access to some of Sydney Harbor's most stunning scenery and bushland. More than just surf, Manly, with its Manly Scenic Walkway you'll access to some of Sydney Harbour's most stunning scenery and bushland. The track meanders around the harbour foreshore from The Spit Bridge via Dobroyd Head to Manly. The track is 10 kilometres in length and takes the average walker about three to four hours to complete. Sydney is the Harbour City. It is the largest, oldest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia with an enviable reputation as one of the world's most beautiful and liveable cities. Brimming with history, nature, culture, art, fashion, cuisine, design, it is set next to miles of ocean coastline and sandy surf beaches. The city is also home to the Sydney Opera House 12
and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, two of the most iconic structures on the planet. Sydney is a major global city and one of the most important cities for finance in the AsiaPacific. Sydney hosted the first Olympics of the new millennium, and continues to attract and host large international events. The city is surrounded by nature and national parks, which extend through the suburbs and right to the shores of the harbour. True Story Sydney is one of the oldest European settlement in Australia, having been founded as a British penal colony on 26 January 1788 by Arthur Phillip (now celebrated as Australia Day, the national public holiday, with major festivities around the city and the Harbour). The
settlement was named "Sydney" after Thomas Townshend, 1st Viscount Sydney, who was the British Home Secretary at that time. The people Sydney is one of the most cosmopolitan cities on the planet, with one third of its population born overseas. European settlement rapidly displaced the Aboriginal people of the Sydney area with colonists largely coming from England, Ireland and Scotland. The Australian goldrush attracted more immigrants, including a significant number of Chinese, with about one in four Australians with convict descent also having some Chinese ancestry. In the early 20th centur y, Sydney continued to attrac t immigrants - mostly from the U.K. and Ireland, with the White Australia Policy preventing non-
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Manly to Sydney Ferry
European peoples (and even Southern Europeans) from settling. Australia's immigration patterns, and consequently, that of Sydney, changed significantly after WWII, when migrants began to arrive from countries as diverse as Italy, Greece, Germany, Holland, China, New Zealand, India, the Philippines, Poland, Lebanon, Iraq, Vietnam, Thailand, South Africa and the Pacific Islands. Sydney's culture, food and general outlook well reflect these contributions to the majority Anglo-Celtic institutions and social establishment.
The Manly Ferry is an easy and cheap way to get to Manly and to take a tour of Sydney Harbour - tickets cost about $10 (same as a coffee and cake). Hot tea or coffee sandwiches and other snacks are available on board. One of the main reasons the Manly Ferry is so popular is because it is one of the best ways to see all the Sydney Icons in one trip.... the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison. Here We Give You The Musts In Manly, Sydney.
Sydney is recognised worldwide for its vibrant gay community. Every year, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is celebrated on the first weekend in March, drawing people from all over Australia and the world for the celebrations. Sydney became the centre of the world's attention in September 2000 when the city hosted the Summer Olympics - officially announced by the IOC Chairman at the closing Ceremony to be the "the best games ever"! The Olympics saw a major building and renovation program take hold of Sydney, positioning it as one of the great world cities of the 21st century. Most Of The Attractions Of Sydney In One Ferry Ride Ferries famous Manly Ferry is a "must do" for visitors and makes the 30 minute trip regularly, day and night. Manly Ferry timetables and information about fares, passes and attractions are available from www.sydneyferries.info Also departing from Manly Wharf and Pier 2 are high speed ferry services operated by Sydney Fast Ferries and Manly Fast Ferries. Manly Fast Ferry offer an hourly service through the day, to Manly, Monday to Friday, along with extra services on the weekend. Sydney Fast Ferries operates between Manly and Circular Quay from Monday through to Friday in the Morning and returning to service in the afternoon. The journey takes approximately 15 - 30 minutes.
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MUST See Oceanworld Manly, West Esplanade, ☎ +61 2 8251 7877, (fax: +61 2 9949 7950), info@oceanworld.com.au info@oceanworld.com .au]. Admission adults $16.50, children $8.50 (3-15 years), concession $12, family $39.90 (2A & 2C), family $28 (1A and 2C). Open daily (except Xmas Day) 10AM-5:30PM. Daily live shows and guided tours allow you to get up close and personal to dangerous, deadly and often misunderstood Australian creatures. You’ll see huge sharks, stingrays, snakes, spiders, crocodiles and much more. Phone ahead for presentation times. If you're coming from the Sydney ferry, turn left and walk along the esplanade from the ferry terminal to get to Oceanworld.
Manly Art Gallery and Museum West Esplanade (next to Oceanworld), ☎ +61 2 9949 1776, (fax: +61 2 9948 6938),artgallery@manly.nsw.gov.au, open Tu-Su, 10AM-5PM, closed Mo, admission adults $3.50, concession / student / resident $1.10, children under 18 free. The museum highlights the history of Manly with historical photos, swimming costumes and beach memorabilia. The Quarantine Station, Sydney Harbour National Park, Scenic Drive, North Head. ☎ +61 2 9247 5033 (bookings essential). Day Tour: 1:15PM Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun. Adult $11, Concession $7.70. (Catch bus 135 from Stand B at 1:08PM to meet with tour time) 3 hr tour includes supper. Ghost Tour: 7:30PM (8PM during daylight savings) Wed $22, F-Su $27.50. Kids Ghost Walk: 6PM (7PM during daylight savings) Fr $13.20, 2 hr tour. Wander through a maze of historic buildings and hear how Sydney was protected from diseases such as smallpox, bubonic plague, cholera and Spanish influenza. For the courageous, join the famous ghost walk conducted at night by kerosene lantern, followed by tea and damper to calm the nerves. The International College of Management (formerly St Patrick's seminary) is a beautiful building dominating the skyline of Manly.
Shark Dive X-treme, Oceanworld Manly, West Must Do Esplanade. ☎ +61 2 8251 7878, (fax:+61 2 9949 7950), sharkdive@sydneyaquarium.com.au Shar k Dive X-treme lets you dive in Oceanworld's aquarium with sharks. The aquarium time is 30 min. Shark Dive X-treme runs 3 times a day every day. Certified divers with recent logged dives can dive for $175. Other certified divers do a scuba tune-up in addition for a total of $205. The program also accepts non-divers, who will do a pool skills session before diving. The introductory program costs $235.
Swim or surf on Manly Ocean Beach, reached by walking up The Corso from the ferry wharf. Manly Beach is popular with both visitors and locals. Locker hire is available for storing your possessions. You can take surfboard riding lessons from Manly Surf School (North Steyne Road, ☎ +61 2 9977-6977). Sea kayaking. Kayaks are available for hire from several places near the ferry wharf.
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Cruise through the air parasailing behind a speed boat. Sydney Harbour Parasailing Unit 203, 11 Wentworth Street, ☎ +61 2 9977-6781, Manly Parasailing Shop 208, Manly Wharf, ☎ +61 414 405 454. Sydney Ocean Adventures, Manly wharf, East Pier. Sydney's offshore adventure boat company. Departing from Manly wharf daily. Tours from 30 min to 1.5 hr experiencing the thrill and adventure of offshore powerboating. Go swell riding and jumping,see the rugged 100 m (300 ft) cliffs of North Head, WWII gun emplacements and awesome marine wildlife (including whales during migration). From $50. Scuba Dive. Manly's Shelly Beach (very gentle surf entry, max depth 12 m (40 ft) is often used for open water training dives, but is also a good night diving site. In addition, Manly is used as the launch for several boat operators.
Opera House from the Harbour
Pro Dive Manly, 169 Pittwater Road. ☎ 1800 820 820 (bookings, free call, within Australia only) or ☎ +61 2 9977 5966 ( fax:+61 2 9976 5133).manly@prodive.com.au Pro Dive's boat Sealife V (carries 23 divers, equipped with marine toilet) conducts 2 dive day trips leaving Manly Wharf and Rose Bay wharf on weekends and most weekdays; trips are $119 weekends and $99 weekdays if you only hire tanks and weights, or $189 weekends and $149 weekdays with gear hire. PADI certification is available: Open Water from $425. Sail on Sydney harbour, with Manly Yacht Club for twilight races and weekend club races. Sail training available and casual crew welcome. Manly from the ferry pier
Northside Runners is a specialized running and triathlon store supplying running shoes and other athletic equipment at below recommended retail prices. We have been providing for the needs of athletes Sydney-wide for over ten years, and with our online store we now sell statewide, nationally and internationally. Crows Nest Store 6-8 Clarke Street, Crows Nest NSW 2065 Phone:(02) 8065 3583 Hours:Mon-Fri: 10:00-6:00pm (Thurs 10:00-7:00pm) Sat: 9:00-5:00pm Sun: 10:00-2:00pm 14
Manly Store 23 SYDNEY RD, Manly NSW 2095 Phone:(02) 8964 8871 Hours:Mon-Fri: 9:00-5:30pm (Thurs 9:00-6:30pm) Sat: 9:00-5:00pm Blue Mountains, North Sydney Sun: 10:00-4:00pm www.questwe.com
The Harbor of Sydney
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Study in Chile Choose careers such as Economy or an MBA, Political Science and Literature. The country's economic model and the signing of several free trade agreements, a successful democratic transit makes it the lead option in South America. 1. Educational Alternatives There are over 50 universities in Chile and these offer approximately 2,400 undergraduate programs, with a wide variety of courses, diploma programs, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and PhDs in the fields of education, science, communications, art, culture and the performing arts. A substantial percentage of foreigners coming to study in Chile choose careers such as Economy or an MBA, Political Science and Literature. The country's economic model and the signing of several free trade agreements, a successful democratic transition model and a fine tradition of world-famous authors are the main reasons why students are interested in coming to Chile to study.
careers. However, the country also features programs with less massive appeal, such as PhDs in astronomy, especially valuable because Chile has the clearest skies in the world and a large number of observatories; master's degrees in mining, oenology and wine tasting courses which include guided tours of vineyards, and appreciation of architectural heritage, a course which is also taught at Valparaiso, a Unesco heritage site.
universities around the world, placed Universidad Católica as number 241 and Universidad de Chile as number 320. 3. Great connectivity
By land, air or sea; by phone or digital. Anyway you see it, Chile is connected and connects its inhabitants. Chile has one of the most modern infrastructures and highway networks in Latin America. According to a recent study, 2. Top-quality education Connectivity Scorecard 2009, commissioned by Nokia, Chile is in third place of the connectivity Ten Chilean universities are ranked among the ranking for resource and efficiency-based best in South America. Chile's educational economies, ahead of Russia, India and all other quality is a renowned trait. Universidad Católica countries in Latin America. de Chile came second place in the 2009 ranking of the best business schools in Latin America by 4. Affordable living costs the magazine AméricaEconomía. The environment, marine ecology and The 2008 THE - QS World University Ranking, First-class living standards alongside rising sustainable development are other popular which measures the quality of the best incomes, excellent education, and superb food 16
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and culture are all qualities that have boosted Chile’s appeal in recent years. Chile’s quality of life has been climbing steadily relative to the rest of Latin America over the past few years, according to various corporate-funded ranking reports.The Economist Intelligence Unit ranks Santiago as the second best city in Latin America to live in. Similarly, the 2010 Quality of Living Ranking, produced by the multinational consulting firm Mercer, ranks Santiago in third place in South America, preceded only by Buenos Aires and Montevideo.
7. Friendly people
9. Great tourist attractions
People who visit Chile always remark on the warm welcome they receive. Chile features the highest immigration rates in South America over recent years, according to data from the International Organization for Migration.
Chile was described as a crazy geography by the writer Benjamín Subercaseaux. Few countries offer deserts, glaciers, beaches, jungles and volcanoes in the same territory. Most foreign students get out and enjoy this diversity in Chile.
5. Economical and political stability
Chile's wide range of landscapes also means that all kinds of outdoor sports can be found 8. Active social and cultural life here. Chile's 4,300 kilometers of coastline means a wide range of spots for surfing and scuba A wide variety of nightlife attractions, a well- diving. stocked list of shows and different typical festivities are daily attractions in Chile. Local 10.Warm weather festivities include La Tirana, with its diabladas and masks; typical dances such as Tapatí Chile boasts all climactic conditions in the celebrating the magic of Polynesian Easter world, with the exception of wet tropical Island, September 18th, Chile's independence conditions. However, throughout most of the day with several days of dancing, red wine and country, and especially in Santiago and the empanadas (meat pies). central zone, weather conditions are temperate and Mediterranean, with pleasant temperatures Chile is home to world-renowned poets. by day and cooler nights. Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda are Nobel Prize for Literature laureates. In addition, the This climate means that Chile is home to worldworld has enjoyed films by Raúl Ruiz, surrealistic renowned wine and excellent fruit production. work by the painter Roberto Matta, and works Spring starts in September and summer finishes by the psychomagician, filmmaker and writer in March. Alejandro Jodorowsky, as well as other creators of unique literary works, including Isabel Winter rain and snow in the mountains start of Allende and Roberto Bolaño. the ski season, a favorite activity for many foreign students who enjoy snowboarding and International performing artists such as downhill skiing. Madonna, Radiohead, U2, Ornette Coleman, Sonic Youth, Morrissey, Paquito D’Rivera, Nine Inch Nails, Iron Maiden, Pearl Jam, John Scofield, Norah Jones, Deftones and several others have put on concerts in Chile.
Chile is a stable country with a solid economy, a clear institutional framework and well-respected democratic institutions. The country's economic model is one of the most open in the world, evidenced by the internationally-renowned number of free trade agreements signed with other countries. Decades of economic growth have made Chile one of the most successful and stable developing countries in the world. 6. Safety In recent years, several international studies have listed Santiago as the safest capital city in Latin America. According to Spanish-language magazine, AméricaEconomía, Chile's capital city shares the honor of being the least dangerous place for doing business in the region with Miami. Chile is also one of the most stable countries in Latin America. There is a high level of confidence in the country's public institutions and the nation's uniformed police service, the Carabineros de Chile, always ranks highly in public opinion polls.
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The country's solid economic and political status, as well as well-being perceived by foreigners living in Chile are some factors behind this situation. Colonies of Croatians, Americans, Germans, Peruvians, Italians and Palestinians have decided to settle in Chile.
Favorite attractions are San Pedro de Atacama with its salt flats and geysers, Patagonia, Valparaiso, Chiloé and Easter Island.
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Schahausen Switzerland
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Ubicated in Schaffhausen, the Rheinfall is the largest waterfall in Europe, served by two train stations: Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall on the south side of the river, and Neuhausen Bad, 450 metres from the north side. Schaffhausen is a city-canton which entered or a local train bound for Erzingen or the Swiss Confederation in 1501. It is Neuhausen Bad one stop to Neuhausen Bad (for Switzerland's northernmost canton and is the north side). mostly agricultural land. Visitors can see the waterfalls up close from In 1944 Schaffhausen was bombed by the several viewing platforms, and can also take a United States Air Force — it was later boat up to an outcropping in the middle of the determined that the daylight raid was an falls. A speciality is the firework on the night of accident, due to a navigational error. the 1st August (national holiday) The current population of Schaffhausen is 35,036. Must Do
all over the countr y for the delicious food. extremely expensive.
Where to go out for some drinks Manly to Sydney Ferry
Kammgarn Beiz, Baumgartenstrasse 19, 8200 Schaffhausen, ☎ +41 52 625 24 03, web. Tu-Th 11.30-23:30, F, Sa 11.30-01.30. Club/Bar where local youth meet H a b e r h a u s , N e u s t a d t 5 1 , 8 2 0 0 Schaffhausen, ☎ +41 52 625 94 29, web. Bar
Stadttheater Schaffhausen, Herrenacker 22, featuring a calm atmosphere, modern Get in 8200 Schaffhausen, ☎ +41 52 625 05 architecture placed inside a medieval wall. O r i e n t , S t a d t h a u s g a s s e 1 3 , 8 2 0 0 55 (theater@stadttheater-sh.ch, fax: +41 52 632 S c h a ff h a u s e n , ☎ + 4 1 5 2 6 3 3 0 2 By train 5 4 3 2 ) , w e b . M o - F r 4 P M - 6 P M , S a From Zürich Hbf an hourly S-Bahn suburban 09.30-11:00. Local playhouse with a beautiful 02 (info@orient.ch), web. entry 10PM. Club train, line S16, runs towards Thayngen, stopping interior decoration at Winterthur among others and taking 57 Museum zu Allerheiligen, Baumgartenstrasse 6, minutes to Schaffhausen. A single ticket costs 8200 Schaffhausen, ☎ +41 52 633 07 Where to Sleep CHF 26.60/adult or CHF 13.30/child; however, if you have an all-zone Zürich day/monthly/ 77 (admin.allerheiligen@stsh.ch, fax: +41 52 633 Youth Hostel, Randenstrasse 65, ☎ +41 52 annual pass, this is reduced to CHF 8/adult or 07 88), web. Tu-Su: 11:00-17:00.Museum telling 625-8800 (schaffhausen@youthhostel.ch, fax: +4 CHF 4/child. For visitors to the Rheinfall, which is much of the region's history. CHF 9.-/5.-. 1 52 624 59 54), web. CLOSED until 16 Mar Museum exhibiting modern art. Hallen für neue south of Schaffhausen, an all-zone ZVV pass is 2013 dormitory: CHF 27.50. K u n s t , B a u m g a r t e n s t r a s s e 2 3 , 8 2 0 0 sufficient, see below S c h a ff h a u s e n , ☎ + 4 1 5 2 6 2 5 2 5 Hotel Kronenhof, Kirchhofplatz 7, 8201 S c h a ff h a u s e n , ☎ + 4 1 5 2 6 3 5 7 5 By car 15 (hfnk@modern-art.ch, fax: +41 52 625 84 From Zurich: Take the A4/E41 direction north. It 74), web. Sa: 15:00-17:00, Su: 11:00-17:00. CHF 75 (info@kronenhof.ch, fax: +41 52 635 75 65), web. 2-bed with shower: CHF 190.-. will lead you right into the city. Note that you 14.-/8.-. need a vignette for all Swiss motorways. Swim. Swimming in the Rhine or at the public Hotel Bahnhof, Bahnhofstrasse 46, 8200 S c h a ff h a u s e n , ☎ + 4 1 5 2 6 3 0 3 5 pool. 35 (bahnhof@bestwestern.ch, fax: +41 52 630 35 Must See Must Buy 36), web. 2-bed: CHF 240.-. Walk through the old city web and admire the "Chatzezüngli", (en: kitten tounges) are a renaissance buildings. speciality of Schaffhausen. You can get a box of Where to go out to party this chocolate either in the confectionery at the Visit the Munot web fortress and enjoy the view Vordergasse or at their shop inside the train In the old town of Schaffhausen, there are a lot over the old city and the beautiful landscape. station. of bars and night-clubs and some of them are open till 05:00 in the morning. Some bars are The Rheinfall is the largest waterfall in Europe, Eat Doner/Kebab stands are spread all over the open every day, and the clubs are usually open served by two train stations: Schloss Laufen am city, restaurants are easy to find in the old city friday and saturday night. Rheinfall on the south side of the river, and too. Neuhausen Bad, 450 metres from the north side. The "Orient" Club, directly in the old town opens Restaurant Mamma Rosa, Bachstrasse 19, 8200 Thursday till Saturday and is open till 04:00, Boats link the two sides. SLaR station is only Schaffhausen, ☎ +41 52 625 24 69. Excellent sometimes till 05:00. Near the rhine, there are open between 08:00 and 16:30 (18:30 during pizza in a familial environment for a good price. the club "TapTab" and "Kammgarn" which summer). From Zürich: take S-Bahn S7, S8, S12 Restaurant Kronenhof, Kirchhofplatz 7, 8201 serves differents events and music. or S16 to Winterthur (not Schaffhausen). Change for line S33 towards Schaffhausen, and get off at Schaffhausen, ☎ +41 52 635 75 75 SLaR (if closed, get off at Dachsen and take bus Restaurant Fischerzunft, Rheinquai 8, 8200 634 from there). From Schaffhausen: Take S- Schaffhausen, ☎ +41 52 632 05 05, web. Known Bahn S33 two stops to SLaR (for the south side), www.questwe.com
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Germany
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Dresden Located on the Elbe River and is a governmental and cultural centre, known worldwide for Bruehl's Terrace and its historic landmarks in the Old Town (Altstadt). Dresden became a city in 1206 and recently celebrated its 800th birthday in 2006. It was home to many Saxon princes and kings, the most famous of them being August der Starke (Augustus the Strong), whose kingdom included Poland as well. They appertained to the family of the Wettiner and were closely related to many other European royal families. Many buildings date from their reign and especially the rich art collections are testimony of their extreme wealth. The "Madonna Sixtina" was for instance bought by the son of August the Strong. The last Saxon king abdicated in 1918. The historical centre of Dresden was 75% destroyed by Allied bombing in 1945. These events are deeply marked in the history of the
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city and are still remembered each year in processions and ceremonies. More than 30,000 people died in the bombing - the exact number is unknown. For many years the ruins and now the newly rebuilt Frauenkirche, with its donated gold cupola from the UK, acted as a call for peace among the dierent nations of the world. The historical centre is nowadays largely restored to its former glory, however some parts are still under reconstruction.
compact, even though it has a lot of wellknown attractions and museums of worldwide meaning), Dresden-Neustadt (an alternative central quarter) and the surroundings like the wine town Radebeul, the climbing area Saxon Switzerland, lots of castles, and most of the city landscape of about 80 quarters.
The level of international tourism is growing, especially from the US and China since Dresden is a stop between Prague and Berlin. Architecturally, Blasewitz is the most interesting Dresden has about ten million tourists a year, living quarter, despite it being a hilly landscape. most of them from Germany. The Zwinger was Some people think, that the sand stone rebuilt in 1964, the Semper Opera house in buildings look black because of burnings or 1985, and the now most famous landmark of polution. This is not true. Sandstone turns Dresden, the Frauenkirche, in 2005. When asked naturally dark after a while. You can see the dark what they like most about their city, Dresden stones as well in the near by saxon switzerland citizens will reply Old Town (which is quite and on pictures of Dresden from the 18th
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Dresden and the Taschenbergpalais Saxony's capital is a city always on the move and hardly anyone can resist the allure of its Baroque sprawl of art and culture. The architecture and appealing setting at the Elbe River make Dresden a captivating place to experience. Taschenberg 3 01067 Dresden, Germany T +49 351 4912 0 / F +49 351 4912 812 reservations.taschenbergpalais@kempinski.com
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Palais Kempisnki Hotel, Dresden
Century, where the sandstone-buildings are is closed due to construction measures until exclusive" and expensive. Check out the Bunte black as well. March 2013. Republik Neustadt festival in June. But you shouldn't leave your bicycle unattended Dresden lies in the former German Democratic Porzellansammlung (Porcelain Collection) without a good lock, as there can be a serious Republic and the GDR-Architecture is still well Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon (Royal risk of damage to your bicycle as well as your visible in the city. In the city center The "Prager Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical car, especially on weekend nights. Straße" and the "Kulturpalast" are examples for Instruments) – Reopening in April 2013 classical GDR architecture. If you leave the Dresden Baroque Quarter. Real baroque houses. center you will find a lot of appartment blocks, Schloss und Grünes Gewölbe. The Green Vault is The quarter reaches from the "Heinrichstrasse" called "Plattenbau" as they are typical in eastern Europe's most splendid treasure chamber up to the "Albert Platz". On the Heinrichstrasse europe and russia. Traces of World War II are not museum. You can see the biggest green and in the surroundings you will find a lot of visible in the city anymore. diamond and the court of Aurengzeb and its antique stores. It is the quarter where you will precious crown jewels. Note that it is actually find different nice and small shops where the Dresden is a very beautiful, light spirited city, two museums, each requiring a separate ticket: owner will serve you. It is the quarter of especially in summer, when you can appreciate The Historic Green Vault (Historisches Grünes individuality. the serene setting of the historic centre. Gewölbe) is famous for its splendors of the Although Dresden is larger than Munich when historic treasure chamber as it existed in 1733, Elbwiesen (River Banks). Go to the (mostly) measured by area, the historic centre is quite while the New Green Vault (Neues Grünes green river banks, especially in hot summer compact and walkable. Be sure to check out Gewölbe) focuses the attention on each evenings/nights for a very nice view of the old these places while in Dresden. individual object in neutral rooms. parts and lot of people playing sports, having barbecues and parties. There are often big You MUST See SemperOper. English tours at 3pm; German concerts and a huge movie screen offers tours throughout the day.. One of the most "outdoor cinema." Frauenkirche, The original Church of Our Lady beautiful opera houses in the world. The was completely destroyed during WWII; acoustics and the orchestra, the Staatskapelle, Großer Garten (Big Garden). Recommended for however, it has been reconstructed. The City of are marvellous. Its history saw many operas of relaxing and sports (rollerblades are very Coventry, which was raided by the Luftwaffe in Wagner and Strauss having their first nights common). It is Dresden's "green lung" and can WWII, donated the golden cross for the dome of there. Make sure to book tickets in advance. be reached easily by tram. You can also go on a the church. Check out some ruins in the Some last-minute tickets are available from the ride on a miniature train through the park. basement. Do not miss the tower visit and bring box office shortly before the performance starts. good shoes to climb in (otherwise you will not Seats which do not have a good view are very Kunsthofpassage. It is a passage in the middle of be admitted!). cheap, and you can sit on benches behind the Neustadt where you may find buildings with a seats, right at the top of the auditorium, for free. very creative architecture, many little stores and Zwinger Palace. 10:00-18:00. Closed on Tours: €8, €4 reduced and a €2 photography some bars. A nice complex of inner courtyards Mondays. The baroque palace features a pass, but they don't check if you have it. artistically decorated. The complex offers art nympheum, many sculptures of Permoser, a bell galleries as well as coffee shops. You can find pavilion and famous art collections. Do not miss Neue Synagogue, Hasenberg 2. here a very famous building that "plays music" the "Alte Meister" - you'll find the famous Elbe Valley. This used to be on the UNESCO when it rains. Madonna Sistina of Rafael there including the World Heritage List, until the government well known angels. There is also a very nice decided to build a four-lane highway Fürstenzug. This biggest porcelain painting of museum on the arms of Saxon kings, the Waldschlösschen Bridge through the heart of it. the world shows (almost) all Saxon princesses "Rüstkammer". Entry is free to the palace but So now it is known as "one of only two un- and kings on their horses and splendid parade some collections such as the porcelain UNESCO'd sites in the world" still a tourist uniforms. It leads to the "Stallhof" - the last exhibition have an entry fee. attraction. preserved tournament place contained in a European castle. In Winter, Fürstenzug is the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (Old Masters D r e s d e n N e u s t a d t . V e r y n i c e , l i v e l y location of a very romantic Christmas market Picture Gallery) – From 15 Jan 2013 the museum neighbourhood. Part alternative, part "pseudo- with a big fireplace.
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Schwebebahn Dresden. A unique aerial tramway. Gläserne Manufaktur, Lennestr. 1, ☎ +49 18 0589-6268 (infoservice@glaesernemanufaktur.de). MF 08:00-20:00. The transparent factory is the site where Volkswagen builds its luxury sedan Phaeton. There is a tour (English language) offered by Volkswagen. Tour: €5. Pfunds Molkerei, Bautzner Straße 79. A milk store which is in the Guinness Book as the most beautiful milk store in the world. Decorated with 247.90 square meters of handmade tiles. Dresden Zoo, Tiergartenstraße 1. One of Germany's oldest zoos. Museums and Galleries
Opera House from the Harbour
Albertinum Museum. The collections of "Neue Meister" feature a wonderful collection ranging from romantic painters (Caspar David Friedrich etc.) up to Rotloff and Van Gogh. Japanisches Palais, (on the north bank of the Elbe between Augusbrücke and Marienbrücke). The palace was bombed out, and in its partially restored state holds several small museums, including the museum of natural history of the region, museum of prehistory and a display of assor ted exotic garments (ethnological collection). Museum Der Stadt Dresden (Dresden City Museum), Wilsdruffer Straße 2. Kasematten, (under the Brühlsche Terrasse (the terrace at the Elbe river)). Apr-Oct M-Su 10:00-18:00; Nov-Mar10:00-17:00. The remains of the old fort. Gives you a glimse of what a fort in a medieval European town was like. Tour: €4, €2 reduced.
Erich-Kästner-Museum. Dedicated to Erich Käster who was born and grew up in Dresden. Military History Museum, (Tram lines 7 and 8 or bus line 64 to stop ''Stauffenbergallee''). 10 am 6 pm (Mo 9 pm); Wednesdays closed. Has many items and machines regarding military history of Germany - and the country's complicated relationship with its armed forces and warfare. 20,000 sq.m. of indoor and outdoor exhibition place and a stock of 1.2 million exhibits. €5 adult; Mondays 6 - 9 pm free. Carl Maria von Weber Museum, Dresdner Straße 44. Wed-Sun 1pm-6pm. Dedicated to Dresden's most famous composer. German Hygiene Museum, Lingnerplatz 1 (Near the Big Garden.). A comprehensive museum dedicated to hygiene in various times and cultures. Kunsthaus Dresden, Rähnitzgasse 8. An exhibition hall for contemporary art. Leonhardi Museum, Grundstraße 26. A private art collection of DDR art including works by the collector himself. City Gallery of Dresden, Wilsdruffer Straße 2. Art from the 16th Century to the present day. 24
Manly from the ferry pier
Kunsthof Dresden, Görlitzer Straße 23. night diving site. In addition, Manly is used as Assortment of public artworks, galleries, shops the launch for several boat operators. selling art. Pro Dive Manly, 169 Pittwater Road. ☎ 1800 820 Cruise through the air parasailing behind a 820 (bookings, free call, within Australia only) or speed boat. Sydney Harbour Parasailing Unit ☎ +61 2 9977 5966 ( fax:+61 2 9976 203, 11 Wentworth Street, ☎ +61 2 9977-6781, 5133).manly@prodive.com.au Pro Dive's boat Sealife V (carries 23 divers, equipped with Manly Parasailing Shop 208, Manly Wharf, ☎ marine toilet) conducts 2 dive day trips leaving +61 414 405 454. Manly Wharf and Rose Bay wharf on weekends and most weekdays; trips are $119 weekends Sydney Ocean Adventures, Manly wharf, East and $99 weekdays if you only hire tanks and Pier. Sydney's offshore adventure boat weights, or $189 weekends and $149 weekdays company. Departing from Manly wharf daily. with gear hire. PADI certification is available: Tours from 30 min to 1.5 hr experiencing the Open Water from $425. thrill and adventure of offshore powerboating. Go swell riding and jumping,see the rugged 100 Sail on Sydney harbour, with Manly Yacht m (300 ft) cliffs of North Head, WWII gun Club for twilight races and weekend club races. emplacements and awesome marine wildlife Sail training available and casual crew welcome. (including whales during migration). From $50. Scuba Dive. Manly's Shelly Beach (very gentle surf entry, max depth 12 m (40 ft) is often used for open water training dives, but is also a good www.questwe.com
Tradition and innovation in perfect symbiosis, that’s how the family-run comfortable atmosphere Boutique Hotel present itself. Markus-Sittikus-Strasse 3 . 5020 Salzburg / Austria Phone: +43 (0) 662 88 21 91 . Email: hotel@villa-carlton.at
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Paris, France The city has the second highest number of Michelin-restaurants in the world (after Tokyo) and contains numerous iconic landmarks, such as the world's most visited tourist site the Eiffel Tower, making it the most popular tourist city in the world. Paris, the cosmopolitan capital of France, is, with 2.2 million people living in the dense (105 km²) central city and almost 12 million people living in the whole metropolitan area, one of the largest agglomerations in Europe.
Walking in Paris is one of the great pleasures of visiting the City of Light. Once you've passed the main shopping area, you'll see the Petit Palais and the Grand Palais to It is possible to cross the entire city in only a few your right. hours, but only if you can somehow keep yourself from stopping at numerous cafés and At Place de la Concorde, you'll be able to see Located in the north of the country on the river shops. In fact within a few years walking many of Paris' major monuments around you. In Seine, Paris has the reputation of being the combined with biking and the Metro will be the front of you is the Tuileries, behind you is the most beautiful and romantic of all cities, only way to get around the very centre of Paris: Champs-Elysees and Arc de Triomphe, behind brimming with historic associations and The Mayor's office has announced plans to you to your right is the Tour Eiffel and Musee remaining vastly influential in the realms of d e c l a r e t h e 1 s t , 2 n d , 3 r d , a n d 4 t h d'Orsay, and finally, to your left is the Madeleine. culture, art, fashion, food and design. Dubbed arrondissements almost totally car-free by 2012. Continue straight ahead and enter the Tuileries the City of Light (la Ville Lumière) and Capital of Gardens passing by fountains, flowers, and Fashion, it is home to the world's finest and Paris walking 101 lovers in the park. most luxurious fashion designers and cosmetics, such as Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint- To get a great orientation of the city on foot As you continue straight ahead, and out of the Laurent, Guerlain, Lancôme, L'Oréal, Clarins, etc. while seeing many of Paris' major sights, you garden, you'll see the pyramid entrance to the A large part of the city, including the River can do a West to East walk from the Arc de Louvre directly in front of you. Seine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Triomphe to Ile de la Cite (Notre Dame). With the pyramid directly in front of you, and The city has the second highest number of This walk takes about 1-2 hours without any the Tuileries directly behind you, turn to your Michelin-restaurants in the world (after Tokyo) stops. Start at the top of the Champs Elysees (at right and walk towards the Seine. and contains numerous iconic landmarks, such the Arc de Triomphe) and begin walking down as the world's most visited tourist site the Eiffel the Champs Elysees towards Place ('square') de Now you can walk along the Seine (eastwards) Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre-Dame la Concorde. until you reach Pont Neuf. Cross Pont Neuf and Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, Moulin Rouge, walk through the Latin Quarter, cross the river Lido etc, making it the most popular tourist On the way towards the obelisk on the square, again to reach Notre Dame cathedral on Ile de destination in the world with 45 million tourists you'll see the major stores and restaurants of la Cité. annually. Paris' most famous avenue. www.questwe.com
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United Kingdom
The Journey by
Your London experience More than a Hotel
St. James' Court, A Taj Hotel, London 54 Buckingham Gate
stjamescourthotel.co.uk
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This cosmopolitan country offers you everything, from great comfort within the city, where you’ll find places where no english is spoken,till a great beautiful coast with beaches like St Ives, or National Parks as Yorkshire Dales or Dartmoor.
King’s Monument
Understand UK
rains more than two or three hours at a time and often parts of the country stay dry for many is a constitutional monarchy comprising much weeks at a time, especially in the East. More of the British Isles. common are overcast or partly cloudy skies. It is This Union is more than 300 years old and a good idea to be prepared for a change of c o m p r i s e s f o u r c o n s t i t u e n t n a t i o n s : weather when going out; a jumper and a England,Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. raincoat usually suffice when it is not winter. In It occupies all of the island of Great Britain, the summer temperatures can reach 30ºC (86ºF) in north-eastern portion of the island of Ireland parts and in winter temperatures may be mild, and most of the remaining British Isles. eg: 10ºC (50ºF) in southern Britain and -2ºC (28.4ºF) in Scotland. The UK today is a diverse patchwork of native and immigrant cultures, possessing a You MUST SEE fascinating history and dynamic modern culture, both of which remain hugely influential From Lands' End in the south to John O’Groats in the wider world. Although Britannia no and Duncansby Head in the North, there is so longer rules the waves, the UK is still a popular much to see in the United Kingdom, which is destination for many travellers. The capital and home to 25 Unecso world heritage sites. There largest city of the United Kingdom is London. are hundreds of free museums to enjoy across the country, many thousands of municipal Climate parks to stroll through, tens of thousands of The UK has a benign humid-temperate climate interesting communities to visit and many moderated by the North Atlantic current and millions of acres of countryside to ramble the country's proximity to the sea. Warm, damp across . It is much more than just rain and s u m m e r s a n d m i l d w i n t e r s p r o v i d e seeing whether the Queen is at home at temperatures pleasant enough to engage in Buckingham Palace. outdoor activities all year round. Having said that, the weather in the UK can be changeable Although most if not all visitors will probably and conditions are often windy and wet. British visit London at some point, it is well worth rain is world renowned, but in practice it rarely getting out of the capital to get a real taste of
the region and important to not forget the diversity one can find in barely 50 miles. Whether it's the countryside, coast, historic towns or vibrant cities you are after, there's something for everyone. For some of the best countryside, head for the National Parks such as the Yorkshire Dales or Dartmoor, perhaps on a day trip or a longer stay. The coasts are varied and interesting with pretty beaches at places such as St Ives, traditional fishing towns like Whitbyor seaside resorts such as Blackpool and Bournemouth. Many of the cityscapes that were not destroyed by the Luftwaffe have suffered the urban blight of multi-storey car parks and the sort of insensitive shopping mall developments that Prince Charles moans about, but some cities have managed to preserve their heritage relatively intact, such as Edinburgh, Chester, Bath and York. Shoppers looking beyond the capital may want to head to Manchester in the North, Bristol and Exeter in the West orGlasgow in Scotland.
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London
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Noisy, vibrant and truly multicultural, London is a megalopolis of people, ideas and frenetic energy. The capital and largest city of both the United Kingdom and of England, it is also the largest city in Western Europe and the European Union. Situated on the River Thames in South-East England, Greater London has an oďŹƒcial population of a little over 8 million. However, London's urban area stretched to 9,787,426 in 2011, while the figure of 14 million for the city's wider metropolitan area more accurately reflects its size and importance.
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The commercial capital was the City of London. This had a dense population and all the other pre-requisites of a medieval city: walls, a castle (The Tower of London), a cathedral (St Pauls), a semi-independent City government, a port and a bridge across which all trade was routed so Londoners could make money (London Bridge). About an hour upstream (on foot or by boat) around a bend in the river was the government capital (Westminster). This had a church for crowning the monarch (Westminster Abbey) and palaces. As each palace was replaced by a larger one, the previous one was used for government, first the Palace of Westminster (better known as the Houses of Parliament), then Whitehall, then Buckingham Palace. The two were linked by a road called The "Strand", old English for riverbank.
Considered one of the world's leading "g l o b a l c i t i e s ", L o n d o n r e m a i n s a n international capital of culture, music, education, fashion, politics, finance and trade. London grew both west and east. The land to the west of the City (part of the parish of If you ask a Londoner where the centre of Westminster) was prime farming land (Covent London is, you are likely to get a wry smile. This Garden and Soho for example) and made good is because historically London was two cities: a building land. The land to the east was flat, commercial city and a separate government marshy and cheap, good for cheap housing and capital. industry, and later for docks. Also the wind blows 3 days out of 4 from west to east, and the However, the point from which distances to Thames (into which the sewage went) flows "London" are measured is in Trafalgar Square, from west to east. So the West End was up-wind where the original Charing Cross stood. and up-market, the East End was where people worked for a living. 34
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Modern-day London in these terms is a twocentre city, with the area in between known confusingly as the West End. However, even this doesn't define the actual central area of London, which extends slightly beyond The City and Westminster, as inner por tions of the surrounding boroughs (Kensington & Chelsea, Camden, Islington, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Southwark and Lambeth) also lie within Central London. How to Get Around London has one of the most comprehensive public transport systems in the world. Despite residents' constant, and sometimes justified, grumbling about unreliability, public transport is often the best option for getting anywhere for visitors and residents alike. In central London use a combination of the transport options listed below - and check your map! In many cases you can easily walk from one place to another or use the buses. Don't be a Londoner and only use the tube as a way of travelling longer distances - you're here to see London - you can't see it underground! Transport for London (TfL) is a government organisation responsible for all public transport. www.questwe.com
More than a Hotel
Your London Experience
stjamescourthotel.co.uk St. James' Court, A Taj Hotel, London 54 Buckingham Gate
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Their website contains maps plus an excellent journey planner. They also offer a 24-hour travel information line, charged at premium rate: ☎ 0843 222 1234 (or text 60835) for suggestions on getting from A to B, and for up to the minute information on how services are running. Fortunately for visitors (and indeed residents) there is a single ticketing system, Oyster, which enables travellers to switch between modes of transport on one ticket. London is now starting to follow the example of cities such asSydney and Bangkok by promoting a network of river bus and pleasure cruise services along the River Thames. London River Services [38] (part of Transport for London) manages regular commuter boats and a network of piers all along the river and publishes timetables and river maps similar to the famous tube map. While boat travel may be slower and a little more expensive than tube travel, it offers an extremely pleasant way to cross the city with unrivaled views of the London skyline - Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, etc. Sailing under Tower Bridge is an unforgettable experience. Boats are operated by private companies and they have a separate ticketing system from the rest of London transport; however if you have a Travelcard you get a 33% discount on most boat tickets. Many boat operators offer their own one-day ticket - ask at the pier kiosks. Generally, tickets from one boat company are not valid on other operators' services. Oyster cards can be used as payment for the 'Clipper'-styled commuter services but not for tour boats.
You MUST See Buckingham Palace - The official London residence of the Queen, also in Westminster. Open for tours during the summer months only, but a must-see sight even if you don't go in. The London Eye. The world's third largest observation wheel, situated on the South Bank of the Thames with magnificent views over London.
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after the 1666 Great Fire of London - the great Hyde Park and adjoining Kensington dome is still seated in majesty over The City. A Gardens make up a huge open space in central section of the dome has such good acoustics London and are very popular for picnics. that it forms a "Whispering Gallery". Regent's Park is wonderful open park in the Tower Bridge - Is the iconic 19th century bridge northern part of central London. located by the Tower of London near the City. It is decorated with high towers and featuring a St James's Park has charming and romantic drawbridge and you can visit the engine rooms gardens ideal for picnics and for strolling and a Tower Bridge exhibition. around. St. James's Park is situated between Buckingham Palace on the west and Horse Tower of London - Situated just south east of Guards Parade on the east. the City, is London's original royal fortress by the Thames. It is over 900 years old, contains the Hampstead Heath is a huge open green space Crown Jewels, guarded by Beefeaters, and is a in north central London. Not a tended park as World Heritage site. It is also considered by such and is remarkably wild for a metropolitan many to be the most haunted building in the city location. The views from the Parliament Hill world. If you are interested in that sort of thing area of the heath south over the city are quite its definitely somewhere worth visiting. stunning. Sometimes there are guided ghost walks of the building. Richmond Park also is a huge green space, but has a thriving deer population that is culled in Trafalgar Square - Home of Nelson's Column the spring. Excellent place for cycling. and the lions, and once a safe haven for London's pigeons until the recent introduction Holland Park is a large woodland located in the of hired birds of prey. It recently attracted centre of London. It is a great place to go if you controversy over the 'Fourth plinth', previously are after some peace and quiet. In the middle of empty, being temporarily home to a Marc Quin the park is Kyoto gardens were you can buy sculpture, 'Alison Lapper Pregnant'. Overlooked food and drinks. by the National Gallery, it's the nearest London has to a 'centre', and has recently been Bushy Park, near to Hampton Court Palace, is pedestrianised. the second-largest park in London. More lowkey than its larger cousin, Richmond Park, it too Westminster Abbey and the Palace of has a large deer population. Bushy Park contains Westminster (includingBig Ben and the Houses numerous ponds, bridleways, two allotments, of Parliament) in Westminster. The seat of the and at its northern edge, the National Physical United Kingdom parliament and World Heritage Laboratory. site, as well as setting for royal coronations since 1066, most recently that of Queen Elizabeth II in You MUST Do 1953. The Palace of Westminster is open to the public for viewing parliamentary debates, tours London is a huge city, so all individual listings of the building are available during August- should be in the appropriate district articles. To September when Parliament is away on summer make the most of the city's tremendous cultural recess and every Saturday throughout the year. o ff e r i n g s ( p e r fo r m i n g a r t s, m u s e u m s, exhibitions, clubs, eateries and numerous 30 St Mary Axe or The Gherkin, a peculiarly- others), visitors will do well to pick up a copy of shaped 180 m- (590 ft-) building in the City, a cultural magazine like Time Out London which provides a 360-degree view of London on ( a v a i l a b l e a t m o s t c o r n e r s h o p s a n d the 40th floor. newsagents) which gives detailed information and critiques on what's around town including The Shard, a futuristic skyscraper that was show times and current attractions. Their topped-out in 2012 and dominates the London website also has major shows listed and there is skyline. It's the tallest building in the EU at 310 also an iPhone/iPod app available - though m (1,017 ft) and features a viewing deck on the these tend to not be as detailed as the print 72nd floor. version.
Marble Arch is a white Carrara marble monument designed by John Nash. It is located in the middle of a huge traffic island at one of the busiest intersections in central London where Oxford St meets Park Lane in Mayfair. It used to stand in front of Buckingham Palace, Visit the Parks before it was moved to its present location. The 'green lungs' of London are the many parks, Piccadilly Circus is one of the most great and small, scattered throughout the city photographed sights in London. The statue of including Hyde Park, St James Parkand Regent's Eros stands proudly in the middle while the Park. Most of the larger parks have their origins north eastern side is dominated by a huge, in royal estates and hunting grounds and are still owned by the Crown, despite their public iconic neon sign. access. St Paul's Cathedral, also in the City, is Sir Christopher Wren's great accomplishment, built
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Take a walk through London's Royal Parks. A good walk would start at Paddington station, and head through Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Green Park (passing Buckingham Palace) and St James Park before crossing Trafalgar Square and the River Thames to the South Bank and Waterloo Station. At a strolling pace this walk would take half a day, with plenty of places to stop, sit, drink, eat en-route. A good pictorial description of this walk can be found online at Trips By Trains Royal Parks Walk.
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The Gherkin
The Science museum, located right next to the Natural History museum is a very popular museum. It is enormous and is a fascinating place to visit. Another great place to walk is through Regents Park. It is full of some fantastic cafe's, bars and tennis courts. London Zoo is just on the other side of the park from the tube station. There are cycle and footpaths so it is definitely a place worth visiting
This diversity is reflected in prices. As a rough guide: £20+ for 'top 40' bands in arena sized venues, £10+ for established bands in mid sized venues, £6+ for up and coming bands and club nights in smaller venues, £5- for start up bands in bars and pubs. London has hundreds of venues spread out over the city and the best way to know what's going on where is to b ro w s e o n - l i n e t i c k e t a g e n c i e s, m u s i c magazine's gig directories and bands' myspaces. O n e o f t h e e a s i e s t to u s e a n d m o s t comprehensive listings websites is "LONDONEARS".
Live Music London is one of the best cities in the world for concerts, spanning from new musical However, there are a few areas which have trends to well known bands. higher concentrations of pubs and venues than others. Kilburn is situated in North West London. Between huge concert facilities and small pubs, It's long been known as an Irish area, and there are hundreds of venues that organise and though their numbers have somewhat declined promote live music every week. Many concerts, any visit to a local pub will show their influence especially in smaller or less known places are remains today. Kilburn's important venue is The free, so there is plenty of choice even for tourists Good Ship Due to its inclusive policies and fair on a budget. London has long been a payment system, The Good Ship is a favourite launchpad for alternative movements, from the place for young aspiring bands to try to get a mods of the 60s, punks of the 70s, new foot off the ground. Good for those who would romantics of the 80s, the britpop scene of the like to see bands "before they were big", who 90s and in recent years the indie rock appreciate £5 entrance fees, good beer and movement spearheaded by The Libertines and friendly staff. their ilk. It has one of the world's most lively live music scenes: any band heading a British, Theatre The West End, especially the areas European or World tour will play London, not to concentrated around Leicester Square, Covent mention the local talent. Garden, Shaftesbury Avenue and Haymarket, is one of the world's premier destinations for London's Music Scene is incredibly diverse, theatre, including musical theatre. covering all genres of music from electro-jazz to death-metal, and all sizes of bands, from the U2s Covent Garden has the only Actor sponsored and Rolling Stones of the world to one man school in the city called the Actors Centre bands who disband after their first gig. which also gave way to the London Acting Network, a London acting community support 38
group. In the centre of Leicester Square there is an official half-price TKTS booth. For up-to-date listings check the official London theatreland site. The South Bank is another area well-known for world class theatre, and is home to both the National Theatre and the Globe Theatre, the latter of which is London's only thatched building and an attraction in itself. Each Globe performance has over 700 £5 tickets. London's theatre scene outside of these two main districts is known as "the Fringe". There are tour companies worldwide that take travellers to see London theatre. These companies sell themselves on being able to deliver unique and behind-the-scenes access to some of the world's greatest theatre. Watch a movie As well as the world-famous blockbuster cinemas in the West End, London has a large number of superb art house cinemas. In the summer months, there are often outdoor screenings at various venues, such as Somerset House and in some of the large parks. Watch football Take in a home match of one of the city's 15+ professional football clubs for a true experience of a lifetime as you see the passion of the "World's Game" in its mother country. London will have six clubs in the top Premier League in the upcoming 2012–13 season: Arsenal, Chelsea, Fulham, Queens Park Rangers (QPR), Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United. A level down, in the Football League Championship, finds Charlton Athletic, Crystal Palace, and Millwall. Five other clubs are in lower www.questwe.com
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levels of the professional league system— Brentford and Leyton Orient in Football League One; and AFC Wimbledon, Barnet and Dagenham & Redbridge in Football League Two. Many of the bigger clubs will require booking in advance, sometimes many months ahead, but smaller clubs allow you to simply turn up on match day and pay at the gate. You will be able to find a ticket to a quality football match on any Saturday during the season. Wimbledon. Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and is widely considered the most prestigious. Naturally it is a regular feature on the Tennis calendar. London goes "tennis crazy" for two weeks when the competition commences in late June and early July. One of the greatest traditions is to eat Strawberries and Cream, with sugar. Open House London Weekend. Explore many of the city's most interesting buildings during the London Open House Weekend - usually held on the third weekend of September. During this single weekend, several hundred buildings which are not normally open to the public are opened up. See website for details of buildings opening in any given year - some buildings have to be pre-booked in advance - book early for the popular ones!
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months. Considered by some to be somewhat overpriced and overcrowded, they nonetheless have multiplied in recent years, easing congestion and increasing competition. Most charge from £10-12 (adults) for an hour on the ice, including skate hire. See the district articles for the City of London, East End andLeicester Square.
Spitalfields Markets, 65 Brushfield St E1 6AA (Straight down Bell Lane past 66-68 and keep walking). Visit the thriving old Spitalfields markets which were the original London fruit markets. They have a daily market selling amazing vintage odds and ends and new fresh clothes! Visit 66/68 Bell Lane nearby to see a wealthy merchants house, rumor has it John Lennon once played on the roof of this building Summer Skating. In summer (and also in winter, with Yoko Ono. for the more dedicated) there is also a thriving roller skating (on inline and traditional "quad" For a guided tour of London check out The skates) scene in London, catering to many Literary London Walking Tour [46] - an disciplines including street hockey, freestyle interesting, informative and funny walk through slalom, dance, general recreational skating London and its literary hotspots of the past and (including three weekly marshalled group street present. Meet local writers and poets and listen skates) and speed skating. This mostly centres to them perform their works (£15 per person). around Hyde Park (on the Serpentine Road) and Kensington Gardens (by the Albert Memorial). Discover Walks, 4 Coney Way London SW8 1LW, See the district articles forMayfair-Marylebone ☎ +44 20 3514-0211, [47]. Meet actual and South West London. Londoners in addition to exploring major
Do-it-yourself bus tour If you don't feel like splashing out on one of the commercial bus tours, you can make your own bus tour by buying an Oyster card and spending some time riding around London on the top deck of standard London buses. Of course you don't get the open air or the commentary, but the views are very similar. You will likely get lost but that is half the fun; if it worries you go for a commercial Winter Skating. London has a number of tour. outdoor ice rinks that open in the winter 40
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landmarks. Join a walk with locals who will "decode" the city with you, and also learn from an insider about local events and festivals, about where to shop, good places to eat or drink, secret places locals keep to themselves.
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London Bridge
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Prishtina, Kosovo An unrated destination with great things to offer to tourists. This Eastern Europe Capital, with worm welcoming people is waiting for you, with amazing offers, the best prices and top ancient flavors.
After a lengthy and often violent dispute with Serbia, Kosovo declared independence in February 2008 and (as of 16 October 2012) 101 UN states recognise this and it has become a member country of the IMF and World Bank as the Republic of Kosovo
Many people in Kosovo can speak English and German; they are more than willing to help you and tell you their stories. If you are interested in more than just seeing beautiful mountains and ancient ruins on your vacation to 'the region', Kosovo strongly recommends itself.
You'll gain an understanding of what happens when governments allow industry to function when both environmental regulations and solid, defensible property rights are scarce.
The Kosovars tend to be very friendly towards the UK and USA for its support of their Kosovo, though a secular republic, is largely independence (eg: they have "Bill Clinton Albanian-speaking and Muslim but there are The four monasteries that make up Kosovo's Boulevard" in Prishtina, as well as a large picture also significant numbers of minorities living UNESCO World Heritage Site (monasteries in mural of him on the side of a building). They within its borders, especially Serbs. Kosovo's far towns of Gracanica, Peja/ Pec, Decan, and also are very friendly to Western European and north, along with two small regions elsewhere, Prizren) Middle Eastern countries. have a Serb majority and are under local control. Kosovo borders Albania to the west, Hospitality as a sacred duty - anywhere out of You MUST See! Montenegro to the north west, Macedonia to the cities you will be welcomed into people's the south, and Serbia (from its perspective) to homes and treated royally. Pristina, is the capital city of Kosovo. Places the north east; the latter frontier is viewed by that should be visited in Prishtina is the quarter Serbia as being an internal boundary separating Beautiful countryside for walking with near the National Museum of Kosova. In Kosovo (as an internal province) with Central wonderful wild flowers addition to visiting the museum where a lot of Serbia. Nightlife and cafe culture in Pristina, with the archaeological artifacts are presented, in both buzz that comes from Europe's youngest ways when you exit, you see the old mosques, The population of Kosovo is about 92% population since the Ottoman Empire. Albanian, who use the name Kosova in their Albanian tongue. Although the official name in Seeing the UN and the international community Waterfall Of The Drini River - Located north of English “Republic of Kosovo” is approved by in action (or not!) is quite interesting. Peja behind the Berdynaj village. During the Kosovo's Albanian-speaking authorities, the summer, this place is fantastic, and the road to word Kosova still finds its way into the English You'll get a first hand view of more than 6 the river is an amazing, narrow road with wires vernacular of locals. different cultures (Albanian, Serb, Roma, on one side and the river on the other; this is a Ashkalia, Bosniak, and Turkish) great part of Kosovo.
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The Peć Patriachy, it lies 2km to the north west of the Peja (Pec) city center. This location was the seat of the Patriarchy of the Serbian Orthodox Church starting in 1302 and for many Serbs is considered to be of extreme national importance. All of the Serbs who lived in Peja have either left or been forced to do so by Albanian nationalists leaving the Patriarchy to be heavily guarded by NATO troops, with a few remaining clergy. It is a beautiful monastery with many spectacular paintings. Visitors should dress conservatively. The Rugova Gorge. The Rugova gorge is also to the north west of Peja and can be found by following the same road that leads to the Pec Patriarchy, and driving further. The canyon has extremely steep walls reaching possibly up to 300 metres. The Gjakova Old Bazaar. A very beautiful old "shopping centre" from 17th century. It was burned down during the war in 1999 and reconstructed recently. In the centre of the bazaar is an old mosque that was built in the 15th century. The Mitrovica Bridge. An interesting symbol of the division of the population in Kosovo. This bridge is the dividing line between Serbs and
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Albanians in Mitrovice/Mitrovica. It will almost always be safe to approach the bridge and look at it, although the French soldiers who guard it may not let you cross if the political situation is worse than average (average not being so good). Decani Monastery. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important monasteries of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo. It is famous for its elegant and peculiar architecture. As an orthodox monastery from the 13th century, it successfuly mixes western and eastern church building elements to form a particular hybrid style only known on the territory of old Serbia. This monastery is particularly noted for some of the world's finest medieval frescoes adorning its walls.
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Prizren. The most historical city in Kosovo. It has plenty of beautiful examples of Islamic architecture. The Roma quarter (mahalla) in Gjilan. Gjilan is located to the South East of Pristina. Brezovica Ski Centre - Old infrastructure but great slopes, located in Southern Kosova.
Novo Brdo (in Latin documents written as Novaberd, Novus Mons or Novamonte; and in Saxon miners' documents as Nyeuberghe) was mentioned in the historical documents as early as 1326. Novo Brdo was a metropolis at the time, with a huge medieval fortress built on the top of an extinct volcano cone, the remains of which can be visited today, and residential sections sprawling all around. In the outer wall of the fortress, a large cross is visible, built into Gračanica Monastery. One of the most the stones. The castle was date back to the beautiful examples of Serbian medieval (14th c.) Byzantine Empire. ecclesiastical architecture. This monastery was built by the Serbian king Milutin in the Serbo- Buy byzantine style, reportedly its shape being Kosovo has the euro (€) as its sole currency inspired by a cloud. It is noted for its frescoes, along with 24 other countries that use this and being the only medieval Serbian monastery common European money. Exchange offices are found in an urban setting complete with an old found almost everywhere. school and archives. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Slovenia
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Maribor Today, Maribor is a trans-regional financial, educational, trade and cultural centre. And since it is pleasantly small and lodged in the nature of Pohorje Mountain on the one side, the wine growing hills on the other, and with the river Drava wending its way through it, Maribor has grown into one of the country’s most important tourist destinations. Maribor is the second most important centre and the second largest city of Slovenia. It has about 114.000 inhabitants who live embraced in its wine growing hills and the Mariborsko Pohorje mountain.
Yugoslavia. It was occupied by the Germans during World War II but became part of Yugoslavia again after the war was over. In 1975 the University of Maribor was founded and this has helped the city to become more and more a n a t t r a c t i v e , v i b r a n t , s t u d e n t c i t y. L o c a t e d n e a r t h e S l o v e n i a n b o r d e r After Slovenia declared independence, back in with Austria, beside the Drava River and at the 1991, the city suffered from the economic centre of five natural geographic regions, consequences. Maribor is the capital of Štajerska, the Slovenian Styria. Today, Maribor is a trans-regional financial, educational, trade and cultural centre. And since it is pleasantly small and lodged in the Understand nature of Pohorje Mountain on the one side, the wine growing hills on the other, and with the Maribor was first mentioned back in the 12th river Drava wending its way through century. Though the city had been attacked by it, Maribor has grown into one of the country’s the Turks several times, it was constantly under most important tourist destinations. the rule of the Austrian Habsburgs until the end of the World War I. After the war was over the Its key features are: the rich wine culture (the city was claimed by both the Austrians and by oldest vine in the world, numerous wine roads the new state of Yugoslavia. Finally it fell to and wine cellars), the old town`s cultural offer www.questwe.com
(theatre, traditional events, galleries and museums), and the recreational activities (hiking, cycling and skiing). Maribor is situated among the Pohorje Mountain, the Slovenske gorice Hills and the Kozjak Hills on the gravel terrace of the Drava Valley. The river Drava divides the city on the socalled left (north) and the right (south) bank. The city`s old town core is situated on the left bank of the river Drava. On north, Maribor is embraced with the town (wine-growing) hills, and on the south-western part of the city, the foothills of the Pohorje Mountain start to rise. A good first stop in the city is "Infopeka" web, a information center which gives out free advice, free internet usage and free rent-a-bicycle. They can be found across the old bridge from the Glavni Trg, on the right side of the street.
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The best view in town! Pot k mlinu 50 SI - 2000 MARIBOR Slovenia
T: +386 (0)2 620 85 60 F: +386 (0)2 620 85 40 E: INFO@GOZDNAVILLA-MARI.SI I: WWW.GOZDNAVILLA-MARI.SI
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Manly to Sydney Ferry
Get around On foot Maribor is quite a small town, so it's easy to get around the city centre on foot. There are two tourist information centres in Maribor: one is located at Partizanska ulica 6a, just next to the Franciscan Church (the red-brick one). The other one is in the Old Vine House on Lent, the oldest part of the town next to the river embankment (at Vojašniška ulica 8). The tourist information centres are open every day, provide free maps, and will help you arrange accommodations. Maps of central Maribor (aerial photos) can also be found in the streets fitted on the walls of houses. By bus Maribor has an extensive bus network, but there is no need to use it unless you want to go to the outer districts of the city. For tourists, bus No. 6 is the most interesting one - it takes you under the Pohorje Mountain (lower station of the cable railway, hotels, apartments and campsites, wellness centre, restaurants, recreational activities: hiking, cycling and skiing etc.). Some bus numbers are more regular (arriving at stops every 15 minutes) than others (arriving at stops every 30 - 45 minutes). The approximate operation time of the bus lines is from 5 am to 10.30 pm on weekdays and from 6 am to 10.30 pm on weekends. Two circulator buses run from Monday to Friday from 11.15 pm to 12 pm. Bus ticket can be purchased either on the bus (€ 1,10 for single-ride ticket) or in
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advance (2, 6, 10 or 20 ride ticket) in kiosks or at the Main Bus Station (at Mlinska ulica 1). By car Travelling around Maribor region and its wider surroundings is best by car. Thus, you can fully enjoy the picturesque countryside and visit the most hidden corners of the Pohorje Mountain and the wine hills. There`s a good highway network around Maribor that directly connects the city with smaller places like Ptuj, Murska Sobota and Slovenska Bistrica. Regional roads are well maintained, as well.
cycling maps with cycling routes on the Pohorje Mountain and around the Maribor-Pohorje region. Maribor also hosts annual Mountain Biking World Championship on Pohorje Mountain. Where to go out shopping
Be sure to buy a bottle of wine. Wine from region around and included Maribor is one of best in the world. Especially the white wine. You can buy good quality wine at wine producers or at the normal supermarkets. Buy "bučno olje" (pumpkin seed oil). This oil is typical for If you go to the Maribor city centre by car, it Austrian and Slovenian part of Styria and has a might be difficult to find toll-free parking space very unique and wonderful taste. You can buy during weekdays. Most of the inner city is good quality oil at the normal supermarkets. covered by the "blue zone" that is payable. A l t e r n a t i v e s a r e t h e p a r k i n g g a r a g e There are many possibilities to go shopping in below Trgovski center City (€ 1,50/hour), Maribor. Maribor is now a trans - regional the Forum parking garage (€ 1,00/hour), or shopping centre. Good places to shop are: the Kolosej parking garage (€ 1,20/hour). Shopping in old city or in shopping centres as Usually, the longer you stay, the cheaper it gets. Europark, Tuš, Mercator, Qlandia or if you need A good chance to find toll-free space might be furniture and gardening equipment the stores in the area of the Mestni park. During the day, Rutar, Merkur, Bauhaus, Obi and BauMax. free parking is also possible in shopping centre Europark. Otherwise, parking in the blue Trgovski center City is an old shopping mall zone gets free after 5 pm and on weekends. located in the heart of city offering plenty of clothing shops and a supermarket. By bike Vetrinjska ulica is a small shopping street in the Maribor has a wide network of cyclepaths. Using old center starting at Grajski trg place offering a bike to get around, at least the central areas loads of boutiques containing all sorts of of Maribor, is one of the best choices. Bikes may international brands and very good ice cream be rented at the Tourist Information Centre, city at Iglu (on the corner next to the H&M). hotels Piramida and Orel, cultural centre Pekarna - magdalenske mreže, the main train station, and at the cable railway station (under the Pohorje Mountain). Tourist Information Centre provides city map for cyclists who want to get to know the city from the bike and other 49
Hand made Slovenian souvenirs
Maribor
Fine Chocolates•Marzipan•Slovenian Wine & olive oil•Organic liquor
www.smeker.si • smekertrgovina@gmail.com • Tyrseva ulica 1, Maribor
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Festival Lent, Maribor With great food, lovely weather, fascinating culture and great shows, this is a magnet for travelers from all over the world. Established in 1993, the international Lent an occasion for quality performances at more Festival is among the largest open-air festivals hidden intimate venues. in Europe and the most massive festival of its kind in Slovenia. Lent Festival regularly attracts around 500,000 spectators, dispersed during the 3-week-long Each year it presents around 300 diverse event at over 23 venues, improvised stages and cultural performances and events on different re-purposed old spaces along the banks of the stages, including various styles of popular Drava River. The Festival is a member of the music, opera, rock, ballet, jazz, classical music, International Festivals and Events Association street theatre, chanson, folklore and revivalist (IFEA) and the Association of Slovene Festivals folk, theatre, busking music, events for children, (SloFA) dance performances and musicals, workshops for children and also sport events. The festival is The culinary experience of the Festival a cacophony of sounds and quantity, easy going festivities and smoky barbecues, but also Excellent, fantastic, divinely are the most common words describing this year’s Sladolent
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which turns each night on Lent into a very tasty experience. The best chefs successfully brought a part of our homeland onto the plates and convinced everyone, who loves good food, that Slovenian cuisine is rich and that the modern cooking generations are creative and inventive. If the term “street food” was not frequently used before, it will obviously become an important part of the future local culinary offering. Under the roof of Sladolent many famous names swung their wooden spoons: Janez Bratovž, David Vračko, Tomaž Kavčič and Bine Volčič, and also a number of less known chefs who proudly (and successfully) represented the best restaurants from all over Slovenia.
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Each chef tackles this kind of challenge in his/ her own way. Some cook with seasonal food, some focus on a geographical region, and others take everyday dishes and turn them into something completely different. "We started with a wish to play with the concept of street food – the main course was a slice of pizza or, how we call it, “Pizza Cut” that is cut with scissors into small, tasty slices suitable for the ambient of the Festival. And for dessert we offered a “no milk shake”, a refreshing milky drink without milk, but with a lot of fresh fruit,” explained Igor Peresson from restaurant Etna from Divača during his the first time on Sladolent.
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festival atmosphere a bit different: “On Sladolent we try to improve the quality of street food and take the daily street food onto a new level. Personally, I focus on the presentation of the region when choosing the ingredients and dishes – in my case this is Karst and my approach is adjusted to this region.”The gourmets were offered a unique Chicken in corn and an herbal Schmarrn with ice cream made of Karstic goat milk, honey and elder. And how about the feedback?"Each year we get to know more new faces and this year the visitors are interested in the individual ingredients, preparation and recipes. We - the cooks - have always tried to make the people aware of what they are eating, where it is coming from and Ksenija Mahorčič (Restaurant Mahorčič), a more how it is prepared and this is why I am very experienced “performer” on Sladolent used the happy about this kind of reactions.”
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Like the whole festival, Sladolent will soon be closing its tents for this year and is kindly inviting everyone who has not yet tasted its delicacies (and, of course, those who have and are gladly returning) to come and do so during the last evenings of culinary delights. Today one of the best Slovenian female chefs, Ana Roš, is taking over and offering a creative combination of "Mychicken" and "Pizza&Bear", and she will be accompanied with Damjan Fink from Gostilna na gradu from Ljubljana andMarko Pavčnik, chef at the Tabor castle close to Laško. You are very welcome to try the culinary side of the biggest festival in Maribor.
Vinogradništvo Frešer Matjaž Frešer Ritoznoj 17, 2310 Slovenska Bistrica +386 (0)2 80 34 215, +386 (0)31 577 980 vino@freser.si www.freser.si
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Maribor down town at night
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bodifit.net
Maribor, Slovenia
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Cambodia
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Siem Reap The town of Siem Reap in northern Cambodia is the primary gateway for the Angkor Archaeological Park. The name Siem Reap literally means "Siam Defeated". These days, however, the only rampaging hordes are the tourists heading to the Angkor Archaeological Park.
Be sure to pick up your free Siem Reap Angkor Visitors Guide and the equally free and useful Siem Reap Pocket Guide from your hotel/ guesthouse. It contains lots of info on Siem Reap and the Angkor Archaeological Park, This once quaint village has become the including hotel/bar/restaurant/shop info, travel largest boom town and construction site in info, and maps. For the eco-sensitive tourist, Cambodia. It's quite laid-back and a pleasant check out "Stay Another Day: Cambodia," a place to stay while touring the temples and a detailed guide with local spots that support the nice compromise between observing environment and community. Cambodian life and enjoying the amenities of modern services and entertainment, Another address is the ConCERT tourist office, a thanks to a large expatriate community. local NGO committed to raising the standards of responsible tourism and ecotourism activities Since Siem Reap is a major tourist destination, and providing information on the causes and prices in many instances are higher than effects of poverty in Cambodia, volunteering elsewhere in Cambodia. Expect to receive opportunities and ecotours. almost constant offers for motodop and tuk-tuk rides, along with everything else which drivers ASPARA (the acronym is based on the French for may be able to offer to you. the "Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap" and also the Sanskrit for a female spirit of www.questwe.com
the clouds and waters in Hindu and Buddhist mythology) has a very informative website detailing the history and architecture (in 6 languages) and endorsed by the recently deceased King of Cambodia.
Must See Temples Around Town Wat Preah Prom Rath, Pokambor Ave. The glittering modern temple grounds gives a few hints to its 500 year history. Though the lotus themed architecture seem to emulate temples from over the border, the front gate integrates Bayon style heads and a scene in relief of the Buddha seated under a tree, while armies fire arrows on one side and others are eaten by crocodiles on his other, that looks like it could have been taken directly from Angkorian mural. Legend holds it that the site was established 55
Discover Cambodia One of the best experiences in your life! Book now. helipcopterscambodia.com
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around 1500 when a famous monk landed ashore on a piece of his sinking boat. The boat wood was carved into the oddly foreshortened reclining Buddha installed in a swimming pool like pit behind the imposing, yet despondent looking, seated Buddha in the main hall. Perhaps mimicking the construction materials origins the reclining Buddha has taken on a sunken slant at the feet end. A pair of small weather worn cannons on either side of the hall are of unknown origin but their style, an embossed crown-like seal and mysterious numbers suggest a European origin.
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Wat Damnak located behind the market on the south-eastern side of the river.
Some visitors feel visiting an orphanage is a way to make a positive contribution to Cambodia, while others feel that orphanage tours do more Wat Kesararam located slightly north of the harm than good. The largest child protection town center. Close to the Museum. group in the country has asked that tourists not visit orphanages--the great majority of Must Do Cambodian children in orphanages have living parents, but the tourist demand for orphans Champey Cooking Class, you will learn how to results in these children being separated from prepare traditional and delicious Khmer dishes their parents. Whichever view you hold, under the guidance of our chef. orphanages and the aid organisations that Our chef will take you to the market and will support them are a significant feature of the e x p l a i n e ve r y t h i n g a b o u t c a m b o d i a n Siem Reap economy. Many are scams, so it's Wat Prohm Rath - modern but quite boring, vegetables, herbs, spices and other ingredients worth doing a bit of research on them might as well stop in on your way to the and he will teach you to the art of Khmer beforehand. museum. Cuisine. Moreover, he has a good sense of humour and Some long running orphanages that have a Wat Preah Enkosa - average little temple. will make your day of cooking a fun experience! good reputation are: Wat Preah Enkosei - interesting little temple, Reservations at: reservation@angkorw.com painted orange. The Sangkheum Center for Children, Chey Sabai Moto Adventures operates daily moto Village (a few km past airport on Hwy Wat Po Lanka - little temple painted white. bike tours to the countryside, remote villages 6), ☎ +855 12 675 637. Children's centre for and ancient temples. Great for all levels of orphaned, abused or neglected Cambodian Wat Bo - two large brand new temples and one riders. Get off the beaten path and see the real Children. Children aged 2-18 receive basic care old white one. The new ones, almost finished, Cambodia as you explore areas seldom visited and additional enrichment classes to have been under construction since 2011. by tourists. supplement their public schooling.
Fine Cambodian cuisine in the coziest environment in town The passage, Old Market, Siem Reap Cambodia :champey@angkorw.com / +855 63 964 713 58
www.questyourstory.com
Welcome The Shinta Mani Resort is a newly renovated boutique property centrally located in the leafy French Quartier between The Royal Gardens and the Old Market Area just 15 minutes from the Angkor Wat. The courtyard-style resort’s 62 rooms & junior suite enjoys a surprisingly different “Bensley twist” with direct access or first floor balcony views to the stunning swimming pool and flourishing tropical gardens.
• s h i n t a m a n i . c o m • +855 63 761 998 •
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Discover Cambodian Cuisine in Siem Reap The Cambodian Menu includes dishes such as curries, barbecue and fish-based meals, but Cambodian dishes tend to be much subtler in flavors more delicately spiced and are rarely spicy hot. Rich, fresh ingredients, a distinctive use of spices and presentation with a flourish are all hallmarks of Cambodian dining experience. A typical dinner is eaten in courses-salad, a soup and a main dish with rice. Meats are served bite-sized and the table is set with fork, spoon and chopsticks but usually no Knife. Foreign visitors are traditionally introduced to the local cuisines with a traditional Amok a yellow curry with coconut and fish cooked and serve in a fresh coconut or banana leaf. Also popular Cambodian Barbeque “phnom pleung”(table volcano) style, offers a family dining atmosphere. Here our Restaurant Selection Champey Restaurant Champey is located in a privileged place, in front of the old Market, in a French Historical building, protected by the world Heritage.The Khmer specialties of Champey are inspired from the Royal recipes. An Up-market gastronomy to discover the authentic flavors of South East Asia and inescapable desserts « maison ». Address: The passage, Old Market, Siem Reap Cambodia Email address:champey@angkorw.com Tel Number: +855 63 964 713 Website: www.restaurant-siemreap.com 60
Madame Butterfly Restaurant
Must experience “Champey’s Cooking Class”
Delight in Siem Reaps iconic and long established Khmer Restaurant, Mme Butterfly offers the best of the authentic Cambodian Cuisine while pampering privileged guests in a cozy traditional wood house surrounded by a lovely garden. Such a perfect place for a romantic dinner for instance. Address: National road No. 6, Airport Road, Siem Reap Cambodia Email Address: madamebutterfly@angkorw.com Tel Number: +855 966 281
Here you will learn how to prepare traditional and delicious Khmer dishes under the guidance of a real Chef. He will take you to the market and will explain everything about Cambodian vegetables, herbs, spices and other ingredients and he will teach you to the art of Khmer Cuisines. Make your day of cooking a fun experience.
Bar Banana Leaf Banana leaf is located in the Famous Pub St in Siem Reap and offers a large terrace to get some rest after a long day visiting temples. There you The Khmer Barbe.Q can enjoy live sports on big screen or lounge atmosphere while drinking cocktails or eating For traditional dance performance check out Banana Leaf's unique signature dish: The The Khmer Barbe.Q or simply taste exotic meats Crocodile Burger. such as crocodile, Snakes, frog legs, goat, Kangaroo or ostrich serve among the classic: Address: Street No. 8, Pub Street, Siem Reap Beef, chicken, Pork, Shrimps, Squid or Fish Cambodia Address: The road to Angkor Wat (opposite Tel Number: +855 636 975 222 Angkor National Museum) Email Address: cambodianbbq@angkorw.com Tel Number: +855 636 304 512 Website: www.restaurant-siemreap.com www.questwe.com
w w w. l a v i l l a c o l o n i a l e . c o m
Te l: + 8 5 5 63 7 63 03 0, Fax: +855 63 765168, eMail: b o o k @ l a v i l l a c o l o n i a l e . c o m
Just enjoy the show
The road to Angkor Wat (opposite Angkor National Museum) cambodianbbq@angkorw.com +855 636 304 51
Thailand
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Southern east Islands
With great food, a tropical climate, fascinating culture and great beaches, Thailand is a magnet for travelers the world over. Understand Thailand Thailand is the country in Southeast Asia most visited by tourists, and for good reason. You can find almost anything here: thick jungle as green as can be, crystal blue waters that feel more like a warm bath than a swim in the ocean, and food that can curl your nose hairs while tap dancing across your taste buds. Exotic, yet safe; cheap, yet equipped with every modern amenity you need, there is something for every interest and ever y price bracket, from beach front backpacker bungalows to some of the best luxury hotels in the world. And despite the heavy flow of tourism, Thailand retains its quintessential Thai-ness, with a culture and history all its own and a carefree people famed for their smiles and their funseeking sanuk lifestyle. Many travelers come to Thailand and extend their stay well beyond their original plans and others never find a reason to leave. Whatever your cup of tea, they know how to make it in Thailand. This is not to say that Thailand doesn't have its www.questwe.com
downsides, including the considerable growing pains of an economy where an agricultural laborer is lucky to earn 100 baht per day while the nouveau riche cruise past in their BMWs, Bangkok, the capital, is notorious for its traffic jams and rampant development has wrecked much of oncebeautiful Pattaya and Phuket. In heavily touristed areas, some lowlifes have made scamming tourists into an art form.
mountains, where temperatures can fall as low as 5°C. This is the most popular time to visit and, especially around Christmas and New Year's or at Chinese New Year a few weeks later, finding flights and accommodation can be expensive and difficult. Hot: From March to June, Thailand swelters in temperatures as high as 40°C (104°F). Pleasant enough when sitting on the beach with a drink in hand, but not the best time of year to go temple-tramping in Bangkok. Climate Rainy: From July to October, although it only really gets underway in September, tropical Thailand is largely tropical, so it's hot and monsoons hit most of the country. This doesn't humid all year around with temperatures in the mean it rains non-stop, but when it does it 28-35°C range (82-95°F), a degree of relief pours and flooding is not uncommon. provided only in the mountains in the far north There are local deviations to these general of Thailand. The careful observer will, however, patterns. In particular, the south-east coast of note three seasons: Thailand (including Ko Samui) has the rains reversed, with the peak season being MayCool: From November to the end of February, it October and the rainy off season in Novemberdoesn't rain much and temperatures are at their February. lowest, although you will barely notice the difference in the south and will only need to pack a sweater if hiking in the northern 63
Bangkok
Bangkok - Hong Hong - Shanghai - Tokyo - Beijing - New York - Chicago - Beverly Hills - Manila
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The Best Tailor in Town
Oriental Suit Gallery We went to take a look, as clients, to one of the busiest and most traditional tailor in BKK, just to be amazed with their service, how knowledgeable they are, but most important with their products. Bangkok has an absolute army of tailors and the city is rightly famed for being able to stitch-up top quality suits at bottom dollar prices - we've picked THE BEST. Best in Bangkok doesn't always mean a massive building or golden doors, but great staff, knowledgeable and willing to understand exactly what you are looking for.
tailors serving you with 40 years in the industry, 40 tailors under them and 10 quality control managers.
this a great location for suit seekers, intimidated by the options and aggressive sales tactics at other tailors.
Word of mouth is what made them grow. They started in a small shop 5 by 5mts and focused in delivering a great product, today they host a beautiful and cozy 3-floor building. Oriental Suit Gallery is famed for their friendly service and In our top pick we have selected the “Oriental retains a host of high profile international clients Suit Gallery”, a tailor that combine high quality, on their books. Mr Bob tours Australia, Europe bespoke service with value for money. That and the US twice a year serving his clients from doesn't mean they're cheap, but they will make abroad, with no extra charge, thanks to the the most with the budget you have. Also, keep great amount of customers they have in those in mind; they remain significantly cheaper than markets. Sydney, New York, London or another city that have top quality tailors. While it may not attract the glossy magazine spreads and celebrity splashes, Bob's served Once the tailor of choice for some great people such as Angelina Jolie and Brian Nielsen, celebrities, as well as traditional business men in remaining a favorite for many of Bangkok's most Bangkok, the Oriental Suit Gallery has over 20 influential families. While the suits themselves years of suit making experience, with 4 master are faultless, the low key, fuss free service makes
They count with a stock of fabrics that ranges 400 patterns and colors for shirts and 600 for suits, which they turn into what you selected, as they don’t outsource any of their work, as almost every other tailor in town.
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They offer complimentary pick up service anywhere in Bangkok. “The satisfaction of our customers is the thing that drives us. Were 70% of our clients are recommended by others, and 60% comes back” says Mr Bob. “We save the mesurements for the clients to buy our products again and if their bodies change with time we send a chart to remesure themselves.”
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Bangkok, in Thai: กรุงเทพฯ Krung Thep, is the capital of Thailand and, with a population of over eleven million inhabitants, by far its largest city in the country. Its high-rise buildings, heavy traffic congestion, intense heat and naughty nightlife do not immediately give you a warm welcome — but don't let your first impression mislead you. It is one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities with magnificent temples and palaces, authentic canals, busy markets and a vibrant nightlife that has something for everyone. For years, it was only a small trading post at the banks of the Chao Phraya River, until King Rama I, the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty, turned it into the capital of Siam in 1782, after the burning of Ayutthaya by Burmese invaders. Since then, Bangkok has turned into a national treasure house and functions as Thailand's spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic centre.
Understand Bangkok Just under 14 degrees north of the Equator, Bangkok is a tropical metropolis that is also one of the most traveller-friendly cities in Asia. A furious assault on the senses, visitors are immediately confronted by the heat, the pollution and the irrepressible smile that accompanies many Thais. Despite the sensationalised international news reports and fi r s t i m p r e s s i o n s , t h e c i t y i s surprisingly safe (except from some petty crimes) and more organised than it initially appears, and full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. The high relative humidity and warm temperature favour the growth of tropical plants — you'll find exotic orchids and delicious www.questwe.com
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fruit everywhere. Bougainvillea and frangipani bloom practically all over the city. Thai cuisine is justifiably famous, varied, and affordable. Bangkok for many represents the quintessential Asian capital. Saffron-robed monks, garish neon signs, graceful Thai architecture, spicy dishes, colourful markets, traffic jams and the tropical climate come together in a happy coincidence. It is difficult to leave with lukewarm impressions of the city.
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Extreme rainfall happens in September and October, so these months are best avoided.
Whatever season you're visiting, don't take the weather lightly — temple-tramping in the scorching afternoon sun can be a challenge, so come well-prepared. Dress lightly for the weather, but keep in mind that some palaces and temples (notably the Grand Palace) have a strict dress code. Also be sure, and this cannot be said enough, drink enough fluids! You don't have a reason not to, as 7-Elevens and other Climate convenience stores are abundant in Bangkok and they sell cooled beverages for as little as 10 According to the World Meteorological baht. Locals get their water from "reverse Organization, Bangkok is the world's hottest osmosis" purified water machines that fill up a city. Located just 14 degrees north of the one litre bottle for 1 baht. Equator, Bangkok is sunny at any time of the year with temperatures over 30°C (86°F). Stay safe The most pleasant time to visit is the cool season that lasts from November till February. It Given its size, Bangkok is surprisingly safe, with is both the coolest and driest period — the violent crimes like mugging and robbery Emerald Buddha statue in Wat Phra Kaew even unusual. One of the biggest dangers are wears a scarf during this period! Don't think motorbikes who ride on pavements at speed, go t h a t ' s n e c e s s a r y t h o u g h — d a y t i m e through red lights, undertake buses as they stop temperatures still hover around 30°C (86°F), but to let passengers off and generally drive far too it does cool down into the lower 20s as it gets fast especially through stationary traffic. If you dark (lower 70s in Fahrenheit). March and April are going to hire a bike, make sure you have represent the hot season, and hot it is — 35°C insurance in case you are injured. You may be (95°F) on average, but don't be surprised to see the world's best driver but you'll meet many of temperatures rising into the 40s °C (around 100 the world's worst drivers in Thailand. °F+). This is the worst season to visit Bangkok, so plan in a lot of air-conditioned shopping mall Bangkok does have more than its fair share visits and get a hotel with a swimming pool. of scams, and many individuals in the tourist Then there's the wet season that runs from May business do not hesitate to overcharge unwary till October. Expect massive downpours visitors. As a rule of thumb, it is wise to decline resulting in floods all over the city, and spells of all offers made by someone who appears to be a thunder at times. It's not all bad though — the friendly local giving a hapless tourist some local afternoon showers are actually a pleasant way advice. Never get in a tuk-tuk if someone else is to cool down from the heat, and while they may trying to get you into one. Most Bangkok locals last all day, usually they're over within an hour. 67
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do not approach foreigners without an ulterior of travelling by tuk-tuk appeals to you, it's motive. almost always cheaper, more comfortable and less hassle to take a metered taxi. Scams What to do if you fall for the gem scam In general, never ask a taxi driver for a recommendation for something. They will very As long as you're still in Thailand, it's not too likely take you to a place where they get a late. Contact the Tourist Authority of Thailand, commission, and be of dubious quality. In ☎ +66 2 694-1222) or the Tourist Police, ☎ 1155 particular, do not ask a taxi driver for a immediately, file a police report, and return to restaurant recommendation. An infamous place the store to claim a refund — they must, by law, taxi drivers take unsuspecting tourists is return 80%. If your gems have been mailed, Somboon D which is a terrible seafood restaurant in a seedy area under the train tracks contact the Bangkok Mail Centre, ☎ +66 2 on Makkasan Road (02 6527 7667). A typical 215-0966(-195) immediately and ask them to meal there costs 800 THB per person and it track your package; they'll find it if you act fast, comes with little seafood, no service, and and know the name, address and date it was complaints are not taken by management. mailed. Instead of asking a taxi driver, search the web, ask a local on the street, or just walk around -You should always be on the look-out for you will surprise yourself with what is around a scammers, especially in major tourist areas. corner in Bangkok. There are dozens of scams in Bangkok, but by far the most widely practiced is the gem scam. Be highly skeptical when an English-speaking Always beware of tuk-tuk drivers offering all-day Thai at a popular tourist attraction approaches tours for prices as low as 10 baht. You may you out of the blue, telling that your intended indeed be taken on a full-day tour, but you will destination is currently closed or offering end up only visiting one gem and souvenir shop discount admissions. Temples are almost always after another. Don't buy any products offered by free (the main exceptions are Wat Phra Kaew pushy salesmen — the "gems" are pretty much and Wat Pho) and open just about every day of always worthless pieces of cut glass and the the year. Anyone telling you otherwise, even if suits are of deplorable quality. The tuk-tuk driver they have an official-looking identification card, gets a commission if you buy something — and is most likely out to scam you, especially if they fuel coupons even if you don't. Unless the idea suggest a tuk-tuk ride to some alternate sights
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to see until the sight re-opens. At paid admission sites, verify the operating hours at the ticket window. If you entered one of these tuk-tuks, touts often will drop you off at a certain place, such as a genuine Buddhist temple. Here you will find a man that claims to be an official, and he guides you in a certain direction. There you will find another "official" who also claims that a certain attraction is closed. This way, a tourist hears the same statement by multiple people, and is more eager to believe that his or her intended destination indeed is closed. Never get involved with these scammers or believe any of their statements. When getting a taxi, it is a good idea to hail a moving taxi from the main road, or to walk a short distance out of a major tourist area before looking for one. This is no guarantee of honesty, but greatly increases your chances of finding an honest driver, of which there are plenty in Bangkok, even if it sometimes seems that every driver is on the make. Most of the untrustworthy drivers are the ones standing still in tourist areas. Another important rule of thumb is to insist on the meter for taxis and agree on a price in advance for tuk-tuks. If they refuse, or quote silly prices, just walk out and get a different one as they're rarely in short supply. The Thai phrase to ask a driver to use the meter
16 Sukhumvit Road, Soi 5,Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 (0) 2253 4300Fax: +66 (0) 2255 8850Email: info@belairebangkok.com
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267, Soi Sukhumvit 31, North Klongtan, Wattana, Bangkok, Thailand 10110 Tel: +66-2-259-9011 - Fax: +66-2-259-9010 - enquiry@theeugenia.com www.questwe.com
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SOLO SUKHUMVIT 81 Welcome to Thailand! Guests can be rest assured that Solo will do its outmost to ensure guest well-being and safety. reservations@solosukhumvit81.com
solosukhumvit81.com
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is mee-TOE, khap if you're male and mee-TOE, offers of ping-pong shows and 100-baht beer. kha if you're female. The beer may well be 100 baht, but the "show" you'll be treated to will be 1,000 baht or more. Beware of tuk-tuk or taxi drivers who approach The rule of thumb is that if you cannot see you speaking good English or with an "I ♥ inside from street level, avoid the establishment. farang" sign, especially those who mention or take you to a tailor shop (or any kind of business). They are paid by inferior tailor shops to bring tourists there to be subjected to high pressure sales techniques. If at any point your transportation brings you somewhere you didn't intend or plan to go, walk away immediately, ignore any entreaties to the contrary, and find another taxi or tuk-tuk. Beware of a very overweight Western woman who approaches you with a story about how her luggage has just been stolen and needs money to get home. For several years now, she has usually lurked around the tourist attractions in Bangkok looking for prey. The scam industry in Bangkok is large enough to employ farangs! Also beware of private bus companies offering direct trips from Bangkok to other cities with "VIP" buses. There are a lot of scams performed by these private bus companies. The so-called direct VIP trips may end up changing three or four uncomfor table minibuses to the destination, and the 10-11 hour trip may well turn into 17-18 hours. Instead, try to book public BKS buses from the main bus terminals. It's worth the extra shoe-leather, as there have been reports of robberies on private buses as well.
Fights Do not get into fights with locals. Thais are peace loving people, but when a Thai fights a foreigner, it is never a fair fight. You'll wind up having to fight 10-20 others who were not initially involved, or the police will be called and not do anything to assist you (especially the Metropolitan Police, as they normally have very limited English skills; always contact the Tourist Police (telephone 1155) when in trouble). Thais are also notorious for fighting with weaponry (guns, knives, broken bottles, metal rods) or employing Muay Thai techniques. These are usually produced from their concealed locations, with foreigners getting seriously injured or worse. Just avoid all confrontations. If you do get involved in a situation, it is better to apologise and get the heck out of there. In Thailand, discretion is definitely the better part of valour. Animal abuse
Elephants are a large part of Thailand's tourist business, and the smuggling and mistreatment of elephants for tourist attractions is a widespread practice. Be aware that elephants are often separated from their mothers at a young age to be cruelly trained under captivity for the rest of their lives. It is advised to take Go-go bars an elephant ride only at animal friendly Bangkok is known for its go-go bars and the organisations. prostitution that comes along with it. Technically, some aspects of prostitution are A depressingly common sight on the congested illegal (eg. soliciting, pimping), but enforcement streets of Bangkok is elephant begging. During is rare, and brothels are common. It's not illegal night hours, mahouts (trainers) with lumbering to pay for sex or to pay a "barfine" (a fee the bar elephants approach tourists to feed the collects if you want to take an employee away). creatures bananas or take a photo with them for a fee. The elephants are brought to the city to The age of consent in Thailand is 15, but a beg in this way because they are out of work higher minimum age of 18 applies in the case of and are mistreated and visibly distressed under prostitutes. Penalties for sex with minors are the conditions of the city. Please avoid harsh. All adult Thais must carry an identity card, supporting this cruelty by rejecting the which will state that they were born in 2534 or mahouts as they offer you bananas to feed the earlier if they were over the age of 18 on elephants. This is especially common in Silom January 1, 2010 (in the Thai calendar, 2010 is the and Sukhumvit. year 2553). Many hotels retain the ID cards of prostitutes for the duration of their visit. Whilst most prostitutes are employed by bars or similar businesses, some are "freelancers". Petty theft and other problems are more common with these freelancers. HIV and AIDS awareness is better than it used to be, but infection statistics among entertainment industry workers remain high; freelancers are the highest risk group. Almost all girls insist on using condoms.
Due to its location, lax laws, and resources, many illegal animal products come through Bangkok. Rare and endangered species are often sold at markets for pets (especially at Chatuchak), and many other animal products are sold as luxury items. Avoid buying rare pets, leather, ivory, talons, dried sea creatures (such as starfish), fur, feathers, teeth, wool, and other products since they are most likely the result of illegal poaching, and buying them contributes While walking in go-go bar areas is generally greatly to animal endangerment and abuse. safe, you have to be cautious of touts who try to Glacier Mel, South Patagonia unrest drag you into the Patpong upstairs bars with Political www.questwe.com
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In 2008, political unrest hit the headlines, with the yellow-shirted People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) closing down both of Bangkok's airports for a week with several people killed in political violence. After the new prime minister was elected, things were more or less back to normal for a while, but the situation remained unstable. In 2010, new political unrest surfaced with red-shirted protesters from the U n i t e d Fr o n t f o r D e m o c r a c y A g a i n s t Dictatorship (UDD) occupying much of downtown Bangkok. These protests turned violent when government troops tried to take back parts of central Bangkok that had been seized by protesters. Always follow the independent press for the newest political developments, stay away from demonstrations. Food and water As elsewhere in Thailand, be careful with what you eat. Outside of major tourist hotels and resorts, stay away from raw leafy vegetables, egg-based dressings like mayonnaise, unpackaged ice cream and minced meat as hot weather tends to make food go bad faster. In short, stick to boiled, baked, fried, or peeled goods. Tap water in Bangkok is said to be safe when it comes out the plant, but unfortunately the plumbing along the way often is not, so it's wise to avoid drinking the stuff, even in hotels. Any water served to you in good restaurants will at least be boiled, but it's better to order sealed bottles instead, which are available everywhere at low prices. Take care with ice, which may be made with tap water of questionable potability as above. Some residents claim that ice with round holes is made by commercial ice makers who purify their water; others state that it is wise not to rely on that claim. History "Bangkok" originally was a small village on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. After the fall of Ayutthaya in the late 18th century, King Taksin the Great turned that village into Siam's new capital and renamed it Thonburi. In 1782, King Rama I moved the capital to the eastern bank of the river at Rattanakosin; originally the site of a Chinese community, who were moved outside of the new city walls to Yaowarat. King Rama I named the city Krung Thep, as it is now known to Thais and which in English is translates as the "City of Angels". The full name "Krung thep mahanakhon amorn ratanakosin mahintharayutthaya mahadilok popnoparat ratchathani burirom udomratchanivetmahasathan amornpiman a v a t a r n s a t h i t sakkathattiyavisnukarmprasit" (กรุงเทพมหานคร 71
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อมรรัตนโกสินทร์ มหินทรายุธยามหาดิลกภพ fruit and vegetables. The only stone structures built on land were temples and palaces. In the นพรัตน์ราชธานี บุรีรมย์อุดมราชนิเวศน์มหาสถาน 19th-century, อมรพิมานอวตารสถิต สักกะทัตติยะวิษณุกรรม ประสิทธิ์) is listed as the world's longest location Western powers incorporated much of name by the Guinness Book of Records; an Southeast Asia into their colonial empires. King English rendering goes like this: "The city of Rama IV and V felt that the only way to keep angels, the great city, the residence of the Siam independent was to modernise the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city of country along European lines. Traditional canals Ayutthaya of God Indra, the grand capital of the were filled up and turned into roads. King Rama world endowed with nine precious gems, the V moved the residence of the King to Dusit and happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal laid out that district's grand boulevards along Palace that resembles the heavenly abode European lines. where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn". The original Bangkok really started to develop after World village of Bangkok has long since ceased to War II. The economic centre shifted from the exist, but foreigners never caught on to the orderly planned city of Rattanakosin in an eastward direction, leaving Bangkok without an change. obvious centre. Bangkok established itself as the Life was taking place on the water; ordinary driving power behind Thailand's new role as a people lived on bamboo-rafts along the river, newly industrializing country from the 1980s while floating vendors roamed the water to sell onwards. Rapid economic growth has attracted
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migration from the countryside, with millions of Thais moving here from Isaan to make a living. This rapid expansion turned Bangkok into one of the most cosmopolitan and happening cities in Asia; but also ensured numerous problems. A wide gap has emerged between those who profit from economic activity, and those who came to the city from the countryside in search of work. Bangkok's seemingly never-ending traffic jams continue as the new Skytrain and metro systems are too expensive for the working class. Getting a break from the fumes in a park would seem to be a good idea, if it wasn't that Bangkok having the lowest amount of green space among all capitals in the world.
T 02-695-4242 F 02.695.4240 info@tenfacebangkok.com www.tenfacebangkok.com 81 Soi Ruamrudee 2 Wireless Rd. Lumpini Pathumwan BKK 10330
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Koh Phangan All you were looking fro your next adventure traveling, as chill as only thai people know how
Must See Salad Beach on Koh Phangan Than Sadet-Ko Pha Ngan National Park The park (free of charge) is named after the river Than Sadet (literally, "Royal River"). The river forms the largest waterfall on the island, which was visited by several Thai kings. Very difficult to reach on motorbike, one of the worst roads on island. Down at the sea at Than Sadet Beach, there are a few places to stay. Visit the beautiful waterfalls and lookouts in the interior of the island. The best lookouts are Domesila viewpoint, a 15 min hike from Phaeng waterfall in Phaeng National Park (free of charge). There is another waterfall viewpoint a 20 min walk from Phaeng waterfall. From Bottle Beach you can hike to the rocky viewpoint above valley with great views over northeast part of island, hiking to the top should take 30-45 min depending on your condition. You can visit Wat Khao Tam viewpoint on the road between Thong Sala and Haad Rin which you can reach on motorbike and then it's easy walk for few minutes to the temple with viewpoint at Ko Samui and southern coast of Ko Pha Ngan. Another viewpoint is in Chalok Lam on the road
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to Haad Khom, it's well signposted from the road from Thong Sala to Chalok Lam (300 baht main road. for 30 min ride. On the price list it's officially 500 baht). Very close is also an archery range. The herbal sauna at Wat Pho with separated mens/womens rooms is a great relief after long Must Do party nights. It's near the 7-11 branch in Baan Thai, on the southwest side of the island. Always Archery can be attempted at the "First Bow and wear a sarong (over your bikini, for men it's OK Arrow Archery" close to Chalok Lam on the road to use shorts). Remember that you are on to Thong Sala. Four archers can have a go at the temple grounds and locals find nudity same time. People are very friendly (German offensive. This is not a European sauna, sitting spoken during high-season) and helpful; 15 min naked will get you into trouble. The cost for for 150 baht. entering the herbal sauna is 50 baht and you can stay as long as you want, if you want a towel Explore the beauty of Pha Ngan Island, through the price is 10 baht. Open 13:00-19:00. exciting day, evening and adventure tours. Experience, diving, snorkelling,kayaking, speed Visit Ko Maa off the northwest coast of Ko Pha boat excursions to Ang Thong National Marine Ngan. It offers one of the best snorkelling places Park, muay Thai, fishing trips, cultural on the island. Other places to do snorkelling are tours, elephant riding. Enjoy the beauty of Haad Khom beach (very shallow water on the nature that the Ko Maa area has to offer and coast during low tide, be careful) and Haad Yao. have a relaxing boat trip. With so many things to see and do your time on Ko Pha Ngan will be On the road between Thong Sala and Chalok truly memorable. Lam is a beautiful Chinese Temple (free) overlooking Chalok Lam Bay. Full Moon Party - if you're after party heaven you can't do better than Haad Rin, an expanded There is a elephant camp on the way from Baan village of beach bars, cheap chicken burgers, Tai to Thong Nai Pan (300 baht for a 30 min ride. and low cut figure-hugging outfits. It is most Also one close to The Chinese temple on the popular one night a month, the night of the Full
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Moon Party. Every bar is hopping, the beaches packed with trance, dance, buckets, and various other suspicious substances. However, if the sight of thousands of bottles and other trash repulses you, make sure you leave the beach area before the sun comes up, or grab a garbage bag and help tidy up a little. If you're not on Ko Pha Ngan during the full moon, don't worry: there are other parties to be had, including Half Moon (2 times a month), Black Moon, Jungle Experience (1 & 9 days before every full moon party) as well as the Shiva Moon party. Haad Rin offers a variety of entertainment venues just steps away from the famous 'Full Moon Party beach', where travellers and locals come to get away from the repetitiveness of the beach party scene. Jungle Experience, Ban Tai. 21:00 to 08:00. In the jungle near Baan Tai, Jungle Experience features the best of underground electronic beats house, tech & progressive. Site incorporates a magical flower garden criss-crossing a river, plenty of areas to sit down and chill-out complete with UV decorations and laser lighting, dancers & performance artists. Professional world-class DJs. 2012 Schedule: 1 day before and 9 days before every Full Moon Party. 300 baht per person, free entry before 23:00. Hiking can be done all around the island. There is a trail that leads between Haad Rin and Haad Tien, which many enjoy. The route can become difficult to discern, and bringing enough water is necessary. If you are feeling adventurous, ride a motorbike to the end of the concrete road at Haad Khom from where you can hike through steep terrain and jungle on the coast to isolated Bottle Beach. The overgrown and difficult trail is occasionally marked with bottles and the hike takes 2-3 hours. Ride back to Chalok Lam with a taxi boat (150 baht/person) from where it's 30
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min walk uphill to the Haad Khom main road where you parked your motorbike (or you can hike all the way from Chalok Lam). Another good trail is to the best viewpoint on the island (in good weather), Khao Ra Viewpoint, on the highest hill on the island.
and help protect the customer from fraud. Please check to make sure you are booking through a TAT registered dive centre.
Scuba Diving Ko Pha Ngan has lovely sites around the island which are perfect for both beginners and trained divers. From easy dives off the beach to longer trips by boat you can experience the world of tropical diving. The waters around Ko Pha Ngan are much nicer than most people know: fine hard corals with a good range of reefs and tropical/pelagic fish. Sailrock, undoubtedly the most famous dive site in the Gulf of Thailand. Located between Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao all the wonders of this exciting site can be explored by all levels of divers. This spectacular rock rises out of the water creating the best wall dive with a maximum depth of 40 m. Providing a great range of marine life, s p e c t a c u l a r u n d e r wate r s ce n e r y, ro c k formations. There are several PADI dive-schools on the island, including: Haad Yao Divers a PADI 5 Star IDC Dive Resort located on Haad Yao and Haad Chao Phao; Reefers Dive Resort located on Haad Yao Beach; Sail Rock Divers; Lotus Dive Resort, both located in Chalok Lam; and Phangang Divers, located in Haad Rin. You will, however, find many more dive schools throughout the island. Under Thai law, dive operators must be registered with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to improve quality of service, safety
By plane
Watersports Rent or take courses in sailing, windsurfing, kite-surfing or paddle boarding. All are available in only few locations such as, Sl2k Muay Thai gyms such as "Jungle Gym" in Haad Adventure located at Baan Manali Resort in Ao Rin and Thong Sala web offering training and Nai Wok or "Cookie Salad" at "Haad Salad". workout facilities, as well as camps such as "Horizon" located in Haad Tien (east) which is an Yoga is offered at multiple locations including intensive training camp. There are also frequent Agama Yoga, which is located in the northwest bouts in Thong Sala and Haad Rin for spectators of the island and has month-long intensive who don't want to learn the sport. courses.
The closest airport is Ko Samui (USM) which has frequent flights from Bangkok and Phuket, daily flights from U-Tapao and Singapore, and several direc t flights each week from Chiang Mai and Kuala Lumpur. Transportation to the ferry dock is easy to find at the airport. Ferries depart several times a day with the last one around dusk. The next nearest airport is Surat Thani (URT) on the mainland. Flights from Bangkok there are significantly cheaper (1,000-1,500 baht in advance, or 2,000-2,500 if booked same day, instead of 3,000-5,000 if flying to Samui), as there are low-cost carriers (AirAsia) flying there, and even Thai Airways charge 30-50% less than to Samui. However, you'll then need combined bus + boat travel to get to Ko Pha Ngan, which will surely take several hours. AirAsia uses the old airport in Bangkok, Don Mueang, while Thai Airways uses the international airport, Suvarnabhumi. Nok Airways is now selling a combined package ticket including airfare to Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat, bus ride to the pier, and a ticket
Neptunes Villa With a total of 56 rooms, all with air conditioning and hot water and many with sunset sea views Address: 110/1 Moo.6, Baan Tai, Koh Phangan, Sales/ Marketing/ Reservation/ Accounting +66 (0) 89 461 1115, Fax:+ 66(0) 2 938 9419 Email: neptunesvillaphangan@gmail.com www.neptunesvillaphangan.com www.questwe.com
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on the Lomprayah high-speed catamaran. This should be simpler for travellers than arranging the individual segments separately. Nok uses Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok. By boat Sunset Baan Tai and seaview to Ko Samui Ko Samui / Thong Sala From Ko Samui: There are at least 3 ferries a day from Ko Samui's "Big Buddha" pier directly to Haad Rin. Ferries also leave from Nathon and Mae Nam piers to Thong Sala several times a day.
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Watch out for scammers at Ko Samui airport who try to sell you a bus/boat combo for an exorbitant price. Make sure to walk towards the exit of the airport where there is an Information counter and taxi stands.
From Surat Thani: night ferry leaving at 23:00 from Surat Thani city (walking distance from bus stations Talat Kaset 1 and 2) arrives at Thong Sala pier-Ko Pha Ngan at 06:00 and costs 400 baht for a space on a mattress on the boat. The night ferry leaves from Thong Sala-Ko Pha Ngan From Ko Tao: there is fast Lomprayah catamaran for Surat Thani at 22:00 for 400 baht arriving operating twice a day to Ko Tao for 400 baht at around 05:00-06:00. 08:30 and 13:00 or leaving Ko Tao for Ko Pha Ngan at 09:30. The ride between these islands takes 1.25 hours. A cheaper, but slower ferry operates from Ko Pha Ngan to Ko Tao by Songserm express and costs 300 baht, leaving Ko Pha Ngan at 12:30, and takes 2 hours.
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Vi e n n a a n d t h e P a l a i s H a n s e n Originally built as a hotel for the World Exhibition in Vienna in 1873. It is a glamorous 5 star superior Palais Hotel with, two restaurants and three bars including a Night Bar & Cigar Lounge. A Kempinski The Spa and fitness area as well as conference rooms and a ballroom
Schottenring 24, 1010 Vienna +43 1 236 1000 reservation.vienna@kempinski.com