Sabtu, 26 Februari 2011

Budget London Hotels: Cheap Accommodation In An Opulent City


by: Lisha Hans

London, the classy city that draws in thousands of visitors from all over the world is also quite an expensive city. It hosts cheap hotels in several parts of the city that make reasonable accommodation possible. If it is cost which is bothering you, don't hold back your wish to visit London. Go for a cheap hotel.

London, the capital of the UK, is also known to the world for many more reasons. Regarded as one of the classiest cities in the world, London is a world class city with modern amenities and a rich cultural heritage at the same time. Thousands of tourists visiting the city every year are a testimonial to the city's appeal. The classic places of interest like Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, the Millennium Wheel and Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum continue to call in several visitors from around the world. The art galleries and night life of London are also attributes of the city that anyone who has visited London never fails to talk about. At the same time, visiting London itself is a luxury. The city is one of the most expensive cities in the world.

Even so, don't be too quick to decide. There is no denying the fact that London is indeed an expensive place in many aspects, yet it is possible to get cheap accommodation in the city. It is growing trend of cheap hotels that makes it possible. Being cheap, however, does not imply that the services offered are not up to mark. In fact, the definition of cheap varies from person to person. What one person may consider expensive may appear cheap to another. However, the hotels classified as cheap or budget hotels are cheaper in comparison to regular or highly luxuriant hotels like five star hotels.

London offers a broad range of hotels to cater to different requirements of holidaymakers. So, there are luxuriant hotels, the prices of which are sky-high. At the same time, there are hotels that offer a more economical alternative to people willing to spend a modest amount for their holiday. The hotels provide bed and breakfast services that are quite convenient as well as economical for travellers. Overall, they offer all facilities for a comfortable stay. The hotels are perfect for people with stringent budget limits, holidaying with a large group or family, or travelling for other purposes.

Budget hotels are available in many areas of London like Bayswater, Victoria, Paddington and Kensington. Victoria is a more preferred location for most of the holiday seekers owing to its ideal location. Victoria has an easy access to the airports like Gatwick Airport and is also well connected to many places of interest to the holiday seekers, some of the essential features that people look for in the location of the hotel. This gives an edge to budget hotels located in Victoria, over hotels scattered in different parts of the city.

It is cheap hotels that make it possible for holiday seekers with tight budgets to stay in an expensive city like London. Savings on lodging facilities is substantial if you wish to enjoy the city to the utmost.

A wholesome holiday means spending time on shopping, eating out, visiting the popular sights, wandering around the city, enjoying the local flavour, exploring the night life and so on, and that implies expenses. Saving on accommodation costs means there's more to spend on your holiday.

If the next holiday on your mind is in London, then explore the cost cutting possibilities of budget hotels. Cheap central London hotels will not only offer you a comfortable stay but also help you save a good deal. Plan your next holiday in London, explore the classy city, relish the rich cultural heritage and enjoy world class amenities while staying at a budget hotel.

Meet and Greet Luton Airport Parking Could Avoid Your Automobile parking Worries


by: Luton Airport Meet And Greet

Meet and Greet Luton Airport Parking Could Stop Your Automobile parking Worries.

When you program on flying from Luton airport, meet and greet Luton airport parking is one issue you want to seriously contemplate. Airport parking can absolutely be a true headache and after all, a plane trip is generally stressful enough devoid of the will need to concern oneself with exactly where to park the car. Why don't we take a moment to step back and have a appear at 3 chief alternatives for parking at Luton airport.

The first approach is usually known as off-airport parking. It is typically the least high-priced option for obvious reasons. The parking location isn't within the airport itself which means that you will need to get a shuttle transfer to take you to the actual airport terminal. These shuttle transfers might differ from a handful of minutes to twenty minutes or much more, as a handful of of the car parks could nicely be about four miles from the airport. Of course for some folks this is surely no large deal, even so other individuals demand additional convenience.

In order to receive that additional convenience the next step to think about is going to be on-airport parking. In this scenario you'll be ready to park your car within the airport facility itself. You can park your personal automobile and also maintain your keys with you, which normally can be a key element to some travelers. This selection is clearly a lot more pricey, even so it does lead to the ability to transfer into the airport terminal that much faster, and at occasions even merely walking there.

Without having a doubt the quite ideal and most anxiety-totally free alternative is Meet and Greet Luton airport parking. Luton meet and greet parking is just about as hassle-free of charge as it will get. Really all you have to truly do is drive up to the departure terminal and then a valet will look after your car from there onwards. All you require to do is wander into the terminal developing and check in. Whilst you're busy checking in your trusty valet will take your car to a secure and safe car parking facility. In a similar fashion, once you get back to the UK, you just choose up your baggage and your friendly valet will have your automobile waiting for you on the outside. Naturally this third selection is most likely to expense you far more. Nevertheless for sheer anxiety free of charge worth numerous folks are only too pleased to pay dollars for this service.

The very best and hassle totally free alternative will be to go with the meet and greet Luton airport parking services at http://www.lutonairportmeetandgreet.com/

Meet and greet valet parking at Luton airport stands out as the greatest relaxed business trip or holiday from starting to finish. The specialized services supplied are close to flawless, especially for households travelling together with little ones as effectively as company travellers that surely have practically no time to invest parking their autos. It's also excellent for men and women carrying huge bags or possibly hefty sporting gear, as properly as for men and women that have handicaps.

http://www.lutonairportmeetandgreet.com/at Luton airport makes it doable for vacationers to make a reservation ahead of time and as properly make changes to their booking. Once you reach your destination, all you will need to do is generally pay a visit to the web page or maybe make a call to adjust the return time in the event that you have to.

Kerala, the perfect place for your honeymoon


by: Kerala Hotels

Kerala the land of unaltered beauty is the variety of sacred greenery, unexcelled beauty of backwaters and beaches, ardent hospitality and epicure cuisines. The interlacing charm of natural scene and ethnic views summon scores of holidaymakers to this place from across the world. Come, explore and feel this land of becharmed beauty.

Kerala is most quixotic honeymoon destination in India. Its romantic atmosphere and the lively beauty have made it really a heaven for honeymooners. Kerala is unmatched of the hottest honeymoon destinations in the world. With its beautiful backwater destinations, enchanting beaches, bracing hill stations, Kerala is fine to be called the Honeymooner’s heaven. The almost beautiful part for designing Kerala honeymoon tours is nature has sanctified this land vastly.

Alongside backwaters and hill stations, Kerala is also noted for its colorful carnivals & fetes, historical forts & palaces, rich culture and inheritance, regenerating ayurveda therapy and more. Celebrating honeymoon in Kerala will be an experience which both of you will love to treasure for lifetime. So design your holiday in this beauteous paradise with the right honeymoon package from a numerous Kerala honeymoon packages made available by the tour operators. Certainly you will experience a romanticist honeymoon vacation in Kerala, which will kick off the beginning of newly married life

Houseboat Honeymoon in Kerala is the most in demand honeymoon package. The lavishness bundled houseboats have one or two baths, deck, lounge, and kitchenette. The crew on the houseboat comprises of two rowers and a cook. Sail by the palm-fringed watercourses on your houseboat honeymoon in Kerala. The sights during the travel offer a enchanting experience.

The houseboats drift by coir hamlets, water lilies, lush paddy field fields and coconut groves. The houseboat was traditionally known as Kettuvallam. Kettuvallam pertains to a boat made by attaching logs of wood put together. Amazing fact about Kettuvallam is that not even a single nail is applied in its structure. A coir rope / coconut fiber ropes is employed to tie the boards of jack wood. Then these boards are surfaced with black resin. This conventional houseboat is strictly eco-friendly

Long Distance Limo Luxury


by: Shawn Lindsey

When going to a New Jersey limos service many people assume that their services are limited to one single night jaunts about town and fancy events such as weddings or proms, but most limo renting business have options for overnight and long distance voyages as well. The next time you are considering a road trip to attend a sporting event or concert, think about renting a limo to make your journey all the more exciting, comfortable and elegant.

Consider the benefits of renting a limo when you plan to attend a large sporting event in a far away city. If flying is not an option because the city is not too far away a limo can get you from point A to point B while you sit comfortably in the back with your friends and family. Being able to relax, listen to other sporting events or even watch them in vehicles equipped with televisions, is a welcome change from the normal inconveniences of having to plan your route, deal with traffic and constantly worry about your time constraints. A New Jersey limos service can take care of all these unfortunate aspects of attending large sporting events.

What about a concert or symphony in a relatively far away city, you want to be able to roll into your seats without feeling stressed out from a day of driving and planning. Let a new Jersey limos service transport you to and from your event so that you can sit back and relax, enjoying the melodious sounds from your favorite artists without having a nagging feeling of expectation and anxiousness in the back of your mind about the trip back home. Many limos available also offer surround sound systems, so you can enjoy your favorite music all the way to the event, during the event and then reminisce all the way home.

Renting a limo should be a comfortable and pleasant experience, which is why New Jersey limo services attend to all of your needs applying to your travels and the event you are attending. Let a friendly driver take care of your logistics and door opening requirements so that you can focus on what is important, enjoying yourself, your company and being in the moment of excitement and happiness that you have been planning for. Also do not forget that your limo choices are not limited to the tradition stretch variety, but that you can ride in any number of different types of elegant transport options.

Traveling 101: Cheap Flights and Secured Nights


by: Fly SEAIR

Taking a trip out of town should not resemble the chaos that one wants leaves behind the urban jungle. From choosing a destination, to settling into a nice and comfortable hotel, these tasks shouldn’t be too overwhelming and most importantly, costly. If this is the case, maybe you should sit back, drop everything and analyze the steps you have taken and see where a bit of tweaking is needed.

It can be tough choosing the perfect destination among the 7,107 islands in the Philippines. The trick is to know whether the preference is off the beaten track destinations such as the scenic Batanes, or uber hip havens like Boracay. Good thing is that many airlines in the Philippines offer cheap flights to both destinations.

If going abroad is an option, Singapore is the best thing for a first class vacation. Many domestic airlines in the Philippines also provide cheap flights to Singapore. This saves you from spending too much on your ticket and too little during the vacation.

Every vacation is not complete without that perfect bed and breakfast accommodation either in the heart of the destination, or in the more exclusive and muted parts of the province. Luckily, sweet promo flights, which consists of cheap flights and accommodation to some of the most sought after hotels are fast becoming a trend to travelers.

You can choose a package that would fit perfectly to your taste and of course, budget. From the luxurious beachfront resorts of Boracay like Escondido Beach Resort in Station 1, The TIdes in Station 2 or Surfside Boracay Resort and Spa in Station 3. The more exotic province of Batanes also offers bed and breakfast accommodations in Pension Ivatan in the Basco town proper, or the more idyllic Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge in Barangay Tukon.

The advent of these promos now makes almost everyone enjoy the growing accessibility of various destinations in the Philippines and also abroad. But more importantly, these cheap flight rates and stress-free accommodations make travelling what it should be, fun, enjoyable and light on the budget.

Expert Advice To Have The Best Vacation In India


by: Aalia Khan

India is famous as the land of diversity. Indian culture is a potpourri of various colorful cultures. India is a multi-religious country where all the various religions have influenced each other and helped them grow. Indian geography is full of variety, the snow capped mountains of Himalayas, the majestic deserts of Rajasthan and the beautiful beaches of Goa and Kerala there is no dearth of natural beauty in India. All this makes India a popular tourist destination. To make your trip unforgettable here are some important tips to remember while you travel to India.

First and foremost you should book a good travelling agency which will assign you a personal agent. Discuss your budget and preferences with your travel agent to ensure that you have a memorable journey. But make sure that you choose a certified travelling agency. Discuss all the possible tour packages with your agent and choose the best suited package for yourself. Book your tickets and hotels before hand to avoid any last minute hassles. You can ask your travel agent to do this on your behalf.

Before you reach your destinations do a bit of research about the place. You should be familiar with the culture and language of that place. By following some important tips to remember while you trip to India you will make sure that you don’t offend the local people and enjoy their hospitality. Also check the weather conditions of your destination and pack your luggage according to that. Make sure that you travel light because you will have heavier luggage full of souvenirs when you go back from India.

Keep a first-aid box with all the medicines you might require during your journey. Keep all your documents in a safe place and carry a photocopy of all the documents. Carry some amount of Indian currency to pay the taxis etc.

Avoid giving alms to beggars. It’s an offence in most Indian cities to pay them any amount of money. If you give them money they will run after you all the time and spoil your sightseeing trip.

While sightseeing you must follow the rules and regulations else you might end up paying fine at the spots. You must limit yourself to the time period given for sightseeing. Don’t delay to reach your vehicle as it will lead to a delay in your whole tour plan. Always follow your agent’s advice and the list of some important tips to remember while you travel to India given in this article to enjoy a stress free vacation.

While going to religious building like temples, mosques, gurudwara and churches always follow the local code of conduct like covering your head and taking off your foot wears. Respect the culture and traditions of the local people. While visiting the markets and shopping for local handicrafts don’t forget to bargain. But always prefer to shop from government recognized outlets to ensure that you are not cheated by the shopkeepers.

To enjoy hassle free vacations follow the above given some important tips to remember while you tours to India. These tips will make your journey to India an experience you will cherish all your life.

Things to Do on Your Miami Vacation


by: Joel Stafford

Arriving:

If you are like a lot of people you will be flying into Miami Florida for your visitYou can find several options for ground transport at MIA. The vast ground transportation services at MIA includes both the public and private service sector including Miami limos.

Tip number one

Most times a person can be driven in a limo at the same cost per person, as it would be to ride in a cab According to the size of your party it might even be cheaper than taxi service. It will certainly be much more enjoyable arriving at your hotel in a long shiny stretch limo.

Lodging:

Miami has no shortage of of nice hotels to stay in. It is a good idea to check around for the best deal, before you finalize your reservation. Time of the year and availability of rooms will make a huge difference on how good the deals are. If you are flexible about the times you are able to visit Miami. Being flexible makes it much easier to get great rates.

You will want to make sure there are no major events in town during you vacation, if there is you will not get a deal. It is normal for the rates to go way up, when something major is in town. Such as the Miami boat show, Dolphins home games, holidays etc.

A very popular area of town to get a hotel in is South Beach. There is a lot of highly rated hotels to choose from in the South Beach area. Both Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue have a big selection of popular hotels.

Tip number 2

Don't be afraid to wheel and deal on the price of a room. You will find many of the hotels are more than willing to offer you a lower price, just to get your business.

Dining:

The city of Miami is renowned for its variety of ethnic restaurants. Eating in Miami is always exciting, no matter if you are a homebody or an experienced traveler. In Miami the selection of Latin, Cuban, Italian, Brazilian, seafood and any other type of food know to mankind, is nothing short of amazing.

One of my favorite things to do in Miami is to hunt down the mom and pop ethnic restaurants. They are the ones that have the real authentic food, just like you would get in their countries of origin.

Tip # 3

For the best local eateries, ask the local where they dine at. It is amazing how many great places to eat you will find using this technique.

Some of the more famous restaurants in Miami are Joe's Stone Crabs, Emeril's Miami Beach, News Cafe, Cafe Prima Pasta, Azul and Shorty's BBQ to name a few.

Spending a little time to find some of Miami's best home grown places to eat, while you are here. You will find it was well worth the time spent. It will be an awesome story to tell all of your friends when you get home.

Attractions:

Being there is so much to do and things to see in Miami that you will not possibly be able to do them all. So it is very handy if you plan out ahead of time things that are the most important things on your wish list. There is such a large amount of activities to keep you busy. Things such as an air boat or swamp buggy ride in the Everglades. To a exciting night on the city in South Beach and everything in between.

Here are few of the most popular things to do on a Miami vacation:

You can not visit Miami without spending some time at South Beach. It is one of the worlds hottest beaches. On South Beach the fun never stops. On any given day you can find some of the worlds most beautiful people, it is a people watcher's dream come true. The rich and famous like to show off their hottest car along Ocean Drive too, so the cars are phenomenal. At night South Beach is one of the hottest party scenes in the USA. You will experience the best party to be found anywhere.

Seeing the Everglades on an air boat is one of the most popular outback things to do in the area. Miami has several guided tours of the city they are very popular to go on. Tour companies in Miami provide all types of tours. If you want to really see Miami while styling, then hire a Miami limo to take you for a customize limo tour of Miami. A limo tour is actually fairly cheap if you have a group of people going. Riding in a stylish stretch limousine really adds to the sightseeing experience.

Other awesome places to visit in Miami are the Miami Zoo, Jungle Island, The Miami Seaquarium, Biscayne Bay and the celebrity mansions.

Whatever you decide to do while you are in Miami, you will have an enjoyable and exciting time in this mixing bowl, that we call Miami.

Places You Have To Visit in the United States


by: Phillip Rutledge

Places You Have To Visit in america

Ah, America with many things to see and do!! Hopefully, these will give you some great ideas.

Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona begins this list. Featuring mesas of numerous colors, craggy cliffs, and smaller canyons, it is essentially the most breathtaking natural wonders on the planet. The Grand Canyon National Park is considered the jewel of America's National Parks. Visiting early in the year when cooler and desert flowers are bloomingis the better time for you to visit. Summertime can be unbearably hot. Paved, accessible trails give you a way to walk between Grand Canyon Village as well as the South Kaibab Trailhead, two completely different areas of the Grand Canyon.. They are far enough apart, that it really is difficult to visit both on a single trip, but that provides a person a reason to check out again. Not that a reason to check out this glorious site is needed!!! More people check out the South rim, as it is easily accessible, has the most panoramic views, and offers more services. But the North Rim is charming as the cooler temperatures help the growth of the lovely wildflowers and also the trees are thick. The canyon has a glass, horse-shoe shaped skywalk with a great view where visitors will likely have the feeling of vertigo. The Grand Canyon is just too very wonderful to miss when traveling in america.

Orlando, Florida

Number 2 is Orlando, Florida,a fantastic, fun city with many places to check out and things to do. Orlando is known as the largest family entertainment center on the planet. Probably most widely known is Walt Disney World featuring the Magic Kingdom where one can shake hands with Mickey, dine in Cinderella's Castle or perhaps get married with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as your attendants. The whole park is wonderful and you also surely are going to have fun with the clowns at Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba. A safari is an excellent adventure when you visit Animal Kingdom.

Take in the Epcot Center and tour the world in "Under a Mile". Design and experience your own ride, hang glide above California's redwood forests, ride in a "clamobile" with Nemo and his awesome friends, or launch into space!! Go to Universal Studios and fight against aliens, see a "volcano' erupt, view your favorite movies come to life, and so much more.

Of course, a holiday to Orlando, without going to Seaworld, is nearly impossible. You possibly can ride the breathtaking Mantra rollercoaster or feel a sense of weightlessness on the Omaka Rocka. Discover the lost city of Atlantis, touch a stingray, and maybe see a dolphin mother and her calves. It really is great fun to eat in the Sharks Underwater Grill and view the mighty predators.

There are a selection of side trips to take. For instance visit the Kennedy Space Center and perhaps dine with an astronaut, train like an astronaut, or maybe see a rocket launch. Nearby you may go whale watching.

Back in Orlando, shop your heart out at The Mall at Millenia. For golfers,there are more than 176 golf courses. You possibly can, also, watch the NBA Orlando Magic play basketball.

Then take a breath, get back to the Magic Kingdom and watch the nightly fireworks.

While enjoying your trip to Orlando, it is so nice to stay in one of many Kissimmee Villas, of which there are several. Many are close to Walt Disney World and/or are within short driving distances of bars, shops, restaurants, and golf courses. Some include pools, tennis courts and children's play areas and more.

These amazing places offer a change from what you would normally look for in http://www.holiday365.co.uk/citybreaks. Next time you are planning a trip to one of your favourite http://www.holiday365.co.uk/parks, give one of these locations a consideration.

Why Bali is Mostly Chosen the Place to Relax?


by: Bali Villa Holidays

Bali Island is located in the western most end Lesser Sundra Islands. This beautiful island is not just known for being a great tourist destination but also famous for its dance, painting, sculpture, highly developed arts, metal working, leather and music.

Best places to visit in this breathtaking island are the Hindu temples and other endless temples. It is said there are nine large respective temples that are the directional temples. You will see these historical temples at strategic points in Bali. It is something that increases Bali tourism. What’s exciting is that visitors have to wear the traditional clothing of Bali to be able to enter any of these prestigious temples. The traditional clothing is the sarong and the sash which can be rented and available at the temples.

Tourists, both from local and foreign countries, enjoy Bali vacation through beaches that have high cliffs while some of them have mangrove forest which give them no continuous sand beach stretch.

Island of Bali is now well thought-out as one of the top honeymoon destinations in the Pacific Archipelago. Why most tourists choose Bali? The island gives you the unequal Bali paradise of relaxation and calmness which can’t be found in other places. It also has the flora and fauna which is purely extraordinary and sightseeing has never been so fine unless you’re in this exotic island.

Vacation in Bali offers travel packages that can be the last possibilities open to you in the entire world. The island is an private wilderness in which locals still converse their own language – an obvious thriving trade of Bali tourism.

The island of Bali offers an experience with its culture and traditions customs and its natural wonders. There are numerous hotel and villa accommodations that offer brilliant accommodations and best deals to suit a range of tastes and budgets.

Bali beaches are perfectly safe for swimming which makes waters sports as a very common activity on this island. You will see numbers of tourists enjoying scuba diving or drift diving. There are also surf schools available for those who are interested in learning surfing courses. Plus, game fishing is also something not missed in this wonderful island.

A fertile and largely lush green, Bali Island gives its visitors extraordinary scenic views. You will enjoy sightseeing the terrace fields and rice fields that make great pleasing scenery. Beautiful Bali is also a home of several active volcanoes. There are also mountains easy to access and the famous one is Batur that engages tourists in mountain climbing or trekking.

As there are many hot springs found in Bali, it is also popular heaven for spa lovers. You can choose any sorts of treatment such as body scrub which in some cases performs before weddings. You can also pamper yourself with Balinese massage which is done with different unique oils. You will also have a chance to enjoy you best yoga retreats and centres which can be found in Ubud and Seminyak.

Visit http://www.balivillaholidays.com/blog to read more about holiday vacation tips and updates.

12 Creative Hotels - Which one is your favorite?


The Floating Hotel in Sweden

The Floating Hotel in Sweden

Hotel made of Sand in England


Houses in Mexico


Icehotel, Canada

Icehotel, Canada

Capsule Hotel, Japan

Capsule Hotel, Japan

Survival Pod Hotel, Holland

Survival Pod Hotel, Holland

Cave Hotel, Turkey

Cave Hotel, Turkey

Jumbo Hostel, Sweden

Jumbo Hostel, Sweden

Tree House, India


German Prison Hotel

German Prison Hotel

Poseidon Undersea Resort, Fiji

Poseidon Undersea Resort, Fiji

Sewage Pipe Hotel, Austria

Sewage Pipe Hotel, Austria

source : http://stumbleupon.com/

Kamis, 17 Februari 2011

Increased VOIP Sales Leads with Telemarketing


by: Phillip Mckenzie

Higher VOIP sales can be very hard to get. Fortunately, telemarketing can make that happen. Read on to find out more.

There are some things that don’t change in the world. One of these is the need of companies to sell. It’s only natural, since this is an integral part of keeping a business going. IT becomes even more obvious when it comes to telecom sales. If you really want to sell well, then you will need to use telecom sales leads to boost your efforts. Of course, for you to get them, you will need the help of telemarketing firms. It’s also helpful in the area of VOIP sales leads, where companies are constantly in search of new markets that will buy the products and services that you sell. It may be tough at the start, but it can be done. There’s no doubt that telemarketing can help you achieve more than you can get on your own. It is what you might consider as an indispensable tool in the overall operations of the business.

Telemarketing is a handy tool when it comes to increasing sales. And why not? It is very useful in getting you ahead in the market. There’s no doubt that the simple, but effective, means of calling prospects on the phone, inviting them to work with you is actually much better in producing results than what other marketing methods can achieve. For example, television is not really a smart idea to advertise to people, especially those in business, since they would most likely not be watching them at all. There’s also the fact that a well-handled phone call is actually more professional in appearance. It’s also much better than getting yourself promoted through radio and print add, two other marketing methods that are usually ignored by prospective customers. If you really want to make your presence known, then telemarketing would be the tool that is right for you. It works quite well. You should try it and see.

Is it hard to promote your firm? That depends on how good your leads are. If your telecommunications sales leads are faulty, then you are just ending up wasting your time and effort. It also depends on how good your telemarketers are. No matter how great your leads, how updated it is, and how accurate it is, if your telemarketer botches up his sales pitch at the first call, then you are at a loss. The same goes for the prospects who received such a call. They would be missing out on something good that you are offering them. But what would probably be troublesome is the fact that they might spread negative word-of-mouth about you and your firm. That’s why it pays to be cautious when it comes to working with a telemarketing firm. You have to choose your telemarketers carefully.

That also goes for internet service providers and ISP sales. If you want to gain a good foothold in a market, then you would need telemarketing to bring you useful ISP sales leads. IT Telemarketing would be one of the best means for you to capture such important assets. Just to be sure, you will need the best people for this kind of work. It would be better if you leave this task to professional telemarketers who know this job better than you do. Besides, you can better use the time and effort that you have saved to concentrate more in making your company successful. At least you would be able to focus more on the daily operations of your firm, which would need your attention.

So, if you are looking to obtain good IT sales leads, telemarketing may be a simple yet effective solution. There’s no doubt that you can gain more from the use of this method.
source : http://www.articlecity.com/

Minggu, 13 Februari 2011

Uluwatu and Kuta Beach Tour


Once a lonely little village on the road from Denpasar to Bukit Peninsula, Kuta is now the tourist Mecca of Bali, popular mainly among the young and adventurous. Kuta beach is one of the first favorite beaches discovered by tourist. Coconut trees line the sand beach as far as the eyes can see towards the north stopped by the runway of Denpasar's airport far in the west. The sunset in Kuta is most breathtaking. On the south, the beach is fenced by the airport's runway, which gives the visitors a breathtaking landing experience. Kuta Beach bustles with tourists' vendors and locals. It's the most popular beach in Bali and the island's number one party zone. The beach stretches as far north as the eyes can see. As short walk away north, the waves will invite to surfing. Rapid development and an influx of visitors haven't kept the surfers away and Kuta still remains one of Bali's best surfing beaches and a great place to enjoy a beach lifestyle.

While the surfers are still part of the Kuta scene, it's the shopping, nightlife and party vibes that attracts thousands of visitors. There's a huge choice of accommodation, restaurants and entertainment. The accommodation in Kuta range from a modest home stay for a few dollars a night to luxurious, five star, international hotels costing several hundred to several thousand dollars a night. Legian Street, situated directly behind the row of hotels that face the beach, is lined with shops of all varieties. We can find any Balinese handicrafts here, from the least expensive to the most exquisite; or unique stores such as the leather store staffed by two young Balinese men that will perfectly sculpt a leather jacket. (They are all extremely talented artists). _At night, Kuta is alive with night life. Western influences create discotheques, dance clubs, and pubs. Gastronomical demands inspire a multitude of restaurants, serving traditional Indonesian and Balinese food to various ethnic meals from Japan, Switzerland, etc. As if these were not enough, various Balinese dance performances are staged in Kuta every night. One of the best Kecak performances is found in Kuta.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali's kayangan jagat (directional temples) and guards Bali from evil spirits from the SW, in which dwell major deities, in Uluwatu's case; Bhatara Rudra, God of the elements and of cosmic force majeures. Bali's most spectacular temples located high on a cliff top at the edge of a plateau 250 feet above the waves of the Indian Ocean. Uluwatu lies at the southern tip of Bali in Badung Regency. Dedicated to the spirits of the sea, the famous Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple is an architectural wonder in black coral rock, beautifully designed with spectacular views. This is a popular place to enjoy the sunset. Famous not only for its unique position, Uluwatu also boasts one of the oldest temples in Bali, Pura Uluwatu. Most of Bali's regencies have Pura Luhur (literally high temples or ascension temples) which become the focus for massive pilgrimages during three or five day odalan anniversaries. The photogenic Tanah Lot and the Bat Cave temple, Goa Lawah, is also Pura Luhur. Not all Pura Luhur are on the coast, however but all have inspiring locations, overlooking large bodies of water.

Pura Uluwatu is located on the cliff top close to the famous surf break on the SW of the Bukit peninsula. Empu Kuturan, a Javanese Hindu priest who built the tiered meru, founded the temple in the 10th century and a shrine here as well as at other key locations longs the Balinese coast. In the 15th Century the great pilgrim priest Dhang Hyang Dwijendra, who established the present form of Hindu-Dharma religion, chose Pura Uluwatu as his last earthly abode: history records that Dwijendra achieved moksa (oneness with the godhead, in a flash of blazing light) while meditating at Uluwatu. The temple is regarded, by Brahman's island wide, as his holy 'tomb'. Legend also tells us that Dwijendra was the architect of the beautiful temple, as well as many other major temples on Bali, Lombok and Sumbawa. In the 17th century Niratha also from Java came to Bali and built temples, adding to Uluwatu.

Behind the main pagoda of Pura Uluwatu's small inner sanctum, a limestone statue of a Brahman priest surveys the Indian Ocean-it is said the statue represents the founding priest Dwijendra. Another shrine within the complex represents the boat on which Dwijendra traveled from, then, Hindu Java. According to legend he arrived at Pura Peti Tenget, north of Kuta.

Uluwatu Beach is known for its surf and, in nearby hostelries, its full moon rage parties. It rages at the temple too but in an orderly way, thanks to the royal house of Puri Agung Jero Kuta, Denpasar, who are the temple's hereditary pangemong (custodians). Hundreds of nobles from this family, and many 'devotees' (pengayah) and village pemangku priests from nearby hamlets, ensure that every seven months (on Anggar Kasih Medangsya by the Wuku Calendar, to be exact) the festival is run efficiently, and most elegantly. The palace is proud of its ancestral role: it manages the awesome logistics with fitting dignity.
Being a popular surfing spot for the very experienced, Uluwatu offers a wonderful vantage point to view a spectacular sunset. Warungs or small restaurants perched on the cliff offer a comfortable spot to survey the vast Indian Ocean beyond and below the 100-meter-high cliffs with panorama on three sides. Monkeys inhabit the temple and cliff face hoping for a banana or some peanuts from the visitors.

source : http://www.balitrips.net/

Plumbing Services


by: Mr Rescue

Each house nowadays has a plumbing system for both drainage and water supply. We cannot even think of a home these days without plumbing services. Even though all this was not so long ago, the closest thing to plumbing was what ancient civilizations have done for the construction of canals to guide water to specific areas and ditches built specifically for their waste. They used the idea of gravity to direct the water wherever they wanted.

Modern day plumbing is very different. Not only is the working way dissimilar but it also requires a large amount maintenance and service. Today's plumbing uses force to direct the water where it is needed and particular pipe are also built to lead the drainage out of the house. During the construction of the house, all the plumbing system is done with care. And tests are completed to confirm that there are no damages or leaks in the pipes. Plumbing may be completed by the use of either pipes or tubes. Pipes are usually thicker and are welded together while tubes are comparatively thinner and are joined together by other different techniques.

Water supply pipes are made up of unique materials that are non toxic while no importance is given to the pipes toxicity in drainage pipes. Drainage pipes are carefully sealed because any problem with that system can cause health issues for residents of a house. Plumbing systems must be perfect, since any mistake in functionality can cause big problems. Plumbing services are offered by many companies these days. Not only they offer you free consultation with your plumbing when it is being done, but they also offer you the services of extremely trained and professional plumbers. These plumbers test for the slightest of issues and resolve them with care. Whether the issue is of a broken pipe or a small leak, the plumbing repair company provides the plumber with proper tools needed to solve the problem.

Plumbing service is now so simple to reach that we have created Mr. Rescue Plumbing and Drain Cleaning website to report your problems online and get you a plumber as quick as possible. Not only that we also offer you free estimates and easy solutions to resolve the problems. Amongst the services offered by us are tasks like flushing gutters, locating and stopping leaks, tankless water heater replacement, installation and repair of hot water heaters and repair of sewer lines. We also install showers and bath tubs or even your kitchen sink faucets. In a nutshell, we begin from the installation and are with you whenever any trouble occurs with something old. The cost of such services is also not as much of compared to freelance plumbers who offer the same services.

source : http://articlecity.com/

General Construction Contract


by: Jeffrey Austin

Before you start any building project a person definitely will need to sign a legal contract. A construction contract does not just safeguard the contractor, but it will also guard you. In the present day and age it is important that a agreement is finalized for virtually every venture. You can find so many cases when people don't get what they really want, and having a binding agreement will help you to clear up these types of problems.

In case you are not really experienced in the legal domain, you may have a difficult time reading the first construction contract which you run into. However the good thing about most of these contracts is they are written so the client can fully grasp them. Even when there will probably be some terminology that you aren't acquainted with, you should not have too difficult of a time deciphering a building agreement.

The first thing that the majority of people look for is definitely the price. There is nothing unethical with this, however , ensure that you don't get caught up in this particular area. Just make sure the amount is the thing that you consented to, and that there isn't any hidden fees involved. When there is something you don't understand within the pricing portion, just remember to ask. It is far better to obtain each of the facts beforehand, rather than get a substantial bill in the end you did not anticipate.

On top of the cost, another essential subject that you'll need to look into will be the finish date. If your construction agreement you happen to be provided with fails to define this, demand a revision. By signing a construction agreement that doesn't stipulate a completion date, you are leaving yourself open for a serious problem. Generally, one of the biggest problems that folk have in the course of a building project is the time period which they take. If you have a construction contract which says when the work needs to be finalized, it will be easier to place your mind to rest. Lots of individuals overlook this area, and it results haunting them in the long run.

It is important to keep in mind with regards to a construction agreement should be to examine it over carefully. When there is any scenario that you don't comprehend, or anything you are uncomfortable with, ensure that you make inquiries. It is far better to ask questions in advance, than run across an issue later on.

Look for a precise payment schedule within the contract. For most construction jobs, you will pay certain sums of money as phases of the project are completed. Make sure the payment schedule includes specific amounts, as well as the work that needs to be completed before the payment is made.

Request for a limit on expenditures. The building contract should include a quote for the work, but as problems or challenges come up, it's normal for the cost to increase. Get yourself a cap on the total price of the building project written in the contract or you will find yourself forking out thousands more than you agreed to.

Pay attention to the cost of subcontracted work. Construction projects normally consist of the use of subcontracted workers regarding various components, for example electricity and plumbing. These need to be listed in the agreement, along with their price ranges.

More Information at:

http://contracting-form.com/ or at: http://icfhome.ca/

source : http://articlecity.com/

Mounting Fuji


fuji.jpgThere are few symbols that represent Japan as clearly as does Mt. Fuji, or Fuji-san in Japanese. Its near perfect conical shape makes it a much sought after photo opportunity for foreign tourists and Japanese nationals alike. The only thing better than snapping that wonderful photo of the mountain, is climbing it. Making the trek to the top of Fuji always seems like a great idea when on the ground, far away from the mountain with friends over a few beers, and while extremely rewarding, it is a long and tiring journey.

You don't actually climb from the bottom to the top of Fuji. The highway approaches Fuji and winds up the base to an area with some shops, restaurants and a hotel designated as station five. From here is where the hike begins. Its best to bring food and drink with you up the mountain rather than buying them at the stations you will encounter as you ascend. I've found that rice balls, trail mix, jerky, lots of water and a small thermos of hot green tea make for the best set of provisions. One thing that is a must for all climbers that can be obtained at station five is a walking stick. These octagonal sticks made of what appears to be pine run about 1500 to 2000 yen and have a little bell attached to the top by a red ribbon. Lose the bell. The constant noise will fast become an irritation after the eight hour hike to the top. You may not think you care for a walking stick but it will become the best souvenir that you will descend Fuji with. At each station they have metal brands, warming in a fire that can be used to burn a small picture into your stick as you make your way to the top. Each will have the altitude of the station your at and some nifty Japanese Kanji characters on it. By the time you reach the top and get the much coveted final brand, your stick will be covered in unique Japanese pictures and messages that really make your stick a very personal part your Fuji experience. For the next long, tiring eight hours, this stick will be with you the entire way.

The goal of most climbers at Fuji is to see the sunrise the following day. Since the climb takes around eight hours to complete, the easiest way to accomplish this is by a night climb. By starting between eight and nine in the evening, you're pretty much guaranteed to be at the top by sunrise, which is always around 4 to 5 in the morning in Japan. Climbing at night like this is a truly unique experience, especially if there is a full moon out and no cloud cover. A flashlight is very helpful for a night hike like this. The other way to climb Fuji is to reserve a spot at one of the lodges far up the mountain. This allows a climb to start earlier in the day, even before noon. It takes about four or five hours to reach the first of these lodges. You can find nice package deals at most Japanese tourist agencies which will include a light meal with your stay. This way is also very fun and you still get to see the sunrise, just after a few hours of sleep and a hot meal. I've done both trips and can honestly say there's no shame in taking a nap in one of these little lodges on the side of Mt. Fuji. One last suggestion is to bring warm clothing. A thick sweater and any jacket that will break the wind along with a wool cap or beanie will do nicely. It's cold at the top, and even though Fuji is only open for climbing in July and August, and you start your climb in warm summer weather, due to the altitude at the top, the last part of the climb will be chilly.

The first part of the trail is a little unremarkable. Most of the mountain is not visible at this time and the scenery at this point is not particularly thrilling. One of your first sights will be a set of toilets about 30 minutes from station five. As you make your way up to the mountain, the different stations are spaced at a good interval apart to take breaks and get your walking sticks branded. At each station you'll find a couple of young people manning the lodges. They're usually huddled around the fire they keep burning inside with a pot of soup or tea swinging over it. To mark your stick costs between 100 and 300 yen as you go up the mountain. It's a way to generate revenue for the park and employees and can easily cost twenty to thirty dollars by the time you get to the top. You don't need to get one done at every station, but seven or eight of them along with the "I climbed Fuji and all I got was this lousy stamp" that you get at the top of the mountain is a good amount to adorn your stick.

The views of the surrounding countryside as you climb are just amazing. While the view is fantastic, the climb will get a little tiring. There's only so much purple mountain majesty that can keep you bubbly after five hours of constant switchbacks up the mountain. An interesting aspect of the climb up is how enormous the mountain actually is. The higher you get, it's very easy to comprehend just how small you are in comparison to your surroundings. The trails aren't too difficult to climb, with only a small part of the hiking actually done over uneven, rocky terrain. There's little else to say about the actual climb itself. It just goes, and goes, on and on for hours. The last hour is pretty congested with other climbers making the hike. Regardless of the speed at which different people make the ascent, the narrow, steep portion of the trail just before the summit is slow going due to the large volume of people there.

Once at the top a truly rewarding feeling washes over you. The incredible view coupled with the knowledge that you literally just scaled a mountain make for a wonderful memory. Watching the sunrise from the top is breathtaking. Surrounded by hundreds of other climbers waiting in anticipation for the first rays of the sun creates a collective feeling of joy and accomplishment. It's not uncommon to hear large groups of Japanese shouting the classic "Bonsai!' three times, and just adds to the moment. The top is dotted with several buildings literally covered with large, lava rocks that are stacked all around, probably to negate the high winds that prevail at this part of the mountain. It further adds to the sense of the harshness of the environment at the top and the sense of achievement of your successful climb. There is hot coffee, cocoa or soup to be had here, though for a price. There are toilets to be found as well as open heated buildings to warm up in before the next part of the journey.

Though it may sound obvious when explained, the realization that making it to the top is only half of the experience soon sets in. It quickly becomes apparent that going down the mountain is just as arduous a task as was climbing up. Again, there's not much to say about this part. There are no stations on the way down to rest or buy food or drinks, just dozens of other tired climbers making the descent. About an hour before you reach the bottom there's a bathroom that you will smell before you see, but that is it. The view during this time is still amazing. The mix of crisp morning air and the warming temperatures as you descend will help to negate the tedium of the seemingly endless switchbacks that characterize the trip down. The trail downward is separate from the one going up, but they meet up right around the first toilet you saw as you begun. Its fun when you arrive at this point, because you will run into the people making the climb up. Even though it has only been one night since that fresh, laughing person you see hiking up was you, you feel like you know something that he or she doesn't. It's a small comfort to ponder that you will soon be on the way home to a shower and a warm bed, while these people passing you going the opposite direction have a long night ahead of them.

Source: http://sightseeing.in-japan.jp/

Sabtu, 12 Februari 2011

Art Painting Sokaraja


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Epidemic around the 1970s until the 1980s that the city Sokaraja painting known as the city or town in the gallery because it is displayed throughout the city that works around the painter and Banyumas Sokaraja general. Painter-painter is famous, among others: Gesang, Mustaqim Imam, Abdul Basyir, Fatoni and others. Typical painting Sokaraja is about natural, generally have the time Slamet mountain Serayu also rice fields.
Source : wikipedia with translate by dyandepe

Soto Sokaraja


Soto is and Indonesian version of chicken soup.
It contains broth, veggie and chicken/beef.. some versions has fish, ribs or mutton.
throughout Indonesia, there are various type of soto, depends on the region it comes from and one another has different disctict taste, appearance or smell.
One special soto from my hometown is called Soto Sokaraja, Sokaraja itself is a tiny town nearby Purwokerto, and wellknown of several food.
The Soto is made of glass noodle, beansprout, shredded chicken and cruched colorful flour chips.
Then poured with hot broth, served with the famous sweet spicy peanut sauce, and eaten with more chips or fried chicken intestine/skin.
The famous place for Soto is located along Bank Street (Jalan Bank), thus the name is Soto Jalan Bank.
1 portion of soto c/w rice: 0.8USD
1 orange squeezed ice: 0.6USD
1 glass of dessert made of mil coconut, syrup, jelly and palm sugar ~ 0.6USD

Old Batavia (Jakarta) City Tour


Bicycle for rent

Bicycle for rent

Actually we did this tour on June 2nd, 2009 but I haven’t post about it.

Since we have a toddler, we decided it would be best to do this tour on our own, meaning we rent a car and have the driver took us places. Simple and there were no rushing. For a less than $50 we got to rent a car for a whole day (yep, 24 hours!).

First stop was the Jakarta History Museum (better known by the locals as Fatahillah Museum). Located in the old part of Jakarta this building was originally built for the governor’s office during the Dutch colonial era in 1707-1711. There’s a small entrance fee to go inside the Museum building (cost about Rp. 2,000/$0.2 per person).

Fatahillah Museum

Fatahillah Museum

An Antique Bench

An Antique Bench

This place is also famous for pre-wedding photo shots spot among the future bride-groom to be. When you’re in that area, don’t forget to stop by for some refreshing cool drinks (or food) at the awesome Batavia Café.

From there we went to the old port, known as Sunda Kelapa Port. It’s one of the oldest port in Indonesia and was once the most important port in the country. While taking pictures there, a guy approached Hubby and offered to give us a guide to some more historical places in Jakarta. The guy’s English is excellent and he holds a tour guide permit issued by the government although the card looks really old and faded when he showed it us. At first I hesitate but then I realized some of the places he mentions are the ones that I never even heard of and for Rp. 700,000 ($70) he took us to these amazingly hidden places.

Sunda Kelapa Port

Sunda Kelapa Port

The first stop he took us was the Maritime Museum. This place is so small and tucked behind the city traffic, one could easily miss it. We climbed up the old wooden stairs to the old watchtower and the views are really nice. Although, it disappoint me to hear our guide explained that in a few years, the old ‘kampung’ (village) located behind the museum will be gone and turned into fancy apartments and God knows what else. Our guide really is very knowledgeable in his field as he explained a lot about the history of every place.

The Watch Tower

The Watch Tower

View From The Maritime Museum Watch Tower

View From The Maritime Museum Watch Tower

From there we took a little walk to another building, again, tucked away behind the small fishing village. This building is still part of the Maritime Museum. We saw the largest traditional boat ever built being restored.

Then we crossed the streets to another old building that was once used as storage facility for the VOC (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie or the Dutch East India Company). Some Indonesian conglomerate bought that place, restore it and use part of the area as a restaurant. It is really beautiful and kudos for her to preserve one of the heritage of this country.

Old VOC Storage Facility

Old VOC Storage Facility

The last place he took us was really interesting. Unfortunately, Lil’ A fell asleep after a long day of walking and sight seeing that DH stayed in the car parked nearby a mall. Our guide took me across the busy street, into the alleys and I had no idea where I was. We ended up in one of the oldest Chinese temple in the city. It is so hidden; doubt I can find it again alone. He wanted to show me the largest burning candle in the world, or so he claimed, I have to admit I never seen a candle that big before. Too bad, we got there a bit too late after 6:00 PM and they already blew the candles out. Those really big giants candles are lit every morning from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. I bet they’ll make a fantastic picture!

Small Entrance Door To the Temple

Small Entrance Door To the Temple

The Prayer Hall

The Prayer Hall

Candles Just Some of The Many Candles Lit

Candles Just Some of The Many Candles Lit

All in all, we are glad we hired our guide, he turned out to be one heck of a guide with so much valuable information stored in him. Too bad I lost his phone number!

This tour was so worth it despite the sweats from humidity and heat as a change from mall to mall activities that got us bored to death already. Why don’t you give it a try?


Source : http://www.tatterscoops.com/old-batavia-city-tour/

Jumat, 04 Februari 2011

Venice Italy Sightseeing


Venice Italy

In Venice Italy, even the ambulances are waterborne. The addresses are numbered in an erratic fashion - to put it diplomatically - and often times the city appears to be nothing more than a confluence of boats and gondolas lugging confused looking visitors to parts unknown. Many Venetians have fled the city, looking for a break from tourists and the city's overwhelming prices. The history of Venice Italy is unclear. The city was first formed by refugees escaping from barbarian hordes, weary evacuees who gave up their land for the possibility of freedom upon the nearby islands deemed uninhabitable by many at the time. Like their ancestors, the Venetians are running again.

Every year, the city's water levels rise. The muggy summer air cooks the canals and scrapes the paint and enamel from the city's finest pieces of art. Faithful to its origins, everything in Venice seems to be in peril. This has - logically - spiked tourism in Venice, which for years has been the sole means of support for the historic city, so at least you can rest assured that the high prices you"ll encounter will be funneled into programs to renovate the city. Because, despite its continual decay and a layout so confounding it makes your eyes spasm, the city is still one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.

Tourism in Venice reaches its peak during Carnavale, the annual celebration before lent, where millions of visitors come from around the globe to take part in festivities. Other attractions include St. Mark's Basilica, also known as "The Church Of Gold". The cathedral takes its names because it houses a golden altar measuring 40 square feet and set with thousands upon thousands of jewels. Hundreds of other treasures culled from centuries of wealth and privilege also remain inside.

The gondola is the primary mode of transportation throughout the canals, not to mention the enduring symbol of tourism in Venice. Though speedboats have become more commonplace nowadays, they are unable to drown out the traditional songs of the gondoliers, with most of these ballads reciting tales of true love or the magnificent history of Venice Italy itself.

And a storied history it is. Like Genoa, Venice used its waterways to develop into a powerful city, a hub for trade and commercial exploits, until it dominated a large portion of the Mediterranean, the Adriatic and hundreds of vital trade routes. The city thrived for centuries, becoming a center of the arts that made all others pale in comparison. Bellini, Titian, Tintoretto and Longhi all called Venice home at some point, and their works live on in the many galleries and museums spread throughout the city's maze of canals. The Academy Gallery is surely the most famous, where many of the city's masterpieces are displayed. Take a gondola ride down the famous Grand Canal and it will lead you to Ca' Rezzonico and Ca' d'Oro, the former famous for its ornate ballrooms and aristocratic balconies, the latter for providing shelter for the great works of Titian, Mantegna and Carpaccio.

The pageantry and history of Venice Italy are still alive and well for the time being. And don"t worry about getting lost, either - it is said by locals that there are no wrong turns in Venice. See for yourself.


source :http://www.destination360.com/

Sorrento Italy Sightseeing, tourism, guides, hotel, history, geography


Fotolia.com"> Tourist Information on Sorrento, Italythumbnail
Tourist Information on Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento is a small village southeast of Naples that is the starting point for your Amalfi Coast tour, but don't leave so quickly; Sorrento has a lot to offer. This city on water has been a vacation spot for centuries and its charm is still apparent today. Ancient villas and cathedrals for the historical, blue waters and pink sunsets over the Bay of Naples for the romantics, and quaint shops with artisan merchants for the prize seekers.

  1. History

    • Fotolia.com"> Santa Maria del Lauro image by Ingrid Walter from Fotolia.com

      Known as Surrentum by the Greeks and later by the Romans, Sorrento has a long history of trade, culture, and even war. Some of the oldest structures found in the city originate from Italian tribes (900 BC) before they were incorporated into the Roman Empire. Sorrento is also the site of the mythological sirens that tempted sailors to certain doom with their enchanting voices and singing. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Sorrento passed from hand to hand and was even its own duchy until being conquered by Spain. Eventually, Sorrento overthrew the Spanish and became part of the brief Kingdom of Naples until it failed and Sorrento fell under the rule of Ferdinand II. In 1861 it was annexed into the new Kingdom of Italy.

    Geography

    • Fotolia.com"> View of Marina in Sorrento, Italy image by abstrand from Fotolia.com

      Sorrento is located on a peninsula forming the southeast wall of the Bay of Naples. The peninsula separates the Bay of Naples from the Gulf of Salerno and is formed by the Lattari Mountains. Sorrento is positioned in a ravine of limestone cliffs that offered natural protection from invaders in ancient times and now offers natural beauty. The island of Capri is only 5 km away by ferry. The islands of Ischia and Procida are also nearby.

    Sights

    • Fotolia.com"> sorrento image by euforbo from Fotolia.com

      For some examples of Sorrento's traditional craft intarsio, inlaid woodwork, check out Duomo, Sorrento. It also features marble tombs and relics from long dead saints, some of whose bones rest in one of chapels. The Museo Bottega Della Tarsia Lignea is housed in an 18th Century villa and showcases even more of the famous woodwork. You can admire frescos and sip café at the Sedil Dominova, a domed building that was a traditional meeting place for nobles in the 15th Century.

    Limoncello

    • Fotolia.com"> limone limoncello image by Fotograv from Fotolia.com

      In Sorrento, don't be surprised when you see lemons the size of footballs barely hanging onto straining branches. The citrus smells are the beginnings of the famous local beverage, limoncello. Although there are arguments as to whether the aspertif or digestif originated in Salerno, Capri or Sorrento, the sweet liqueur is common all over Sorrento. Served ice cold, its syrupy sweet citrus smell hides the cold burning that occurs as it slides down your throat and warms your stomach.

    Shopping

    • Fotolia.com"> sorrento piazza tasso image by euforbo from Fotolia.com

      Via San Nicola offers artisan shops and demonstrations of inlaid woodwork. You can even buy beautiful inlaid wood tables and music boxes directly from the artisans. For the upscale shopper looking for designer merchandise, Piazza Umberto I offers items from the top designers in Italy. Via S. Cesareo is Sorrento's main pedestrian street.

Florence Italy Tourist Guide, Tourism, atraction, vacation, guides, hotels


About Florence

Florence, Tuscany

Florence (Firenze) is the regional capital of Tuscany, in the centre of Italy. A town with a turbulent and action-packed history, Florence is now packed with tourists being shepherded around the city's museums. The town is situated on the river Arno, which is spanned by the famous Ponte Vecchio, the only of Florence's bridges not to be blown up in the Second World War. Florence's most striking landmark is Brunelleschi's dome on the Duomo, and its most reproduced sight is Michelangelo's statue of David.

When to go

In summer, at the height of the tourist season, Florence can be heaving with tourists, as well as uncomfortably hot. But Florence is a tourist city, and its artistic attractions are indoors, so the town is really an all-year-round destination. You're unlikely to find Florence empty; but visiting away from the summer peak should make the infamous queues a little shorter.

Duomo, Florence

Florence advice

On arrival, visit the Tourist Information Office opposite the station, where you can pick up a free town plan and a vital piece of equipment - a list of museum opening times and prices. Some museums and galleries are open only in the morning, others may close one or two days a week, so you really need to plan your sightseeing if you want to get the most from your trip. It's also worth visiting the ATAF bus station alongside the railway station to pick up a free bus map and a couple of tickets.

Get out of town. If you're in Florence for several days you will probably begin to suffer from the crowds, heat, museum-fatigue. It's a great idea to take a trip out into the Tuscan countryside. Visit one of the Medici villas, explore the hills and vineyards by bus or car, or see another town - Siena or San Gimignano, for example.

Reductions at museums: if you are an EU citizen and are over 65, under 25 or a student, you can obtain reductions at some of Florence's sights. Bring your passport and any other ID to confirm your status. See our tourist attractions page for more information.

The Florentine rip-off

Florence is not a good destination if you are on a budget. There is very little in town for the hard-up tourist. Unlike Rome, where churches and monuments are free of charge, or Venice, where the city itself is the main attraction, Florence will empty your wallet. The Florentines have mastered the art of extracting money from visitors; museums and churches can be very expensive, with few joint/combined tickets on offer. Statues and artworks have been removed from the streets and free churches, and placed in expensive galleries. Of course there is justification for this: tourists swamp the city and it seems fair that the city should profit, but all the same, the constant expenditure is a drain which can leave a nasty taste in the mouth. Tourists may feel especially aggrieved when they find that museums will close down rooms and galleries without advance notice, pleading staff shortages. Prize exhibits may be missing (for restoration or on loan elsewhere), and few museums are well planned and signed. Visitors should research their trip in advance, book ahead or visit at unpopular times, and when you're in a musuem, make a point of exploring stairways and dark corners to make sure you don't miss anything important.


source : http://www.italyheaven.co.uk/

Siena


Siena Tourist Information, Hotel and Travel Guide
Siena, Tuscany

Siena is one of the most appealing towns in Tuscany, one of Italy's most appealing regions. The well-conserved medieval streets and piazzas are home to the annual festival of the Palio, a neck-or-nothing horserace which takes place in Siena's main square, the Campo. The town can be reached as a daytrip from Florence or Rome, but it's also a good place to stay for several days, soak up the atmosphere, and visit the surrounding Tuscan countryside. The town is still sometimes known by its alternative English spelling of Sienna.

> Siena Hotels
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Siena Tourist Attractions and Holiday Information

Historical Siena is arranged around three radiating ridges of high ground, with green valleys enclosed within the old city walls. The town is divided into terzi, or thirds, and within each of these there are a number of the districts known as contrade (more about the contrade below). It's easy to walk around the historic centre of Siena on foot, exploring as you go, but if you're the organised type you may find it helpful to take the terzi one at a time.The Tourist Information Offices and museums supply leaflet guides to each one. The Terzo di Camollia, for example, contains the gigantic and shadowy Basilica di San Francesco, dating from the late 13th century; the rival Dominican church, the Basilica of San Domenico; the Sanctuary of St Catherine of Siena; the former Medici Fortress, which is now a pleasant and panoramic public park.
View over the Campo to the Palazzo Pubblico

The first stop for tourists in Siena is Piazza del Campo (otherwise known simply as il Campo). This is the secular heart of Siena, a sloping amphitheatre of a square, lined with cafe tables and thronged with tourists, school parties and locals. The Campo is the dramatic setting for the Palio horserace. The piazza's focal point is the Palazzo Pubblico, the public palace, which dates back to 1250 and is still the seat of the Municipality.

The Palazzo is also home to some fine frescoes, and makes a good beginning to your sightseeing tour. At the ticket office in the internal courtyard you can buy a range of tickets. These give access to differing numbers of Siena's attractions, and some are valid for several days - a good way to save money, if you're planning a longer stay. A combined ticket for €9.50 gives you access to the Museo Civico inside the Palazzo, and also to the tall belltower, the Torre del Mangia. The tower is an excellent way to view Siena, the views over the town and countryside are breathtaking and help the visitor understand the geography of the town. Be warned though, that the climb is also breathtaking. A limited number of people are allowed up at a time, and you'll understand why when you see how narrow and poky the stairs are. The final climb up to the highest bell on its lofty framework is a nervewracking ladder - don't even think of making the climb if you have a poor head for heights or are very unfit.

Moving on to the museum, highlights include superb frescoes by Simone Martini, whose Maestà religious scene is one of the oldest examples of Sienese painting and glows with colour and life. Even more fascinating is a fresco cycle by Ambrogio Lorenzetti (1319-1348), the Allegories of Good and Bad Government. In one series, a 'good' ruler presides over a prosperous city (Siena) and productive countryside, while the effects of bad government are shown to be dismal misery and urban deprivation. Also worth seeing are an exquisite rose-tree made of gold (a gift to Siena from a pope), and some beautiful carved choir stalls with religious illustrations (one fine example shows the dead clambering from their graves on Judgement Day).
Unfinished cathedral walls

Heading uphill from the Campo, you arrive outside the monumental green-and-white-striped Duomo, Siena's cathedral. Before the collapse of the city's fortunes, Siena had ambitious plans to enlarge the edifice into the largest in the world. You can still see the facade and one side of the new cathedral, which would have incorporated the older building as a mere transept. Work was stopped, but the grandiose ambitions of the Sienese were preserved in the freestanding striped walls. The interior of the cathedral itself is ornate and decorated, lined with the heads of saints. The floor is composed of extremely fine inlaid marble scenes - some are covered to preserve them from wear, but others are usually exposed in roped-off sections. The Duomo is free to visit; although there is a small charge to visit the Piccolomini Library, (off to the left of the nave), where charming courtly scenes by Pinturicchio recount the life story of Sienese Pope Enea Silvio Piccolomini (Pius II). Adjacent to the Duomo, the Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana contains much of the original artwork from the cathedral, Sienese paintings, and the opportunity to view Siena from a vantage point on the unfinished new cathedral facade.

Siena History, the Palio and the Contrade
Youths from the Contrada of the Goose practise their flag-throwing in front of the Sanctuary of St Catherine

Early in its history, Siena was a Roman colony, and the later town retained pride in its past, with many statues and reminders of Romulus, Remus and the legendary she-wolf. In subsequent centuries, Siena became a prosperous and important medieval town, a rival to nearby Florence (which it famously defeated in battle in 1270). But the Black Death in 1348, and a decline in the town's banking business changed Siena's fortunes. A large proportion of the population died, and Siena's star fell. Major building work on the vast cathedral extension was stopped, never to be restarted. Medieval Siena is so well-preserved because after the middle ages there was little development or industrialisation.

Perhaps because of its cultural and ecomonic stagnancy, perhaps because of a consequent need to maintain its own internal traditions, Siena has kept alive unusual and renowned traditions. In what is though to date back to a historic tribal system, the town is divided into 17 contrade, or districts. Each contrada has its own animal emblem (a caterpillar, a giraffe, a goose etc.) and its own strong identity. The rivalry between contrade is expressed twice every year in Siena's biggest tourist attraction, the Palio. Horses representing the contrade (and blessed in their local churches) are raced perilously around the perimeter of Piazza del Campo; the whole event surrounded by an orgy of historical pageantry, flagwaving and cheering. The Palio takes place on 2nd July and 16th August; if you're planning to visit then, it's best to book your hotel well in advance.

Siena Travel Information

Get to Siena

Siena is well-served by bus services, both from the surrounding towns and from more distant destinations, such as Rome. If you are travelling by train from the north of Italy, you should change at Florence for Siena; from Rome and the south, change trains at Chiusi.

Get around Siena
The curving edge of Piazza del Campo, seen from the belltower

Siena's railway station is a bus-ride from the centre of town - buy your 1-hour tickets first at the newsstand in the station (you must stamp them on the bus), then cross the piazza outside the station to the bus stop on the far side. In the middle of town, Piazza Gramsci is the central pick-up and drop-off point. The centre of Siena is most easily seen on foot - there are many steep slopes, so be prepared for some exercise.

Rabu, 02 Februari 2011

San Gimignano


San Gimignano is a small walled medieval hill town in Tuscany. It’s famous for its medieval architecture, especially its high towers. Of the 72 that once existed, 13 remain today. San Gimignano is a popular destination for day trippers from Florence, but spend the night here and the city quiets down and takes you back in time.

source : http://blog.hotelclub.com/

Abruzzo Italy


Abruzzo holds some of Italy’s best-preserved medieval and Renaissance hill towns. Many lie entirely within regional and national parks so they won’t be developed anytime soon. Abruzzo is an excellent place to see some of Italy’s best preserved landscape.
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Sorrento Italy


The gateway to the Amalfi coast, Sorrento is located on the Bay of Naples. It’s especially busy here in the summer time but the city is big enough and has enough to offer for all its visitors. This sea sport has been active for thousands of years and has a rich history. Any journey down south would be incomplete without a visit.

Capri Italy


Capri is an Italian island in the Gulf of Naples. It has been a major resort destination since Roman time and is popular with the well to do of the world. During summers, the island sees a lot of tourists, who mostly stick to the major towns. Get out of the towns and the island is yours!

Turin Italy


Turin is a major city in northern Italy. Turin is well-known as the home of the Shroud of Turin and host of the 2006 Winter Olympics. Located right near the alps, with the Po River flowing through the city, and villas dotting the surrounding area, Turin is trying to attract more tourist so get there before the crowds!
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Sicily Italy


Sicily may be famous for the mafia but it has much more than that. Sicily has a long history of foreign domination and he result is an eclectic culture that mixes it all in. Every little city seems to have its own culture. Come and explore the countryside and well preserved towns. Just don’t ask for Tony Soprano!

Cinque Terra


Five towns located on cliffs overlooking the ocean, Cinque Terra is simply breathtaking. Spend the day walking the 12km trail that connects each town, exploring there tiny streets, and stopping at little cafes. Explore the olive groves in the hills and relax yourself with a shot of Limoncello.
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Venice Italy


The city of lovers- Venice is a great place for couples and families. Hang out in St. Mark’s Square (watch out for all the pigeons!!), stroll through tiny alleys, and take a gondola ride through the canals. Venice may be an expensive city but it is worth every Euro.
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Florence Italy


Florence
Birthplace of the renaissance and home to the David, Florence is Italy’s second obvious stop. For art lovers and foodies, Florence offers an array of goodies. (Try the gelato!!!) Another bonus: it’s right in Tuscany, home of Italy’s premier wine country.
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Rome Italy


The capital wasn’t built in a day and you’ll need a lifetime to see it. With so many sites and places to see, you’ll never be at a loss to do. Whether it’s exploring the ancient roman forum and walking where Caesar did, seeing the Vatican, or making a wish at the Trevi Fountain, Rome is an obvious stop for anyone’s trip to Italy