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Sunday, May 26, 2013

VANCOUVER



Vancouver has been called exciting, dynamic, amazing, vibrant, multicultural and
cosmopolitan. Combining the beauty of the Pacic Ocean, the majesty of the Coastal
Mountains, and a mild climate makes Vancouver one of the most intriguing cities in
the world. It is an outdoor-oriented city, oering health enthusiasts a wide range of
sports remember, Vancouver hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. Visitors of all
ages will nd activities to satisfy all expectations of this Canadian treasure.




Stanley Park, the jewel of Vancouver, attracts visitors and
residents alike to enjoy the outdoors at its nest. Art
museums, live theatre, horse racing or cruising the waters
around Vancouver are only a few of the many activities available.
The strength of Vancouver lies in her diverse ethic groups,
each adding to the charm, colour and avour of the city.
While shopping, dining or enjoying the magnicent outdoor
activities, one can hear a myriad of languages, all blending
into a beautiful sound, though English and Chinese are the
most predominant languages. Like many other dynamic
cities, neighbourhoods dene Vancouver: Gastown, a
charming and historic area with cobblestone streets, small
shops and intimate restaurants, Kilsilano, a casual and
health conscious neighbourhood Chinatown, with its
traditional architectural and large open-air markets. And
Robson Streetis known for its fashionable boutique
shopping and one-of-a-kind eateries.
It is no wonder that Vancouver has been named one of the
most beautiful and liveable cites in the world

do see


Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
The impressive entrance gate welcomes visitors into this
peaceful and tranquil place. The garden represents an old
garden tradition that was popular during the Ming Dynasty.
The garden is thought to emulate the rhythms of nature.
Gastown Steam Clock
Gastown is the oldest neighbourhood in the city, and every
quarter hour, steam pours out the top and whistle chimes
can be heard. More than 180 shops, restaurants, clubs and
cafés can be found here.
Science World
Science World provide interactive exhibits and unique
presentation of the wonders of science and technology for
all ages. Pure joy of knowledge is what keeps this business
going, as it is operated by a non-prot organization.
Address: 1455 Quebec Street
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 10am to 5pm, Weekends & Holidays
Stanley Park
Stanley Park was the rst of its kind in Vancouver and has
become one of the most famous sights in the city. Walk,
skate or bike the 8.85 km circular Seawall. The 400
hectares of green oers both a peacefu retreat and a buzzing meeting point



The multicultural character of Vancouver can easily be
seen in the wide range of cuisine a fusion of many ethnic
avours: African/Indian, Greek/Italian and
Mediterranean/French. Chefs are blurring international
boundaries and restaurants range from bohemian to ultra
chic. Fresh seafood is on almost every menu. Vancouver
has rened the art of eating out.
CinCin Ristorante & Bar
This restaurant is reminiscent of an old Italian Villa,
keeping a contemporary Italian menu. In case you wish to
have some fresh air, you can choose to sit at the al fresco
terrace. Inside, however, youll get to see the open kitchen
with wood-red forno
Water Street Café
Water Street Café is located in the historic area of
Gastown with all that entails, cobbled streets outisde and a
nice view of the famous steam clock. The menu holds
treats such as fresh baked bread, pasta, seafood and
delicious desserts.
Address: 300 Water Street, Gastown Flavours on hand are for example mocha, blueberry,
chocolate and cherry


Caffè Artigiano
CaFè Artigiano serves high quality cofee, including Cup of
Excellence winners from coFee countries all over the
world. Each cup is brewed individually, to ensure a fresh
and avourful coee. The baristas here take pride in their
coee art, so you can fully expect a tulip or heart on top of
your latte or cappuccino
Elbow Room Café
The Elbow Room was originally started in the eighties and
theyre still going strong. The menu is stuFed with
delicious dishes such as burritos, omelettes, pancakes,
quesedillas and sandwiches.
Address: 560 Davie Stree
BARS & NIGHTLIFE
t


From the amboyant and outrageous to the laid-back and
quiet, bars/pubs oer Vancouver residents and visitors
alike a wide array of choices. The legal drinking age in
Vancouver is 19 years old. However, many up-scale
establishments require a 21-23 age limit.
Nightlife in Vancouver has something to oer everyone
from dance clubs to Irish Pubs. Busy Granville Street on a
Saturday night is electrifying, while Gastown and Yaletown
have more than their share of hip, trendy spots.
Kino Café & Flamenco Bar
The sound of gypsy guitars ll the air in this coee house
that also hosts Flamenco performances from local artists.
Sit down, have some tapas and if youre right on time -
enjoy the show. Mondays and Tuesdays means other
types of performances, like stand up comedy.
Kino Café & Flamenco Bar
The sound of gypsy guitars ll the air in this coee house
that also hosts Flamenco performances from local artists.
Sit down, have some tapas and if youre right on time -
enjoy the show. Mondays and Tuesdays means other
types of performances, like stand up comedy.
Address: 3456 Cambie Street

Railway Club
Music from rock-a-billy to jazz, punk to swing.
Three distinct rooms make up the second oor space at
the corner of Seymour and Dunsmuir Streets. The rst, an
intimate room when you rst enter, hosts music seven
nights a week
amazing sound system, a trendy location in Gastown and
the choice os the club or lounge area once you get inside.
Several well renowned DJs have played here and added to
the hype.
Cellar Jazz Club
This is Vancouvers pride when it comes to jazz venues.
Located in an actual cellar, the atmosphere is cozy and
very jazzy! This is the place for grand music experiences
and memorable social gatherings.
Address: 3611 West Broadway


SHOPPING
The casual shopper will enjoy a stroll along Robson Street
with its unique boutiques, coeehouses and restaurants.
Public Market, 1610 Street, oers fresh produce and
seafood specialty shops of all types occupy the multi-level
complex and the food court serves ethnic cuisine and
snacks. Granville Island is one of Vancouvers shopping
hotspots and the hub of epicurean delight. The Public
Market overows with fresh vegetables, fruits and exotic
herbs and spices. Art and handcrafted items, custom built
kayaks, wooden musical instruments, blown glass, leather
goods, and one-of-a-kind toys are a small sampling of
items for sale.
historic port and nancial district of Vancouver. Within the
walls of the hotel, you can dine at the restaurant, hang out
in the café or be entertained at the Lobby Lounge that
stouts live entertainment six nights a week


ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Airport
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located 16 km/10
miles from downtown Vancouver.
Taxi from the airport will cost around C$25.00. The
Airporter Bus to central Vancouver costs C$21.00 for
round trip (C$ 13.50 one-way). There is a variety of rental
cars located just outside the terminal on the ground oor.
Address: 3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond





Saturday, May 25, 2013

WEST SWEDEN



One readily returns to West Sweden. This is hardly surprising considering the
generous range of activities on oer here. Bohuslän’s archipelago allures you to a
glittering sea with charming fshing villages, to lobster parties and to wharves with
throngs of people buzzing round quaint shops and taverns. You’ll experience a whole
new adventure in the virtually untouched wilderness of Dalsland with its picturesque
waters, ideal for canoeing. Frequent pleasure trips make their way across the great
lakes and down Göta Canal. The medieval churches, castles and mansions are
delightful culture pearls, as is the parti-coloured Textile County. West Swedish
cuisine unfolds to reveal taste sensations fresh from the sea and lakes, the forest
and game. Vivid memories that linger and entice you backpeople ock to shops and restaurants. Explore the
wilderness of Dalsland by taking part in exciting activities
in forests, along canals, and on lakes, in a canoe or a tent.
Västergötland’s rich cultural history and varied natural
landscape are complemented by unique castle
accommodation, art exhibitions, and inspiring shopping.
Sample the good things in life in West Sweden - wellness
for both body and soul!
THE REGION
In West Sweden, you can experience anything from cycling
along Göta Canal or sailing along the coast of Bohuslän,
to paddling a canoe in Dalsland’s lake system. The area is
full of interesting things to see. A rare orchid from
Kosterhavet National Park can prove as fascinating as the
rock carvings in Tanum. Historic castles and amusement
parks oer interesting times, just like the wooden houses
of the small, picturesque fshing communities along the
coast. Below is a selection from the ‘See and do’ category – welcome!.

Nordens Ark
Nordens Ark is an animal park, and home to around eighty
dierent animal species which are all threatened by
extinction. During a 3-kilometre long walk through
beautiful natural surroundings, you get to see snow
leopards and Amur tigers, red pandas, poison dart frogs,
as well as lynxes, wolves, peregrine falcons and wild
horses – along with traditional Scandinavian breeds and
the Children’s Animal Pens. At the Farm, children can jump
in the hay, use a yoke to carry water, and much more. The
park is one of the most visited tourist destinations in
Bohuslän. Nordens Ark has a cafeteria, shop, hotel, and is
an inspiring place to hold a conference
Lake Hornborga
The greatest bird paradise of Northern Europe,
Hornborgasjön (Lake Hornborga), is surrounded by a lovely
cultural heritage landscape, and has a visitor centre,
viewing tower, walking trails and guided tours. Each spring,
visitors can watch the famous and amazing crane dance.
The cranes’ arrival at Hornborgasjön is a sure sign that
spring is on its way. Every year, thousands of cranes stop
o here on their way to the north of Sweden. The crane
the surface of the water, such as boat trips, snorkelling
trails, fshing trips, shellfsh safaris, walking, cycling,
climbing, and international regattas and art exhibitions.
Explore the archipelago of Bohuslän independently – from
the cockpit of your own yacht, or on board a comfortable
passenger ferry
.The Archipelago of Bohuslän
Fishing has been a major part of the history of Bohuslän,
and many local residents are still professional fshermen.
This oers you the opportunity to enjoy day-fresh fish and
shellf sh. The coastal landscape, in combination with the
delicacies from the ocean, creates a feeling of romance
and genuineness, and is refreshing for the soul. Bohuslän
oers a wide range of activities, both above and beneath
guided tours, concerts, and outdoor theatre performances
The Rock Carvings in Vitlycke
Go on a rocky adventure, where historic human ’grafti’
becomes a history lesson about hunting, culture and long
ago living conditions. The Tanum World Heritage Area
covers an entire 45 km2. The area contains around 510
rock carvings, with tens of thousands of images. The most
famous is the Vitlycke Carvings. It includes around 500
carved images of ships, humans, animals, and cup marks,
as well as the well-known Weather God and ’the Holy Bride
& Groom’. The images have been carved in gradually over
a time period of just over 1000 years, the oldest images
were created as early as around 1800 B.C
.Kosterhavet Marine National Park
Kosterhavet is Sweden’s first   marine national park and
opened in September 2009. The Koster Islands are in the
northern part of Bohuslän and can be reached by ferry, a
45-minute journey from Strömstad. Kosterhavet National
Park is home to around 12,000 species, half in the water,
and half on land. There are unique, rare, and common
species. The best way to explore the Koster Islands is on
foot or by bike. Explore some more, on a seal safari or try
the snorkelling trail. Naturum, on the island of Nordkoster,
is a manned information centre where visitors can find
information in the shape of images, exhibitions,
slideshows, fllms, books, and brochures about the
Kosterhavet area. There are also entrances to the national
park/information stations on Rossö, Resö, Tjärnö/Saltö
and in Strömstad
The Nordic Watercolour Museum
The Nordic Watercolour Museum, appointed Museum of
the Year 2010, is beautifully located among the barren
clis of Skärhamn on the island of Tjörn. The museum is a
Nordic centre for contemporary art, research, and
education, with focus on watercolour techniques. Here,
visitors can encounter the most interesting
representatives of international art, or see classic
watercolours. You can enrol on a specialist course under
the leadership of professional artists, paint together with
your children or grandchildren in the children’s workshop,
or prepare your next art exhibition in one of the guest
studios. Restaurant Vatten - Gourmet and Café serves
good food and drink with a Scandinavian touch.
Marstrand – Carlsten Fort
Marstrand is one of the best known resorts along the
coast of Bohuslän, famous for its beautiful wooden
buildings, a lively yachting community with international
sailing races, Carlsten Fort, and its royal connections. King
Oscar II’s island has been an important international
gathering place for socialising and sailing since the 1800s,
with a large number of restaurants, whose menus are
dominated by fresh fsh and shellfish. On Marstrand’s
highest point stands Carlsten Fort, which for more than
300 years has protected the small wooden town below.
Each year, thousands of people visit the castle to enjoy
More Info: Distance from Gothenburg: 67 km
Travelling time: 1 hour by car
Dalslands Kanal / Håverud
Dalsland has more lakes than any other Swedish county,
and one of the most beautiful waterways in Europe –
Dalsland Canal! The canal connects a maze of lakes large
and small, rivers and serenely meandering canals. Only 10
kilometres of the canal is dug, the rest is a natural lake
system. One of the most important sights along the canal
is the Aqueduct in Håverud. Here, the aqueduct, the road
bridge, and the railway bridge run above each other! From
June to the middle of August, passenger boats travel
along the canal between Bengtsfors and Håverud. To
spend your holiday sailing from lock to lock along Dalsland
Canal is a very popular choice for many pleasure boat
owners
Pilane
Sculpture in Pilane on the island of Tjörn oers visitors a
wondrous art and nature experience. Since the start in
2007, Sculpture in Pilane has grown into an exhibition
phenomenon, with frst class world famous artists and
more than 60,000 visitors each season. Throughout the
summer, fun, exciting, and thought-provoking works of art
share the space with fascinated visitors and grazing sheep
in one of Sweden’s most beautiful cultural heritage
landscapes. The area bears traces of grave f elds and
stone circles from the Stone Age, and oers breath-taking
views of the ocean from Carlsten Fort and the Pater
Noster Lighthouse in the south, to the lighthouse on
Måseskär in the north. The area also includes a farm café
and a gallery showing smaller works by the participating
artists
Göta Canal
Göta Canal is today an amazing visitor destination, with a
vast range of activities, including exciting, canal cruises,
travelling through the locks on your own boat, paddling,
walking and cycling along one of the most beautiful cycle
ways in Sweden. Along the canal, you will find comfortable
accommodation, interesting sights, events, and many
culinary highlights. Göta Canal, voted Swedish Building
Structure of the Century, is one of Sweden’s best known
and most popular tourist attractions. This 190-kilometre
long canal was built between 1810 and 1832, 87
kilometres of this stretch was dug by hand by 58,000
Swedish soldiers
The Karlsborg Fortress
The Karlsborg Fortress is located on the headland Vanäs
udde in Lake Vättern and is one of Sweden’s biggest and
best preserved forts. The fortress was intended to be used
as the reserve capital of Sweden and house the royal
family, government, parliament, and gold reserve in the
event of war. The building work started in 1819, and was
meant to take 10 years – which turned into 90! Take the
unique guided tour through the fort and down into the
underground tunnels, where the gunpowder smoke is
thick, cannons boom, oors shake, and rats hiss... Enjoy the
nerve-wracking adventure ‘the Hunt for the Missing Gold
Reserve’ –in 3D-format. Viewers get a very real
experience... you can also enter a draw to win a gold bar,
worth 150,000 SEK!
In
sborgs-Fastning/
More Info: Distance from Gothenburg: 200 km
Travelling time: about 2 hours 45 minutes by car
Canoeing in Dalsland
In Dalsland, you can glide quietly across the water,
towards the perfect place for a short rest and a picnic on
the beach. Experience lakes, canals, and campsites in
beautiful natural surroundings when you explore Dalsland
in your own canoe, or a rented one. Stay in a tent or in
pre-booked accommodation, and enjoy activities like
walking, rail-cycling, elk ranches, and beaver safaris. Don’t
The Karlsborg Fortress
The Karlsborg Fortress is located on the headland Vanäs
udde in Lake Vättern and is one of Sweden’s biggest and
best preserved forts. The fortress was intended to be used
as the reserve capital of Sweden and house the royal
family, government, parliament, and gold reserve in the
event of war. The building work started in 1819, and was
meant to take 10 years – which turned into 90! Take the
unique guided tour through the fort and down into the
underground tunnels, where the gunpowder smoke is
thick, cannons boom, oors shake, and rats hiss... Enjoy the
nerve-wracking adventure ‘the Hunt for the Missing Gold
Reserve’ –in 3D-format. Viewers get a very real
experience... you can also enter a draw to win a gold bar,
worth 150,000 SEK!
Sea Kayaking in Bohuslän
In West Sweden, you can paddle all year round, but in the
summer, Bohuslän is the new Mecca for kayaking
enthusiasts. Book a guide to take you on a daytrip through
calm waters, or a three-day camping tour of Sweden’s
only marine national park. Or perhaps a daytrip with spa,
followed by a three-course dinner, live music and a night at
a cosy hotel? There are also kayaking courses to book, or
you can choose to paddle independently. Winter paddling
is another wonderful way to observe the animals of the
archipelago, as this is the time when for example the
common seal feels brave enough to swim into the inner
part of the archipelago. In Bohuslän, you can go on an
adventure, where the wind, waves, and weather oer
genuine, wonderful refreshment for both body and soul
Boat trips
Boat trips through the archipelago of Bohuslän involve a
range of dierent options. Choose between regular ferries,
fshing trips, boat rental, and seal safaris. A lovely mix of
old-fashioned cruisers, impressive wooden ships, cool
yachts, and fishing
boats mingle with pure means of
transportation, like regular passenger ferries and sea-taxis.
Are you arriving on land by car, bus, train, motorbike,
bicycle or moped and would like to "get onto the water"?
No problem. There are a number of boats available to take
you out onto a lake or the sea. There is a lot of exibility,
and you choose what suits you. You could choose to go on
a daytrip. The journey is a reason to travel in itself. But
many visitors get a taste for the sea and the lovely spots
along the coast, and are tempted to stay longer… just a
little longer, to discover more
Kinnekulle
Visitors to the Kinnekulle Area don’t have far to travel
between the dierent sights. The area oers viewing
towers, waterfalls, medieval churches, rock carvings,
abbeys, limestone quarries, arts & crafts centres,
campsites, beaches, and much more. From the mountain
of Kinnekulle, there are magnifcent views over Lake
Vänern, and the Västgöta Plain. The lush, green landscape
with its varied ora is the reason why Kinnekulle is often
called ’The Flowering Mountain’. The closeness to
Sweden’s biggest lake, Vänern, oers the opportunity to
enjoy boat trips, fshing, swimming, and canoeing
.
...
  

BANGKOK

Dynamic, exotic and richly cosmopolitan, Bangkok is one of South East Asia’s mosvibrant and cherished travel destinations. A city of contrasts, this cultural epicentrand shopping paradise entices millions of travellers each year to its bountifumarkets, luxury hotels, stunning scenery and tantalizing cuisine. Where ancient anmodern coincide, Bangkok’s glorious golden temples and world-class skyscraperawait. Revel in the frenetic pace as you soak up the sights, shop until you drop thetuk-tuk around town for a zesty slice of Bangkok’s indulgent and risqué nightlifetrends blend and thrive with cutting edge sophistication.
To arrive in Bangkok is to be thrust into the pulsing hearof the Orient, a sprawling mega city encompassing 5districts and six ever-expanding provinces. Truly, thengine room behind ‘Amazing Thailand’, Bangkok wilamaze, dazzle and humble the most seasoned global
wanderers with its exciting fusion of cultural, spirituahistorical and cosmopolitan charm.
Dusit is the political core of Thailand, home to lavisarchitecture and gardens, while Bangkok’s rustic ‘OlTown’ Rattanakosin holds ‘must see’ sights such as thGrand Palace, Wat Pho and royal gardens of Sanam LuangThe city throbs and pulses with relentless heat and frantic
pace, as tuk-tuks zip along concrete boulevards anSkytrains zoom overhead. Glitzy Siam Square carves thcity’s commercial core with an array of shops, malls anboutiques - a true shopper’s paradise. MulticulturaYaowarat and Pahurat provide a feast for the senses, with
the cuisine of Chinatown and furry of Indian marketsSensational Sukhumvit Road roars at nightwith nrestaurants, bars and raunchy clubs, while thever-indelible Khaosan Road areaisadelight for budgetravellers and revellers alike, buzzing with curbsidvendors, stallsandwildnightspots. Known to the Thai’s a’Krung Thep,’ South East Asia’s own ’CityofAngels’epitomizes the East meets West tradition, where ancient
to Sapan Thaksin and jump on a river boat to Phra Arthipier.

With a relentless array of sights, sounds, scents and tasteall immersed in a bevy of hidden treasures, Bangkok haan overwhelming variety of things to discover and absorbHere is a brief list of the city’s highlights:
Chinatown & Nightmarkets
Experience the vibrannightmarkets of Chinatown oa Bangkok walking tourSavour delicious cuisineexplore clothing, fruit, and  flower markets, anexperience the city’s diverse heritage.
Tours run daily. More walking tours are available froUrban AdventuresPhone:
Grand Palace
Home to the famous Emerald Buddha, the most revereBuddha image in Thailand, the Grand Palace is a spirituahub and glorious architectural feat. Get in early to bypasthe bustle and crowds, and remember to show respect bwearing long pants – no shorts allowed! Take a taxi or tuk-tuk direct to the palace. Alternatively, catch a Skytrainwhite porcelain spires of the iconic 19th-century ‘Templof Dawn.’ Linger in mythical gardens, climb the steep whitstairs and soak up the romantic views at sunset. Take taxi or a river ferry at Tha Tien Pier on Thai Wang Road across the Chao Praya River to the Thonburi area 

Wat Saket and Phu Khao Thong (The GoldeMounThailand’s revered King Rama IV built this temple’s larggolden chedi atop the ruins of previous temple buildingsThe chedi is layered with centuries of gold leaf. Visitorcan take the easy winding stairs that encircle the mount to
the viewpoint at the top. A small entrance fee allows yoto enter the terrace and the temple area where you’ll hava 360-degree view of Bangkok

If nothing else, Bangkok serves as an epicentre of SoutEast Asian culinary sensation, with endless cuisinvarieties and f avours to boot. Tantalize your taste budwith a journey thorough Bangkok’s endless fury of nrestaurants, delectable eateries and simmering roadside
food stalls. Comprising the best places to dine with such short list is an impossible task. However, here’s what eacof Bangkok’s main culinary areas have to ofer thgastronomic acionado, with a sneak selection of some othe stand outsYaowarat RoaAlso known as Bangkok’s Chinatown, this is a bustlingfrenetic, neon artery featuring an impressive trail of
Chinese and oriental-inspired eateries and restaurantSavour some of the best dim sum lunches in all of South