A diplomatic word on airports in the People’s Republic of China: a few are not up to world class standards just yet (ok, maybe more than a few). Some of this is understandable. China has 1.35 billion people. The country’s demographic chart looks like a Space Shuttle contrail. And then there’s China’s economy. Average annual GDP growth from 1980 to 2010 was 15.8%. Kung Pao chicken isn’t that hot. Big Trouble in Big China The point is that China, more so than any other robust, industrialised nation-state, has to confront some odious infrastructure imbroglios. You can imagine the discussions over at the Politburo. Do we invest in the Three Gorges Dam or expand the Port of Shanghai? Build the Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge or invest in the Three-North Shelter Forest Program (aka the largest artificial forest in the world)? Expand Beijing’s underground or build a high-speed railway from Xining to Lhasa? The answer, time and again, has been “Yes!” and “Yes!”. Let’s do it all, in other words. The chickens have home to roost on that score, however. China is just too big and too vast to get it all done yesterday, let alone today. And this is where the country’s […]
In a city that‘s recognized not only as a home to some of the biggest movie studios in the world, and also as a place with one of the most progressive societies in the world, it‘s no surprise that cycling has an important place as a means to travel, exercise and explore the world. If you‘re a bike enthusiast living in Los Angeles, you‘ll surely find plenty of places that are designed to ride a bike – and there‘s certainly much to see, since not only the city itself has a lot to offer, but the nature surrounding is magnificent as well. Still, one might get overwhelmed by the choices and not discover some of the best places to ride with a bike – but for starters, if you want a true LA experience, you have to try these bicycle Tracks in Los Angeles. Marvin Braude Bike Trail Los Angeles is famous for its spectacular shoreline, and what better way to explore it than with a bicycle – that’s why the Marvin Braude Bike Trail is such a great place. Stretching for about 20 miles, this trail provides cyclists with an opportunity to visit some of the iconic Los Angeles […]
The yacht lifestyle is fairly synonymous with being wealthy, and it is a way of living that is often featured in men’s magazines. Yachts often cost more than a million dollars and this lifestyle comes with a load of perks. Essentially, if you are living the yacht lifestyle, you have a lot of options when it comes to your daily activities. Having a lot of money affords you the opportunity to decide what you may or may not do on that given day. For example, if the sun is out, you might just want to head to the ocean and relax on your yacht. You Can Throw the Best Parties in Town Not many people would turn down an invitation to go out on a yacht for a relaxing dinner party. You will be able to host your family and friends in style by taking them out on your yacht and serving up a tasty seafood dinner. Most yachts have all the room and tools needed to host a dinner party. Essentially, it is like taking your home onto the water, where you can pop a bottle of champagne and cook a tasty meal. One of the best things about […]
There’s no denying the difficulty in planning family vacations. Luckily, there are several places that will certainly please your family, and this article offers five of the best ones in the USA. 1. San Francisco, California If you’re considering a road trip for the summer, being prepared beforehand is essential. Making sure everything is up to date regarding car insurance is immensely important. Luckily, by simply checking http://www.worldclimate.com/CA-Car-Insurance/, you can receive assurance that your road trip will be safe and fun before visiting one of the best vacation spots: San Francisco. One of San Francisco’s best landmarks is the Golden Gate Bridge. This architectural masterpiece is perfectly suited for visitors, as it’s nearly 9,000 feet long and contains walkways. The San Francisco Zoo is also a spot worthy of family visits, featuring a plethora of exotic frogs, birds, snakes, lions, apes, and giraffes, paving the way for an unforgettable vacation. 2. Boulder, Colorado Boulder, Colorado is an ideal spot for an active family vacation. Boulder is known for possessing some of the most gorgeous natural scenery in the country. Boulder is the best spot to enjoy hikes and trail rides with your family while enjoying the serenity and beauty of […]
With its exotic culture, friendly people and tropical climate, the Indonesian province of Bali has long been a favourite travel destination. The main attraction for the more than 2 million international tourists who visit the area every year are the beaches, especially those on the main island, also named Bali. There are a huge number of beaches to choose from all around the island and no matter what your taste, you’ll find at least one that you like. Party central: Kuta and Seminyak Kuta Beach is probably the most famous of Bali’s beach destinations. The beach here stretches for more than 3 miles and is very popular with surfers. If you don’t want to ride the waves, the white sand and waving palm trees are the perfect backdrop for sunbathing or getting a relaxing massage right there on the beach. Seminyak lies just a little to the north of Kuta and its beaches are a little quieter than their more southerly neighbours. With the many luxury hotels, spas and boutiques here, Seminyak has an air of sophistication to it. Both Kuta and Seminyak offer spectacular sunsets at their west-facing beaches. Once the sun has dipped below the horizon, it’s time […]
When people go on a vacation, they usually spend it sightseeing, frolicking by the beach, or camping in the woods. If they’re not sleeping in a tent somewhere, they are probably staying in a hotel room with all the worldly comforts just within a one-mile radius. Nothing wrong with that of course except that it can get boring for people who are craving for fun, adventure, and a lot of excitement. This is why people like to engage in extreme activities while they’re on vacation. This is not for everyone, obviously, but if you’re looking forward to a grand time on your holiday, here are 5 extreme activities you can try: White water rafting White water rafting is a fun and exciting outdoor activity using an inflatable raft and paddle to navigate the river, with really fast currents and various levels of difficulty. Due to the rapids, your raft could turn upside down and you will end up in the water or be carried away in the current. Most rafting activities take about 4-8 hours, depending on which place you go to. Bungee jumping If you have no fear of heights, you can go bungee jumping and jump from a […]
Travelling to a foreign country requires a lot of preparations and planning. This is because many things are bound to change the moment you set your foot in the other country. Due to this reason, these tips will help you when travelling and in the country. 1. Countercheck your passports for validity, and make copies Although this might sound obvious, it is always best for you to countercheck your passport when heading out. Always make sure that the passport you currently have is not bound to expire soon. Having an expired passport at a foreign country can lead to many problems, and this includes deportation. Once certain that everything is clear, make a point of making copies of the same, then give a copy to a friend, or the other person you are travelling with. You may lose the actual passport while on the move, but the copies will save you big time. 2. Familiarize yourself with the local laws and rules Neglecting this can land you into problems too. Like they say, ignorance is no defense; you need to be able to conform to the local laws less you risk being reprimanded or even put in a cell. Little […]