<![CDATA[TRAVEL.com ® Travel Forums - Blogs]]> http://forums.travel.com/blogs/ en Tue, 07 Oct 2008 08:59:04 GMT vBulletin 60 http://forums.travel.com/images/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[TRAVEL.com ® Travel Forums - Blogs]]> http://forums.travel.com/blogs/ Songwriters to Soundmen Event + Free Rock Hall Tix! http://forums.travel.com/blogs/carrierocks/35-songwriters-soundmen-event-free-rock-hall-tix.html Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:52:38 GMT The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (http://www.rockhall.com/) continues its Songwriters to Soundmen series with Vic Flick! Flick has played in-studio with artists like The Beatles and Eric Clapton, but you may know him best as the guitarist for the James Bond theme song. This legendary musician will be... The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame continues its Songwriters to Soundmen series with Vic Flick! Flick has played in-studio with artists like The Beatles and Eric Clapton, but you may know him best as the guitarist for the James Bond theme song. This legendary musician will be speaking in the Fourth Floor Theater on October 15th at 7 PM. Admission is free with reservation!


Also, if you enter the Cleveland Rock and Roll In the Know Sweepstakes, you can win four free tickets to the Rock Hall where the museum’s curator will offer you a private tour!

Venue
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
1100 Rock and Roll Boulevard
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
(East Ninth Street at Lake Erie)
]]> CarrieRocks http://forums.travel.com/blogs/carrierocks/35-songwriters-soundmen-event-free-rock-hall-tix.html Cleveland Rocks http://forums.travel.com/blogs/carrierocks/34-cleveland-rocks.html Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:15:18 GMT Hey everyone! How's it going? I'm working on behalf of Positively Cleveland so residents and travelers are in-the-know about the best of Cleveland, Ohio! I'm starting this blog as a place to share all the local hotspots with you, from events to museums to food, the list goes on! We're home to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Browns, and University Circle. If you're considering a vacation soon, here's the place to get all your questions about Cleveland answered. And if you're currently living in the area, I'll help you find fun things to do!


So what's going on soon? See below :)

--

Starting October 19th and running through January 18th, imagine yourself at the 1900’s world fair in Paris. The Artistic Luxury exhibit at The Cleveland Museum of Art gives a one-of-a-kind look into the lifestyles of the rich and famous leading up to the First World War. Early 20th century jewelry and luxurious creations by legendary designers Carl Fabergé, Louis Comfort Tiffany and René Lalique will be on display!

The Cleveland Museum of Art will also be premiering many eye-opening films throughout next month. Attendees of Doctoberfest have a chance to see some of the latest critically acclaimed documentaries covering a variety of controversial and intriguing subjects!

Venue
The Cleveland Museum of Art
11150 East Boulevard
Cleveland, Ohio 44106


--

Some of you might know Cleveland is considered the birth place of rock-n-roll, but did you know it’s also where Superman was created? The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage is taking visitors through an interactive exhibit called Zap! Pow! Bam! The Superhero: The Golden Age of Comic Books, 1938-1950.

Learn all about the history of classic characters and superheroes, the role Jewish artists played in their creation and see rare art on display for the first time!

Venue
Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage
2929 Richmond Road
Beachwood, Ohio 44122
--

Check back soon for the latest on Cleveland - I'll keep you updated! :)

-Carrie ]]> CarrieRocks http://forums.travel.com/blogs/carrierocks/34-cleveland-rocks.html Stork Island, Vietnam http://forums.travel.com/blogs/nhonho88/33-stork-island-vietnam.html Fri, 03 Oct 2008 04:04:21 GMT Visitors to an island in the northern province of Hai Duong in early winter will be impressed with thousands of storks and herons on top of bamboo and other trees. They look like white flowers from a far distance. The Stork Island is located in the middle of An Duong Lake in Chi Lang Nam... Visitors to an island in the northern province of Hai Duong in early winter will be impressed with thousands of storks and herons on top of bamboo and other trees.

They look like white flowers from a far distance. The Stork Island is located in the middle of An Duong Lake in Chi Lang Nam Commune, Thanh Mien District, one of the most attractive eco-tourism resorts in the north. The island was formed in early 15th century after the dyke of the Red River collapsed because of big flood. Gradually, it became refuge for storks and herons from all over the country. At present, there are about 15,000 storks from seven species and 5,000 herons of three species on the island. Thousands of storks and herons fly to the island in September when it the north-east wind blows. They often stay there until April of the following year. Storks and herons flocks out of and into the lake in early morning and late afternoon, creating a fascinating scene.

In 1996, the Vietnam office of the UN Development Programme proposed turning Dao Co into an environmental education centre in a two-year, a project which would see planting of bamboo trees and introducing teaching programmes to raise awareness of environmental protection. There are plans to make Dao Co part of an eco-trail starting from Hanoi, winding through Hien Street to Stork Island and on to Con Son, Kiep Bac and Haiphong, and back to the capital.

The island was open to visitors ten years ago. Many investment projects to develop the island as an attractive resort are underway.

Vietnam Travel - Vietnam Cycling Tour Vietnam Adventure Travel |

Halong Bay Cruise, Halong bay tour, Halong Bay Travel |

Sapa Trekking Adventure - Homestay |

Traveling Blog in Opera |
Vietnamese folk Games’ Blog |
Traveling ]]> nhonho88 http://forums.travel.com/blogs/nhonho88/33-stork-island-vietnam.html Travel in Georgia, Heliski in Gudauri http://forums.travel.com/blogs/infotbilisi/32-travel-georgia-heliski-gudauri.html Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:45:24 GMT Gudauri is located about 120km away from Tbilisi. It's 2200m above the sea level. There are quite long skiing traces in there (approximately 10km). The trip from Tbilisi to Gudauri usually takes two hours by car. With the high quality snow, the resort offers much skiing opportunities. Heli Skiing-Gudauri's most distinctive and unique offerings in the world, provides skiers with access to some of the finest powder-snow in the Caucasus. Also you can rent the helicopter there and then you will be able to ski from the pointed peak. Heli Skiing is available throughout the season. There is also big choice of accommodations and hotels at any prices, such as "Gudauri," "Truso," "Panorama," "Shamo," "Marco Polo," "Shele" and many others ]]> InfoTbilisi http://forums.travel.com/blogs/infotbilisi/32-travel-georgia-heliski-gudauri.html 2008 Japan Festival at the St. Louis Botanical Garden - Labor Day Weekend http://forums.travel.com/blogs/rik-brown/28-2008-japan-festival-st-louis-botanical-garden-labor-day-weekend.html Mon, 25 Aug 2008 20:29:12 GMT If you are in St. Louis this Labor Day Weekend, be sure to check out one of the city's best annual festivals at the Missouri Botanical Garden. This event includes access to one of the largest Japanese gardens in the world outside of Japan.

Festival Hours

Saturday–Sunday, August 30, 31
10:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Grounds open at 9 a.m.
and remain open until 10 p.m.
for candlelight walks.

Monday (Labor Day), September 1
10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

General Admission

Admission (ages 13–64): $10
Seniors (ages 65+): $7
Children (ages 3–12): $3
Garden members: $3
(free for members' children 3–12)

Regular admission rates apply for the Doris I. Schnuck Children Garden. There are a variety of children's activities in Spink Pavilion that are included with admission. Learn more about free children's activities during the Japanese Festival.

Tower Grove House - Included with admission
Sat., Aug. 30: 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun., Aug. 31: 1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Mon., Sept. 1: 1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Tea Ceremony

All activities at the Japanese Festival are included with admission except Tea Ceremonies because of limited seating. Tea Ceremony tickets are $15 per person. Click here for additional Tea Ceremony information.

Festival Events Include:

Opening Ceremony
Akido
Bon Odori
Bonsai
Calligraphy
Candlelight Walks
Candyman
Children's Activities
Choral Group
Cinema
Cooking Demos
Craft Demos
Dashi
Fujima Ryu
Hana and Niji
Ice Sculpture
Ikebana
Japanese Garden
Judo
Karaoke
Karate
Kendo
Kimono
Kodomo No Asobi
Koinobori
Koma-Mawashi
Koryu Bugei
Martial Arts
Music
Okinawa Deigo Kai
Omikoshi
Origami
Rakugo
Raku Yaki
Shibori
Sumo
Tea Ceremony
Taiko
Tozan Ryu
Walking Tours
Zen ]]> Rik Brown http://forums.travel.com/blogs/rik-brown/28-2008-japan-festival-st-louis-botanical-garden-labor-day-weekend.html What to do at night in Pattaya? http://forums.travel.com/blogs/greg34/27-what-do-night-pattaya.html Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:08:31 GMT Talking about nightlife on the beach, Pattaya is in the top of it which has been been famous since in the past until in the present. Pattaya nightlife is unique and fascinating. Any kind of nightlife can be found here in Pattaya. Pattaya gives you many points of view. Tiffany and Alcazar, these... Talking about nightlife on the beach, Pattaya is in the top of it which has been been famous since in the past until in the present. Pattaya nightlife is unique and fascinating. Any kind of nightlife can be found here in Pattaya. Pattaya gives you many points of view. Tiffany and Alcazar, these Cabaret shows are popular which are located here in Pattaya Beach. This is the feature and if you want to know why, you can experience yourself. Thai law requires all people who are allowed in bars to be 20 or above. There are three sections which are for night life; there are Northern Pattaya, Southern Pattaya, and Central Pattaya. Jomtien Beach Pattaya is named but not as famous as these three parts. Walking street is one of popular point for the tourists. Northern Pattaya, centered along the Road soi 2 to soi 6, there are beer bars which are mixed with a go gos. This is the quietest part, so that you should behere when you wantto relax and have some privacy. Southern Pattaya, this is where it all started. There is the biggest variety of restaurants, discos, a go gos, beer bars, and massage parlors. Central Pattaya, it is around soi 7 and soi 8. It is extending from Second Road to Beach Road. This is the smallest then other parts of Pattay which mainly is beer bars. There are as well other areas to visit in Pattaya, but these three parts mentioned above can attract most of the tourists. There are as well Gay beer bars appeared in Pattaya which are mostly located in Pattayaland 3. FLB Bar is the most famous here. Unlike beer bars or a go gos, but the place is relaxed with air conditioned bars where you can listen the soft music and chit chat with hostesses or even exchange travel experience with different people. ]]> greg34 http://forums.travel.com/blogs/greg34/27-what-do-night-pattaya.html Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam http://forums.travel.com/blogs/nhonho88/26-hanoi-capital-vietnam.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:57:04 GMT Any tourist coming to Hanoi should not miss the chance of seeing the city of a thousand years of culture by cyclo. Visiting Hanoi, you have a peaceful and romantic feeling when you meet the simple daily life full of friendly smiles and hospitality. When in Hanoi, you can also see the flower markets... Any tourist coming to Hanoi should not miss the chance of seeing the city of a thousand years of culture by cyclo. Visiting Hanoi, you have a peaceful and romantic feeling when you meet the simple daily life full of friendly smiles and hospitality. When in Hanoi, you can also see the flower markets teaming with the colorful and sweet smell of flowers at reasonable prices. At the weekend, just go for a walk and your heart will be filled with happiness when you meet young couples, hand in hand, walking slowly down the street. You can make friends and share emotions with them to understand the long traditional culture of Hanoi and the well-educated manner of each person.

Vietnam Travel Destination |
Vietnam Travel - Vietnam Cycling Tour Vietnam Adventure Travel |
Vietnam bike tour, adventure tours,cycle, mountain cycling | ]]> nhonho88 http://forums.travel.com/blogs/nhonho88/26-hanoi-capital-vietnam.html St. Charles County Missouri - Favorite Restaurants http://forums.travel.com/blogs/rik-brown/25-st-charles-county-missouri-favorite-restaurants.html Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:21:33 GMT I'll post a list of favorite restaurants in St. Charles County:
  • Bristol's at Winghaven for fish
  • McGurks in O'Fallon for quasi-Irish and outdoor dining
  • Crazy Sushi in St. Peters for sushi (best value)
  • Kitaro on Highway K for sushi (best decor)
  • Joey's on Highway K for fish and chips
  • Cold Stone Creamery at Lake St. Louis (Hawk Ridge) for best ice cream
  • BC's Kitchen at Lake St. Louis (The Meadows) for best new restaurant
Its not that long of a list yet. I still haven't found a great place in the county for steaks.

Feel free to suggest some more. ]]> Rik Brown http://forums.travel.com/blogs/rik-brown/25-st-charles-county-missouri-favorite-restaurants.html Orange Beach Alabama becoming hotspot for concerts http://forums.travel.com/blogs/carolweaver/24-orange-beach-alabama-becoming-hotspot-concerts.html Tue, 29 Jul 2008 01:50:48 GMT I spent several years in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores before Hurricane Ivan. The area was fun, but it didn't have any big-name appeal.

But on my last trip I went to this new development on the canal called the Wharf. It is shops and restaurants and a huge place for concerts.

And they are booking some really big shows. I just missed seeing Willie Nelson and BB King.

If you haven't been to Orange Beach recently you will be surprised just like I was. ]]> CarolWeaver http://forums.travel.com/blogs/carolweaver/24-orange-beach-alabama-becoming-hotspot-concerts.html Catamaran - 21 Meters of total relaxation http://forums.travel.com/blogs/greg34/22-catamaran-21-meters-total-relaxation.html Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:01:32 GMT Catamaran Pattaya Thailand Holiday Homes are happy to introduce SERENITY a 71 foot (7 meter) catamaran with a massive 33.74 foot beam (10.3 meters) costing some 25 million baht to build will sail you out of a nearby marina on a luxury cruise of the Islands for a day to remember.

Jean Obry, with 15 years of charter experience in southern Europe, decide on a new approach adopted from the Mediterranean and Caribbean. It developed from a surplus of large offshore racing multihulls which were idle after racing or no longer competitive. The idea was to use these Yachts, with their large deck and cockpit areas enabling them to take large numbers of guests. The idea proved successful and Jean Obry hired Mortain Mavrikios, a French naval architect, to design him Serenity a 21 meter catamaran specifically for day charters here in Pattaya.
Catamaran costing 25 million Serenity 1, the first vessel Jean and Mortain designed is now completed and operating out of Ocean Marina just a eight minute drive from Viewpoint. It’s unlike any yacht you have ever seen or imagined: modern lines, extreme ease of handling and operation with reliable equipment and low maintenance but above all “Huge Space”. Serenity with a beam of 10.3 meters with narrow side decks making the main centre cross beam a big covered open air bar and lounging area. The side hulls have air conditioned sleeping cabins and toilets, convenient for chartering overnight. The small helmsman fly bridge has good all round visibility with access from below via a spiral stairway.
The captain controls not only the helm, engines and navigation from here, but also operates the anchor windlass. Forward of the bar area are the two trampoline nets supported by the forward cross beam and a centre walkway of aluminium and teak slats. This has an innovative feature in that it can be lowered when at anchor to form a wide “bathing stairway.” The lounge area has a generous central bar to seat eight people with built in coolers and fridges.
Tourist luxury boat in Thailand Your day will start at around 09:00, after a welcome drink the boat leaves the marina at 09:30 with a cruising speed of twelve knots under power, it takes just one hour to reach your first destination Koh Lin, this beautiful island is directly west of the Ocean Marina with white beaches, clear and warm waters, snorkelling gear and towels are provided. Popular with the Pattaya and Jomtien dive boats and other yachts the Koh Lin anchorage can be busy but very worthwhile ]]> greg34 http://forums.travel.com/blogs/greg34/22-catamaran-21-meters-total-relaxation.html Vietnam - 6 reasons to come http://forums.travel.com/blogs/nightflower/21-vietnam-6-reasons-come.html Mon, 07 Jul 2008 08:43:43 GMT Most people think of Vietnam as a war. But the old history has all gone. Now peace and safety resides. It's opening to the world as a friendly and exotic place on earth to be.

So why don't you think of coming. I'll name some of the reasons why you should:

1. She's a new place. It's not touristy like in Thailand and many places you go, people got stunned by your appearance.

2. She's safe and friendly. The majority of people in Vietnam are farmers, pure farmers. Many of them have never learnt of much apart from the village they were born in. Naturally, they're almost all friendly and safe to be around. Moreover, the communist government does a good job in ensuring securities all over the country. Nothing of a crime has happened to tourists for the last decades.

3. She has lots to see: A thin country stretching for thousands of Km from North to South. It has beautiful mountains with colorful and rich culture hill tribes. It has beaches and many of those are considered best in the world but still, they're not touristy. Sound cool enough? Not end yet, she's home to 7 UNESCO World Heritages. Almost anywhere you go, you're tumble on a World Heritage.

4. She's cheap. If you want to, then 1 dollar could buy you a basic lunch or dinner. Wandering around and you want to find somewhere to sit and drink? Mostly you don't have to pay more than one dollar for it. Cheap accommodations and services are everywhere around the Old Quarter in Hanoi and Pham Ngu Lao street or Bui Vien street – Sai Gon (if you're traveling on a tight budget). If not a tight budget? Never mind. You have top hotels and resorts of the world in here.

5. Is travel here convenient? Sure, many companies operate the open bus (good quality in general) and they run almost to every capital cities in the country. Moving around is very easy.

6. After all, traveling is to experience the difference. And Vietnam simply is from any place that you have been.

So, Vietnam? Why not!
---------------
Vietnam Travel Vietnam Tours Vietnam Travel Agents
Vietnam Tour Operators ]]> nightflower http://forums.travel.com/blogs/nightflower/21-vietnam-6-reasons-come.html St. Louis, Missouri http://forums.travel.com/blogs/rik-brown/2-st-louis-missouri.html Fri, 31 Aug 2007 16:44:28 GMT From time to time, I'll post comments regarding restaurants and sightseeing in the St. Louis, Missouri, USA area (guess where I'm from?). Hope that other users will join in as well as start blogs about their own hometowns or travels. ]]> Rik Brown http://forums.travel.com/blogs/rik-brown/2-st-louis-missouri.html First Post http://forums.travel.com/blogs/rik-brown/1-first-post.html Fri, 31 Aug 2007 16:19:29 GMT Updated: 30 July 2008 Welcome to the new blog area at TRAVEL.com which we hope fellow travelers will enjoy. Feel free to post comments about your travels, local restaurants, etc. that you might have visited. All normal forum messaging rules apply. While the blogs are geared mostly to... Updated: 30 July 2008

Welcome to the new blog area at TRAVEL.com which we hope fellow travelers will enjoy. Feel free to post comments about your travels, local restaurants, etc. that you might have visited. All normal forum messaging rules apply.

While the blogs are geared mostly to individual travelers, we are allowing small travel industry companies to post their own informative blogs here.

If you are promoting your own travel website, it must not compete with companies promoted here at TRAVEL.com -- primarily airlines ticket, hotel accommodations, cruises, etc. The smaller the company, the greater the leeway given in this respect. Such sites will only have advertising limited to their own site.

We'll make decisions on a case-by-case basis for the time being.

Have fun! -- Rik ]]> Rik Brown http://forums.travel.com/blogs/rik-brown/1-first-post.html