Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Getting High in Thailand
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Thailandia 2006 trip (trailer)
Monday, June 28, 2010
Eating Bugs Bangkok Thailand English
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Anatomy / Forensic Museum in Bangkok
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Genji Japanese Restaurant in Bangkok
Japanese restaurants in Bangkok are plentiful but ones that combine great attention to detail, authentic surroundings and good value are not so common. Genji Japanese restaurant in the Swissotel Nai Lert Park Hotel is one of those Japanese restaurants that combines all of these attributes. Along with attentive service and high-quality ingredients - a must for a top-level Japanese restaurant - Genji offers its guests an inviting place to eat good food.
I've eaten in many Japanese restaurants in Bangkok over the years and yet am still impressed each time I visit Genji. It's an unpretentious place and yet elegant at the same time which creates a calm and serene atmosphere. The main dining room presents a more formal atmosphere than some Japanese restaurants that have sushi bar seating and teppanyaki grill tables, with its sushi bar separated as well as two teppanyaki rooms. There are also a number of private rooms with traditional tatami seating setups.
There is a large menu here that includes both ala carte items as well as set lunches and dinners and a special all-you-can-eat lunch buffet that is quite popular. On my last visit for lunch here I tried several items that were new to me, the most notable being a soft-shell crab tempura. I've had many types of tempura over the years but this was the first time I've had soft-shell crab and it was a welcome addition. Soft-shell crab has to be cooked with a very high heat to get the right amount of crispness and the chef did it perfectly here. I also enjoyed some salmon and scallops from the teppanyaki grill, miso soup and a sushi California roll set.
I could have ordered one of the set lunches which offer a variety of Japanese cuisine styles including grilled fish, teppanyak, sukiyaki, tempura and others along with the traditional Japanese Bento box lunch that is also on the menu. And the prices of these punches are all quite reasonable.
At dinner there are more set menus covering different specialties such as yakizakana and yakiniku as well as more teppanyaki items including Kobe beef. There are also, of course, a large selection of ala carte items covering all of the cuisine styles mentioned above. Basically, Genji can cater to just about every taste in regard to Japanese food.
So although there are many choices in Bangkok when you're thinking about good Japanese food, Genji offers an attractive place to enjoy high quality food in an authentic setting with very good value for money.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
"Yellow Fever" Slideshow of Thai nightlife
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
HTGL part 3 of 7: Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai elephants)
Monday, June 21, 2010
London 1/3
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Akt 11. Bangkok next
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Spring Break Destinations near Austin
With Spring Break just weeks away, families plan their vacations. Since the economy is not very stable, many families are planning their Spring Break in the vicinity of your home.
San Antonio is the first holiday destination in Texas. The city has many things to see and do. The Alamo, River Walk and Park Hemisfair are some who are on the "must do".
The Alamo, Texas, is the most important historical landmarks and takes about 2.5 million visitors a year. E 'was built1718 near the headwaters of the San Pedro Creek and has been postponed twice and reached its current position in 1724 Today, the Alamo by the State of Texas, owned and operated by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. And 'open all year, is free except Christmas Eve and Christmas and the entrance.
Hemisfair Park was built to accommodate about 1968 World's Fair. The 15-acre park offers many amenities, including waterfalls, playgrounds and one of San Antoniofamous skyline, the 750 meters Tower of the Americas. Visitors can revolving restaurant or take a breathtaking view of San Antonio from the observation deck of the tower.
The River Walk is also an ideal destination for spring breakers. The river is located on the promenade of San Antonio River that flows through downtown San Antonio. Visitors can ride on the river by boat or on foot along the river on how to walk on both sides. The River Walk is lined with restaurants, shopsand historic buildings. Hotels line the river walk and a view of San Antonio River.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas is a 200 - acre theme and water park full of rides, shows and attractions. Fiesta Texas is home to eight rollercoaster and its very own water park that is included with park admission. There are also several hotels in the area of the park, all of which are in use, and prices there is something for every budget!
Another popular destination in SanAntonio's Sea World. Visitors can close and personal with sea creatures of all kinds, and the park has roller coasters and water slides as well. The park is one of three of its kind in the United States and is a popular destination for visitors to Texas.
Another popular destination for visitors to San Antonio is the Ripley's Believe It or Not and Plaza Wax Museum. It is located in the city of Alamo Plaza and Crockett Street and has many unique exhibition of wax figures. The museum is opento visit all year round and a great place, whether in the city center.
The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum, saloon is where Teddy Roosevelt recruited Rough Riders and designed the Poncho Villa Mexican Revolution. The salon has a long time, and still has the original furniture, including making cash back, which is made of marble and cherry wood. An important goal for any history buff!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Mogul Players in Mafia Wars
If you want to know how to play Mafia wars as a mogul character, you should keep in mind that you can no longer switch to another Mafia wars character anymore. This is why it is important to choose your character carefully.
There are three character types for you to choose from when playing Mafia Wars, one of which is Mogul. Like the other two characters, Maniac and Fearless, the mogul character has one main benefit. The character gains the top mafia position and bonus power. In order to know how to play Mafia wars as a mogul better, it is important to understand what this character has in store for you.
The top benefit you get as a Mafia wars mogul character is that you receive money every 54 minutes instead of the usual 60 minutes. To many players, the mogul is a character which is all about earning money. Mogul members in Cuba get a five percent raise from the sale of crates. This gives Moguls an edge in Cuba, where money is quite difficult to come by.
A mogul top position is the Bagman as well. Your bonus power also gives you the chance to double your money on a given level of tasks once you get promoted to the Bagman position in another mafia group.
In understanding how to play Mafia wars in the Bagman position, note that this spot varies on the level of player that you are moving up to. The higher the player's level, the more bonuses you receive, with the present highest bonus at fifteen percent. The Bagman spot works only on the stage of the player.
Because you picked the mogul character, you have the ability to accelerate a player into the Bagman spot unlike Maniac and Fearless characters who cannot be moved up to the position. Moreover, you will be rewarded the highest bonus of fifteen percent if the player you are accelerating level up to more than 300. The bonus you receive for promoting a player into the Bagman spot means more money from fulfilling jobs. On top of the fifteen percent bonus to complete a job, you earn fifteen percent more money.
In addition, being promoted to the Bagman spot in another player of Mafia is one thing you should take note of when learning how to play Mafia wars as a mogul character. The bonus you will receive for this situation only gives you a small chance of doubling your money when carrying out a task. This is why promoting players into the Bagman position as well as being in another Mafia player are more advantageous than you might think.
Also, keep in mind that if you are not receiving the bonus even when you have promoted a player into a top Mafia spot, then it makes sense to take them off the top Mafia and place them in the same spot again from time to time. This is done because as these players level up and earn more stats in the game, it does not get updated into the spot. Hence, when you remove them and promote them into the top Mafia position again, you are in a way updating at the same time receiving the bonus that you should be getting.
The number of players that put you into the same spot in their top Mafia does not have any bearing at all. There is no change whatsoever in the bonus or opportunities you are entitled to in relation to being in this spot.
Many Mafia wars strategists claim that mogul is the weakest among the three characters. However, keep in mind that each of the three characters has a unique advantage which is not, by any means, similar to the other. Choosing Mogul as your Mafia wars character comes with several advantages. Base on income, you get more perks as a mogul because you receive money for an additional 2.4 hours every day. That is a huge benefit when leveling up the first 25 stages, where earnings are typically low.
As pointed out earlier, the Mogul character is more about earning money. This is where the Mogul banks on the advantage of earning more money than the Maniac or Fearless. Although its benefits may become less useful once you level up even further, you do not have any reason to feel sorry for choosing the mogul character in the long run. There are several Mafia Wars game guides that can provide you strategies to help you rule the game fast and easy. The money becomes useful in other city than New York. For example, money is hard to come by on Bangkok, Cuba, and Moscow. You need money to buy the required weapons for the jobs.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Hotels In Puerto Banus, Marbella, Spain
Puerto Banus in Marbella, Southern Spain is one of the most exclusive resorts in the world but there are only five Hotels that are actually in Puerto Banus itself.
Fair enough, there are plenty of Hotels throughout Marbella to cater for all tastes and budgets but if you want to stay in Puerto Banus, right in the heart of the place, what choices do you have and what are the names of the Hotels?
First of a brief description of Puerto Banus, Puerto Banus is all about the Marina which contains yachts and motor boats, large and small. The Marina in Puerto Banus is lined with pavement cafes and restaurants that serve a mixture of traditional Spanish food and the more typical modern cuisine that we are now used to and expect.
Until ten years ago that was basically it but now the resort stretches back from "the port" and engulfs 2 large shopping squares, Marina Banus indoor shopping complex and the five storey department store, El Corte Ingles.
You can also find shops such as Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Luis Vuitton, Hermes and Dior all within this small but select area.
So where to stay...
The 3 star Benabola Hotel in Puerto Banus is actually an Aparthotel where you can rent self contained apartments, studios, one bed, 2 bed and 3 bedrooms but with all the facilities of a Hotel, such as daily sheet changes etc. Each apartment comes with a small kitchenette. The Benabola is in an ideal location between one end of the port and the popular Plaza Beach.
The Pyr Hotel in Puerto Banus is another Aparthotel offering a selection of Studio and 1 bedroom apartments with their own kitchenette. The Hotel offers all the usual things, Pool, café etc and is in a good location, just back from the Port and right by the shops, but if you are unlucky you could end up with a room that has road noise from the main N340 that runs behind the hotel. Make sure you book your room with this in mind.
The largest Hotel is the 4 star Andalucia Plaza Hotel, a 390 room residence with both an indoor and outdoor pool that is great for the summer and winter. Together with a gym and one of only 3 Casinos on the whole Costa del Sol. Again you could get a room with a bit of road noise but the Hotel is in an ideal location just on the edge of town. It's around a 7 minute walk to the port and under 5 minutes to the beach.
Located directly next to the beach is the 4 Star Hotel Dinamar in Puerto Banus, like the Andalucia Plaza this hotel is on the edge of town but close enough to be within walking distance of everything. The Dinamar Hotel offers excellent facilities and is adjacent to the main sea front promenade that connects Puerto Banus to Marbella.
The only remaining Hotel is the 4 star Park Plaza Suites. Located overlooking both the Port and Plaza Beach this Hotel is ideal for those who literally want everything on their doorstep. Plaza Beach is also on your doorstep and over the peak summer season Plaza Beach has lively beach parties with top DJs and Dancers on a Sunday afternoon and Thursday evening.
For many people looking to book their Holidays the Hotels in Puerto Banus seem like an expensive option when you can find slightly cheaper Hotels within a fifteen minute drive but please bear in mind that as most people spend every evening in the Port area the costs of Car Hire, parking and or Taxis every night could exceed the extra that one might pay to stay right in the heart of Puerto Banus.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Top Three Bangkok Attractions!
Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is one of Asia's most diverse, exuberant cities. Abounding with warm Thai hospitality and attractive sights, it is one of the most frequented cities of Asia, and with that honour comes good travel deals in Bangkok for the benefit of travellers. Make sure you pay a visit to these three places that best encapsulate the city's allure.
The Grand Palace is definitely Bangkok's most impressive sight. Built in 1782, the Grand Palace served as the Thai King's abode for 150 years and has inspired scores of visitors with its landmark architecture and complicated detail. Expect to spend half a day here discovering the various landmarks within the palace grounds itself. There is the Wat Phra Kaew, Thailand's holiest Buddhist Temple which houses the revered Emerald Buddha dating back to the 14th century. Enter the throne halls in the Centre Court where the king used to conduct state business, and marvel at its opulence and elaborate detail.
Beside the Grand Palace lies Wat Pho, or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Not only is it one of the most ancient and biggest temples in Thailand, it also is home to the globe's biggest Reclining Buddha statue. The gold-plated statue is 46 metres long and 15 metres high, and his eyes and soles of his feet are made of mother of pearl. Adding to the attraction are 108 auspicious scenes in Chinese and Indian styles carved on the soles. Also explore the rest of the vast complex and check out the more than 1000 Buddha images within.
Vimanmek Palace, located in the Dusit Palace complex, is the world's largest teakwood mansion. It was constructed in 1900 by King Rama V and was used as a royal palace for five years. The breathtaking fact is that this palace, originally constructed somewhere else, was demolished and reassembled in its present location. Today, the large structure has been turned into a museum showcasing the Thai national heritage and commemorating King Rama V by displaying his photographs and personal mementos. Spend your day here feasting your eyes on the wonderful architecture and exploring Thailand's deep history.
Bangkok is a lively city not just confined to its national landmarks and heritage, but you'll find that your experience will be so much more enriched when you explore its streets and indulge in the many activities, performances and events it has to offer.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Bangkok Weather
The Southeast Asian city of Bangkok is said to have a tropical climate. The Thais divide the year into three seasons that they call cool season, hot season, and rainy season. Temperatures in the city rarely drop below 25° C (70° F). The months of October until February are considered to be favorable for tourists.
The cool season runs from December to March, although there's usually just one week in December when temperatures are actually comfortable. Temperatures dip down to a few centigrade in these months and normal life is affected only a little.
The heat begins to increase soon after the New Year and by April or May, it can be almost unbearably hot and humid. One of Thailand's most celebrated festivals - Songkran, takes place in April and involves lots of water throwing to cool down. Temperatures are at the peak during the months of April and May, and it is very hot and sticky due to the increased sea winds. Later months of the year face a gradual fall in temperature.
The rainy season, which coincides with the European and North American summers, is characterized by heavy downpours and not so favorable for tourists. During the rainy season, there are extremely heavy downpours, but they generally only last for an hour or so in the afternoon. The city annually records a maximum of 340 mm a year. Months of May and June to October experience very heavy rains. The rain cools down the high temperatures and cleans the air nicely that can be really relaxing after the heat. With the temperatures touching the peak, the rain is not cold. Most of the times, it can be just like a warm shower.
June to September experiences plenty of sunshine and is much cooler with the temperatures ranging around 24-28° C, but is the season for rain and is really refreshing. This has a lot of advantages like less visitors and better hotel rates. Best time to visit is from October until February when temperature ranges around 25- 28° C with light breezes and only the occasional showers.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Cheap Vacation Ideas
Taking a vacation is usually a family affair, even when it is a cheap vacation. With the costs of gas, airfare, hotels, restaurants, entertainment, sightseeing, and anything else that you want to do on your vacation, finding a way to have a cheap vacation may be the thing that will enable you to have a great vacation.
There are more ways to take a cheap vacation than simply staying at an inclusive resort, though. When you have a family, you will want to find a way to accommodate everyone, even the little ones.
Cheap Vacationing
One way you can enjoy your cheap vacation, get your fill of nature, and enjoy the outdoors, is to go camping. In order to do this, you will have to either have your own equipment or rent some camping equipment. Tenting can be fun, and make for a great cheap vacation, but if you have very small children, you may feel better about using a camper or renting a cabin. There are many campgrounds that offer cabins for rent. They are inexpensive, clean, and have real beds.
If you are not into camping, and you want an inexpensive vacation for your family, then you might want to look into the possibility of visiting relatives in an area you would like to see. Staying with family can offer a great way to have a cheap vacation. Sometimes this might not work out, but it may be worth considering if you all get along well and can enjoy each others company. Seeing the sights in the area where they live and having the ability to visit with relatives who you may not see often can make for a wonderful, vacation.
Another way to have a great inexpensive vacation is to do a house swap. There are always people in tourist areas who are looking for other places to visit as well. Do an Internet search to find a group listing that has house swaps listed. You may be able to find the deal of a lifetime and the best cheap vacation ever. One thing that is recommended if you opt for this type of vacation is to ask for references from the other people and to provide some yourself. Safety and self protection must be used in order to achieve a successful, enjoyable, vacation.
For the slightly more expensive vacation, you might want to look for a good vacation package. Sometimes there are offers, especially on the off season, for some of the most sought after vacation spots in the world. With discounts for families, you can usually find packages that will include your hotel, meals, and some area attractions, in the price. This would be a great way to enjoy your cheap vacation and not have a need for any more money. Nothing is hidden in most of these cases.
Having an inexpensive vacation does not have to mean no fun, no frills, and nothing extra. It simply means that you find a way to have a great time with your family, and spend as little money as possible. A cheap vacation can also be a rewarding, refreshing overall experience. Start your search for a cheap vacation today.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Sean Enjoying Street Food in Bangkok Thailand
Monday, June 7, 2010
THAILAND - From Bangkok to the Beach
Sunday, June 6, 2010
From Bangkok to the Hill Tribes... A World of Class
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Bangkok - Angels and Canals
Bangkok is certainly a modern city with many skyscrapers and extensive shopping malls, but some descriptions of it as a concrete jungle are a trifle harsh. It is definitely the country's most built-up city but there are a few oases of green within the city boundaries, and just a short ride outside the Thai capital is a whole world of eastern promise just waiting to be discovered.
The Thais call Bangkok 'Krung Thep', which translates as the City of Angels. It is the economic heart of Thailand, has a population of over seven million, and draws millions of tourists each year from all over the world. The city has a massive park in its midst called Lumphini Park - Bangkok's own equivalent of New York's Central Park - and is a popular destination for many locals and tourists.
Canals criss-crossed the city known as the 'Venice of the East' in the mid-19th century well before the invention of the internal combustion engine and concrete allowed the building of roads and highways. Just a short ride in a boat down the waterways and you'll be transported away from the hustle and bustle of modern life into a sample of often unseen Thailand.
The River Chao Phraya waterway is almost 250 miles in length and snakes it way between the commercial heart of Bangkok and the rural suburbs. Here the visitor gets a glimpse of the non-westernised heart of the City of Angels; crowded in amongst crude wooden jetties and piers are houses whose residents get the 'shops' to come to them. Small boats laden with fresh fruits and vegetables sail door to door to selling their produce to residents along the busy waterways.
Monks are revered in Thailand and at the King of Thailand's temple at Wat Rajbopit they offer a warm and friendly welcome to visitors. It is prohibited for Monks to touch women but they can converse quite freely with the opposite sex and they will happily tell you about their religion and the temple's history.
Eating 'street food' in Bangkok is definitely worth a try. It tends to be cheap, delicious and will be nothing like the international cuisine featured at top hotels in Bangkok! Available at any time of day or night, street food is for the adventurous; menus are in Thai so unless you can read them everything you order, usually by pointing directly at the food, will be a mystery dish!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Wildlife Resorts
Bandipur Safari Lodge is one of most beautiful lodges and is to be found in the midway down the Mysore-Ooty road close to the world-famed Bandipur National Park. The cool and the relaxing breeze blowing down the hills of the charming and scenic Nilgiris tempt you to this wonderful background for a wildlife safari. Snuggle in the foothills of the Nilgiris, the Bandipur National Park came into existence by expanding the Venugopal Wildlife Park, set up in the year 1931 by the Mysore Maharajas. It is presently one of the very big tiger reserves in the country. It also is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is perhaps one of the ultimate of the safe haven of jeopardized Asiatic wild elephants.
Bandipur is a Project Tiger Reserve, one out of the 27 such reserves crossways India for Project Tiger, a proposal initiated in 1973 by the Government of India, to save the tiger which is slowly and steadily getting extinct from the country.
Rooms & Amenities:
Bandipur Safari Lodge is constructed on the lines of modern and up to date architectural manner with a maximum capacity of approximately 24 persons at a time. There are nearly twelve well-appointed and done up rooms, elegantly designed along with contemporary and up-to-the minute facilities and roomy bathrooms to relax your senses. One disadvantage of this place is that it does not have any provision or facility of Air conditioner or Television. The site is sprinkled with therapeutic and decorative and showy plants and the panoramic vision of the neighboring small hill instills the environmentalist in you.Some other facilities which make it popular with the travelers are good room service,24 hour running hot and cold water, extremely tranquil atmosphere which allows the guests to be unwind and totally relax themselves. The peaceful atmosphere completely mesmerizes you and helps you experience some wonderful time here.
Restaurant:
Safari Lodge has a restaurant that specializes in serving a delicious and mouth watering buffet of South Indian, North Indian, Chinese, Mughlai and Continental cuisine. We provide the visitors with all types of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.The quality of the food is very superior and the guests are completely satisfied with the class of food that is provided here.
Location:
Road: The roads linking Bandipur to Bangalore 220 km through Mysore, which is nearly 80 km away. It is 175 km away from Coimbatore and approximately 80 km from Ooty.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
California Holidays - Orange County
Orange County in Southern California is located in the suburbs of Los Angeles. Orange County is mainly visited by tourists to the Disney Land Park in Anaheim, however if you are looking for a beach holiday the coat of Orange County is fantastic. Its beaches of Huntingdon, Laguna and Newport offer white sand and blue seas set in pretty little coastal towns stretching for over 30 miles from LA Harbour to San Diego. The Towns are occupied by some of the rich and famous which adds a very cosmopolitan and a sense of wealth to some of the towns in Particular Newport Beach with it 's many yachts and yacht clubs, trendy and expensive bars, clubs and restaurants and some very exclusive shops.
Newport offers some visitor attractions including Balboa Pier that is a marina where you can catch a boat to the lovely Santa Catalina Island. The Island is located some twenty miles from the coast of Los Angeles and offers a fantastic day out with its beautiful beaches, rolling hills and wildlife.
Other places of interest in Newport are the County Museum Of Art, which exhibits some pieces of contemporary art produced by local artists. The Sherman Library and Gardens are also worth a visit with the many types of flowers, cacti and other tropical plants and a browse in the Library is a pleasant way to pass an hour or so.
Huntingdon Beach is more of an easy-going coastal region with some places of interest to visit. The town is not an overly expensive one, so eating in cafes and restaurants wont cost the earth. Shopping in the town is mainly Surf Shops and beach stores. Places of interest include the Surfers Walk Of Fame, which is a tribute to some of the greatest surfers and sports men and women. The Pro-surfers Championships are held here in June every year attracting hundreds of spectators and several professional surfers to its televised event.
Laguna Beach is a wealthy town with a pleasant atmosphere and climate to match. The town is very much influenced by artists with the many art galleries scattered around and the annual Pageant of Masters that is an art exhibition held from June - August in the town attracts many new and recognised artists from all around the world. The beach is a lovely one that doesn't attract very large crowds; this could be due to some of the affluent people living in Laguna having their own stretch of beach to go with their large houses situated along the coast.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Inflatable Sport Boats
Before World War II, inflatable boats were used by the military during covert operations. These inflatable boats were good for use in shallow waters where a traditional boat would be impossible to bring. Inflatable boats were used primarily by the Europeans to transport torpedoes and cargo. After the war, the quantity of surplus inflatable boats was so high that the military started selling these boats to the public. Since then, the inflatable boat has evolved, bringing forth inflatable kayaks, inflatable canoes and dinghies, and arguably the most famous of them all, the inflatable sport boats.
Inflatable sport boats are primarily designed for recreation purposes, whether for fishing or for water sports. Some people use these boats as yacht tenders. Usually, sport boats are equipped with 40-horsepower engines that are powerful enough to sail across the open ocean without any difficulty. Their powerful engines can tow someone on water skis or a kneeboard. The maximum load this small vessel can carry is the average combined weight of four people. This means that a small group can go on a fishing trip down the lake. Scuba divers can also haul in their gears and lifelines without any problems.
When the sport boat is fully inflated, it weighs about 100 pounds. These boats can support seven people with a weight of around 2000 pounds. Inflatable sport boats are usually equipped with a 40-horsepower engine, but low-power engines are also available.
Inflatable sport boats vary in length. There are varieties that measure 230 cm, 270 cm, 300 cm, 330 cm, 360 cm, 380 cm, 430 cm and 580 cm. You can purchase an inflatable sport boat that includes a floorboard and engine at a starting price of $1500. These boats are designed to be portable, allowing you to store it inside the trunk of your car when it is fully deflated.