Turn Five

A K-12 Education Blog

Archive for February, 2009

26
Feb

Fabulous Dubai

With warm, sunny days and mild evening breezes, Dubai is quickly becoming one of the hot spots for winter vacations. While the desert can become unbearable in the summer, the beautiful beaches and man-made islands offer a respite from the scorching sun.

Dubai is a city within an emirate of the same name which is itself one of the seven comprising the United Arab Emirates. located on the Persian Gulf, the city has developed a range of businesses that cater to the many tourists and business travelers who make their way to this glamorous coast. Luxury is the norm in Dubai. Travelers will find beach resorts, world-class restaurants, designer malls, and five star hotels in Dubai.

Old Dubai offers a magical window to the region’s rich history. Tourists can take a cruise down Dubai Creek that showcases historic ships, buildings, and landmarks. The more adventurous may want to take a seaplane tour of the coastline or go “dune bashing” on a desert safari. Hot air balloons are also a great way to see the desert, the city, and the coast.

Some of the more interesting places to visit in Dubai are the Jumeirah Mosque, the Bastakiya District, and Burj Dubai. The Palm Islands are the largest man-made islands in the world and feature a staggering array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Families will want to explore the Dubai Zoo and the Wild Wadi water park.

Whether attending one of the many cultural and arts festivals held in Dubai or simply relaxing on a beach as the sun sets, the beauty and excitement of Dubai is likely to enthrall even the most jaded of visitors.

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posted by Aisha in Uncategorized and have No Comments
26
Feb

Island Adventures

For a long time now, Ibiza, one of the Balearic Islands off the coast of mainland Spain has offered world travelers a place for fun in the sun and night-time entertainment. Long known for the variety and the amount of night clubs, and parties and festivals and five star hotels Ibiza has a growing reputation for much more. Families and others not so interested in late night entertainment, may discover that there is much more that this destination has to offer in the way of ‘good, clean’ fun. The sports and the sight seeing excursions lend so much more to one’s total adventure and experience.

Set in the blue of the Mediterranean Sea, with the mild oceanic temperature and the cool summer breezes felt on land, Ibiza has become a favorite vacation destination for Europeans and the rest of the world as well, to escape to the tropical tranquility that offers a peaceful retreat from the ‘real world’ hustle and bustle, or just plain dreary weather of their homeland. On any given afternoon, one can take in the beauty of the island from the air. From the view of the bird. If one is in-experienced there are classes and various places of instructions for activities such as hang-gliding or para sailing. If one is a bit timid about being so vulnerable to nature, there are many helicopter tours. This provides the same visual experience, while being safely tucked into a cockpit.

As far as land opportunities, there are golf and tennis court galore. There are jeep safaris, horseback rides and mountain bike paths that are amongst the best in the world. Not to mention, just a quiet hike or stroll on one of the many white sand beaches, be it at sunrise with a cup of coffee, or at sunset with a glass of wine. While one ponders the ocean at such a moment one may wonder what lies beneath. Look no further than scuba or deep sea diving, snorkeling or a picnic on a catamaran, it’s all here in Ibiza. For the in-experienced, there are lessons available. For the experienced seaman or diver, the clear blue waters, the vast marine life and the pure beauty of the natural world offer up an opportunity for an experience of a lifetime.

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posted by Aisha in Sports,Travel and have No Comments
15
Feb

The Beach Oasis of Phuket

Once a major trading post known for it’s rubber and tin plantations, the Thai island of Phuket is now famous for its glorious beach vacations. As one of the most popular holiday destinations in Asia, its plain to see that tourism is now the top industry for the island.

Talang (Tha-Laang) is one of the previous names of this island. It was known in the west as Junk Ceylon. Today it a beach paradise on the Andaman Sea. With gorgeous beaches, a tropical climate, and lovely plam trees, Phuket is a favorite place to completely relax and forget the cares of the workaday world.

In addition to the many beaches (ranging from small and quiet to the large, popular resorts), Phuket has a few exciting cities. Here you’ll find the hottest nightclubs and discos that attract youthful tourists from all over the world, including many celebrities.

Accomodations on the island range from the crowded tourist beach resorts to luxury 5 star hotels Phuket. There are also private cottages and villas for rent as well as budget options to suit smaller pocketbooks.

While on the island, visitors can take advantage of recreational activities such as sailing, snorkelling, hiking, and shopping. Phuket also has several national parks encompassing virgin rainforest, animal sanctuaries, and a marine park that incudes a coral reef.

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posted by Aisha in Travel and have No Comments
14
Feb

A Trip to Delhi

The contrasts of Delhi make it an exciting place to visit. Divided roughly into two sectors, the city is filled with both ancient wonders and modern urbanity. Visitors will want to take time to explore both parts of this vibrant capital.

Old Delhi offers a glimpse into the historic role the city has played in Indian history. The area has been inhabited for over 2,500 years and much of that history is located in the old city. Here is also where the glorious monuments to the ancient dynasties of India as well as its Islamic rulers. Traditional bazaars are plentiful in this part of the city and its also home to the famous Red Fort as well as the Jama Masjid.

New Delhi offers tree-lined streets and many examples of colonial and modern architecture. The influence of Great Britian is easy to see in the grand homes and churches left by the colonial rulers. Here also are the trappings of modern city life. Great restaurants, Delhi five star hotels, towering office buildings, air-conditioned shopping malls, and the trendiest of night spots can all be found in the new city.

Attractions to take in while in Delhi include the India Gate, the Red Fort, the Lotus Temple, and Tibet House. The city has several excellent museums including the National Museum, the National Science Center, and the National Railway Museum. Mahatma Gandhi is honored at the Rajghat Memorial. The Covered Bazaar or “Chatta Chowk” is a great place to get Delhi souveniers in the atmosphere of a traditional market.

Once travelers have seen all they wish to in Delhi, the city is ideally located for them to venture further into Central India. Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and the Punjab can all be accessed from Delhi.

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posted by Aisha in Travel and have No Comments
12
Feb

New York Food Museum

The city of New York has long been one of the best food cities in the world. The best chefs in North America and top chefs from around the world come to New York to prove their worth to the city’s savy diners. For the last decade, the New York Food Museum has worked to educate the public on food and food sources.

In 1998, the New York Food Museum hosted its first event: a panel discussion at Brooklyn College title “The Food Voice and the NY Food Museum.” In 2000 the Musuem hosted the first annual “New York City International Pickle Day” festivities and began plans for online exhibitions to promote the Museum’s activities.

The Museum was founded with the mission to “encourage people to think about the food they eat.” This includes reminding diners of the source of that food as well as its preparation. Through programs across the city, the Museum partners with non-profit organizations and public space managers to provide exhibitions on food sources, workers, distribution, land use, nutrition, and the ecology of farming. They also host events that celebrate the strong culinary culture of New York. Exhibits have appeared in schools, museums, ferry terminals, galleries, and community and cultural centers areound New York.

Online the museum offers virtual exhibitions on New York’s food history. This includes two centuries of articles and images about fishing, farming, dining habits, and New York restaurants. Some of the special topics covered on the museum’s site have included chewing gum, hot dogs and street vendors, beer, the history of pickling, and fruit marketing. In addition to articles and photographs, the museum’s online collection includes recipes, maps, and transcripts of interviews with chefs.

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posted by Aisha in Food & Beverage and have No Comments
05
Feb

Things to Do in Hyderabad

Visitors to India will find some interesting historical and cultural attractions in Hyderabad. As the capital city of the state of Andhra Pradesh Hyderabad is political and cultural center for the region. In addition a rapidly expanding technology and software industry, Hyderabad is the home of the largest film studio in the world. Part of India’s second largest film industry, Tollywood produces hundreds of films and television programs every year.

Hyderabad is very proud of its ancient history. Monuments such as Charminar, the Golconda Fort and the Chowmahalla Palace are popular destinations for visitors to the city. Other attractions include the Nizam’s Museum, Falaknuma Palace, the Qutb Shahi Tombs, and the famous Buddh statue on Hussain Sagar Lake. Some of the more popular museums incldue the Salar Jung Museum and the Birla Science Museum which includes a planetarium.

The city boasts a number of parks, gardens, and wildlife sanctuaries. Lumbini Park (which includes Hussain Sagar) features beautiful gardens, statuary, and recreational sports on the lake. Hyderabad is home to the Botanical Gardens and the Public Gardens or “Garden for the Commoners.” The largest zoo in India, the Nehru Zoological Park, is in Hyderabad, as are two wildlife sanctuaries: the Mriganavani Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kasu Brahmananda Reddy Park.

And what would a vacation be without great shopping and food? Hyderabad is known for its diamond and pearl markets as well as traditional crafts, clothing, and textiles. Don’t forget to check out the Golden Mile of Hyderabad which features modern shopping malls and designer boutiques. The food here is also incredible. Visitors can enjoy Indian food as only local, traditional restaurants can provide as well as a growing number of eateries offering cuisine from around the world. And once the shopping, site-seeing, and eating are complete, tourists can choose from the many five star hotels in Hyderabad, charming bed and breakfasts, or any number of other hotel and resort options.Eastern world.

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posted by Aisha in Travel and have Comments (2)
01
Feb

Amusement Parks in Chennai

While Chennai (formerly known as Madras) is a center of Tamil culture and arts, the city also has a lighter side. Visitors to this state capital usually arrive in search of music, dance, architecture, and various historic landmarks. Or they head straight for the beaches to relax in the sun. Today Chennai offers a number of amusement parks and other entertainment venues that can provide activity and fun for an entire family.

The oldest amusement park in Chennai is Golden Beach. It is a city landmark and the only park with beach access. Visitors can enjoy over forty different rides as well as other park attractions such as the aquarium, Jurassic park, and the Doll Kingdom. The resort also has several restaurants and a youth disco. MGM Dizzy World is another theme park that caters to families. With over 27 acres of rides, games, and food, Dizzy World has one of Chennai’s first roller coasters and a pool with water slides. Kishkinta has a number of hi-tech attractions, such as its space shuttle as well as a wave pool and Kiddies Kingdom.

Little Folks is a theme park specifically aimed at children. It features a giant piano, a rainbow fountain, and a cartoon show as well as a paddle pool and a slide. Prime Time is an indoor amusement park that also targets children. In addition to games and rides, Prime Time is known for its bumper cars.

Chennai has two premiere water parks. Dash ‘N Splash boasts free fall slides that range up to 35 feet. Ahaa Water Park can generate waves up to 3.5 feet and offers a variety of water sports and activities.

While not strictly an amusement park, Kart Attack is a popular destination. It is the first go-kart center in Chennai. Mayajaal is an air-conditioned entertainment center. It houses bowling alleys, movie theaters, and video game rooms. It also has a large food court with cuisines from around the world.

Visitors will find a variety of lodgings available in the area. Some may want to sample the five star hotels Chennai or look for a beach resort or smaller hotel. Once the kids (of all ages) have explored the park, adults will want to enjoy the many fine restaurants, clubs, and bars that make Indian nightlife so exciting.

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posted by Aisha in Travel and have No Comments
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