]]> http://whenthingsstarttogetinteresting.com/2009/11/sweet-wine-from-tokaji-hungary/feed/ 0 http://whenthingsstarttogetinteresting.com/2009/11/rabat-city/ http://whenthingsstarttogetinteresting.com/2009/11/rabat-city/#comments Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:40:58 +0000 admin_mj http://journeydreams.com/?p=1189 Read More]]> If you’re looking to satisfy your sense of adventure by exploring an exotic new land but your idea of a holiday includes a warm beach rather than trekking through a sweltering jungle, come to Rabat. The capital of the Kingdom of Morocco, Rabat is also considered to be the country’s cultural hub. Plenty of historical sites, museums and art galleries will satisfy culture vultures, while breathtaking views, a coastal position and a less stressful urban center than those found in Marrakech or Fez will ensure that your vacation is relaxing.

Some of Morocco’s most beautiful historical sites are found in Rabat. The city is fairly walkable, though taxis are inexpensive if you wish to use transportation. Begin your tour with a trip to Chellah, the place where it all began in the third century B.C. Though the settlement is now in ruins, you can poke around in all the nooks and crannies, and if you’re traveling with a female companion, this site makes a romantic setting for a picnic. You’ll also want to visit the Hassan Tower, a minaret dating back to 1195 A.D., that was intended to be the largest in the world and accompany the world’s largest mosque. The Mausoleum of Mohammed V is also located here

Though Kobe has the feel of a large city, one of its many assets is that it’s pretty compact so everything’s close by. Your legs can comfortably carry you to most places, whether it’s down to Harborland for a relaxing stroll by the water or around the lively Sannomiya district, with its myriad bars and vast range of restaurants. More challenging would be a climb to the top of Mount Rokko, but whether you use leg power or the cable car, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over the city and beyond. Head back down and make for Kobe’s bustling Chinatown for some delicious dumplings. Wash them down with some sake following a guided tour of the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum. For a relaxing soak Japanese-style, make the short trip to Arima Onsen, Japan’s oldest and much-loved hot spring resort.

This enchanting capital city of Malaysia is renowned, especially for two aspects: its modern metropolis and rich culture. With a thriving population of over 1.6 million — mostly comprised of Malays, Chinese and Indians — the multicultural influences of Malaysia has manifested in the various traditions, languages and even religions. However, the best part about this Kuala Lumpur is that it has maintained a fine balance between its own heritage and modernization. While Kuala Lumpur is speckled with shimmering skyscrapers and classy shopping malls, there are still many quaint prewar shops and houses that invariably ring a bell of the past.

Kuala Lumpur is one of the rare cities in the world that offers a fine equilibrium of modernization and its very own culture. While visitors will be treated to breathtaking sights of the city’s modern architecture, such as the world’s former tallest twin buildings, Petronas Twin Towers and Berjaya Times square, they’ll also be able to experience the rich cultures at places like Petaling Street and Masjid Negara, which is distinguished as the national mosque of Malaysia.

Shopaholics can also expect to have an amazing time in Kuala Lumpur. If you’re looking for a place similar to New York’s Fifth Avenue, be sure to visit Bukit Bintang. This district is known to have the highest concentration of shopping outlets in the entire capital including the largest department stores in Malaysia.

Earning the nickname “Festival City,” Edinburgh is perhaps best known for its numerous annual celebrations, the most famous of which take place during the last weeks of summer. Collectively known as the Edinburgh Festival, the events include the Comedy Fest, the Edinburgh Fringe and the International Festival, which is dedicated to the performing arts. Also of note is Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on New Year’s Eve, the largest street party in the world. Founded roughly 1,400 years ago, “Auld Reekie” is recognized as well for its rich history, which is reflected in landmarks such as the Royal High School and the Edinburgh Castle. Built over an extinct volcanic system, Old Town offers a number of picturesque viewpoints, making a guided walking tour an absolute must. Fans of morbid (if factually dubious) anecdotes should also consider taking one of the numerous ghost tours before heading to the nearest pub.

Tucked away in Sri Lanka‘s hill country on the outskirts of the tea growing capital Nuwara Eliya, lies Warwick Gardens, one of the Island’s most peaceful hideaways. The abandoned tea-planter’s bungalow turned boutique hotel opened a year ago, but word of mouth has led to a steady stream of bookings. Guests expecting a simple getaway are in for a surprise: the place oozes baronial splendor and the five bedrooms, all of them doubles, boast vast fireplace, four poster beds and cast iron roll top baths. In this resort the staff are proud of the ventures green credentials: waste is recycled, air fresheners are banned, toiletries are organic and the hotel’s own farm, orchard and vegetable plots supply the kitchen. Sometimes guests like to pick their own herbs and leaves for a salad. If gardening for your supper doesn’t appeal you can choose between wildlife spotting, barbecues, badminton or croquet.

The first thing that will catch your attention with Valencia is the incredible light that reaches every corner, the great weather that lasts all year long, or perhaps the friendly nature of its people. All this is true, as is the fact that together with Barcelona, these two cities are the most important on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, and, within the last few years, Valencia has grown tremendously.

The city’s coast consists of three beaches: Las Arenas, la Malvarrosa and Alboraya, in addition to the Cabañal neighborhood, where the city’s fishermen once lived. If you are fit enough, try to walk along all three in just one morning. If not, just enjoy the landscape and the sea breeze while sipping on a refreshing drink in any of the open-air terraces facing the sea.

Cape Town is located on the shore of Table Bay, developed by the Dutch. This city now boast as one of the economic and tourism hub of the South Africa. This city draws in tourist because of its good climate, natural setting, and well-developed infrastructure.

The city has several well-known natural features that attract tourists, most notably Table Mountain, which forms a large part of the Table Mountain National Park and is the back end of the City Bowl. Reaching the top of the mountain can be achieved either by hiking up, or by taking the Table Mountain Cableway. Cape Point is recognised as the dramatic headland at the end of the Cape Peninsula. Many tourists also drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive, a narrow road that links Noordhoek with Hout Bay, for the views of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby mountains. It is possible to either drive or hike up Signal Hill for closer views of the City Bowl and Table Mountain.

A city as small as Singapore can be toured in just three days, many would say, but to see all the highlights and get beneath the skin of this charming place definitely warrants a longer stay. A tour planned around the major districts allows one to appreciate its history, people and rich cultural diversity in an optimal period of time. Here is the best of Singapore not to be missed.

Singapore River This is the very origin of Singapore’s prosperity, with the Merlion (the city’s tourism icon) steadfastly standing guard at the mouth of the river. Quaint bridges span the river, ranging from the elegant Anderson Bridge to the simple Ord Bridge. Boat Quay , an excellent reincarnation of Peranakan shophouses and godowns, is a pleasant place to dine alfresco, with its long slew of chic cafes, restaurants and pubs. Further upstream is Clarke Quay , yet another series of restored shophouses, where a carnival atmosphere prevails at the fall of dusk. Come Sunday, a flea market thrives here, displaying an appealing range of old treasures, curios and collectibles. Other dining and entertainment attractions along the river include the Riverside Point, Riverside Village and Robertson Quay at the uppermost end.