BANANA BOAT CRUISE
You may not associate buying a bunch of bananas in your local supermarket with a cheap cruise to Central America but there is a holiday connection. There are places available on a Banana Boat Cruise.
If the thought of noisy entertainment, strenuous deck games, over planned shore excursions and competition to eat a formal dinner at the Captains table don’t particularly excite you, there is a cheaper and quieter alternative.
There are still freight companies, following in the tradition of famous names such as Fyffes and Geest, offering the rare combination of fare paying passengers and ripening bananas traveling across the Atlantic.
Typical vessels are now Reefer ships with refrigerated containers on deck and accommodation for up to a dozen passengers. 12 is a magic number, since above this number means the ship has to carry a doctor. Companies operate age limits and good health is obviously essential. The round trip is about 35 days in total and costs are in the region of $100 per day.
Accommodation is usually in 6 twin bed cabins with a steward, en suite bathroom, with access to a sun deck and in some cases a pool. The salon will have a bar, library and TV/video facilities. Passengers eat with the Captain and his Officers.
The ship will leave Europe with a general cargo and a typical itinerary will be a 9-day crossing to the West Indies with calls at Guadeloupe and Martinique. Although only a few hours in port, passengers may wish to stay longer and either fly home or await the next ship. Final destination is Moin in Costa Rica, calling at Cartagena and Turbo in Columbia.
At Moin the return cargo of bananas is loaded. Harvesting is a race against time and the fruit must be at the supermarket within 20 days and is shipped green, at less than 14.5 degrees C, to allow perfect ripening. The 1-2 days in port will allow sightseeing ashore. The return 13 day trip to Europe is direct and non stop across the Atlantic.
If you require casinos and the frenetic activity found on board conventional cruise ships, this is not for you. Your fellow passengers will probably be older, retired professionals with some younger people looking for a different travel experience. You will spend time relaxing, reading, chatting, perhaps making lasting friendships or just watching the ocean slip by. Remember to take that favourite book with you or any other hobby items that you haven’t had time for in your busy schedule.
Selecting a bunch of bananas in the supermarket may now give you new ideas and prompt you to take a holiday with a difference, a Banana Boat Cruise.
HOLLAND FOR A CITY BREAK
In a previous article we took a light hearted look at the City of Amsterdam. One of our readers, quite rightly, has pointed out that certain aspects of Amsterdam, in particular, the red light district and the coffee shop, cannabis culture are unlikely to be found elsewhere in this delightful country. From personal experience we fully agree with this comment, having found The Netherlands to be a clean, well organised country, with a most hospitable people. Even the trains run on time! So why not try Holland for a city break.
THE HAGUE
This is a city with many historic buildings with a long cultural legacy in evidence in over 30 museums. The Het Binnenhof is the centre of Dutch politics and is where the Dutch Parliament meets. Its magnificent Ridderzaal or Knights Hall was built by Count Floris V in the 13th Century.
The Peace Palace was a gift from Andrew Carnegie to the city. Many nations contributed to its construction and it now houses The International Court of Justice.
TheRoyal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis is located next to The Binnenhof on the beautiful Hofvijver Pond and houses Dutch masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Ruebens and Van Dijck.
The Hague also enjoys two great beaches, Scheveningen and Kijkduin.
UTRECHT
This University City is in the heart of Holland and one of its oldest. It is famous for its pedestrian quaysides along its 14th Century sunken canals.
The 112 metre high Dom Tower provides magnificent views of the city, although we think the city is best seen from the water. You have the choice of a Venetian Gondola, a Plof Boat or an electric Whisper Boat.
Throughout the year, Utrecht is alive with exciting festivals. These include The International Spring Dance Festival and The Holland Festival of Old Music. Cultural Sundays see the parks and squares full of dance, music and theatre.
Utrecht is a shoppers paradise with Hoog Catharijne, which is one of the best known shopping malls in Holland. Sidewalk and quayside cafes are plentiful and traditional food includes the giant pancakes sprinkled with icing sugar for which Holland is famous.
MAASTRICHT
Located in the Meuse valley near the Belgium and German borders, Maastricht is the oldest fortified city. City highlights include, The Caves of St. Peter which date back to Roman times and are a labyrinth of thousands of man made passages.
Between 1574 and 1825 mining activities created The Casemates which were used in times of a siege. They are now a unique military monument.
TheTreasure St. Servatius and Our Lady Basilicas are imposing buildings housing many of Maastricht’s artifacts and treasures.
The nearbySouth Limburg Region has medieval castles, Roman remains and vineyards to explore.
ROTTERDAM
Rotterdam is one of the worlds largest ports and is situated on the mighty Maas River. From the 1920s Rotterdam has enjoyed international recognition as a centre of modern architecture. Today it is the only Dutch city with a true skyline.
Architectural features include, The Erasmus Bridge, which connects north and south Rotterdam. The Het Witte Huis (White House) which was the first skyscraper in Europe in 1898. Its height of 45m pales in comparison with modern skyscrapers.
The only survivor of medieval Rotterdam is the St. Laurens Church, a basilica of the Utrecht design. It was built between 1449 and 1525, using brick with sandstone dividing bands.
The De Kiefhoek housing estate built from 1928 to 1930 was considered a daring project with new concepts in its time and was intended for poorer working class families
A visit to the largest port in Europe must includea river tour of the gigantic cargo handling facilities. Due to continual redevelopment, the old inner city docks have become picturesque quayside areas with shops, restaurants and bars. These include The Veerhaven, The Oude Haven and The Delfshaven from where The Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America in 1620.
Shopaholics will not be disappointed with Rotterdam. Nieuwe Binnenweg is the coolest in the city. Witte de Withstraat is right in the centre and the most arty. Bijenkorf is a great department store. Lijnbaanis open 7 days a week and is Rotterdam’s oldest centre. Kop van Zuid is in a former warehouse and houses shops, restaurants and bars. Finally, Biennenrotte Square is one of Hollands largest markets selling food, flowers, fish and books.
ALKMAAR
Alkmaar, a 30 minute train ride north of Amsterdam and is Holland’s Cheese City and is home to Gouda Cheese. The city sits astride The Groot Noordhollandsch Canal, completed in 1867 to shorten the sea route to Amsterdam. Unique are the Floating Bridges, whose centre sections slide under the fixed end sections. Today the canal is mainly used for recreational purposes.
The weekly cheese market has become a major tourist attraction. The cheeses are sold by dealers on a clap of hands. Thereupon the 400 year old Cheese Porters Guild goes into action, carrying the cheese off on ornamental barrows, after the lot has been weighed at the Waag (the official scales), a most photogenic building. In the Waaggebouw (in which the scales are housed) is a cheese museum.
The city centre has many historic buildings, courtyards and old facades in its narrow streets. The 16th Century Town Hall, The Waag and Grote St Laurens Church are among the most picturesque. The ultra modern Canada Square has 5 cultural institutions and showcases art, books, music and theatre
With its Noorder Arcade, Alkmaar is considered the second shopping city in The Netherlands. Its many museums include The National Beer Museum.
Impressive cycle paths are a special attraction in Holland and apart from the Amsterdam-Alkmaar Route, two other national cycle routes pass through Alkmaar
There is no doubt that The Netherlands is a great tourist destination. It offers photogenic old and new architecture, a lively nightlife, beautiful countryside, picturesque old villages, great cycling, an abundance of windmills, interesting waterways and quaint quayside bars and restaurants. The latter serving delicious food, pastries and bread found only in Holland. Its flat terrain makes it ideal for walkers and cyclists. All of this in a clean and well organised country with an hospitable and predominately, English speaking population. So if you are looking for a holiday with a difference try Holland for a city break.
DELFT HOLLAND
Famous Sights and Events
Delft has to be one of the prettiest cities in Holland. With its winding canals and typical Dutch architecture it is a delight to stroll about and to take photographs.
If you have time for only a short visit to the Netherlands I would recommend you spend your time in Delft. It encapsulates all that is Dutch. It is a relatively small city so it is easy to see all the sights and there are plenty of sights to see.
It is probably most famous for its pottery. The distinctive blue and white Delftware is on sale all over the city and prices range from the inexpensive souvenirs to the expensive hand made and decorated pieces. Of course Delftware is not the only souvenir you may be interested in, pretty wooden clogs, real and wooden tulips, little windmills, beautiful lace and stylish jewelry are among the many distinctive items for sale. Of course if you enjoy shopping there are plenty of shops available and some very stylish clothes, paintings and household items for sale. It is a great place for the antique hunter too.
The city is also an historical centre and it is home to the Dutch Royal Family. There are beautiful churches, museums, public buildings and galleries.
As Delft is a University city (Delft University of Technology) it has a good buzz about it and is culturally stimulating as well as socially lively and exciting.
It has five extremely good museums the Royal Delft, which gives guided tours of the 17th Century Royal Delft Porcelain Factory. Museum Paul Tetar van Elven, which houses a large collection of paintings and porcelain. The Museum Het Prinsenhof, which tells the story of the eighty year war with Spain. The Museum Of Mineralogy and Geology and theMuseum Nusantara which explores the history and culture of Indonesia.
Other sites of interest include the Oude Kirk (Old Church) and the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) the latter being the final resting place of the Dutch Royal Family. The beautiful Delft Town Hall where guided tours are available. Most importantly it is the city where the painter Vermeer was born. There is a guided tour of the city to show the places where he lived and produced many of his paintings.
Some of the coming events this summer of 2009 are : The Canal Concert June 23rd, Delft Ceramica (Market) July 15th-16th, Floating Corso August 6th (parade of boats and barges), Delft Chamber Music Festival August 4th-13th, Delft Jazz and Blues Festival August 18th-20th.
The accomodation for tourists range from excellent Hotels to nearby camp sites. I must say if you are going camping or using a caravan you will find the camp sites to be well equiped, modern and usually with plenty of activities on site for both adults and children.
Finally as you would expect in a student city, there are an abundance of lively pubs offering excellent lagers and relatively inexpensive and good food. There are also more expensive restaurants for that special night out or romantic meal.
As you can see for a small city Delft has a great deal to offer the tourist. So whether you are interested in history, porcelain, architecture, photography, great food or a lively night life you are bound to find it here.
MONTREAL INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL 2009
Between the 30th of June and 12th of July, the City of Montreal, Canada comes alive with the biggest names in Jazz . Since its inclusion in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2004, the Montreal International Jazz Festival remains the largest Jazz Festival in the world with its expected 2 million visitors. 2009 is the 30th Anniversary of this event.
Over the Festival period there are around 500 concerts with 75% free to the public. The range of music styles covers Blues, Latin, Jazz, Brazilian, Cuban, African, Reggae and Electronica.
As befits this great festival, Montreal is blessed with the PLACE des ARTS, a magnificent performing arts centre in an area known as the Quartier des Spectacles, in downtown Montreal. The complex has five theatres for the indoor performances:
Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier
Theatre Maisinneuve
Theatre Jean-Duceppe
Cinquieme Salle
Studio Theatre
The esplanade in front of the Place des Arts with fountains and water cascades is one of the important outdoor sites during the Festival.
The Montreal International Jazz Festival consistently attracts top international talent, both established and up and coming artists.
The 125 performers for 2009 include the following main attractions:
Stevie Wonder
Dave Brubeck
Tony Bennett
Jamie Cullum
Wynton Marsalis
John Pizzarelli
Madeleine Peyroux
Chucko Valdes
Susie Arioli
Jeff Beck
Jackson Browne
Zachary Richard
Above all, the Montreal Jazz Festival is a family-friendly affair. The Festivals Outdoor Site is a great area for the family. The Parc Musical Rio Tinto Alcan provides a range of kids activities all day long. For the 21st year, the Grande-Place Stage will feature Jacques L’Heureux with the unforgettable character called Remi, together with La Bande Magnetik and the Festival Mascot Ste-Cat. Every day The Little School of Jazz is an interactive and educational introduction to jazz for the younger ones. Meanwhile the parents can enjoy the nearby bistros and the Festival Souvenir Boutiques.
During the Festival, Montreal’s 2-5 Star Hotels are offering excellent discount packages. Remember to book in advance.
At the moment (5th June 2009) the temperature in Montreal is 16 Degrees C and cloudy. By Festival time it could rise to 30 Degrees. Wear appropriate clothing and slap on the sun cream! In saying that, Montreal weather can be unpredictable and you may require a jacket. During the evenings it is best to be prepared and take a sweater or jacket.
The place to be this summer is definitely the Montreal International Jazz Festival, so go ahead and enjoy your visit to the Worlds biggest, international jazz festival.
Here is a link to the official site for any further information you may require: http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/default-en.aspx
10 TOP INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVALS JUNE/JULY 2009
The month of June sees the start of the Summer Music Festival season. Here are 10 top International Music Festivals from around the world, taking place in June/July 2009
BONNAROO MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
11-14 June
MANCHESTER, Tennessee
ISLE OF WIGHT
11-13 June
Newport, IOW, UK
HARTERA ELECTRONIC MUSIC FESTIVAL
12-13 June
Hartera, Croatia
TELLURIDE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
18-21 June
Telluride, Colorado
NOVA ROCK
19-21 June
Nickersdorf, Netherlands
GLASTONBURY
25-27 June
Pilton, Somerset, UK
TUSKA OPEN AIR FESTIVAL
26-28 June
Helsinki, Finland
SUMMERFEST
29- 3 July
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
MONTREAL INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
1-12 July
Montreal, Canada
WATERSTOCK
2-6 July
Blenheim Palace, Oxford, UK
SUMMER CAMP IDEAS
KIDS SUMMER CAMPS
The school holidays are less than 2 months away. Few parents can afford time off work for 8-10 weeks and the question arises - How do we entertain the kids?
The answer may be to consider a Summer Camp. These day or residential camps are a long established tradition in the USA and Canada and are becoming popular in the UK and Europe.
These camps are not just a place to park the children. They can introduce the children to new skills which can be learned at their own pace. They engender self confidence, independence and improve social interaction at either single sex or mixed camps.
The choice of camp is important and should be based on the individuals needs.
TRADITIONAL CAMP
This type is for those wishing to sample as many different activities as possible, packing every hour of their stay with something new. The choice is theirs and will include everything from Abseiling and Archery to Mountain Biking and Water sports.
ADVENTURE CAMP
A camp for the outdoor types and meeting nature head on. They will normally be based in the mountains and around lakes. Activities such as hiking, white water rafting, riding and climbing will take the children on trips away from the main camp. Emphasis being placed on survival and navigation skills. Safety is considered paramount and is ensured with experienced and certified staff.
RIDING CAMP
As the name suggests this type of camp is mainly concerned with horse management skills. Tuition is provided at all levels. Although horses will take up the majority of the time there will be opportunities for involvement in traditional camp activities.
FITNESS CAMP
Here the activities programme is no different to a traditional camp. The difference is the additional sessions devoted to a personal and tailored fitness programme, nutrition and possibly aerobic and dance sessions. Staff at these camps are professionals and no one will do other than boost self esteem for those with personal fitness problems.
PERFORMING OR VISUAL ART CAMP
The activity programme is broad but emphasis is not on the sports field. The camp allows an individual the opportunity to participate in their particular passion in a non-competitive environment. The list is endless and could include pottery, music, dance, arts and crafts or even spending time in a recording studio with a band. Staff are there to help develop talents within a chosen field.
SINGLE SEX CAMPS
You have a choice if you prefer a camp which is only boys or girls. You can relax and not worry what the boys are up to!
The attendance at a Summer Camp is one suggestion to break up the long summer holiday. Apart from the pleasure it will provide for the children, it will, without doubt enhance their confidence, self esteem and probably their fitness.
Some other summer camp ideas are: summer Soccer camp, Christian summer camp, Gymnastics summer camp, Tennis summer camp, Sports summer camp, Summer Basketball camp, Cheer leading camp, Acting camp, Jewish summer camp, Marine Biology summer camp, Karate summer camp, Military summer camp, Computer summer camp and Special Needs summer camp. As you can see there is something to please every child and parent and to fulfill their needs. Any one of these summer camps should give your child an enjoyable and memorable summer.
USA NATIONAL PARKS
TOP USA NATIONAL PARKS
LOWER YELLOWSTONE FALLS
The National Parks Service (NPS), part of The Department of the Interior was created by an Act signed by President Woodrow Wilson on 25th August 1916. Today NPS administers almost 400 sites in America covering approximately 84 million acres of real estate. In excess of 250 million people visit the sites each year.
The sites include, Monuments, Historical Sites, Military and Battlefield locations and Recreation Areas, plus 58 designated National Parks. In this article we feature five of the top National Parks. Our selection is subjective but based on scenery, visitor facilities, wildlife and annual attendance. We welcome reader’s comments and opinions on our choice.
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, MONTANA
Glacier National Park in Montana, borders Alberta and British Columbia to the north and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation to the east.
As an intact eco system, the Park provides amazing plant and animal research. 62 mammals have been documented. These include the threatened Grizzly Bear the Canadian Lynx and the rarely seen, Mountain Lion. A total of 260 species of birds have been recorded and include the Golden Eagle, Osprey and Peregrine Falcon.
Hiking is the most popular activity with nearly 700 miles of trails. Anglers can enjoy the finest fly fishing in North America, with the Cut Throat Trout,Northern Pike, Kokanee Salmon and the endangered Bull Trout in the lakes and streams.
BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TEXAS
The Park earns its name from the bend the massive Rio Grande River makes in the centre of 801,000 acres in west Texas.
Three major canyons,Santa Elena, Marsical and Boquillias are within the Park boundary together with the Chisos Mountains whose rock peaks rise to 7,825 feet.
The unusual combination of mountains, arid desert and muddy river has produced another unique eco system producing species not found elsewhere. The Colima Warbler, Sierra Del Carmen white-tailed Deer are normally not found north of Mexico and the endangered Mosquito Fishlives here. There are 400 species of birds co-existing with Javelina (wild hogs) and many more mammals. Plant life is plentiful with over 60 species of spectacular cacti.
Apart from fishing, hiking and photography the Park’s 100 miles of paved roads and 160 miles of dirt roads make Big Bend the premier mountain biking destinationand a must for anyone with a love of wildlife.
BRYCE CANYON, UTAH
Located in the south west of Utah, Bryce Canyon, despite its name is not a canyon but a natural amphitheatre. It is one of the smaller National Parks, covering almost 56 square miles and was established in 1928. Visitors in 2007, numbered around 1,000,000.
It is one of the most spectacular sites of the National Parks and famed for its geological formations. These include its Hoodoos, mountains up to 9000 feet high and vast amphitheatres. Bryce Canyon has a higher concentration of hoodoos than anywhere else in the world. These rock formations reach a height of a 10-storey building and were formed by wind, water and ice erosion. Their spectacular colours of red, white and orange provide magnificent views and photo opportunities for visitors.
The forests and meadows of Bryce Canyon support a diversity of animal life. Mule Deer are the most common with endangered species of Utah Prairie Dog, California Condor and the Southwestern Flycatcher also present. About 170 different birds visit each year. Reptiles include the Great Basin Rattlesnake, Short Horned Lizard, Striped Whipsnake and the Tiger Salamander.
Apart from sightseeing there are 8 hiking trails plus several skiing trails.
With its high altitude and clear air, landscape photography is popular particularly at sunrise and sunset.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK WYOMING.
Founded in 1872, Yellowstone is the second largest National Park in the USA and is the flagship of the National Parks Service. Located in Wyoming and extending into Montana and Idaho, the Park covers an area of 3,427 square miles or a massive 2,221,766 acres.
Half of the world’s geothermal sites are in Yellowstone because Lake Yellowstone is centred over the Yellowstone Caldera. The Caldera is technically an active volcano having erupted several times in the last two million years. The park has an estimated 10,000 thermal sites. Of these only 300 are actual geysers. The best known is probably Old Faithful which erupts every 40-90 minutes and Steamboat Geyser which is the largest in the world.
Yellowstone is home to over 60 species of mammals. These include the endangered Gray Wolf, Lynx and Grizzly Bear. Others are Bison (buffalo), Black Bear, Elk, Moose, Mountain Goat, Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Lion.
18 species of fish live in Yellowstone together with reptiles and amphibians. In the 311 species of birds the Common Loon, Harlequin Duck, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon and Bald Eagle are a special concern in view of their rarity.
For Campers there are 12 Campgrounds with over 2000 campsites. There are numerous eating places in the Park and dining facilities are available, ranging from fine restaurants to snack bars and cafeteria.
SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK , CALIFORNIA
Sequoia National Park is a National Park in the southern Sierra Nevada, east of Visalia, California. It was established in 1890 as the second U.S. national park, after Yellowstone. The park spans 404,051 acres. Rising to 13,000 feet (3,962m) the park contains the highest point in the United States, Mount Whitney, which is 14,505 feet (4,421 m) above sea level. In the south the Park borders Kings Canyon National Park and the two are administered by the National Park Service as one unit.
The park is most famous for its Giant Sequoia Trees and has five of the ten largest specimens of these Redwoods in the world. The General Sherman Tree, 2500 years old is 275 feet (84m) tall with a girth, at the base, of 109 feet (33m).
The lower elevations of the Park are the only NPS-Protected, foothills eco system and home to Bobcats, Foxes, Squirrels and Rattlesnakes. At the higher elevations visitors can see Mule Deer and Black Bear who have been known to steal food from unattended vehicles.
The Park has over 240 known caves with more found each year, including The Lilburn Cave which is 20 miles long. Crystal Cave at 3.4 miles long is the only one open to visitors and its Marble Hall is full of amazing stalactites.
These Parks are home to giant trees, mountains and deep canyons. The Generals Highway climbs 5000 feet from oak-studded foothills to the Sequoia Groves, from where trails lead to a high alpine wilderness.
Apart from Lodges, the Park has a tent hotel and 7 campgrounds with Lodgepole being open all-year round.
The USA National Parks bring pleasure to millions of campers, hikers, photographers, skiers and tourists every year. They are a great natural treasure.
SANTA ROSA HARMONY FESTIVAL
The Santa Rosa Harmony Festival takes place in the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa, California from the 12th - 14th of June 2009.
The is an exciting outdoor Music Festival and Progressive County Fair, an ongoing Music, Art, Green Environment and Sustainable Lifestyle Festival.
There will be 350 exhibitors and vendors. With five stages and dozens of bands and performers there will be something for every taste. The music genres are Americana, Reggae, Rock, Blues, World Beat, Latin, African, Electronica, Celtic and Hip Hop.
Among the exhibitors is the Eco Village. There are 60 booths providing various natural foods, green living, green business practices and interactive exhibits. There will also be free workshops and lectures. On the Eco Dome stage there will be several nationally recognized experts speaking.
On Saturday night is the Techno-Tribal Community Dance. This takes place at the Grace Pavilion in North Bay and is said to be the best dance party of the year. The dance starts at 8PM. It will be a truly fun packed evening with DJ’s, performing artists, circus troupes, and a laser light show.
Some of the acts performing during the Festival are: Cake, Bad Brains, The Orb, Rebelution, Shpongle, The Duhks, Mike Clark and Killah Priest. These are just a very few of the excellent performers you will be able to see and hear at the Festival. There are a great many more but too many to include in this article.
The key speakers are: Michael Beckwith and Rickie Byars Beckwith, Caroline Casey, Julia Butterfly Hill, George Noory, Daniel Pinchbeck, Joanna Macy, Starhawk, and Richard Heinberg.
This is definitely one to put in your diary. The Santa Rosa Harmony Festival is the place to be this June. Enjoy yourselves and have a really great time listening to all that fantastic music.
DISCOVER HONG KONG
HONG KONG HARBOUR
Hong Kong, or Fragrant Harbour, is where East meets West. The territory, now a Special Administrative Region of The People’s Republic of China reflects its Chinese roots, together with the culture brought to it during its time as a British Colony.
Apart from its many varied attractions, the relatively new Victoria Harbour Light Show is unique and the largest Symphony of Light and Sound in the World. It involves 44 illuminated buildings on both sides of the harbour. The show is a dazzling extravaganza of laser beams, searchlights and coloured lights synchronised with music and an English narration.
Its main themes are, Awakening, Energy, Heritage, Partnership and Celebration. On Festival Days, an added attraction is a fireworks display launched from the centre of Victoria Harbour. The best views are from a harbour cruise, the Star Ferry or the waterfront promenades alongside the harbour.
For its size, Hong Kong has a multitude of other attractions. In this article we suggest a selection that should not be missed on your visit to discover Hong Kong.
On Hong Kong Island, the views from The Peak are quite amazing. The ride up on The Peak Tram is an experience in itself. The tram, pulled by steel cables climbs 1,200 ft (373m) on a very steep track. Once there the lookout points at Lugard Road, Lions View, Peak Galleria and the Peak Tower provide stunning views.
The Chinese are inveterate gamblers and The Happy Valley Racecourse is quite a spectacle. The first races were held on a strip of reclaimed land in 1846 with night time meetings being introduced in 1973. This is the place for excitement and where to rub shoulders with the local community.
In Aberdeen Harbour is the famous Jumbo Kingdom. A floating restaurant modelled on a Chinese Palace, which accommodates 2,300 diners. Renovation in 2003 transformed it into a shopping, dining and cultural attraction. The restaurant has an open deck cafe, a wine garden and a tea garden.
The numerous islands around Hong Kong also provide some great attractions. A must, is a visit to Lantau Island to see the worlds tallest, outdoor Buddha in The Po Lin Monastery, on top of the Ngong Ping Plateau. The statue is 34m high, weighs 250 tonnes and took 10 years to build.
Lamma Island is the weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of downtown Hong Kong. It has golden beaches, delicious seafood and great walks. There are no cars and bicycles are the main form of transport. The village of Sok Kwu Wan has delightful terraced seafood restaurants while Yung Shue Wan has handicraft shops and the 100-year old Tin Wau Temple.
On Kowloon (Mainland) is the famousLei Yue Mun Seafood Bazaar. It came into prominence in 1960 when diners would select fish from the market and take it to the restaurant for cooking. A Seafood Festival was launched in 1992 and is now an annual if noisy event in the narrow streets.
If you need a break from the history and culture of Hong Kong or if you have taken the children with you, Hong Kong also has its own Disneyland.
Hong Kong has long been the place for shopping. However if you are tired of its glitzy, glass and chrome malls and huge department stores, visit the fabulous Street Markets. Visit these quaint places and haggle to your hearts content.
They include. The Ladies Market in Tung Choi Streetwhich has ladies handbags, clothing and accessories, children’s toys and clothing.
Temple Street Night Market is a memorable experience. This is a brightly lit chaotic affair selling just about everything. The food stalls offer hotpot and seafood. You can have your fortune told and see impromptu performances by Chinese opera enthusiasts.
Stanley Street Market fills the narrow lanes in the old fishing village. This is the place for Chinese artwork, curios, silk and clothing. You will need several hours and can then regain energy dining in the collection of fine restaurants in the restored Murray House or on the waterfront.
In Li Yuen Street you can buy ready made clothing or have a suit made within 24 hours. Jardine’s Crescent in Causeway Bay is also worth adding to your list.
Finally before leaving, ride the Hong Kong Subway which is a modern, clean and highly organised method of getting around the place. From a different era is the venerable Star Ferry which runs across Victoria Harbour from Kowloon. This is not only a cheap and practical way of getting across the harbour but is a great sightseeing trip too. A definite must see on both a daytime trip and of course during the evening when you can enjoy the colour and spectacle of the light show.
Whether you enjoy food, sightseeing, history, culture, fantastic nightlife or shopping, Hong Kong is a unique and fantastic holiday location. Enjoy yourself when you discover Hong Kong.
12 INTERESTING EVENTS IN JUNE 2009
Here are 12 interesting events taking place around the world in June 2009
SALTZBURG WHITSUN (PENTECOST) FESTIVAL
29 MAY - 1 JUNE 2009
SALTZBURG, AUSTRIA
PINK POP FESTIVAL
30 MAY-1 JUNE 2009
LANDGRAAF, NETHERLANDS
56TH SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL
3-14 JUNE 2009
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
121ST ANNUAL SPRING ROSE SHOW
4-5 JUNE
PORTLAND, OREGON, USA
SASKATCHEWAN CHILDRENS FESTIVAL
3-6 JUNE 2009
KIWANIS PARK, SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA
65TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY LANDINGS, WW2
6TH JUNE 2009
JUNO BEACH, NORMANDY, FRANCE
TROOPING THE COLOUR - QUEENS BIRTHDAY PARADE
13 JUNE 2009
HORSE GUARDS PARADE, LONDON, UK
SHANGHAI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
13-21 JUNE 2009
SHANGHAI, CHINA
48TH PARIS AIR SHOW
15-21 JUNE 2009
LE BOURGET, FRANCE
ALL ENGLAND WIMBLEDON TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS
22 JUNE-5 JULY 2009
LONDON, UK
THE GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL
24-28 JUNE
PILTON, SOMERSET, UK
YUEYANG INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT RACE FESTIVAL
27 JUNE 2009
YUEYANG, CHINA
