Archive for July, 2011

July 26th, 2011

Wandering through Copenhagen

The city has the perfect mix of history and hip. The beautiful city of Copenhagen is easy to get around and a joy for those who like to just wander around new locations. The city isn’t cheap which is typical of Scandanavia. Copenhagen has a lot of charm and is ideal for walking. It’s most inconic site is the statue of the little mermaid but the statue is actually quite far from the city centre and not really worth the walk. I would recommend taking a canal tour and this will pass the little mermaid statue, the flurry of activity around the statue is in many ways more interesting than the statue itself. The canal tour operators in front of the parliament building are one of the cheapest and the one the locals recommend. A canal tour is the perfect way to see all the main attractions. For the best panoramic view, I would recommend going to the top of the round tower. The tower is unusual in that rather than being a steep flight of narrow stars to the top, the path is actually a spiralling archway.

Copenhagen - via allmystery.de

The hippie commune of Christiana is certainly worth a visit whatever you politics. The open sale of marijuana on the main street know inventively as „pusher street“ attracts the usual mix of students and tourists. A walk around the lake is also advised, architects freed from conventional building regulations have designed their own dream homes. The commune despite it’s appearance is still a regulated community and they may like to think tthey are some pseudo-anarchic-enclave but they still have clear rules which you should respect. The best way to find a reasonable city centre accommodtion is through Wimdu.

If you feel the desire to leave the city a train journey north of Copenhagen brings you to the castle of Königberg. The setting of Hamlet and a testimony to Denmarks former status, the castly is well worth and wander, the village of is also worth a look. My visit to Copenhagen was really enrichted by able to stay in a beautiful city centre apartment thanks to Wimdu at a fraction of the cost of a hotel of similiar quality.

July 15th, 2011

Top 10 things to see on a guided tour in Alaska

Alaska is America’s largest continent and features some of the most pristine, untouched landscapes in the world. Famed for its diversity of wildlife and miles of glittering glaciers, Alaska is a popular destination for a guided tour and there are many ocean cruise stop-off points along its coastline. There’s so much to do and see.

Alaska Sightseeing Tours

Here are our top 10 things to see in Alaska:

  1. Fjords and glaciersAlaska is known for its icy landscape, with glaciers and intricate fjord systems that stretch for miles. Try the Kenai Fjords National Park. Don’t forget to look out for these whilst you’re sailing; you can even hear the ice creaking. Look out for eagles, mountain goats and other wildlife.
  2. Whale-spotting – Whale watching tours are available on most ocean cruises and as optional excursions on guided tours. Try Seward, Whittier or the Inside Passage around Juneau. Early springtime sees the grey whales passing through on their annual migration north, whilst into summer you are more likely to spot humpback whales, minke and orcas. Look out for deals that combine fjord tours and whale spotting!
  3. El Dorado Gold Mine – The El Dorado Gold Mine in Fairbanks offers you the chance to learn about the Gold Rush and get your own poke to pan for gold. There’s even railroad to take you into the heart of the gold fields in the Interior. A cultural and hands-on experience for all the family.
  4. Creek Street, Ketchikan – This pretty street in Ketchikan, the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’, is lined with brightly coloured boutique stores and galleries. Look out for the totem poles dotted around the town and if you have time, why not hike up nearby Deer Mountain.
  5. The Alaska SeaLife Centre – This education and research centre is also Alaska’s only public aquarium and ocean wildlife rescue centre. Get up close and personal to puffins, sea lions, octopus and all manner of sealife.
  6. Alaska Railroad – The historic Alaska railroad has several routes between the state’s most famous cities. Its coach cars feature single-level seating throughout the train, with dome cars available. Wide windows give an outstanding view onto the Alaskan scenery.
  7. Northern Lights – The aurora borealis are natural light displays caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere. Best seen away from city lights, you’ve a good chance of catching this eerie and beautiful natural phenomenon in Alaska between March and September. They occur roughly an hour and a half after sunset.
  8. Denali National Park – Whether taking a bus tour or going on a backcountry guided hike, this place is a ramblers’ heaven; watch out for eagles, moose, even bears. Don’t forget your bear whistle!
  9. Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery and Eagle Center – The Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery releases nearly 150,000 salmon every year. Take a peek into the holding pools to see salmon at different stages of development, or visit the Eagle Centre to see rehabilitated Great Horned Owls or the famous Bald Eagle.

July 5th, 2011

Nightlife in El Gouna

El Gouna is a beautiful town situated on the Red Sea. It is the largest and most attractive privately owned destination in Egypt. It is ideally located between the impressive mountain chain of the Eastern Sahara and the beautiful beaches of the Red Sea.

It is known for its diving, coral reefs, recreational activities and water sports. The resort is also well-known for its nightlife, as there are many places near the resort where you can hang out for a fun time with family or friends. The nightlife consists of large discos, lively bars and mouth-watering cuisine from every continent. Here are a few of the best nightlife establishments in the area that will make for an exciting evening.

Nightlife in El Gouna

  1. Aladdin’s Casino: This spectacular open air disco offers roulette, blackjack, and oasis stud pokers. There are a variety of slot machines available at the venue. You can also enjoy a cocktail bar and lounge where you can relax with a drink.
  2. Peanuts: This bar includes dancing, drinking and dining. There is a different theme every other day, such as ladies night or karaoke night. The music is normally dance music or golden oldies.
  3. Moods and Chiringito: Located on the beach, this venue has a very appealing atmosphere. It is considered to have the best shisha in town, and they have a big party on the first Friday of every month.
  4. Mangrovy Beach Bar: This is a kite surfing centre during the day and dance club by night. There is a DJ each Sunday and Wednesday, and it is a great place to be for a sunset barbeque.
  5. Palladium: This fabulous nightclub is one of the main discos in the region. It is an opened air amphitheater, complete with a dance floor in the middle. Large, pillowed seats surround the dance floor. You can sit in the comfortable seats and watch the dancers show their moves on the dance floor. The club offers free popcorn to their guests. The DJ provides an assortment of R&B, hip-hop and local favorites. It club can be very fun if you are with group of friends and wish to dance the night away.
  6. Scales N Ales Fish and Chips: This club has a brand new 32’ television in the bar where you can watch every single league and premiership game. The food is great, with a roast dinner serves on Sunday. All tables are located outside, but there is a bar with bar stools inside.
  7. Sand Bar: This is an excellent bar in the heart of downtown that is lively every night of the week. It has an attractive outdoor patio, as well as an inside bar. You can play pool, darts and table soccer within the venue, and it is an outstanding place to relax after a fun day on the Red Sea. It is a great atmosphere.

El Gouna comes alive after the sun goes down. Whichever bar, party or dance venue that you go to, the resorts lively nightlife is guaranteed to keep you out at all hours of the night.