Archive for September, 2010
Top 4 Favourite A-Lister Destinations
There are a handful of dream locations worldwide that offer the astute and wellheeled traveller entertainment relaxation and critically relative privacy. We have selected four locations preferred by the socalled Alisters amongst us and why:
Barbados
The island of Barbados in the Caribbean has long been the chosen destination of the rich and richer. It is not unusual to spy celebrity couples the Beckhams Sting amp; entourage and even aging rocker Mick Jagger and his latest conquest enjoying the fabulous beaches of this island paradise. One of the worlds most successful sportsmen Tiger Woods followed up his romantic proposal at a South African game reserve with a luxurious wedding at the celebrated Sandy Lane Hotel in St James Barbados.
Dubai
One of the seven Arab Emirates and arguably one of the wealthiest Dubai has a skyline to match its unmitigated glamour and this burgeoning desert city has become the destination of the extraordinarily famous. The largest artificial islands in the world the Palm Islands can be found off the coast of this magnificent modern city and the likes of Formula One Champion Michael Schumacher and former ATP giant Roger Federer have opted to purchase real estate on the islands. Add unrelenting sunshine designer shopping and plenty of outsized bling and youll see why Dubai is the ideal place for the wealthy.
Clifton Cape Town
Clifton on the Atlantic Seaboard of Cape Town is another unequivocal hit with international and national Alisters. Stunning beaches and the rolling hills of the famed Table Mountain make this dream location the preferred choice of international investors. Unsurpassed beachfront property lends itself to the consummate vacation home and both Clifton and Camps Bay property is highly soughtafter by the jet setters. The area is the private vacation stomping ground of the likes of Sir Elton John celebrity chef Jamie Oliver Monty Pythons John Cleese as well as a host of British royalty that includes the Duchess of York and her daughters and the mischievous Prince Harry.
Rio de Janeiro Brazil
Brazils Rio de Janeiro with its glorious beaches and wild and whacky carnival is another venue for the eminent and prosperous. The famed bikini beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema have long entranced visitors visiting this heady and exciting city. British actor Jude Law was recently spotted with his family snorkelling off the island of Ilha Grande. Other celebs who have enjoyed the sun and surf of Rio are Madonna Sylvester Stallone and Tom and Katie Cruise.
About the writer: Cape Waterfront Estates specializes in the sale of exclusive properties on the Cape coastline focusing on Hout Bay Llandudno Camps Bay Bantry Bay Bakoven and Clifton properties in Cape Town.
www.capewaterfrontestates.co.za
Ticonderoga And Saratoga
The battles of Fort Ticonderoga and Saratoga can be relived in one long day of traveling. If you are staying in Glens Falls New York go North along the Western shoreline of Lake George with all of the resorts. At the top of Lake of Lake George and the bottom of Lake Champlain sits Fort Ticonderoga.
The fort was built by the French to ward off English incursion to the St. Lawrence River. In 1758 during the French and Indian War the British attacked the fort with 1600 men. They were repulsed by a force of 4000 French. For some reason the French in a moment of stupidity deployed most of the soldiers elsewhere. The British returned and took the fort.
In 1775 The Green Mountain boys commanded by Ethan Allen quietly took the fort. Benedict Arnold butted in and took the credit. This was the first act of Benedict Arnold which earned him the dubious reputation of being a selfserving egotist and traitor.
Fort Ticonderoga today is a privately owned living history museum. Musket shooting and cannon firing are demonstrated. The fort features an excellent museum tracing its history.
From Fort Ticonderoga travel Rte 22 South to the Saratoga National Historical Park just North of Bemis Heights. In 1777 the Continental army under General Horatio Gates won a decisive victory over the British under the command of General John Burgoyne. Benedict Arnold helped to save the battle by bringing reinforcements. He was shot in his leg.
Perhaps the most influential person at the Battle of Saratoga was Tadeusz Ko?ciuszko. He was the one who suggested where to fight the British army. The road had funneled between two heights of land. Burgoynes army had to take this road. Kosciuszko convinced Gates to fortify the high ground. This made the British Army cannon fodder.
The Battle of Saratoga is considered by many as the Turning Point of the War. It showed that the Revolutionary Army could defeat a superior British. For his efforts Kosciuszko was given the task to build the defenses of West Point.
Today The National Park Service operates the Battlefield Schuyler House seven miles to the North and the Saratoga Monument. See the movie at the Visitor center. Tours can be taken by using your cell phone tours and MP3 Player. For the cell phone tour dial 5186658185 and follow the instructions. You can also hire a tour guide for an extensive tour of the battlefield.
Before you love Glens Falls for your days adventures make sure you pick up a growler or two of Coopers Cave beer or ale. They also make ice cream and soda.
About the writer: John Pelley is a Geriatric Gypsy. He is retired from the rat race of working. He is a fulltime RVer who ran away from home. He began our travels on the East Coast and like the migrating birds seek the warmth of the seasons He has discovered volunteering with the National Park System. During His travels He has found that each town has a story to tell:. He has a CD he has recorded of Native American flute music. A Day with Kokopelli.
Things To See And Do When On Holiday In Armenia
Armenia is a small noncoastal country bordered by Europe and Asia between the Black and Caspian Seas. Earlier it was a part of former Soviet Union. You can say that it is now just about a fraction of the ancient Armenia.
It has greatly diminished in size and also in significance as to what it was in the ancient times whilst some of the great stories of the Old Testament were played within its borders. The capital of Armenia Yerevan can be classified as one of the oldest cities in the world as it was founded even before the founding of ancient Rome.
Many people come on holiday to Armenia for the healing spas ski resorts and to enjoy the magnificent Mount Aragats. The beauty of the vast Lake Sevan is breathtaking! There is no doubt that historically culturally and even scenically the Republic of Armenia is a charismatic destination. It boasts of many natural attractions and is also spoilt for beauty and acknowledged as a cradle of civilization with centuries of ancient history to untangle.
As Armenia was one of the first countries to take on Christianity as its official state religion in 301 AD most of the country’s surviving ancient monuments are Christian churches and monasteries. Armenians still consider the Mt Ararat now in Turkey the highest in the region at 5165m to be a symbol of their land and it features on their national emblem today. It is believed that this is where the Biblical Noah’s landing of the ark landed following the great flood. We all know how important the story of Noah’s Ark is in Judaism Christianity and Islam.
Armenia is a very mountainous region and as mentioned earlier the enthralling Mount Aragats stands as its highest peak. The countryside is inundated with little lakes and Armenia also boasts of one of the world’s largest mountain lakes which is called Lake Sevan. It is here in these mountains that there are a number of health spas and treatment centres. The region of Tavush is recognized for its healing mineral water and you can see resorts like Ijevan and Dilijan. They are also well recognized treatment centres in the area.
If you are looking forward to seeing some impressive scenery then Armenia is a very popular destination for you. The resorts here are very popular in winter for their excellent skiing facilities. Those who visit the Syunik region are impressed by the striking scenery and natural springs. The Tatev Monastery Stonehenge of Armenia Goris and the Shake waterfall are sights to remember and cherish. Campers and hikers can venture to the north and explore the Lori region. It also has two UNESCO World Heritage sites the monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat as well as the Odzun Cathedral.
You can take advantage of expertly guided hikes and treks all the way through the amazing landscape of Armenia in the southern Caucasus. A visit to Khosrov Nature Reserve some nomad villages and ancient Christian churches makes it is worth taking the trip. People here are warm and hospitable and have a very rich cultural tradition. Many tourists now stay in the holiday villas that can now be rented as holiday homes. By staying in these holiday villas enables them to experience the true culture of this amazing country.
About the writer: Andrew Gibson is MD of Direct Holiday Bookings. It has holiday villas ski chalets and self catering holiday apartments to rent on line as a holiday home rental. To see an example of holiday villas have a look at Holiday Villas
