Showing posts with label Ukraine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ukraine. Show all posts
Wednesday, 20 July 2022
THE UNITED UKRAINIAN BALLET coming to Australia
Friday, 11 March 2022
Collette ceases tours to Russia and supports humanitarian efforts in Ukraine
The US $200,000 pledge will aid specific organisations on the ground to assist refugees and persons impacted by the escalating crisis in Ukraine.
“The commitment to making the world a better place through travel has always been Collette’s core purpose. Providing this level of support is at the forefront of why our family chose to create the Foundation and situations such as these are exactly why we do what we do,” said Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, President of Collette.
Global tour operator Collette has also decided to cease operating tours in Russia through 2023 and to withdraw from all other business interests in Russia in support of a peaceful resolution to the current conflict and a halt to ongoing aggression and casualties.
The current situation is that the conflict is isolated in nature, and distant from the parts of Europe where the majority of Collette’s European tours operate. The company does not anticipate that the situation will have a significant impact on the rest of its European tours.
“Our thoughts are with the people of the Ukraine, and we stand with them in support of freedom, a sincere hope for peace, and a rapid de-escalation of this conflict. We are committed to taking care of the places where we travel and supporting the Ukrainians in this difficult time is part of this, ” said James Hewlett, Head of Marketing & Business Development.
Visit www.collette.com for more information.
Thursday, 20 January 2022
Ukraine: Long list of national final participants published
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Go_A - Ukraine - Grand Final - Eurovision Song Contest 2021 - Rotterdam Ahoy |
The list will be narrowed down to 8 finalists and revealed next week.
Yaroslav Lodygin, member of the Managing Board of UA:PBC, revealed:
‘Because of the COVID-19 pandemic the national selection has not been held since 2020. Over this time, Ukrainian musicians have obviously accumulated energy and materials, so the number of good applications was very big! Still, there have not been many arguments among the organizing committee members up to this point, and the long list was formed quite quickly. The fight is for the 8 positions in the final, so the hottest arguments are ahead!’
UA: PBC received a total of 284 applications.
Vidbir Long List:
- Alina Pash
- AMARIIA
- ANTSIA
- Barleben
- Cloudless
- DOdoBro
- FIZRUK
- Gorim!
- IDXO
- Kalush Orchestra
- LAUD
- Laura Marti
- Michael Soul
- Our Atlantic
- Oyedamola
- ROXOLANA
- Schor
- SHY
- Skhidzakhid
- Sofia Shanti
- SOWA
- The blue artic
- The Tape Machine
- Victoria NIRO
- Vika Yahych
- WELLBOY
- Yuliia Timochko
The Vidbir grand final will be broadcast live on UA: PERSJYI on 12 February at 18:00 CET.
Do you recognise any of the names? Who are you hoping to see at Vidbir? Let us know what you think of the hopefuls over on the official Eurovision Song Contest Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook channels.
The Eurovision Song Contest
is organized by the European Broadcasting Union, the world's foremost alliance of public service media, representing 116 member organizations in 56 countries and an additional 34 Associates in Asia, Africa, Australasia and the Americas.
The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au
Saturday, 13 February 2021
Geography Illiteracy: These are the countries people can’t map
Interested in putting our geography skills to the test, The Knowledge Academy quizzed 6,550 people’s knowledge to see which countries we struggle to place on a map the most.
Coming in at the top of the list is Indonesia with 83% of participants failing to correctly map it. Despite Bali, Jakarta and Lombok being among the most popular tourist attractions there, The Knowledge Academy found many only took good memories back with them.
Following behind is Vietnam with only 19% of people correctly placing it on the map and 81% failing to do so. The Vietnam war may have been something many were taught in their history lessons but clearly, not enough emphasis was put on where it was located.
Similarly, in the south of Asia is Bangladesh. Known for its rivers, people and ruins, this doesn’t seem to be enough as 78% were unable to pick the right country on the map.
Ukraine comes in fourth place with 73% of people unable to identify it on the map. Despite being the second biggest country in Eastern Europe after Russia, it seems their giant neighbour has overshadowed them.
There are 12 countries in South America and of them, TheKnowledgeAcademy.com found that Peru is the one that seems to leave people the most confused - 69% couldn’t pinpoint it on a map.
Completing the top 10 countries people struggle with are:
- 6th: Uzbekistan – 68% failed to place it
- 7th: Japan – 62% failed to place it
- 8th: Saudi Arabia – 61% failed to place it
- 9th: Morocco – 57% failed to place it
- 10th: Canada – 53% failed to place it
Of the countries we’re more familiar with, Germany is in 20th place with 71% of people being able to point it out on a map compared to 29% that couldn’t. Known for its rich history, beer and bread, it’s no wonder so many could find this European powerhouse.
When it comes to Africa, it's clear to see that Ghana is one of the more known countries with only 31% failing to find where it is on the map. Unlike its neighbours in the south, Angola (52%) and Madagascar (50%), as well as Morocco in the northwest (57%) who are less well-known.
Also among the more widely recognised countries in Europe is France, with 1 in 3 failing to recognise it in comparison to Ukraine (73%) and Poland (43%).
Interested in knowing just how much people have interacted with the countries presented to them, The Knowledge Academy surveyed participants to find out whether they had been to any of the countries listed which 57% had.
In the hopes of delving further and seeing why our map knowledge lacks in places, participants were asked whether they were taught about countries in school to which 32% replied yes, 16% couldn’t recall and 52% answered no. Participants were then asked whether they believe more could be done to cover this subject which 76% agreed to and 24% disagreed with.
Methodology:
Using Worldometers.info, TheKnowledgeAcademy.com gathered all countries with a population of 20 million or more, to decrease the chances of obviously less known countries affecting the results.
Each of the 6,550 participants was then presented with a random selection of 20 countries and told to select where they are located to the best of their knowledge on an interactive map.
The top 20 countries which people failed to identify were then taken from the list to make the final results.
This was completed over the course of January 1st 2021 to January 25th 2021.
Monday, 25 May 2020
Eat & Drink Around the world in soups
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| Miso Soup |
Miso soup, Japan
Miso soup is a staple of most Japanese meals, and nourishing too
Miso soup is a long-standing favourite in Japan, beloved since ancient times. Miso (fermented soy beans and rice) was introduced to Japan from China during the Asuka period (538-710). But the actual ritual of turning it into a soup didn’t pick up until the rise of the samurai society, when the custom of serving miso soup as an accompaniment to every meal began. These days, the tradition still stands and you can expect miso with most meals when in Japan. The basic ingredients usually include tofu, radishes, potatoes, wakame seaweed, miso paste and ‘dashi’ (a soup stock essential to Japanese cuisine) – though recipes vary from region to region. Slurp up this salty, savoury broth at restaurant Misogen (though any izakaya will dish up a reliable bowl, too) when you make the inevitable scramble through Tokyo Station towards Mitsui Garden Hotel Otamachi.
Miso soup is a staple of most Japanese meals, and nourishing too
Miso soup is a long-standing favourite in Japan, beloved since ancient times. Miso (fermented soy beans and rice) was introduced to Japan from China during the Asuka period (538-710). But the actual ritual of turning it into a soup didn’t pick up until the rise of the samurai society, when the custom of serving miso soup as an accompaniment to every meal began. These days, the tradition still stands and you can expect miso with most meals when in Japan. The basic ingredients usually include tofu, radishes, potatoes, wakame seaweed, miso paste and ‘dashi’ (a soup stock essential to Japanese cuisine) – though recipes vary from region to region. Slurp up this salty, savoury broth at restaurant Misogen (though any izakaya will dish up a reliable bowl, too) when you make the inevitable scramble through Tokyo Station towards Mitsui Garden Hotel Otamachi.
Bouillabaisse, France
For seafood lovers, look no further than the bubbling bouillabaisse
Along the Côte d’Azur, you’ll find bouillabaisse wherever you go. A Provençal fish dish that’s considered both a stew and a soup, it originates from Marseille. And it’s said to have come into being after local fishermen needed to find a way to use up the rockfish they were unable to sell off to restaurants or at the market. Not to be confused with soupe de poisson (a thinner fish soup also popular along the coast) or a bisque, bouillabaisse differs in the use of bony fish and a range of herbs. It’s made up of a base of seafood shells, garlic, olive oil, saffron, orange zest and tomatoes, with sizeable servings of white fish, shellfish, prawns and sometimes langoustine scooped on top. Finished with a red pepper rouille sauce and a hunk of crusty bread, this bubbling delicacy is best tried in Marseille – and Hotel Dieu is an excellent place to stay afterwards.
For seafood lovers, look no further than the bubbling bouillabaisse
Along the Côte d’Azur, you’ll find bouillabaisse wherever you go. A Provençal fish dish that’s considered both a stew and a soup, it originates from Marseille. And it’s said to have come into being after local fishermen needed to find a way to use up the rockfish they were unable to sell off to restaurants or at the market. Not to be confused with soupe de poisson (a thinner fish soup also popular along the coast) or a bisque, bouillabaisse differs in the use of bony fish and a range of herbs. It’s made up of a base of seafood shells, garlic, olive oil, saffron, orange zest and tomatoes, with sizeable servings of white fish, shellfish, prawns and sometimes langoustine scooped on top. Finished with a red pepper rouille sauce and a hunk of crusty bread, this bubbling delicacy is best tried in Marseille – and Hotel Dieu is an excellent place to stay afterwards.
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| Laska |
Laksa, Malaysia
There's a range of different laksas, so choose between sweeter or spicier
A fiery and colourful concoction, laksa can be found all across southeast Asia. Hailing from Peranakan culture, you’ll find it in an endless number of varieties and locations, each vendor and region as proud of their own recipe as the next. At its core it’s a spicy, coconut milk-based noodle soup that often appears a deep, almost volcanic swirl of red – but even these aspects are open to change. Assam laksa has no coconut milk, and is instead made from a fish broth, with tamarind, rempeh (spicy paste) and torch ginger. Meanwhile, curry laksa (especially popular in northern Malaysia) is heavy on the coconut milk, heaped with bean curd puffs, shrimp fish sticks and is laced with searing sambal and laksa leaf. Even the noodles change, from thick rice noodles (laksa noodles) to thinner vermicelli noodles. Which variation you settle on is up to you, but each laksa is a warming celebration of the region’s core cuisine and a dish that’s earned its place as something of a cultural phenomenon. The Penang region in Malaysia is as good a place as any to try assam laksa. Stay at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel.
There's a range of different laksas, so choose between sweeter or spicier
A fiery and colourful concoction, laksa can be found all across southeast Asia. Hailing from Peranakan culture, you’ll find it in an endless number of varieties and locations, each vendor and region as proud of their own recipe as the next. At its core it’s a spicy, coconut milk-based noodle soup that often appears a deep, almost volcanic swirl of red – but even these aspects are open to change. Assam laksa has no coconut milk, and is instead made from a fish broth, with tamarind, rempeh (spicy paste) and torch ginger. Meanwhile, curry laksa (especially popular in northern Malaysia) is heavy on the coconut milk, heaped with bean curd puffs, shrimp fish sticks and is laced with searing sambal and laksa leaf. Even the noodles change, from thick rice noodles (laksa noodles) to thinner vermicelli noodles. Which variation you settle on is up to you, but each laksa is a warming celebration of the region’s core cuisine and a dish that’s earned its place as something of a cultural phenomenon. The Penang region in Malaysia is as good a place as any to try assam laksa. Stay at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel.
Borscht, Ukraine
Borscht is heavy on the beetroot which gives it its distinct pink colouring
Widely eaten throughout Eastern Europe, borscht is a beetroot-based soup famed for its pinkish red colouring. Taking its name from the Slavic word for hogweed (bursci), it’s popular in both Russia and Poland (namely white borscht). Though the most commonly cited recipe is of the Ukrainian variety – made from bone stock, beet sour (fermented beetroot juice) and sautéed vegetables. While beets serve as the foundation for this dish, helpings of garlic, shallots, coriander, clove, cayenne, sugar and yoghurt or sour cream (which gives it its signature pink hue) are mixed in and boiled. Served either hot or cold, and topped with a dollop of sour cream and dill, it’s a warming and nutritious dose of goodness. To try it, head to Kiev, where most cafés serve it in the classic Ukrainian style. Stay at MaNNA Boutique Hotel.
Borscht is heavy on the beetroot which gives it its distinct pink colouring
Widely eaten throughout Eastern Europe, borscht is a beetroot-based soup famed for its pinkish red colouring. Taking its name from the Slavic word for hogweed (bursci), it’s popular in both Russia and Poland (namely white borscht). Though the most commonly cited recipe is of the Ukrainian variety – made from bone stock, beet sour (fermented beetroot juice) and sautéed vegetables. While beets serve as the foundation for this dish, helpings of garlic, shallots, coriander, clove, cayenne, sugar and yoghurt or sour cream (which gives it its signature pink hue) are mixed in and boiled. Served either hot or cold, and topped with a dollop of sour cream and dill, it’s a warming and nutritious dose of goodness. To try it, head to Kiev, where most cafés serve it in the classic Ukrainian style. Stay at MaNNA Boutique Hotel.
Clam chowder, USA
Clam chowder is often served in bread bowls, perfect for soaking up its thick consistency
Thick, creamy and undeniably comforting, clam chowder has been a mainstay in the United States since the 1700s. Appearing in New England after being allegedly introduced by the French, Nova Scotian and British settlers, it quickly developed cult status – even garnering a mention in Herman Melville’s seminal work, Moby Dick. Popular on both coasts of the USA, the New England version is a cauldron of creamy broth made up of onions, potatoes, clams and generous glugs of heavy cream. It’s the thickest of the chowders, with gooey mounds of soup to scoop up with accompanying crackers or crusty bread, which often cradles the soup as a bread bowl. Manhattan clam chowder is a worthy choice too, combining tomato and a medley of vegetables for a lighter, more colourful option. Head up to Boston – home to a fleet of chowder huts for you to choose from – and the gorgeous Godfrey Hotel.
Clam chowder is often served in bread bowls, perfect for soaking up its thick consistency
Thick, creamy and undeniably comforting, clam chowder has been a mainstay in the United States since the 1700s. Appearing in New England after being allegedly introduced by the French, Nova Scotian and British settlers, it quickly developed cult status – even garnering a mention in Herman Melville’s seminal work, Moby Dick. Popular on both coasts of the USA, the New England version is a cauldron of creamy broth made up of onions, potatoes, clams and generous glugs of heavy cream. It’s the thickest of the chowders, with gooey mounds of soup to scoop up with accompanying crackers or crusty bread, which often cradles the soup as a bread bowl. Manhattan clam chowder is a worthy choice too, combining tomato and a medley of vegetables for a lighter, more colourful option. Head up to Boston – home to a fleet of chowder huts for you to choose from – and the gorgeous Godfrey Hotel.
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| Gazpacho |
Gazpacho, Spain
When the Sevillan heat hits, locals turn to cooling Gazpacho to refresh
Served chilled but fiery (in flavour and colour), gazpacho is a staple of Spanish cuisine. While there are conflicting theories as to where the dish originated from, the general consensus is that it was in the Andalusia region of Spain. Roman soldiers who travelled through commonly carried with them a range of ingredients that form the basic makeup of gazpacho – think dried bread, garlic and vinegar. And the introduction of tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers in the 19th century helped gazpacho evolve into what it is today. Steeped in flavour, the traditional Sevillan variation is heavy on the vegetables, which are puréed into a smooth, red soup, and garnished with chopped vegetaspbles. And in some regions, topped with almonds and orange slices, or hard boiled eggs and ham (as in Córdoba). It’s best eaten on a summer’s day, so you can while away an afternoon in the Sevillan sunshine before retreating to Hotel Rey Alfonso X.
When the Sevillan heat hits, locals turn to cooling Gazpacho to refresh
Served chilled but fiery (in flavour and colour), gazpacho is a staple of Spanish cuisine. While there are conflicting theories as to where the dish originated from, the general consensus is that it was in the Andalusia region of Spain. Roman soldiers who travelled through commonly carried with them a range of ingredients that form the basic makeup of gazpacho – think dried bread, garlic and vinegar. And the introduction of tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers in the 19th century helped gazpacho evolve into what it is today. Steeped in flavour, the traditional Sevillan variation is heavy on the vegetables, which are puréed into a smooth, red soup, and garnished with chopped vegetaspbles. And in some regions, topped with almonds and orange slices, or hard boiled eggs and ham (as in Córdoba). It’s best eaten on a summer’s day, so you can while away an afternoon in the Sevillan sunshine before retreating to Hotel Rey Alfonso X.
*Source: https://www.booking.com/
Friday, 1 November 2019
TripAdvisor Top 10 Day Trips — World
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| Florence |
“Great day trip, full of attractions and delicious lunch. A highlight of our holiday”
2) High Atlas Mountains and 4 Valleys Day Trip from Marrakech
Marrakech, Morocco
“Very nice trip!”
3) Polo Lessons from Buenos Aires by Polo Elite
Buenos Aires, Argentina
“One of the highlights of my trip to Buenos Aires”
Buenos Aires, Argentina
“One of the highlights of my trip to Buenos Aires”
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| Angkor Wat |
4) Full-day Small-Group Angkor Wat Tour from Siem Reap
Siem Reap, Cambodia
“A great tour. An excellent day out with a great guide all for a cheap price.”
Siem Reap, Cambodia
“A great tour. An excellent day out with a great guide all for a cheap price.”
5) South Coast Full Day Tour from Reykjavik by Minibus
Reykjavik, Iceland
“The perfect way to see the south coast!”
6) Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
“Wonderful tour guide and driver!”
Reykjavik, Iceland
“The perfect way to see the south coast!”
6) Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
“Wonderful tour guide and driver!”
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| Lisbon |
7) Sintra and Cascais Small Group Tour from Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal
“Sintra and Cascais Small Group Tour From Lisbon”
8) Chernobyl Tour from Kiev
Kiev, Ukraine
“Truly once in a lifetime experience.”
9) Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls Tour from Cairns
Cairns, Australia
“Favourite excursion from Cairns!!”
Lisbon, Portugal
“Sintra and Cascais Small Group Tour From Lisbon”
8) Chernobyl Tour from Kiev
Kiev, Ukraine
“Truly once in a lifetime experience.”
9) Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls Tour from Cairns
Cairns, Australia
“Favourite excursion from Cairns!!”
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| Stonehenge |
10) Small Group Stonehenge, Bath and Secret Place Tour from London
London, United Kingdom
“The da Vinci of Bus Tour Guides!”
London, United Kingdom
“The da Vinci of Bus Tour Guides!”
Website: TripAdvisor Top 10 Trips - World
Tuesday, 30 July 2019
A World Of Well Being
Both Barcelona and Kiev suggest starting the day with yoga. Spain’s way is paddle surfing before taking to the beach for a private class (rounded off with a healthy brunch, Barca style. The Ukraine goes one better may be, by taking the yoga onto the water. Practice yoga on surf boards on the river Dnieper (before having a tranquil lunch in the restaurant overlooking your gym with a difference.)
Add a spiritual dimension to yoga in Rishikesh with the Aarti Ceremony on the river Ganges. The evening prayer ceremony is a moving experience, as thousands of oil lamps float by on the river accompanied to the sounds of hundreds of temple bells. A moment to remember.
For some, real relaxing is all in a bathe. That is why Zurich’s thermal baths or Irish-Roman experience in the fresh thermal water of the “Aqui” spring is such a popular choice. That and the fact that the spa is on the roof to look out across the city. Istanbul’s refreshing of the soul is all in a Hammam, the great Turkish bath. An emotional and physical detox, in this most traditional of meditation.
There are the beaches and catamaran cruises of Costa Rica and Cuba to wind down with, or the clear blue waters of the Santa Maria Bay in Malta, swimming in and out of natural pools and caves.
If a balance with our environment and nature is needed, then a tour of Stockholm’s green urban are Hammarby Sjostad connects the visitor with ecological living and environmentally sensitive construction – a sight into how a city could be sustainable for our futures.
malMaybe though the perfect marriage of relaxing, zen, well-being and nature is seen on the banks of the river in Kuala Selangor after dark – as thousands of fireflies turn the end of a day into a night of magical light…
However you want to find peace and calm, we have plenty of ideas in our #euromictags series.
- SUNRISE, PADDLE SURF, YOGA AT THE BEACH AND PADDLE SURF - Barcelona
- YOGA SURFING ON THE DNIEPER RIVER - Kiev
- AARTI CEREMONY - Rishikesh
- THERMAL BATHS AND SPA ZURICH – BATHING ACROSS THE ZURICH ROOFTOPS - Zurich
- TURKISH BATH – HAMMAM: REFRESH YOUR SOUL - Istanbul
- END THE DAY WITH SANTA MARIA - Malta
- GREEN CITY - Stockholm
- KUALA SELANGOR FIRE FLIES - Malaysia
DOWNLOAD #EUROMICTAGS ITINERARIES
CONTACT euromic
Huw Tuckett, Executive Director
12 Rue du Helder, 75009 Paris, France
Phone: +44 744 382 6607E-mail: h.tuckett@euromic.com
Friday, 31 May 2019
Thailand extends visa-on-arrival fee waiver
Wednesday, 17 February 2016
IACC Meeting Room of The Future™ Visionary Global Initiative Will Transform Meetings
The program's ambitious goal is to predict and showcase a clear vision of what is new for today and what solutions need to be sought for tomorrow's meeting rooms, to deliver what clients want and need for maximum productivity. Collaboration, productivity and inspiration will be at the heart of the 2016 concept, with the plan to build on this annually.
The initiative brings together the brightest minds and companies in the industry, to create both a physical and virtual meeting environment. Contributors include leading universities in the US, Europe and Australia, several meetings and technology companies and leading designers of venue furnishings. "As the only global organisation representing smaller meetings and venues, IACC is singularly-positioned to spearhead this initiative," affirms IACC's CEO Mark Cooper.
Effective research is at the core of the initiative. IACC is surveying a broad spectrum of the industry to identify and understand needs, track current trends and innovations and determine the kinds of learning environments that foster collaboration, ideas exchange and relationship building. “These environments profoundly influence people, behaviours, companies, politics and ultimately economies.” Cooper notes. IACC will engage with planners, meeting hosts, delegates, operators and suppliers, and is partnering with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) on a survey involving 1000 of the association’s members.
The project will address the most challenging issues facing the meetings industry today while showcasing the most innovative and useful aspects of tomorrow’s meeting room. Access to sufficient bandwidth is clearly a critical issue and one that demands thoughtful study and careful investment in equipment and training. As the industry becomes even more global, conference venues must offer first-rate teleconference services. The rapidly expanding number of new mobile devices used by planners and attendees demands powerful, high-speed connectivity that can host any number of devices and any group or number of groups. “Connectivity affects every aspect of the meeting experience,” Mark Cooper asserts. “Super high-speed Wi-Fi is essential throughout the facility as part of security and privacy, critical communications within the meeting experience and with colleagues beyond, sustainability and guest services.”
The results of the IACC Meeting Room of the Future™ survey will be published globally and at IACC-America’s Connect annual conference this April.
Current contributors and research partners include Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Microsoft, Dianne Devitt.net, Corbin Ball Associates, Sli-do, Benchmark Hospitality International, MGSM Executive Hotel & Conference Centre and PSAV.
The IACC Vision: IACC is a community of passionate people and organisations delivering innovative and exceptional meeting experiences.
About IACC: Founded in 1981, IACC is a not-for-profit association dedicated to promoting understanding and awareness of the meetings venue industry and to giving member properties the tools necessary to provide an exceptional IACC meeting experience. Active members meet a set of stringent Quality Standards and agree to a Code of Ethics. Currently, the association includes approximately 400 members from the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, China, Kenya, Nigeria, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, England, Scotland, Ukraine, The Netherlands, Germany, Hungary and the Philippines.
For more information, visit the website at www.iacconline.org. “There are meetings and then there are IACC meetings.”
Twitter: @IACCconfCentres
YouTube
Wednesday, 13 May 2015
Three Years of Travel and Adventure around the World in 3 Minutes.
What does it feel like to be present? To be here in the now and fully experiencing this moment. Free from any weight of the past or any anticipation of the future. Just free. Free to realize that only you can control how you feel. About anything. Free to see things for what they are and free to give your time and energy to what really matters.
Accept the fact that everything that makes up your world is there because you attracted it with your own thoughts. Realize that you can control your thoughts and emotions. There’s no big secret. Just choose to think better feeling thoughts. Listen to your emotions and chose to feel good. You can decide to be in a place of attraction and abundance.
What do you want to do in your life? What makes you tick? What makes you feel awe? Don’t be misled into thinking that you’re supposed to do anything. You are supposed to do only what you chose to do. The world is vast and full of possibilities. Follow your bliss. Get out of your comfort zone. Stop looking for reasons why you can’t and look for reasons why you can.
Includes scenes from India, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Ukraine, Hungary, Czech Republic, Austria, Greece, Italy, the Vatican, Canada, US, Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Nepal, Indonesia and Croatia.
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Subscribe Plz :) http://youtube.com/subscription_cente...
Sunday, 29 June 2014
Lonely Planet reveals the world’s best hotels 2014
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| Mihir Gahr, Rajasthan, India |
Extraordinary: Lonely Planet’s authors are always on the lookout for experiences which will create exceptional and memorable moments for travellers, and accommodation is no exception. Included in the cut of the 10 most unique places to stay are Saugerties Lighthouse in New York State and the Gibbon Experience Treehouse in Laos.
Best Value: Having visited thousands of hotels, hostels and guesthouses Lonely Planet’s authors know good value when they see it and they understand how important it is to travellers. Old Plovdiv Guesthouse in Bulgaria and Oztel in Rio de Janeiro were two of the places that they found to offer the most bang for your buck.
Eco: Travelling responsibly has always been at the core of Lonely Planet and with this in mind our authors strive to find the most eco-friendly accommodation. From the nominations, the judges selected 10 outstanding eco places to stay which had made impressive strides to minimise their environmental impact and contribute to their local communities. Chole Mjini in Tanzania and Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in Peru, two of the best in the world according to the panel.
LonelyPlanet.com Editor Tom Hall was part of the expert panel who selected the finalists, he said; “We’re delighted with our first ever list of top hotels. This collection is one of a kind we believe, as it is put together by the most well- travelled people on earth. At Lonely Planet we’ve been giving recommendations to travellers about where to stay for 40 years. Our guidebook authors provide their honest opinion and never take freebies in exchange for positive coverage so you can trust in our reviews.”
Lonely Planet’s website has over 80,000 author reviewed hotels, as well as curated lists of the best places to stay in more than 650 destinations.
A full list of winners follows. Find out more about each of the winning hotels, including author commentary, at:
www.lonelyplanet.com/extraordinary-hotels
www.lonelyplanet.com/best-eco-hotels
www.lonelyplanet.com/best-value-hotels
THE WINNERS
EXTRAORDINARY- Mihir Gahr, Rajasthan, India
- Planet Baobab, Gweta, Botswana
- Prendiparte B&B, Bologna, Italy
- Qasr Al Sarab, UAE
- Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, TAS, Australia
- Free Spirit Spheres, British Columbia, Canada
- Taskonak Hotel, Goreme, Cappadocia, Turkey
- Thonga Beach Lodge, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa
- Saugerties Lighthouse, New York state, USA
- The Gibbon Experience Treehouse, Bokeo Reserve, Laos
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| The Backpack, Cape Town, South Africa |
- The Backpack, Cape Town, South Africa
- Sydney Harbour YHA, Australia
- Inkosana Lodge, Champagne Valley, Drakensberg, South Africa
- Old Plovdiv Guesthouse, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Hotel Gruner Baum, Glorenza, Sudtirol, Italy
- Oztel, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Fauzi Azar Inn, Nazareth, Israel
- We Hostel Design, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Hotel Hotel Hostel, Seattle, USA
- On the corner, Kolomyya, Ukraine
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| Lapa Rios, Peninsula de Osa, Costa Rica |
- Lapa Rios, Peninsula de Osa, Costa Rica
- Bulungula Backpackers, South Africa
- Chole Mjini, Chole Island, Mafia Archipelago, Tanzania
- Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes, Peru
- EcoLodge Chepu Adventures, Chiloe, Chile
- Maison Anglaise, Taroudant, Morocco
- Earthship Rentals, Taos, New Mexico, USA
- Dana Guest House, Jordan
- Nuli Sapi, Papua New Guinea
- Baikaler Eco-Hostel, Listvyanka, Russia
Friday, 30 August 2013
Ukraine Hosts “Vietnam: World’s Rendezvous” Celebration
The event includes more than 200 photographs and 100 documentaries selected by the Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communication’s Centre for Press and International Communication Cooperation.
They cover the seven sub-categories of Vietnam’s National Assembly: Government; Vietnam: Integration and Development; World Cultural Heritage in Vietnam; Vietnam’s Traditional Craft Villages; Vietnamese Festivals; Vietnamese Food; and Vietnamese Beauty.
Introducing these images of Vietnam’s landscape and people to Ukrainian citizens is destined to expand the two countries’ bilateral cooperation.
Attendees can deepen their understanding of Vietnam’s Doi moi (Renewal) process, its long history, its traditions, and its continuing march towards development and integration.
The exhibited media will be handed over to the Vietnamese Embassy and the Association of Overseas Vietnamese at the conclusion of the event for further touring throughout the Ukraine.
The festival is part of the Ministry of Information and Communications’s commemorations of Vietnam’s 68th National Day (September 2) and the 21st anniversary of establishing Vietnamese-Ukrainian diplomatic ties.
Thursday, 23 February 2012
Australian Gymnasts Win Prizes At Monte Carlo
Two seventh generation members of the famous Ashton Circus
family earned massive applause and prestigious awards at the first ever New
Generation International Circus Festival held in Monte Carlo earlier this month, Feb 2012.
Jordan and Merrick Ashton performed a comedy knockabout act
and Merrick a slack-wire presentation.
They won three awards:
A. 1st prize “Prix Jury Junior
International” for their knock-about comedy table act.
B. Bronze Clown also for this act
C. Prix Erich Rozewicz for Merrick’s slack-wire act.
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| New Generation International Circus Festival |
Other competitors came from Ukraine,
Russia, Germany, Italy,
Denmark, Czechoslovakia, Netherlands,
Switzerland, China and Monaco. So you can appreciate they
were the only representatives selected from the southern hemisphere ! Congratulations to these two young Australians!
(More information available from the Oceania
press representative for, and founding Director of, the World Circus Federation
– John Le Mare john@aladdins.com.au
)
Friday, 16 September 2011
Miss Angola Leila Lopes Crowned Miss Universe 2011
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| Leila Lopes crowned by Jimena Navarrete |
Miss Angola, business student Leila Lopes of Angola, was crowned Miss Universe 2011 on September 12, 2011. This was the 60th anniversary of the Miss Universe pageant and was held in the Credicard Hall in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The former Miss Universe Jimena Navarrete from Mexico crowned her successor.at the end of this event.
Miss Universe was contested by young ladies from 89 countries and territories, surpassing the previous record of 86 contestants in 2006.
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| Miss China, Luo Zilin |
The Top 10 finalists were 2) Miss Ukraine, Olesia Stefanko, 3) Miss Brazil, Priscila Machado 4) Miss Philippines, Shamcey Supsup 5 ) Miss China, Luo Zilin, 6) Miss Australia, Scherri-Lee Biggs, 7) Miss Costa Rica, Johanna Solano 8) Miss France, Laury Thrilleman 9) Miss Panama, Sheldry Saez 10) Miss Portugal, Laura Goncalves.
Leila Lopes plans to work on HIV advocacy worldwide, in addition to helping her own country. "As Miss Angola I've already done a lot to help my people," Lopes, 25, said "I've worked with various social causes. I work with poor kids, I work in the fight against HIV. I work to protect the elderly and I have to do everything that my country needs. "I think now as Miss Universe I will be able to do much more."
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| Miss Australia, Scherri-Lee Biggs |
The Pageant included a final round of questions for the Top 5 finalists. This year's questions included three that might've come directly from the Ministry of Gossip, plus a couple that clearly were not loaded with any political agenda whatsoever: Questions included:
- Nude beaches are common in some parts of the world. Is public nudity appropriate or inappropriate and why?
- If you could change one of your physical characteristics, which one would it be and why?
- If you could trade lives with anyone in history, who would it be and why?
- Would you change your religious beliefs to marry the person you love? Why and why not?
- What would you do to avoid fighting a war that you did not agree with it?
Miss Philippines stuck to her guns on the faith front, saying she wouldn't marry a person if she had to convert to do so, and that a person who loved her would respect her enough to love her God too. Miss Angola stuck with her own physical characteristics, thanking God for doing right by her in the looks department and reminding people that we should all respect one another. Miss China, broaching the nudity question, gave a short answer about all countries having their own rules and customs, which should all be respected. Miss Brazil said she'd handle the war problem by explaining that war is not based on respect but rather "always based on misunderstanding, it's always based on a lack of education. So I would tell this person that we should respect each other as human beings." Miss Ukraine, meanwhile, said she would swap lives with Cleopatra -- "a very powerful and strong woman who is very much worthy of respect."
Who advanced was decided in rounds of preliminary competition held during the week leading up to Monday night's show. Lopes charmed the locals in part by speaking Portuguese, a language former colonies Angola and Brazil share."She captivated the crowd and we were all behind her," said Brazilian Natalie Bursztyn, 20. "It was great that the judges also saw what the fans saw and gave her the crown."
Saturday, 3 September 2011
Nevytsky Castle - an Amazing Castle to Explore in Ukraine
The most popular among them are those of Hotyn, Kamyanets-Podilskiy, and Bilhorod-Dnistrovskiy. Yet there are some castles that may be less impressive in terms of size, but are more romantic looking, like the one near Nevytskiy village.
The Nevytsky Castle is a semi-ruined castle in province of Zakarpattia, Ukraine 12 km north of Uzhhorod. It was founded in the early 15th century. Its ruins stand on top of a mountain that was once a volcano. One side of it borders a wide plain and another side borders a deep gorge with a flowing torrent. The image is completed by a narrow path that leads you through the forest up the mountain.
Like most castles with old traditions, the Nevytsky Castle is linked with many legends and creepy stories. One of them dates back to the 14th century and tells about Pohana Diva (Vile Maiden), a cruel princess and witch, who ordered the castle to be built and constantly terrorized the local population.
According to more pragmatic historical facts, in the 13th century the Nevytsky Castle was a fortification constructed against Mongol Tatars, which later became one of the Hungarian empire’s strategic strongholds, constantly besieged and seized either by monarchic armies or the rebellious aristocracy.
Nevytsky Castle was the mighty citadel of the Drugeth family which supervised its continuous modernisation over the centuries. The keep, rebuilt in its present form in the early 16th century, passed from hand to hand during the internecine strife that convulsed Hungary in the early 17th century.
In 1644, Prince Rákóczi II ruined the castle, leaving it much as its stands today. A decline in the defensive importance of the site, as well as the remote and inaccessible situation of the castle, have preserved it from complete demolition.
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