The Universe of Sound: A Digital Installation in Birmingham’s Municipal Bank

Posted by Marie on May 20, 2013 in Accommodations | 0 comments

Ever fancied heading to the city to enjoy something a little different? Whether it’s your first time in Birmingham or you’ve visited before, one thing’s for sure – you will have never experienced anything quite like The Universe of Sound before. Open your minds and appreciate something out of the ordinary this summer, with the help of Birmingham’s Philharmonic Orchestra, presented in the disused Municipal Bank in the centre of the city.

If you plan on staying in the city for a day or two, take a look at Travelodge’s rooms in Birmingham that will provide you with excellent rates that won’t break the bank. Combine that with the digital installation that’s completely free to appreciate and you have a budget-friendly city break that will help to reignite your senses.

Symphony hall – image via http://www.thsh.co.uk/

The Town Hall and Symphony Hall are working in conjunction with the Philharmonic Orchestra to bring to Birmingham a digital extravaganza that is running between the 25th May and the 16th June 2013. Completely free to anyone who wants to spend some time experiencing the magic, the event is jam-packed with film screenings, family activities and live performances that will have you enthralled from the very beginning.

From the confines of the Municipal Bank, the world-class Philharmonic turns virtual for everyone’s entertainment. Conduct your own orchestra using state-of-the-art digital technology or play live and virtual instruments to feel like you’re among the virtuosos in the Orchestra Pit.

With ten separate rooms, homing various activities, you can learn more about the role of a conductor and how they cope managing an entire orchestra while the piece de resistance is a 360degree planetarium-style room which will transport you to the centre of Gustav Holst’s The Planets, making you feel like you’re in the heart of the action.

If you’re a fully-fledged musician, you are welcome to bring your own instruments along. Otherwise, the virtual instruments will be available to enjoy on site.

During its final week (from the 14th June), there will be a 7pm screening, in its entirety, of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey at Symphony Hall, complemented by an original soundtrack performed by the Philharmonia and Birmingham’s Ex Cathedra choir.

Head to the Symphony Hall Café Bar for the Universe of Sound Family Day. With plenty of activities and workshops on the 15th June, it will encourage children of all ages to explore the Orchestra, music technology and much more. Whether you’re a lover of music, space or both, you can be sure that, whatever the age of your brood, there’s something for everyone.

At 7:30pm on the 15th June, the esteemed Philharmonic Orchestra and the ladies of the City of Birmingham Choir will be performing The Planets, live.

Take a look at Travelodge’s rooms in Birmingham and head to the city for a budget break. Whether you choose to pop along between 11 and 6:30pm at some point during its run, or you want to book seats for the finale, don’t miss out on this musical and astronomical masterpiece at the Municipal Bank this June.

Dubai Supercar Hotspots

Posted by Marie on Apr 29, 2013 in Travel Tips | 9 comments

You like fast cars but you only get to see them on Top Gear. What you really want is some kind of car utopia, where it’s normal to see a Lamborghini or an Aston Martin out on the streets and where the infrastructure and industry reflects a deep passion for beautiful machines. Well my friend, welcome to Dubai.

The Police

Our first hotspot starts on the streets. Why? Well where else in the world a fleet of supercars be owned by the police, patrolling the streets? With a Lamborghini Aventador already in their inventory, it was recently announced the motorheads at Dubai Police had made another small acquisition. A Ferrari FV no less, costing around £350,000, and capable of speeds exceeding 200mph. Audacious extravagance maybe, but surely the cops need something fast catch all the boy racers out there.

At The Mall

Strictly speaking supercar spotting at the Dubai Mall has now been sadly banned but security will only approach you if they identify you as a supercar spotter. So for supercar lovers that means hiding your camera, wiping the drool from your chin and realising a nonchalant swagger, as if being 10 feet away from a Pagani Zonda is a normal daily experience for you. As for getting there, the Dubai Mall is the world’s largest of its kind with 1200 shops. In other words I don’t think you’ll need directions.

photo credits http://www.flickr.com/photos/34352388@N07/

Showing Off

Top Gear say it’s the best supercar dealership in the world and they just may be right. Owned by Abdullah Al Ketbi, Alain Class Motors has a showroom of cars that have a combined, mouthwatering value of £80 million. A car enthusiast and collector since 1992, with 18 Ferrari’s in his inventory, some Maserati’s, several Lamborghini’s and one of the fastest cars in the world, the Koenigsegg Agera, it would be an understatement to say that Abdullah Al Ketbi likes cars. Like many others in Dubai, there is nothing else that impresses him more. Alain Class Motors main property is a 10,000sq foot showroom located on Sheikh Zayed Road.

Your Own Drive

All this talk about Koenigsegg’s and Ferrari’s must have put the thought in your head: I’d love to drive one. Well you can. It would be foolish to think the locals would have missed out on that one. There are a number of luxury car rental spots all over Dubai. Lane Luxury Car Rentals is popular, based at the Al Naboodah Building, near the centre of Warson 1. With a fleet including but not limited to Bentleys, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porcshes and Audis, there is something for everything. For pricing just sign up to their mail list.

The International Motor Show

The Dubai International Motor Show, which runs between 5th and 9th of November is the largest of its kind in the Middle East. Who’s it for? The sort of people in Dubai that like to buy cars. What does that mean? Supercars. Lots, and lots, of lovely supercars! With over 150 car manufacturers participating from 30 different countries, there is plenty on offer. Even better, there’s an event that takes place two days earlier in Abu Dhabi, about 100km away. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, on the 3rd November.

This is a car lovers dream holiday and if you’re thinking about planning trip to Dubai, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to get there. You can use a flight finder tool like www.momondo.com that will pull the prices from hundreds of sites so you can pick the best deal for your budget. It’s also possible to find a good deal on top accommodation of you book way in advance or at the very last minute.

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Author Bio: David Bell is a freelance writer and blogs about interior design, food, travel, art and culture. Follow him on Twitter @DavidBellWriter

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A Guide to Scuba Diving in Cancun

Posted by Marie on Mar 25, 2013 in Cancun | 1 comment

Cancun, in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, is sometime called The Glittering City. Exactly what this refers to – it could be either the lights of the buzzing nightclub scene or the sunlight reflecting off of the crystal clear ocean – is unclear, but it is certainly one of the more complimentary city nicknames out there. (Much better than London’s, that’s for sure: The Big Smoke!)

The city itself is famous in America because it’s a popular destination for Spring Breakers – every year, in the American equivalent of the Easter half-term holiday, hordes of college students flock to Cancun to engage in revelry of the highest degree.

underwater beauty

Worry not, dear traveller – it’s not like that all the time. In fact, it’s a pretty great place, no matter what kind of tourist you are. However, as you’re currently reading this article, we have to assume you’re at least mildly interested in scuba diving. Luckily for you, Cancun is just amazing for that particular pastime. Here’s a short guide for you. Divulge and dive in!

Where to Go

There are a few different hotspots in the Cancun area, so you have some choices to make. First off, there is Arrecifes Chitales. You’ll find this shallow reef near Punta Cancun, so it’s not far to travel, and as it’s only about 40 feet deep, it’s great for beginners.

Don’t worry, though: it’s good for any veterans, too, as you can go further out and experience the current. It’s the perfect spot for drift diving, and the water is so delightfully warm that you’ll barely know you’re out of the sun.

Next, we have the Isla Mujeres. This little island is beautiful itself, with a luscious lagoon ripe for exploration, but it’s also home to a number of great dive spots. A lot of them are fantastic for beginners as you can see so far, but for experts we’d suggest the scarily named Cave of Sleeping Sharks.

Our last recommendation is the Underwater Museum, because it is precisely what it sounds like. An eco-friendly museum beneath the waves, this dive takes you around about 500 sculptures. Fantastic!

Wanna Get Certified?

If you want to get hold of your scuba diving certification, there are a few ways to do this. To start out, you can go to a resort course, where you’ll cover the basics – enough to last you your whole stay in Cancun.

However, if you want to then scuba dive elsewhere, you’ll need the full Open Water Certification. There are a handful of places nearby which offer this; be prepared to spend up to 4 days and $400. You may even get a specialty course thrown into the mix, such as Cavern Diving!

There are plenty of other tips we could give (like book your flights with Cheapflights, make sure to bring along an underwater camera for some unforgettable snapshots, try out a night dive for memories to last a lifetime) but ultimately, you have to just get out there and do it for the best experience.

Oh, and don’t forget to dive around the Great Maya Barrier Reef – this reef is only beaten in size by that big one in Australia!

strike a pose!

Self-Pampering Vacations for Busy Bodies

Posted by Marie on Mar 21, 2013 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

People who adhere to busy schedules daily are often the same ones who lose their time for personal needs.  Maintaining a hectic schedule that juggles career and domestic responsibilities can have negative effects on a person’s health in the long run. A vacation with the whole family can be great, but one should also consider taking a personal break with the sole purpose of pampering one’s self. Read on for some Self-Pampering Vacation Ideas to reward yourself for all your hard work.

image via http://www.digitaltrends.com

Those who are concerned about personal vacation expenses can look into budget deals for an overnight stay at a Spa Resort or a weekend at the nearest Beach Resort. There is nothing like a warm bath and soothing massage to whisk away the stress of a busy week or month.  You can indulge in these treats and other relaxing activities like yoga or meditation classes that are offered in most resort spas.  People who are simply looking for some peace and quiet and some nice view of nature can book into a secluded beach resort and enjoy a book while lounging under the sun or take care of some personal tasks that they’ve been neglecting while sipping a Margarita. One of my friends even had time to look into phone upgrade options that she has been putting off for months. On top of that she also discovered that to sell mobile phone instead of simply disposing her old unit in the trash is worth it.

The procedures for selling her old phone unit online were quite simple so she didn’t have any trouble arranging for it. At the end of her break, she was able to relax, accomplish a personal task in a breeze, and get additional funds that she can spend for her next pampering vacation.

These budget self-pampering breaks are important in taking care of one’s own well-being.  Enjoying a vacation doesn’t necessarily mean splurging on it.  Sometimes booking in a nice resort and enjoying all the amenities without any added cost, is the most restful vacation that one can ever have.

image via http://catalunyaeuropa.com/

Travel Light on a Full Itinerary with Mini Travel Essentials

Posted by Marie on Mar 14, 2013 in Travel Tips | 4 comments

Packing. One of the first things one must pay attention to when travelling. Well you’ve read of the many tips on how to pack lightly, I personally am not so good in that department. What I do is list down the essentials, the amount of each I should bring and check them out from my list when I had them tucked in my luggage – which is another thing worth writing about, I’m the worst when putting in stuff there. ^_^

You can actually get the most out of your travel by experiencing all types of activities offered in the land. You can fill your itineraries with indoor and outdoor activities that are unique in the region and bring home more than just photos and souvenirs. However, moving from one place to another can be a bit inconvenient when one has a bulky set of personal necessities to bring along for the trip. Travelling light without leaving any of your travel essentials behind is easy with mini-products that are ideal for travel. Even if you are staying in a hotel, it is best to bring your own vanity kit and toiletries especially of products you trust and use for your hair, teeth and skin. You can never know what the  hotel-provided shampoo would do to your flat hair and you wouldn’t want to go about with fizzy hair while enjoying the scenes…worse, you wouldn’t want to be caught in a less glamorous mane on your photos!

photo via http://fitnessista.com

Grooming essentials like soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and toothpaste can take a lot of luggage space if one doesn’t pay attention to their sizes. Purchasing mini or travel size versions of these items doesn’t only save on baggage space but also relieves travellers from unnecessary weight. Toiletries for travel usually come in pocket sizes. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion can be found in sachet packs or mini bottles. Those who plan to have these items on their carry all baggage can consider bottle sets that are TSA compliant so they don’t have to worry about meeting travel security requirements for bottled liquids. You wouldn’t want to be hassled by getting them all out of your luggage and confiscated when checked…it’s both waste of time and money so go with the minis.

When it comes to hand or beauty soap, travellers can choose from pocket sized bars or soap sticks that are easy to use and pack-away even when wet. There are also travel shampoos, hand soap, and body wash sheets that are ideal for outdoor travel like camping or trekking. All that is needed is a bit of water and one can lather these thin and tiny sheets  and leave you feeling clean and fresh. For oral hygiene, one can choose from a variety of toothbrush and toothpaste set that come with a handy case. Toothbrushes with foldable or detachable handles are the ones ideal for travel.

Always consider the amount of time to be spent on your travel, if you are staying for more than a week, it is best to buy your essentials from the nearest shop than bring too less…Sometimes, the small issues make the big difference to your travel experience.

Germany’s Most Beautiful Attractions

Posted by Marie on Mar 13, 2013 in Germany | 9 comments

With its vibrant cities, rich culture, beautiful natural sceneries, and castles, Germany has something for everyone. Berlin is the most popular destination in Germany because of its fascinating sceneries and natural attractions. But aside from this fascinating city, the country also has other major cities with proud histories.

Berlin – image via http://www.sueddeutsche.de

Berlin
Among all the cities in Europe, Berlin holds the third spot. The city houses around 700 restaurants and 170 art galleries and museums. It is also the best destination for people who are into card games like poker, since the city holds the most number of casino hotels in the entire country. Visitors can go to Casino Berlin & Forum Hotel Berlin if they are into playing slot machines and table games. Berlin also has one of the biggest casinos, which is Spielbank Berlin. For those who can’t join live poker games can still enjoy the game by downloading party poker app on their mobile phone. Poker websites such as partypoker de offer players with a mobile app that they can use whenever and wherever they are. So even if you are inside Café Jacques with your family, you can still play the game while waiting for your food to be served.

Munich

Known as a beautiful, ancient city located on the Isar River, Munich has this modern convenience that perfectly blends with the ancient Bavaria. During the World War II, more than 70% of the city was damaged. But through the years, the city has been carefully restored to bring back its appealing splendor. Visitors can enjoy a lot of activities in the city including shopping, museum hopping, and night partying.

Plönlein with Kobolzeller Steige and Spitalgasse, Rothenburg

Rothenburg

Many tourists love the authentic medieval feel of Rothenburg—a prototypical walled-town which has a dramatic architecture, good food, and interesting history. Rothenburg is also considered as the best paradigm of a medieval town in a highly-modernized country like Germany. It is a town that is well-known for its Christmas Market where shoppers can find different Christmas decors all-year-round.

Wurzburg

This is a place which offers visitors many historic attractions, including a collection of historic churches that has a very dramatic structure. Some of the most visited place in the city is the Prince Bishop’s (Residez) Palace, Court Garden and the Fortress (Festung) Marienberg, which can be reached by crossing a river and climbing a hill from the very center of the city.

Hofgartentempel, Munich

The top five tourist destinations in Asia

Posted by Marie on Mar 6, 2013 in Travel Tips | 11 comments

For those that are perhaps a bit bored with the regular vacation destinations, Asia offers a wealth of idyllic, and unique, vacation spots. There are many locations with beautiful beaches, remote islands with tropical palms and fascinating centers of cultural and historical significance. With excellent cheap air flights readily available, travelers can reach any of the five top Asian destinations listed below from their nearest international airport.

Shodoshima, Japan

Japanese tourists taking a home vacation love the ‘Island of Little Beans’, however, this land of hot springs, lush olive groves and wild monkeys is still a well-kept secret when it comes to foreign tourists. The second largest island in the Seto Inland Sea, Shodoshima enjoys a Mediterranean climate, and as a result citrus groves are a feature here. Hikers readily take the trails across the rocks, enjoying the scenic views from the cliffs or those across the Kanka Valley. After a long day of walking and sightseeing, the island’s many hot springs provide a welcome respite for those tired feet.

Rice Terraces in Ubud (image via http://www.bestindonesiantravel.com)

Ubud, Indonesia

The home of the Balinese royal family, Ubud is a relatively small town, with an impressive number of galleries, museums and a lively arts scene – for example, visitors can try the craft of a silversmith at Chez Monique, and take home some personalized jewelry they have created. For a wildlife treat, the lush greenery of the Monkey Forest is home to a lively bunch of monkeys that are fun to watch.  They will swoop down to steal food or anything that looks like it could be food, so beware!

Goa, India

In South Goa the quiet and beautiful Agonda Beach has smooth, soft sand, stunning sunsets and charming beach huts where visitors can stay. Sea turtles nest at the beach, and there are lifeguards on patrol to ensure that it is safe for children. Definitely a destination for those seeking peace and quiet, it is never crowded, the locals are very friendly and there are enough shops and good restaurants to make it interesting. Hire a scooter to make the most of visits to the other beaches and the local towns.

Xi’an, China

The Tang Palace walls and those of the Ming dynasty are clues to the glorious past of Xi’an, one of the oldest cities in China, which has many ancient tombs and ruins. Outside the city, 25 miles to the east, the 7,000 statues of the Terracotta Army represent one of the most significant archaeological finds in the world. The life-size warriors, their horses and chariots, depict the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, and they date from 210 BCE. Xi’an city has many important historical sites, including pagodas, royal mausoleums and towers, and outside the city walls, the southern area offers shopping, bars and some nightlife.

Penang Island, Malaysia

The “food paradise” of Malaysia, Penang’s rich multicultural history makes it a divine place to enjoy an extensive range of Indian, Chinese and Malay foods – allegedly some of the best cuisine in Southeast Asia. Gurney Drive in Georgetown, Penang’s capital, is a coastal promenade with restaurants and bars. Alongside the huge variety of carts serving some of the best street food available, there are upscale eateries and some Western chain restaurants. Take a break from all that eating and enjoy a trip to the Penang National Park – Malaysia’s newest – to see nesting sea turtles in the turtle sanctuary, and to explore the trails across the pristine beaches or above the jungle canopy from the elevated walkway.

Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an (image via http://www.asia-trip.info)