The search for dress number one began today, and thankfully, it has ended too. The first Christmas party I’ll be attending is only two days away! I knew there was work to be done after seeing it staring at me mourningly from its rack… Still, I spotted its beauty immediately.  It’s at the tailor right now — sleeves are coming off, hem is being shortnened, body is getting taken-in — strong shoulders, shiny but pale, purple but grey, boat-neck and soon-to-be mini — The dress is relevant to the moment but classic…Too classic. And like all beautiful and classy things, it needs a partner; An accent if you will…

After browsing virtually every store on Bloor Street during my lunch hour and after work, one thing was for certain, The Statement Necklace (a trend we saw creep up early spring) is as bold and wintery and Christmasy as ever. My top picks are with French Connection and Banana Republic (I’m sure if I had more time the search for an superbly-unique piece would ensue). For us working ladies who don’t have the time to dig through each crevasse of this city to find the necklace — It’s okay. We musn’t worry about the mass-make of the jewellery… How you wear it is what makes it unique.

by French Connection

by Banana Republic

As much as she’s a brat, I must admit that no woman on earth does the statement necklace better than Olivia Palermo. Each of her accessories accentuates the outfit that she wears — she’s edgy and elegant at the same time (a concept which I want so badly to be the reocurring theme of my life — lol — really though). I purchased my statement necklace for $7.50 believe it or not. It’s braided, golden and shines boldly against the pale grey and purple of my dress. There must be a way to incorporate such daring and vivacious accessories to each one of our holiday outfits… Agree?

And even when it’s not a necklace, she manages incoropate the most feminine accents which seem to dangle happily from her neck. I can let her arrogance slide with this one…

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Ps. Thanks to the friends who have challenged me to write about Fashion. This is proving to be way too fun.

Amazing. Undefeated??? The UC football team?  Isn’t that Huggins’ basketball team’s job?  Beat Pitt this weekend, and they get another BCS bowl.  Amazing.

Of course, there has to be the distraction that is the Notre Dame coaching search.  The best thing that could possibly happen is for the Irish to quickly announce that someone other than Brian Kelly has been hired to be the next coach, but I don’t see it playing out that quickly.

They won’t get a shot at the national title, regardless of the outcome of the Pitt game.  But they’ll get someone legit, hopefully in the Sugar Bowl.  I’d love to see how UC would fare against a Florida or an Alabama. (I’d really like to see a playoff this year, though…)

I’m on record.  If Brian Kelly returns to Clifton for the 2010 season, I’ll scrape together my nickels and buy a season ticket or two.  As long as he’s here, this team has a legit shot at winning a national title.  Nippert is a couple miles from my front door… tickets aren’t outrageously priced… and the product on the field won’t be this good after he ultimately leaves someday.  Who’s with me?

When Whitney Port made the move from LA’s “Hills” to document her fashion coming-of-age in “The City,” we rejoiced. We felt Port had more to offer than just the blank stares and backstabbing of her cohort. And while Port’s 20-something escapades were definitely more interesting to watch than Spedi/Justin Bobby/Whoever else ate up screen time on the West Coast, we paid more attention this second season with the addition of Kelly Cutrone. Cutrone is the powerhouse between fashion PR, branding, marketing and production firm People’s Revolution. Known for her no-nonsense attitude, we live for Kelly’s “There’s No Crying In Fashion!” bon mots.

Apparently we’re not the only ones. Cutrone’s reality show “Kell On Earth” premieres on Bravo February 1. Visit Bravo’s blog to catch exclusive video of Cutrone explaining what her show will be like and what audiences will be shocked to learn about the fashion world icon,

When you see an ad for a cheap flight to Delhi, you should take advantage of the savings to have a wonderful holiday. Delhi is the capital of India and as such is one of the most wondrous cities of the world. Not only is the city a beehive of activity, but also a cheap flight to Delhi will place you in a location from which you can easily travel to other parts of the country, such as the Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and locations in North Central India.

Even though you might want to take advantage of a cheap flight to India, you really should spend some time in the city exploring the many impressive attractions. Explore ancient fortresses and majestic ruins where you can discover the history of this exciting and exotic India country. Here you will find a blend of the past and the present. Many dynasties have ruled this country through its lengthy and sometimes stormy history. The city of Delhi was destroyed on seven different occasions and has been rebuilt better each time. The many monuments throughout the city detail the pain and sorrow suffered by the people and stand as a testament to the past.

Forts and Monuments

A cheap flight to Delhi offers the opportunity to visit the forts and monuments of the city. There are so many sights to see in this great city that it is only possible to list a few of them.

Visit what some believe to be the predecessor of the Taj Mahal at Humayun’s Tomb. This monument, built of red sandstone by Haji Begum, the wife of Humayun, dates back to the mid 1500’s. It is one of the best examples of Mughal architecture in all of India. On the way to this tomb, you can also visit a mosque, called the Nizam-Ud-Din Shrine. Inside you will see a tank surrounded by tombs, but most importantly, it is the location of the famous Sufi saint for which the shrine is named.

Even if you don’t plan a layover as part of the itinerary of your cheap flight to Delhi, but have a few hours to wait, you will be able to visit the Safdarjung Tomb, as it is located quite close to the airport. This monument tells the story of a dying empire as the Nawab of Avadh built it for his father. It dates back to the mid-1700’s and lies in the middle of a garden spanning more than 300 square meters.

A must see when you do get a chance to fly to Delhi on a cheap flight is the Red Fort. This impressive fort has a perimeter of more than 3km, and the height of the wall ranges from 18 to 30 meters in places. During the evenings, you can enjoy a light and sound show that will give you a eyefull into the history of Delhi and the part the fort played in that history. The Lahore Gate is the site from which the prime Minister addresses the people on August 15 of each year. Just inside the gate there is a indian market called bazaar, where there is a shopping plaza with many types of items for sale.

The Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India and dates back to its completion in 1658. This mosque has four towers and two minarets that are 40 meters high. From the top of these minarets, you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the entire city of Delhi.

Visit the Rose Garden located in the Chanakya Puri section of the city. Here you will see many rare rose varieties. However, the best time to see the roses in bloom is during the months of December and January. If you are a lover of flowers and want to visit the many botanical gardens of Delhi, you should look for cheap flights for this time of the year.

Getting Around Delhi

Although you might save a lot of money with a cheap flight to Delhi, if you are not used to this city, you shouldn’t try to save money by renting a car. Take advantage of the many ways to travel in Delhi worry free. There are rickshaws or taxis available at the Delhi airport that will take you to your hotel. As soon as you clear customs, there will be many porters offering to carry your bags for you. You can arrange with the hotel where you make reservations to have someone meet you at the airport. If this is so, that person will have a sign bearing your name so that you can identify him. Check at the counter to arrange a taxi, as most of them have established rates from the airport into the city.

When traveling about the city, the hotel can arrange a taxi for you. Delhi is also a city of the rickshaw – a three-wheeled vehicle that is usually about half the price you would pay for a taxi. There is also a bus service that runs from the airport to the center of the city.

Enjoy your visit to Delhi, but remember that this is a big city where you do have to be careful of your belongings.

The Special Administrative Region of China – Hong Kong is a magnificent tourist destination, located on the Pearl River Delta, in the northern province of Guangdong. The major hub of finance and trade – Hong Kong boasts of a liberal economy. History has it that the area was once a colony of the Britain till 1984, when the British handed it over again to China. Al though, a part of China, the region maintains and enjoys a free market.

Attractions in the area range from breathtaking cityscapes, mysterious temples, and colonial buildings to superb museums, parks, and gardens. Most revered as well as the oldest temple in the city is the Man Mo Temple, which is devoted to the deities of literature and war.

Found inside the temple are a range of figurines, depicting other deities. Further, the temple is believed to have been once served as the local court of law. Another prominent temple in the city is Wong Tai Sin Temple – a Taoist shrine, which is much famed across the South East Asian, European, and American countries. Built in traditional-style Chinese architecture, the temple’s highlights are grand red pillars, golden roof ornamented with blue friezes, yellow latticework, and colorful carvings. Apart from these, Hong Kong is home to more than 400 Buddhist temples, such as the Chi Lin Nunnery and Po Lin Monastery.

No visit to the region would be complete without taking a tour to the Victoria Peak, also known as the Peak, featuring the oldest mode of public transport – The Peak Tram, which is in operation since 1888. The Peak Tram is considered the fastest way to reach the Peak. The Peak’s attractions also cover the Peak Tower – a shopping center with an impressive terrace, from where one can enjoy the magnificent views of whole of the Hong Kong Island. Housed within the Peak Tower is Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, boasting of more than 100 superb wax likenesses of world leaders, sport people, and other eminent people.

The Giant Buddha is perhaps the most popular of the region’s destinations. An outdoor seated statue made of bronze – Giant Buddha is the tallest seated statue in the world. With a height of 34 mt, the statue weighs more than 250 tonnes. In order to reach the statue, one has to climb 268 steps. Ngong Ping 360 -a cable car climbing to the Chinese village of Ngong Ping from Tung Chung – is considered one of the best ways to reach the statue.

Hong Kong is sometimes referred to as the ‘Movie Capital of Asia,’ with its attractions such as the Avenue of Stars, whose highlights are commemorative plaques, eloquent milestones, handprints of movie celebrities, cabins with movie memorabilia, a soaring Hong Kong Film Awards statuette, and a life-sized statue of Bruce Lee – a well-known kung-fu star.

Other must-see destinations in the area are Disneyland and Ocean Park, providing an eclectic mix of entertainment, education and conservation facilities; Repulse Bay, which is much favored for its sandy beaches and sub-tropical backdrop; and Golden Bauhinia Square, which marks the most prominent occasion in the history of China, ie, the return of Hong Kong by the British and the establishment of the city as the Special Administrative Region on 30 June 1997.

The city is one of the best places to dine in, with an array of restaurants, serving mind-blowing cuisine such as dim sum, tofu, chicken lo mein, oft shell crab meat, Tong Cho oysters, and Peking duck. The city is also a real shopper’s paradise, with countless number of shops in such happening areas as Stanley, a coastal area dotted with shops and pubs, and Causeway Bay Hong Kong and Wan Chai Hong Kong.

A unique thing regarding the area is that it has something for everyone. For bird lovers, a visit to the Bird market, selling and showing birds, would be a great option. Likewise, take a tour to the city’s fish market, boasting of aquariums with exotic fish varieties. In addition, there are excellent options available for flower lovers, with an expansive flower market, which stand out for its unique selection of flowers and plants. Above all, worth mentioning is the city’s vibrant nightlife, which is mostly concentrated around the twin districts of Wan Chai and Lan Kwai Fong.

Situated in the Kanto region on the mid-eastern part of the Honshu Island, Tokyo is the capital and the largest city in Japan. Tokyo, literally meaning ‘Eastern Capital,’ is also one of the 47 prefectures in the country. However, it is much popular as a metropolis rather than a prefecture. The largest of its kind in the world, Tokyo’s metropolis is made up of: 26 cities, 23 city wards, eight villages, and five towns.

Once a typical village known as Edo – the city became the political center of the country when Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of the most powerful rulers, established his feudal government here during the 16th century. But, Tokyo got its present name when the emperor Meiji shifted his capital from Kyoto to Edo. A city of contrasts, Tokyo has now become one of the most popular destinations in the world, brimming with world-class attractions.

Tokyo has to its credit such a great number of attractions that it takes months to explore them all. One of the most popular among the city’s attractions is Imperial Palace, which is still the residence of the emperor of Japan. The palace is built on a huge amazing site, where still the remains of Edo Castle can be seen. Another worth-visiting attraction here is Diet Parliament, which was opened in 1936. Equally worth mentioning is Kabuki-za Theatre, which is perhaps the most popular in the country. Opened its door in 1889, the theatre conducts daily performances.

No visit to Tokyo would be complete without taking a tour to Akihabara, also known as Akihabara Electric Town or Akiba. This area boasts of an enormous collection of electronic shops. Also, a great attraction in the city is Tokyo Tower, a soaring structure that takes after the Eiffel Tower in Paris. A marine aquarium can also be seen here. Additionally, Tokyo is home to Tsukiji Central Wholesale Market, one of the largest fish market in the world.

Other not to miss destinations in Tokyo are Shinjuku, a business area of the city with one of the biggest amusement squares in the country; Asakusa, with attractions such as Sensoji Temple and the Kaminarimon gate; Roppongi, a trendy area regarded as the international area of the city; and Odaiba, a highly developed waterfront as well as island area in Tokyo bay.

Above all, while your stay in the city, don’t miss Tokyo Disneyland, an amusement park with highlights such as Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour, Fantillusion, Western River Railroad, The Mickey Mouse Review, and Meet the World.

Shrines and Temples – Each of the temples in the city is truly a sight to see. Most popular among the shrines in the area is Sensoji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple. Located in Asakusa, the temple is a Buddhist shrine, with features such as the Kaminarimon or thunder gate and a five-storied pagoda. Nakamise, a shopping street with a history of several centuries, leads to the second gate of the temple, Hozomon.

Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife Shoken, is another popular temple in the city. Completed in 1920 and rebuilt after the Second World War, Meiji Shrine is home to various festivals and events.

A visit to such shrines as Sengakuji Temple, where 47 Ronin are buried; Yasukini Shrine, which commemorate Japan’s war dead; and Zojoji Temple – the main shrine of Buddhist Jado sect would be a great experience.

Museums – Tokyo has a great number of museums, which among many others, are the Tokyo National Museum – the oldest as well as the largest in the country; Mitsuo Aida Museum, with a rare collection of artifacts; Edo Tokyo Museum, where on display are artifacts related to the city’s history and culture; O Art Museum, a multi-purpose art museum; Mori Art Museum, showcasing contemporary Japanese art; Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum; Nezu Institute of Fine Art; the Bunkamura Museum of Fine Art; Science Museum of Tokyo, and Sompo Japan Museum of Art, housing works of Seiji Togo, a well-known Japanese artist.

Parks and Gardens – For nature lovers, Tokyo has an astounding array of parks and gardens. Some of the most popular among them are:

- Rikugien, a beautiful landscape garden designed in Japanese style

- Hama Rikyu, one of the most attractive gardens in the area, which once served as the garden of a feudal lord’s residence during the Edo period

- Kyu Shiba Rikyu Onshi Teien, which is developed on the site which was earlier the residence of several feudal lords as well as government officials

- East Gardens, an amazing garden located within the compounds of the Imperial Palace

- Ueno Park, one of the largest public parks in the country, is home to many museums, such as the Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum for Western Art

- Yoyogi Koen, a unique park designed in western style

Tokyo has some of the best shopping areas in the form of Ginza district, located in the heart of the city. Many stores designer items, jewelry, and apparels can be seen here. Among the largest department stores in the area are Hankyu, Seibu, Printemps, Matsuya, Wako and Mikimoto.

If you are planning to tour Europe, you should really consider the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Depending on your interests, this beautiful area might be an ideal vacation spot. You can get classic Italian food, and wash it down with fine local wine. Some parts of Lombardy are relatively undiscovered by tourists. This article presents Lombardy outside of its capital Milan or the beautiful Lake districts, which are described in companion articles in this series.

Over the millennia Lombardy has been invaded by many nations including the Etruscans and the Gauls, then the Romans, Franks, and Goths, and finally the French, Spaniards, and Austrians. Did we forget the Lombards? All of these invaders left their mark, some more and some less. Keep local history in mind as you tour this impressive region.

We start our tour at Pavia about twenty-five miles (forty kilometers) south of Milan. Then we proceed southeast to Cremona. We continue east to finish this short tour at Mantua near the Veneto border.

Once upon a time little Pavia (population about 70 thousand) was a major rival of nearby Milan (city population about 1.3 million and metropolitan population over 5 million.) Its defeat by the Barbarians in 476 commonly marks the end of the Western Roman Empire. Almost nine hundred years later the internationally known University of Pavia was founded, based on a law and divinity school established by the year 825. Count Alessandro Giuseppe Antonio Anastasio Volta was the most famous individual associated with this university. It was Volta who discovered methane gas and invented the electric battery. When you think about volts and voltage, think about Pavia.

Arguably the most famous native of Pavia was Benedetto Cairoli, the 13th and 15th Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Italy. He was somewhat of a hero during Risorgimento (the fight for Italian independence) but had a relatively undistinguished career as Prime Minister with a single exception. Cairoli risked his life and was severely wounded when he successfully protected the unpopular King Umberto I from assassination early in his reign. Now let’s consider Pavia’s sights.

Pavia is home to several other churches worth seeing. The Lombard-Romanesque San Michele Maggiore Church was built on the site of a preexisting Lombard church. First destroyed shortly after the turn of the first millennium it was rebuilt during the Twelfth Century. The Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro (St. Peter in Golden Sky) actually originated in the beginning of the Seventh Century. Its name refers to gold leaf mosaics that formerly decorated parts of the ceiling. This basilica was featured in Bocaccio’s Decameron. You may also want to see the Thirteenth Century brick Santa Maria del Carmine Church and the Renaissance Santa Maria di Canepanova Church.

Head about five miles (eight kilometers) north of town to see Pavia’s number one attraction, the Fifteenth Century Certosa di Pavia (Charterhouse of Pavia) monastery. This complex, which took over one hundred years to build, is considered an excellent expression of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. It includes a great collection of paintings and stained glass windows. The church was meant to house the tombs of its owners, the noble Visconti family but only one family member is actually buried there. His tomb took over sixty years to build. Nearby is the tomb of another Duke and his wife Beatrice d’Este, a real Renaissance woman and a beauty as well, who died in childbirth at age 22. You may have heard of her sister-in-law, Lucrezia Borgia.

The city of Cremona, population about seventy thousand, was first settled well over two thousand years ago. The famous Roman poet Virgil went to school there and owned a family farm in the vicinity. Another name is indelibly linked to this city, that of Antonio Stradivari, the world’s greatest violinmaker. His masterpieces are simply the world’s best-known and most expensive stringed instruments. As they say about yachts, if you have to ask the price, you can’t afford it. It’s not sour grapes, but what would I do with a Stradivari violin, or mandolin? Perhaps trade it for vintage wine and Champagne.

The violin as we know it was invented in Cremona around 1564 by Andrea Amati who died more than sixty years before Stradivari was born. The Guarneri family created world famous violins here and elsewhere in Italy. Even today there are more than 50 violinmakers in Cremona. The Piazza Roma square near Stradivari’s house and workshop contains his tombstone and grave. The city includes the Scuola Internazionale di Liuteria (International School of Violin Making) and the Museo Stradivariano (Stradivarius Museum)

Our next and final stop is the city of Mantua whose population is slightly under fifty thousand. Some say that Mantua was founded about four thousand years ago. The great Roman poet Virgil was born in a nearby village. In the Twelfth Century Mantua adopted a novel means of protection against invasion, namely four artificial lakes that ringed the city. Three of them exist to this day; the fourth dried up in the Eighteenth Century. If you remember your Shakespeare, Romeo fled to Mantua after killing Juliet’s cousin in a swordfight. Talk about a family feud.

Mantua’s Palazzo Ducale was built between the Fourteenth and Seventeenth Centuries and boasts some 500 rooms. Its centerpiece is the Camera degli Sposi (The Wedding Chamber) room that took Andrea Mantegna about seven years to paint. When you see it, you’ll know why. Since you’re only allowed ten minutes to admire this marvelous, unique room you should familiarize yourself with the painting before your allotted time slot. One more thing, don’t forget to look at the ceiling.

Finish your tour at the suburban Palazzo Te built in the Sixteenth Century. Unlike many other historic Italian buildings this one was completed in only ten years. In fact its shell went up in eighteen months. In spite of its speedy construction it is considered one of the greatest Renaissance palaces. Don’t forget to tour the Camera di Amore e Psiche (Cupid and Psyche’s Room) showing a wedding with quite interesting and unusual guests and the Camera dei Giganti (Room of the Titans) in which Jupiter expels the Titans from Mount Olympus. The walls contain graffiti dating back to the Seventeenth Century. Please don’t add your own.

What about food? Of Italy’s twenty regions Lombardy trails only Emilia-Romagna in food production. A lot of the food is of foreign origin, not surprising given the frequency with which Lombardy fell under outside domination. But there are also local specialties. For example, Cremona is known for Mostarda, mustard flavored candied fruits that accompany Bollito Misto, mixed boiled meats. A local version of this treat calls for calf’s head, veal tongue, and pig’s foot among others. Cremona also claims to have invented ravioli.

Let’s suggest a sample menu, one of many. Start with Zuppa alla Pavese (Soup with Bread, Butter, Eggs, and grated Parmesan Cheese). Then try Bollito Misto (Mixed Boiled Meats). For dessert indulge yourself with Colombe Pasquale (dove shaped Easter Bread with Candied Fruit). Be sure to increase your dining pleasure by including local wines with your meal.

We conclude with a quick look at Lombardy wine. Lombardy ranks 11th among the 20 Italian regions for both acreage devoted to wine grapes and for total annual wine production. The region produces about 62% red and rose and 38% white wine, but there is little rose. There are 15 DOC wines. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin, presumably a high-quality wine. The G in DOCG stands for Garantita, but there is in fact no guarantee that such wines are truly superior. Over 47% of Lombardy wine carries the DOC or DOCG designation. There are three DOCG wines: the sparkling Franciacorta said to compete with French Champagne and priced accordingly, the red Sforzato di Valtellina, and the red Valtellina Superiore.

Lambrusco Mantovano DOC is a red or rose dry or sweet fizzy wine produced southeast of Mantua from local grapes. The San Colombano al Lambro DOC is red or white still or fizzy wine made from a variety of local grapes about halfway between Milan and Cremona. The area’s best-known wine is the Oltrepo Pavese DOC grown south of Pavia, across the Po River, hence its name. This wine, the favorite of Milan, is made in several styles from multiple grape varieties.

Canadian passports are in high demand as they give the holders all the rights in the world, without asking for much in exchange. There is a black market for obtaining a fake Canadian passport and the criminals involved are quite creative when it comes to the methods used.

Recently, the RCMP conducted a major police operation against a forgery network in Canada. Besides traditional businesses involved, the novelty was the involvement of three daycares!

The list of the names of those who  have “contributed” to our society was released by the RCMP. They are:

CHERITI, Mohamed 45 years old Montréal
SOUEILAH, Sofiane 37 years old Montréal
KOSSOM, Stéphanie 28 years old Blainville
ABI, Omar 40 years old Saint-Léonard
BENKHEDIM, Farid 33 years old Montréal
BENTOUTAOU, Khaled 36 years old Montréal
FRANCOEUR, Gérald 48 years old Laval
JARID, Badr 23 years old Laval
OUCHIKH, Kamel 43 years old Laval
NDIBU, Chris Ntenday 25 years old Saint-Laurent
BOUTLEDJA, Sofiane 28 years old Montréal
CHERITI, Brahim 46 years old Montréal
ABUKAR, Osman 33 years old Toronto, Ont.
BALLOUT, Ali 29 years old North York, Ont.
ARCURI, Léonardo 59 years old Saint-Léonard
GHARIB, Aboelfetoh 57 years old Laval
HASA, Gjergji 26 years old Verdun
ZIANI, Abdel Fetah 29 years old Montréal
HASSENA, Sidali 45 years old Montréal
RMAIH, Abdallah 44 years old Montréal-Nord
LÉVEILLÉ, Gilles 56 years old Montréal
HADDAD, Adel 49 years old Saint-Laurent
KARTHIKESU, Jeyaseelam 50 years old Montréal
DIEYA, Kasongo 43 years old Montréal
MIRACLES, Fenel 41 years old Montréal
META, Bali 42 years old
PONNIAH, Sutharsun 42 years old Scarborough, Ont.
ABDUL GAFFOOR, Nameez 43 years old Scarborough, Ont.
THURAIRAJAH, Sirithar 49 years old Markham, Ont.
GAVRILA, Liliana 28 years old Laval
ABDUL GAFFOOR, Nasleem 41 years old Scarborough, Ont.
GAVRILA, Tiberiu 35 years old Montréa

Among the 32 individuals charged are two Romanians,  Gavrila Liliana and Gavrila Tiberiu. The two lived one in Laval , the other one in Montreal. Strange decision for a couple sharing the same surname. Gavrila Tiberiu is a gipsy refugee with criminal record in Canada as he was in prison in Rivière-des-Prairies. Romania requires his extradition, but Canada wants to keep him here, for the stupid reason that the “poor refugee” ’s life in Romania would be in danger. Really? How is that? Gypsies have been living in Romania for centuries and they were not exterminated. On the contrary, they have multiplied like mushrooms after rain.

Also, I believe that Canada’s decision is an insult and Romania should ask the Canadian government for an oficial apology.

The Romanian “refugee” must be deported, together with the rest of the “new Canadians” as Canada is way better without their “contribution”.

As for those who were born here, they should be deprived of their citinzenship and given the status of permanent residents.

Also see Vincent Larouche

http://www.ruefrontenac.com/nouvelles-generales/14274/14274

For some reason, I can’t get last night out of my head.  As I walked home with Aryeh, we saw stars near Morningside park.  Yeah, you read that right.  STARS.  Stars.  (All of Orion, no less.)  Stars, stars, stars.  You know what those are, right?  You haven’t forgotten?  Stars, for the uninformed, are those gorgeous shiny things that I always wanted to study, that sit up in the sky and remind you just how small you are and just how big the universe is, and how that’s ok.

I can’t remember ever seeing stars in Manhattan, except once, so of course last night reminded me of that one time.  It was the second or third week of freshman year, the night of the student council election debates for the first-years.  I met a (now-dear) friend for the first time in person that night, after the requisite “OMFG-we’re-freshmen!!” conversations on Facebook, and we started talking, and then walking, and somehow we wound up on the roof of Mudd, and I saw stars then.  That was the first time I was homesick – one of two times, so of course it’ll be in my head forever.  I hadn’t seen stars since Illinois, since I’d driven out into the country alone, a few days before leaving, and laid on my back on top of my car and stared out into the distance at the incredible patchwork above my head.  There was nothing like that sensation.  It reminded me, too, in a lesser way, of all those times that I’d climbed out my window or the bathroom window and onto the roof of my parents’ house and stared up, sometimes happy, sometimes sad, sometimes so tired that I had nothing left in me, just exhaustion and an appreciation of the serenity above me.  The stars didn’t care about my papers and projects.  They didn’t care about how much I loved or hated school at that moment, about whether I was getting along with my friends or my family or my teachers, about whether I had any money in my pocket or not.  Senior year, those stars were a reminder of what I wanted to be and what I was aiming for and why I could do it and on and on and on, all these empty pseudo-philosophical thoughts that we all excel at when we’re sixteen (and I guess when we’re nineteen too).  Seeing those stars, freshman year, was a justification, a proof:  ha, I made it, I’m at Columbia, on a roof, with a really cool guy, talking about everything and anything and nothing and wondering how he’s going to play into my next four years…but they were also a reminder that I was no longer a sixteen-year-old senior, lying on the roof with my mother asleep twenty feet away, with a support system and a plan and all the other things that you have when you’re a kid and don’t have when you’re a college freshman two weeks into your first semester.

Time rolled on, at varying speeds.  I became a music major.  (Sometimes I still wonder what would have happened if I was an astronomy major instead.)  I went been back to the roof of Mudd once, with that same friend, later during freshman year, but it was cloudy that night, and I haven’t been back since.

I spent the summer after that first year of college in Illinois, but I was almost afraid to look at the stars that summer – I had nothing left but a relationship that was falling apart and a job that wasn’t a job and a lot of disappointment, as I realized that I was never going to be a boring suburban dweller (and was almost certainly never going to shop at Bath and Bodyworks again – working there can do that to you).  I was almost afraid that the stars would pass judgment on my miserable self, so I hid.  But the apartment I rented with my brother that summer was in a basement (you know that half-submerged style) and there were bushes in front of my window, so the point, I suppose, was moot.

I rarely saw that friend during the next year, other than brief passing encounters (we were both busy and stressed), and the doomed relationship died a long, slow, painful death and I fell back in love with music all over again and I started to figure my life out, all without seeing stars.

Last summer was Cairo.  I’ve talked about that plenty.  And I remember seeing the stars there.  That was refreshing.  But last summer, the night sky was more about the moon than the stars, and it was, most of all, about the lack of sun in the sky, which was the most refreshing part of all.

The friend had to leave Columbia this past summer, for various complicated personal reasons.

And now, there are stars again, in the city.  This time, the stars made me nothing but happy – happy to be where I am, who I am, what I am, and what I hope to become.  I’m with someone I love, studying something I love, living somewhere I love, and I am largely content and occasionally truly happy or truly sad.  I talk to that friend every now and then, and he’s doing better, thank goodness.  We’re a little awkward every now and then, but isn’t that half the fun?  So maybe now I can look the stars in the eye again, and be serene.  The stars always got to live happily ever after.  I was so jealous of that in high school.  But maybe now I don’t have to be jealous of that anymore – I can live happily ever after, too.

Finding a cheap flight to Bombay might take a little bit of research online and in person, but you will be glad that you did. Visiting Bombay is one of the most interesting and culturally diverse things that you can do, and many people visit Bombay for quite a few reasons. First of all, finding a cheap flight to Bombay is more than just that making travel arrangements. Bombay is now currently known as Mumbai, and is the capital of the Maharashtra state in India. There are about 13 million people who live in Bombay, so visiting this city is something that is full of big city adventures for lots of people.

A cheap flight to Bombay will take you to an area that is off the west coast of the country of India. The city itself has a natural harbour that is quite deep. This is advantageous for the city of Mumbai, which takes care of more than half the passenger traffic in all of India, as well as most of the Indian cargo. A cheap flight to Bombay will take you to the hub of the commercial and entertainment areas in India, so you will be able to catch a glimpse of both areas while visiting the city. First of all, Mumbia is the commercial capital, which means that the major financial institutions, like the Reserve Bank of India, as well as the Bombay Stock exchange, are found here. Visitors who are interested in the commercial goings-on of India will enjoy their time in Bombay, because a cheap flight to Bombay means being right where the action is, and right in the middle of the business district of the city. However, commerce isn’t all that a cheap flight to Bombay will have to offer you. It is also the entertainment capital of India. This includes the Hindi industry of film and television, which is commonly called Bollywood. Film buffs, as well as history scholars, will enjoy taking a cheap flight to Bombay and visiting this area. This is because Bombay is the birthplace of the entire Indian cinema idea.

With a history that dates back to silent movies made by Dadasaheb Phalke, followed by talkies, the oldest film that was broadcast in India can be dated back to the early 20th century. This historical area of cinema also includes current entertainment, as well.

Mumbia has a large number of theaters and cinemas, and it is also home to the world’s biggest IMAX Theater. This theater shows Bollywood, Marathi, and Hollywood hits.

Not only that, but Bombay is one of the few cities in the world that actually has a national park inside its borders. This is something that is quite interesting to tourists of all types. One of the premier destinations for backpackers, family vacations, and couples is the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. It is not all cinema and park that brings tourists in on a cheap flight to Bombay, however. There are many other reasons that one might want to visit Bombay. Contemporary art is a main attraction in Mumbai. There are several government funded art galleries that are open for viewing. There is also a gallery of modern art, as well as several historical galleries, and a large public library.

With all the arts, culture, and historical books that can be found, a scholar can lose themselves in history and learning on a visit to this great city. For those backpackers and tourists who are looking for well-known historical sites, they will be able to find two UNESCO World Heritage Sites after a cheap flight to Bombay.

These are the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Elephanta Caves. Both these attractions are highly popular, and are among the primary reasons that people choose to visit Bombay.

For backpackers, these are two of the most popular destinations in India, and the hotels around them are usually quite cheap as well. In fact, cheap hotels and hostels in Bombay are so available that many people come and stay longer than they may have planned. They can take advantage of all there is to see and do, while having a cheap place to stay, as well. There are also several popular areas in the city that one might visit on a cheap flight to Bombay. These include Nariman Point, Chowpatti Beach, and Juhu Beach, as well as Marine Drive. These are all sites that are listed in travel guides and in other guidebooks that you can purchase beforehand or after you arrive in Bombay. With all that can be found in Bombay, it is no wonder that many people choose to spend a few pounds on a cheap flight to Bombay. There are many attractions in this bustling city, which is a treasure trove of history, culture, and life.

The biggest as well as the capital city of the Republic of Korea (South Korea,) Seoul is an intriguing destination, situated in the mid western region of the Korean Peninsula, on the Han River, near the North Korean border, otherwise known as the de-militarised zone (DMZ), which in turn is a buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea. Spread over an area of 605 sq km, Seoul has been designated with the status of a Special City, and is directly under the administration of the national government.

Seoul’s history dates back to as early as 18 BC when Paekche Kingdom made Wiryeseong, which is today’s southeastern Seoul, as its capital. Later, Seoul became the capital of the Goryeo era during the 11th century. Seoul was then known as Southern Capital, which was later renamed Hanyang in 1394 when the Joseon dynasty made Seoul its capital.

In 1948, Seoul became the capital city of South Korea. Additionally, Seoul witnessed several wars and destruction during various phases of its history. But, Seoul has been now transformed into an international destination, with a sound commerce and sports scene. Despite its modern soaring buildings and sophisticated expressways, Seoul still retains its old world charm.

For those who want to enjoy the traditional culture of Korea, a visit to Seoul’s Insa-dong would be a great experience. Situated in the middle of the city, Insa-dong is an exciting as well as colorful place with alleys on either site.

All of the alleys seen here are packed with traditional restaurants and teahouses, cafes, and shops, where both traditional and precious items are put for sale. It is also home to a number of interesting art galleries such as Gana Art Gallery, Gana Art Center, and Hakgojae Gallery, which is the center of folk art. One of the best ways to tour these galleries is via the Art Center Bus, which takes you to more than 10 much famed art galleries in the region.

Of the marvelous attractions in Seoul that deserve a special mention is the Gyeongbok Palace, also known as Northern Palace. Built in 1395 by Taejo Seonggye Lee of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbok is perhaps the most beautiful of all palaces in the area.

Sprawling over an area of 495,000 the palace’s highlights cover Geunjeongjeon – the main hall, Gyeonghoeru – the banquet pavilion, and Hyangwonjeong, which is island developed within a pond. Also, within the palace is the National Folk Museum, with some rare artifacts.

Another fabulous palace in Seoul is Deoksugung, which has to its credit an amazing mix of temples and gardens. Also, a great palace in the area is Changdeokgung Palace, which still serves as the residence of Royals. However, a guided tour is the required to take a visit to Changdeokgung Palace, the oldest palace in the city. Seoul’s incredible attractions also include a variety of ancient shrines and pagodas, such as Chongmyo Shrine and Chogyesa Temple. A specialty is that many of the shrines in Seoul are graced with beautiful Buddhist art.

Your visit to Seoul would not be complete without taking a tour to Dongdaemun Market, which is dubbed as the ‘Mecca of Fashion.’ With a large collection of shopping malls, Dongdaemun Market is a place to shop a full range of clothing items and that too at cheap prices. Both retail and wholesale shops can be seen here, and few among them are Freya Town, Doosan Tower, Migliore, Designer’s Club, Nuzzon, Migliore Valley, and Gwanghee Fashion Mall. Also, found in the vicinity is Dongdaemun Stadium, which is a great place to shop sporting materials.

Another popular market place in the area is Namdaemun Market, where everything from men and women’s apparels, children’s wear, and shoes to kitchenware, indigenous items, and imported goods can be shopped. Since this market area has such a great number of shopping malls, it is recommended to plan in advance prior to shopping.

A must-see attraction in Seoul is Mt. Namsan, a 252 m mountain located in the heart of the city. Mt Namsan and its surrounding areas have been maintained as a public park. Among the highlights of this symbolic mountain are the Palgakjeong Pavilion, Seoul Tower, Namsan Library, and a marine aquarium, and a botanical garden. You can reach the summit either via the hiking trail or through a cable car ride. Namsangol Traditional Korean Village is close to the mountain.

Other not to miss attraction in the area are War Memorial, National Theater, Korea House, Myong-dong Catholic Cathedral, Sejong Cultural Center, and Sejong Cultural Center.

The capital of the Shaanxi Province, Xian is the north-west China’s largest city, and is situated south of the Guanzhong Plain. Known as Chang’an in ancient times, Xian finds a prominent place in the Chinese history, and was once the economic, cultural, political, and transportation center of the country.

Xian served as the capital of more than ten ancient regal dynasties and that too for a period spanning from 1000 BC to 1000 AD. The history of the city dates back to about 3,000 years ago when the western Zhou Dynasty made the city as its capital, which was then known as Haojing.

The western Zhou Dynasty flourished and was much famed for its bronze, of which some of now forms part of the Shaanxi provincial Museum. But, the reign of the Western Zhou Dynasty came to an end in 771 BC when the Barbarians invaded the dynasty.

Later, the Eastern Zhou Dynasty made Luoyang as its capital. In 221BC, the country was unified under the control of the emperor Qinshihuang, who made Xiangyang as its capital and laid a strong foundation for the feudal society. But, the rule of Qin was taken over by Han, who ruled Xian from 206 BC to 220 AD, during which the city became prosperous. It was during this period the renowned Silk Road – a prominent trade route connecting the ancient country with the central Asian as well as European nations, was established.

The city further gained much recognition during the reign of Tang Dynasty, during which Xian became one of the international cities of the time. However, Xian began to decline after the fall of the Tang Dynasty. Apart from these aforesaid dynasties, Xian was also the capital of such dynasties as the Xihan, Xinmang, Western Jin, Former Zhao, pre-Qin, post-Qin, Western Wei, Northern Zhou, and Sui.

With centuries old history, rich archeological findings, and treasure trove of cultural relics, Xian is acknowledged as the ‘Cradle of Chinese Civilization,’ and has now become a well-known tourist city. Taking a tour to Xian is just like walking through more than 5000 years old Chinese history. In fact, Xian is a must-see destination for those who are interested in exploring the ancient civilization of the country as well as its history and culture.

The greatest of the attraction in Xian is perhaps the Xian City Wall, which was erected by the emperor Zhu Yuanzhang during the period of Ming dynasty. The City Wall was actually erected to widen the wall that was built during the reign of Tang Dynasty. This is regarded as the country’s best preserved city wall and is the world’s largest ancient military defensive system.

Another great attraction in the city is Xian Bell Tower and Drum Tower, which was built during the period of the Ming Dynasty. No visit to Xian would be complete without taking a tour to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which consists of three classifications such as Big Wild Goose Pagoda – rising up to a height of 65 meters with seven stories; North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which is credited to be Asia’s biggest fountain square; and Da Ci’en Temple, within which the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower are housed, apart from a range of other richly adorned attractions like Sermon Hall, the Hall of Mahavira, and the Hall of Xuanzang Sanzang.

Other not to miss attractions in the city are Terra-cotta Army Museum, whose focal point is terra cotta warrior lined in a real battle formation; Shaanxi Provincial History Museum, a museum of the national level which has on display more than 110,000 artifacts; Xian Famen Temple, an exciting shrine with an interesting history; Xian Great Mosque, a grand mosque which was once a prominent religious center of Arab merchants in the country and now serves more than 50000 Chinese Muslims in the area.

Forest of Stone Steles Museum, boasting of largest collection of steles in the country; Banpo Neolithic Village Museum, where you can find the remains of Neolithic people; and Xian Huaqing Hot Springs. When comes to activities, visitors to Xian can enjoy a range of activities from shopping to dining.

With these superb varieties of attractions, it is no wonder why people from across the world flock to this amazing destination.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital as well as the largest city in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur, or KL as it is fondly known, is located in a valley enclosed by jagged hills, on the west coast of the Peninsular Malaysia. Occupying an area of about 250 square kilometers, Kuala Lumpur is an enclave in Selangor – a state of Malaysia, and is one among the three Malaysian Federal Territories, others being Putrajaya and Labuan.

A mining settlement during the late 1800s, Kuala Lumpur has now become a bustling metropolis, and serves not only as the capital but also the cultural as well as legislative center, since it is the seat of the parliament of the country. In addition, the city leads the country’s fast-paced growth in sectors such as finance and banking, trade and commerce, manufacturing, transportation, tourism, and information technology.

When comes to attractions, Kuala Lumpur has aplenty to offer. Among which, not to miss ten attractions in the city are:

Merdeka Square – Also known as Dataran Merdeka or Independence Square, Merdeka Square stands as the old colonial core of the city. The focal point of Merdeka Square is the flagpole of 328ft, which is the tallest of its kind in the world. It is also the place where the Malayan flag was hoisted for the first time during the midnight on August 31, 1957 when Malaysia attained independence. Highlights in Merdeka Square also include the National History Museum, Royal Selangor Club, and Sultan Abdul Samad Building, reflecting Moorish architectural style.

Petronas Towers – Probably, the greatest among the attractions of the city is the Petronas Twin Tower, which is truly a modern architectural splendor. They are one of the tallest in the world, and consist of 88 floors. Both the towers are joined at its 41st and 42nd floor by a sky bridge. Entry to the tower is free. Found within the buildings are concert and conference halls, prayer room for Muslims, and a museum of the Petronas Oil Company. Further, at the foot of this 452 meters tall building is Suria KLCC, a trendy shopping mall selling branded items, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Petrosains Discovery Center.

Batu Caves – Situated about 12 km north of the city, Batu Caves are a must-see attraction. A sacred spot for Hindus – Batu Caves include three main caves, apart from several small caves. Of the caves here, the biggest as well as the most popular is the Cathedral Cave or Temple Cave, which as the name suggests, has a myriad of shrines, Sri Subramania Swamy Temple being the significant. Further, the area is thronged by a large number of devotees during the annual event, Thaipusam, which falls in every January.

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station – Erected in 1910, Kuala Lumpur is a magnificent Moorish-style building built during the period of British rule. Its minarets, arches, and spires are truly incredible.

Masjid Jamek – Otherwise known as Friday Mosque, Masjid Jamek is a historic structure located at the confluence of the Sungei Klang and the Sungei Gombak rivers. Designed by Arthur Benison Hubback and opened in 1909 – it is a tranquil area set among shady palm trees.

Masjid Negara – Masjid Negara or National Mosque is the largest mosque in South-east Asia. Completed in 1965, the main prayer hall within the mosque can accommodate up to 10000 people. The centerpiece of the mosque is the splendid 18-point dome resembling a star. Each of the points represents 13 states of the country as well as the five pillars of the Islam.

Chinatown – A stroll along the vibrant area of Chinatown would be a great experience, and allows you to come through a variety of temples, vendors selling traditional medicines, and several pet shops.

Taman Negara – A visit to the city would not be complete without taking a tour to Taman Negara or National Park, boasting of some of the world’s oldest rainforest. The area is especially noted for its diverse flora and fauna. A great way to explore the area via a trekking along the trails found here. Apart from this, the park also has excellent options for activities like climbing, river rafting, fishing, and bird watching. Also, a unique thing is that some of the areas within the Taman Negara are inhabited by nomadic Orang Asli people.

Lake Gardens – Sprawling over an area of about 200 acres, Lake Gardens is a beautiful tourist spot developed more than 100 years ago. Attractions found here, among many others, are the Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens, the Butterfly Park, and the Bird Park.

National Science Center – This is an exceptional spot with a number of galleries exhibiting important as well as interesting items.

A blend of old and new worlds, Kuala Lumpur’s attractions also covers a number of interesting museums such as the National Museum, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial, the Police Museum, the KL Natural History Museum, and the Islamic Art Museum. Above all, KL is a shoppers’ paradise, with an array of shopping malls selling everything from electronic and apparels to antique and handicraft items.

The growing number of tourists to the city has led to tremendous increase in the number of high-end hotels and resorts. Since many of them have their own websites, this allows for easy bookings of hotels online.

Located in Guangdong Province in southern China, Shenzhen is a sub-provincial city, bordering the Pearl River Delta and Hong Kong to the south and Dongguan and Huizhou to the north. Due to its strategic location, Shenzhen provides great potentials for economic growth and is considered the economic capital of the country.

Sometimes, Shenzhen is referred to as the backyard of Hong Kong, since it is within close proximity to Hong Kong and hence allows for a convenient day trip from Shenzhen to Hong Kong or vice versa. Shenzhen boasts of a long history of more than 1500 years. Once a small, typical fishing village known as Baoan County, the destination got its present name in 1979 when Deng Xiaoping, the then Communist Party Chairman, gave the location the designation of Special Economic Zone.

Today, Shenzhen is a blend of traditional Chinese culture and modernity and enjoys all the benefits and comforts of an international city, with superb attractions, state of the art road and transportation system, and high quality as well as advanced information system.

Administered by the Guangdong Provincial Government, Shenzhen is divided into six zones, such as, Luohu, Futian, Nanshan, Yantian, Bao’an and Longgang, among which first four are located in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ.) Luohu is in the eastern section of the Special Economic Zone, and is considered the financial and trade center of the city.

Located at the heart of SEZ, Futian serves as the destination’s center of administration, culture, and commerce. Nanshan is regarded as the learning as well as western logistics of Shenzhen and is in the western part of the Special Economic Zone. Situated to the east of SEZ, Yantian is much famed as the center of tourism.

Neighboring Dapeng Bay and Daya Bay, Longgang district is popular as the center for hi-tech export processing and logistics distribution. When comes to Bao’an, it occupies an area of about 715 square kilometers and serves as a base for modern agriculture. In addition, Shenzhen is also a provincial city under the control of the Central Government.

Al though, the city doesn’t has as many historical attractions that other destinations in China have, Shenzhen has created great other attractions in order to entertain and educate visitors touring here. For instance, a visit to the China Folk Cultural Village would be a great way to get a clear idea on different types of folk cultures of the country.

Sprawling over an area of about 500 acres, the China Folk Cultural Village consists of more than 20 unique cottages, each of them representing the distinctive architecture of various ethnic groups. The Village also hosts a number of interesting festivals including the Water-Splashing Festival, the Torch Festival – a traditional event of the Yi ethnic group, and Knife Bar Festival – celebrated by the Lisu ethnic group. In addition, people touring here can also take part in folk dances and shop handicraft items.

Situated in Shenzhen’s Oversea Chinese Town, Splendid China is another prominent attraction in the destination. Also known as Shenzhen Miniature Kingdom, Splendid China is one of the largest miniature scenery parks in the world, with replicas of almost all landmarks in the country, such as the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses in Xian, the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Old Summer Palace, Ancient Observatory of Beijing, Potala Palace, the Mogao Caves of Dunhuang, Mount Huangshan, the Li River, and much more.

This scenic miniature park is managed by the China Travel Services, and is divided into two sections such as a Scenic Spot Area and a Comprehensive Area. It is estimated that there are more than 50,000 ceramic figures in the park.

Attractions in Shenzhen also include the Window of the World, a replica park situated in the western region of the city. The focal point of the park is the flamboyant replicas of the world’s wonderful as well as scenic sites such as the Eiffel Tower, the Tower of London, Roman Colosseum, the Pyramids, Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon, Manhattan, and Mahamuni Pagoda of Rangoon. In short, when you leave the park after seeing these replicas, you feel as if you have toured the world in a day.

Other not to miss attractions in the city include Shenzhen Museum, Shenzhen Grand Theater, He Xiangning Art Gallery, and Guan Shanyue Art Gallery. Additionally, Shenzhen is a shoppers’ paradise with such options as Louhu Commercial City, Dongmen Laojie or the Old Street, and Huaqiang Bei Rd. Above all, Shenzhen provides tourists visiting the destination with superb accommodation as well as dining options.

The administrative, commercial, and industrial center of the Central Wales, Dubbo is an enchanting town located in the central west region of the New South Wales in Australia. Set on the magnificent Macquarie River and located at the intersection of Golden, Mitchell, and Newell Highways, Dubbo is within easy reach of some of the prominent destinations.

Dubbo is only five hour drive from Canberra and Newcastle, six hours drive from Sydney, and roughly nine hours drive from Melbourne. Further, via commercial aircraft, Dubbo is less than an hour’s travel from Sydney.

Sometimes, Dubbo is regarded as the New South Wale’s crossroads, from where you can drive to any direction including east, west, north, and south. About 40000 years ago, the area was believed to have been inhabited by the Australian aboriginals. From 1818, the destination came to be known as Dubbo. For Dubbo’s development from a typical city to a modern settlement, the credit goes to John Oxley – the first European to tour the city.

With transport and storage industry as its prime source of growth, Dubbo is credited to be the only city in the Orana region that has been developed over the years as a prominent service center. Many such important towns as Cobar, Warren, Wellington, Gilgandra, Narromine, Walgett, Brewarrina, and Bourke, lean on Dubbo for several goods and services.

Since Dubbo as well as the Orana region has a wealth of potentials, the destination provide great base for secured economic growth and investment. A couple of significant developments have been completed in recent times, such as Dubbo City Airport Terminal, Western Plains Cultural Center, Apex Oval Grandstand, John Gilbert Water Treatment Plant, and Dubbo City Council – Civic Administration Building.

As a significant tourist destination of the New South Wales (NSW), Dubbo provides a feast of attractions. The prime draw of Dubbo is undoubtedly the world famous Western Plains Zoo, which is the largest open range zoo in the country. This extraordinary, 300 hectare zoo is home to more than 800 animals from different parts of the world such as Asia, Australia, Africa, and North America.

Among which many are endangered species such as white rhinoceros, the Bengal tiger, and Galapagos turtle. Animals in the zoo also include African specialties such as giraffes, hippos, zebras, lions, cheetahs, and elephants. The zoo’s other popular highlights are ring tailed lemurs, antelopes, and echidnas.

A part of the Dubbo City Tourist Park – Dubbo Military Museum is another popular attraction in Dubbo. This is a unique museum artifacts dating back to the period of the Second World War. On display are an array of tanks, planes, guns, uniforms, documents, and a number of other accessories that were used during the world war.

Also, don’t miss attractions such as Old Dubbo Goal, where one can spectacle programs related to the history of punishment, crime, law, and order. For fun and recreation, take a tour to Big M Tourist Park with an 18-hole golf course and a number of science-related attractions.

If you are a nature lover, your tour to Dubbo would not be complete without taking a tour to Jinchilla Gardens, a tranquil garden set amid a tall timbered forest. To have a breathtaking view of Dubbo’s spectacular night sky, a visit to the observatory would be a great experience. Other not to miss attractions in Dubbo are Wellington Caves & Phosphorous mine, the Clay Pan Galleries, Dubbo Museum & History Centre, Red Earth Galleries, Dubbo Golf Club, Dubbo Turf Club, and Reading’s Cinema Complex.

Above all, taking a Heritage Walk would be great to explore some of the historical building in the city, including the Courthouse and a range of old churches.

In order to make your stay in the city memorable as well as enjoyable, a good number of hotels and other accommodation options are available in Dubbo. Many of them offer superb rooms attached with high-end amenities and comforts. Some even provide opportunities to enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the city and that staying within the comforts of your own rooms or suites.

Further, they make available almost all facilities in order to enjoy your vacation in Dubbo. Browsing through the internet or leaning on such sources as travel magazines and reviews written by real users can help you find an accommodation in Dubbo that go with your budget and unique requirements.

Paris, acknowledged as the ‘City of Lights,’ is the largest as well as the capital city of France, located on the Seine River, in the heart of the Ile-de-France region. Also the capital of the France’s Ile-de-France region, Paris is regarded as the political and cultural center of the country. Paris is perhaps the greatest of all the cities that receive maximum number of tourists in Europe.

Some consider Paris as an artistic city while some consider it as a romantic destination. Since it attracts fashion firms from across the world to open fashion stores, Paris is also sometimes fondly referred to as the ‘Fashion House’ of the world. With great number of museums, nature parks, beautiful gardens, and squares, sightseeing options in Paris are truly endless. Hence, it is not a wonder why more than 30 million foreigners visit here per year.

Some of the must-see destinations in Paris are:

Eiffel Tower : Built on the Champ de Mars near the Seine River, this iron tower is unquestionably the greatest of all attractions in Paris, and in deed, stands as the city’s icon. Inaugurated on March 31, 1889, it is the tallest of its kind in Paris, and was once the tallest in the world until the erection of Chrysler Building in 1930. Rising up to a height of about 985 feet, Eiffel Tower’s top can be seen anywhere from Paris. As per the records of the Paris Office of Tourism, Eiffel Tower alone drew about six million tourists to Paris in 2002.

Louvre : Situated in the heart of Paris, Louvre is the one of the world’s largest museums, sprawling over an area of about 60,000 square foot expansive building. On display are more than 350000 pieces of art, covering Egyptian sculptures, 18th century furniture and books, engravings, paintings, and drawings.

Most popular among the collections in the museum are the paintings of Leonardo Da Vinci, such as Monolisa. Apart from its amazing collections, Louvre, once served as a royal residence, is also much famed for its mind blowing architectural style. The entry to the museum was earlier restricted to the royal visitors. But, after the French Revolution, the museum was opened to the public.

Notre Dame Cathedral : This gothic cathedral would be the most famous of all cathedrals in the world. Located in the heart of the city on a small island, namely, Ile de la Cite, Notre Dame Cathedral serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Paris. The cathedral is regarded as a fine example of French Gothic architecture. Built during the 14th century, its interiors, sculptures, and gargoyles were destroyed during the revolution. Later, the cathedral was renovated by Eugene Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc, a Persian architect.

Arc de Triomphe: One of the most visited attractions in the country, Arc de Triomphe is credited to the largest traffic roundabout in the world. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 in order to commemorate his military successes as well as the bravery of his armies, Arc de Triomphe was however completed in 1836, many years after the passing away of the emperor. The sides, front and back of the Arc De Triomphe are graced with beautiful sculptures as well as intricate designs. A specialty of this roundabout is that it is the meeting point of about 12 avenues.

Concorde Place : The largest public square in Paris, Concorde Place is situated between Champs Elysees and the Tuileries garden. Earlier known as Place Louis XV, the square’s focal point is a huge Egyptian obelisk beautified with hieroglyphics. The obelisk has been brought from the temple at Luxor, and was French king Charles X in 1829 by Mohammed Ali, the then Viceroy of Egypt.

Highlights in Paris also cover Avenue Champs-Elysees, a vibrant area packed with a plenty of shops and restaurants; Latin Quarter, boasting of some of the finest Roman as well as medieval monuments in the city; Rodin Museum, which exhibits the works of the renowned French sculptor, Auguste Rodin; D’Orsay Museum; and St.Chapelle and Conciergerie.

With these scores of attractions, Paris is a wonderful vacation whose memories last for a lifetime. Hence, the city has an array of accommodation choices to cater to every type of visitors. Mostly, they come with most sophisticated facilities and amenities.

Jakarta is the capital as well as the largest city of the Republic of Indonesia. Once a typical harbor town and earlier known by different names such as Sunda Kalapa, Jayakarta, and Batavia – Jakarta has now transformed into an advanced metropolitan city and one of the most popular tourist destinations in South-East Asia.

Situated on the Java Island’s northwest coast, Jakarta is credited to be the world’s 11th largest city as well as the fifth metropolitan area. The city is made up of five districts such as Central Jakarta, West Jakarta, South Jakarta, East Jakarta, and North Jakarta, each of them with its own significance. From interesting museums and historical monuments to beautiful parks and gardens, Jakarta presents a feast of attractions for people touring this incredible destination.

Few among many of the attractions that set apart Jakarta from other destinations in South-East Asia are the National Monument – a Russian built landmark located in the Medan Merdeka; Museum of Gadjah (the National Museum of Indonesia), exhibiting more than 80,000 Indonesian arts and artifacts such as a unique selection of Oriental ceramics and sacred traditional swords.

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a tour to which is a great way to explore the whole of the country in a day, as it is a park featuring miniature of all the country’s provinces; Jakarta Art Center (Taman Mini Indonesia Indah), where a variety of cultural performances are conducted; Sunda Kelapa Port, one of the busiest areas in the city; Pasar Ikan, a bustling area whose focal point is the Maritime Museum housed within a restored Dutch warehouse which date back to the period of Dutch East Indies.

Fatahillah Square, with some interesting museums of the city; Masjid Istiqlal, which holds the distinction of being the largest mosque in South-East Asia; Sea World, an amusement park with a rich as well as rare variety of marine animals; Pasar Seni, a vibrant open market located within Ancol Amusement Park; Chinatown, which is regarded as the commercial hub of the city; and Kebun Binatang Ragunan, a 185-acre zoo with a rare species of animals and birds.

With these scores of attractions, it is not a wonder why the city is visited by holidaymakers from every nook and corner of the world. Hence, Jakarta has wonderful accommodation options to cater to every taste and pocket.

For vacationers who want to explore the city in style, some excellent options are available in the form three-star and five-star hotels and resorts. Mostly, these hotels are located within easy reach of the major transport systems such as the Soekarno-Hatta international airport and Gambir railway station, apart from many of the top attractions and shopping facilities in the city. When comes to comforts, rooms mostly feature all amenities that are required to make your stay comfortable as well as enjoyable.

In most cases, high-end accommodations also feature facilities such as car rental, currency exchange facilities, laundry service, outdoor swimming pools, transportation service, concierge, valet parking, onsite complimentary parking, and public outdoor parking.

For business travelers, these hotels provide some superb facilities such as business centers and meeting rooms complete with state of the art equipments. There are also some upscale hotels in the city that offer a continuum of leisure facilities such as golf course, superb spa facilities providing rejuvenating massage, sauna and steam room. Apart from these, many of the top-end hotels are attached with one or more restaurants, serving an array of delicacies from local dishes to multi-cuisines.

Above all, some hotels provide excellent packages inclusive of accommodation, dining, transportation for sightseeing in the city, and facilities to enjoy a number of activities. Even some packages cover facilities to not only explore the city sights and landmarks but also to explore the attractions outside or nearby the city such as Bogor Botanical Garden, about 50 kilometers south of the city, and Prambanan, which is much famed for its Hindu shrines that were built during the ninth century. Additionally, since many of the hotels have their own websites with options for online booking, it allows people to book an accommodation choice according to their taste and budget and that too in advance.

ceci n’est pas un exercice…attention attention…avis aux visiteurs ceci n’est pas un exercice …Be careful :p

je suis sensée me présentée blabla mais c’est juste pour casser du sucre sur le dos des autre site de blogger sky et compagnie que j’ai spamé avant de débarquer ici complètement par hasard parce qu’en surfant un soir je suis tombée sur 12 blogeuses folles et givrées, des parisiennes je crois auxquelles je vais faire honneur

dans ce mini blog sans oublier ma ville que je vais déshonorer, et oui ça sonne un peu sarkosiste mais bon quand il faut il le faut allez je ne tarde pas et passons directement au plat de résistance parce que je sais que n’avez pas pu résister :)

I was having some film developed at Flamingo 1-Hour (which actually turned out pretty good, take a look: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dsubnet0/), and to kill that hour I thought I’d visit what I call the Deep West Side.

Technically, anything west of Central Park is the West Side, but I’ve always thought that the region beyond 8th avenue takes on a distinctly distinct air especially below 42nd Street.  It’s the only part of Manhattan that doesn’t feel like Manhattan; that is, it’s not like any Manhattan ever seen in a movie or talked about in a book.  It’s weird.  It’s like a suburb.  What?  A gas station in Manhattan?  How the hell did they fit a car dealership into the same latitude as Times Square?  And what the fuck is a “pier”?  Someone who makes pies?  Why are there so many pie bakers near the Hudson?  Endless confusion.

Down around 14th Street there is a very nice footpath that runs between West Side Highway and the water.  I was strolling down this stretch, admiring the wide open spaces and the wind, when I see this structure up ahead, a huge rusted archway leading to one of the aforementioned piers.  Other than the arch, against which flapped modern banners proclaiming it as “Pier 54″ but otherwise showing no adornments post-Eisenhower, the pier was completely open-aired.  Just a plank of concrete fifty feet wide and extending maybe two hundred yards out into the river.  Some low chainlink along the sides and some trash cans showed that this was not completely abandoned property but it sure was abandoned today.

I walked under that arch and out onto that windy cement plain that seemed to stretch damn near halfway to Jersey and I just walked out there.  There was only the wind, and my gaping mouth.  Gaping that such silence and isolation can be found on this island, such alienness of place and purpose.  I supposed that events of some kind must be held out here (this turns out to be true) but to a single windburned man it looked like a leftover from a long-dead civilization.

I walked and walked into the wind and the water sounds and I found at the very edge of this peninsula a bench, a wooden bench like you’d find in a park.  Just by itself, empty in the midst of empty, facing out to the water.  I sat down, putting my back to my adopted city, and I stuck my hands in my pockets to protect them from the cold.  The pocket that my right hand went into happened to contain my Moleskine, but how could I write now?  Besides the bitter cold experience of it, how could I look down, away from this window into silence, this place that I (it felt) had discovered and had accepted me as its one true occupant?  I was thankful I was without my camera, for a similar debate would have ensued.  How dare I consider looking upon such a place as an observer, much less an “artist”!  The silence screamed imperatives for empirical attention, for rapt experience, not for Liberal Caucasian record-keeping.  Besides, I’d've just shot about fifteen rolls of film and never captured how that place made me feel.  Because a picture can’t do that, nor can a journal.  They can make you feel things on their own, and they can record events, and they can help you remember long from now when the dendrites have shriveled like old apples, but they can’t help me keep feeling the special wonder that I felt then, the quiet religious magic of solitude in the midst of space, silence in a world of machines, stillness in a world ever-churning, Elysium for the Introverted Claustrophobic.

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful that there are still places of peaceful surprise and surprising peace in my city, and I’m thankful that she is willing to show them to me.