Calcutta Third Largest City in India

Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located in eastern India on the east bank of the River Hooghly. The city has a population of almost 11 million, with an extended metropolitan population of over 14 million, making it the third largest urban agglomeration and the third largest city in India.

Calcutta is well known for the poverty to be found on its streets, but seeing it for real can still come as a shock to visitors to the city. Its important that visitors do go there but they know before going what to expect. The tourist industry is a vital part of the economy.

It has stunning buildings, vibrant atmosphere, world class entertainment facilities and the kindness of people in the streets, bars and restaurants but you cannot turn a blind eye to the desperation which also exists in this city.

Some families live, sleep, eat and wash on the streets. Young children cry and roam around naked in the middle of the most popular tourist areas. You can be oblivious to the problems whilst wandering around the market on a Saturday afternoon, admiring the beautiful colours in hand made Indian garments, until you notice a person without limbs screaming in pain on the pavement.

In many ways Calcutta seems familiar the English street names, the architecture, the English language. At the same time the context is so foreign. The effect is very odd, sometimes even frightening to the Western visitor.

Bengali culture is magnificent. Bengali is spoken by more people than is French or Japanese.

It has a tropical climate.

Eden Gardens is the oldest cricket ground in India and is also considered one of the finest in the world. The history of the Indian Cricket is irrevocably bound up with that of Calcutta Cricket Club, which did the pioneering work in cricket not only in Calcutta but in the whole of the eastern region of India. The present Eden Gardens Cricket Club came in existence some time in the year 1864. It is not certain as to whom the land belonged to although some records show that it was the property of then Maharaja of Cooch Behar while some other records state that it belonged to the Auckland Family. However, the fact remains that the land was effectively passed into the hand of the Governor General’s family who in turn presented it to the citizens of Calcutta for recreation. In course of time Calcutta Cricket Club established with its headquarters at the Eden Gardens. The pavilion was built in 1871 and cricket was played for a long period in Sylvan surroundings.

In November 1993, a five nation tournament was played in India to celebrate the CAB Diamond Jubilee, where day night one day international matches were played at this ground, thanks to the installation of four gigantic floodlights. It can now also legitimately boast of having one of the largest accommodation in the world for viewing the game.

Highest Quality of Living in Geneva

Genevra is the second most populous city in Switzerland and is the most populous city of Romandy. It is situated where Lake Geneva flows into the Rhone River and is the capital of the Republic and Canton of Geneva. Widely regarded as a global city, mainly due to the presence of numerous international organizations, including the headquarters of many of the agencies of the United Nations. A 2006 survey found Geneva to have the second highest quality of living in the world.

For the first time visitor to Geneva, the initial reaction is not so much awe at the beautiful scenery, rather a more mundane concern how can I afford it. The chauffeured Bentleys and imposing headquarters, both corporate and inter governmental, can be intimidating, but there you have the key to appreciating the town is dont let the glitter get you down.

Actually, Genevas best features dont even cost a euro. The setting on the shores of Lake Geneva, the yacht packed harbour, the Jet d Eau fountain with its 140 metre high spray of water, and the market stalls selling everything from antiques to flowers on the cobbled streets of the Old Town.

On Saturdays, many of the vineyards in the surrounding countryside offer free wine tasting. For a couple of euros, you can go behind the bureaucratic of the organisations the UN,WTO and the International Red Cross to name but a few, that make this town such an important stage for world politics.

The St Pierre Cathedral, one of the key sites of the Reformation, is to Geneva what Notre Dame is to Paris, so its a must

Last but not least, beware of the traffic. Whether youre walking or driving, one distracted moment and the last thing youll remember of Geneva is a big blue license plate. Diplomats these drivers may be, but it seems like the frustrations of long negotiations are vented on the streets.

The cities many festivals are treasured opportunities for the Genevans to stop being Swiss for a day. The Music Festival in June is by far the wildest, with hundreds of concerts all over town during two intense days.

The Geneva Carnival, with street entertainers and costume parades, takes place in March every year and from July to August you can enjoy open air movie screenings at Cinelac on Port Noir.

An astonishing 38 per cent of Genevas residents are foreigners, with many Americans in the mix. Thus the Independence Day celebrations in Geneva have, over the last 50 years, become the largest taking place outside of the United States.

Summers big event is the Geneva Festival, with an amusement park, concerts, fireworks, and food from every corner of the world.

Get Your Kicks on Historic Route 66

If you are looking for information about this famous and historic highway, known as Route 66, the Mother Road, or the Main Street of America, it’s certainly not hard to find.

Many people in the United States as well as other countries honor this legendary road and are a part of its continued existence through clubs or organizations which keep the spirit and road, alive.

According to the National Historic Route 66 Federation, entrepreneurs Cyrus Avery and John Woodruff are the individuals who deserve most of the credit for supporting the idea that this highway should be built in the first place.”

In the early 1900’s, the United States government realized that there was a definite need for a national highway system. Legislation for public highways first appeared in 1916 and in 1925. The result was a more comprehensive version of the act that Congress enacted.

In 1925, the government implemented a plan for national highway construction. Early on in the construction, the plan was to connect the main streets to the famous Route 66.

One of the original federal routes, Route 66, was established on November 11, 1926, and originally ran from Chicago, Illinois, through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, ending in Los Angeles.

The total of miles, from start to finish totaled 2,448 miles. Highway signs, however, were not seen until the next year.

Eight states formed what was called, “The Route 66 Highway Association.” The purpose of the association was so that the US Highway 66 would be built faster than planned! These folks couldn’t wait for the final product! In their eyes, US 66 could not be built soon enough! Soon thereafter, the name, “Main Street of America,” was adopted.

This famous Mainstreet of America highway even has a song named after it, too. You may not be old enough to remember the song, but it was produced many years ago in 1946 and was a pretty popular American song. The song was composed by Bobby Troup and first recorded by the unmistakable sound of Nat King Cole in the same year. The song was both a hit on both the rhythm and blues and pop charts in the United States. You can hear this song on many of the “oldies” stations across U.S. airwaves.

In the song lyrics, the artist mentions the many cities that this historic legendary highway passes through (in order from east to west) such as St. Louis, Missouri; Joplin, Missouri; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Amarillo, Texas; Gallup, New Mexico; Flagstaff, Arizona; Winona, Arizona; Kingman, Arizona; Barstow, California; and San Bernardino, California. (According to the online encyclopedia known as Wikipedia, the city of Winona is the only town that is mentioned out of sequence in the list of cities that Route 66 passes through.)

Route 66 has a special place for many Americans as it really was the bread and butter for many. Many “mom and pop” stores, diners, gas stations and other small businesses that sprung up along Route 66 prospered until Interstate 40 came along and became the new main highway for travel from the Midwest to the west. This caused many of these once thriving businesses to go out of business. Some of these businesses still exist today, however, with the preservation of some parts of Route 66.

This famous US highway is an American historic icon. Many dreams were discovered along the famous highway 66 only to be shattered many years later with the demise of this famous highway. There are so many emotions tied to the Mother Road.

Big dreams, hope, shattered dreams, love and entrepreneurship, are a sampling of what this highway meant to people who not only built the road, but those whose businesses sustained because of the famous highway.

After the highway was replaced by Interstate 40, there were those who felt like a part of them had died after they had traveled on it for many years and for so many (what seemed) endless miles.

The story of the Mother Road, Route 66, or the Main Street of America is a story of success as well as defeat. Nevertheless, US Highway 66 had become a part of the early business advancements. It allowed many entrepreneurs to be able to transport their goods in fast fashion like never before, certainly better than any of the best dirt roads that existed previously.

There has never been such a relationship with a road and automobiles that involved so many people who wanted to move west to explore the awaited possibilities of financial success.

Whether you remember the legendary stretch of highway as the main artery that folks traveled on from the Midwest to the west or not, doesn’t matter. To many, this famous highway is just as alive as it was when it was considered the Mother Road or Main Street of America.

This historic road is still very much alive today. The legendary information about the historic highway that you will find will astound you.

To many peoples satisfaction, it is still possible to travel on America’s first roadway. You can experience the highway along with many of the roadside attractions that still exist today, such as the little diners along the way. There are guided tours that you can purchase online to assist you if you decide to make a mini-vacation out of your Route 66 road trip.

You can find photos of the famous highway, shop for Route 66 products and have no difficulty finding just about anything! Facts and history about the Mother Road, or the Main Street of America, as it is commonly referred to as, are likely to impress any history buff. There are other parts of the United States, other than the state of Arizona, where you can visit this world famous road!

South Shields is Tyne and Wear

South Shields is a coastal town in Tyne and Wear, England, on the south bank of the mouth of the River Tyne, with a population of about 90,000. It is part of the metropolitan borough of South Tyneside.

Damaged by bombing during World War II, the town has undergone much preplanning and rebuilding and is now a vibrant riverside town.

The Tourist Information Centre offers advice and information to help you make the most of your visit. Experienced staff provides advice on accommodation, entertainment, places to visit, shopping, eating out, leisure activities and local services.

The natural beauty of stunning cliff tops and award winning beaches to awe inspiring Roman history. The picturesque villages to friendly, bustling towns. The oasis of calm amongst the ruins of a monastery to all the fun of the fair in a traditional seaside resort South Shields is a must.

South Shields Museum and Art Gallery features the Tales of South Tyneside Gallery an exhibition exploring local history during the life and times of Dame Catherine Cookson. Born at Tyne Dock, South Shields, the world famous author is South Tynesides most famous resident.

Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum, located on an area of high ground known as the ‘Lawe’ overlooking the sea at the mouth of the River Tyne. The museum uses excavated remains, finds and a stunning reconstruction of the original West Gate to give visitors a unique insight into life at the Roman fort.

Visitors can also explore the fascinating Souter Lighthouse, now owned by the National Trust. This striking Victorian structure boasts wonderful views over Marsden Bay and the notorious currents of Whitburn Steel.

On the other side of the you can find wet and wild. Tropical indoor water park. A fun water playground providing the wildest and wettest indoor rapid experience. Whirlpools, slides and meandering lazy river. It provides a mix of water based fun activities for all the family, where you pay once and play all day.

A passenger only cross river ferry also serves the towns of North and South Shields. The Port of Tyne situated at Tyne Dock is a growing terminal handling large volumes of freight, including exports from the Nissan car plant at Washington.

Weather is typical of the north east of England. Wet and dull most of the time with the exception of summer months July and August where if your lucky you may see some sunshine.

Pittsburgh Tourist Attractions for Everyone

We all know most major cities and towns have some tourist attractions. The bad news is that most places are only geared towards a specific type of person, rather than gearing towards the majority. Pittsburgh has aimed to break free from this idea with the wide range of tourist attractions that are available for you to enjoy.

From the incredible Carnegie Science Center loaded with over 250 exhibits to really put you hand-on with your love of science to the breathtaking views and sights that you find at the Duquesne Incline. With gorgeous views and original 1877 cable cars in operation, it is truly a sight to behold as you experience both the Upper and Lower Stations for the museum.

For those who are heavy into their love of history there is Fort Ligonier. As one of the best museums in the world for the number of great pieces from the French and Indian Wars, this is truly a stop that deserves some great attention. With gorgeous parks and theme mansions readily available to tour in the Pittsburgh area there is sure to be something for everyone that is within a budget that you can afford.

Spend your vacation relaxing and doing the things you enjoy. Stopping in Pittsburgh is sure to be a great way to enjoy all of the great activities that are available and waiting to entertain you. From the boat tours, to the botanical gardens outdoor lovers and even museum lovers will all find Pittsburgh to be a great haven full of promise and adornment.

With all of the places in the world to visit, Pittsburgh is one of the best because of the wide range of attractions and the hometown feel the city offers to help bring people back time and time again. You are not alone in a city feeling as if you are lost, instead you are able to enjoy the city and feel right at home surrounded by all of the friendly people and places that make Pittsburgh so great to visit.

Whether you are looking for a short weekend getaway or a week long vacation Pittsburgh is sure to have you plenty of activities to keep you thoroughly entertained. Regardless of the time you are looking to fill, you are sure to enjoy your stay in Pittsburgh and take in the beautiful sights and sounds that make the city so special to so many.

Private Villa Holiday in Phuket

Phuket, dubbed as the ‘Pearl of South’ or ‘Pearl of the Andaman,’ is a fabulous tourist destination, nestled in the sparking waters of the Andaman Sea. Situated about 850 km from Bangkok by road and only an hour’s flying from Bangkok, Phuket is truly a paradise, set against the backdrop of enchanting scenery consisting of amazing tropical sunsets, spectacular bays and coves, warm blue waters, tree-covered mountains, and scintillating waterfalls.

The much of the glory of the place lies on its fantastic sugary powdered beaches, each of which renders superb options to enjoy scores of water sport activities. Apart from water sport activities, Phuket is also a mecca for many other activities such as elephant riding and golf, with more than five international golf courses.

Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Bang Tai Beach, Surin Beach, Kamala Beach, Mai Khao Beach, and Rawai Beach, are just few among many of the beaches in the area. However, Phuket’s attractions are not just confined to its beautiful beaches. Attractions also cover historical and cultural sites reflecting the history of the place, interesting museums and art galleries, spectacular parks and gardens, and forested areas rich in a diverse range of flora and fauna.

With umpteen accommodation choices to pick from such as budget hotels, five-star resorts and hotels, and top-rated apartments and bungalows, options are endless to discover the beauty of Phuket. Despite any other choices, private villas are regarded as an excellent option for an enjoyable holiday.

In other words, holidays in villas are undoubtedly a relaxing as well as comfortable way to explore Phuket’s gorgeousness. Due to the limitless choices it provides, villas in Phuket are fast becoming popular nowadays, especially among European, American, and rich Asian vacationers who are looking for a break from their stressful life.

One of the prime reasons why many of the people prefer villas is the sheer space and freedom that it offers when compared to hotel and resort rooms. No matter you are seeking peace and recreation, fun and amusement, or a combination of the both, Phuket private villas cater to every type of vacationer. From dramatic countryside villas to romantic beachside villas, villa holidays in Phuket are truly astounding.

Depending upon the requirements of vacationers, a variety of private villas is available in the place to suit every pocket and preference. For budget conscious vacationers, nothing would be better than a self-catering private villa, providing a great degree of comfort as well as complete freedom.

Likewise, for those vacationing with big family, family villas are available, with facilities to accommodate 10-15 people. If you can spend somewhat extravagantly for your villa holidays, then go for deluxe villa accommodations replete with high-end facilities and amenities such as washing machine, living room, color TV, and aplenty of towels and linens.

Additionally, there are excellent villas, especially designed for newly weds and honeymooners. Above all, you can also choose villas on the basis of how long you would stay in the place. Typically, villas are rented on a weekly basis, which could be extended in most cases.

A specialty of private villas in Phuket is that most of them are situated within the easy reach of beautiful beaches in the area like Patong, Surin, and Kamala, thereby providing gorgeous views of the Andaman Sea. Further, majority of the Phuket villas provide accommodation facilities akin to that of resorts.

In most cases, villas are complete with superb living rooms, patios, and fully equipped kitchens. Majority of them also feature facilities such as swimming pools and splendid furnishings. Sometimes, private villas are also coupled with the service of private chefs. There are also Phuket holiday villas featuring barbeque for outdoor cooking. In addition, villas in Phuket appeal to sport and fitness enthusiasts, as majority of them provide world class facilities to enjoy a variety of activities including golf and tennis, apart from facilities exclusively designed for fitness purposes.

Mostly, the rates of private villas in Phuket are inclusive of airport transfers, maid-servant, and laundry services. In addition, some villas come with rates covering car rentals, dining facilities, and tour services. In some instances, villa providers even customize accommodation according to the requirements of the holidaymakers. There are also villa providers providing world class packages in the form of sightseeing or golf packages.

A myriad of professional villa service providers are now in the scenario to provide you the best in Phuket villas rentals. However, last minute Phuket villa holiday has never been so easy to schedule. Hence, contact any of the villa specialists in the area in order to guide you in finding a villa that goes with your requirements and preferences.

With a plethora of villa-related sites on the internet, it is not at all a tedious process to locate a reputable villa provider in Phuket. Many of them offer options to book villas online. All you have to do is to share your likes and preferences to your villa specialists. Then, wait for a relaxing as well as fun villa holiday in this wonderful paradise!

Why Go On A Cycling Holiday?

Holidays are traditionally associated with sitting by the pool or beach, sight – seeing and drinking a lot. However, if you would like something a bit different that you’ve never tried before then cycling holidays could be just what you need.

There are many different reasons to go on cycling holidays and one of them is that they are great exercise. Normally people put on weight when they go away but this is very unlikely to happen when you are doing so much exercise. It’s a great way to go on holiday and stay fit at the same time as well.

Another reason why people go on cycling holidays is because it’s an ideal way of seeing as much of the country you are visiting as possible. Normally it can be hard to see much of a foreign country because of traffic and slow public transport. However, when you’re cycling you don’t have to worry about either of these problems so have more time to explore.

Cycling holidays are a great way to meet new people while you are away. It can be quite hard to meet people when you are abroad because everyone sticks with their friends or family. When on cycling holidays you are normally with a group of other like – minded people so get a chance to meet others from all over the world.

It is very likely that cycling holidays are going to be a lot cheaper than normal holidays. Normally the price you pay includes hotels and any other costs so you are unlikely to be spending any more money. As you will be staying active you won’t be bored so won’t be spending money on entertainment.

You can guarantee that you will be seeing something different every day when on cycling holidays. This is because you are taken on different routes which normally offer the best scenery. Many people find this a lot more exciting than simply sunbathing for the duration of the break.

There are many different types of cycling holidays so everyone is bound to find something that suits them. You can either go around by yourself or whoever you have been travelling with, or you can go on guided tours in which case you will have the company of other cyclists. As well as this you can select your route depending on your fitness level and how you think you would cope. With so many reasons to go on cycling holidays it’s not surprising that so many people are trying them out.

Discover the Charms of Seoul, Korea

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.

An Incredible Diving Paradise in Rangiroa

Rangiroa is an incredible coral atoll, situated in the Tuamotu Archipelago, of French Polynesia. With a land mass covering an area of about 40 square kilometers, Rangiroa is the largest atoll in the South Pacific and one of the largest in the world. Its lagoon in the center is the largest in the world, after Kwajalein of the Marshall Islands.

Covering an area of about 1650 square kilometers and measuring 75 kilometers across and 25 kilometers wide, the lagoon is much favored for its sparkling clear as well as warm waters, dramatic landscape, and abundant marine life such as manta rays, sharks, eagle rays, turtles, dolphins, and schools of barracudas. With a string of coral surrounding the glowing turquoise, jade-colored lagoon, Rangiroa is a paradise for diving and snorkeling. Rangiroa is only an hour’s fly away from the Pepeete, the capital as well as the administrative center of the Tahiti.

Literally meaning ‘Long Sky,’ Rangiroa get its name from the enormous length formed as a result of its more than tiny 200 islets that surround its gorgeous lagoon. Scuba diving and snorkeling in Rangiroa are truly a great experience, since it is surrounded by two separate bodies of water, such as, the Moana-uri and the Moana-tea.

A good number of travel agencies and top notch hotels are in the scenario to make your diving in Rangiroa a great experience. There is also an array of centers in order to impart diving classes and render rental diving equipments. Few among them are Blue Dolphins Diving Center, Rangiroa Paradive, Raie Manta Club, and The Six Passengers and Topdive. In fact, diving in Rangiroa is highly prized because of the pass dives in the dive sites of the island and the waters of the lagoon teeming with scores of marine life.

No matter you are a beginner, an intermediate, or an experienced hand, Rangiroa boasts of diving sites to cater to all levels of divers and snorkelers. For beginners, one of the best spots in Rangiroa is the Aquarium, otherwise known as Nuhi Nuhi. Located near a motu within the Tiputa Pass and with a maximum depth of about 35 feet, the Aquarium is a great diving spot thriving with an array of interesting coral as well as reef fish species such as triggerfish, threadfin butterfly fish, eels, parrotfish, Moorish idols, and damsels. Another great diving site for beginners is Mahuta, where you can swim along with marine species such as reef fishes and sharks.

Diving sites in Rangiroa also include the Tiputa Pass, which is located between the deep lagoon and Open Ocean. Boasting of The Valley – one of the most challenging spots for drift diving in the world, this area is however recommended only for advanced levels of divers, since its strong current cannot be sometimes manageable for novices.

Further, this area contains underwater valleys whose edges are criss-crossed with crevasses and crevasses, where a number of fish species can be seen such as eels, lionfish, hammerheads, and stone fish. Found at the edge of the Tiputa Pass is another popular diving area, namely, Shark Cave, which is about 120 feet. This area consists of an overhang where one could shelter from the current as well as spectacle some species of sharks such as blacktips, silvertips, and greys.

Apart from these, one could also come along a number of other fish species including unicornfish, surgeonfish, snappers, and trevallies. Other popular diving spots within the Tiputa Pass are Hammerhead Plateau and L’Eolienne.

Also, a great diving destination in Rangiroa is Avatoru Pass with strong current, al though not as strong as that of the Tiputa Pass. With a depth varying from 60-90 feet, the Avatoru Pass allows you to swim along a plethora of tropical fish species such as spotted leopard rays, pompano, rays, patrolling grey sharks, eels, and much more. Rangiroa’s other popular diving destinations are Giant Wrasse Shelf, The Wind Turbine, The Blue, Napoleon Manta Point, Motu Fara Pass, and Mahuta.

Rangiroa is diveable throughout the year. According to the interest of divers, diving in Rangiroa is classified into three seasons: the hammerhead shark season, which is January through February; the manta ray season, which is from September to October; and rest of the year when other species of fish, apart from manta ray and hammerhead shark, can be seen.

Nowadays, many of the high-end hotels in the area provide superb facilities for an enjoyable diving in Rangiroa. Some even render packages inclusive of accommodation, dining, and facilities for diving and snorkeling in the destination.

China Insider’s Look At Qingdao

Mention Qingdao, and many people will recount rather hazy nights spent consuming lukewarm longnecks of China’s most famous beer. Indeed, Qingdao – the capital of China’s northeastern Shandong Province – is home to the most famous brewery in the country. But there’s a lot more to the city of nine million people than beer, bubbles and brewing.

Boasting the largest fishing and trade port in northern China, the beautiful coastal city is one of extremes. Located in Jiaozhou Bay, the former German treaty port boasts an expansive German concession district, replete with unique colonial architecture dating back hundreds of years, beautiful old villas, and wide, tree-lined avenues. Qingdao also has notable Japanese and Korean communities, thanks to their close proximity to the city, and important trade relationships as a result.

Aside from China’s southern Hainan Island, Qingdao has arguably the best beaches in the country. Further out of town, the magnificent Laoshan Mountains are a starkly beautiful conglomerate of granite steeps and peaks, overflowing with natural springs, and offering spectacular vistas of the ocean and city below.

But perhaps Qingdao’s biggest claim to fame is its designation as an official Olympic city. Come August 8, 2008, it will host the sailing events for the 2008 Beijing summer Olympic Games – one of only five cities home to Olympic events outside of the capital. In preparation, a 45-hectare (111-acre) dockyard in Qingdao’s Fushan Bay has been transformed into a world-class sailing facility, garnering rave reviews from sports enthusiasts during Olympic test events. After the Games, the marina will be remodeled into an exclusive resort featuring a five-star international hotel, an Olympic museum, spa, fitness and health clubs, a shopping mall and office space. Qingdao’s going for gold indeed.

Attractions
Located to the southeast of the city in Jimo, Qingdao’s numerous natural hot springs vary widely in terms of size and temperature. Generally heated to between 30 and 60 Celsius, although sometimes reaching a scorching 93 Celsius, the waters are laden with minerals that will heal even the weariest limbs.
Island Hopping – Also known as Lute Island for the fact that it resembles the ancient musical instrument when viewed from the air, Xiaoqingdao Island is a pleasant little peninsula, connected to the mainland by a thin thread of land. Dotted with black pines, flowers and trees laden with fruit when the season permits, it’s extremely popular with young lovers who converge to stroll through the parks and enjoy views of nearby Yellow Island (Huangdao).

Beach Baby – Qingdao has six beaches, and doesn’t let you forget the fact. The sensibly named Number 1 Beach is also the most popular. If you visit in the winter you’ll see that it’s lined with fine yellow sand, overhung with giant pine and cypress trees. If you visit in summer, all you’ll see is a 580-meter (1,903-foot) stretch of beach umbrellas. The Number 6 Beach is also very popular, especially with tai chi practitioners and fishermen.

Art And Culture
Qingdao is hugely famous for its intricate shell carvings, and the Qingdao Shell Carving Museum is the place in town to get up to speed with the latest trends in the art. Aside from checking out carvings from China’s greatest masters, the museum is a good place to pick up shell souvenirs.

History Of Hops – Tired of checking out hundred-year-old ceramics and bones that have seen better days? The Tsingtao Brewery Museum might just be your pint of ale, then. Built in 1903, the museum is located on the premises of the original Tsingtao Brewery, and it’s an interesting place to learn not only about the history of the city, but also about the history of everyone’s favorite beverage, beer.

Entertainment
Underwater Love – Opened in 1932, China’s first public aquarium, Qingdao Underwater World, sprawls across both sides of the street, just opposite the bustling Number 1 Beach. An underground tunnel connects the various chambers of the sea world, with conveyer belts ferrying you about, permitting almost 360 degree underwater vistas.

Just Cruising – If you’re not in a hurry to get to your next destination, cruise there in style aboard one of the many cruise liners docking in Qingdao. From the Qingdao Passenger Transport Center, ships depart for Shanghai, Yellow Island, Xuejia Island, as well as Inchon, Korea and Shimonoseki, Japan.

Wining And Dining
Take To The Streets – Some of the most authentic cuisine to be had in Qingdao can be found in the dozens of quaint restaurants lining Yunxiao Road Gourmet Street, Minjiang Road Gourmet Street and Maidao Seafood Street. The latter is particularly famous for fried spicy clams, seafood wonton, and roasted squid. For barbeque, head to the stalls of Taishan Road – you’ll be able to smell the sweet aroma of roasting meat and seafood well before you see it.

Beery Good – A small street annexed from the Qingdao Brewery, Beer Street is pretty much just that – a street dedicated to beer. Located in the Dengzhou Road area, the street features dozens of small bars serving up many local brews, as well as liquid gold from all over the world.

Retail Therapy
Mass Market – Attracting almost as many visitors as the Great Wall of China, Jimo Lu sees an average 200,000 daily shoppers hit its aisles for a bit of friendly bargaining. This is the place in Qingdao to visit if you’re after, well, just about anything really – from purses to second hand bicycles, furniture and even obscure Chinese medicine.

Night Shopping – if you still have some energy left, head to the Tai Dong night market. Opening around 5 p.m. every day, Tai Dong is a cheap and fun place to pick up Chinese souvenirs. It’s also a great place to try out local snacks, including smelly tofu, meat skewers and local pork hamburgers.

Hot Events
Clamming Up – Paying homage to its fishing village roots, Qingdao throws out the nets every May for the annual Clam Festival. The festival, which also marks the onset of warmer weather, is basically just an excuse to consume fresh seafood and local beer in the sun, but who’s complaining? If you tire of all the consumption, there are organized activities, including tours of local fishermen’s homes, fishing competitions, and military simulations.

Qingdaofest – Established in 1991, the Qingdao International Beer Festival is one of the most highly anticipated annual events in China. Kicking off on the second weekend of August and lasting 16 days, the festival pays tribute to liquid gold with beer drinking competitions, parties, entertainment, trade exhibitions, and dozens of food and beer stalls representing countries from all around the world. Last year, over 930 tons of beer were consumed across town.