taj

sydney opera house

The Sydney Opera house:

• Was designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon
• Was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 20 October 1973
• Presented, as its first performance, The Australian Opera's production of War and Peace by Prokofiev
• Cost $AU 102,000,000 to build
• Conducts 3000 events each year
• Provides guided tours to 200,000 people each year
• Has an annual audience of 2 million for its performances
• Includes 1000 rooms
• Is 185 metres long and 120 metres wide
• Has 2194 pre-cast concrete sections as its roof
• Has roof sections weighing up to 15 tons
• Has roof sections held together by 350 km of tensioned steel cable
• Has over 1 million tiles on the roof
• Uses 6225 square metres of glass and 645 kilometres of electric cable

ayers rock

Ayers Rock is one of the oldest rocks on Earth. It is located in Australia. "Uluru," as Ayers Rock is called by Aborigines, is a sacred site for them. Aborigines have rights over Uluru. Uluru is in the middle of Simpson Desert. Aborigines think of it as a symbol of all creation.
Uluru was formed over a period of about 500 million years, and it was created when sand piled up on the bottom of an ocean that once covered the middle of Australia. Over the years, wind and rain have beat at the rock. By now, the flattened top is 1,142 feet above the plains and the base is an amazing 5 miles around!
Uluru is covered with caves.The aborigines believe these caves hold a spiritual significance. Along with caves, the sides of Uluru have many grooves, formed by rain running down its sides. There is a national park surrounding Uluru, called, (of course,) Uluru National Park. This park is home to over 150 types of birds and 26 types of mammals.

There is an Aborigine legend that Uluru was once an ocean, but after a great battle at its shores, it rose up in revolt at the bloodshed, forming the great blood-colored rock.

yellowstone national park

Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America's first national park. Located in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, it is home to a large variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Preserved within Yellowstone National Park are Old Faithful and a collection of the world's most extraordinary geysers and hot springs, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

newyork skyline

NEW YORK SKYLINE NOW AND FIFTY YEARS AGO

Nearly half a century lies between the two views of New York City’s skyline shown in the pictures above. The two photographs were taken from the same point—a tower of the famous Brooklyn Bridge. The upper one was made only the other day and the lower one is over forty-seven years old.

Architects, engineers, and modern machinery seem literally to have raised Manhattan Island out of the waters surrounding it. In the lower view, Brooklyn Bridge, opened in 1883, was just being built. Note how the buildings at that time seemed to crouch low on the island, only here and there an occasional church, spire throwing itself defiantly skyward.

In the upper view the buildings have fairly freed themselves from the land and apparently have become decidedly air-minded. In the immediate foreground is the office building at 120 Wall Street. Looming gigantic behind it is the Bank of Manhattan Company building, and far to the right of it appears the famous Woolworth Tower.

Still farther to the right, and beyond the Manhattan end of Brooklyn Bridge, is the Municipal Building. Note how the present height of the buildings almost completely obscures the distant west shore of the Hudson River, which in the lower picture is plainly visible across Manhattan.

chennai

A city of Contrasts and diversities, Chennai is the forth-largest city in India. Known world wide as Madras until recently, the city was renamed Chennai, evolved from the age-old name, Chennapattinam.

Chennai is a coastal city with the second largest beach in the world. The climate is hot and humid. But the breeze blowing from the sea makes the climate bearable. In the summer the temperature reaches up to 42 degree C (month of May). The winter (Dec.- Feb.) is slightly less hot than the summer. Mansoon falls in Sept. - Nov. Chennai is the Capital of Tamil Nadu.

melbourne

titanic ship

The Titanic Ship

Titanic was built in Belfast, Ireland at the Harland and Wolff Shipyard. The model of the ship was designed by Lord Pirrie, chairman of Harland and Wolff; Thomas Andrews, the company’s head of design, and its general manager, Alexander Carlisle. The construction of the same began on March 31,1909, and it was funded by J.P Morgan’s International Marine Corporation.

On completion, the size of the ship was 882 feet and 9 inches long and 92 feet and 6 inches at its beam. The measurement from water to the boat deck was 60 feet long. Only the latest and up-to-date communication and technological equipment were used in this world’s largest luxury liner. The ship was divided into sixteen compartments, each with magnet latch door that would close and seal of the compartments by the flip of a switch. It was said this facility of the Titanic would allow it to float ,even if two of its compartments were flooded due to any mishap. The naval architecture of Titanic ship was such that it was deemed as an "unsinkable" ship.

shanghai bridge

jammu & kashmir

"A city blessed by the Gods" - Kashmir Valley is surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the world and is a land of immense natural beauty. It is also called 'Tourist Paradise on earth'.

Jammu and Kashmir is the sixth largest state in India including the area occupied by Pakistan and China. On tour to Jammu and Kashmir, experience spectacular mountains, broken by stretches of valley and dotted with beautiful lakes. The state is studded with a number of hill stations, which are refreshing cool in summer. They offer a leisurely or adventurous holiday amidst breath-taking scenery.

While on India tour, welcome to the strategically located state that constitutes the northern most extremity of India. A major portion of Jammu & Kashmir consists of the western Himalayas, which besides many lofty mountain ranges with varying heights of 3000 to 6000 meters and above, also abound in rivers, lakes, passes, glaciers, plateaus and plains. The number of streams, brooks, hill torrents and rivers is also fairly large. The most important rivers are the Indus, Chenab, Jehlum and Ravi.

ashoka pillar

Asoka Pillars

Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath is one of the most famous and most visited tourist spot in India. Emperor Ashoka erected this pillar like several others in other parts of his kingdom. The date of erection and commissioner of this pillar is also confirmed by the edicts of Ashoka that is engraved on it. The pillar also records the visit of Ashoka to Sarnath. The year of his visit is said to be around mid 3rd century BC. It is interesting to note that at one time, the Ashoka Pillar of Sarnath stood over 17 meters in height. Its capital with the four lions back to back that has been adopted as the official emblem of modern India can be seen in the museum at Sarnath.

The pillar of Ashoka at Sarnath is famous for its edict. It bears one of the edicts of Ashoka. The edict has an inscription that is said to target schism within the Buddhist community. It reads, "No one shall cause division in the order of monks". The Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath is actually a column surmounted by a capital. Among others, it consists of a canopy representing an inverted bell-shaped lotus flower. A short cylindrical abacus assists it where four 24-spoked Dharma wheels with four animals (an elephant, a bull, a horse, a lion in this order), and four lions face the four cardinal directions. The four animals are believed to symbolize different steps of the Gautam Buddha's life.

Dubai Towers

America White House

The White House

For two hundred years, the White House has stood as a symbol of the Presidency, the United States government, and the American people. Its history, and the history of the nation’s capital, began when President George Washington signed an Act of Congress in December of 1790 declaring that the federal government would reside in a district "not exceeding ten miles square…on the river Potomac." President Washington, together with city planner Pierre L’Enfant, chose the site for the new residence, which is now 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. As preparations began for the new federal city, a competition was held to find a builder of the "President’s House." Nine proposals were submitted, and Irish-born architect James Hoban won a gold medal for his practical and handsome design.

Construction began when the first cornerstone was laid in October of 1792. Although President Washington oversaw the construction of the house, he never lived in it. It was not until 1800, when the White House was nearly completed, that its first residents, President John Adams and his wife, Abigail, moved in. Since that time, each President has made his own changes and additions. The White House is, after all, the President’s private home. It is also the only private residence of a head of state that is open to the public, free of charge.

The White House has a unique and fascinating history. It survived a fire at the hands of the British in 1814 (during the war of 1812) and another fire in the West Wing in 1929, while Herbert Hoover was President. Throughout much of Harry S. Truman’s presidency, the interior of the house, with the exception of the third floor, was completely gutted and renovated while the Trumans lived at Blair House, right across Pennsylvania Avenue. Nonetheless, the exterior stone walls are those first put in place when the White House was constructed two centuries ago.

Presidents can express their individual style in how they decorate some parts of the house and in how they receive the public during their stay. Thomas Jefferson held the first Inaugural open house in 1805. Many of those who attended the swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol simply followed him home, where he greeted them in the Blue Room. President Jefferson also opened the house for public tours, and it has remained open, except during wartime, ever since. In addition, he welcomed visitors to annual receptions on New Year’s Day and on the Fourth of July. In 1829, a horde of 20,000 Inaugural callers forced President Andrew Jackson to flee to the safety of a hotel while, on the lawn, aides filled washtubs with orange juice and whiskey to lure the mob out of the mud-tracked White House.

After Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, Inaugural crowds became far too large for the White House to accommodate them comfortably. However, not until Grover Cleveland’s first presidency did this unsafe practice change. He held a presidential review of the troops from a flag-draped grandstand built in front of the White House. This procession evolved into the official Inaugural parade we know today. Receptions on New Year’s Day and the Fourth of July continued to be held until the early 1930s.

President Clinton’s open house on January 21, 1993 renewed a venerable White House Inaugural tradition. Two thousand citizens, selected by lottery, were greeted in the Diplomatic Reception Room by President and Mrs. Clinton and Vice President and Mrs. Gore.

Hyatt Hotel abu dhabi

Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company has confirmed that the exclusive new 200 room, 5 star hotel in Abu Dhabi’s absolutely stunning Capital Gate building, adjacent to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, will be operated by Hyatt International.

The hotel will open in 2009 and will be the first Hyatt operated facility in the UAE capital city. In recognition of its significance and its stature, Hyatt International has named the hotel ‘Hyatt at Capital Centre’. It is expected to be one of the most exclusive hotels in the world.

His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nayhan, Chairman of Capital Centre and ADNEC said, “Capital Gate is a unique building which will become famous around the world and as such it was essential that the hotel was operated by an organisation which matched its status, I’m delighted that this operator is Hyatt International. The fact that “Hyatt at Capital Centre”, has been developed specifically for this project indicates an understanding by all involved that this is not an average hotel, in an average building in an average city – this is something unique and very special, which will exceed expectations. It will delight those that visit it and will amaze those who view it from afar. We look forward with anticipation watching this magnificent creation rise from the ground”
Gebhard Rainer, Managing Director, Hyatt International (Europe, Africa & Middle East) LLC added, “Hyatt International is under a major expansion strategy in the Middle East. We have been monitoring the incredible developments taking place in Abu Dhabi for some time and, for us, Capital Gate is the right building in the right location at the right time. Capital Centre is one of the Middle East’s most significant developments and I am delighted that Hyatt at Capital Centre is able to play its part in driving this unique project forward.”

Preparatory construction has already begun on Capital Gate. When complete, Capital Gate will be 160 meters and 35 stories tall and, in addition Hyatt at Capital Centre, will provide some of the most exclusive office space in the UAE capital city.

Capital Gate forms a major part of the Capital Centre development, the AED8 billion business and residential micro city being constructed around the newly opened Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Portofino

With its dramatic tree-lined cliffs, ocean views, warm weather and delicious food, Portofino Italy is the incarnation of La Dolce Vita. Located in the province of Liguria, on a section of the Italian Riviera known as the Levante Riviera, this quaint little fishing town has become the darling of the rich and famous. Since the 1950’s, Hollywood stars and European royalty have flocked to Portofino hotels for a little rest and plenty of relaxation.

There are numerous ways to travel to Portofino Italy. Along with the regular train route, you could opt to fly into Genoa and then drive down the coast or you enjoy a ride on the sea taxi that runs from Cinque Terre to Portofino.

While Portofino is certainly a tiny little town, there is plenty to keep you busy during your stay. Portofino tourism relies upon many activities including upscale shopping, sight-seeing, water-sports and Italian fine dining - they are all within easy reach of any of the Portofino hotels.

Portofino vacations take on a glamorous edge when you book at the Hotel Splendido. Incorporating parts of a 16th-century monastery into its design, this upscale Portofino resort has been receiving guests for almost 100 years. The 64-room hotel is reputed for its five-star service and has a salt-water heated outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court and an indoor gym. Rooms and suites offer a garden or ocean view and feature cable television as well as free Wi-Fi internet connection. For a truly unique dining experience, make sure to spend an evening at this Portofino resort’s restaurant, La Terrazza. You’ll be able to feast upon fine regional cuisine on the open-terrace while enjoying Portofino Italy’s stunning landscape, including views of the port and the Mediterranean Sea.

The San Giorgio is one of many Portofino hotels located in the centre of town. Conveniently located just a short walk from the town’s famous Piazetta, this boutique hotel offers 25 rooms and suites ranging from double standard to suite size. Double superior rooms have a small terrace or French balcony as well as a shower and bath while the suites offer breathe-taking views as well as a cozy place sitting space. All rooms feature plasma televisions and guests have free use of the Turkish bath and sauna found on the lower floors. Breakfast is included with a night’s stay, but the San Giorgio does not have a restaurant so guests will need to explore Portofino Italy and discover its fine regional cuisine for lunch and dinner.

Portofino vacations aren’t complete without a trip to Castello Brown and make sure to bring your camera! Along with a lovely garden to stroll through and learning a good dose of Italian history within its walls, the castle offers picturesque views of the harbour and the town. If you’re looking for an energetic hike to work off those Italian meals spend some time in the Portofino Natural Park. Opened since 1935, its 31 miles of hiking trails offer scenic landscapes featuring lush chestnut and olive groves.

Portofino vacations can often be an expensive proposition. For those looking for a slightly more budget-conscious option, book a room at the Eden Hotel. Located on a quiet street in downtown Portofino Italy, this 12-room hotel is the picture of simplicity and charm. During the warmer months, meals are served outside overlooking its peaceful garden. Rooms come with all basic amenities including colour televisions, phones and wireless internet connections.

The Eden Hotel is located just a short walk from the marina, where you’ll be able to hop on a water taxi and take a daytrip to nearby Santa Margherita, located just 15 minutes down the coast.

Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert has been a novelty since the beginning of time, spanning over 3000 miles north to south, and across the entire northern cap of the African continent to Morocco. But, what remains the most amazing and mysterious part of this magical land is: how did they get all that sand there in the first place? Did they truck it in? And where did they get it? Aliens, I'll bet. Actually, it turns out that the area used to be lush with green forests and lakes. But, a massive climate change (probably due to the green house effect that the dinosaurs caused with their aerosol experiments in the early pre-historic times) caused the whole place to dry up. Wind and erosion turned the petrified land into sand. Anyway, despite its mystery, beauty and serenity, the desert is not an accommodating environment: the difficult terrain, the heat, the dry climate, and bad-smelling camels—it's not the place for everyone. Although, I must admit, there are some benefits: my sinuses were clear, there are no street lights, no television, and above all, school shootings are mostly unheard of. Of course, you can't completely escape Western society. Even in this remote area where there are very few Starbucks stores, there is still one phrase uttered frequently that reminds the American traveler of home.