Senin, 27 November 2017

Central Park Attractions For New Tourists In NYC

Visitors in New York City have plenty of things to explore including its impressive museums, architecture, food joints and shopping centers. However, people who visit the city and adjoining areas for the first time do not miss out Central Park. This comprises of 843 acres in the island of Manhattan. On an average, 25 million people visit this place a year to enjoy its numerous attractions. It is ideal when you want to soothe your mind and body amidst patches of greenery while touring NYC. Both single travelers and people with family can have a nice time here.

Accommodation Options near Central Park

If budget is not a problem, you may pick from several hotels overlooking the region. It would be prudent to book a room in a hotel located at the park's southern part. It will be useful to get easy entry to the park and you will be able to reach some restaurants and museums.

Central Park Attractions for Tourists

There are several attractions that lure the tourists to the Park. It was the USA's first artificially landscaped park. It would be a good idea to download a map of the region before you start exploring it.

• The Zoo

If your kids loved the animated flick 'Madagascar', they are going to love the zoo, referred as wildlife center. There are animals and birds like polar bears, sea lions and penguins. The kids will like to explore a section meant for them where they can watch cows, sheep and goats up close.

• Mother Goose Statue

Nearly every visitor to the region admires the Mother Goose sculpture. The statues of legendary figures like Humpty Dumpty, Little Bo Peep and Humpty Dumpty will be familiar to you. Another sculpture worth visiting here is Alice in Wonderland. Kids can explore and climb the beautiful statue.

• Strawberry Fields

The Strawberry Fields was commissioned to commemorate the memory of legendary Beatles singer John Lennon. The Rock maestro stayed in adjacent Dakota apartment building. Fans can place flowers and tributes in the garden.

• The Great Lawn

Thirteen acres of greenery invite you to the Great Lawn which contains basketball courts, baseball fields along with space for leisure activities and sports. If you happen to visit NYC during the summer months, this is the place where you can enjoy free concerts and movie screenings.

• Belvedere Castle

Lovers of architecture will appreciate the stone castle with a 19th century origin. From its tower, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the City. In this castle you can also explore Henry Luce Nature Observatory featuring wildlife and bird exhibits.

• Sheep Meadow

Walking in the vast stretches of Central Park and exploring numerous attractions can make you fatigued after some time. To relax and enjoy some moments amidst serenity and greenery, head to Sheep Meadow. This is one picturesque, green meadow offering amazing skyline view. Some tourists pick this spot for picnics as well. You can enjoy sunbathing sitting in this patch of greenery where herds of sheep used to graze several decades back.

Rabu, 15 November 2017

Budapest, an Unforgettable Experience for Many International Travelers

Hungary was a socialist state, run by the Socialist Workers' Party under influence of the Soviet Union; it regained its independence on October 23, 1989, and is now a member of the European Union. Currently, Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a very modern city, but there are hundreds of buildings that capture the architectural grandeur and majesty of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Tourist Attractions

With population of over 2 million, Budapest is a city having a lot to showcase for visitors, especially the museums, churches, theatres, parks, and the famous mineral hot springs and baths. Gone are the remnants of the Soviet occupation; today, Budapest is the mirror image of any European city with the best shopping, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels and diverse cultural activities. Some of the most important tourist attractions include the famous bridges that traverse the Danube; some of these include the Megyeri Bridge, the Elizabeth Bridge, the Margaret Bridge, Liberty Bridge and the Chain Bridge, which is one of the most photographed bridges in Europe. To make the most of your trip, choose the right accommodation during your stay. For instance, the 3-star rated Tulip Inn Budapest Millennium is a good choice and is centrally located.

Excellent Cuisine Outlets

Hungary has always been famous for its paprika and the paprika-flavored goulash, but there is a whole range of food styles that is available in Budapest including French, Chinese, Magyar, Italian, etc. Restaurants specializing in East European food include the Muzeum and Tigris; international cuisine is available at the Klassz wine restaurant and Italian cuisine - at the Hemingway; healthy vegetarian cuisine is available at Eden, and their menu includes vegetarian platters, stews and ragout which contain no fat, preservatives or sugar.

Monuments and Museums

For visitors keen on gourmet food, they can dine at the Onyx, which is a Michelin starred specialty restaurant catering to modern Hungarian cuisine and bistros and brassieres like Gerloczy serve up light meals and assorted cheeses. Places to see around Budapest include the Jewish Quarter, the Parliament Building, Castle District, Memento Park, Holocaust Memorial Center, the Buda Hills, Margaret Island, the various museums, the Royal Palace, etc.

Shopping Privileges

There are many pawn shops and second-hand shops selling china, antiques, trinkets, textiles, etc., like the Bav, while arts and crafts are on display at Herend Village Pottery with a variety of items of home furnishings and decoration which are for sale. The best period to visit Budapest is usually between May and September when the weather is perfect for traveling and with excellent transport facilities, visiting places would be easy.


Rabu, 25 Oktober 2017

Tessei Makes Japanese Cleanliness a Science

Loved my tour of the Tessei Angels under the Tokyo Station Tracks.

Recently selected as a required course for all 900 students in the Harvard Business School MBA program, TESSEI makes cleaning and keeping the Japanese Shinkansen in mint condition for every single passenger, the new textbook benchmark for efficiency and teamwork.

Keeping motivation high is not as easy as you think.

So how many times have you wanted to kneel down in a public train toilet and polish the floor into a freshly smelling shine? Can you expertly wipe 100 table tops and make sure a whole 100-seat car is spic and span in five minutes? Well, guess what, I sure you Would want to shine that floor into a sweet smelling luster or Could achieve the 100-pus seat phenomenon if you were a part of the enthusiastic, friendly and highly motivated team known as the TESSEI Shinkansen angels.

So what is it that makes this team special? Actually, on a recent tour I took, I learned dedication, leadership and a healthy dash of pride are what make this cleaning machine function.

A few hints behind this Shinkansen Science

This is not some business model that no one else can achieve... it just takes an arrangement of priorities that places people at the center of the science. Every single detail of the packs carried in an out of the cars, and the thinking behind the actual cleaning or how the teams' motivation is upheld, centers on one single thing. Yes... put simply... it is all done for that one smile or word of thanks from the passenger. With a guest's need in mind, here are a few background facts on how the Tessei team thinks:

1. They decided to use one towel for table tops and a separate towel for windows. Why? They felt using a towel for a coffee drip or stray rice kernels on a surface so close to the next passenger's face was uncouth.

2. They re-designed the broom from single stick traditional style to a funky retractable. Why? A retractable broom can fit in the bag and free up the hands. It also has the benefit of hiding dirt and dust from the next passenger ready to board the train on a fresh new adventure.

3. They have seating arrangements in the team space under the tracks to encourage transparency and cross team communication. Why? To build a good team, they believe customer focus and the removal of cliques is the only way to go.

4. They wear Aloha shirts in Summer and have a cute little mascot named Chiritori ("chiritori" means clean up rubbish so it is a play on words because "tori" also means bird. Why? They've miraculously turned what used to be considered a three "K" job (kitsui (hard), kiken (dangerous), kitanai (dirty)), into a fun and friendly hospitality job. The team enjoys interactions with guests and wants to let people know that efficient, fast and perfectly clean is an achievable, sustainable state.

Techno Heart or TESSEI offers actual tours of the under-side of Tokyo station so you can take a look for yourself at how this epitome of sustainable clean is actuated at Tokyo Station. Make sure to get an appointment ahead of time and bring along an interpreter if you really want to get the details.

Either way, on your next Shinkansen trip to or from Tokyo, make sure to notice the swift, friendly, efficient cleaning team in the smart uniform or Aloha shirts and say a word of thanks for all the effort they have given for your pleasant train experience.

If you have a moment, stay to watch the whole amazing spectacle and join in the impromptu applause that erupts from the platform as the team bows crisply before heading down under the tracks to prepare for their next 7 minute miracle.

Jarman International provides all Japan relocation services, tips on how to enjoy "Deep" travel in Japan, cutting edge office design and consultation, Japan property investment information, boutique accommodation and serviced apartments in Roppongi Tokyo, healing and rejuvenation at a unique Japanese day spa, business matching and Japanese technology information and Smart City/Social Innovation related networking opportunities. Looking into Japan? Jarman International is ready to assist.

Minggu, 15 Oktober 2017

Bangkok's Nightlife for the Nocturnal Beings

It is said that as the sun goes down, Bangkok lights up to its true colours. For those of you who plan to hit the sack early in this city, they will be missing out on an experience of a lifetime. The after-the dark scene here is flawlessly charming and glittering. It keeps you astounded, engrossed and surprisingly entertained every second. The high-spirited mega-clubs and animated rooftop bars dazzle with every taste, style and budget where revelers take pride, but the sparkling street markets brimming with delectable food, drinks, and things that lure travellers are no less engaging. An array of discotheques play every note of music that make your feet move in the presence of a fun-loving crowd and when the radiance of the environment comes to an end, you move out befriending lovely people.

Fun for Everyone

The brilliance of Bangkok's nightlife is not limited to a particular section. For those with family can also do a lot. Enjoy a dinner cruise on the famous Chao Phraya River where you sit comfortably on a luxurious ship to marvel at the gleaming high-rise buildings, temples and other historical landmarks. Out with your mom? Take her to the 24-hour flower market, a world of beautiful fragrances. There are decent bars where you can enjoy a glass of wine with your colleagues or indulge in some chit-chat with friends.

Return with New Friends

Thailand's hospitality is invincible and friendly faces greet you at every corner. You won't find it hard striking a conversation with the locals, who are always happy to help you. In fact, it is a common sight finding strangers having a light-hearted conversation in a club or exploring the vivacious night market with excitement.

Relax at the VW Van Bars

If you wish to have a unique experience, then you must hop on the VW Van Bars. These are vehicles that you will find all over Bangkok during the night. They offer a variety of refreshing drinks and are inexpensive in comparison to a normal bar. While exploring the amazing streets, the VW Van Bars are a nice place to relax.

Party all Night

In recent years, many social order campaigns have imposed restrictions on timings of the opening hours of bars and night clubs. But, not everything closes by 2 am. The informal sidewalk bars, especially in Sukhumvit, are open all night. In fact, there are a plethora of places - big, loud, tiny and not very famous - you can enjoy all night. If you are unable to hunt these, just walk behind the local people.

Get a Feast in Winter Beer Gardens

The winter beer gardens operate only in the winters (November - January), but are definitely a treat that is hard to miss. Pavements along the markets are decorated with tables that line up mugs of beer neatly with plates of scrumptious sausages in an ambience of live music, right from rock to jazz. An ideal place where people can sip their favourite brew and absorb the vibrant local vibes.

Rooftop Bars

Bangkok abounds with al-fresco rooftop bars just like sparkling stars that brighten up its nightlife and make it a magical experience. They are an extraordinary way of partying late night and marveling at the panoramic view created by the city lights below. A few top notch one include the Lebeau's Sky Bar and Banyan Tree's Vertigo. Then there is the Baiyoke Sky that comes among the little expensive ones. One thing to remember is that most of these cocktail bars have a dress code, so watch what you wear.

Bangkok nightlife features some unique traits, right from the craziest and wackiest to the luxurious and friendly. It's not just for those who visit the lively bars, but also the ones who love playing and enjoying a mug of beer at the neon-lit bowling alleys. There are massage centers at every nook where your mind and body can relax and karaoke rooms where you can record your own CD's. Unraveling the vibrancy is easy with the tuk-tuks and the friendly people with their streak to help can make for free of cost guides. Simply put, among the varied personalities that Bangkok exhibits, the after-the-dark one is what you really need to look out for. So for all the nocturnal beings, go pick up a deal from an array of enticing Thailand holiday packages.


Jumat, 29 September 2017

4 Great Ways to Enjoy Paris Without Spending a Fortune

Visiting Paris for a holiday? For a long or short stay, the excellent youth hostels in the city make for an ideal base from which to explore. There are myriad things to see and do in this buzzing and beautiful city; here are just a few, slightly different, experiences you may enjoy.

A Paris Museum Pass

Paris is overflowing with both history and culture, so it would be remiss if you didn't at least take some time to visit the museums in and around the city. The most convenient and cost effective way to do that is to buy a Paris Museum Pass, which grants you access to up to 60 museums. If you're just staying in one of the youth hostels for a weekend, the 2-day pass at €42.00 is a pretty good choice. If you have an entire week and a lot of free time to visit museums at your leisure, then the 6-day option at €69.00 is the best deal.

Meet-and-Greet with the Franglish Community

If you want to meet up with Parisian locals while helping bridge the gap between the French and English languages, then you'll definitely want to sign up with the Franglish community while on a slightly longer stay in one of the youth hostels. Groups meet up at a designated café, pair up, chat in French for seven minutes, switch to English for seven minutes then switch to spend time with another member of the community. It's like a mix of speed-dating and language classes! It's a lot of fun and very useful to get past the first difficult stages of the language barrier.

Pique Your Curiosity for Biology at the Deyrolle

If you're not squeamish and have a healthy appetite for learning more about nature, the Deyrolle Taxidermy shop is a fascinating place to visit. The collection is massive, with drawers and displays showcasing preserved creatures of all shapes and sizes. From tiny bugs with colourful shells to a full-blown giraffe, this amazing taxidermy shop is a wonderful place for curious botanists, zoologists and entomologists.

Relax at the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

If you just want to get away from the more modern architecture and the hustle and bustle of the city, the Buttes-Chaumont is a beautiful park to spend some down time if you're not yet ready to head back to the youth hostels. Not only can you catch some sun on the well-manicured lawn (in summer, that is), but there's also a large lake and magnificent waterfall that add to the relaxed ambience.

No matter where you turn in this incredible city, there is something to see and do. Whether it's visiting the iconic renowned tourist sites, or seeking out some of the lesser-known attractions, Paris retains its crown as one of the world's most enduringly popular destinations.

Jumat, 15 September 2017

Oslo's Top Attractions To Complete Your Holiday Experience

There is nothing better than a relaxing and thrilling holiday. The choice of destination can determine the kind of holiday experience you get. The secret to having the best is selecting a destination that has attractions and activities you love and are bound to enjoy. Oslo is packed with holiday activities and attractions to make any visit most rewarding. Here are some of the top attractions you cannot miss out on when visiting the city.

1. Norwegian Ballet and Opera

The glass and marble building is most striking and cannot be missed for anything. It is in Bjorvika and has world class ballet and opera performances not to mention award winning architecture. Walking on the roof of the Opera House is a fun activity and it is open to public.

2. Vigenlandsparken Sculpture Park

It is one of the most unique parks worth visiting in Oslo. It has more than two hundred sculptures on the work of Gustav Vigeland. Some of the most striking sculptures include the Angry Boy sculpture. It is a park that attracts thousands of tourists and locals every year to enjoy the great pieces of art.

3. Akershus Fortress

This is another attraction you must take the time to enjoy. It is a recreational area offering stunning harbor views. You can catch Oslo's rich history in the museums and grand buildings on the 13th century fortress too. It is located at the heart of the city.

4. Holmenkollen Ski Jump

It has been rebuilt recently and is now a state of the art jump featuring the oldest Ski Museum on the world. It also has an observation deck offering magnificent views of the beautiful city.

5. The Viking Ship Museum

In the museum where you will find the best preserved Viking ships in the world dating back to the 9th century. They are displayed in the museum on Bygdoy Peninsula and it also has sledges, wood carvings, horse carts and Viking tools on display.

6. The National Gallery

Home to the largest public collection of drawings, sculptures and paintings in Norway this gallery is a must visit when visiting Oslo. The most outstanding pieces include the Madonna and The Scream by Edvard Munch. Most of the art collections here are older than 1950.

7. The Fram Museum

It has the most famed polar ship in the world. The fun activity is going on board this ship and having a feel of how the Norway polar explorers survived and lived while in the coldest parts of the planet hundreds of years ago. It is without doubt a top attraction in the city.

8. Norwegian Cultural History Museum

Located at Bygdoy, it is locally known as Norsk Folkemuseum. It is one of the largest and oldest open air museums of the world and remains open all year round. You will love the more than a hundred historic buildings it consists of including a stave church from 1250 AD. The museum has plenty to be enjoyed by those interested in the cultural history of the country.