November, 2012 | The Adventure Travel Site

Water Cube in Olympic Green

An iconic landmark, the Water Cube in Olympic Green is definitely worth visiting when heading to the Chinese capital. If you do not have time for an extended stay, it is best to stay at a Beijing airport hotel such as Langham Place, Beijing Capital Airport. Offering modern hotel rooms in Beijing, this contemporary hotel is right near the airport and offers easy access to the city via Express Train. Once at the city make your way to the Olympic Green where you can view this curiously designed structure that was used during the Beijing Olympic Games of 2008 for the swimming events. Today, the Water Cube has been transformed into a fun water park which offers plenty of family fun. A great place to beat the heat, the water park features speed slides, wave machines and more, ensuring hours of wet and wild thrills and spills!

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Sky Walk in Auckland: A Walk in the Clouds!

This is the Auckland’s sense of adventure and this is one of the main attractions to the city that a traveller invariably finds himself drawn to. The skywalk in Auckland is one exhilarating experience that is fully backed by safety certifications from a certified engineer as well as safety standards that are adhered to quite religiously. The skywalk involves walking in the pergola atop the sky tower that is 192 metres high and 1.2 metres wide. With no hand railings or balconies and the breeze blowing on either side of free space and a dizzy view downwards, the prospect is not for the faint hearted. Though seemingly impossible to undertake, the skywalk is actually backed by safety devices so that although perceived to be terrifying and risky, it is actually not so.

There are two safety tethers connecting you to the over head rail to ensure your safety. One safety tether actually is in place like a climbing rope that works as flail safe. The other one is anchored to you like a seatbelt, and can be adjusted individually to one’s height and has a retractable system that allows one to swing back like a pendulum even if they get off the pergola.

With a friendly staff whose congenial manner and attention, instantly builds your confidence and chases your scary thoughts away, the walk can actually be taken on as a challenge and the result is as expected, simply exhilarating. The view is claimed to be absolutely ravishing, and the brave ones can actually attempt to do a daring glance downwards to enjoy it. The walk has a few restrictions, with a very strictly adhered to wind limit as well as an age limit and weight limit that ensures further the safety of the adventure.

End the days adventures and step over to one of the reputed 5 Star Hotel Auckland and you will find that the day can get even better. With a timeless elegance and modern amenities that are just after your heart and desire, The Langham Auckland feels like a second home while you are in this enchanting city. With excellent residential options and delectable cuisine, this is one hotel that is enviously placed high up on the list of most desirable Auckland hotels.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.
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The National Aquatics Centre

In August of 2008 the eyes of the world turned to Beijing for the Summer Olympics, and they were not disappointed. Along with the memorable sports events and ceremonies, the participants and spectators were fascinated by the buildings that hosted these events. Standing on the Beijing Olympic Green beside the ‘Bird’s Nest’ National Stadium, the National Aquatics Centre saw 25 records broken inside its ‘soap bubbles’ structure.

Rather incorrectly nicknamed the ‘Water Cube’, this rectangular cuboid structure is largely made of a steel space frame that supports the ETFE pillows that give it its distinct look. ETFE allowed more light and heat penetration than glass and a reduction in energy costs, which was important for an Olympics the Chinese wanted to portray as ‘green’. Taken in context with the round National Stadium, which symbolizes earth, the Aquatics Centre defined the heavens in Chinese design; the concept came from collaboration between Chinese and Australian architects. Its Olympic pool was considered one of the best in the world in design and hosted the swimming, synchronized swimming and diving events.

But you will not be able to see the setting that held 17,000 spectators who watched Michael Phelps and other swimmers battle for Olympic glory. After months of refurbishment, it immerged as Asia’s largest Water Park; a bubblegum wonderland of slides, wave pools and gigantic floating jellyfish. Inspired by the alien world in the blockbuster movie ‘Avatar’, the blue theme of water is highlighted by multicoloured tubes and slides that twist around the interior and fall onto the massive pools below.

Drop 40 feet down the ‘speed slide’ and zip in and out of the ‘aqua loop’ for your daily adrenaline rush or splash away the worries at the wave pool under a multitude of fluorescent bubbles. The translucent covering of the Aquatics Centre gives the new water park a whimsical light that is sure to delight visitors of all ages, which makes it an essential stop in a city tour.

Those looking for Beijing airport hotel accommodation can choose Langham Place Beijing Capital Airport. Pamper yourself to relax after a long flight, an exciting day of sightseeing or hectic business meetings in the city in some of the most comfortable hotel rooms in Beijing.

The Gate Shams Abu Dhabi- A man-made miracle

If you are visiting Abu Dhabi for leisure or business, you can indulge in many luxuries that the country has in store for its visitors. Accommodation Abu Dhabi boasts of are endless and numerous. Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi is one such luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi which promises every modern comfort to the guests. When you are in Abu Dhabi, one of the man-made attractions you must visit is the Gate Shams Abu Dhabi. The Gate Shams Abu Dhabi is a magnificent skyscraper which has 83 floors. The height of this giant construction is 389m and it is a construction of Sorouh Real Estate. It will house many major corporate offices in Abu Dhabi and also will serve as a luxury residential complex for the high-end clients, business personals and VIP visitors to the city.

Festivals in Bali

Bali is one of the most sought after holiday destinations in Asia. It has a perfect setting of beaches, lovely tropical weather and warm Indonesian hospitality which lures thousands of tourists from all over the world throughout the year.

Bali is also home to most of the minority Hindus of Indonesia and therefore this island is the perfect place to experience the local culture, which is a combination of Hindu and Indonesian traditions.

Throughout the year the island features a range of festivals. Dances and religious rites are part of Balinese day to day life; every religious element, every significant part of their lives, and all what Mother Nature has offered them, are a good enough reason for them to celebrate.

Most of the festivals are about their own lives. From the birth of a child, throughout the life, all the cherished moments such as marriage, until death, each event is a reason for celebration. Then there are the religious festivals. Special prayers, parades, fasting ceremonies and other events at the temple are also celebrated with passion. Some of the religious events also include deity anniversaries, harvest festivals and blood sacrifices.

The most significant religious celebration is the Odalan. This celebrates the founding of the temple and lasts a couple of days, sometimes even up to a week. The temples are beautifully decorates with flags, palm leaves and flowers. Generally this also involves a colourful parade, various ceremonies, all ending with a big feast.

One festival tourists cannot afford to miss is the Nyepi. This celebrates the new lunar year which is usually March or April for the Balinese. Nyepi is the day after the Melasti which involves a lot of festivities. On the day of Nyepi everybody has to remain silent throughout the day. No body works, travels, or does anything else. It is just a day for staying in and relaxing!

For more relaxation in Bali try a wellness retreat. There are many on this island and they offer the perfect way to indulge in a healthy living style. The island being a popular holiday destination offers various types of lodging options and for those keen on luxury living combined with wellness can stay at COMO Shambhala.

Tawdheef Career Fair- Not just another job fair

Abu Dhabi is a place with a host of attractions and exciting things to do for its travelers. It is equally important to reserve your hotel in Abu Dhabi for a comfortable stay during your visit. Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi is one such place available for the visitors to the city who are in search of accommodation Abu Dhabi has for its visitors. One of the exciting events in Abu Dhabi is the Tawdheef career fair which is a job recruitment exhibition held annually at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. This event will give people a great opportunity to meet the professionals and important figures in different industries and fields such as banking, aviation, petroleum, etc. This career fair also provides an opportunity to the mid-senior managers to develop their career path.

Dune Driving: A Roller Coaster-like Adventure

Fondly known as the ‘Manhattan of the Middle East’, Abu Dhabi is among the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates located in the Middle Eastern. An oasis for wildlife until the region developed rapidly following the discovery of oil nearly 60 years ago; there is never a dull moment for a person seeking the thrill of adventure. Abu Dhabi would certainly provide you with a multitude of activities to keep you entertained and your adrenaline rushing with their marvellous scuba diving and boating experiences.
Once in this city, it is essential that you experience it to the fullest and that means trying your hand at one of the most popular yet hair-raising sports in the city, Wadi Bashing. This sport, also known as dune driving, attracts a number of tourists seeking a thrilling adventure out in the desert as they mount a four wheeler and attempt to conquer the dry sand dunes of the Abu Dhabi desert.

This adrenaline pumping experience is second to no other as a driver must drive along the uneven terrain of sand dunes and riverbeds, while keeping their balance without falling off the vehicle. The abundance of an uneven terrain makes it an exhilarating ride as one race towards a dune, is suspended in mid air and experiences a few precious moments of sheer exhilaration before touching down on solid ground.

Wadi Bashing is also an excellent method of experiencing the natural delights of Abu Dhabi which are untouched by civilization. If you’re lucky, you may be able to spot the famous gazelle from which the city derived its name, strikingly picturesque waterfalls and waterways as well as native tribes.

Travellers and tourists wishing to experience this hair-raising adventure should surely opt to reside in a comfortable and peaceful hotel in Abu Dhabi to round up a truly fruitful holiday. Accommodation Abu Dhabi is varied and one can surely find a fit for every budget. However, if you seek luxury and contemporary comforts, the Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi will delight you with its calming waterfront view giving you the impression of being in a secluded haven even though you are in close proximity to the city.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
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Gems in Maldives

Blessed with soft sandy beaches, secluded palm fringed islands, azure waters and thrilling water sports, the Maldives offers hours of fun in the sun for young and old alike. The islands that make up the Maldives are ideal for a romantic getaway, thrilling family holiday or even a journey of self discovery, set amidst stunning natural beauty. Those who can tear themselves away from the beach will also find that the county affords plenty of shopping opportunities especially if you are interested in purchasing gems and precious stones.

When you go shopping for gemstones in Maldives you will come across two varieties; natural gems and those that have been created synthetically. While synthetic gems have the same physical properties of natural ones, they often do not possess the unique colours of their natural counterparts. Always ask and make sure which kind you are purchasing. Another factor worth considering is whether the gemstones have been treated or not. Treatments change such elements as colour and clarity and these gems require special and expert care. You will also find imitation gems made from such materials as glass or plastic.

The country is also a great place to buy diamonds. When shopping for them, make sure to consider such factors as clarity, colour, cut and carat. Those looking to add to their fashion accessories can also purchase pearls when on holiday here. Naturally grown pearls or cultured pearls as they are known, are taken from molluscs or oysters, while it is possible to buy imitation products that have been made using plastic or glass. The country also has a rich tradition in jewellery making; traditional jewellery was typically made by blacksmiths and includes such items as golden bracelets and necklaces.

Once having done your share of gem shopping head back to luxurious accommodation offered by such resorts as Anantara Veli Maldives. It offers charming over water Maldives bungalows set amidst idyllic coastal landscapes and provides an ideal rest in which to get away from it all. This Maldives resort also has a spa where you can benefit from a range of treatments and therapies that offer true healing for mind, body and soul amidst true peace and tranquillity.

St. James’s Park- The oldest Royal Park in London

May be it’s the glance of the Royalty that constantly falls on this luscious green garden that keeps it in splendid perfection throughout the year. Sprawling over 23 hectares in the City of Westminster central of London at the southern end of the St.James area, the garden has just as interesting and famous neighbours in its vicinity. With Buckingham palace at its west and the busy mall and St James place to its north, the Bricade walk lies to the South as the House Guards cover the East. While the Buckingham Palace constantly looks in the direction of the garden, perhaps because its greenery offers such a soothing treatment for the eye, the garden returns the favour with its bridge perched upon the lake, getting a spectacular view of the palace, framed closely by its foliage and fountains.

Regardless of its majestic neighbours and its history as a place of national events and in spite of the crowds frequenting the mall, day in and day out, the garden has maintained a simplistic charm of nature throughout the years, as if it were not afraid of being young and naïve in a world of mature men and women. It seems not only man, but even flora and fauna have found shelter among its leafy branches, thick shrubs and especially the placid waters of its lake that is now and then ruffled by the breeze roaming through the park, often than not. The pelicans have made a permanent stay there and with all the feeding they get everyday, are unlikely to leave such attractive grounds to which they add their own colourful props. There are water birds, bats and woodpeckers especially for the children to gaze on, at least for those who are not busy playing in the playground in the park. For the city weary traveller, the garden is a sanctuary, with decked chairs in summer to recline on and dwell on nothing in particular while being softly caressed by the wind and being wooed to tranquillity by the garden whose attractions can sooth and soften any hard emotion. For some, the garden is ideal for people watching, while the more keen eyes of film makers have discovered in its mossy depths and wide open spaces lined by lakes and islands, the perfect back drop for the drama they’ve woven.

As much as outdoor enchantment, the city has a wealth of indoor charms in many a luxury hotel London. Located in the city’s Belgravia district, The Halkin London is a treat for the eye and mind, with unique interior designs falling only second to its modern conveniences and unforgettable Thai cuisine. In spite of its awe inspiring charms, this London boutique hotel, exudes a simplicity and a congenial warmth within all its services and servicemen that most traveller regard it as a home away from home.

Bedouin Village in Abu Dhabi

The eternal sand dunes, the scorching sun, a few meagre tents swaying to the breeze and a lone camel rider crossing the great desert in the evening light are no longer the pictures that come into one’s mind as you reflect on the Middle Eastern nations. With the revolutionary discovery of oil, the black gold that has seeped into these nations has transformed them into becoming some of the most powerful and beautiful cities in the world; and Abu Dhabi is no exception. Long gone are the simple days of the camel farmer trekking the expansive desert in search of water; the busy days of sky scrapers, state of the art shopping malls, business hubs and a never ending hum of activity are here to stay.

But not all of that ancient past is lost. The simple lives of their ancestors is the foundation of this new society in Abu Dhabi and it can be seen in the lives of the people, as well as in a small village behind the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre on Mussafah Road. Built in such a way as to depict a traditional Bedouin Village this museum holds original as well as recreated artefacts relating to the pre-oil era of Abu Dhabi. Also called the ‘Heritage Village’, it is a symbol of cultural and historical importance and is ideal for those looking for an insight on the history of the region.

It is made up of elaborate replicas of buildings from the past. Mud-brick houses, mud house of the Sheik, wind towers as well as a replica of the ancient irrigation system used can be seen. Coins, garments, Holy Qurans, jewellery, weaponry and diving equipment of the past days are put on display for the public. Entrance is free and the Bedouin Village is an ideal location to experience the region’s rich history.

In the more modern day city is the Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi, a plush and comfortable hotel in Abu Dhabi. This superior accommodation Abu Dhabi has t o offer lets you enjoy the very best of contemporary comforts in a truly luxurious setting.