Sunday, December 25, 2011

Cities - The Real Shanghai 2 of 2 - BBC Travel Documentary

Cities - The Real Shanghai 2 of 2 - BBC Travel Documentary, recorded 16.10.2010 There's no place in China quite like Shanghai. There are no summer palaces, fog-enmeshed temples or cliff-side Buddhas here. Remnants of traditional culture remain, but to dwell there would be to miss the point entirely. Shanghai has never been about what has already happened - it is about what is going to happen. For millions of Chinese, Shanghai is more than just a city. It is a symbol of change, opportunity and sophistication. While Beijing may pull the country's strings, Shanghai is the pacesetter. It revels in its glamorous airs and entrepreneurial flair, in its global reach and ability to synthesise and adapt new ideas to home-grown tastes. Haven Tangled together with these positive associations are the memories of the foreign concessions. Established after the First Opium War (1839-1842), they were loathed by many as centres of imperialism and exploitation, but simultaneously valued as havens of intellectual freedom and stimulation - a place to break with stifling Confucian mores and learn about the world outside. Those looking to introduce change in imperial China - whether social, political or technological - flocked to them. The Chinese government aims to make the city an international financial centre to rival Hong Kong by the year 2020. Despite the positive changes that came out of the concessions, Shanghai was no paradise, with high levels of poverty and crime. The birth of the ...

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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Everything You Need to Know About Athens

!±8± Everything You Need to Know About Athens

Athens is a city rooted in its Greek history. The birthplace of democracy and now the capital city of Greece, Athens is a cultural center with fine cuisine, theater, the Acropolis, and generous Greek hospitality.

The best time to visit Athens is in the Spring. The weather is perfect and rates are reasonable. Beware of summers in Athens as they can reach high temperatures near 110 degrees F. So if you plan on going to Athens in the summer please make sure to bring a hat, light clothing, sun block, and a bottle of water everywhere you go.

Greek Hospitality

The Greek are known for their hospitality and generous ways. Athenians are laid back people who are generally accepting of all visitors. Many people in Athens know English so feel free to ask for help or directions from locals and passers-by.

Meet Athenians half way and learn a few words of Greek. People will appreciate your effort and maybe more inclined to help you.

The Acropolis

The most famous landmark in Greece is the Acropolis, and happens to be located in Athens. Ancient Greek civilization was represented on top of this hill by the Parthenon and other structures that symbolized the lavish lifestyle of the Greek gods.

The New Athens

Since the Olympics were held in Athens in 2004, the city has been revamped. It seems the over growth of Athens has caused poor air quality, busy streets, and a generally overcrowded feeling. But some of this has been made better since the renovations.

Best Hotel Value in Athens

If you want to stay in the heart of Athens, the G.R. Louis Hotel is the perfect choice with a selection of museums and a concert hall, right down the way. The hotel is known for its knowledgeable staff and quiet surroundings. Tourists will definitely enjoy their stay in Athens at the GR Louis Hotel.

Local Customs

Beware of the concrete jungle that has become Athens. With so many drivers, people have a bit of road rage. Try to stay off the streets if possible. Even pedestrians may have trouble walking across the street in a crosswalk. Athenians don't always adhere to the traffic rules.

Smoking in Athens is perfectly acceptable to locals and you can light up just about anywhere you wish. So, you probably shouldn't ask locals to go find a smoking section since that is the norm there. Independence Day is March 25th. They celebrate their Independence day with parades and celebrations making traffic congested and the city busier than ever.

"Ochi" Day, held on October 28th, is another Greek holiday. Greeks commemorate the day Mussolini's request to let Italian troops into the country at the beginning of World War II was denied. "Ochi" means "no" in Greek. You may see soldiers and tanks parading down the streets in show of Greek pride. Whenever you plan on visiting Athens, you are sure to be met with fabulous Greek food, plenty of shopping, historical monuments, and local Athenian culture and customs.


Everything You Need to Know About Athens

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Saturday, December 3, 2011

Poached Egg and Bacon Muffinn, Venison, Thai Green Papaya Salad & Nut Fruit Cake

Birmingham, England Poached egg and bacon muffin. Prepared by Chef Anthony Morgan at The Lombard Room. St. Paul, Minnesota, USA Medallions of venison with wild rice and mushrooms. Prepared by Chef Ken Gough at The Dakota Bar. Bangkok, Thailand Thai green papaya salad. Prepared by Head Chef Pensiri at Imperial Hotel. Napa Valley, California, USA Nut fruit cake. Prepared by Glyn Christian.

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