After 1 1/2 years I am finally returning to the place where I once, and still do, call home; Hong Kong and China. This time, though, I am going with my wife and our daughter to Hong Kong and China!
We are at T-Minus 25hrs to flight time. All our bags are packed (sort of), we’re ready to go (basically) taxi will be waiting beside our door…
We will be in both Hong Kong and China for over a month.
This will sure to be an unbelievable adventure, trip, experience, and more.
Cathay Pacific
My wife is from China and we are thrilled to be going back to Shanghai to visit her family. We’ll be moving around the country exploring new lands, foods, and customs. I’ll be back hard at work, traveling around Hong Kong and China, visiting factories and working on our goods.
And through it all, I’ll be writing it all down. The good, the bad, the not so great, my feelings, and tribulations. I am both super excited and honestly, a bit nervous, too, to return to the place where I grew up and had learned so much of the world in my 20’s. How much is the same? Different? So many of my friends are gone, some are left. Some will never leave.
What is it like stepping off of a 16hrs flight from New York to Hong Kong and China (direct) with a 2 year old? We land 530 in the morning. How smoothly can we make it through immigration and customs? Get to our apartment? Get settled?
Start enjoying our time in Hong Kong and China!
Be prepared for something never done before, up close, personal. 100% real. Video’s, audio, writings, you name it.
Have a suggestion, or want me to write about something in my day? No problem, just drop me a line and let me know!
I can’t wait! How about you?
So come along and join me for what will sure to be a once in a life time, up close and personal, experience, in Hong Kong and China!
Sentosa Island Singapore – Siloso Beach – MegaZip Adventure Park
Sentosa Island Singapore – Asia’s Favorite Playground
I vividly remember my visit to the Sentosa Island Singapore. I simply love how some of these countries have dedicated whole islands for tourists, isolating the destination from the city life and the pollution that comes along with the urban lifestyle.
Sentosa Island Singapore has progressed a long way since its inception in 1972. Anyone who has visited the island would agree with my claim of Sentosa Island Singapore being one of the most wonderful places to visit in Asia.
Gateway To Sentosa, Singapore
Beaches
The Sentosa Island Singapore hosts three of the most amazing beaches in the region, Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach and Tanjong Beach
In the centre of the vast and expansive southern coast of Sentosa Island Singapore, lies the Palawan Beach. Upon the first footprint on the warm sands of Palawan Beach, the gentle yet firm sea breeze had a blinding effect. The beach was filled with a diverse group of tourist, some swimming, few sunbathing while others mingling at the minimalist bars, complementing the natural beauty of the terrain. The best part was the shared sense of wonder over the gorgeous beach.
The western portion of the southern coast, Siloso Beach attracts tourists more inclined towards physical outdoor activities, such as, canoeing, mountain biking, beach volleyball, skim boarding and the list goes on. Siloso beach has a more urban feel, with food courts and shopping outlets dominating the area.
The crescent shaped beach, Tanjong Beach is much more secluded then its counterparts on the southern coast. This part of the coast is mostly used for private parties and special events.
Hanging bridge over a small tropical lagoon
MegaZip Adventure Park
The adventure park is the first of its kind in Singapore, atop Mount Imbiah. The park hosts Asia’s longest and steepest zip wires. Although, the park has several other activities which are impeccable in their own right, for example, a freefall simulator, an ultimate physical challenge course. But none can compare to the extreme zip line experience, the 450 meter long, 75 meter high, an adrenaline junkie’s idea for heaven.
Finally, I was strapped in, heart throbbing, blood rushing, and a thought crept up, all this before the experience even started, within a second it had vanished, along with me into the madness. I sped over the gorgeous lush green canopy jungles of Mount Imbiah. And across the greens were the emanating sands of Siloso Beach, swallowed up by the warm embrace of the clear waters.
It was one heck of an amazing experience. The sights were seared into my mind for the coming eternity. They say that a person is capable of taking only a few things through that unknown transition that awaits us all. Well, when I say this, I say it with certainty, this experience was one of those things that can even outlast time itself.
Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, also known as its ‘rice bowl’ is a beautiful scenic landscape, carpeted in myriad shades of green and surrounded with grand waterways. Dubbed as Vietnam’s biological treasure trove, the delta’s unexplored terrains have been home to over 10,000 new species.
There are simply so many interesting and amazing things to do outdoors in Vietnam, it’s no wonder that the Mekong Delta is so frequently visited.
A trip to the Mekong Delta will be a completely new experience for you and it will open you up to a world you have only seen on TV before.
The delta is a water world…literally, it has restaurants, houses, and even markets that are floating upon the Delta’s rivers, canals, and streams. Now that’s something you only see in futuristic movies, but it becomes oh so real in the Mekong Delta.
Normal Activity on Mekong Delta
My trip to Mekong Delta was really amazing. I have had a lot of adventures in Vietnam, but this one tops the list. Just after breakfast at Saigon, our bus picked us up and we traveled to My Tho. From there, we set off on a cruise of the Tien River, and rejoiced in the view of the four lovely islands that we saw: Dragon Island, Unicorn Island, Turtle Island, and Phoenix Island.
This cruise was the highlight of the trip in my opinion, as we saw natural beauty aplenty on the islands. We also experienced the tranquil local villages around and saw many rural people working the rice fields. All this was quite simple and ordinary, yet we saw beauty in it. And yes, we did take pictures. We snapped several pictures of the amazing fisherman’s port and its stilt houses.
We had some local tropical fruits, and they were not only juicy but delicious too. After a little time, we found ourselves climbing into a small sampan boat, and were handed cute conical hats as well. We cruised through the serene waterways and canals in our sampan boat while soothing our ears with local folk music. The man rowing the sampan boat demonstrated his rowing skills as he moved the boat through the groves of water coconut trees.
Boats in Beautiful Halong Bay
We were taken to a bee farm, where there was a small market with items such as sunglasses, clothes, souvenirs etc. The time spent at the bee farm was really full of fun; we tried natural honey produced on the bee farm which was yummy. We also tasted the honey tea, which had some grains at the bottom, and was very delicious and sweet.
The boat stopped at too many shops, souvenir stands, and agricultural sites on its way forward on the Mekong Delta.
We took break for lunch and dined in at a local restaurant where we got to ate fresh spring rolls, rice, curries, grilled fish, fresh fruits, and more. Also, we got half an hour to ourselves to relax around in hammocks, and we enjoyed this part a great deal, before we set off with the tour to discover the rest of the natural bounties of the delta.
Then came the fun part, where we rode on motor carts to roam around the roads and down the jungle lanes. After a while, we headed to the coconut candy factory, which gave a true tourist feeling to us. At the factory we were offered coconut wine and we saw the production of sticky coconut candy. Then we headed back to the water once more to reach the mainland. The delta has quite a lot to charm its visitors with.
The name of the Mekong Delta literally translates as “River of Nine Dragons” and is home to nine tributaries that flow like arteries throughout the delta. It is a majestic place, and if you ever go to Vietnam, you must visit it.
Top Beijing Museum – From Ancient History to Movies
Beijing, one of the vastly urbanized cities in China, holds an immense collection of science, art, culture, and history. These are displayed in the top Beijing Museum.
It’s probably one of the main reasons why I’ve always loved going to Beijing. I always try to stay near the center of town. So much is in walking distance.
The top Beijing Museum contain events of Chinese culture and significant occasions in history, which present amazing opportunities for enthusiasts from all over the planet.
A number of them preserve old-fashioned architectural characteristics, while others are contemporary with superior technology. Touring museums in Beijing, compliments its significant heritage locations.
Beijing Capital Museum
Built in 1981, Beijing Capital Museum houses a great collection of valuable Chinese mementos and educational artifacts, and has the most excellent museum show service.
This top Beijing Museum is separated into five floors above ground in addition to two floors underground with an area of 63,390 square meters. The grand structure, a variety of exhibitions, and superior service make Beijing Capital Museum, one of the best museums in China.
Beijing Capital Museum
Its plentiful relics like; calligraphy works, porcelain, bronzes, along with Buddhist figurines; have won an elevated standing around the world. Most of the compilations were uncovered after the birth of the People’s Republic of China, and a number of them date back to the New Stone Age.
Three chief components of the museum illustrate the momentary exhibits, the major display, and the excellent art compilation. Subsequently, there is the Stele of Emperor Qian Long, which is the prized collection of the museum.
National Art Museum of China
National Art Museum of China was reserved for the compilation, study, and demonstration of contemporary and modern artistic mechanisms in China. More than 100,000 portions are domiciled in this huge top Beijing museum, which encompasses an area of approximately 18,000 square meters; separated into five floors.
A compilation of masterpieces by well-known Chinese artists along with high-quality workings from the late Qing Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty, with the early Republic of China period; are the riches of this museum. Not including the family pieces, plenty of overseas creative works are well-liked in this museum.
Thousands of important demonstrations of prominent artists from China and overseas have been held in National Art Museum of China in the past.
National Museum of China
Beijing Theater Museum
Beijing Theater Museum was initially built in 1807 (for the duration of the Qing Dynasty), and modernized and revived for the community in 1997.
In the older Xiangxianci Building, which is the major display hall of Beijing Theater Museum, the record of the growth of the museum is also told. The growth of Peking Opera initiated in this museum. You can also discover some pictures and acoustic recordings of famed Beijing Opera artists, like Mei Lanfang.
China National Film Museum
China National Film Museum is the biggest museum in China with the key intention of showing the times gone by; depicting the civilization of the Chinese with pictures and films.
A group of sophisticated multifunctional halls, over twenty exhibition rooms, one IMAX cinema, with two digital protuberance cinemas; offer an absolute experience of the modern cinema culture in China.
There are many other locations that are worth visiting but these are the absolute best and top Beijing Museums to visit. They are very interesting and worth visiting.
Enjoying Thailand street food is one of my favorite activities in Bangkok. It is tough not to locate a street bend with a chain of handcarts aligned dishing out food like noodle broth, BBQ chicken, beef cakes and appetizing fried fish. Makes your mouth water, doesn’t it?
The most important facet is that Thailand street food also has various reimbursements for you as a vacationer. It is in general safe (because you can observe what is being prepared and if it is clean) and apart from that, you also get to relate with the local people of Thailand.
Chinatown
If you adore Thailand street food then you are definably going to love paying a visit to Chinatown situated in Bangkok. It sports numerous street food stalls, marketplaces, pushcarts and restaurants. Night is the time Yaowarat, the name by which Chinatown is as well recognized as, will astound your flavor buds. You should just seek for the ad hoc stands, the synthetic chairs and tables, devour loads and loads of delicious food and then wash it all down with Singa Beer!
food stall in bangkok thailand
Silom Road
Because it is the innermost commerce region of Bangkok, it has a large group of citizens, starving people who want fast food in the middle of administrative center hours.
This means that you will discover quite a lot of diverse Thailand street food choices.
Soi 20 and Soi Convent are two of the locations where you almost certainly will want to go and gobble up the inexpensive varieties of Thai food.
Soi Rambuttri
This is one of my many preferred roads in Bangkok; a place where you can get away from the insanity of the hustle bustle of Bangkok. I loved eating and drinking here. There is a reason it is considered an appealing Bangkok retreat
Banglamphu
Fresh vegetable on street market
Banglamphu is the district in the region of the river, in close proximity to the Golden Palace which comprises of the back packing journey region of So Rambutrri and Khao San Road. So if you really have a desire to enjoy the splendid Thailand street food, then you should definitely saunter towards the end of the Khao San Road, make a turn to the right, go past the police post conflicting the Wat and Soi Rambuttri and behold the many different street stands and pushcarts.
Soi 38 Sukumvhit
In Soi 38 Sukumvhit you will dine on the road at a shaky metal stand with cars escaping the pushcarts and stands that are lined up along the street and the rare friendly dog trotting by looking expectantly for some leftovers.
There is an abundance of culinary options all along this hectic road. This Thailand street food is delicious, economical and arrives quickly. In addition to that most menus are written in English which makes ordering your favorite dish trouble free.
Besides the street food stands, those located on Soi 38 are very clean and the components used to create the dishes are fresh.
Israel Cultural Insights Top 10 – Be Insightful And Travel Well
There are certain things that you know about Israel Cultural Insights. Not because you would be penalized if you don’t, but you would benefit if you do. As they say, why be uncomfortable when you can be nice, and cozy and enjoying your vacation?
So, here go the top 10 Israel Cultural Insights:
Israel Cultural Insight 1: Do not settle for the price asked if you are in Suk HaCarmel in Tel Aviv, or the Mahane Yehuda in Jerusalem
This applies to all shuks (open air markets) and local markets in general. It is not that everybody here wants to fleece you, but the Israeli national characteristic is that we love a good bargain. In fact that is half right, we love to talk. My uncle and his buddy from school are continuing the same argument that they began twenty years ago.
Israel Cultural Insight 2: Do not limit yourself to hummus and falafel
Pita Bread with Hummus and Salad
I admit that it is quite easy to get hooked to these two delicacies, but both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv have restaurants offering the very best in Israeli cuisine with a lot of experimentation going on. I know Jerusalem can be a bit overwhelming for first timers, and there is a tendency not to think too much about food.
I recommend avoiding this trap–as the food is something of a novelty for the palate, and you should not miss it for anything.
Israel Cultural Insight 3: Do not enter the Dead Sea immediately after waxing
My sister’s friend from Sydney had a horrendous time at the Dead Sea for nobody had warned her about its salinity, and she had entered it right after waxing. The open pores on the skin burn like hell, and the sensation of floating in the sea where nobody can drown goes for a toss.
But not to worry, here are my top 10 things to remember when visiting the Dead Sea.
Israel Cultural Insight 4: Do not fall off the map in rural areas, the Golan Heights
Golan Heights, Israel
The lure of the uncharted is the best kick for anybody bitten with wander lust. But areas around the Golan Heights, the Dead Sea, and rural areas can lead off into places that may make a visitor not feel comfortable.
Israel Cultural Insight 5: Do not dress as Madonna, or Lady Gaga while visiting the religious sites
While generally Israelis are not very particular about what you are wearing unless it is only your smile, the unwritten dress code at religious sites is an entirely different matter. It is expected that the head and the portion below the waist is covered up adequately. ‘Papa, don’t preach’ kind of attitude won’t be looked at with amusement, if you are in shorts and visiting a mosque for instance.
The beaches are there for wearing what you like, or not wearing what you don’t. But please make sure you are dressed very modestly (even conservatively) when visiting religious shrines.
Israel Cultural Insight 6: Do not go for late night skinny-dipping in the summer
Tel Aviv seashore as seen from Old Jaffa. Israel.
Yes, I am aware of the temptation. But usually jelly fishes are around this time of the year as well, and it would be a disastrous idea stepping in without knowing the history of the beach in advance.
Israel Cultural Insight 7: Do not expect to get good food outside on a Yom Kippur evening
On the Jewish fasting days that end in the evening, it is almost impossible to get your choice food outside unless you have previously arranged for it. The city turns out for food after breaking the fast.
Israel Cultural Insight 8: Do not feel guilty if you can’t see all of Israel
Whatever they say about its size and everything, it is really difficult to see all of Israel in a short visit. Think of it like you have earned a next time.
Israel Cultural Insight 9: Do not feel guilty if you miss a museum or two
Israel is full of museums, and the urge to give a few of them a miss is phenomenal. It is one thing to love the past, and completely another to feel weighed down by it.
Israel Cultural Insight 10: Do not joke about the holocaust
Please do not joke about the holocaust while visiting Israel. If not for anything else, it shows that the person making the joke has a bad sense of humor.
While this list is short, it’s sweet and super helpful for when visiting Israel. Israeli’s love to have a good time, but having that little bit of insider knowledge can help leaps and bounds.
Looking back on it now, I think it was very funny that my wife, she was my girlfriend at the time, really enjoyed going to the few Korean restaurants in Jerusalem. The people were lovely, and the food was certainly unique to the region! There are many Koreans living in Israel so it wasn’t so much a surprise to find Korean Cuisine there, but it was inspiring how good it tasted!
The Korean cuisine have a distinct sense of flavors and spices. Due to the geographic traits of the Korean Peninsula, the people have enjoyed the products of mountains, seas, and fields for centuries. They consider food to be of higher importance than merely something that fills our belly, it is a source of nutrition and medicine for them.
The biggest trait of the Korean cuisine is probably the use of spices.
They season their food with peppers, bean paste, soy sauce etc. Being a traveler and a foodie, one of my favorite activities is trying the local cuisines of the places I go to.
Here are a few dishes you must try when in Korea:
Soft-Tofu Stew (Soondubu Jiggae)
This is one of the staple foods of Korean Cuisine! This soup is absolutely amazing! Its consistency is thicker than that of a soup, but it’s still much thinner than something like porridge.
Soft-Tofu Stew
It is a mixture of beef and fish stock as the base to strengthen the flavor, topped with silken tofu, shellfish, eggs (optional) and hot pepper. They add only a small amount of beef to keep it light instead of making it filling – keeping it light is the cornerstone of all Korean food.
Rice Cake Street Food (Ddukbokkie)
One of the most famous of Korean Cuisine are street foods of the country is ddukbokkie.
Ddukbokkie Rice Cakes
Its smell crawls through the busy streets of all big Korean cities. Almost all the vendors cook a slightly different version so a lot of varieties are available for all sorts of taste buds. It is made usually with rice cakes and vegetables soaked in a sweet and spicy sauce. The rice cakes become absolutely divine once they are dipped in the soup!
Seasoned Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Tongdak)
Everybody enjoys a deep fried chicken leg once in a while, but I doubt you have tried the Korean version. It is marinated in a sweet, spicy, and sticky red sauce and fried till the crust is hard and crunchy making it a uniquely Korean Cuisine dish.
yangnam chicken, korean version of buffalo wings
I have simply never had tastier chicken in my entire life, and that’s coming from a man who has eaten entire poultry farms (not in one sitting though). There are no words that could explain the taste; you will have to try this one for yourself if you want to believe me.
Stir-Fried noodles (Japchae)
Korean food is not just limited to Korea. One of the dishes that the world has accepted as a great restaurant meal is Japchae. The original Japchae was a royal dish, invented by the King’s chefs.
japchae, korean cuisine
It was made without noodles. Later on, the recipe evolved, sweet potato starch noodles were added which gave the dish a unique chewy texture. Lightly cooked vegetables make this dish wholesome, hearty, and a delight to consume.
Fermented Cabbage (Kimchi)
The national dish of Korean Cuisine, Kimchi, is an important dish that is widely used. It is basically fermented cabbage marinated leaf-by-leaf with spices. It is then used as a base for numerous Korean dishes. Leaving it in the refrigerator for two-three days enhances its flavor and gives it a tangy and sour taste. Be sure to read about the museum dedicated to Kimchi here.
Kimchi
Korean food is the new hype around the world, as more and more people become exposed to it and the demand of Korean Cuisine outlets rise. If you are a fan of exotic cuisine and would love to try new things, Korea is the right place for you.
Hong Kong Nightlife – From Movies to Bars and Relaxation
The Hong Kong nightlife is one grand party you simply cannot miss and which does not stop. You will not be able to resist what the streets of HK have to offer you during these hypnotic nights.
Every evening after I had moved to Hong Kong after I came home from work, I would go out for enjoyment. It could be dinner from almost any country in the world, incredible malls to walk through, awesome bars, lounges to simply relax after a long day in factories. And for me, it was the gym. I loved going to the gym at night.
Night Tour
For those folks who are not new to the streets of HK, you really know how to party, for those who are new, the night tour is one of the best ways to take the party up a notch. Grab a tour of the beautiful streets or even the sea.
Hong Kong skyline at night
You can avail any one you wish to and enjoy wonderful sightseeing, as you gorge on the most elegant and tempting flavors of HK. Catch a ferry from the harbor if you want the most mouthwatering seafood ever, and enjoy a candlelight dinner while watching Hong Kong glisten.
Bars & Pubs
It is time to get your chilled glass and head on to the energetic, vibrant, and lively atmosphere. Many of the famous bars and pubs are on the east side of HK, which are quite famous for their popularity as they give you what you came here for, a break from daily life.
Become the ultimate Hong Kong nightlife icon while you enjoy delicious grub, branded beer and drinks and learn more about the locals by socializing with them.
Be sure to check out Lan Kwai Fong (westerner heaven) if you’re in the mood for a never ending party of drinking, food, dancing all night long.
Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong
Clubs & Discos
A big part of the Hong Kong nightlife is you can take your pick from any two flavored nightclubs. Either enjoy the west in the east, or go for the Chinese culture. The western themed clubs are the main attractions for the tourists and western citizens, whereas the Chinese clubs are occupied with Chinese people who have turned them into the liveliest places you will ever see.
You can go out with your family, or even have business meetings in these clubs and discos, while enjoying the best dining packages HK has to offer.
Cinemas
Amazingly, Hong Kong has a rich history with cinema as well. They are the world’s third largest film producers followed by Hollywood and Bollywood. Over 100 screens around the world portray Chinese films, which are jam packed with love, action, mystery, seduction, thrills, and much more.
Avenue of Stars, tsim sha tsui, hong kong
You will fall in love with concepts, stories, and will be tempted to watch them multiple times. Just make sure you see one with English subtitles if you are not proficient in the local language. It’s a great way to enjoy the Hong Kong nightlife scene.
Malls & Parks
There is no end to the fabulous Hong Kong nightlife and the party on the streets. To add more in the experience, be sure to head to the malls and parks. With over thousands of shops, brands, and products, your shopping experiences will change completely.
Find what you are looking for all under one roof while actually enjoying it. After you are finished shopping, head to the food courts which have so much for you to choose from. You will seriously get confused by looking at the menu, no doubt. After you have shopped, and filled your belly, take a walk in the park.
The beautiful scenery and Hong Kong nightlife will leave you astonished, and the peace will bring you comfort.
Italian Transport Network – Endless Ways to Visit and Explore
I love traveling around Italy with a backpack. It’s exciting, it’s real, it’s pretty easy, fun, and always some place to go just a bus or train ride away.
Italy is not a huge country, and its major cities are all very well-connected creating the Italian Transport Network. Using: motorways, buses, railway networks and national flights. Driving in Italy can take a little getting used to since the roadways are different and so is the driving methods. But once you’ve got it, it’s like being on a grand prix!
Here’s a breakdown of the normal methods for getting around the Italian Transport Network:
Trains
The top mode of the Italian transport network would be the train. Especially in the north of the country, generally eliminates any need to travel by bus or air.
high speed train
All of the major cities are connected by high-speed train which is fast, reliable and affordable. Italian trains have a reputation for almost always being on time. There are occasional 10 – 20 minute delays on the longer distance trains, and the night trains can frequently be delayed by up to an hour.
But generally speaking, regional and national train services do run more or less on time. You can check www.viaggiatreno.it for up to date information on train scheduling.
High Speed Train Network
There are two high-speed rail lines in Italy which connect all of the major cities in the country and are part of the Italian transport network.
One line runs from Milan to Salerno, and calls at Bologna, Florence, Rome and Naples along the way. The other line connects Turin and Venice and also stops at Milan along the way, although part of this line is still under construction.
This high-speed railway is designed to withstand speeds of up to 190 miles per hour. At this speed it is possible to travel the 360 mile journey from Milan to Rome in just under 3 hours. This journey would typically cost you about $80.
InterRail Pass
If you are planning to visit a few different cities within Italy it may be worth your while buying an InterRail pass. This pass will give you unlimited train travel on either 3, 4, 6 or 8 days within a month.
It can work out much cheaper than the cost of all of the train tickets between cities added together. Be aware that in order to travel on night trains or on the high-speed trains you may have to reserve a seat which could come at an additional cost; this has caught me out in the past. However, these passes are of great value and certainly part of the Italian transport network.
The InterRail pass also gives you flexibility; you don’t have to book a specific day on which to travel so if you fall in love with Naples or Milan, you can stay a few extra days without losing out.
Buses
The bus will work out to be the cheapest way to travel between Italian cities. However, the services are not at all frequent and the journeys often take twice the time and are half as comfortable as traveling by train.
Inside of bus in Rome, Italy
There are quite a few companies which offer bus travel between cities but there is no one website which will compare all of the times and prices for you, so it can be a fairly long process of comparing them all. If you are traveling on a budget, though, it will be worth the effort as you are guaranteed to save money.
The main bus companies are Sais, Interbus, Sita, Autostradale and Baltour, all of which have websites which clearly list their timetables, routes and prices.
Personally, I’ve always enjoyed this part of the Italian transport network, especially inner-city buses. They’re lively, fun, meeting interesting people, and see the cities up close.
Driving in Italy
Italy has one of the highest ratios of vehicles to people of any country in the world making it a must part of the Italian transport network. The motorways are called Autostrade in Italian. Driving from one city to another can be a relatively stress-free experience.
Road to Mountains
The motorways connect all of the major cities and tourist destinations in the country and you will be able to find a car hire company office extremely easily, wherever you are. However, driving within the cities is a nightmare! You have been warned!
In Rome, no matter what the time of day, a chorus of car horns can be heard constantly. There are often gridlocks in the town centers and tons of traffic elsewhere. But the experience driving outside of the cities and across the country are some of the most beautiful in the world.
Taxis
If you do need to travel by car, taking a taxi is probably the best bet for short distances and in integral part of the Italian transport network. You should still leave plenty of time if you have an appointment to get to, as traffic jams in Italy are a constant issue and seem to arise from nowhere. There are a few things which you should know before taking a taxi in Italy.
Taxi’s are normally White
If you call a cab from a company it will cost you a bit more as the drivers start the meter from the minute they receive the call, not from when you get in. This is not the driver attempting to make a couple of extra euros from the tourists; it is just the way the system works. This is especially important if you’re staying in a hotel in a remote part of town and the hotel must call a taxi for you.
It is also common in cities across Italy for Taxi’s to only pick up at marked locations. First time I was in Milan, I flagged down at least 10 taxi’s and didn’t understand why none would stop for me. I was eventually led to an area down the road where people were waiting for a taxi.
However, I did notice a few times that some taxi drives will pull the stunt “I don’t have enough change” routine. Trust me, they always do, they just want a few more euro’s. Stick to your guns and pay the meter. If he can’t break your bills, you’re in the right.
Metro
7 of Italy’s major cities have their own metro systems making it one of the most convenient of the Italian transport networks.
Map of the Metro in Rome
These cities are Brescia, Catania, Genoa, Milan, Naples, Rome and Turin. Rome has the busiest metro network in Italy. It currently has 2 lines, but a third is under construction and there are plans to build a fourth as well. The Metro is the fastest and the easiest way to get around Rome if your hotel is not directly in the center.
The stations are easy to find and well-connected and there are information desks which are usually manned by English-speaking staff to help you should you have any questions.
All of the cities in Italy are well-connected to one another creating an exceptional Italian Transport Network. They are not too far apart so journeys by road and rail are perfectly feasible. I would really recommend using the trains over hiring a car simply due to the traffic. But driving the country is breathtaking.
Hong Kong Disneyland Adventure – Magical Family Time
Hong Kong Disneyland is a world class resort and theme park which is a must see place, especially for families visiting Hong Kong. This wonderful place is situated on Lantau Island and is a 30-minute Railway ride away from Hong Kong’s centre.
The setting and atmosphere of this place is full of excitement and adventure. Hong Kong Disneyland offer thrilling experiences for all age groups including spectacular parades, fireworks, photo sessions with Disney characters, Mickey’s Philharmagic music adventure, an amusing 3D movie, Festival of Golden Mickeys and Lion King, and Broadway style shows.
Iconic Castle of Disneyland
With the Disney themed hotels, scenic spots, and fun rides, along with delicious Asian and Chinese food, Hong Kong Disneyland park will undoubtedly make for an unforgettable experience.
Major Attractions
The main attractions of Disney land are the four themed lands. Every themed land has exclusive stores where souvenirs and memorabilia are available. Each land has numerous restaurants that offer a wide range of food items.
There is transport available between the park and hotels for convenient commute.
Hong Kong Disneyland has special attractions fused with the Chinese culture which makes it s must-see place.
There are Disney characters moving around and accompany the visitors on this magical and fantastic trip. There are roller coasters, haunted houses, crazy mirrors, Ferris wheels, cotton candy, hotdogs, and so much more to look forward to.
Main Street USA
Main Street, Hong Kong Disney
This is the first theme land one will come to after entering Hong Kong Disney land. Once you enter the main street, you will be able to see unique buildings, dim gas lamps, and a paddy wagon going by. City Hall transports, Disneyland railroad, and antique taxicabs will give you an experience of 20th century America fused with Chinese elements.
Adventure Land
After you leave Main Street USA, you will come to the Adventure Island. Here, the Jungle River Cruise which is guided by a brave captain will take you to various hidden regions. In Adventure land, you will witness orangutans, elephants, cobras, hippos and other jungle elements.
Adventure Land, Hong Kong Disney
This attraction was conceived originally fifty years ago by Walt Disney but has been given a completely new look with thrilling Disney magic of 21st century especially designed for Hong Kong Disneyland.
Fantasy Land
After Adventure Land, you will enter the Fantasy land. This place will make all your Disney dreams come true with Snow White grotto, Dumbo, Sleeping Beauty castle, Mad Hatter tea cups, sword in the stone, and Winnie the Pooh. The visitors can join Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, and other characters at the 3D attraction of Mickey’s Philharmagic.
Tomorrow Land
Lastly, you will enter Tomorrow land. The amazing and exciting space mountain roller coaster ride will have you screaming all the way till the end. You can even fly a space capsule and battle the aliens with a space gun at Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters.
Tomorrowland, Hong Kong Disney
Hong Kong Disneyland is undoubtedly one of the most fantastic and exciting places to visit in the city. There are also a variety of Disney themed hotels one can select and have an exciting time with your friends and family.
And don’t miss the nightly fireworks! Be sure to get there a little early to grab a seat outside of Cinderella’s castle! And depending upon the holiday and time of the year, Disney offers a wide range of activities and themes to match the festivities.
