St Petersburg is known as the ‘Pearl of the Baltic’. Experience the breathtaking cultural wonders of Russia's second largest city where the view of the cities magnificent architecture depicts the wealth and cultural legacy left by the Romanov’s. The glory of the Hermitage Museum, the stunning suburban palaces of Pavlovsk, the fountains of Peterhof and opportunities to see the ballet and the Cossacks added to your central city location with half board, some meals taken in local restaurants make your holiday a feast for the eyes and the senses.

 
St. Petersburg  with its main street, the Nevsky Prospect, lined with marble palaces of Russian royalty, aristocracy, fashionable boutiques and art salons arranged in the old 18th century settings. Experience the breathtaking cultural wonders of Russia's second largest city with the glories of the Hermitage museum, the stunning suburban palaces of Pavlovsk, the fountains of Peterhof and the city's many classical and renaissance Cathedrals.  



Take your trips to The Catherine’s Palace (to see the World famous Amber room), the Yusupov’s Palace (to learn about the murder of Grigory Rasputin), and the stunning interios of the St. Isaacs Cathedral (the 4th largest Cathedral in the World).

 
Discover Russian food (with evening meals in a selection of local restaurants in the City) and entertainment (Ballet & Cossack Dancing).

Holidays on Mexico's Caribbean Coast have it all. Sink into soft white sandy beaches, edged with colourful, exotic coral. Listen to the gentle lapping of the ocean while you laze in the shade of a swaying palm tree. Sip fruity cocktails in waterfront bars as the sun sets to the sound of another calypso beat. 
 
 
There are a number of vibrant resorts you can choose from if you're going on holiday to Mexico's Caribbean coast. Cancun, Playacar and Riviera Maya are to name but a few. If you like the idea of going all inclusive or even fancy a last minute holiday to Mexico's Caribbean Coast then any one of these resorts would be perfect. Some of our finest hotels can be found in these resorts and each one can cater to your every need. From lazy days on sunny beaches to fun-filled nights on the dance floor, you're bound to love your stay here. 


 Of course, holidays to Mexico's Caribbean Coast aren't all about doing nothing. Cancun is awash with activities, places to explore and historical sites. Why not take a trip to the Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza or nearby dolphinarium? You could even try your hand at scuba diving or snorkelling. If you fancy a spot of shopping or even a round of golf, then head for Playacar. Part of Playa Del Carmen, Playacar is a modern, upmarket resort laden with luxury hotels, elegant shops and enticing restaurants.
Wherever you end up, you're guaranteed to have the time of your life.

Photo: jugosvaba, 2012

 
Music, history and unique culture of a part of the USA that cherishes and respects its history. Fulfil a lifetime dream of indulging in the rhythms of the south, soul, country, blues, rock ‘n’ roll and jazz.  Elvis Presley changed music forever, and you will see where and how it all started. Antebellum plantation homes and civil war history amidst the land of cotton bring you into contact with warm, friendly folk with wonderful southern accents. This holiday is a relaxed tour with a well-paced itinerary and hotels of a good standard, with many meals and all entrance fees included. As they say in the south, “Y’all gonna lurv it!”


The Southern states are the antidote to the fast pace of US life. With a mild winter climate and warm friendly folk “the land of cotton“ or “Dixieland“ is steeped in history, architecture, traditions and customs that exist and are cherished like nowhere else in North America.

 
Visiting the states of Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana this stress free touring holiday has no days wasted with long drives between cities as they are all close and even the short journeys are broken up with interesting visits and stops en-route. Starting in Atlanta (the final resting place of Dr Martin Luther King and the setting for one of the greatest movies of all time “Gone with the Wind“) we evoke memories of ladies in Crinoline dresses fanning themselves on the colonnaded porch and Civil War history.

 
Music is a big theme throughout with a two night stop at the Chattanooga Choo Choo, three nights in “Music City USA”... Nashville to see RCA studio B, the Country Music Hall of Fame and watch a live performance of the Grand Ole Opry. Then (staying in Tennessee) it’s on to the Home of Rock n’ Roll and the birthplace of the Blues for three nights in Memphis. We pay tribute to the King “Elvis” with an included visit to Graceland to view inside his extravagant and gifted life. Driving through the Cotton fields of Mississippi where the sounds of overworked slaves’ songs that started the blues almost haunt the landscape.  




New Orleans is the home of Jazz where the magnificent French Quarter, was built on the high ground over 300 years ago and has never flooded. The famous Bourbon and Royal streets with Jazz clubs, Creole cottages and restaurants serving Gumbo and food mixed with Cajun spices and delightful desserts that are unique only to this city. The city is home to the Superdome and architecture on St Charles Avenue amidst whispering wild oaks draped in Spanish Moss that can be leisurely seen whilst riding a “street car named Desire“; here a sternwheeler cruise on “Ole Man River” 

When: 2nd & 3rd November 2012
Where: Abbeville, Louisiana, USA, Phone: 337-893-0013

 
 A tribute to Abbeville’s French connection, the Giant Omelette Festival has its roots in the French town of Bessieres, where Napoleon (on the march with his army in tow) once stopped for the night and ate an omelette he enjoyed so much that the next morning he ordered all the eggs in the town to be made into a giant omelette for his troops to feast on. Here on, omelette became traditional feast for the local people especially on Easter. It also became a symbol of friendship, world-wide fraternity and traditional and cultural exchange - known as Confrerie (Brotherhood of the World)



The "5000 Egg" Giant Omelette festival in Abbeville is an international event and the celebrations are like no other festival. Held in the town's Magdalen Square, the festival is devoted completely to Abbeville's Cajun heritage- street stalls sell local art and handicraft, there's plenty of live entertainment with music and dance, lots of revelry and good authentic food- and the omelette, of course. Some more celebration highlights in Abbeville, Louisiana are Walk for Charity, "Egg Cracking" Competition, Poker Run and Antique Car Show. The lead-up to the actual making of the omelette is over two days, between 10 am and 5 pm, while the omelette itself is made at 2 pm on the second day.
The actual making of the celebrated omelette begins only after a ceremonial mass is held in the St Mary Magdalen Catholic Church; this is followed by a grand procession to the Giant 12 foot skillet where the eggs are carried- and at the end of which the omelette itself is made, in a giant frying pan, using huge 6-ft paddles. This pièce de resistance is made up of all of 5,000 eggs, 52 lbs of butter, 50 lbs of onions, 4 gallons of chopped green onions, Louisiana Crawfish tails, spices, Tabasco pepper sauce, and more. Abbeville Omelette has a flavour all its own! It takes a while to cook, and the end result is more like scrambled eggs than a true omelette- but who cares? It delicious anyway!



Abbeville is located in the heart of Cajun country, just a few minutes to the Gulf coast. It is easy to get to the festival from Lafayette and I-10 in the north and New Iberia and I-49 located in the east. The closest airport is the Lafayette Regional which is situated within a 40 minutes drive.



More information on USA Tourism Guide

Sunny Spot:
 It's a Caribbean-themed restaurant that's known as much for its double fried jerk chicken, as it is for its famous chef, Roy Choi. He's the same man behind Kogi – one of the top spots for Korean BBQ in the city – meaning you can expect the same level of quality from his newest venture, Sunny Spot. Not a fan of Caribbean-style chicken? The two-fisted cheeseburger comes highly recommended and is only $12. And if you're in the mood for something sweet than you can never go wrong with the fried plantains. Sunny Spot is open until 2 a.m. on the weekends.
822 Washington Blvd., 90292; 310-448-8884



 

Baby Blues:  
For authentic, southern style barbeque, you can always hop on a flight to Texas. Or you can just drive a few miles west to Baby Blues in Venice. Their menu includes all the classics, like baby back ribs, beef brisket, barbeque chicken, hot links, pulled pork – even tri-tip! Each dinner comes with your choice of a side, including southern favorites like creamed spinach, mashed sweet potatoes and mac n' cheese. Baby Blues is also known for their buttery homemade cornbread, which comes free with every meal. 444 Lincoln Blvd., 90291; 310-396-7675




 

Café 50s: It's probably the only place in Venice where you can get breakfast all day, and milkshakes. Café 50s also has cool, Eisenhower-era memorabilia hanging just about everywhere – meaning you don't have to stare at the menu while you wait for your food. Album sleeves from the likes of Elvis, Little Richard and Chubby Checker line the walls, while most tables come with their own personal jukebox. The food is great, but the milkshakes – butterfinger, brownie, chocolate truffle, and peanut butter and jelly, to name a few – are what really brings the people in late at night. If you're counting your calories, there's also a non-fat vanilla yogurt shake – which is equally as delicious. Café 50s closes at 11 p.m. 838 Lincoln Blvd., 90291; 310-399-1955

 

Hinano Café:
 Where can you find the best burger in Venice? You’d be surprised to know it’s not at any four star restaurant, or even a well-known burger joint. No, no, no, because as any tried-and-true Westsider will tell you, the only place to get a delicious flame-broiled patty with crispy bacon on a toasted sesame seed bun in Venice is… a bar? That’s right, Hinano Café may look like a dive-y establishment – which it is – but locals have been raving about their burgers for decades. Heck, even Doors frontman Jim Morrison was a fan! Hinano doesn’t get too fancy with the ingredients either – just meat and cheese on a bun with a pickle on the side. And the best part is, their burgers are only $6. Hinano Café is open until 2 a.m.
15 Washington Blvd., 90292; 310-822-3902

Waves, brought by Hurricane Sandy, crash on a house in the Caribbean Terrace neighborhood in eastern Kingston, Jamaica, Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012. Hurricane Sandy pounded Jamaica with heavy rain as it headed for landfall near the country's most populous city on a track that would carry it across the Caribbean island to Cuba, and a possible threat to Florida.



                                    The main terminal of the Kingston international airport sits



                                   The seaside road leading to the international airport 


                                     Rain brought by the outer bands of Tropical Storm Sandy




Photo: dailynews  

Photo: jugosvaba [OC], Saint Tropez, France, 2012

The Villa by Barton G., Miami
1116 Ocean Drive ~ Miami Beach, Florida ~ 305-576-8003


South Beach’s most exceptional experience awaits you at The Villa By Barton G., a boutique luxury hotel, restaurant and event space in the former Versace Mansion. Elegance and unparalleled service seamlessly blend with signature Barton G. style in 10 opulently appointed hotel suites and a critically acclaimed restaurant.



Newly renovated by renowned events impresario/restaurateur Barton G. Weiss who takes up style where fashion designer Gianni Versace left off, the 19,000-square-foot Villa By Barton G. is Miami Beach's most exclusive backdrop for weddings and events. Hotel guests enjoy exclusive access to the mansion's upper floors and two private lounges. And gastronomes will delight in the restaurant at The Villa By Barton G. in the pebble-mosaiced Dining Room. 


 The Villa incorporates the newest technologies into an old-world setting with complimentary wifi throughout the 19,000 square foot property, Kindle e-readers and Sonos systems. Guests have exclusive access to the three upper floors of The Villa where they will find two private lounges, including the Rooftop Lounge, as well as The Thousand Mosaic Pool and Mosaic Garden. Available amenities include in-room and poolside spa treatments and beach training. The Villa represents a once-in-a-lifetime experience in luxury travel.


0 luxury custom suites each appointed with elegant fabrics, king or larger beds, balcony, Frette sheets/towels, oversized closets Each of custom Italian marble bathrooms at The Villa are a result of the vision of Gianni Versace with frescoed walls and ceilings, mosaic floors, marble throughout and double oversized shower heads. All bathrooms feature separate bidets. Top-notch amenities include Frette towels and robes and Custom Villa By Barton G. toiletries as well as ionic tourmaline hairdryers and flat irons. Bathrooms are all spacious with separate WC, some featuring double sinks and floor to ceiling mirrors. The bathrooms throughout The Villa are in kee
ping with the individual decor and color palette of each of the custom suites. A1S One Bedroom 


Photo: original source

Beautiful mountains, blue water lakes, magnificent oceans with fabulous islands – our planet has many breathtaking places and awe-inspiring sceneries  just waiting for you to discover them.

The famous moss garden at Saiho-ji in Kyoto, Japan








Antelope Canyon in Navajo park, Arizona, United States


Antelope Canyon is the most-visited and most-photographed slot canyon in the American Southwest. It is located on Navajo land near Page, Arizona. Antelope Canyon includes two separate, photogenic slot canyon sections, referred to individually as Upper Antelope Canyon or The Crack; and Lower Antelope Canyon or The Corkscrew. The Navajo name for Upper Antelope Canyon is Tsé bighánílíní, which means “the place where water runs through rocks.” Lower Antelope Canyon is Hazdistazí, or “spiral rock arches.”

 


Colorful Mountains in Tabriz, Iran






  "Wisteria Tunnel", Kawachi Fuji Garden, Japan






Daigo-ji temple, Kyoto, Japan






Hamilton Pool Preserve


Hamilton Pool Preserve is a historic swimming hole which was designated a preserve by the Travis County Commissioner’s Court in 1990. Located 3/4 mile upstream from its confluence with the Pedernales River, Hamilton Creek spills out over limestone outcroppings to create a 50 foot waterfall as it plunges into the head of a steep box canyon. The waterfall never completely dries up, but in dry times it does slow to a trickle. However, the pool’s water level stays pretty constant, even during periods of drough




Fields of lavender in Provence, France






    Tunnel of Love in Kleven, Ukraine






Glacial Cave - Juneau, Alaska






Pamukkale, Turkey


Pamukkale, meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish, is a natural site in Denizli Province in southwestern Turkey. The city contains hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. It is Turkey’s foremost mineral-bath spa because of its natural beauty: hot calcium-laden waters spring from the earth and cascade over a cliff. As they cool they form dramatic travertines of hard, brilliantly white calcium that form pools




Socotra Island, Yemen



Socotra is one of the most isolated landforms on Earth of continental origin. Socotra is considered the jewel of biodiversity in the Arabian Sea. The long geological isolation of the Socotra archipelago and its fierce heat and drought have combined to create a unique and spectacular flora. Botanical field surveys led by the Centre for Middle Eastern Plants indicate that 307 out of the 825 (37%) plant species on Socotra are endemic, i.e., they are found nowhere else on Earth.


 
Photo: google