The Art of Business » Travel

Life through the Senses in Beijing

admin — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:10:00 +0000

Beijing is an extraordinary place, one where natural beauty is always performing stunning tricks for the senses. The urban scene is equally sensory and delightful, and holds many secrets, and many promises. One of the things that attracts visitors to decide to spend time in a Beijing hotel is the excess of fascinating ideas that express themselves through their art. All kinds of art forms are practiced in the city, and visitors have the opportunity to enjoy works in all kinds of media. Live music, painting, performance, and dance have well-established traditions here. There are also plenty of visionary artists who are working to push the traditions in new directions, and they are producing some of the most remarkable work right now.

An artist who is also a visionary is something that’s rather to be expected of the traditions of art and mysticism, although it seems a little bit rare these days. So when someone comes along who is willing to put his body into the work, in order to demonstrate how nature and human beings are intimately connected, there’s reason to take notice. This is the work of Cang Xin , whose training in shamanic practices has helped him to open up an old idea. For him, the world of objects is animated, and can be communicated with through various means, and in his case, the means are artistic. Live performance involves his presence, physically touching sheets of frozen tundra with his tongue, and a wide variety of performances and works through the years. He’s one to look for in Beijing.

Life through the Senses in Beijing is a post from: The Art of Business

Travel Insurance is a Necessity for Students

admin — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 00:10:00 +0000

Students, especially once they get to college, end up traveling a lot more than you would think. It isn’t just things like school trips at that point, it is also stuff like spring break, summer breaks, winter break, fall break. There seems to be a break for everything, and students like to celebrate breaks with a little bit of travel.

While travel is not inherently dangerous , most of these students are reckless and feel that they can not get injured. While many people have insurance that will cover them around the states, that does not mean that they have insurance that will cover them when not in the states. As international destinations are becoming more and more popular, it should be recognized the importance of getting international visitors insurance. USA citizens often forget that the world, both in the states and outside of them is a dangerous place, even in times of peace, and rushing out without knowing what is ahead can be very costly.

The nice thing for students is that they can pay for some insurance plans only when they need it. If their current insurance covers them at school and at home, they can buy insurance for a month or two to cover a trip to Europe over winter break .

Travel Insurance is a Necessity for Students is a post from: The Art of Business

Hong Kong Peak Tower

admin — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:10:00 +0000

There may be many reasons why people visit Hong Kong. They may have some business to conduct or they may be booking rooms in a luxury hotel as a family vacation. No matter what brings people to this amazing city, they have to find their way up to the Peak Tower.

The whole experience of getting up to the Peak Tower and touring the area around this incredible building is worth a day. Take the tram up the mountain to the Peak Tower and get the best view of the city below. At night, the city just lights up with so many colorful lights.

During the day, the Peak Tower is the host to so many different shops and restaurants. It keeps people busy for hours. The shopping areas are a recreation of the old traditional Hong Kong shopping areas to give a nice historical feel. The restaurants have everything from fresh seafood to a hot cappuccino and baked goodies. Your hong kong hotel will give you information on where to catch the tram, which is an great experience itself. Plan to spend the whole day because there are many fun things to see and do on the mountain top, oh, and wear your good walking shoes.

Hong Kong Peak Tower is a post from: The Art of Business

Hawaiian Lavender

admin — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 00:10:00 +0000

Hawaii is one of the places on the earth that has such unutterable beauty that it’s impossible to conceive of such a thing in the imagination. Some of the areas are pristine, and have been fiercely protected because of the very delicate balance. It’s a balance that exists all over in nature, but here it is even more precarious. There are other spots where cultivation of any number of crops is a part of the active agricultural community. Pineapple and Kona coffee are just some of the things that do particularly well here. Another crop that thrives in Hawaii’s climate is lavender, as it’s turning out.

There are a number of lavender farms right now on the islands. Hawaii Lavender and Alii Kula Lavender are just two places that offer a wide selection of lavender, and lavender-based products. Five star Hawaiian hotels are already gorgeous attractions in and of themselves, but the addition of the scent can make any room instantly more relaxing and peaceful. Both farms mentioned started in 2001, when the word got out that the Mediterranean perennial does well in this local soil, and particularly on the slopes of Haleakala. The plant needs a lot of sun, and not an excessive amount of rainwater, and the conditions here are perfect.

It’s just one more step in the evolution of this very versatile plant. Its uses in the present day come from the science of the olfactory arts, and it’s a main ingredient in some of the world’s top-selling perfumes. It also has some enormous health benefits, and its oils have been used for healing. It was even used to treat wounds during the first world war. Lavender goes back a lot further, however, and the early Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans were all crazy about the smell, and celebrated its healing properties. Its glorious history culminates here in this glorious place.

Hawaiian Lavender is a post from: The Art of Business

Foods of New York City

admin — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:10:00 +0000

There is no better way to get to know a city than to walk around and get a taste for all the foods that they offer. Usually this will also tell you a lot about the type of people who live around there, such as if people are nice and what they like to eat. This will also let you see some of the sites without feeling as much pressure to see everything because that isn’t the point. In New York it is no different, just much larger than it is anywhere else. You will want to choose a neighborhood near the luxury hotels. New York City is too big to be really explored otherwise.

There are a few ways you can do this. You can walk around on your own and pick and choose what places you would like to get a little sampling from, or you can find one of the many tour companies in New York City and have them show you around. There is an obvious choice for this if you decide to hire someone else to show you around, and that is the Foods of New York tour company . It isn’t hard to tell what they like to focus on. They have tours all over New York City, so you can go explore other neighborhoods as well if you find yourself interested.

For some people there can be a problem with being shown around like this. The main objection is that you don’t get a real New York experience. It is assumed that when you are being shown around everyone is being nicer to you than they really are. While this might not be true, those people who think so might do good to plan out their own dining experience. You can choose to try a slice from all the pizza shops in the area, or all the ethnic restaurants. You don’t even have to choose a theme if you don’t want to, just have fun with it.

Foods of New York City is a post from: The Art of Business

Natural History Museum of Las Vegas

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:45:07 +0000

Among the glittering lights, the talent, and the 4 star hotels in Las Vegas , it might be easy to forget that this city is set in the midst of a desert, home to natural wonders all on its own, but there’s one destination to which you may bring the whole family as a reminder: The Las Vegas Natural History Museum .

With exhibits of live sharks and stingrays, with dioramas of the Serengeti in Africa and prehistoric life, including dinosaurs, and even a replica of King Tut’s Tomb, the museum has the objective of education families, adults and children, in the natural sciences, from the past to the present, from Nevada to around the world.

The museum began about 21 years ago, in 1989, when citizens asked the Las Vegas City Council to help them find a place for a collection of wildlife and prehistoric exhibits. Approximately two years later, the museum opened to the public.

Among the exhibits, guests of the museum will discover a 3,000 gallon tank of the aforementioned sharks and stingrays. Life-sized replicas of more sharks hang from the ceiling. In the Young Scientist Center, kids and adults alike can become amateur paleontologists, digging for fossils; the center even recreates the exploration of the ocean depths by simulating what it’s like to be a marine biologist examining sea life from inside a submarine.

In the section on ancient Egypt, viewers may find out about how archaeologists uncovered the Tomb of Tutankamun, among other ancient treasures; the exhibit takes guests through the entrance to Tut’s Tomb and recreates the best known archaeological finds there, from the Golden Throne to the Golden Shrine, chariots and the outer sarcophagus; these recreations are not just any replica of Tut’s Tomb — they are one of only two sets that the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities authorized outside the genuine items.

Other exhibits include displays of African and international wildlife, of geology, and a section called Wild Nevada, where the exhibits explore the plant and animal life of the Mojave Desert. It’s ten dollars for adults and eight for seniors, military, and students, and only five for children aged three to eleven. Except for New Years Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, families will find this museum open every day from nine in the morning to four in the afternoon. Just head north until reaching 900 North Las Vegas Boulevard at the intersection of Las Vegas Blvd., and Washington.

Natural History Museum of Las Vegas is a post from: The Art of Business

Palm Springs Museums and Wild Life

admin — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 00:10:00 +0000

Whenever planning a trip to any one of the great southern California cities, one of the top items on most people’s agenda is going to be to enjoy some relaxation in the natural beauty of their environment. And while this is true for Palm Springs, which is particularly known for its peaceful environment, beautiful resorts and amazing geography that seems to create a natural harmonious ambiance in the town, there are also a lot of incredibly fun and exciting things to do while you’re there. So, while you will probably want to enjoy some quiet afternoons by the pool, don’t think you’ll going to want to spend the whole day there. There is simply too much to see and do in this great California city.

In addition to touring some of the great historical buildings and landmarks in the city there are plenty of contemporary establishments that are also intriguing and entertaining. There are numerous museums and galleries in the city that represent diverse forms of art and culture. If you want to take a short drive east of the city you can explore the General George Patton Memorial Museum . This honorary museum is dedicated to General Patton and the World War II veterans who risked their lives in the Battle of the Bulge. There are numerous relics, photos and documents that are included in the exhibits.

The Living Desert is an incredible conservation establishment and is also the city’s botanic garden. There is a large collection of desert animals that are housed and protected by this organization whose focus is on maintaining and displaying the beauty and wonder of desert plants and animals. And don’t forget the great tours that are available to explore the surrounding landscapes and near by geographic spectacles. There are off-road specialty tours that are as much fun to be on as the view is as exciting to see. So, enjoy your rest at the Palm Springs best hotel , but definitely don’t spend your entire trip there.

Palm Springs Museums and Wild Life is a post from: The Art of Business

Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee

admin — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:10:00 +0000

Memphis, Tennessee is one of the prominent southern cities in this country. It is well known for its country and western music tradition as well as blue grass and Dixie heritage. And probably its most famous association to music was a rock and roll singer, and probably the most famous one in the world. This of course is Elvis Presley and Graceland is probably the most highly visited attraction in Memphis. The hoteles Memphis are more than accustomed to providing information on and directions to this incredible monument and museum.

Graceland itself refers to the incredible white mansion that was Elvis Presley’s home for most of his life. It is located in the Whitehaven community which is about twelve miles outside of downtown Memphis. It is also only four miles north of the Mississippi border and there are plenty of people from that state that have visited this incredible complex, well that statement is true for people from across the world. Only the White House has more visitors, in the statistics based on visitations to private homes.

In 1982 it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places and it was added to the list of National Historic Landmarks in March of 2006. Presley was buried at the estate, as was his parents and grandmother. They were buried in the area known as the Meditation Gardens. This was also the home of Priscilla Presley who lived there for five years prior to their marriage and then for five more years until their separation. It was also the first official home of their daughter Lisa Marie Presley who became the official owner of the estate when she turned 25. She has since sold 85 percent of it and it remains dedicated to the tourists who visit it every year. The family continues to celebrate Christmas at Graceland and Lisa Marie pays periodic visits to the property throughout the year.

Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee is a post from: The Art of Business

Burbank’s Hidden Treasures

admin — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:10:00 +0000

There is more to Burbank, California than just its beautiful airport and industrious television studios; Burbank is a wonderful supporter for the arts and culture community, from one of the best farmer’s markets to live theater to dance, Burbank has much to offer. Plus there is a reason many people fly into Burbank instead of Los Angeles, it’s less expensive and the hotels are as good if not better than hotels in Los Angeles and cheaper. You can say that Burbank is a hidden treasure just a stones-throw away from Hollywood and the City of Los Angeles.

The Downtown Burbank Farmer’s Market happens every Saturday from 8am to 12:30pm, and offers the public fresh fruit, vegetables, organic foods and flowers. Most of the farmers come from Southern California and offer a huge assortment of great products grown and made locally. Located in the parking lot directly behind Burbank’s City Hall Annex on 3rd Street and Orange Grove, there’s plenty of free parking, but you need to get there early, because the best selection of produce and other great products go quickly.

The Colony Theatre , located at 555 N. Third Street, has a live theatre season line-up sure to please anyone. Currently ‘Grace & Glorie’ is being performed right now from June 9 to July 18, 2010. The West Coast Premiere of ‘Free Man of Color’ will be performed August 11 to September 12, 2010. The Colony Theatre has been around since 1975 and was started by a group of young Los Angeles television actors who were missing their theatre roots. Over the years, the theatre evolved from a small local ensemble to a well-established, nationally recognized, award-winning company, known for its high quality productions. The Encyclopedia Britannica Almanac listed The Colony Theatre as one of the 25 Notable US Theater Companies.

Burbank also offers it’s visitors and locals alike one of the best dance centers in California – The Media Dance Center , located at 237 E. Palm. The Media Dance Center is one of the preferred studios with professional dancers, like dancers from ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and it’s home of the Media City Ballet Company. The Ballet Company carries the traditions of Classical Russian Ballet for over 3 generations. The Media Dance Centre offers a variety of dance styles taught by world-renowned teachers.

This is just the tip-of-the-iceberg when it comes to the arts and culture that is to be found in the city of Burbank, check with any of the hotels Burbank
offers its visitors for a complete list of things to do in beautiful downtown Burbank.

Burbank’s Hidden Treasures is a post from: The Art of Business

Miami Beach Colony Theatre

admin — Sun, 30 May 2010 00:10:00 +0000

Miami Beach attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. People are drawn to the intense energy of the city’s night life, as well as the soothing aura of the ocean and the tides. It’s a fairly heady combination, making for a lovely time filled with lovely experiences. While the usual attractions will likely play a large part of any itinerary, with plenty of trips to the beach, and evenings spent dancing in the fantastic clubs, there is also a great entertainment culture here.

The Colony Theatre is one of the great buildings in town, hosting a wide variety of events. It began as a movie theatre in 1935, as part of Paramount’s chain of cinemas, and today continues to offer an array of spectacles. One can still see films here, and film festivals are still a mainstay of the theatre’s offerings. There are also live performances, with plays, comedy shows, and musical events. It’s had a major refurbishment recently, so that the glory it once had in the old days can come back to life again for the next generation.

Although it may not be indicated on your ticket stub, it’s also reported to be a haunted edifice. There are many haunted places all over Florida , and Miami Beach is no exception. Any city with a little history, and a close proximity to the sea, seems to be a natural setting for good ghost stories. While it may not be on the travel schedule along with gorgeous Miami Beach hotels, it’s still an awful lot of fun to investigate some of these places, within reason.

Here, the theatre stories involve the usual ingredients. People who work late after rehearsals have heard strange footsteps in the space. There is also a very curious story in circulation about a curious spirit dog who roams the halls. People have reported hearing the dog, and some have even seen it, running toward them only to disappear before it reaches them. Any little scare, however, can be washed away again by another trip to the beach, which is always in the plans.

Miami Beach Colony Theatre is a post from: The Art of Business