Sunday, January 18, 2015

Top 10 Experiences in Madrid

TOP 10 EXPERIENCES IN MADRID


ROYAL PALACE
The Palacio Real de Madrid (literally: Royal Palace of Madrid) is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family at the city of Madrid, but is only used for state ceremonies. King Felipe VI and the Royal Family do not reside in the palace, choosing instead the more modest Palacio de la Zarzuela on the outskirts of Madrid. The palace is owned by the Spanish State and administered by the Patrimonio Nacional, a public agency of the Ministry of the Presidency. The palace is located on Calle de Bailén (Bailén Street), in the Western part of downtown Madrid, East of the Manzanares River, and is accessible from the Ópera metro station. Several rooms in the palace are regularly open to the public except during state functions. An admission fee of €11 is required except for residents of the Iberian Peninsula. (Wikipedia)

PRADO MUSEUM
The Museo del Prado - Prado Museum - is considered to house one of the finest art collections in the world. It displays thousands of European paintings, sculptures, and other works of art throughout its halls - and this is only a fraction of their collection! The Prado specializes in European art from the 12th-19th century (Madrid's Reina Sofia Museum is home to the post-19th century art), that was built from the Spanish Royal Collection. The most famous piece in the collection that is on display at the Prado is Las Meninas by Diego Velazquez.

PLAZA MAYOR
Plaza Mayor, a large square in central Madrid, serves as a meeting place for tourists and locals alike, and has hosted a variety of festivities throughout history, including bull fights, soccer matches, and executions during the Spanish Inquisition. The plaza was built in the early 17th century during King Felipe III's reign. The most prominent of the buildings in the plaza is the Casa de la Panaderia - House of the Baker's Guild, which today serves municipal and cultural functions. You can find many shops and eateries around Plaza Mayor. If you are looking for food, this is the best place to come. La Escondida is a small bar, but it is very comfortable, and the music being played at the bar is normally some sort of jazz or blues. And you can find an excellent selection of cheese; in particular the 'Torta al Casar' - a soft sheep's milk cheese from the province of Extremadura - is very good. There is also a house speciality of cured meats which you must try. Their address is: Puerta Cerrada 6. Tel. 91 365 91 9.

MERCADO DE SAN MIGUEL
Take a walk through this local market and you can find all the different seafood being sold here. Enjoy the salmon sashimi, and buy the jamon  Iberico (best ham in the world)



SHOPPING IN GRAN VIA
This is the best place for you to do your shopping. You find a mixture of high end shops, eateries, and bars that cover both ends of the spectrum, and thus this lively bustling street is best enjoyed at night when the locals and tourists alike come out to eat, drink, and mingle into the wee hours of the morning.
Gran Vía runs through central Madrid from Calle de Alcalá in the east to Plaza de España in the west. There are a number of hotels which are located here.
Go up to the top floor in El Corte Ingles, which is a big department store in Plaza Callao to the Gourmet section. You will find the best selection of cheese, wines, caviar, foie gras, or even ingredients for making the tacos.

TAPAS - SPANISH CUISINE
The good thing about these modern Tapas is that they provide the customer with a wide variety of foods, meaning you can sample many different Spanish delicacies all at the same time. And you often see the pictures of the various kinds of tapas being displayed outside the restaurant, below the sign board. Do not forget to try paella.



BOTIN RESTAURANT
This is listed on the Guinness World of Records as the oldest restaurant in the world and it was opened in 1725. It serves Mediterranean food in a traditional setting. You must try the cuchinillo asado (roast suckling pig) as well as the cordero asado (roast lamb) here. The average price of a 3-course meal is about 40 euros. Hemingway mentioned that this was the best restaurant to him.



FLAMENCO SHOW
Tablao Las Carboneras
Tablao Las Carboneras is located in the most traditional Madrid, the Madrid of the Austrias, in the basement of the old palace of the Count of Miranda.
Born from the idea of recovering the old cabarets, this tablao and restaurant combines flamenco and avant-garde image with the best of nowadays flamenco.
Since opening in October 2000, renowned figures have passed through our tablao. Artists such as Pastora Galván, Jorge Pardo , Rocío Molina, Montse Cortés, Belén Maya, Manuel Liñán, Alfonso Losa, Marco Flores, Olga Pericet, “La Shica”… prestigious names that have been integrated into a group of artists who was founded by the members and dancers Manuela Vega, Tacha and Ana Romero, who have created a new approach to tablao flamenco through its long experience in these research areas and in other areas within dance. Tablao Las Carboneras has created his own label and has driven a trend renewing this art in Madrid.


BULL FIGHTING SHOW

Bullfights are among the most popular shows in Madrid. This is one of the oldest and most established customs in Spain. The origins of bullfighting go back to the 17th century. Madrid’s Las Ventas bullring (Plaza de Toros de las Ventas) has bullfights every Sunday from the beginning of March until October. The main holidays surrounding the custom are the Feria de San Isidro and the Feria de Otoño (autumn). The bullfights begin in the afternoon and can last up to three hours, depending on the type of bull and the performance of the bullfighter. The entrance fee for a bullfight can range from 10€ to 100€, according to the seat and the bullfighter’s popularity.


DAY TRIPS

SEGOVIA
From its ancient Roman aqueduct to its 13th century castle, this city is full of symbols representing its inhabitants of the past. Originally established by the Romans, Segovia later became a summer retreat for Spanish monarchs as a hide away in their castle on the hillside. The castle, known as the "Alcazar", was destroyed in the 19th century and rebuilt later. This is one day trip you need to go and this is the place for you to eat the roast suckling pig.

TOLEDO - World UNESCO Heritage Site

In December 1987, the UNESCO declared Toledo a World Heritage Site. Due to its special history, since in the past the city was host to Christian, Islamic and Hebrew culture, there are many ancient mosque, Gothic or Mudejar churches of Romanesque or Visigothic structure, synagogues and even Renaissance palace.
The historic city centre sits on a craggy rock, and it is encircled by a wide meander of the Tagus river, called the Tajo in Spanish. The Roman historian Tito Livio mentioned the city of Toletum, a term whose origin would be Tollitum, meaning "raised aloft". The city's historic centre is one of the largest in Spain, and has more than 100 monuments. This is a MUST VISIT place and you should visit it on a day trip from Madrid.




Make a trip to Spain and enjoy in Madrid, the capital city of Spain.




Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Jomtien Night Market

You can find many delicious food at the Jomtien Night Market, in Pattaya.

Fruits, Liquer, snacks, seafood and so on...

All pictures taken with Samsung Note4.





I


Pattaya Travel Tips

PATTAYA

Travelling to Pattaya

Contact
Bell Travel Service
Reservation - Bangkok - 02-747-4675-6
                      Pattaya -    038-370-055

From Bangkok Airport
(level 1 Gate 7)
8 am, 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm.
Door to door Service from Arrival Hall to Pattaya Hotels & Vice Versa

From PATTAYA
6 am, 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm.


SHOPPING

Central Festival Pattaya Beach
220,000 sq meters of retail space spread over 7 floors next to Pattaya Beach. Every label that you can think of is available along with food from around the world, cinema, bowling, kids entertainment and lots more.

Central Centre
A long time favorite shopping hangout with some branded goods, local fashion labels, fast food restaurants, and a big IT Mall section. There's a Big C Supermarket inside the mall where you can pick up cheap clothes, food, ad household products.

Royal Garden Plaza
An upmarket shopping mall offering much the same brands as every other mall with a few boutique shops thrown in. There is some good dining outlets including lots of fast food and some restaurants overlooking the beach. Entertainment includes Ripley's Believe It or Not.

Tukcom
The home of electronics and computer are in Pattaya. If you need anything relating to IT, then this is the place, it also has mobiles, repair services and obligatory restaurants and coffee shops.

Thepprasit Market
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from around 6 pm to 10 pm selling just about everything. Goods are generally very cheap with lots of copy designer stuff ranging from handbags to clothes to watches, pets, fruit and so on.

Pattaya Floating Market
A purpose built attraction that highlights what a real floating market is like for tourists. It can get very busy at weekends and holidays and also very hot. 200 Baht for entry.

Ferera
Handbags and other beautifully crafted lifestyle accessories available at their many stores around town. Quaint boutique shops that are a delight to browse offering unique designs with the best quality assured.

Thai Beauty Plus & Organic Life Plus (2nd Road)
Two shops selling beauty and lifestyle products fashioned mostly from organic produce. Think handmade soaps, herbals toothpastes, fruity body scrubs, natural pile and stacks more. You'll find a ton of things for yourself and also the perfect gift for loved ones .

Look out for my next post with pictures of Jomtien Night Market.

http://www.izest-lifestyle.com


Olevia Cheong

Monday, January 12, 2015

Lahaul & Spiti (Himachal Pradesh)

Exotic India

I will be organizing a trip to Lahaul & Spiti in Jul.
12/7-24/7 2015
02-14Sep

Jeep Safari trip
Daily walking  , 1-2 hours per day to go visiting to the villages
Culture, Sightseeing, Exploration, Hiking.

#exotictravel #exploreindiawitholevia

Suitable for those who love photography, hiking, culture, history, landscape, exotic travel, off the beaten track!

Contact Olevia Cheong
olevia@gmail.com

India - Lahaul & Spiti

The valley of Lahoul is situated to the south of Ladakh. For this very reason this place derived its name “Lho-Yul” meaning "Southern Country". To its south is situated the beautiful valley of Kullu across the Rohtang Pass (3195Mtrs) and the Bara Bangahal (Kangra) across the “Asakh” pass (5051Mtrs) . Its western boundaries touch the Pangi and Churah areas of Distt. Chamba. To its north situated the valleys of Zanskar and Ladakh across Shingola (5090 Mtrs) and Baralacha la (5450 Mtrs) respectively. Its eastern and south eastern boundaries coincide with those of Spiti and Western Tibet across the Kunzom Pass (4500 Mtrs).

Spiti
Spiti (locally pronounced 'Piti') or the 'middle country', has its sub divisional headquarters at Kaza. The river Spiti originates at the base of the Kunzam range and flows eastward to join the Sutlej at Khab in Kinnaur. In practical isolation for centuries, Spiti has an intensely introvertive culture centred around its several monasteries- Dhankar, Ki, Tabo, Mud, Gungri, Lidang, Hikim, Sagnam, Mane Gogma and Giu to name a few. Spiti was loosely ruled for many centuries by a hereditary wazir, styled Nono. The majority of the people are Buddhists, followers of the Geluk-pa sect. The repetition of the mantra "Om mani padme hum" (literally, 'Behold, the jewel is in the lotus'), is constant; it is believed to bring good fortune and wash away all sins. For all the seeming bleakness, Spiti possesses a haunting beauty. The wildlife in the region includes the elusive snow leopard and ibex, found in the Pin valley.
Spiti has come to be known as the "fossil park of the world". The three villages Kibber, Kaza & Kye fall on the route faovourite among those looking for fossils. These villages are situated at heights between 13,500 ft. and 14,400 ft. above msl. Langza is famous for fossils of maritime life. These fossils are found on either side of Kang-yur and Paapen-yu nullahs near the village.

Going on a jeep safari to Lahaul and Spiti area in the HIMACHAL PRADESH State of India.
Visiting Manali
Kullu and Shimla.

Drive pass Rohtang Pass as well as the Kunzum Pass


SPITI

Spiti (locally pronounced 'Piti') or the 'middle country', has its sub divisional headquarters at Kaza. The river Spiti originates at the base of the Kunzam range and flows eastward to join the Sutlej at Khab in Kinnaur. In practical isolation for centuries, Spiti has an intensely introvertive culture centred around its several monasteries- Dhankar, Ki, Tabo, Mud, Gungri, Lidang, Hikim, Sagnam, Mane Gogma and Giu to name a few. Spiti was loosely ruled for many centuries by a hereditary wazir, styled Nono. The majority of the people are Buddhists, followers of the Geluk-pa sect. The repetition of the mantra "Om mani padme hum" (literally, 'Behold, the jewel is in the lotus'), is constant; it is believed to bring good fortune and wash away all sins. For all the seeming bleakness, Spiti possesses a haunting beauty. The wildlife in the region includes the elusive snow leopard and ibex, found in the Pin valley.
Spiti has come to be known as the "fossil park of the world". The three villages Kibber, Kaza & Kye fall on the route faovourite among those looking for fossils. These villages are situated at heights between 13,500 ft. and 14,400 ft. above msl. Langza is famous for fossils of maritime life. These fossils are found on either side of Kang-yur and Paapen-yu nullahs near the village.



KAZA
Kaza, the sub-divisional headquarters of Spiti, is situated on the left bank of the Spiti river at an altitude of about 12,500 ft. above msl. The village is overlooked by steep ridges. The otherwise soporific place hums with activity of tourists during summer, who converge here for permits, current exchange, information, accommodation, petrol and to witness the annual trade fair which a number of visitors compare with the fairs in some of the gompa towns of Ladakh. Besides, Kaza makes a ideal base camp for all treks and tours within the valley. Guides, porters, pack animals and most importantly permits for treks can be obtained in Kaza.


There are two rest houses in Kaza proper. The Electricity Board rest house is at Rangrik just 4 km away. It is the best in the valley.  Kaza has one of the two Sa- kya- pa sect monasteries. The other monastery is at Hikkim. Opposite Kaza on the right bank of the Spiti river is Kyuling from where the nono of Spiti ruled over his subjects. Rani Damyanti, a descendent of this ruling, family, now resides in Kaza preserving all the stately charm of the yester years.

Rohtang pass (altitude 13050 feet) separates Kullu, from the exotic charm of the Lahaul valley. In Tibetan Rohtang means "a heap of dead bodies" and the pass stands true to its notorious name. Every year it must take toll of life and property. This is so because after 11 A.M. sudden blizzerds and snow storms called Biannas are only to be expected. The pass becomes all the more hazardous to negotiate due to frequent avalanches.

 The summit of the pass turns into lush green meadow in summer studded with violets and varieties of wild Himalayan and Alpine flowers. Butterflies of numerous and rare kind and varigated hues also draw the attention of' the visitor.

 At the highest point on top to the right as one faces Lahaul, is a small stone enclosure and a water spring which is the principal source of the river Beas; .the other, Beas kund is at the head of the Solang nullah. The place gained religious significance because of sojourn of Beas Rishi (the famous Vyasa Rishi, author of the epic Mahabharata.

 To the left of this pass is the little lake Sarkund. On the 20th Bhadon (early September) every year a large number of people visit this lake with the belief and hope that an early morning bath in it will cure all their ailments.

 Almost directly opposite and obviously only a few kms away is the well defined Sonapani glacier. Slightly to the left are the twin peaks of Gyephang La, seats of Pre Aryan Himalayan gods Jamulu and his younger brother Gyephang. These peaks are snow streaked and snow covered. The higher peak is 5856 m. high. Gyephang La can be seen from Kunzom, Pangi Lahaul and from Serchu plains across the Baralacha La. The higher of the two peaks can be seen on a clear day from as far as the Ridge in Shimla.

Spiti (locally pronounced 'Piti') or the 'middle country', has its sub divisional headquarters at Kaza. The river Spiti originates at the base of the Kunzam range and flows eastward to join the Sutlej at Khab in Kinnaur. In practical isolation for centuries, Spiti has an intensely introvertive culture centred around its several monasteries- Dhankar, Ki, Tabo, Mud, Gungri, Lidang, Hikim, Sagnam, Mane Gogma and Giu to name a few. Spiti was loosely ruled for many centuries by a hereditary wazir, styled Nono. The majority of the people are Buddhists, followers of the Geluk-pa sect. The repetition of the mantra "Om mani padme hum" (literally, 'Behold, the jewel is in the lotus'), is constant; it is believed to bring good fortune and wash away all sins. For all the seeming bleakness, Spiti possesses a haunting beauty. The wildlife in the region includes the elusive snow leopard and ibex, found in the Pin valley.
Spiti has come to be known as the "fossil park of the world". The three villages Kibber, Kaza & Kye fall on the route faovourite among those looking for fossils. These villages are situated at heights between 13,500 ft. and 14,400 ft. above msl. Langza is famous for fossils of maritime life. These fossils are found on either side of Kang-yur and Paapen-yu nullahs near the village.



KAZA
Kaza, the sub-divisional headquarters of Spiti, is situated on the left bank of the Spiti river at an altitude of about 12,500 ft. above msl. The village is overlooked by steep ridges. The otherwise soporific place hums with activity of tourists during summer, who converge here for permits, current exchange, information, accommodation, petrol and to witness the annual trade fair which a number of visitors compare with the fairs in some of the gompa towns of Ladakh. Besides, Kaza makes a ideal base camp for all treks and tours within the valley. Guides, porters, pack animals and most importantly permits for treks can be obtained in Kaza.


There are two rest houses in Kaza proper. The Electricity Board rest house is at Rangrik just 4 km away. It is the best in the valley.  Kaza has one of the two Sa- kya- pa sect monasteries. The other monastery is at Hikkim. Opposite Kaza on the right bank of the Spiti river is Kyuling from where the nono of Spiti ruled over his subjects. Rani Damyanti, a descendent of this ruling, family, now resides in Kaza preserving all the stately charm of the yester years.

Rohtang pass (altitude 13050 feet) separates Kullu, from the exotic charm of the Lahaul valley. In Tibetan Rohtang means "a heap of dead bodies" and the pass stands true to its notorious name. Every year it must take toll of life and property. This is so because after 11 A.M. sudden blizzerds and snow storms called Biannas are only to be expected. The pass becomes all the more hazardous to negotiate due to frequent avalanches.

 The summit of the pass turns into lush green meadow in summer studded with violets and varieties of wild Himalayan and Alpine flowers. Butterflies of numerous and rare kind and varigated hues also draw the attention of' the visitor.

 At the highest point on top to the right as one faces Lahaul, is a small stone enclosure and a water spring which is the principal source of the river Beas; .the other, Beas kund is at the head of the Solang nullah. The place gained religious significance because of sojourn of Beas Rishi (the famous Vyasa Rishi, author of the epic Mahabharata.

 To the left of this pass is the little lake Sarkund. On the 20th Bhadon (early September) every year a large number of people visit this lake with the belief and hope that an early morning bath in it will cure all their ailments.

 Almost directly opposite and obviously only a few kms away is the well defined Sonapani glacier. Slightly to the left are the twin peaks of Gyephang La, seats of Pre Aryan Himalayan gods Jamulu and his younger brother Gyephang. These peaks are snow streaked and snow covered. The higher peak is 5856 m. high. Gyephang La can be seen from Kunzom, Pangi Lahaul and from Serchu plains across the Baralacha La. The higher of the two peaks can be seen on a clear day from as far as the Ridge in Shimla.