Hotel Accessories

Gifts for Avid Golfers

admin — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 01:27:18 +0000

No golfer is complete without an odd and eccentric arrangement of strange accessories to help him get through the day. Golfers certainly have a lot to choose from, since it is one of the most accessorized sports out there. If you are looking for some nice golfing accessories, either for yourself or as a gift for a golfing loved one, you will have no problem finding something that will tickle your fancy. Here I will discuss some of the most practical golf accessories. There are many more than the ones that will be discussed here, but most of them are hardly able to be classified as useful. If you are looking for more of a gag gift, you may want to look elsewhere. However, if your needs include a useful golf accessory, read on.

Motorized golf caddies are devices that will carry the golfer’s clubs alongside him as he walks. Rather than straining himself by carrying the clubs manually, he can simply enjoy a stroll through the scenic golf course while the motorized caddy does most of the hard work. Before you buy one of these, you should be sure that the recipient will have a need for it. Some golfers prefer to leave their clubs in their golf cart, or to simply hire a human caddy. Find out about the golfer’s habits, and decide for yourself whether you think he would find a motorized caddy useful or not. The prices can run fairly high, so you want to make sure that the enjoyment is worth the money.

Home training equipment is also very popular in the golfing community. There are many different devices that are meant to teach golfers to swing with better technique in the comfort of their own homes. These are known as golf swing trainers, and are generally more on the expensive side than any other golf gift. There are quite a few different choices, from the basic home putting green to more advanced accelerometer-enhanced clubs that will detect your swinging angles and speed. Again, this is not the kind of gift that you should buy out of nowhere. Discuss it with the person you would like to give it to, and make sure that it would be put to good use.

Overall, you should know that golfers are a fairly easy crowd to please. Anyone who is happy just hitting balls with sticks all day will have no problem entertaining themselves with any of the gimmicky or novelty gifts that you can come up with. Therefore if you are trying to find one of the top golf accessories for yourself or a golfing friends or family member, you shouldn’t worry too much about finding the perfect thing. As long as they have decent clubs, they should be set. Golf clubs are by far the most expensive part of a golfer’s arsenal of items, and the most important part as well. If you want to buy golf clubs for someone, you would probably do better to give them a gift certificate or coupon so that they can choose them on their own.

Another gift that is great for golfers is some sort of trip to a golf course that they would really enjoy going to. Sometimes an avid golfer doesn’t have the time (or doesn’t give himself enough of a break) to visit some of the nicer or more exotic golfing locations. If you really want to surprise and delight a golfer, you should plan a golfing vacation to one of the nicer locations in the world. Maybe a place where you can golf for most of the day, then swim in the ocean for a few hours before heading to your deluxe hotel. Usually if you plan it right you can keep the cost from being too insanely high, but most of the time it is better to indulge yourself and spend what it takes to have a great time.

Business Travel Bangalore

admin — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 01:25:59 +0000

Bangalore is one of the most hip and happening cities in India and is also a major center of the I.T. industry. Nicknamed the silicon valley of India Bangalore is the center of the Indian I.T. outsourcing movement, and has offices of many foreign tech companies as well as a number of native Indian tech startups.

Bangalore is an ideal city for meetings, work-shops and seminars as the whole city works round the clock and the environment is totally work oriented plus the weather is great all year round.

Here are a few important facts for the business traveler.

Accommodations

Good hotels in Bangalore can be pretty expensive, but like all cities there is a wide selection from the budget hotels to the mid-range to the five stars.

Budget hotel- Ivory Tower

Mid-Range hotel- Ista Hotel

Five-star- The Taj Residency & Ista Hotel

Transport

Plane-Bangalore Airport (BLR) is a domestic airport that caters to certain international flights too. All major international flights have a stopover here and it is connected all major airports of the world.

Train-The Bangalore City railway station is situated in the centre of the city. All trains, both local and long-distance, arrive and depart from here. Bangalore also has a railway station in the Cantonment Area, called the Cantonment Railway Station this is in a better part of town. Not all trains stop here, however.

Bus-There are both government and private busses that run services to major nearby cities. All intercity buses arrive and depart from Bangalore bus stand, which is located opposite the city railway station called ‘the Majestic Bus Station’. It handles buses that connect Bangalore to all major cities and states in south India.

Inter-City Travel

Bus-The main bus stand which maintains bus services within the city, is located next to the majestic Bus Station. The whole city is well connected through various bus stations. A huge problem is that the display boards in the bus show the destination in Kannada only. But it is the cheapest option available.

Autorickshaw- Theses are yellow three wheeled contraptions seen all over the city, they are a fast way to get around the city. Not exactly the safest way around they are definitely better than busses and less expensive than taxis.

Taxi- taxis are not marked with ‘TAXI’ signs you must call for a taxi which is easily done through the hotel. The taxis in Bangalore are very convenient and comfortable. Though the taxis are not exactly cheap they are safer and less traumatizing than the auto or bus.

Food & Drink

Bangalore has hundreds of fast food joints and restaurants serving south Indian vegetarian and non-veg food plus the regular MNC fast food joints like KFC, Pizza Hut and MacDonald. Day. There are also high end restaurants serving continental food, seafood and fish in Bangalore is also quite popular. Like all big cities Bangalore has from the very cheap to the very expensive food joints. Bangalore is home to numerous pubs and bars earning it the nickname the Pub City of India.

Shopping

Bane of a business traveler’s life but a must, Bangalore provides wide range of options.

M.G Road/ area is the most popular place for tourists, filled with shops of every kind, traditional handicrafts or the latest western wear.

Brigade Road is the centre of yuppie Bangalore, full of MNC stores and eating joints.

Commercial Street a shopping area that sells international along side locally produced items. Commercial Street has more of a bazaar feel than Brigade Road. it is famous for its tattoo and body piercing centers.

Forum Mall you can find anything at the Forum, high international brands. For eating there is Fast food (KFC, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Subway) Cafe Coffee Day and a food court with world cuisines.

Garuda Mall Located on the corner of McGrath and Commissariat Roads is the newest mall in Bangalore. This Mall is definitely catered to the upper class of Indian society.

Bangalore Central is more of a large department store than a mall with separate retailers. It still is must visit for shoppers in Bangalore. It has a huge range of everything clothing electronics, perfumes, accessories as well as a supermarket on the top floor and food court.

SPICE UP YOUR OUTFIT WITH A SCARF

admin — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 01:26:40 +0000

When it comes to accessorizing that special outfit, the scarf is the one item you want to have in your wardrobe. The scarf is the perfect accessory as it can spice up any outfit from the perfect little black dress to a business suit or your favourite T-shirt and jeans outfit. The scarf can add a sensational look making even the plainest outfit into a fabulous fashion hit.

You should try to have a variety of scarves such as the pashimna, cashmere, fleece, silk and the scarf belt, then you will be ready for any occasion.

One other good thing about scarves is that there are numerous ways to wear a scarf, making it a very versatile accessory.

You can wear it around your neck, tied, knotted or draped. Wear a scarf around head to keep your hair in place or around your waist as a belt.

You can also hang down a large scarf around your shoulders as a shawl. If you really feel like “tying one on” try tying a silk scarf around your hips. Just by tying a scarf around your hips, like a scarf belt, you can make your waist look smaller. You can achieve this look very easily by folding a long oblong scarf into the desired width, draping it around your hips and positioning it as a sash. Adjust it as you like. Let it hang down asymmetrically drawing the eye downward to produce a smaller looking waist.

Now let’s talk about how to tie the scarf around your neck which is of course, the traditional way to wear a scarf.

A fashion statement can be made by tying your scarf in creative ways. Try tying a small square scarf around your neck as a choker or a longer oblong scarf can be knotted in front and hang straight down. The smaller silk (many times can be found in washable silk scarves) look great with a scarf pin to secure them in place. Use a crystal brooch, ring or scarf pin that is all the rage now to hold your scarf in the front.

The scarf clips are great to use. Shell scarf holders that you can find at your beach resort gift shops are great options as well. These are just a few ways to hold that perfect designer silk scarf in place.

If you don’t have a scarf pin or brooch, try wearing that long oblong scarf in the Grace Kelly style by holding it across the front of our neck and then bringing one end around to fall down your right front side and then bring other end around your neck to fall down your left front side.

This is a great way to wear those designer silk scarves that are so light and airy now days. Another way to wear the long oblong scarf is just drape it around your neck and shoulders and then let it hang down dramatically in front.

Grumeti Camp Serengeti Tanzania

admin — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 01:26:37 +0000

Grumeti River Camp is a luxury safari tented camp located in a remote valley in the western corridor of the Serengeti National Park Tanzania, just 50 kilometers (31 miles) east of Lake Victoria – Africa’s largest lake. Flanked by two hillsides, this flamboyant exclusive camp overlooks a by-water of the Grumeti River and offers a comfortable haven to experience the truly wild pulse of Africa.

Grumeti River Camp Hotel is nestled in a remote, untouched area of the western corridor of the Serengeti; on the by-waters of the Grumeti River, the riverine trees surrounding the camp are home to the black and white Columbus monkey and a large variety of birds, although located in a quiet secluded valley this area is very much alive with hippos and crocodiles. By day and night, guides drive guests into the savannah woodlands and open Serengeti plains bursting with great concentrations of wildlife. Alongside herds of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, giraffe, and eland, this region boasts some of the highest densities of cheetah in Africa, huge prides of lion, and solitary leopards.

At Grumeti River Lodge you will feel privileged by your return to a more natural world. The spacious tents are a delight enveloping their guests in luxury accommodation each equipped with a viewing deck, and en-suite hand basin, private bathroom and a shower open to the starlit sky. There is also a plunge pool on the banks of the river and a spacious deck from which you can enjoy sundowners. At night, the Grumeti River Camp buildings and paths are magically lit by flaming torches and lamps.

The Grumeti Camp use of local materials and colorful décor creates a playful and vibrant, yet very African safari style. Guests cannot help but gain an appreciation of this area and surrounding landscape as you become part of Africa. Every year during Africa’s Annual Wildebeest Migration, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebra and other herbivores cross the Grumeti River, risking the jaws of some of the largest crocodiles on earth.

Large pods of hippo grunt from their watery hideaway below the camp and black-and-white Colobus monkeys live in Grumeti’s bird-filled riverine trees. At night, the nocturnal orchestra of owls and bush babies is punctuated by the primeval sounds of lion and hyena.

The utter luxury and superb standard of accommodation found at the Grumeti River Camp often seems a little odd when you think about where you are – right in the middle of one of the world’s most famous remaining regions of wilderness. Nevertheless, there it is – ten spacious, comfortable and opulently decorated safari tented camps with en suite bathrooms complete with hot and cold running water. Each beautifully set out banda has a huge double bed, and a private balcony with wonderfully comfortable chairs int

o which you can sink after a day’s game driving in the beautiful Western Corridor. The Grumeti River Camp lies on a bend of a tributary of the Grumeti River, and the resulting small pool is often filled with hippos and crocodiles. The well-stocked bar and restaurant deck overlook the pool, as does the swimming pool, so you can relax and let the wildlife come to you! While decidedly not the cheapest accommodation option in the Serengeti National Park, the CC Africa’s Grumeti River Camp does at least deliver a high standard of luxury which is perfect for those who feel the need for pampering as well as

The theme of Grumeti River Camp is very elegant yet unusual; the massive large safari tents with extravagant bright colors of the chaise lounge or accessories found through out the Grumeti Camp complement the dark handcrafted furnishings, the tents are furnished with large dramatic beds styled to resemble a regal crown. The tents are built on the banks of the river and in the evenings hippos can stroll near the tents to feed. This is quite an adventure for some people.

From the camp, you can enjoy some of the world’s largest crocodile enjoying the watery carpets of lilies of the Grumeti River Tributary. Documentaries on crocodiles have been filmed from Grumeti River Camp. The best time to overnight at Grumeti River Camp is from June to early August when the resident animals have the company of the migratory wildebeest and zebras.

The communal areas are again made in wood and stone and this includes the dining area which has a central open fire and outdoor pizza oven to incite a healthy appetite and spend nights under the Serengeti skies. Nearby, the pool is cool, clear and well-tended. Safari guests at Grumeti can enjoy flamboyant tents under thatch. The vibrancy of kente cloth and local sculptured furnishings bring the excitement and romance of Africa to life. Grumeti River Camp provides for a very intimate, avant-garde and romantic safari experience, this combined with wonderful dinners under the stars and lively nights with grazing hippos and roaring lions creates, in our opinion, one of the finest tented lodge in Tanzania.

We think it is simply heaven staying here, however, Grummet River Camp will not appeal to everyone’s tastes and the nearby Kirawira Camp may make a better choice for some individuals. Two potential problems at Grumeti River Camp are

It can be very intimidating for some people as hippos commonly graze on the sweet grass between the tents during the evening.
Kirawira Camp, located about 30 minutes to the southwest, is significantly less expensive and may make a better choice for some people seeking a more ‘conservative’ tented lodge experience. In Africa, luxury does not necessarily correlate with higher prices or comfort but rather with intimacy, adventure and uniqueness. A stay at Grumeti River Camp will certainly deliver these latter aspects but careful consideration must be given to your specific tastes as to whether Grumeti River Camp or Kirawira Camp makes the most sense in your Tansania safari itinerary. Please feel free to talk it over with our tour consultants.

Grumeti River Camp is usually incorporated into our flying safaris in and drive-back itineraries at the beginning of your Tanzania safari. You will most likely be arriving via the nearby Grumeti Airstrip on your regional flight departing from the Arusha Air Strip.

A night or two at the beginning of your safari is a superb way to kick off your adventure before traveling to other areas of the Serengeti and onwards to the Crater and the other great parks of Northern Tanzania. From Grumeti River Camp, it is about a 2-hour drive east to the Seronera Valley of the Central Serengeti. The main road to Seronera follows the Grumeti River through the Musabi plains and all the way into the Central Serengeti.

Flamboyant safari accommodation: This splendid safari camp is renowned for its stylish, vibrantly African designed tented suites set along the banks of a by water of the Grumeti River, offering exceptional crocodile and hippo viewing. Accommodations at Grumeti River Camp consist of a main lodge area set on the banks of a small hippo pool and 10 sleeping tents generously spaced throughout the property to ensure privacy. All 10 tents are furnished with 1 double bed, which can be converted to 2 twin beds upon request. Unfortunately, no triples are available.

Each tent is built on a raised stone platform and encased under a wooden thatched roof. There is a small private deck in front of each tent with safari chairs and lounge chairs. The interiors are quite eclectic and feature vibrant African fabrics. Upon entering your tent, you are greeted by a colorful and oversized bed with a spectacular headboard.

Just in front of your bed are two bright cushioned chairs and a small coffee table with 3 jars of tasty hard candy. Immediately behind the bed is a single washbasin with electrical outlets where you can charge your batteries. To the left and right of the washbasin are two separate wooden doors that lead to the shower and toilet. The toilet is completely enclosed while the beautiful alfresco shower is open under the stars.

Please note that the generator is turned off each night at 10.30PM. The main guest areas are just as impressive as your room and consist of a lounge, domed bar, game-viewing deck and inside and outside dinning areas. The lounge overlooks a lush tributary of the Grumeti River containing approximately 20 resident hippos. During your stay at Grumeti River Camp, make sure to set aside an hour or two to watch these entertaining animals. There is even a small ornate plunge pool from which you can lounge in and watch the hippos down below doing the same.

The service at Grumeti River Camp is unbeatable. There is a team of 34 staff (accommodating a maximum of 20 guests) that will go out of their way to make sure your stay is completely enjoyable. They really are a friendly bunch and their pleasant and engaging personalities are certainly one of the highlights of a stay here.

During the night, the surrounding area comes alive with the sounds of hippos grunting, lions roaring or a hyenas calling. Hippos are mainly nocturnal grazers and it is quite common that you will hear them grazing next to your tent during the night. There are no fences around Grumeti River Camp and because the camp resides in a low-lying area and next to a river, many animals freely move through the camp during the night. For obvious safety reason, it is imperative that you do not walk around unescorted during the night. There will be a safety briefing upon arrival and someone will be waiting outside your tent each evening to escort you to and from dinner. Additionally, because of the large presence of insects attracted to the nearby river, please make sure to use insect repellant frequently when staying at Grumeti River Camp

10 spacious safari tents with ceiling fans
All with en suite bathrooms
Boma (outdoor dining area)
Expansive game viewing deck
Sparkling plunge pool
Funky guest areas
African crafts shop

The food at the Grumeti River Camp is delicious. Wake up calls are taken the night before and coffee or tea and biscuits are delivered to your tent in the morning at the predetermined time. Breakfast boxes can be arranged for early morning game drives or you can enjoy breakfast on the outside patio.

Breakfast consists of a mixed buffet with orders taken for eggs, omelets, bacon, toast, pancakes etc. The buffet consists of yogurt, nuts, cereal, breads, fruit and juice. Similarly to breakfast, you have your choice of dinning in for lunch or enjoying a lunch box if you plan a full day adventure game drive. The lunch boxes at Grumeti River Camp are noteworthy as they are among the tastiest you will encounter on your safari. Lunches are usually served on the open lawn if front of the river.

Dinner is a splendid production and is always a memorable occasion at Grumeti River Camp. Drinks and appetizers are first offered in the bar/lounge. Guests are then led to the open dinning area next to the river. Dinner is then served by candlelight and under the stars. It is a delicious 4 courses and consists of Pan-African cuisine and a mixed buffet cooked on the brick fire pit.

Your waiter will serve you hot rolls and soup with your choice of wine. The main courses are buffet style and typically consist of chicken or beef, pasta, vegetables, potatoes and rice. Vegetarian options are available upon per request. Dinners are on a 7-day rotation ensuring each night you will enjoy a unique and delicious meal. There are a good variety of soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits available and most are included in your safari package.

Salon Nautico 2009 in Barcelona

admin — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 01:26:31 +0000

The 48th edition of the Salon Nautico trade fair will take place in Barcelona again this year. From the 7th until the 15th of November you will have the possibility to experience this unique boat show ath the Fira Barcelona building at the Plaza Espanya. You can easiely find an /www.barcelonapoint.com/en/apartments.html” target=”_blank”>apartment in Barcelona close to Plaza Espanya, so that it will be easy for you to reach this great event. This trade fair will showcast all the new rends and and products from the world´s biggest shipbuilders and the leading nautic companies.

The Salon Nautico became one of Europe´s biggest nautical sport and recreational events. This event is a magnet for boat lovers and business men all around the globe, as well as international press. It is an essential event for business in one of the most important expansion areas in Europe. Visitors of the Salon Nautico 2009 will include Exporters, Importers, and Manufacturers of sailing, canoeing and boating equipment. The Salon Nautico 2009 includes 5 pavilions in the Gran Via exhibition centre and 3 docks in the Port Vell. In Port Vell you will have the chance to see the On-Water show. In total more than 270 boats will take part at the Salon Nautico in this year. There will be a lot of unique luxurious yachts that you have never seen before.

As well as last year, there will be a lot of international exhibitors again. Exhibitors from the most important European seafaring nations will show their new boat trends such as Italy, France, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Great Britain and Germany. This boat show is the biggest of its kind in Europe.

More than 150,000 visitors come to see this event every year. The visitors are impressed by the wide range of interesting trends that are to explore within this trade fair. The main important parts of the Salon Nautico include: Accessories, Canoes and Kayaks, Sailing Charters, Decoration, Electronics, Motorboats, Sailboats, ‘Menorquina’ boats, Fishing/recreational boats, Sailing Schools, Speedboats, Bookshops and Publishers, Engines, Jet-skis, wave-runners, Inflatables, Paints, Specialist media, Marinas, Trailers, Insurances, Nautical services, Shopping Area, Scuba-diving, Nautical tourism, Nautical clothing and Windsurfing.

The Salon Nautico takes place from the 7th until the 15th November. It is open for visitors from Monday to Thursday: 10:00 a.m to 7:00 p.m and from Friday to Sunday: 10:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m. From Monday to Friday you have to pay 10€ for a ticket and on Saturdays and Sundays you will have to pay 12€.

How to get there:
The trade fair will take place in the Fira Barcelona building which is located directly at the Placa Espanya. You can reach it via Metro with the lines 1,3 and 8, where you just get out at the station “Espanya”. There are also a lot of bus stops situated around Placa Espanya, where several busses stop. If you are staying in an Barcelona hotel which is clsoe to the Placa Espanya during the time of the trade fair, you can easily walk to this unique event.

For more information about the Sonimagfoto 2009, you can visit their official website.