The Hungarian Sea.

Hungary has a sea?? No. :) The country is landlocked. But they have a big lake that they are very fond of. Called Lake Balaton. This the great Hungarian Sea. :) The Hungarians are very proud of this lake. If you ask a Hungarian for a place they should go to in Hungary, they would say Balaton. :D My husband and I were talking about it yesterday.

Took this fact from wiki:

The Zala River provides the largest inflow of water to the lake, and the canalized Sió is the only outflow. With a surface area of 592 km² has a length of 77 km and a width ranging from 4 to 14 km. The lake's surface is 104 m above sea level, and its depth varies up to 12.2 m (mean depth is 3.2 m).

I haven't check out the place yet. Since we just don't have the time to go. My husband had a few weeks holiday the entire year that since we were here, with those weeks he had to settle something. Now that we are 100% settled down. We plan to check it out this summer.

Picture from wikipedia. It does look like a sea doesn't it?

My husband's aunt just bought an apartment there a few months back. Lucky her since it is a very nice place. I bet she would go and sunbathe and swim all summer since she lives quite nearby to the lake.

Coming from a country like Malaysia which is surrounded by sea to a country which is landlocked, needs some get used to. Not because I go to the beach frequently, but this also means that not easy to find salt water fish here that is with a reasonable price tag. Hungarians don't eat fish much anyway. :p

Can't wait till summer comes. :D

Saint Thomas Villas

How about living in a Villa on top a cliff by the beach of a Caribbean Island, that is serene and tranquil, with the Villa fully equipped with all the high tech equipment available, indoor swimming pool, bars and other luxuries. Like a dream isn't it? But such a place does exist. St Thomas Villas. Built on a dream of a couple, Villa Nicolleta is perfect for forgetting worldly cares and just enjoy the best life has got to offer.




The Villa is able to sleep 10 people in its 4 bedrooms, the place would be ideal to hold a Romantic private wedding and later on would be the right place to spend the first Honeymoon as husband and wife. Guess what? they do have a package just for this. They call it Villa Nicolleta's Blissful beginnings package. Having a wedding and then a honeymoon in such a beautiful place, the name of the package really suits it. Wish every marriage would be able to start off with such blissful beginnings!

Furthermore, due to the availability of computers with 19" monitors, printers, fax, scanners and a fast internet broadband connection, the place is also available for corporate meetings. Imagine taking your clients to discuss over a big business deal in such a place. They would even ready staffs to ensure the needs of the off site meeting to go on well and successful.

The rates? $5,700 per week off season, and $6,300 per week peak season. The experience? Priceless...

New Zealand

Who ever watched Lord of The Rings Movie trilogy would never forget the breathtaking views where the movies were shot. And that place is beautiful New Zealand. To be honest I fell in love with New Zealand immediately ever since. Extreme sports, whale watching, beautiful sceneries, exotic culture, New Zealand has got it all.

Visit Cheaperthanhotels.co.nz for hotel deals and last minute reservations service at all times. The site give a number of choices of hotels in New Zealand along with the lowest prices available.
Rotorua Hotels rates starts from USD 27 per night and for a 5 star hotel, the rate starts at USD 170.

So if by chance, you visit Rotorua, don't miss to try the zorb ball ride. A plastic , transparent, inflated ball which is 11 meters high. You will be securely harnessed inside the ball and will be rolled down the hill. That is if you are there for the thrill.


Another location that you might want to add in the list is Dunedin. 5th largest populated city in New Zealand. Dunedin Hotels rates can be as low as USD 46 per night which is by the way, a 4 star hotel. Dunedin is perfect for Cadbury lovers, animal lovers and lovers of old architectures. Here, you can visit the Cadbury World -reminds me of Willy Wonka- Home of the Yellow Eyed Penguin, and Larnach Castle which was built in the 1800s.


Want to swim with wild dolphins? Taupo is the place. Dolphin Seafaris in Taupo will give you that special experience of being so close to wild dolphins. Dolphins are really beautiful creatures . If that is not exciting enough, then take the plunge with the Taupo bungy.

Well, the rates of Taupo Hotels starts from USD 68 while the lowest rate for a 5 star hotel there starts from USD 87.

If you happen to be a wine lover and love anything about wine, then Napier is the place for you. Known to be the wine country, you would be able to visit a few wineries there like the Church Road Winery,Brookefields winery and restaraunts, crossroad winery and vineyard and a few other wineries. If not you can visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand, the Hawke's Bay Museum & Art Gallery to name a couple other attractions here.
Rates of Napier Hotels is as little as USD 35 which is a 4 star hotel. For a 5 star hotel eventually, you can get at USD 300 per night at the lowest.

In Hamilton, the 7th largest city in New Zealand, try to make it to the Hamilton garden. The number one tourists attraction of the city. There is no entry fee. The garden is of the the theme "the story of gardens" which can be divided into four categories which are, Paradise, Productive, Fantasy, Cultivar and Landscape garden collections. In the paradise collection, for example, you would be able to enjoy and experience the Chinese Scholars Garden,Japanese Garden of Contemplation,Indian Char Bagh Garden and a few more other categories.

Hamilton Hotels rates starts from USD 68. For a 5 star hotel rate, price starts from as low as USD 98.


There truly is more to New Zealand than beautiful sceneries.

Dubai

My husband and I are planning to find better opportunities in another country. That is besides our home countries, Malaysia and Hungary.We had some suggestions from friends and families to try for Australia, New Zealand or Canada, and even Dubai. The first 3 countries are pretty common choices for people thinking of migrating. But Dubai, now that is something new. Well, not that new but becoming a popular destination for job seekers. One main reason being that you don't have to pay income tax, and said to be the world's fastest growing country. The move is not something definite but it is good to consider.

Being a fast growing nation, the real estate business in Dubai is flourishing as well. Since Dubai is expected to be the Global City of the future, foreign investors are more than welcomed to buy a property in Dubai. Hard to believe by most, since Dubai is located in the middle east, but Dubai is a safe place to be. It houses the world's tallest Hotel, Burj al arab ,the world's largest man made marina and the world's biggest shopping mall- which will be opening later this year. These Arabs really know how to spend their oil money.

Another thing that I find fascinating is that, Dubai might be the next popular skiing destination for skiers. Of course it is an indoor ski resort. Imagine that, skiing in the middle of the desert. You won't have to worry about avalanches. Best thing is, once you're tired of the cold, you just get out of the resort to go soak up the sun.

Now you know why Dubai property is a very good investment to make.To make it more attractive to those lucky people who can afford, automatic residency visa will be given when they buy a property. If don't plan to stay there, it's a good choice to rent it out. Since it is estimated that, rental income is up to 18% per annum. Not to mention the property value rising about 25% a year.

In my opinion, Dubai does sound to be a very exciting place to live in.

North Cyprus

Have you ever dreamt of living in a beautiful place?Surrounded with beautiful and practically unspoilt beaches, about 300 days of sunshine a year, great neighbourhood. Who wouldn't want to live in place so described?


There is such a place, and that place is Northern cyprus. Part of the Turkish republic, it is considered the jewel of the mediterranean. Being under the British influence for such a long time,therefore the English language is widely spoken there.


It is not a bad idea I think to look for a North Cyprus Property for those who can afford. It is simply an enchanting place. Not only it is a perfect place for you to spend the holidays with the whole family or to spend your retirement, but also a place with investments opportunities. The place does look like a potential popular tourist destination.

Italy

Italy, a country located South of Europe, one of the many destinations that tourists go for. The country not only well-known for its history but also its natural beauty, the culture, the people and not to mention the food. Who would not know Pizza or pasta.

Nevertheless, if you are planning to visit Italy, check out triptake.com for comprehensive Hotel reviews. Reviews and comments from hotel guests themselves who have first hand experience. There are even ratings on the hotels based on 7 criteria that make up the overall rating. They are, Location, Cleanliness, Check in/front desk, Business service, Value, Service,and Rooms. If you are still not satisfied with the ratings, reviews and comments, then you can even check out the photos of the hotels uploaded by travelers.Now, didn't I mention comprehensive? I did make a post about what's my definition of a perfect hotel. Reading the reviews and looking a the photos, the hotels featured in this site seems to be quite perfect. Besides reviews and photos, you can even check out the prices for rooms and make reservations online. Safe time by searching the hotels according to your budget and requirements.

Anyway, if you are really considering Italy for your next vacation or future vacation, choice cities are Rome, Florence, Milan and Venice. Rome because of the history of the Roman empire. Must check the Colosseum where the gladiators once fought for their lives.

This picture taken from one of the hotels in rome.

Florence, for the long list of Artists who once lived there. Micheal angelo and Leonarda Da Vinci included. If you love art, and love the work of these 2 geniuses. This beautiful city is a must see.

Residence of Micheal Angelo.

View from one of the hotels in Florence, Italy.

Milan, called Europe's Creative capital is one of the world's shopping paradise. The city is world known for fashion and design. It is said that the English word 'milliner' was derived from the
name of this famous city. It is no wonder that the city houses the world's oldest shopping center, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in the Piazza Duomo.

View from one of the hotels in Milano, Italy.

Last but not least, Venice. The Romantic "City of water." Perfect place for a honey moon. Don't forget the gondola ride when you are there.

View from one of Venice hotels.

After writing this post, the conclusion that I can make is, Italians are lucky to be living in such a beautiful country.

Destination : Spain II

On my last entry on Spain, I wrote about a few places that might be of interest for people who are planning on a vacation to that beautiful country. In continuation to my last post about Barcelona, if you happen to be checking out the city, don't forget the Las Ramblas. Las Ramblas is a 1.2 km walk through the centre of the city. Among it's attractions are the street performers, the little makeshift stalls, bars and restaurants. Not to mention the multitude of people that keep bustling through until the wee hours. Reminds me of Central Market or Pasar Seni boulevard in Kuala Lumpur.


Next, how can we forget that Spain has quite a long coastline. The country harbours quite a few beautiful well known coasts that have become quite an attraction for tourists.

Take Costa Brava for one. Located in Catalonia, Northeast of Spain. Being named, Costa Brava in Spanish, translated into English, it means 'rugged' or 'wild' coast. It may be due to its landscape of rocky cliffs, and mixture of pebbled and sandy beaches. Fishing was the main business of this part of Spain. However, due to the cheap air tickets from Northern Europe has turned it into a Tourist attraction and thus made tourism a main business. What more with more and more affordable and good quality Costa Brava hotels available, it has made the coast even more appealing for holiday seekers.



Another coast worth visiting is Costa del Sol. Located in the province of Malaga, stretching over 150 km. Extending to the province of Granada to the east and Cádiz, to the west. The coast is well-known for having sunny days for about 320 days per year. In some places it is called a draught, but here it's a sunny paradise for sun worshipers. Perfect for tourist who seeks to have more sunshine, and this place guarantees it. Click the link to check the site where you can find the most suitable hotel for you and even allows you to make last minute reservations for Costa del Sol hotels if needed.

Next stop is the town of Benidorm, the number one tourist magnet along the Costa Blanca. Mainly a spot for UK and Dutch tourists. So much so you hardly can hear Spanish spoken. Furthermore,if you are looking for a happening night life. Well, here is the place for you. Equipped with more than 1000 restaurants, 30 over discos, sure to offer you something different each night you spend out partying.

What more, with affordable Benidorm hotels around, you can save more for entertainments.



45km from Benidorm, is the town of Alicante. Also located along the costa Blanca. Mountainous landscape and the sea of Alicante has resulted with an alluring backdrop to the city. Perfect for a romantic holiday with a mediterranean touch that a couple might be looking for. When you're there don't forget to visit the La Explanada de Espana. One of Alicante's distinctive features. This promenade made of 6.6 million small marble mosaic tiles,was conceived in 1867 and built over the ancient port quay. Walking through it you will be able to enjoy the view of the sea and the harbour. There are plenty of tall palm trees that not only provide aesthetic feel to the place but also provides good shade while you take a rest.

Check out this link for Alicante hotels reservation.

After reading about these places mentioned above and writing a bit about some of them in this entry of mine, I really feel that I live to see Spain.

London

One of the many places that I wish to visit someday is London. It is not that far from Budapest. So just have to find the time to go on a trip. Perhaps on our 5th year wedding anniversary.


I have always wanted to visit the city of London every since I could remember. Read about it, saw it in movies, in documentaries, travel channel and so on. The place has become more and more appealing to me.



A few places that I wouldn't want to miss seeing are the Green park, Westminster abbey, Buckingham palace where they would do the famous changing of palace guards ceremony. Which I suppose located in the vicinity Victoria, Central London.





And I would like to check out the Absolut ice bar in Piccadilly. Bar totally made of ice.It is always kept at the temperature of -5 degrees celcius. It is made under the joint-venture of the Ice Hotel and Vodka brand Absolut owners. I don't drink, but just to check out this unique bar is good enough.






And how could you forget Madame Tussaud's wax museum?? That's on my must visit list in London. Since we can't all be lucky to meet our favourite celebrities in real life to take pictures with them. I figured it is close enough to have pictures taken with your favourite celebrities made into wax figures. Picture with Salman khan or Prince Charles anyone? Unfortunately they are not much of a favourite of mine.






There are many more places that I would like to see, but these are a few that I must see there.

Destination: Spain.

What does the word Spain reminds you of? For me, it always reminds me of a tall,dark and handsome looking matador.Or a beautiful senorita dressed in red dancing the Flamenca. But those are not the only things attractive in Spain. There are the Tappas,the bullfighting,and of course the architecture. In case if you're interested, check out this site on hotels in spain. You can do an online booking by choosing the right hotel that suits your budget best.

If you cannot go to all the places in Spain. Try not to miss including one of these interesting places in your itinerary:

Barcelona.

One of the main attractions in Barcelona are the unfinished church, La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's architecture, built 1882 with it's completion scheduled in 2026.(talk about super slow construction, one stone a year I think).The Zoo in Parc Ciutadella, a central park in Barcelona which is combined with a zoo with more than 6000 inhabitants. While you're there don't forget to visit the Font magica or the magic fountain. Visit the fountain in the evening to enjoy the water dancing show. A light effect that changes the colour of the water and the water changes the direction of sprays as if dancing to the rythym of the background music.Also, join in the celebration of the 3 kings parade if you happen to be there on 5th to 6th of January. If you are an arts enthusiasts, do not forget to visit the Picasso Museum. For more info click here.


Malaga

After visiting Picasso's Museum in Barcelona, stop by in Malaga to visit the famous Picasso's birthplace. Next a must visit place is the Caves of Nerja also known as the Natural Cathedaral of Prehistory which is about 48 km from Malaga.And if you are there in April in Easter, remember to see the procession of the Semana Santa or the Holy week.For more info on these places click here.

Palma

Another must see place in Spain is Palma,the capital of Mallorca. A small island located south of Barcelona. Once you are there the places that you should definitely visit are the drach caves, home to one of the largest underground lake, Lake Martel. In this city you will also find beautiful cathederals built in the 13th century.
For more information click here.














Now do not tell me that Spain is not in your Must Visit Places List too!!