Archive for the ‘City Guides’ Category
Abu Dhabi at a glance
Abu Dhabi’s oil wealth has been wisely utilized to encourage a healthy trade and commerce atmosphere, including those apart from oil industries. State-of-the-art communication services and transport, the presence of all the international luxury hotel chains, rich shopping malls, cultural centers and events have made the emirate a favorite destination for visitor and home to many nationalities. Activities range from shopping in the upmarket shops to haggling in the souk (market), travelling in an air conditioned limousine to riding a camel in the desert, dining in five-star luxury to sampling Bedouin hospitality under the night sky.
Abu Dhabi Tourism is developed by Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company (ADNH). It’s Tourism Division, Sunshine Tours-a Destination Management Company- takes care of all aspects of tourism from promoting the destination Abu Dhabi at international travel industry exhibition to handling all ground services and offering a wide range of excursions such as desert safaris, cultural trips, city tours, shopping trips and water activities. Furthermore Sunshine Tours strongly supports the preservation of culture and heritage of Abu Dhabi Emirate. Part of this philosophy is their brand new Heritage Village in Al Khatem which is one of its kind in the UAE. Abu Dhabi with its luxury hotels, palm-frienged sandy beaches, safe environment, extensive greenery and its surrounding 200 islands has become an ideal destination for conferences and incentive groups.
White Fort – One of the landmarks of Abu Dhabi, The Al Hosn Palace, commonly known as the White Fort, dates back over 200 years. Home of the former ruling family it is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi. The Palace is also home to the Cultural Foundation where many interesting exhibits of traditional artefacts and photographs are displayed. The courtyard and tile work over the main gate are particularly beautiful.
Heritage Village – The village is situated in the middle of Abu Dhabi and is a living exhibition of the lifestyle and traditions of Bedouin and other culture’s.
Hili Gardens – Impressive ancient tombs, some more than 4000 years old, is of interest here.
Liwa Oasis – About two hours drive from the city of Abu Dhabi is Liwa, one of the largest oasis in Arabia and a gateway to Rub Al Khali or Empty Quarter. The place makes a refreshing change with freshwater pools and date plantations. It is also home to the Bedu people, known for their hospitality.
Jabel Hafit – Close to Al Ain, is this craggy mountain rising steeply from the surrounding desert. An area noted for its flora and fauna (it is one of the last remaining habitats of the rare Arabian tahr), the mountain can be accessed by excellent roads which wind its way right upto the summit, providing a panaromic view of the Empty Quarter. Also of interest are the numerous caves, sites of archaeological excavations, and Ain Al Fayda, a top health resort located over a natural hot spring.
Al Ain Museum – Location within the confines of Al Jahili fort, the nation’s largest museum is divided into ethnological and historical sections. Interesting displays include Bedouin artifacts, archaeological excavations of 2700 BC, 500 BC stone instruments and relics dug up from Fossil Valley.
Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium – The 1969 zoo houses an extremely large and varied collection of wildlife from all over the world. The zoo is also well know for its display of Arabia’s indigenous wildlife which includes the spectacular Arabian oryx.
Qattarah Oasis – This small, beautiful sylvan oasis studded with date palms and fruit orchards and located on the edge of Al Ain is noted for its archaeological sites. Some of the ancient relics found here, including beautiful gold jewellery, have been displayed today in the Al Ain museum.
The Cultural Foundation – Located in the Khalidiya Street, the foundation houses a weekly art exhibition, library, theatre auditorium, and lecture rooms. The centre is considered as the cultural heartbeat of the city.
The Corniche – A park-lined coastal boulevard that skirts the city, with a backdrop of modern buildings facing the sea, it is one of the most picturesque sites in Abu Dhabi.
Parks and Gardens – Abu Dhabi has over 20 public gardens, together with hundreds of miles well-laid roads, Abu Dhabi is known as “The Garden City of the Gulf” and has turned the capital into a huge blooming garden, which invites to relax from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
Where To Stay In Paris?
There are two things you should consider before deciding Where To Stay In Paris. First, find out what area is right for you according to your visiting goals and then choose the type of accommodation matching your budget and taste.
The historical center (intra muros) of Paris is divided into 20 districts (arrondissements). As you notice on the map below the city is split in two by the Seine river. Each district is like a little village within the city with its own history, culture and way of life. The Left bank and its Latin Quarter is supposed to arbor the intellectuals and artists when the right bank is more up market and business centered. There might be some truth in this even though it is a little cliché.
No matter where you stay in Paris you will walk a lot. You won’t realize it at first taken by the euphoria of the moment. . Le Louvre museum alone can be quite a physical experience if you want to see it all (plan that over two days if you have time). Be gentle on your feet and try to avoid the good looking but uncomfortable shoes. Think comfort or it will hurt.
There is a place for everyone in Paris, it goes from the bed & breakfast room if you want to get in touch with the locals (you might even get some Parisian insider tips), the cheap 2 star hotel that will be kind on your wallet, the holiday apartment for a feel at home (great with kids) or the glamorous luxury hotel if you want to treat yourself.
I have grouped the districts in five areas. Each has recognizable monuments tourist attractions and own charm. If you are planning to see it all during your vacation try to stay at a central location around Le Louvre museum.
So you want to jump right into the heart of French culture? Latin Quarter and surrounding areas on the left bank are the right place for you to start with. Inheritance of the middle age when teaching was done in Latin, home of the famous La Sorbonne University, Latin quarter has always attracted those eager to learn and confront their ideas.
Join the thinkers and undisciplined students just here to party. Feel the bubbling ambiance as you walk down the small paved streets and pass by markets, numerous cafes, libraries and other gathering places. This is a lively tourist friendly area with plenty of places to eat drink and enjoy life the French way day and night. Shopping is good too even though it is targeted at younger consumers.
The area is located at a walking distance from lots of Paris monuments and the more remote ones are easily reached from one of many metro, bus and taxi stations. Hotels and holiday rentals are very affordable in this part of the city, Prices tend to move up as you get closer from the more trendy and chic Saint Germain des Pres.