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Meet the Awe-Inspiring Saltan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Oman’s Muscat
May 24, 2013 by Sherry Ott
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I stood staring upwards at the chandelier in the dome of the Saltan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat Oman admiring its soft glow. I was slightly surprised that it gets the dubious title of 2nd largest chandelier in the world. It didn’t seem that large to me, but as our guide Rob was pumping out the impressive numbers it dawned on me that it did not appear that large since the whole prayer hall structure it was housed in was massive. Proportions can be deceiving in a mosque that is littered with superlatives – the largest, biggest, most, prettiest are commen words you hear when researching the mosque which was completed in 2001.
Above is the glorious marble from Muscat’s Grand Mosque.
The mosque’s total capacity is 20,000 visitors/worshipers – larger in size than many of the cities in Oman. The dome rises 164 feet above the floor and the chandelier illuminates a space of 46,000 square feet below. No wonder I’m having trouble deciphering the sizes – everything is huge.
I visited the Grand Mosque in Muscat as part of my Exodus Hiking Trip in Oman.… Read more…
The Shakespeare Hotel in Vilnius, Where Late Baroque Style Meets the Literary Greats
May 24, 2013 by Renee Blodgett
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Vilnius Lithuania may not have the extensive offering of luxury and boutique hotels that neighboring Estonia’s Tallinn has, but there are some quaint and historical properties that will bring visitors back in time. I stayed at The Shakespeare Hotel, which is located in the very heart of Vilnius old town during my visit there this Spring.
Originally part of a palace, it was was built in the 18th century in the late baroque style. The noble families of Lopachinsky, Kosakowsky, and Olizars were the owners of the palace, and some sources hint that the palace was used for secret gatherings of the mason fraternity.
The guests of Shakespeare hotel in Vilnius have precious opportunity to experience two ages at the same time: on the one hand, it’s cozy old England, on the other hand, it’s luxury modern hotel, situated in the old town “oasis”, surrounded by modern business centers. Each room has its own name, usually a famous literary great or a Shakespeare play, such as the Romeo & Juliet room, which has a small hot tub. Others include Oscar Wilde, Charles Dickins, The Tolsoy, Queen Elizabeth I, Hemingway Room, Mark Twain, Voltaire, the Hugo and others.
While… Read more…
Experience a Feast With Locals in Amman Jordan
May 23, 2013 by Jessica Festa
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In Amman, the capital of Jordan, visitors can find a variety of places to dine: local eateries, international restaurants, hotel dining rooms, trendy rooftop bars, gastro pubs, Irish bars and more. While these types of venues offer great experiences — like ethical meals at Wild Jordan, rooftop cocktails and gastronomy at Cantaloupe and traditional meals and shisha at Sufra Restaurant — a more authentic Jordanian experience is having lunch at the home of a local family.
My personal lunch experience took place about an hour outside of Amman in the small community of Arjan. Unlike Amman, the community was quiet and rural with nothing but the sounds of squawking chickens and trotting goats about. Walking onto the property of my host family, I am immediately immersed in lush greenery — which is unusual for Jordan as it’s over 80% desert. That being said, the country is home to about 2,700 native plant species due to its three climates: Sahara, Tropical and Mediterranean.
The property resides on a hilltop, and beneath tall trees and loose vines are numerous cushions and pillows forming a… Read more…
Turn On Digital Music to Ease Stress On The Road
May 23, 2013 by Jessica Festa
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For those who are afraid of flying, new research shows music may be your cure. Digital music service Spotify recently commissioned a study that was carried out by anxiety psychologist Dr. Becky Spelman from the Private Therapy Clinic in London. It investigated the type of music that best helps calm the nerves of nervous flyers.
What Dr. Spelman found that was that breathing in time to music with a low bpm, at a controlled and reduced pace, is proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure, which in turn reduces anxiety. Moreover, listening to songs that stimulate both sides of the brain while using headphones with your eyes closed can be very relaxing, especially when the music is harmonious and emotive.
Explains Dr. Spelman, “Travel anxiety is caused by irrational thoughts where the threat is exaggerated and inappropriate. Music that stimulates both the logical left and emotional right sides of the brain is said to stimulate the limbic system, which processes negative memories and emotions, which in turn helps people think in a more balanced, rational way suppressing anxiety.”
To relieve you of having to do any research on your own,… Read more…
Head to the Catalan Hinterland for a Horse Fix On Spain’s Coast
May 23, 2013 by Julie Sheridan
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The first thing I should say is, this isn’t a sponsored post. No-one has paid me, given me a reciprocal link – or, sadly, bought me a horse – in exchange for me bumping my gums to the world. (I should also say that I am open to the option of someone buying me a horse, however. I am particularly fond of palominos.)
Barcelona’s uncanny ability to land me in unforeseen situations that, on occasion, gift lifelong memories, surprised me again this weekend. Living here feels like being interred inside one of those folded paper fortune tellers, that, depending on your dexterity, yield up four different corners of fate on a regular basis. Whatever else it is, life here is never predictable.
In the lap of the gods Sitting due north of the coastal town of Masnou, about 20km away from Barcelona, the Club Hípico Vallromanes is a riding school, livery yard, and hotel resort, complete with pool, gardens and the most amazing views you can imagine. I had been invited by the owner, Antonio, to come check out the facilities and see the flamenco horse show that takes place each week. It had been a while since…
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Head to Trinidad & Tobago & Experience The Land Of The Hummingbirds
May 23, 2013 by Jessica Festa
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“Did you know Trinidad and Tobago is the Land of the Hummingbirds?” asks Theo, an enormous grin on his face.
I didn’t, but looking around I am not at all surprised.
We’re at Yerette, a hummingbird sanctuary of sorts in the lush Maracas Valley. The attraction is also the home of Theo and Gloria Ferguson, two Trinidad locals who wanted to share their unique location with the world. Theo is explaining the space to us, where visitors can view 13 of the 17 hummingbird species recorded in Trinidad and Tobago, some of which include Copper-rumped Hummingbird, White-cheated Emerald, Blue-chinned Sapphire, Ruby Topaz and Tufted Coquette.
One would think the operation was methodically planned and implemented; however, this paradise of hundreds to thousands of graceful hummingbirds was a beautiful accident. With a passion for photography, Theo set up some feeders of sugar water to attract the birds for him to capture on film. This combined with his lush garden full of nectar — which makes up 90% of the hummingbird diet — led to an abundance of hummingbirds and even butterflies coming to their yard. One day, while photographing… Read more…
Swimming With Nurse Sharks At Compass Cay, Exumas, Bahamas
May 22, 2013 by Jessica Festa
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Sharks get a bad reputation as being the bullies of the ocean. For anyone who is afraid of these creatures, you’ll be able to face your fears and jump into the water with about 50 Nurse Sharks as Tucker, the owner of Compass Cay, feeds them bloody pieces of fish. As they go for the food they’ll swim at rapid speed, bouncing right into you (Note: Their skin feels strangely like sandpaper). When swimming with Nurse Sharks, pet their backs but stay away from their mouths and try to keep your hands above your head if chum is being thrown into the water and they’re eating (Comforting, right?). After swimming with Nurse Sharks myself, I can honestly say it’s more fun than scary and is a great way to have a unique adventure that can’t be found everywhere you go.
I was able to experience this through the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, although most hotels in the Exumas will be able to organize a guided tour to Compass Cay or rent you a boat so you can go there yourself. Email the tourism board… Read more…
When in Hong Kong, Look Up at 12 of its Tallest Buildings
May 22, 2013 by Carrie Kellenberger
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The Hong Kong skyline at night is probably one of the most recognized skylines in the world. It’s certainly one of my favorites. We’ve made it a tradition to go and see the free Symphony of Lights Show every time we visit. Symphony of Lights is a synchronized decorative light show and laser multimedia display set to music. It’s featured on the exterior of the buildings of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor. 44 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbor participate in the show, which starts at 8pm every night.
Guinness World Records has named the show as the world’s largest permanent light and sound show. The 10 minute light show has attracted over 4 million viewers so far. It’s well worth the visit, and did I mention it’s free? There’s a really cool interactive map of all the lit-up buildings that participate in the show.
On with the show, so to speak…
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