Friday, September 30, 2011

Cairns: Swim with Nemo on the Great Barrier Reef




executive summary by Darmansjah

In the center there is also a Laguna which is an artificial lake which is a popular tourist spot. According to a story we can sunbathe topless in the lagoon with this. But what is striking is the shops that sell the equipment of sea sports, like diving or snorkeling surfing and the many young tourists both local and foreign countries like Japan, Korea and so on.


Cairns Public Library 

Australia, for some people is a Sydney, Melbourne or Perth, but in northeastern Australia, in the tropical state of Queensland can be found Australia to another. A store of wealth and beauty of the underwater charming and is a world heritage.

When our plane landed Qantas Domestic Terminal at the Cairns International Airport after flying for nearly three hours from Sydney, it appears that the airport is in the process of expanding so that the passengers had to walk quite a distance from garbarata towards the arrival terminal. It seems Gabarata built first compared the passenger terminal building so that should even out once the new terminal to log in again to pick up luggage. The air was friendly with temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius cooler than Sydney at the end of June.

By taxi we headed to downtown Cairns and the tropical scenery immediately greeted by warm, the sun shone brightly and the temperature on land is quite hot even though June is winter in this Kangaroo Continent. The number of palm trees and the green of nature makes us feel like at home alone.

Cairns city center known as the CBD is an area that is not too broadly consists of three or four main roads that cut several roads. Setting it within a few blocks makes orientation easy. With the help of a tourist map we can explore the CBD with a walk. Abbot Street became the main street where is located the Cairns Art Gallery, and also the Cairns City Library.


Cairns City Library is open to anyone, we can read books or use the internet for free. After seeing some of the literature about the city of Cairns, it is known that the origin of this city began to be inhabited in the late 19th century and intended as a haven of gold mining in the Hodgkinson River. The name of the city with a population of only about 130,000 souls are taken from the name of the Governor of Queensland in 1876 that William Wellington Cairns.

Currently Cairns is an important tourism destination in Australia as well as the sugar industry which can be found in many sugar plantations around the town. Cairns became the base for visiting nearby attractions such as the exact Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda, Tjapukai, and the Daintree Rain Forest.


Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda

In the center there is also a merupaka Laguna artificial lake which is a popular tourist spot. According to a story we can sunbathe topless in the lagoon with this. But what is striking is the shops that sell the equipment of sea sports, like diving or snorkeling surfing and the many young tourists both local and foreign countries like Japan, Korea and so on.
City Cairn

Cairns Night Market.
When Australia's major cities like Sydney, Brisbane began to close the shopping center at about 18 or 19. Cairns is a very different atmosphere, shops and restaurants with a very relaxed atmosphere remain open until the evening. One place that should diikunjungi Cairns Night Market is also located on Abbott Street in this place lies a collection of restaurant or food court that sells a wide assortment of good culinary Asia such as China, Thailand, and Western cuisine, even the typical Australian as worried about the kangaroo meat , koalas, crocodiles and so on. Of course for those who dare to try the food. Besides souvenir shops are also easily found at the Night Market is.



One Bus Tour to Port Douglas

Port Douglas and Mosman Rainforest.

 
One of the places we can visit with a day trip from Cairns is Port Douglas and Mosman Rain Forest. For those who like driving yourself, hire mobl and having a good tour map is an excellent choice. However, joining the local tour became a better choice because we just call and ask for pick up at the hotel we stayed in downtown Cairns. There are several choice of departure time, either 9 am or 11 am. After that a mini bus which attract special luggage trailer with the words www.portdouglas.com will pick us up almost on time. Understandably in Cairns almost no traffic jams.

Once again pick up some tourists in hotels other, our mini bus will leave immediately leave the city of Cairns to Port Douglas via the Captain Cook Highway No. 44. Not long after the dead center of the city starting to look a large sugar plantation. But some have started to be converted into housing for the anticipated rapid growth in Cairns. Not long after the Cairns Airport, in the suburb called Smithfields, James Cook University is located. Apparently James Cook leaves a huge footprint in the state of Queenslands that immortalized his name to the name of the City of Cook's Town, highways, Captain Cook Highway and also the University. After up to 30 miles from downtown, we will also pass through the Cairns Tropical Zoo is also an interesting tourist spot. After that Captain Cook Highway started a little narrower and will fit down the cliff at the waterfront degan very charming scenery. About 20 miles further we will pass on the winding road between the beach and cliffs with few places to stop to enjoy the scenery.
Approximately 45 minutes after leaving Cairns on the left side of the street nameplate looks striking Hartley's Creek Crocodile Farm,. The tour guide told me that this place is a breeding crocodiles which produce crocodile skin and meat for both domestic and export purposes and began operating in 1930. Besides crocodiles, here also can be seen Koala, Kangaroo, Bird Cassowary, Dingo, and assorted snakes and reptiles native to Australia. Hartley's Crocodile Farm has a famous star named Charlie who was aged around 70 or 80 years, and he is a crocodile.

There are a few interesting about the crocodile. Just after passing Hartley's Crocodile Farm, about 10 minutes before the Port Douglas, Mowbray river there. The driver was always told that the river is wild crocodiles often encountered and he recommends passengers to look to the left, which eventually can be viewed from a distance back of crocodiles in the rivers. What is interesting is the same story is also mentioned by a bus driver who took us to Port Douglas for the second time and crocodiles are seen there is also positioned in the same river. Is it an alligator or crocodile rock for real?


Ship to the Great Barrier Reef 

Four Miles Beach
After about 1 hour bus journey then turn right onto Port Douglas and is our arrival at the port city which is also the base for trips to the Great Barrier Reef cruise. This port city itself is quite beautiful with a beach atmosphere relaxed and casual as well. Many restaurant yan and also travel agencies offering package tours around Queensland. One place to visit in Port Douglas is FourMiles Beach. The tour guide told me that the real long beach with white sand that slope is only about a quarter of a mile, instead of four miles as the name suggests. Name Four miles beach itself is said to be given appropriate name of the person who first discovered this beach.


Once satisfied in playing on the beach, the journey continues to Morsman Rain Forest about 30 minutes from Port Douglas via the Captain Cook Highway. Mini buses crawl through the township aborigines and then scour the streets with lush rain forest on the left side.

 
Here there is a protected tropical forest and has a variety of flora and fauna. In addition there are also circular track along approximately 2.5 miles to explore the dense forest without fear of getting lost because we simply follow a predetermined path. There is a suspension bridge swaying in the breeze that always passes the river with rocks and water rushing underneath. In one part of the river there is a place where visitors can swim with ease while enjoying the natural scenery of lush native forest and cool.

Swim with NemoSnorkeling and Swim with Nemo

Swim with Nemo on the Great Barrier Reef.
Of course the main attractions around Cairns is the Great Barrier Reef. The name is so famous and known also as the Great Barrier Reef. Surely he is not a single place, but consists of rubuan coral island or atoll that extends to the east of Australia. According to the literature of the Great Barrier Reef consists of more than 2900 reefs and more than 900 islands stretching over 2600 kilometers located in the Coral Sea. Barrier Reef is also one of the seven wonders of the natural world. (seven natural wonder of the world). This place is not an exaggeration to be included in the list of World Heritage for its underwater beauty with unique fish and coral that looks very attractive.


One way leading to the Great Barrier Reef, is to sail directly from Cairns or closer than Port Douglas. Because of that bus trip back to Port Douglas via the Captain Cook Highway can be enjoyed by more clearly.


Sailing the Great Barrier Reef begins from the Marina Port Douglas where many moored boats, yachts and other vessels for either private or public, Catamaran that can carry about 500 people set sail towards the outer reef. Travel by speedboat takes about a half an hour.

And at around 11:30 the ship arrived at a kind of dock in the middle of the ocean. On the way passengers are offered a variety of additional activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, walk in the ocean, even fly helicopters. Of course with an additional fee. However, lunch and sail with the boat is kind of half-submarine with a glass wall to enjoy the underwater beauty of the Great Barrier Reef for 25 minutes was included in the tour package. In the dock was also contained underwater observatory where visitors can enjoy the beauty beneath the sea, including some who were swimming and diving. The air was hot sunny so many interested visitors to swim or snorkel.
swim and snorkel 

Fauna is very famous here is the smaller fish yellow colored white striped famous lines in the movie Finding Nemo. This fish is referred to as the Clown Fish and becomes a kind of icon on the Great Barrier Reef. In addition there are many Pari or Sting ray fish and turtles. Of course, countless variety of corals with a charming variety of forms.


Visitors can also swim among the fish, for those who want to rent a swimsuit can pay 5 AUD for adults and 2 AUD for children. Goggles and snorkel equipment as well as duck feet for swimming are also available. Of course to preserve the natural visitors should not throw rubbish into the sea and take the rock to take home.
Travel to GreatBarrier Reef is indeed a journey that is quite unique and not easily forgotten. And this is one of Australia's tourism options.
Snorkeling equipment

Tip for telecommunications


Travel in Australia It is currently quite expensive for the size of our pockets, especially with the Australian dollar exchange rate which is currently primarily to the U.S. dollar nearly equal. Meanwhile, for the purpose of communication is useful to have a local simcard. Because it will make it easier to register a tour contacted by telephone usually ask no mobile phones. If we use Indonesia certainly no roaming charges will swell. I myself had bought a local prepaid card costs 31 dollars and get a bonus to speak more than 150 dollars so it can be satisfied bertelpon and sms. What is unique to activate the prepaid card before we have to register and talk to a computer that could recognize our voices.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Solvang: Danish A Small Village in Santa Barbara, California

Original Text By Christie Damayanti, executive summary by Darmansjah



I'm traveling with my family, Los Angeles to San Francisco, passing a 'village' Solang, like in Denmark in Europe. Several times I come here, but first-time 'exploring' Solvang. And my choice was not missed. Solvang is a small town / village that is populated communities is from Denmark and is very romantic ... ..
Its history is long, but who makes me very interested in the architecture, I think an architect and I am very interested in European architecture (classical).


Solvang is a city in Santa Barbara, Califonia. The population is approximately 5000 people. Although only a 'village' and was established as a city on May 1, 1985, Solvang was able to attract visitors to witness the natural life and tradisitonal Denmark. Solvang is also serving food and trinkets Denmark.
Typical Danish Bakery: Hmmmmm ... ... .. yummyyyyy ... ... everything is good ... ..



Solvang was founded in 1911 at nearly 9,000 acres (3600 hectares) of Mexican land grant, by a group of Danes who traveled west to establish a Danish colony far from the midwestern winter. This city is home to several bakeries, restaurants, and merchants offering a taste Denmark in California.



The architecture of many facades and buildings reflect the traditional Danish style. There is a copy of the famous Little Mermaid (Mermaid) statue from Copenhagen, as well as one featuring a statue of the famous Danish author Hans Christian Andersen fable. A replica of the Copenhagen Round Tower in scale 1: 1, completed in 1991 and can be seen in the city center.



Initially, most of the buildings built in the style of Solvang is the same as everyone else in the area. Lutheran Church was the first to be based on Danish architecture and bears a close relationship with the equivalent of Denmark.



Moments later, Earl Petersen, a local architect, old buildings give a new look, add a facade in the so-called Danish province of "style". Half-timber buildings in the style of rural homes Denmark proliferate, creating a new tourist attraction.



Details are really thinking, though only the design of local architects
 
While much was done to create an "authentic" atmosphere of Denmark in the downtown, has been shown by Scandinavian false thatched roof made ​​of wood
and mostly a result of local interests in general rather than the Danish immigrants themselves. Old buildings that have been restyled to look even if there is no Danish Danish about them initially.


 
Thanks to the Danish lifestyle and architecture, Solvang has become a major tourist attraction in California with more than one million visitors a year.


 
Since 1936, the city has scheduled a Danish Days festival, now held on the third week of September. Travellers are attracted by Prince Frederik's visit to the village in 1939. But it was in 1947, following a feature article in the Saturday Evening Post, that they began to flock to the city.


 
In particular, visitors today appreciate the Danish windmills, statues of Hans Christian Andersen and the Little Mermaid, in a half-timber houses, Danish village church, the Round Tower and the Danish music and folk dances.


 
In addition, several restaurants and a patisserie serving specialty Denmark. Partly as a result of the movie 'Sideways' in 2004 which emphasizes the quality of wines from Santa Ynez Valley, the number of wine bars and shops in Solvang has increased pretty, attractive oenophiles to the downtown area as well.


 
Hotels in Solvang also reflects the buildings and interiors Denmark. Although not using the goods 'modern', precisely therein lies the 'expertise' drafter of this city. Travelers are invited to take in the atmosphere of Denmark real reply. The interior is actually making us in awe ...

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Besides Paris


executive summary by darmansjah
Besides Paris, the city the nickname Which deserves the most romantic places in Europe? Right! Cities 'float' which is located on the shores of the Adriatic Sea waters is often a reference to the Honeymooners from all over the world. Well, for those of you who have just married, or for those who want to do a second honeymoon with your spouse after a long marriage, book the flight now, and head to Venice!

Grand Canal - The only 'Great Road' in Venice

City ​​Water
 
It lies on the mouth of the Adriatic to Venice or Venezia always sunbathe all year round making it ideal used as a tourist destination at any time. However, if you intend to visit in January to March, be prepared to get wet because of rainfall is quite high in addition to wind gusts that often penetrated to the bone. While in November to December, the lowest lying areas in Venice - which also became the entrance for the arrival of the travelers who visit Venice, Piazza San Marco area precisely-often waterlogged due to high tide.
 

Indeed, Venice is identical to the water. When arriving by bus or private car crossed the long bridge Pontedella Liberta which connects Venice and Mestre, you must go down in Piazalle Rome or Tronchetto and walk to the ferry dock Bacino Stazione Maritima before boarding a water taxi (vaporetti) no. 1, which divides the Grand Canal towards the Piazza San Marco, Venice. 40-minute trip down the Grand Canal you must go to pay 6 Euros for a return ticket. 

If you ride the train, she arrived at the Stazione Santa Lucia, you are faced with two choices of modes of transportation to downtown Venice: up vaporetti or a piedi ( walking). If your choice is walking, be prepared to narrow down the aisles like a labyrinth and concentrate on the signpost that read 'Rialto' and 'SanMarco' , because both places are the main centers of activity in Venice. If it does not get lost (because there are many people who experienced this), you can reach both places within 30-40 minutes. 

Except in the Lido area, in other areas around Venice, you will not find a car or other motor vehicles. Therefore, in the city consisting of 117 small islands, 150 bridges and 400's canal, the main means of transport carried out by a motorboat. For tourist consumption which is becoming the city's main source of income, there is provided a traditional rowing boat popularly known as the gondola.

Mandatory gondola ride is the agenda for those who want to enjoy the romance of the city where Marco Polo was the residence. For that, you need to spend between 60-80 Euros to hire a gondola that will take you around town for 50 minutes, crossing canals that cut through the island has a population of 150 thousand inhabitants.

Ponte Rialto, one of the icons of Venice

Shopping Paradise

Besides known as city water, Venice is known as a shopping paradise as well. When I first set foot on Piazza San Marco, in addition to witnessing the splendor of St.. The following Mark's Basilica bell tower towering Campanile, you'll be greeted by thousands of pigeons that became the hallmark of this place. If you want to pose in front of the camera in the midst of a crowd of pigeons, buy a packet of corn seeds sold by hawkers for 1 Euro.

Satisfied playing with pigeons, you can walk along the beautiful arcade of Procuratie Vecchie and Nuove Procuratie surrounding the Piazza San Marco. This is where you can find a row of shops that sell a variety of luxurious products, ranging from miscellaneous gemstones in the form of rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings; various shops that sell crystals and super-fancy glassware, and do not miss the famous designer boutiques Europe such as Louis Vuitton, Bvlgari, Prada, Hermes, Gianfranco Ferre, and so forth.



If you still feel the spending appetite has not been satisfied, head down the narrow streets are marked with a guide titled 'Rialto' which was situated just behind Piazza San Marco. Along the narrow alley Calle dei Fabbri you can find boutiques Emporio Armani, Kenzo and Massimo Dotti, while in the area Merceria (which can be found easily if you look at the sign-board Mc. Donald's at the end of the Piazza San Marco), the atmosphere is high class shopping street more lively again with the presence of Calvin Klein, Aigner, Coccinelle, Furla, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Krizia, Salvatore Ferragamo and others.

One thing not to be forgotten while shopping in Venice (as well as other cities in Europe) is a tax-refund request form if you are shopping in a minimal amount of 200 Euros in one place on the same day. Because, when the left Europe to return to the homeland through international airports, you can get a refund up to 21% of your total spending. Not bad, is not it?

After reading the above article, of course, would have loved to been to Venice in Italy? Find a complete guide how frugal tips & tricks independent travel to Italy in TravelerGuidance.Blogspot.Com