Bali Island Wave
Bali Island Indonesia
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Hong Kong HISTORY
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Hong Kong[7] (Chinese: 香港) is one of the two special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China; the other is Macau. Situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea,[8] it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour. With a land mass of 1,104 km2 (426 sq mi) and a population of seven million people, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.[9] Hong Kong's population is 95% ethnic Chinese and 5% from other groups.[10] Hong Kong's Han Chinese majority originate mainly from Guangzhou and Taishan, both cities in neighbouring Guangdong province.
Under the principle of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong's economic and political systems differ from those of mainland China.[12] Hong Kong is one of the world's leading international financial centres, with a major capitalist service economy characterised by low taxation and free trade. Under colonial rule, it espoused minimum government intervention under the ethos of positive non-interventionism.[13] The Hong Kong dollar is the 9th most traded currency in the world.
Hong Kong's independent judiciary functions under the common law framework.[15] Its political system is governed by the Basic Law of Hong Kong, its constitutional document, which stipulates that Hong Kong shall have a "high degree of autonomy" in all matters except foreign relations and military defence.[16] Although it has a burgeoning multi-party system, half of its legislature is controlled by a small-circle electorate. The Chief Executive of Hong Kong, the head of government, is selected by an 800-person Election Committee.
Hong Kong became a colony of the British Empire after the First Opium War (1839–42). Originally confined to Hong Kong Island, the colony's boundaries were extended in stages to the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories by 1898. It was occupied by Japan during the Pacific War, after which the British resumed control until 1997, when China regained sovereignty.
Hong Kong
Bora-Bora Island
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Bora Bora Resort on Water
Niagara falls USA
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The Niagara Falls are voluminous waterfalls on the Niagara River, straddling the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York. The falls are 17 miles (27 km) north-northwest of Buffalo, New York and 75 miles (120 km) south-southeast of Toronto, Ontario, between the twin cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Niagara Falls, New York.
abu dhabi buildings
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The city started to plan in the 1970’s where it was mainly covered with Nomadic settlers and deserty regions.
The population at the time was approximately 600’000. One of the biggest problems with Abu Dhabi is that the streets have no name and there is no direct door to door postal system. Mails are sent to local post offices with PO Boxes rather than peoples houses. There is no public transportation which means that commuters have to rely on taxis and other methods. When describing where they want to commute to they often have to a region or a landmark or significant building as the destination. The government is however planning a metro and a bus system to resolve these issues. Furthermore as of last year the government has demolished many of the old buildings to replace them with skyscrapers and other modern structures. In terms of how the region is currently, Abu Dhabi is a much more modern city with many parks boulevards and busy shops.
There is no doubt however that despite the lack of city planning there is huge demand for living space in the region. There is a much higher demand for accommodation than supply available, which results in annual rent inflation figures to exceed 20% (although economic inflation has been slightly higher at 10% last year).This makes accommodation and office space very hard to find. During one week in early 2007 there has been a demand for 21’900 units and a supply of only 1100 units according to Dubai based real estate researchers. Most of these analysts expect landlords to be in the bargaining power for the next to years as supply lagges demand. One analyst expects demand to rise 10-15% over the next few years compared to the 30-40% rise in demand.
To mitigate this problem the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce will invest around 140 bn USD in real estate and construction over the next few years to narrow this mismatch between demand and supply. By 2009 an expected 150000 new units are expected to be built some with extendable 99 year leaseholds. Abu Dhabi Material City was established in 2006 to bolster the role of the construction sector.
Although the demand frenzy has not reached that of Dubai’s, many analysts are expecting Abu Dhabi to catch up with it’s more dynamic neighbor especially following many of the cultural and tourist attraction that are being built. Abu Dhabi does have some challenges in increasing its supply of accommodation, namely shortages in raw material for construction purposes, a lack of skilled labor force like architects and civil engineers as well as human rights groups monitoring the regions labor violations. The lack of city planning is also a challenge that will slowly overcome once transportation lines will improve.
Abu Dhabi tourism is geared toward city delights. The natural beachfront receded greatly over the years of vast development and the main waterfront, resembling a natural lagoon, is still a main focus in the city. The more recently developed Lulu Island is another point of interest for Abu Dhabi tourism. A combination of rugged, natural terrain and manicured beauty, the island was created for locals and those enjoying an Abu Dhabi vacation. Things to do on the island include swimming along the two beaches, dining, visiting mosques, enjoying activities around two man-made lakes and watching horse and camel races.
Al Ain is close by so Abu Dhabi tourism often extends into it. Notable attractions include the Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium and the Al Ain Museum. Jabel Hafit, an archaeological are brimming with caves, trails, a hot spring and plenty of scenic sites is also close by Al Ain. To enjoy more picturesque scenery during an Abu Dhabi vacation take a walk to The Corniche, a beautiful seaside boulevard that runs along a coastal route and is adjacent to several parks all fringing the city. Abu Dhabi and shopping go hand in hand. An Abu Dhabi vacation isn’t complete without a visit to the many modern and sweeping plazas and the Old Souk, the best market in the city. Each year in March the city hosts the Abu Dhabi Shopping Festivals featuring thousands of excellent bargains.
For those looking forward to a few Abu Dhabi golf games, there are three courses to play. The Abu Dhabi Golf Club by Sheraton is only ten minutes form the airport and is considered the most beautiful course to play. Upscale facilities, an impressive clubhouse, a fitness club and three levels of dining can be enjoyed. Abu Dhabi golf is also possible at Abu Dhabi Airport Golf Club and the Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club. Each Abu Dhabi golf facility features exceptional clubhouses, exquisite greens and extravagant fairways perfect for all skill levels.
Nightlife in the city is hopping with one of the most popular multi-level clubs, Zenith, tucked inside the Sheraton Hotel featuring some of the most popular names in show business. The Beach Rotana serves up delicious tropical cocktails and exotic Polynesian bites. The Hilton features a fantastic jazz bar for enjoying laid back Abu Dhabi nightlife. Next door at Hemmingways more upbeat live music can be heard each night. Abu Dhabi nightlife includes clubbing with many of the best dance clubs located inside the hotels and UAE resorts. SAX inside the Royal Meridien is another top spot to enjoy great music, a variety of special drinks and to meet new people.
Abu Dhabi UAE, outside if the city proper, totals a land area that expands over half of the entire country. The city itself remains one of the major attractions of the area with plenty of modern amenities, excellent Abu Dhabi hotels, exciting UAE tours and fantastic Abu Dhabi nightlife. Make sure to visit both the 200-year-old White Fort and Heritage Village, a tribute to Bedouin culture, during an Abu Dhabi vacation. Abu Dhabi has it all, much like the hip city of Dubai. A far cry from the tranquil areas of Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, the lack of seaside holidays is more than made up by big city amenities. Some of the best shopping, dining, nightlife and sightseeing of all the United Arab Emirates can be savored in Abu Dhabi for a fun, stand out Middle Eastern vacation.
Costa Rica Vacations 2010 Pictures
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Tulane maintains membership in the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), a consortium of North American and Latin American universities and research institutions dedicated primarily to tropical education and research. OTS membership benefits Tulane by facilitating contact with other tropical ecologists, supporting graduate-level tropical biology courses for Tulane students (more than one student attends an OTS course annually), and supporting Tulane undergraduate study abroad programs in Costa Rica and South Africa.
The Costa Rica Semester Programs utilize all three OTS field stations as well as other Costa Rican sites, allowing direct study of a wide range of tropical ecosystems and habitats.
Costa Rica Waterfalls Pictures
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Just a short taxi ride from La Fortuna, this waterfall is an easy hike and a great refreshing swim. See the La Fortuna Map for its location. The waterfall is administered by a local non-profit association, and proceeds from the $8 entrance fee are reinvested in the area.
La Fortuna Waterfall Costa Rica Costa Rica Waterfalls
A great way to visit the waterfalls is by a horseback and hiking tour. This tour can be done in the morning or afternoon. See our page on the Horseback Ride to La Fortuna Waterfall.
Another great waterfall activity near the Arenal/La Fortuna area is the Rio Celeste and Tenorio Volcano Hike. It is a fantastic hike with rewarding views.
In the town of La Fortuna you can find affordable hotels, clinics, pharmacies, super markets, bakeries, banks with ATMs, several restaurants, a 24/24h gas station, the public bus station, police, etc.
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