Baskins Creek Condominiums is Excellent. Will visit again

We just returned from a 4 day weekend in Gatlinburg. I found the Baskins Creek Condos on the web and decided to stay there based on the reviews I found here. We were VERY happy with our decision. We rented unit 203. The nightly cost (with tax) for our 2br unit was only $70 more per night than a 2 double bed hotel room in the family hotel we have stayed in forever that was still in 70's decor. We were splitting this 2BR rental with our son and his wife so we actually got off much cheaper per family than the 70's hotel room. It was in excellent condition! Very clean. Decorated nicely.

The mattresses were very comfortable and seemed new. Our view was towards other hotels and not the mountain but we did not come to Gatlinburg to sit in our condo and look at the views. It was a nice jaunt (.3 to .4 miles) down to light 5 (I believe) of the Parkway. It is also on the Red Trolley line which you can ride for 50 cents per person. I called the rental office when we departed our home to double-check how long they would be open. The paperwork we received stated the office was open until 8pm on weekdays, however they informed me they would be in until 6pm that day. I almost freaked out a little but they made accomodations for us to get our room keys that did not cause us to be put out of our way and we just went down to the front desk the next morning to pay the remainder of our bill and swap our keys (which were set to expire the 2nd day since we had not paid for the rest of our visit before the office closed).

At first I was a bit shocked that they were closing earlier than they stated in their paperwork but they were very accomodating and my husband reminded me that they were more laid back than we were which was why we were going away for a long weekend. They were not the staff you would find at a concierge desk of a five star hotel but every time we stopped by to ask a question about attractions or where the best place was to find something was, they were very helpful and always provided us with spot-on information. We loved that you had to have a keycard from the parking garage to the hotel to call the elevator which kept just anyone from roaming the halls. The pool was not open in October so we had no trouble with noise from outside. We cooked a big breakfast in the condo every morning and found everything we needed there.

However, you have to remember to bring all the minor details like coffee, coffee filters, shampoo, soaps, etc. You are not in a hotel so you do not have daily maid service but I really don't like folks coming in my room everyday anyway. The only room for improvement were that the bath towels could probably be replaced but I won't lie and tell you that I don't have one or two in my closet that are well worn. :) We would HIGHLY recommend this place! It was very economical for the size, cleanliness, etc. and we will stay here everytime we visit in the future!

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Feng Shui - What is it?

A lot of people in western culture have heard of Feng Shui, and some may even be able to describe how it works, although it’s often in rather broad terms. Most likely you’ll hear it explained as “Something about the way things are arranged…and…the energy of…water? A mountain? The universe?” Well, that’s a start. While Feng Shui isn’t generally considered a hard science, it’s a historic pillar of Chinese culture and has roots that go back over 8,000 years. In that time, it has seen significant study, refinement and expansion in equal measure by practitioners around the world.

The earliest records of something we can identify as Feng Shui date to 4,000 BCE in central China, where buildings were constructed in such a way that their front doors aligned with the sun or certain stars. Later archeological discoveries show its evolution, with shapes and decorations found in tombs that represent celestial objects, and charts that helped early practitioners plan events based on the heavens.

But it was the invention of modern tools that really kicked things up a notch. The magnetic compass and the astrolabe (an apparatus used to measure the movement of planets and stars) helped refine and enhance existing techniques, and eventually Feng Shui was being used to plan the layout and design of graves, houses, decorations, bodies of water and even entire cities to harness the positive effects of qi, the energy that penetrates everything in the universe (a concept which George Lucas borrowed for his Star Warsmovies).

Today Feng Shui is still widely practiced by Chinese around the world, and many use it to plan the layout of their homes, offices, gardens and even entire buildings. Of course, many are skeptical about the practice, but there are also those who swear by its efficacy.

There are far too many elements of modern Feng Shui to get into in a single blog post. The practice today has many schools, and each has their own rules and forms, which can deviate slightly or greatly from more established methods. There are approaches that claim to maximize advantage with money, aspirations, family or fame; rules that dictate the layout of furniture, water fountains and parking lots; and even forms which include elements from eastern and western religions. Some use Feng Shui to improve health, decrease bad luck, and even to size up a potential mate by evaluating the “Feng Shui-ness” of their home upon the first visit!

However, there are some basic rules that anyone can try to see if they notice a difference. Who knows, maybe you’ll become one of the many Feng Shui experts who consult on everything from the shape of a new koi pond to the direction a building faces:

-  De-clutter! Many experts recommend you carefully look at every item in your home. If you’re not using it, ditch it. Clutter creates confusion, and a clean space = a clear mind.

-  It’s all about flow. The energy of the universe moves in a flow, man, and if you block it, you invite bad luck. Create spaces that are inviting and easy to “fall into”. This includes eliminating obstacles, creating inviting entry ways, and making your house/office/room easy to find – qi is powerful, but it doesn’t have a map to your location.

-  Ouch! Sharp angles are like little catapults for negative energy, and this includes tables, chairs, countertops, etc. Round those babies off and increase your harmony.

-  Limit the colors. Don’t use more than three colors to decorate. And while we’re talking about colors, red = passion/courage; yellow = happiness/nourishment; blue = tranquility/peace; green  = growth/health; orange = optimistic/sociable; brown = strength/stability.

-  Avoid doors. Don’t sit with your back against the door, and don’t put the headboard of your bed on the same wall as a door. Doorways are like the offramps of hallways, in which bad energy can sometimes whoosh by, shooting through the doors. That doesn’t sound good, does it?

-  Water, water everywhere. Water is a powerful element, but be sure to place aquariums or fountains in the east, north or southeast part of a room to benefit business endeavors. What about north or northwest? Put a safe there (a metal one, preferably) to generate income.

-  Bad shoes! Don’t put shoes beside your front door, because good qipasses them as it enters your house. And when good qi picks up the stanky odor from your sweaty Nikes, it suddenly isn’t so good anymore.

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Paia Inn Hotel is Great chill down from a busy vacation

We stayed in RM12. The 3BR oceanview suite on the website. The pictures are extremely accurate, it was a beautiful suite -spacious and well thought of. I would have given a perfect score for this suitee except for 3 major items that affected my decision to score a 3 for value:

1. WIFi service wasnt high speed as published and expected. We were constantly getting kicked off so our connection was often interrupted

2. The published TV and appletv service and amenities didnt work At ALL which was a disappointment. We spent our nights in our room hoping they could have fixed it during the day but our stay ended and we didnt have a chance to use the tv at all.

It is not to say though that the staff were extremely helpful and tried to check on the issue and continued to follow through but with the amount we were paying for the room you would think that the management would think that Absolutely EVERYTHING is working as it should. 

3. Last issue - a small thing but for future improvement i think it must be mentioned. The maid service was ok and daily BUT didnt thoroughly cleaned and washed the kitchen wares used. Placed used items in the dishwasher and left it without getting it cleaned. The coffeemaker was left uncleaned on all days. Again, small items but since we were paying for $450/night i expected impeccable service cleaning.

Overall, i loved the hotel and staff and would recommend and come back BUT will make sure the issues i mentioned are addressed :-))

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Awesome pink dolphins in Hongkong

Few other animals except pigs and people have pink skin. Another species which boasts that peculiar distinction is the pink dolphin.

The pink dolphin exists in only two places in the world -- China and the wilds of the Amazon basin. The name stems from the cuddly looks of the adults, which are blessed with the bubble-gum-pink colouration that makes such a refreshing change from your average dolphin's dull blue.

Despite their many charms, pink dolphins are in decline. Only a smattering of rosy diehards still weaves through the bustling triangle of water that divides Hong Kong from the southern China industrial belt. The inner-city pink pod is thought to consist of just 100 or so members.

'It's a mega-city dolphin, yet for how much longer?' says Hong Kong conservationist Dr Martin Williams.

Few people in Hong Kong even registered the existence of the odd-coloured mammals with a weakness for shorelines until the early 1990s. Then, the government started 'reclaiming' land in the heart of pink dolphin habitat for the new airport.

The airport project had gathered too much steam to be stopped. So, the Hong Kong conservation group devoted to saving them, Dolphinwatch (www.hkdolphinwatch.com), has its work cut out.

Threats that the pink dolphins face span the spectrum, from pollution and overfishing to net entanglement, habitat destruction and boat traffic. If you want to support and see the pink dolphins, skip the 'pile-em-high, sell-em-cheap boats that go speeding into the dolphins' habitat', in the words of Hong Kong Dolphinwatch director Janet Walker.

For information on Dolphinwatch tours, email booking@hkdolphinwatch.com or orinfo@hkdolphinwatch.com. Or call Hong Kong (+852) 2984 1414.

Meanwhile, to buoy your interest, here are seven pink dolphin titbits.

1. Mystery clouds the reason for the pink dolphin's unusual colour. One theory propounded by scientists, who have few studies to use thanks to the shrinking population, is that it comes from consuming crabs and shellfish which have a red pigment to their muscle tissue. The pigment builds up in the skin, and the dolphins become pinker as they grow older.

2. According to legend, the pink dolphins of the Amazon change shape and impregnate young women on shore.

3. Picturesquely, the pink dolphin is also called the "Chinese white dolphin", the "speckled dolphin", even (mainland China) "giant sea panda".

4. The pink dolphin has a beak and a stocky body that weighs up to 284kg as an adult. That's big – about the same as a top-weight sumo wrestler.

5.  Fond of sandy bays, the pink dolphin also loves resting and socialising with other members of its species. A slow swimmer, it can still chase off and even kill sharks.

6. The pink dolphin has a party trick that consists of lying on its side and waving its flippers.

7. The Hong Kong pink dolphin is even pinker than its South American cousin.

PS  Dolphins in general sleep just below the surface of the water, often surfacing to breathe. They are also known to sleep with one eye open.

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Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is Really the best hotel in Maui

Stayed here for 9 days in one of their Ocean View Prime rooms. We visited many other hotels on Maui over the 9 days (Hilton, Sheraton, ...) but we were very happy we didn't stay in those hotels.

We booked it through AMEX FHR (we generally get a good amount of benefits going through them so highly recommend doing that; but I should also mention that there are companies other than AMEX that have good packages for hotels in Hawaii).

The room was exactly what I expected so no surprises there; supposedly one of their best and I couldn't get an upgrade during check-in (they had only suites that were better than these and they were not available on the day we were checking in. The view was good. I like to have some garden/grounds between the room and the water to add some color (otherwise its just waves hitting the stones below and you could see that all day from any sea shore).

There is a huge garden on the 3rd floor. And floors above 3rd form a big U shape around the garden. We were on floor 6 and had a wonderful view. Well maintained colorful garden down and beyond that was the blue ocean.

There are tennis courts and basketball play areas in the 6th floor (floor that we stayed in)

Pools were clean and mostly empty on weekdays. Weekends were *very* crowded and noisy. Very kid friendly too - they had a kids pool with chairs around for parents to watch them.

No beach in Hawaii is 'private' -- but given the location and the kind of hotels nearby you generally have decent crowds on the beach. Not at all crowded or unpleasant. We spent many hours on the beach. There is a person there to help hotel guests with arranging chairs and umbrellas so you can just sit back and enjoy if you don't want to jump into the beach and enjoy the waters.

The whole area (Wailea) is a very pleasant place. Nice shopping areas, kids play areas, flowers and trees all around. Nice place to take a walk in the evenings.

Service: there are no complaints. We have read rave reviews about Four Seasons' service and attention to detail. Though I wouldn't give them 5/5 (may be 4.5?) on that aspect I still think it's the *best* you could get in a touristy place like Hawaii. We've had better experiences in hotels on the mainland (broadmoor, ritz carlton, ...). Reason I don't give them 5/5: we had to wait 1 hour before we could get the keys to the room after check-in (we just waited it out in the patio overlooking the pool while the room was being cleaned and setup). Otherwise everything else was upto our expectations for a hotel of this caliber: room was clean and tidy stocked with necessary amenities for ourselves and our 1 year old son (crib, baby wash items, toys, and such).

Tech: They do have free wi-fi -- but if you want to upload photos or watch a movie online it wont work. They have a paid ($20/day) connection that is more decent speed. They have a ethernet cable in the desk drawer so in case you dont want/cant use wifi you can still be connected. There is a iphone/ipod dock to charge your iDevice (not the new one, though, so iPhone 5 wont connect). Sufficient number of plug points (I saw atleast 8 points that were in easy to access locations).

The valet: these guys were great. Someone always comes and asks if we wanted a couple of water bottles for the day, wanted directions or needed beach towels or blankets (Halaekala mountain top reaches 35-40 degrees after sunset and we went there twice!). Every time we returned back to the hotel someone would definitely be there to help you unload. Very prompt, no-nonsense service over all. One of the best valet folks I've met. Whole crew was amazing.

Breakfast buffet: one of the best things about booking through AMEX FHR (that we regularly use) is the breakfast. It's free! The buffet is amazing.. they have a kitchen so you can order hot food or choose from one of the already cooked items - the standard stuff though.. nothing fancy/experimental.

Well, over all we had a fantastic time with our 1 year old. When our son grows a little older we *might* consider the "Grand Wailea" (right next to Four Seasons) - has a *lot* of water sports and kids specific social activities. Though Grand Wailea is more 'touristy' (it felt like we were walking on a giant cruise ship when we went there to check it out) we think it might be more fun for a kid.

Room Tip: 3 floor has gardens, 6th floor has tennis and basketball play areas.

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An Amazing Experience in Kalani

My first visit to Kalani and definitely not my last. I really needed a warm, beautiful, nurturing environment and Kalani exceeded my expectations.

The rooms: I stayed in Tree House room 12--it was great. Clean, and spacious. Screens on 2 sides overlooking a field. Rooms vary in size, but overall I would warn you that the walls are thin, and noise will travel. Overall it wasn't a big problem. The coqui (spelling?) frogs are loud, but I really liked the noise and you can use earplugs to help dampen down the sound. My room had a nice bathroom and I didn't consider it as "rustic" as some.

The grounds: Gorgeous. I highly recommend a Monday walk about with Barcus the horticulturalist in charge--we spent about 3&1/2 hrs walking the property and I could've spent longer. Learned about Kalani's aquaculture project as well.

The food: REALLY GOOD. Fresh, delicious, vegetarian options, great granola, great salad bar, great desserts in the evening. I never felt deprived.

Activities: I didn't come with a group, so I did the "Kalani experience" package. I got to choose from at least 2 yoga/dance classes a day. I took classes in Hawaiian language, hula, and even an improv class. Ecstatic dance was a unique experience and people from the community will often come to participate in Kalani activities. I would definitely recommend a watsu treatment with Sara Joy. There is a wonderful geothermally heated pool and tide pools for snorkeling within a short driving distance. I definitely would recommend renting a car to give you more options. Yes, pool is clothing optional, but I kept my suit on and felt quite comfortable around the naked folks.

People: I think this is truly the best part of the Kalani experience. Staff and guests are great folks, I found people to be overall warm and friendly. If you are a bit shy, I think people are friendly enough to draw you out or leave you in peace. Seating on the dining lanai is sort of "assigned" if you're with a group, but I found no trouble socializing with other guests/staff at mealtimes (and I would infiltrate a neighboring class' table at times). I met some special people with whom I'll definitely be keeping in touch.

Room Tip: I really liked Tree House 12--might even be better on the upper floor above that room (less noise?).

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Goa, Pearl of The Orient

India's smallest state, Goa is the world's trance music capital and a party hub. Goa's dizzy reputation dates back to the age of the magic bus and dodgy trip, the 60s, when the first waves of its signature hippies arrived.

To some would-be visitors, that lingering counter-culture association might seem sad. But Goa, which hugs the coast of the Arabian Sea, retains plenty of charm.

The charm is rooted in rich spicy food, paradise beaches and crumbling architecture built by Portuguese invaders, who ruled the "Pearl of the Orient" from 1510 until 1961. Discover the gem's most alluring sights and landmarks.

1. Anjuna beach

One of the liveliest beaches in Goa, Anjuna is a magnet for hippies and new arrivals. For culture vultures, the drawcard is a dazzling 1920s Albuquerque Mansion flanked by octagonal towers. For bargain hunters, on Wednesdays, there is a flea market that offers everything from souvenirs to trance music CDs. For anyone with bags of stamina and a weakness for trance, there are all-night beach parties.

2. Old Goa
Old Goa was almost abandoned in the wake of a string of 17th century disease epidemics. Today, it resembles a ghost town. A cluster of convents and cream-painted churches remains. Pilgrims and curiosity seekers flock to the tomb of St Francis Xavier, the 16th-century missionary, whose remains are enshrined in the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Up the hill from the Basilica stand the ruins of the once stunning Church of St. Augustine; below is the Church and Convent of Santa Monica and the Chapel of the Weeping Cross, where a miraculous image of the crucified Christ once regularly bled, spoke, and opened its eyes, believers say.

3. Ingo's night bazaar

A Goa institution, Ingo's night bazaar happens in Arpora, a village near north Goa's beach belt. Ingo's dates back to 1999. At first, it was just a regular venue for a party that revolved around the antics of a shower of beer-drinking, guitar-strumming westerners having a laugh. A German called Ingo branched off and launched the Saturday night market with a humming party vibe.

4. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
At Cotigao in Goa's south, you can climb a forest watchtower and see just about every animal that you can imagine. The roll call includes everything from flying squirrels and mouse deer to pit vipers, heart-spotted woodpeckers, flying lizards and golden-back gliding snakes. You name it, you got it. You might even see a flash of the state bird, the ruby-throated yellow bulbul. No hippie-style stimulants required.

5. Palolem
If you want a taste of pure Goa -- the kind of place it was when only a smattering of flower children had arrived, Palolem is just the ticket: a paradise beach. Set 35 kilometres south of Margao, Goa's busiest town, Palolem is a golden arc of sand fringed by coconut palms and picturesquely "bookended" by rocks jutting into the sea.

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Dolphin Bay - We just love this place!

This is a nice motel. We stayed in the two bedroom unit. Spacious but retro, as in 1970s retro with wood panelling, vinyl furniture, and melamine counters. Nice big windows and lanai. It is quiet with regard to human generated noises, but noisy from the rainforest creatures, but we actually liked the sound of them. There were some earplugs in the bathroom vanity!

There was no air conditioning and no in-room telephone. We did not need the AC, but I definitely needed the telephone, as I did not have a local cell phone. There is one flat screen TV in the main room. While the room could accommodate up to 7 people comfortably (and NO pullout couches, but real beds, yeah!), there was only one bathroom. This led to a nightly lineup of people waiting to shower. If each person takes 10 minutes, you're in for a long night. We had one member of our party requiring 45 minutes of personal time in the bathroom before retiring.

The kitchen is pretty basic: Sink, fridge, and microwave, and an odd assortment of dishes. We did not cook here as there was no dishwasher, cooking oil, paper towels, etc. and very limited counter space. It was like a bachelor apartment kitchen for someone who never cooks!

The staff was really wonderful and helpful. For breakfast, they serve the best coffee I've ever had (!) along with banana bread, semi-ripe bananas, and papayas (wonderful).

It is within easy walking distance to restaurants and groceries, but you need to walk through a neighbourhood of motel-like apartments with smoking and tatooed people to get there. As a big city dweller, I was only mildly frightened. Nobody bothered us and I felt fairly safe.

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Beautiful and Amazing Melaka in Malaysia

Often described as "sleepy", Melaka is actually humming. The old Malaysian spice port that hovers midway between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore lures hordes of travelers drawn by its rich mix of shopping, food and history. 

Melaka is awash with ethnic eateries, quirky boutiques and colonial relics resulting from countless invasions. The relics that most catch the eye are the shocking-pink church and administrative buildings constructed by the Dutch during their day.

Then there are the temples. Melaka has tons, of all denominations: Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic, Sikh, Taoist -- you name it, you got it. In particular, the Taoist temples are stunning, festooned with murals.

While you gawk, perhaps munching a crunchy barbeque sun-dried squid morsel, watch the traffic, which is atrocious. You are better off on three wheels -- a floral musical trishaw, say. Or why not hop on a cruise?

Here are five suggestions to help you maximize your Melaka experience. 

1. River cruise
Melaka's nickname, the Venice of the East is a bit of an embellishment. Still, Melaka has a picturesque and historic river running through it.  

Every bridge tells a story. For instance, at the original site of Chan Boon Cheng Bridge, Japanese occupation soldiers placed the heads of their decapitated victims, it is said. 

In real life, the most monstrous sight you will see is the monitor lizards that drowse on the banks, intensifying the town's aura of oddity. The cruise lasts 45 minutes and costs 10 ringgit.

www.tourism-melaka.com/MelakaRiverTourBookingForm.html

2. Portuguese Galleon

Flor de la Mar (Flower of the Sea) was a Portuguese galleon that sank off the coast of Melaka en route to Portugal, laden with loot plundered from the port. 

Melaka's replica galleon serves as the centerpiece of a maritime museum built in 1990. The offbeat museum, which features dioramas, stands at Quayside Road (Jalan Merdeka) at the mouth of Melaka River. Admission: Adults 3 ringgit, children 1 ringgit.

3. Jonker Street
Set in the heritage section of town, Jonker Street hosts a bazaar and generally serves as the stage for the sale of every item imaginable. Seashell wind chimes vie for attention with charms, ethnic traditional food, antique copper coins and clogs. The street will appeal to curiosity seekers of all stripes.

 Just be aware of SUVs and scooters shooting down the street, which is narrow and remember to have medical insurance. If you want to shop in peace, try the vast expanses of the shopping parade that runs along the new part of town, (http://www.tourism-melaka.com/MelakaRaya.html) an attractive aircon-served refuge from the heat that permeates much of Malaysia.

4. Stadthuys Town Hall
Built by the Dutch in 1650, Stadthuys Town Hall, aka the Red Square, is said to be the oldest Dutch building in the East. The home of a Museum of History and Ethnography (five ringgit entry fee), the Stadthuys "practically forms its own streetscape", notes orientalarchitecture.com. 

Melaka's most unmistakable landmark, the Stadthuys, is also the main tri-shaw station, if you fancy rolling around in gaudy floral style.

 5. Bukit China Chinese cemetery

The largest and oldest Chinese graveyard outside mainland China, Bukit China stands on the fringes of town. The cemetery might seem a strange place to recommend over heavyweight mainstream venues like the Cheng Ho museum and the town's signature ferris wheel, Eye on Malacca.  

 But Bukit China is special. Said to be the oldest and largest traditional Chinese cemetery outside China, the rolling wilderness dates back to the Ming dynasty. 

Expect great views and walks. The resident dogs you see may look dodgy, but are mostly harmless: if in doubt, throw a couple of pebbles their way.

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Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Waikoloa Beach Resort

One can understand why RCI rates this resort as the top t/s resort on the Big Island. As others have noted, King's Land is a very nicely appointed destination resort, appropriate for families who just want to relax while having a resort where their children can have plenty to keep themselves occupied. From upscale achitecture of the resort building exteriors and interiors and the appealing interior decor to the well manicured landscaping and barbeque areas around the resort, one feels right at home. Hilton didn't cut corners when they built King's Land Resort. It's a beautiful, perfectly maintained resort.

In addition to the bi-weekly housekeeping service, the unit is supplied with mulitple bathroom towels (even two bathmats in the Master Suite) for use between servicing along with very nice toiletries for those guests who may not have brought their own. Pool towels are available by the Keike Room for use at the four pools as well as for beach use. Used towel bins are located conveniently at each pool. Resort staff makes every effort to ensure your stay will be an enjoyable one. All were friendly and greeted you with a smile and an "Aloha". 

The resort offers daily activities, most of which we did not join/participate. The one activity we did enjoy was the free Hula Show presented every Thursday at 4PM on the ClubHouse lawn, an event guests should not pass up. Just be sure to arrive no later than 3:15 if you want a good seat. Drinks and PuPu's are offered for purchase from the nearby Pool Bar/Bistro.

One plus this resort offers that no other t/s offers, is the ability to use the facilities at the Hilton Waikoloa Hotel, including charging items or services purchased at the Hilton, i.e parking, spa treatments, Swimming with the Dolphins, dining, etc., to your room at King's Land. Nice benefit.

IMHO, there are only two drawbacks to the resort. First is the distance from the resort to Kona, about 25 miles. It's 18 miles to the airport. It's not an issue if one plans to remain at the resort but if a guest wants to spend time in or around Kona, add time (and gas) to make those trips. The second is the requirement that guests, who stay more than one week at the resort, must check out at the end of the first week and check-in for the next week. Although not an important issue, it's an inconvenience for the guest. I was told it was done because the room key had to be reset, which makes no logical sense as other resorts can program their room keys for the total reservation time, not a week at a time. Oh, well!

Check out the King's Land website for photographs of the resort and it's amenities. Nice resort. Enjoy!

Room Tip: Units in Bldgs. 1 thru 11 face the golf course. Half the units in Bldgs.

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Great Tian Tan The Giant Buddha in Hong Kong

Better known for its business buzz and megamalls, Hong Kong also hosts one of Asia's most striking spiritual statues. Meet the Tian Tan Buddha.

Set on Hong Kong's largest island, Lantau – a day trip away from downtown Hong Kong – the Tian Tan Buddha boasts epic proportions. This extension of the squat and diagonal Po Lin ("precious lotus") temple soars 34 meters into the sky. Just to raise its height and make other Buddha statues more noted for girth feel inferior, the Tian Tan perches on a lotus throne atop a soaring 268-step staircase.

Price of peace

Built from bronze, the cloud-capped effigy cost a cool 68 million USD. The result of the monumentally expensive construction effort was unveiled on December 29, 1993, the birthday of the historic "awakened" Gautama Buddha. The superstructure's singsong name, which suggests some kind of candy, is a nod to Beijing's Tian Tan Temple of Heaven. 

Blessed with an air of serenity that Hong Kong's workforce must envy, the big Buddha extends its right hand, signaling the removal of affliction. Its left rests on its lap.

Friends in high places

Around the soothing seer stand eight groupie-like effigies: immortals offering flowers, incense, light, ointment, fruit, and music. The offerings symbolize charity, morality, patience, zeal, meditation, and wisdom -- the checklist of graces you need to enter the Buddhist heaven called nirvana (good luck with that).

Hidden depths

Buy a coupon for a vegetarian meal that one dubbed "unthinkably scrumptious & nutritious" and you can delve under the plane that the figures inhabit. The base contains three floors respectively devoted to the universe, "benevolent merit", and remembrance. Curios contained by this block include a "relic" of the true-life Gautama Buddha, which consists of some of his alleged cremated remains, and a computer-operated bell engraved with Buddha images. 

The smart bell is programmed to ring 108 times daily -- a nod to the release of 108 strains of human vexation: about the number that routinely afflict peak-time travelers downtown in teeming Wan Chai.

Long view 

According to Buddhism, all forms of grumpiness are all in the mind. Either way, undeniably the icon in the sky is imposing. At 250 tons, it weighs more than the Statue of Liberty. On a clear day, the Tian Tan Buddha can be seen from as far afield as Macau. Once you reach Lantau, the least vexing way to approach the Buddha is the Ngong Ping 360 cable car.

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The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii is My Favorite Resort Ever

I normally eschew glitzy resorts as I find them pretentious, the staff insincere and the atmosphere culturally anonymous. I was prepared to dislike my stay at the Fairmont Orchid but now I can hardly wait for an excuse to return.

The rooms are tastefully decorated and very comfortable. We were upgraded from a garden view to a partial ocean view, as I guess they were not filled up. We were in the north tower facing south and the view of the landscaping and water falls could not have been better...plus the peek at the ocean from the balcony. Bed was very comfortable and the room was impeccably tidy.

The pool and ocean areas were not overcrowded but if you want a beach umbrella, you need to get to the pool area early in the day. The pool is warm and inviting (too often the water is too cold for my taste. If you like cooler water there is the ocean.) The pool is configured to give a sense of the tropical landscape in all directions. The gardens and planted areas are well maintained and lush.

They do have a lot of "extras" which can substantially pad your bill here. Breakfast buffet was exorbitant (over $30 per person)...cabanas and the double lounges with sun protection are costly. But the food at the poolside and oceanside was excellent quality and worth the inflated price. The breakfast I would say was not worth the price, but great if it is included in your room plan.

We took an early morning walk to the Puako Petroglyphs (very rough terrain, wear sturdy shoes) but it was well worth the hour we spent doing this (between 6:30 and 7:30 am). These are some of the best on the island.

Overall we found the staff gracious and helpful, the accommodation top notch, on site food exceptionally good and the general ambience REALLY beautiful, peaceful, calm and relaxing. The art work around the hotel and the quality of the materials made the place a far cry from some of the "theme park" resorts.

We loved our stay and will return again soon.

Room Tip: North tower, facing south seems the best for views.

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Krabi Top Five Attractions

Krabi's name could hardly be less appealing. Inevitably, it makes you think of that word that means "annoyed and irritable" (crabby).

Despite that discouraging sign, the southern Thai town-slash-state has plenty to put you in a relaxed frame of mind. Equipped with countless beaches and bays, Krabi is largely unspoiled -– lush but imposing thanks to the presence of monster megaliths: spectacular limestone 'karst' formations.

Discover the top landmarks and attractions in and around the provincial capital, which despite its remoteness, is accessible. Krabi has an international airport. So you can bypass Bangkok and reach Krabi directly from other parts of Asia, or arrange an air or road transfer from Phuket International airport.

Krabi top five attractions

1. Krabi town waterfront

Krabi town's waterfront is vast and borderline awe-inspiring because of its otherworldly sky-scraping karsts (limestone crags). Hit the promenade and you can admire the scenery in style without getting pestered the way you are in other parts of Thailand.

If you want to ride the river, you can board a longtail boat that takes you on a tour of the river's jungly inner recesses. En route, you may stop off at a fish farm that runs an eye-popping aquatic sideshow (+66 841 888 285).

2. Jurassic traffic lights

On Thanon Maharat at the intersection with Thanon Sukhon stand some of the world's most extraordinary traffic lights. The stop-and-go signals are carried like shopping bags by caveman figures: an apparent nod to local cave paintings. While you gawk, try not to walk through a red light.

3. Tiger Cave Temple

Just north of Krabi Town stands Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple): a dazzling hilltop pilgrimage point. The giant Buddhist statues that occupy the hilltop shrine cast a wise eye over the land stretching from Krabi Town to the cliffs near climbing hotspot Railay. It is hard to say which makes more impact: the statues or the view: both of which are captured beautifully by Thaipulse.

Just remember to make your grueling 30- to 40-minute climb to the summit early in the morning or toward twilight. Avoid heat exhaustion. 

4. Phanom Bencha National Park

On paper, Krabi's national park Phanom Bencha is a naturalist's paradise. The roll call of animals theoretically includes tiger, black panther, clouded leopard, Asiatic bear and more.

You may well witness none of the above, so why go? Well, even if poachers have killed many exotic animals, Phanom Bencha remains Krabi Province’s largest remaining area of primeval jungle. What's more, Phanom Bencha is laced with streams, waterfalls and caves. And you might just get to see eagles, hornbills, and woodpeckers.

5. Ao Nang

For a cheap and entertaining daytrip, head to the Andaman seaside resort of Ao Nang, which is a "baht bus" shuttle ride away from Krabi town. On Ao Nang beach, for a whimsical thrill you can buy and release a 100-baht lucky lantern and watch it sail off into the sunset.

Or, you can just hover in the town: an old backpacker haunt that is gradually heading upmarket and might keep you interested for a night with its beer bars and a strip called Seafood Street. If you are more of a fitness junky than a hedonist, just across the water, in the shape of a peninsula, there's that rock jock magnet, Railay.

Beyond lie several idyllic islands, not least quirky Phi Phi and Lanta.

PS Krabi is riddled with lagoons and caves great for kayak exploration.

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Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort is Great Location for a Stay

Recently spent a week at the Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort during a stay on the Big Island of Hawaii. The picture on trip advisor is just a little deceiving as this location would be by the pool. The rest of the property looks more traditional in the terms of condominiums. The location of the facility gave very good access to the nearby beach, restaurants and the downtown area. All within walking distance. The property was beautiful and very well taken care of . We had a lovely condo located on the ground floor and close to the front entrance.

The condo was updated and very well taken care of, clean and had every amenity that was needed. The kitchen was well stocked for all occasions. The washer and dryer were a bonus and they even included laundry soap for our convenience. The bedspreads were beautiful on comfortable beds and the bathtub in the master bedroom was wonderful for soaking. Unfortunately, we had some tenants above us that were a little on the noisy side. I am convinced they were practicing their irish step dancing for an upcoming engagement. If at all possible try and score a room on the top floor, but make sure to keep in mind those poor folks below you.

The a/c worked wonderfully during our stay. The patio area was a little bit of heaven. Enjoyed quite a few peaceful and beautiful breakfasts here. The facility had only two pools for several units so we didn't pay any visits to the pool area, but rest assured that they were beautiful and well maintained as well. The wi-fi at this location was free and very responsive. The book exchange was a very nice feature. The condo featured flat screen tv's in two of the rooms, but tv wasn't a priority during this visit so I can not give any insight on the quality of this service. All in all it was a very nice stay and we wouldn't hesitate to visit this location again in the future.

Room Tip: Try and snag a room on the top level to avoid any upstairs noise.

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Four Days Travel in Florence

Europeans take so much for granted. They have an entire continent of little countries practically on their doorstep and will therefore never know the anguish of cramming as many of them as possible into a two-week vacation. They spend their entire lives 'doing' Europe and should they one day venture farther afield than the French Rivera, the Balearic Islands or Tuscany or the Swiss Alps or Amsterdam or London or any number of other amazing iconic places, they have six weeks per year in which to do it and the world's strongest currency to play with.

The rest of us have to plan a European vacation down to the last latte, because you do not want to be caught in Paris short the entry fee for the Eiffel Tower or in Rome on a Sunday when the Vatican's not open.  Thus, here is a four-day guide to seeing Florence on the cheap.

Accommodation

Most of Florence's attractions are in the historic center. It's convenient staying here but if you do, guaranteed you will never venture out of it. For a more full Florentine experience – and to save some money – staying outside the city center gives you a taste of 'normal' life away from the tourists. Head away from the Duomo, across the Arno River and down a bit towards the nearby suburb of Gavinana. The 3-star Hotel Cavaliere has single rooms from USD 49 per night and it's only a 10-minute bus trip – or 30-minute stroll from the centro storico. 

Transport

Buses around Florence are cheap and easy to master but for a more thorough experience of those cobblestone lanes and long paved paths that flank the Arno, bicycles are best. Florence is flat and bike-tolerant, with free bike rental from 'Mille e una bici' points around the city. Cycle up and down the river, explore the suburbs, take on the hills on the outskirts or join an organized bike tour, just remember to look both ways. http://www.visitflorence.com/moving-around-florence/by-bike.html

Day 1

It's probably illegal to visit Florence and not see Michelangelo's David or thePrima Vera. These are inconveniently situated in two different galleries, so you will need at least one full day of gallery-hopping and queuing to see the essentials. At the very least, queue for the Galleria degli Uffizi (Prima Vera,Birth of Venus) and the Accademia Gallery, each 6.5 euro. If you want to see a third 'gallery', make an afternoon trip to the Pitti Palace on the other side of the Arno. The ceiling frescoes, restored rooms and sculptured gardens of this former palace supply offer the renaissance art experience in excessive doses.

Day 2

Today, tick other major must-sees off your list – the Santa Maria del Fiori (the Duomo) and the Ponte Vecchio. These are in the historic center of town and you can't miss either of them.  For the Duomo, depending on the queues, expect to spend at least half a day here. There are two parts – the main church and the dome. If you don't like stairs or tight spaces, too bad – man up and climb the dome because the view from the top – around 500 steps aloft – is a rewards all its own. In the afternoon, park your bike and wander across the Ponte Vechhio. This iconic little bridge over the Arno is prettiest in the afternoon light – so pretty you may feel compelled to loiter for a few hours, taking photos from every conceivable angle until hunger forces you to leave.

Day 3

Oh no, only two days left! By now, thoughts of quitting your job and becoming a fake handbag tout by the Duomo are becoming more frequent, but don't let this slow you down. Today you should devote time to random exploration of the centro storico. The last two days you've probably been rabidly going from point to point just to see things but today, take time to just discover.  You probably raced through the Piazza della Signoria a few times, so head there for a proper look at the fake David outside Palazzo Vecchio, go to the San Lorenzo flea markets, browse the luxury stores on Via Roma, rest in one of the parks – the Piazza Massimo d'Azeglio is a handy inner city one. For sunset views, ride over to the Piazzale Michelangelo, or rather, park the bike at the bottom and climb to the top. There are tonnes of stairs but gelato and amazing views await. There's also another fake David statue here, and you can take pictures of this one.

Day 4

There are still so many things to see, so you're going to have to make an executive decision. You're in Tuscany, so a wine tour is probably in order. Or if you prefer fashion, The Mall fashion outlet is a short train trip away in Leccio – you can take the train to Rignano sull'Arno and from there it's a short cab ride. It's not any regular outlet, either, it's Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, La Perla, Salvatore Ferragamo, etc etc etc – basically a day in itself. Neither of these options is particularly budget-friendly – a wine tour is 50-100 euro and The Mall could easily destroy several credit cards – but you may never visit Florence again and it's your last day. To make up for overspending, grab a 2-euro slice of pizza or a massive Panini from the nearest pasticcerie and eat it by the Arno whilst saying tearful goodbyes. 

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Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is Better than Ever!

Mauna Kea is an architectural masterpiece perfectly suited to it's idyllic setting. The staff is fantastic (Except for the beach staff which is much better over at Hapuna - the guy who runs that is terrific.The beach staff at MK is sloven, with attitude).

Mantra is a great restaurant. The only places worth going off campus for dinner are Bamboo and Merriman's. Otherwise, eat at MK. Do not go to the chain restaurants there, like Ruth's Chris. The steak is much better at Mantra, not greasy feed-lot stuff.

The Hapuna restaurants seemed dead compared to Mauna Kea's. The breakfast at Mauna Kea is fantastic. The hostess, Alma, is worth the price of admission.

The Mauna Kea staff is just fantastic, even the "loss prevention" guy who is on guard to prevent wayward palm fronds from stabbing guests or coconuts from clunking heads.

This was a place where one wore black tie to dinner at 8 in the 1960s. I saw tattoos and sequins at breakfast one morning. I wish they would enforce a dress code that matched the elegance of the place. 

The tennis courts and golf course are fantastic.This is the place to go to on the Big Island.

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Awesome Hat Yai

While not the most obvious Thai destination on the international traveler's itinerary, Hat Yai does have its fair share of attractions for those passing through. This southern border city is the third largest metropolis in Thailand after Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and is visited mainly by Malaysian holiday-makers and people there on business (this is also a major transport and import/export city).

The shops, restaurants and hotels in Hat Yai reflect its position as a business hub.  Hat Yai has quite a few malls and an internationally appealing cross-section of British-style pubs, traditional Thai open-air restaurants, Halal food stalls, and Chinese and Malay-style restaurants and coffee shops. These are hardly the things to spend much attention on, however, so if you're in the city for any length of time, there are some properly  touristy things to get up to.

Namtok Ton Nga Chang

Hat Yai has a generous monsoon season and the Songkhla province boasts lush evergreen rainforests and impressive waterfalls. Namtok Ton Nga Chang is a seven-tiered waterfall that draws picnickers, bush-walkers and photographers. The waterfall features a split on the third level into two streams that resemble elephant tusks.  Visitors can hike up the falls, go mountain climbing, take a dip in the pools and just generally enjoy clean air and greenery.

Night Market

For travelers wanting some 'Duty Free' products, the night market is a treasure trove of affordable goods – clothes, knock-off bags, DVDs, shoes and a vast vast array of food. For less than a thousand baht you can buy several new outfits including underwear and shoes, a few bags and still have enough left over for an assortment of Thai and Malay sweets. Guests should engage in some haggling, especially when buying bulk. On the actual border of Thailand and Malaysia is the bustling Pedang Besar – around an hour-long drive from Hat Yai – a town that offers an ever greater array of goods for even cheaper prices.

Songkhla Lake

This is the largest natural lake/lagoon in southern Thailand and incorporates mangrove swamps, Irrawaddy dolphin families and a 75km spit that divides the lake from the Gulf of Thailand. Visitors can boat on the lake, or check out one of the nearby temples – Wat Hat Yai Nai for instance, with the third-largest reclining Buddha in the world, or the pretty Wat Khong Khaleab. Tinsalanond Bridge is also somewhat of an attraction – the longest Thai bridge, it leads to Koh Yo (Yo Island), a small island largely unvisited by western tourists.

Hat Yai Municipal Park

Just outside the city center is Hat Yai Municipal Park, a popular hang-out with locals for its pretty garden beds, ponds and Brahman shrine. The view from the top of the hill here is worth the hour-long trek to the top and there are a bunch of photo opportunities both from the peak and around the park of various Hindy deities and Buddha statues, plus a generously proportioned smiling Budai (frequently referred to as 'Fat Buddha').  

Songkhla Zoo

A family-friendly diversion is Songkhla Zoo, which houses all the usual – elephants, tigers and Asiatic bears, plus civets, exotic birds, gorillas, chimps, seals and hippos. Animal shows and feeding times should be heeded for maximum entertainment value. www.songkhlazoo.com

Samila Beach and Koh Meaow Koh Ngoo

A short drive from Hat Yai is the picturesque Samila Beach, a long stretch of coastline along the Gulf of Thailand. Along the shorefront are a few popular photo opportunities: a statue of a mermaid and a one of a cat and mouse – the subject of local legend and the namesakes of Koh Maew Koh Noo (cat and mouse islands, just offshore).   You can take a boat to the islands or just enjoy the view and a paddle in the Gulf. 

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