Two JetSet Divas...and a Map » China

The Fuwa - Beijing Olympic Mascots

E-Travel — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:02:02 +0000

Ok, this information didnt exactly fit in any of the other Olympic posts and I thought it was cute so I am sharing.

“The Beijing Olympic Official Mascot are the Fuwa. The five “Fuwa” - one to represent each of the Olympic Rings - carry a unifying message of friendship and peace, particularly aimed at the world’s children. They were designed to convey the Olympic spirit and to express the playful qualities of a young group of close friends. Their mission is to help Beijing 2008 spread its theme (One World, One Dream) to every continent. Fuwa translates to good luck dolls or children carrying blessings.”

Introducing…

Bebei

Beibei, the fish, represents the blue Olympic ring, prosperity and the sea. Fish and water symbolize prosperity in traditional Chinese culture. A fish also represents surplus in harvest. The lines of the wave designs in her headdress are based on Chinese paintings of the past. Beibei, who is said to be “gentle and pure,” is strong in water sports.

Jingjing

Jingjing, the panda, represents the black Olympic ring, happiness and the forest. He is said to be “charmingly naïve and optimistic,” to make children smile and be noted for strength. The lotus designs in his headdress are baced on paintings from the Song Dynasty (A.D. 960-1234) and symbolize “the lush forest and the harmonious relationship between man and nature.”

Huanhuan

Huanhuan, the Olympic Flame, represents the red ring, passion and fire. He is considered the big brother among the Fuwa and stands in the center “as the core embodiment of the Olympic spirit… He inspires all with the passion to run faster, jump higher and be stronger.” The designs on his head ornament are based on the Dunhuang murals and include aspects of traditionally lucky Chinese designs. Huanhuan, who is “outgoing and enthusiastic,” is strong at ball games.

Yingying

Yingying, the Tibetan antelope, represents the yellow ring, health and earth (particularly the vastness of China’s landscape). The species, which is unique to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, was one of the first animals put under protection in China and its selection here is meant to reflect Beijing’s commitment to a Green Olympics. Yingying’s head ornament incorporates design elements from the Qinghai-Tibet and Sinkiang cultures, as well as the traditions of Western China. He is quick-witted, fast and agille, excelling in track and field events.

Nini

Nini, the swallow, represents the green ring, good luck and the sky. The golden-winged swallow is one of the most popular designs on kites flown by Beijing’s children in spring and summer and her design is based on these kites. Swallow is also pronounced “yan” in Chinese, and Beijing was called Yanjing as an ancient capital city. Nini, who is “innocent and joyful” excels at gymnastics.

Info and Image Source: NBCOlypmics.com

Beijing After Dark

E-Travel — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:22:25 +0000

NBC is, I believe, the official media source of the 2008 Olympics. At their website you can find answers to darn near anything pertaining to Olympics from Games, Schedules & Live Coverage to….what to do in Beijing after dark.

They have a list of the top 5 things to do in Beijing once the games are finished for the day…if you’re lucky enough to be attending the games….otherwise you can be participating in these activites all day.

1. Get a foot rub
2. Take in an acrobatic or Kung Fu show
3. Visit the Donghuameng Night Market
4. Have dinner on a boat on Houhai Lake
5. Take a pedicab around the Forbidden City

Check out NBCOlympics.com for more info!

Countdown to Beijing: Olympics 2008

E-Travel — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:43:37 +0000

Games of the XXIX Olympiad
Summer Olympics 2008 will officially kick-off Friday, August 8th in Beijing, China.

The Games will take place August 8-24, 2008. The Games will play host to the 28 summer sports currently on the Olympic program. Approximately 10,500 athletes are expected to participate in the Games, with around 20,000 accredited media bringing the Games to the world.

Olympic Games 2008 Opening Day Ticket

Olympic Games 2008 Closing Day Ticket

For a complete listing of competition dates and times, please visit the Official Beijing Olympics website. Did you know handball was a competitive Olympic sport? I HAVE to broaden my horizons…

On the day of the opening ceremony, August 8, an estimated 160,000 people will be milling around the Olympic area. Of this number, 70,000 are VIPs, athletes, and performers, who will be transported via specifically designated vehicles to the Olympic central zone. The other 90,000 guests (ticket holders, workers and volunteers) will rely on the 28 direct bus routes specifically allotted for the purpose. In addition, Beijing’s subway lines will be open for longer hours to accommodate Olympic guests; on August 8, the subway system will be open all day and all night. Take advantage of public transportation…I guess you don’t really have a choice.

Game venues are spread throughout the city. So go ahead and print out the map below and navigate your way around the city!

Game Venue Map

Also, the Humane Society has guidelines for what to eat and what not to eat while in China. You’ll be happy to know that Dog Meat has removed from all menus during the weeks of the games.

As of July 27th ALL tickets for the Summer Games are SOLD OUT! So, if you are fortunate enough to be traveling to the games come back and give us a shout! Tell me. How was it…

Hotel Paradise…Literally

E-Travel — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:43:53 +0000

Welcome to Paradise! There are plans in the making for the Songjiang Hotel in the Songjiang District 17 miles from Shanghai, China. (As posted by Global Construction Watch) The hotel will be set in a rock quarry and its design was inspired by the area’s natural landscape.

It will be a 400-bed, Five-Star Resort! (Not to be confused with the Songjiang Hotel already in existence!)

Other amenities include:
*Underwater Guests Rooms facing an Aquarium
*Underwater Restaurant
*Venue for Extreme Sports such as Rock Climbing and Bungee Jumping
*1,000 person capacity conference hall
*Also restaurants, cafés, sports facilities & a banquet center

The hotel is scheduled to be completed in May 2009! Most importantly this is a Green Project!

Mannnnnn, I want to go…

JetSet Hot Deal Alert: Asia

MzTravelDiva — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 01:43:59 +0000

We’ve discovered some hot deals online for travel to numerous destinations in Asia. Here’s some of our hot picks.

EEI Travel is featuring great vacation packages such as:
6 nights + air to Hong Kong & Beijing for as low as $1399*
6 nights + air to Bangkok & Hong Kong for as low as $1309

Friendly Planet is featuring the Taj Mahal Express which includes 8 days + air to India for as low as $1299.
Tour includes visits to Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur, Sikri & Jaipur.
You can also extend your trip and add a visit to Nepal to get a glimpse of Mt. Everest (hey, why not?).

Ritz Tours also has special deals such as:
11 days + air to Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong for as low as $2065 (Hurry! Last departure date is 3/31/08).

If you’ve had your eyes set on the East…look no further! Check out these deals and the many others out there just waiting for you.

*final prices differ depending on date of travel and departure city

The Thirsty Traveler

MzTravelDiva — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 05:02:31 +0000

Forbes Traveler

Forbes Traveler features a yummy collection of its 10 Signature Drinks from around the world. If you’re adventurous enough, follow that drink!
This round’s on me…

1. Singapore - Singapore Sling
2. Denmark - Akvavit
3. Cuba - Mojito
4. Brazil - Caipirinha
5. Spain and Portugal - Sangria
6. China and Japan - Sake
7. Peru and Chile - Pisco Sour
8. Iceland - Brennivin
9. South Korea and Japan - Soju
10. Italy - Negroni

Where ‘It’ is…

MzTravelDiva — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:17:13 +0000

St. Lucia

Hey Divas, it’s the begining of the year and it’s time to get those travel plans in order. Are you looking for the It places to visit this year? Well, look no further.

Condé Nast Traveler magazine recently published its annual ‘2008 It List’ on its Concierge website. The list includes up-and-coming destinations and old favorites that owe another visit.

From islands in China to beachfronts in Mozambique, this ecletic list is sure to get you daydreaming about your next vacation. But, don’t stop there…make sure you turn those dreams into reality!

Mozambique

The 2008 IT List:
Mozambique
St. Lucia
Montenegro
Ecuador
Sicily
Oman
San Diego, CA
Hainan Island, China
Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Paris, France