Two JetSet Divas...and a Map » Asia

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…

Dream JetSet : French Polynesia

MzTravelDiva — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:38:35 +0000

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme

Private bungalows on top of beautiful turquoise water… jagged, green cliffs… exotic culture… tranquility… ultimate relaxation… These are the wonderful images that come to mind when I think about the French Polynesian islands.

Not just an island…
Tahiti is not just one island, but is comprised of 118 islands spread across five archipelagos, covering approximately 2 million square miles in the South Pacific Ocean. Although the islands are spread across an area equivalent to the size of Western Europe, the total land mass only adds up to the size of the state of Rhode Island. The five archipelagoes are Society, Tuamotu, Marquesas, Australs, and Gambier.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme

The Society islands include the most famous tourist destinations in French Polynesia - Tahiti (the largest island in French Polynesia), Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, and Taha’a. The Tuamotu Atolls and Marquesas (Mysterious Islands) are also frequented by tourists, while Australs and Gambier are considered to be more remote locations.

Tahiti’s secluded islands make this location an ideal romantic destination for honeymooners and couples. However, there is also much in store for those who are in love with adventure and relaxation.

Getting there…
Halfway between California and Australia, Tahiti isn’t as far away as you think. Papeete Faa’a Airport is approximately 8 hours from Los Angeles LAX Airport. 13 hour non-stop flights also operate from New York JFK Airport. Tahiti Nui Airlines also offers flights from Paris, Sydney, Auckland, Tokyo, and Osaka. If you’d prefer to make other islands in French Polynesia such as, Bora Bora your final destination, there are connecting flights to Bora Bora available as well.

One of the things that makes French Polynesia so unique, are its style of lodging. Hotels that have private bungalows over water can be found on many resorts on the islands. If sleeping above water is not your thing, there are plenty of other options available. For accommodation packages such as Hotel Bora Bora, check out Easy Tahiti.

French Polynesia sounds like wonderful place. Hopefully someday soon my JetSet dreams of Tahiti will become a reality…until then…I’ll pretend my front porch is overlooking the ocean instead of just my yard.

Body Language : A Traveler’s Guide to Hand Gestures

MzTravelDiva — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 04:49:07 +0000

I was reading this month’s issue of Conde Nast Traveler magazine, and found a really interesting article discussing the proper hand gestures to use when traveling to certain countries.

Because of language barriers, we travelers sometimes have to use our hands to help get our point across. The article Etiquette 101: Hand Gestures reveals which gestures will do just that…and which are sure to offend the person your communicating with. We don’t want that to happen, so keep on reading…

In the future, Two JetSet Divas plan to occasionally highlight gestures from a specific country (the good, the bad, and the ugly) or the meanings around the world for gestures we use here in the U.S.

We’ll start with some common gestures:

Thumbs Up

America - Generally means “Cool” or “That’s good!”. Tilt the hand a little and it could mean “hitchhiking”.
Nigeria, Greece, Southern Italy, and parts of Russia and the Middle East - Considered an obscene gesture.
Austria, France, Germany - Means the number one.
Japan - Means the number five. So, you might think you said “That’s good” and end up ordering five more!

Okay

America - Generally means “A-OK”.
France - Means “zero” or “nothing”.
Denmark and Italy - Could mean an insult.
Brazil, Paraguay, Guatemala - Obscene gesture.

Peace sign

America - Generally means “peace”. If reversed (palm in), the gesture can mean “peace out” or “I’m gone”.
U.K. and Australia - If reversed (palm in), gesture is considered obscene.

Here’s a nice, yet complex chart of gestures from the Conde Nast article. The next time you trek around the globe, make sure you use your hands wisely.

source: Global Business Etiquette

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…

The Hotel Capsule…

MzTravelDiva — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 02:53:25 +0000

Ever had an early morning flight out of London? Ever wished you could sleep near your gate without getting a backache from sitting all night in those horrible airport seats? Well, try out a stay at YOTEL.

Conveniently located inside the terminals of both Heathrow and Gatwick airports, YOTEL has all you need for a good night’s rest before your flight or a comfy nap during long layovers. For as low as £25 per hour, you can book a mini-sized “room” which includes a bed, bath, and even amenities such as wifi and flat-screen tvs.

YOTEL is a part of the YO! Company brand. I remember YO!Sushi and it’s conveyor belt concept from my London days back in 2000. Well, its appears that over the years the company expanded its brand in numerous areas, including hospitality. YO! Co. founder, Simon Woodroffe was inspired by the Japanese Capsule Hotel concept during a visit to the country in 2002. After a few years of planning, YOTEL opened in both London airports in 2007, and is scheduled to open this summer in the Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam.

I sure wish these babies were around when I was stranded at Gatwick for 24 hours. The Le Meridien (now The Sofitel) was connected to the airport, but put a real hurtin’ on this college girl’s wallet. Hey…Divas can’t deal with backaches! Next time…I think I’ll YOTEL it.

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

Almighty Dollar

MzTravelDiva — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 07:09:07 +0000

During our visit to Italy last Fall, my wallet had a rude awakening. As the trip drew nearer, I knew it was time to face the music and research the currency exchange rates. Let’s not forget those service fees tacked on for good measure. At that time, it was going to cost me roughly $1.60 for every Euro I planned to spend. OUCH! I almost convinced myself that the pizza and gelato were just as good here at home. Nah.

A great strategy for overcoming the exchange rates and getting the most ‘bang for your buck’, could possibly be planning your vacation around them. There are still some destinations where the exchange rate is more favorable. The February issue of Conde Nast Traveler magazine uncovers some of these hidden gems in its article, Dollar Power, and I’m passing them on to you, my Divas.
Your purse can thank me later.

Some Currency Super Stars:
1. Costa Rica
Value of $1 five years ago: 384.70 Colones
Value of $1 today*: 495.35 Colones
Increase of nearly 40 percent

2. Laos
Value of $1 five years ago: 7,905 Kip
Value of $1 today: 9,297 Kip
Increase of nearly 20 percent
3. Egypt
Value of $1 five years ago: 4.6 Egyptian pounds
Value of $1 today: 5.51 Egyptian pounds
Increase of nearly 20 percent

Honorable mentions:
Maldives, Barbados, St.Kitts, St. Lucia, Turkey, Ecuador, Panama

Ever seen an $18 hot chocolate? Well, here it is…from Venice, with love.

For some perspective on my spending in Italy: $1 today is equivalent to .68 Euros…
Costa Rica, here we come!

To calculate more currency exchange rates, visit XE.com

*currency rate as of 1/20/2008