Kayaking San Juan is a Vacation You’ll Never Forget
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Are you in the mood to get away? Do you have some vacation time sitting around and you feel like it’d be nice to take a trip? You certainly have a number of options when it comes to your next vacation, but none of them will come close to kayaking San Juan. Keep reading to find out why,
Not enough people take adventure vacations. We’ve become a culture that wants everything catered to us and the sad thing is we miss out on so much. Kayaking may not seem all that adventurous but it is a great way to become more engaged with your destination. Best of all, you’ll burn off enough calories to enjoy a holiday feast when you return.
Though getting in a kayak may not be adventurous, getting in a kayak with orcas absolutely is. And that’s one of the options available to you when you visit San Juan. Imagine being in the water, right up close and personal when an orca surfaces. These gentle giants will leave you alone so you can simply observe in peace.
Orcas or some of the smartest creatures in the world with a language all their own. They always travel in pods so where you see one, you’ll see many and you can even hear them communicating with one another. Who knows? They might even be talking about you!
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Article submitted by Crystal Seas. They offer tours in a kayak Washington tourists just can’t get enough of.
What to Do When in Rome
Article written by Dozen Travel
Although we all like to use the expression, when you’re actually in Rome, you might be at a loss for what to do. It’s not that you won’t have options, rather it’s that you’ll have so many. Rome tours will be able to help but if you’re doing your Italy sightseeing solo, consider these locations.
Ostia Antica is an extremely underrated attraction. This Roman port is incredibly well preserved, so much so that you’ll have an easy time imagining what life was like so many centuries ago.
Any trip to Rome has to include the Coliseum. The attraction has countless tour guides, so you’ll have a hand in appreciating the cultural and historical importance of this monument.
Another attraction you must see when visiting Rome are the Vatican museums. Perhaps some of the most well known pieces of art like the Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s frescoes are preserved here and you can see them up close and personal.
The Pantheon is easily one of the most well-preserved ancient buildings in the entire world and it is packed with Roman culture. This is another location you can easily find a tour guide for so as to more fully appreciate what you’re seeing.
If you’re going to Italy, you have to make time for Rome. The city is packed with beauty and just about anything else you’d want to enjoy.
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Article submitted by Italia Tours. They’re a travel company that offers a wide range of Italy vacations that are sure to include one (or even a few) that’s perfect for you.
How to Move to Hong Kong Smoothly
Posted By Samuel Phineas Upham
Hong Kong is a multi-cultural city that is attracting new talent from all over the world. Whether you are relocating for business or a change in life style, there are things you need to know about moving there. With these tips, your move will go smoothly and you will be prepared for your first few days in the city.
Importing House Goods
Most household goods can move in and out of Hong Kong with relative ease. Whether the items are used or new, goods are free from tariff charges, import taxes or duties. The necessities you need for your home, like your clothes and your basic furnishings, are items you don’t need to plan for.
What to Give to Customs
Local customs officials will search your belongings thoroughly, but do not require your presence for that search. If you supply them with a few documents, their work flow will be faster:
- Present a detailed list of what was packed.
- Keep your bill of landing and present that to customs.
- Be sure to have your passport handy if you are present at a search. A photocopy of your documents will do in the event that you’re not present.
- If you have any restricted items, be prepared to display the appropriate license to bring them into the country.
Importing Your Car
Your car will be charged a registration fee upon entry into the country, and it must be a right-hand drive vehicle to be street legal. Your car must also pass emissions testing before you will be allowed to drive it.
About the Author: Samuel Phineas Upham is an investor at a family office/ hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media and Telecom group. You may contact Phin on his Samuel Phineas Upham website or Facebook.
The Poconos Has Everything You Want for a Honeymoon
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Article written by theoutdoorsblog
When it’s time to plan the trip after your wedding, you have countless Honeymoon destinations to choose from. In fact, you might have a hard time choosing just one. While this is a great problem to have, it’s still a problem you’ll need to resolve. That’s why you should consider a Poconos getaway for you and your new bride or groom. It’s got everything you need to enjoy your time away.
One thing everyone says about their wedding is it’s a whirlwind experience. Everything seems to go by so quickly with the result being that the new couple feels drained and tired. That’s no way to start your honeymoon. However, if you travel to the Poconos, you start things off with a relaxing spa day. The Poconos is home to many spas or resorts that have them on the premises. You’ll feel recharged in no time and ready to take on an adventure.
And when it comes to an adventure, the Poconos isn’t lacking either. Depending on what season you visit, you’ll have a wide variety of activities to choose from. What will remain the same, however, is the areas unmatched natural beauty and wildlife.
After the service is over, the reception is done and the presents have been opened, it’s time to move on to the honeymoon. While you have a long list to choose from, consider starting things off with a nice massage and more in the Poconos.
7 Amazing Facts about Hong Kong Disneyland
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Submitted By Samuel Phineas Upham
In conjunction with the Disney corporation and the Hong Kong government, there is a Disneyland in the center of one of the world’s most happening tourist spots. With more than 100 attractions, including lands like Tomorrowland and Fantasyland, Hong Kong Disneyland has become an important stop for aficionados from the world over.
Cast Members
Hong Kong Disneyland requires over 7,000 cast members to keep the park running, which makes the park one of the city’s largest entertainment employers. Cast members will train for almost a full week out of each year to make sure guests have an unforgettable experience.
Largest Screens
Hong Kong Disneyland features the world’s largest seamless projection screen, measuring in at 150 feet in length and 28 feet in height.
Fauna
There are 200 unique species of trees, and 400 individual species of shrubs that dot the landscape of Disneyland.
The Themes of Luck and Prosperity
There are 2,238 crystal lotuses in the restaurant at the Disneyland Hotel. The number sounds very similar to a Cantonese phrase that means “easily generate wealth.” Keeping with this theme of prosperity, the ballroom at the Disneyland resort is 888 square meters because the number is considered “wealthy.”
Murals
Murals from the Disney film Mulan can be found in the Plaza Inn restaurant. The murals were painted by actual Disney artists.
Adventureland
Disneyland in Hong Kong has the world’s largest version of Adventureland. Hop on the river cruise and take a tour!
Orbitron Universe Model
The model of the universe in Hong Kong’s Tomorrowland is based on celestial models from the 15th to 19th century. At night, fiber optics glow and change colors to create an elaborate and moving model of the universe.
About the Author: Samuel Phineas Upham is an investor at a family office/ hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media & Technology group. You may contact Phin on his Samuel Phineas Upham website or Facebook.
Hacks for the London Underground
Posted By Samuel Phineas Upham
If you’re in London for any prolonged time, you’ll want to make sure you get cozy with the railways. They are the most efficient method of getting around the city, but there are some hacks to get around even faster. Grab an Oyster railway card and set out on an adventure!
Know Your Exits
Grab an application called “London Underground Free” before you set out. The reason is to help you navigate the underground faster, and go where you actually want to go. Anyone who has experienced the disorientation of the New York subway system can understand the value in knowing where to go to come out on the side of the street you actually want to visit.
Using Escalators
If you’re not walking, stay to the right. Daily commuters have places to be and you’re lollygagging in their lane. IF you don’t want an angry Brit behind you, step to the right and let them pass.
Bring Water
The subway tubes can heat up during the summer months, and if you’re stuck down there without water you will regret it. London’s underground service is quite reliable, but a quick swig of water will keep your refreshed.
Where to Sit
To build off of knowing your exits, position yourself in places where people are less likely to get on or off the train. If you know exits are toward the front of the train, you’ll find more space and quiet in the rear.
“Mind the Gap”
You will see “Mind the Gap” or small diamond shapes on the platform. This is where the doors of the train will usually line up. If you want to get on quickly, be near those spots.
Also watch Phin Upham Presents London
About the Author: Samuel Phineas Upham is an investor at a family office/ hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media & Technology group. You may contact Phin on his Samuel Phineas Upham website or Facebook.
Massage Chairs at the Airport?
Article written by Anytime Travel
An airport might seem like an odd place to witness enchanting gardens or a spa massage table, but the fact is that airports are recognizing the need for pampering during travel. Walking the terminal at LAX, you’re not likely to find comforts like sleep pods or facial spas, but first class passengers will begin to get a taste of these luxuries in 2014. In fact there are a host of new health and well-being initiatives starting to debut in airports all over the world
There was a time when sitting at an airport meant uncomfortable seating in a crowded lounge. It used to mean bitter coffee and impatient people staring at a screen and waiting for new on connections. If monotony was a commodity, airports would have a monopoly on it.
Airport Massage
It was the hospitality industry that so inspired airports to actually care about a customer’s well being. Airport lounges are now being outfitted with massage chairs and swanky bars and meeting areas for travelers. Even shower rooms are becoming commonplace, especially in heavily trafficked airports like Heathrow, where travelers routinely arrive from red-eye flights.
The weary traveler now has many options for rejuvenation:
- Facials with a side of oxygen help relax the skin and clear the feeling of breathing pressurized air.
- Massages relax the joints from being forced to sit upright.
- Gardens and set pieces give travelers something distracting to take their mind off of the stress of flight.
At London Heathrow, customers can get time at a travel spa, where a full body massage can help prep a traveler for the next flight, or for work.
Airport Spas
For now, these spas are reserved for first class travelers and customers who belong to special clubs, but the treatments will eventually open up to all. First class passengers also get some of these perks on a complimentary basis, so there is value in upgrading your flight if you intend to fly long distances.
The spa treatment isn’t standard fair, but it is enough to relieve some stress. You can usually find treatments in the 15-minute range, with your choice of shoulder massage or facials. Some airports even offer a hot stone massage to relax your feet.
Oxygen Spa
Oxygen spas are also becoming popular amongst air travelers looking for relief from the pressurized cabin. That stuffy air isn’t just a bother, it’s stressing you out! An oxygen spa replenishes your oxygen supply and leaves you feeling relaxed and ready for the next flight.
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The preceding guest post was brought to you by Comfort Soul, makers of flat top massage tables for comfort in the face-down position.
3 Things New Orleans is Known For
Posted by Samuel Phineas Upham
Aside from the New Orleans Saints and Mardi Gras, what’s New Orleans all about? If you’ve never been, be prepared to see a new side of food, culture and music in a city like nothing else in the US.
Food
In New Orleans, even the poorest people know where to go to get great food. You will find some of the best fried chicken in the world here, but the crawfish boils are a part of the culture. Red beans and rice, jambalaya and gumbo are all part of the local flavor. Food is so good that it’s like the great equalizer in the city. You will see millionaires dining at high-end restaurants, then spend a Saturday at Popeye’s.
Distinctive culture
In New Orleans, you will find a blend of French, Spanish, Vietnamese, Canary Island, Caribbean, German, Irish, and American Dixie cultures all in one space. That has a huge impact on the cuisine you’ll find, but the city has uniqueness to it that you can’t find in Boston, Chicago or Miami. The local accent is a mix of dialects. Voodoo and piracy both have roots in New Orleans. The city was once a place of ambition, but the nickname “Big Easy” hints at a time when musicians could make an easy living playing bars or in public.
Music
New Orleans also had a huge influence on the American music scene. Thanks to New Orleans, we had ragtime, which gave way to jazz and a plethora of American music styles like rock and hip hop.
5 Unexpected Languages to Find in London (and Their Origins)
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Posted by: Phineas Upham
In the city of London, at any given moment there are at least 300,000 people who do not speak English at all. The fact is there is a lot of cultural diversity in the city, and you can find languages from around the world on the right street.
Caribbean Creole
Caribbean Creole comes from immigrants whose origins lie in Guyana, Jamaica or Trinidad. The language exists in London today through the spoken words of children and grandchildren from those immigrants, a kind of coded language for teenagers.
Gaelic
Once the dominant language of Scotland, Gaelic still exists in London as a written and spoken language. The written language is rarely used outside of an official capacity, such as the insignia on a coat of arms, but the spoken language is still alive thanks to the London Gaelic Athletic Association.
Urdu
A language with origins in Pakistan, Urdu became part of British culture when Muslims began to immigrate from their Middle Eastern countries of origin. Urdu is on the rise, so much so that there is a localized version of the BBC available in the language.
Polish
Polish has become the second largest spoken language in the UK, and represents a significant part of the population. The main hub of the Polish speaking community is in Ealing, where the speaking population makes up almost 1% of the total population of London.
Gujarati
Harrow is where you will find a large population of Gujarati speaking Indians who can trace their origins back to Gujarat. Combined with the migrating African populations (you can find a significant Somali speaking population in Wembley), this group combines traditional Indian practices with African ideologies.
Phineas Upham is an investor from NYC and SF. You may contact Phin on his Phineas Upham website or Facebook page.
Family Vacation in the Poconos
The Poconos Mountain Resorts are located within the vicinity of the picturesque Pocono Mountains. This amazing tourist destination is located two hours away from the cities of Philadelphia and New York. There are resorts of all types and designation. Some are designated couples-only while others allow for families and groups. Pocono family vacations are ideal for families that intend to spend some quality time together. Parents and their kids can enjoy fun filled activities that include kayaking, swimming, archery, outside camping, and golf. Additionally, families can also engage in skiing, shoe shoeing, skating, and toboggan runs.
The Proximity of the Poconos to the major cities of New York and Philadelphia endears it to persons living in these cities. This is because the resort offers a serene and tranquil environment where the city dwellers can take a retreat and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature away from the busy and noisy city. Pocono family getaways are ideal for families that would like to take time off the busy city life and just rejuvenate their strength as they bond with each other and spend some quality family time together. Families can check into one of the many Pocono resorts that offer fine dining and family events to the satisfaction of every family member.