Category Archives: Top Things to Do
Lake Mead – Getting away from Las Vegas
Also posted in FaunaScapes, Landscapes
Tagged getaway, lake mead, las vegas, seagulls
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More Vegas
It is a relaxed day – off to a late and slow start. It is April – spring everywhere, but already the onset of summer in Vegas. It is about 90 degrees at 11AM. We decide to walk the strip and admire the splendor of the casinos.
Top picks are:
1. Venetian for its canals and the designer shopping
2. Bellagio for its glass sculptures, the fountains, the greenhouse… this place has a lot of stuff packed in on place
3. MGM Grand for its white lions
4. Caesar’s for its fantastic restaurants
5. Luxor for a bit of a historical detour in the maddening city
6. Wynn for a round of golf!
Also posted in ArchitectScapes, CitiScapes
Tagged bellagio, canal, casino, las vegas, lions, mgm, venetian
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Vegas, Baby
Las Vegas – the sin city, is a tremendous amount of fun. Everyone says “Do Vegas right” – but there is no one way of doing it right. There is stuff for everyone and then som e more for what your wildest imaginations have never thought of.
I
have been to Vegas many a times, but this is the first visit with my wife – and Vegas never disappoints as a romantic spot. A glamorous hotel, a few shows, candle light dinners, poolside fun – these is the minimum that you can expect on the Las Vegas Strip – We are at one of the newest properties – the Planet Hollywood towers – intended as timeshare condos, the building opened up just 3 months ago. It is very modern and swanky! Life is good after a long flight.
The car rental is a big pain – particularly because we went on for the cheapest rental available at Fox – they are located off the off airport rental center and that’s how they avoid the taxes. The other thing you have to be aware of is that there are no “free hotel shuttles” from the airport to the hotels – that adds to the cab business in the city – and a ride to the strip hotels won’t set you back by more than $15-20.
Its been a long day after work, so lets catch up with Vegas tomorrow after a night’s rest!
Tags: ArchitectScapes, CitiScapes, las vegas, planet hollywood, strip, Top Things to Do
Also posted in ArchitectScapes, CitiScapes
Tagged las vegas, planet hollywood, strip
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Top 10 things to do in Cairo
Here is a recommended listing of things to do in Cairo – whether you are on a short trip or long, this will serve to plan your itinerary and give you a good cultural expose to the wonderful city.
1. Visit the Pyramids and the Sphynx in Giza. There are a number of hotels in the vicinity of the pyramids, so if it fits your budget, stay close to the pyramids. The closest hotel is Mena House Oberoi, and it is perhaps the best hotel in Egypt. Le Meridian is about 1 km away and is in walking distance. Be sure to request a pyramid view from your room. Go early to avoid the tourists. Return in the evening for the fabulous Light and Sound Show. Have dinner at the Mena House Oberoi.
2. Carry a water bottle with you everywhere and drink from it frequently.
3. Wander aimlessly around the Khan el-Khalili marketplace. You don’t know what you may buy. Do bargain for the prices.
4. Visit the al-Azhar mosque to get a glimpse into the Islamic world of Egypt and for a historical perspective.
5. Enjoy the views from the citadel – camp out in the early afternoon, and enjoy the expansive view of the city.
6. Walk through the City of the Dead. It is generally safe to do so in daylight and quite a different experience.
7. Ditch the tour guide and spend a cool afternoon at the Nilometer – and by the banks of the Nile.
8. Take a detour and head towards Saqqara and Dahshur, to see the Step and the Bent Pyramids. Go inside the pyramids at Dahshur, to avoid the crazy tourists in Giza.
9. Read up a guide book or online resources and visit the Egyptian Museum. This way you will avoid paying the tour guides (who don’t really know everything) and make it a more interactive experience for you.
10. Head towards the Old Cairo and pay a visit to the Church of Coptic Christians and the Ben Ezra synagogue.
Tags: cairo, egypt, EgyptianScapes, giza, nile, oberoi, pyramids, synagogue, Top Things to Do
Also posted in EgyptianScapes
Tagged cairo, egypt, giza, nile, oberoi, pyramids, synagogue
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Top 10 things to do in Ladakh
Here is a compilation of my top 10 things to do when in Ladakh. This is solely based on my experiences and will help you plan out your trip better:
1. Have a hearty meal on the terrace at the Leh View Cafe in Leh – surrounded by hills this is an excellent way to ease your way into Leh on the first day of your arrival. You can potentially meet a lot of fellow travelers and plan out your activities in groups
2. Get going with a bunch of fellow travelers and light a big bonfire at KCs and invite all your new found friends – a great way to meet fellow travelers
3. Camp overnight at Pangong Tso – you may want to take a tripod to capture the early morning colors of the lake and the mountains – they are incredible
4. Take a trek up to TarLa – It is a 5 day trek and is offered by most tour operators. For more adventure try the Stok Kangri trek.
5. Visit the Leh Gurudwara for a first class chai and free food
6. Go river rafting at the confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers
7. Rent a bike and drive 50 kms in either direction of Leh for a breathtaking experience of the rugged terrain
8. Enjoy the Nubra valley desert and stay at a local guesthouse
9. Wake up early and visit the Thiksey or Hemis gompa for an early morning prayer session. Plan a trip in the spring if you want to catch the festivals
10. Bike down from the Khardung La Pass to Leh – not recommended for the faint hearted.
PS: Take it easy the first 2 days to get acclimatized to the mountains .
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Tags: CitiScapes, CulturalScapes, gompa, india, kashmir, ladakh, LadakhScapes, leh, pangong tso, tar la, Top Things to Do
Also posted in CitiScapes, CulturalScapes, LadakhScapes
Tagged gompa, india, kashmir, ladakh, leh, pangong tso, tar la
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