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If shoes are women’s best friend, a Coach handbag is her most trusted chaperon. It’s easy to see. Who goes with her to all weddings, banquets, soirees, and all other fabulous get-togethers over the years? It’s her Coach handbag, and she gets to bring along all important knick knacks and personal effects she needs to freshen up, feel confident, and walk in a crowd like a star in a night.
Nothing can be more fitting to her stellar look than the luxurious and trendy Coach handbag, as they come in various colors and styles from small hobos, carry alls, totes, clutch bags, to shoulder bags that are all made of 100% genuine leather. The world-renowned Coach handbag has created a name for itself since 1941 for its quality and style that doesn’t go stale with time.
A Coach handbag is fit for all occasions and any type of personality. It’s been a trademark for elegance, luxury, and quality that lasts for decades now. Whether a woman prances as a career-driven go-getter, an elegant first lady of the house, or even the everyday woman-of-the-house type, there’s always a Coach handbag to accompany her and make sure it’s the be-all of her womanly needs.
There’s a special throne for a Coach purse in the bag kingdom though for being extra handy and more appealing to any woman who likes to stroll around with few things to carry and still look fab and sleek. I’m talking about a modern woman who needs no fuss and looks excellent sporting matte makeup, sheer lip gloss, and a ponytail. Hey, wait, don’t get me wrong there’s a Coach purse to go along with a woman who reads gossip and fashion mags too. You see, a Coach purse can be made in satin or alligator skin. Good thing is, she can have all of them and use each kind that suiting for the occasion. A Coach purse wouldn’t cost any woman a year long’s supply of Estee Lauder makeup so she can still manage to go pretty and hip while sporting that chic Coach look.
Though most Coach women enter the designer bag arena, making themselves in the league of Eva Longoria and Rebecca Romijn, many of them can still enjoy the elegant and classy look of a new line of Coach purse like Francine that comes with eye-popping slight shimmer to its metallic felt. Its bowler shape can be a great pair to casual jeans-and-tank top look or a Bohemian get-up. For women who are sticklers to a particular design, they can easily find a handbag set with both a Coach purse and tote bag to complete what could be a magnificent vanity kit for all times.

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the Internet has become the world’s largest marketplace, with more and more people preferring to do their shopping online and increasing number of traders and marketers willing to put up their products for sale online. The reasons for this are quite evident. Many people prefer to complete their shopping in a matter of clicks rather than spend an entire day driving from point ‘a’ to point ‘b’, getting stuck in traffic and ultimately ending up with a deal that stinks.
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Online shopping has a number of advantages.

* Online shopping allows buyers to browse through hundreds of virtual shops. Thus the buyer can choose, compare and read testimonials about products without having to step out of the house.

* Most online shops have customer friendly delivery and return policies that make it possible for buyers to use an item and send it back in case there are any problems.
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* Since many online shops do not require expensive storage and outlets in the city, they are able to cut down on operational costs. For more details go to www.mining-auction-gold.com .Therefore, online shops are able to offer great online shopping deals to customers.

As you can see, online shopping is fun, safe, convenient and practical. Two of the most important features that characterize successful online retail shops are: great service and attractive pricing.

These days, you come across a number of online retail shops that deliver top-quality consumer products across brands and demographic locations. In order to keep up with this extremely competitive business, these online retail shops continuously add new products to their catalogs. They cater to the needs of all kinds of consumers from individual customers to corporate end-users.

However, as the shopper, you need to remember a number of things if you want to find the best online shopping deals. Safety and security issues obviously come first. Shop with a merchant who uses secure shopping cart systems. To ensure that, buy from a reputed company. This will help you get rid of the risk of fraud and substandard quality.

Before you purchase an item, research it. Browse the web sites selling the product and read customer testimonials. A shopping directory will help you identify the best online shopping deals. Since they are linked to a large number of sites, they will be able to group stores category wise. For more details visit to www.auction-profits.com .Many online shopping directories also have reviews of the stores they feature.

Visit a number of websites before you finally buy an item. This will help you find the lowest price and deals on products that you wish to buy. Some websites even have discounts and attractive coupons or special offers.

Before you click the ‘Buy Now’ button, have a clear idea of the return and delivery policy of the company you are dealing with. Most reputed online shops will list only those items that they have in stock. However, it pays to check whether the item you want is in stock or not. Select a store that has quick order processing turnaround times.

The world is gradually marching towards a severe energy crisis, what with an ever-increasing demand of energy overstepping its supply. We have always known that the energy we use everyday is not unlimited, yet we take it for granted. Oil, gas, power, even water has limited availability. Yet, we have not taken enough precautions to deal with a possible energy crisis. When I say ‘we’, I am not referring to the governments but to all of us, the common people.

Oil and gas have already become too expensive, and with each passing day, they are moving towards being extinct. Some ignorant people think that energy crisis is a myth. They fail to see the big picture. There have been three major energy crises so far – the 1973 oil crisis, the 1979 energy crisis, and the 1990 oil-price hike, apart from several regional crisis.

Prices have been rapidly increasing for the last five years, thanks to the ever-increasing demand and the increasing shortage of energy resources.

How soon will it be all gone?
Are the cynics right in saying that we are making a mountain of a molehill, or is the energy crisis for real? Picture this: We have already exhausted 50 percent of the available oil. At the current rate of consumption, the rest of the oil will finish in 32 years! Imagine if the rate of consumption increases! We all know it is bound to increase. So, even the present generation will face an acute energy crisis in the later years, let alone future generations.

What are we doing about it?
Are we equipped to face the impending energy crisis? What can you and I do to tackle it? For starters, we need to understand the importance of energy in our lives and stop taking it for granted. We have to minimize the use of oil, gas, electricity, or any other fuel. We cannot afford to waste any available energy. It is also important to spread awareness about limited availability of energy resources. Simple things like joining a car pool, switching off car engines at traffic lights, and minimizing the use of gas and oil in everyday activities will help a long way in crisis-readiness.

What are the alternate energy options?
As a responsible world citizen, start looking for alternate energy solutions like solar energy and wind energy. Employing these alternate power solutions is extremely feasible and cost-effective. You will not only cut down your power bills but also contribute to a better future of the world.

Make power at home with solar and wind energy to eliminate your power bill. Get our complete guide at http://alternaterenewableenergy.com/energy

There is nothing to match the value of the celebrations and traditions of a nation. It is a time of national solidarity when the general community and families come together and forget the day to day grind and celebrates a holiday, for a particular purpose. It is a way of expressing the very heart of the nation and a time for the people to express themselves.

Yet, there are some really whacky ways of celebrating if you care to look for them.

•You can run with the bulls in Pamplona,
•Or race bulls in Madura. Either contest is a public bone crunching, horn-goring festival.
•If you want something quieter, trip over to Alice Springs in the dry heart of Australia. There you will find the Todd Regatta in a riverbed that normally has no water. The boats are bottomless and without paddles, or motors. They are usually constructed from beer cans, which have been eagerly emptied by the boat builders. The teams run up the riverbed with their feet sticking out of the bottom of their boats. In 1993 the race was cancelled owing to the threat of a once in a blue moon rain storm.
•Coopers`s Hill in Gloucester England is the scene of a whacky contest where the contestants somersault, chase, roll and tumble after a wheel of cheese down a ridiculously steep hill. First aid people must stand by as the result is numerous broken bones, sprains and bruises. No one has ever been able to catch up with the cheese however, whoever gets down the hill first is allowed to keep the giant wheel of cheese.
•In Greater Manchester UK they throw black puddings
•While the Scots are legendary in their ability to throw large items.
•The cheese-chasing feat is less daunting than when horses and riders race down a 69 meter slope with a 62 degree angle, known as Suicide Hill in Washington.
•In the UK and Finland there are mobile phone throwing championships,
•While in Wisconsin State, USA, there is a champion dry cow pad (manure) throwing contest.
•If you prefer it hot, Finland is the place for you to compete in the Sauna Bathing Championships. Every 30 seconds the heat is turned up, but the contestants must keep their naked bums firmly on the wooden seat, while remaining seated in an upright position. The last person left in the sauna is the winner.
•Every August thousands of Spaniards take part in the La Tomatina festival in Bunol. Truckloads of tomatoes are pulled in each year and dumped in the city centre. The people throw tomatoes at each other for the whole day, but the only rule is that the tomato must be flattened in the hand first, before being thrown. Even elderly grandmothers have been known to take part.
•In Kawasaki there is a festival where the men carry 12 foot phallus and the women two foot versions. No one is quite sure what this festival celebrates.
•There is a Boryeong Mud Festival on the East Coast of Korea for fully clad contestants
•While France has a yearly International Contemporary Mime Festival.
•In Vanuatu there is the annual land dive on the tropical island of Pentecost to celebrate the end of the yam harvest. The virile young men of the village dive off a 30 metres high, very rickety looking tower, using home-made vines. The aim is to let their shoulders (or heads) brush the ground. All this in order for the next yam harvest to be a good one. The English Queen Elizabeth witnessed the death of one of the participants in 1976.
•In the Rocky Mountains there is an annual ball where daughters pledge their purity to their dads. Some do not even permit a kiss before their wedding day and many never dance with anyone other than their father or brothers. Tough luck on all the single guys of the area.
•Japan hosts the Naked Festival. All male contestants are dressed in oversize diapers and parade through the winter streets. Bystanders throw cold water over the contestants, who drink copious amounts of sake in an effort to stop from freezing.
Many people take their national holidays with them when they emigrate. Some celebrations have become so popular in the host country, they have been adopted outside the immigrant community. It has often become difficult to assess the origin of a celebration.
•Halloween was Irish in its origin. Now many countries around the globe celebrate Halloween, particularly the United States of America, where it is the second largest decorative festival, after Christmas.
•Easter and Christmas which originated in the Middle East have become universal celebrations handed down through the churches and adopted by commerce.
•Numerous countries now claim the Beer Festival, (originating in Munich) as their own beer festival
Other celebrations remain more localized to a particular community inside the host country.
•While Chinese New Year is limited to the Chinese population in a country, there are many countries around the globe where it is celebrated.
•Thanksgiving is an American harvest festival. Americans all over the world, stop to celebrate this festival.
•Melbourne Cup Race Day is celebrated by Australians, no matter what country they live in.
While many feel festivals express something about the people who celebrate them, I wonder! It is important as a universal community, however, that we respect without censure, how and what others choose to celebrate. Each festival meets a particular need in the individuals of that nation and becomes an integral part of their way of life. Maybe you can come up with some whacky celebration of your own.

Every year, the U.S. Tour Operators Association, a professional association of travel agents and tour operators who arrange travel for more than 10 million travelers every year, runs an informal survey among members to name the world’s top vacation destinations. Year after year, one country tops the list of international vacation destinations – Italy, the heart of civilization, the cradle of romance and the home of the Holy See.

What is it that makes Italy so special? The spectacular scenery and warm, wonderful climate are only the background of the picture. Italy is a colorful mosaic of travel experiences, a delicious mélange of flavors and cultures that offers something for every traveler. From cosmopolitan culture buff to adventurer, from the serious student of history to the socialite, Italy truly is the country that caters to them all and everyone in between.

Italy’s cities and countryside offer a true embarrassment of riches. You could easily spend months touring the countryside and never see half of what the country has to offer. What is it that brings so many to bella Italia every year?

See Italy for the Art
Italy was the center of the Renaissance, and is one of the most artistically rich countries in the entire world. According to UNESCO, half the world’s artistic and historic treasures are located in Italy. In Florence, Venice, Rome, Naples, Milan and other cities, you’ll find artistic and architectural wonders that you won’t find anywhere else. Michelangelo, da Vinci, Botticelli, Tintorello, Correggio, Donatello – the most famous artists of all the eras worked and left their legacies in frescoes, paintings and statues throughout the country. And while much of the art is held in museums in nearly every city, there is art everywhere, from the stunning stained glass windows in a tiny chapel in Abruzzi to the painted ceilings of cathedrals.

See Historic Italy
History lives in Italy. Long known as the cradle of Western civilization, Italy’s cities and countryside are a treasure trove of historical sites. You can walk the Via Appia and feel the weight of centuries drop away as you realize that two thousand years ago, this very road was traveled by the armies and citizens of Imperial Rome. Visit the Coliseum in Rome, or wander through the preserved city of Pompeii and become a part of history. And of course, there is the Vatican, the walled city inside Rome that is the home and the heart of the Catholic Church, where scholars come to study ancient texts and treasures.

Visit Italy for the Scenery
The scenic vistas of Italy are as varied as its twenty regions. From snowcapped mountains to sweeping, white sand beaches, the natural beauty of Italy is as alive and vivid as the paintings of its most famous artists. When you venture beyond the cities, you’ll still find the untamed beauty of the Tuscan hills with their craggy, winding paths and terraced vineyards. You can wander through twenty three national parks and nearly 500 protected nature preserves that are protected by the government. There are sea cliffs and alpine mountains, rolling hills and open plains. And there is always, of course, the sea with its ever-changing yet everlasting face.

Come to Italy for the Food
Italian food and hospitality is famous the world over for its abundance. Abondanza is a concept that is well-understood in the Mediterranean country. Everywhere you go, you’ll find groaning tables and open, welcoming arms inviting you to mangia! Mangia!! A full tour of Italy is a gustatory delight, for there is no single style of Italian cooking. Instead, each region of Italy has its own unique flavors and combinations that are drawn from the local specialties and available foods. Tuscany is famous for its seafood, Milan for its rich sauces and complex flavors, Bologna for its traditional red sauce. Eating and drinking well is a way of life in Italy, and whether you treat yourself to a fine meal in one of Rome’s five-star restaurants, or stop at a roadside ristorante in a small province, you’re sure to be served the best of the best.

To Your Health!
Italy has been famous for its thermal spas and springs since the times of Hippocrates. Italian spas enjoy the benefits of both sea and fresh water springs. Hot water thermal springs are plentiful, thanks to the country’s geological peculiarities and the network of underground volcanic springs. Today, the thermal spas are a popular attraction in nearly every region of Italy, and have become popular holiday destinations in their own rights. Italian health spas offer more than just the baths. Many are located close to cultural and leisure attractions, and make a wonderful base of operations for your stay in the country.

Travel Gems in Italy
If you visit Rome, spend at least one day just walking around the city. You’ll discover many tiny sites and historical finds that are not on any tourist map. These sites may have been uncovered during the construction of another building and never completely excavated, but are there to stumble across and enjoy away from the bustling crowds.

By all means, visit the well-known museums in the major cities, but for a real treat take a drive outside the cities and seek out small towns and villages. You’ll discover some of the most amazing and unexpected treasures tucked into alcoves or painted on the walls of village churches throughout the country.

Skip the hotels and rent a villa or cottage in a small town if you’re staying in Italy for more than a few days. In many cases, it won’t cost much more – and will often be less – than a stay in a good hotel, and your hosts will treat you as part of the family while you’re there.

Italy is a country of contrasts and beauties whose charm grows deeper and warmer with every visit. It’s no wonder that it regularly tops the list of holiday destinations worldwide, or that so many who visit return again and again to its warm and welcoming arms.

This article on Italy travel was brought to you by daily travel air.

A beautiful natural landscape filled will an amazing terrain, geysers, hot springs and other natural thermal areas which surprise you with its innumerable natural assets on every step. That’s Yellowstone National Park for you. Welcome to the incredible land, welcome to the Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone National Park has a unique history. It is the world’s first national park which was given the status in the year 1872. To add to it the Yellowstone National Park is also a UNESCO world heritage site which boasts of its significance on the global map. In all the Yellowstone National Park is a great example of natural diversity and beauty. It is strikingly jeweled with geysers, hot springs, boiling mud pools, and other geothermal features along with an abundant wildlife which include grizzly bears, wolves and free roaming herds of bison and elks.

The Yellowstone National Park is a lively center of tourist activities which is on the rise every year. It is located in the western states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. People come to see the rare and unique geothermal activities happening in this area and moreover the innumerable holidaying options they get with the Yellowstone National Park. At Yellowstone National Park it’s a mixed feeling of adventure which one enjoys with natures uniqueness. While holidaying in Yellowstone National Park you can have many options at your disposal. You can mesmerize yourself with the unique shows going on this terrain which you won’t find anywhere else. Or you can go on camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, swimming etc. with utmost closeness to nature. But whatever you choose for, always remember you are in a national park and hence you must follow all the rules to practice maximum safety.

What to see is a debatable issue at Yellowstone National Park cause of the options. You can start your schedule with Mammoth, Norris, and Madison, Geyser basins including the Old Faithful, Grant Village, Lake Area, Canyon, and Tower-Roosevelt etc. You can also devote some time to wildlife seeing which is also aplenty in Yellowstone National Park.

The number of visitors in Yellowstone National Park is increasing every year and that is why the hotels in this area have increased. Now finding a good stay at the park area is not a problem unless you are here in the peak season without prior reservations. The hotels in Yellowstone National Park are suitable for almost every budget and it is hardly a problem if you are on a tight one. Moreover the restaurants in this region guarantee full satisfaction of the taste buds with the delicacies they serve. From whichever continent you are you will find the food appealing. Some of the regular facilities offered by the hotels in Yellowstone National Park include air conditioned rooms, car rentals, airport pick and drop facilities, swimming pools, health clubs, spas, restaurants etc.

For everyone at the Yellowstone National Park it’s a totally different experience of being. So why are you waiting, pack your bags and set out for the white sands of the Panama City and have an experience of a lifetime.

Looking for more information on Yellowstone Hotels check out Yellowstone-Hotels.net your guide to Yellowstone Hotels

April is a special time in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai, as it hosts one of the most important festivals of the year. Work comes to a standstill and students are on holiday as the crowds pour onto the streets for what must be the largest water fight seen anywhere around the world. Thailand knows how to party.

Local vendors who would normally be selling paper lanterns and silk shirts suddenly appear with huge arsenals of plastic pistols, guns and buckets. The crowds congregate at the city`s moat, and all hell breaks loose as the entire population are soaked from head to toe.

Songkran is a time of year when the Thais can party and celebrate for a whole week. It marks the middle of the hot season with temperatures in excess of 37°C (100°F), and is the perfect opportunity to cool down with a dousing of water. Some of the old traditions may have been lost, but the atmosphere is one of friendliness and fun.

Tourists in Thailand are, of course, welcome to join in with the celebrations, and you will be greeted with the same drenching that everyone else receives. In fact, it`s a great time to discover the importance of sanook (fun) in Thai culture as the festival epitomises this concept in every way. The pictures of Chiang Mai in songkran say it all.

The few residents who don`t care to join in usually have to leave town, as it`s impossible to stay dry. Wherever you go in the city, you will find children lurking on streets and hiding behind vehicles, ready to give you a soaking. If you`re riding a motorbike or travelling in a tuk-tuk, then you`re still a target and are unlikely to reach your destination dry.

The heart of the celebrations is the Old Town, and Chiang Mai`s ancient moat couldn`t be better suited for the occasion. As soon as the festival starts, the moat area is transformed into one big swimming pool and water-fighting arena, as masses assemble on the attractive grassy banks and adjoining streets. You`ll find water taps to replenish your guns in the central area, and most of the bars and restaurants have large water tanks as well. Chiang Mai is the perfect place to celebrate Songkran every year, and thousands of people arrive from Bangkok to join in with the fun and parties. In fact from all over Thailand.

Songkran marks the New Year in the Thailand traditional calendar, and it`s a time when people traditionally get together with their families to celebrate. One of the traditions long associated with the festival is the spring cleaning of houses as the dry season finishes and the monsoon rains begin. Rice is one of the most essential crops grown in the country, and Songkran is used to encourage the rains to support it. It takes place all over the country even in Bangkok.

The connection with water first started with a ceremonial cleansing of the Buddha at the local temple, and pouring of water onto the shoulders of family elders and villagers. It has slowly evolved over the years to become the mass water fights witnessed in every town and city. It’s a great opportunity to get unique pictures of Chiang Mai. Thailand looks great in the wet.

Visitors may not always experience it, but there is far more to Songkran than throwing water. The larger cities tend to have a programme of different events, while most towns will have traditional blessing ceremonies and processions. Chiang Mai hosts a beauty contest, traditional costume displays, a parade of floats and frequent religious rites. It`s an important time to pay respect to village elders, and families will offer food hampers and receive a blessing in return.

Thais are known for having a reserved and somewhat shy demeanour; however, Songkran is an opportunity for them to cast aside the cultural stereotype without fear of being judged. You`ll see plenty of attractive girls sporting skimpy numbers that would normally be frowned upon, while ladyboys and the gay community proudly flaunt their perfect bodies for everyone to see. The hierarchal nature of Thai society is completely forgotten as everyone gets a soaking and joins in with the fun. Remember to bring your camera. There are some great pictures. Chiang Mai is very photogenic, even in the wet. Don’t forget a protective plastic sheet.

If you plan to visit Chiang Mai during Songkran then heed advice as it can be chaotic and disorganised. Many people come up from Bangkok. Travelling around the city can take a long time as the traffic may be gridlocked, and be extra careful if you are on a motorbike as it`s normal to receive a face full of water from anyone near you. Riding in a tuk-tuk may be a little bit safer, but you will likely end up just as wet. Electrical items such as cameras and mobile phones should be placed in sealed plastic bags. The most important thing to remember is to try and keep a sense of humour. The majority of the water fights finish after sunset.

1stop Chiang Mai

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Thailand culture and festivals

It all started as a girls’ week at the Savute Elephant Camp. It was going to be me and three of my closest girlfriends heading on our way to a Botswana safari escapade.

Savute Elephant Camp…

When we arrived at the camp, the difference of nature in the Savute Channel district was striking. The word ‘arid’ came to mind as we drove up to our accommodation. We were a bit early for the rainy season and the grasslands were not as green as they would be after the rains. An eerie dry wind was howling, emphasizing our atmosphere for adventure.

After unpacking, we settled on the veranda of our thatch chalet with some champagne to celebrate the first day of our girl’s week. Nina put in a toast of wealth, health and a weekend filled with adventure. Yes, this was going to be a good one.

A different kind of alarm…

After spending the rest of our day and most of the night, sitting on the veranda relaxing after a long journey, we eventually went to bed, only to be woken up just after five in the morning. To say I almost had a heart attack wouldn’t be far from the truth. When you wake up with the sudden sound of trumpets and absolute no idea where you are, the sound of elephants closing in is absolutely terrifying! Claudia actually gave a bit of a scream.

The four of us stormed out to the veranda to the most magnificent sight of a family of elephants a few meters away from us. Between us and them was what used to be a massive lake, but due to the sweltering heat has evaporated into what was now a small kind of dam. Almost everybody at the camp, still in their pyjamas, was enthralled by the sight of the elephants quenching their thirst.

As the day grew hotter…

After our rude awakening, we decided that we might as well get up and dressed. There was no way any of us would be able to fall asleep again. So after a real early breakfast at six-thirty in the morning, we were on the back of the 4×4, ready for our first Botswana safari trip.

During our five hour trip, the day just grew hotter and hotter by the minute. I was really starting to miss the luxury of an aircon; it’s one of those small things that you kind of take for granted in your everyday life.

We saw several kinds of bucks, but the highlight of the day was the pack of wild dogs. They make the oddest sounds. It’s not as funny as the hyena’s laughter, more of a kind of screeching sound. The wild dogs were much friendlier on the eyes than on the ears though. With their cute big round ears, you could see they were on a mission, but the game ranger informed us that no attack was about to happen since they had some younger ones with them. Apparently they are extremely efficient hunters, always attacking their prey in a pack.

Being lazy…

After our outing, we headed back to camp. It was time for us girls to get lazy. The hot sweltering heat left little for the imagination, except being on a horizontal position under a fan with an ice cold beer in one hand.

And that is exactly how the rest of the day passed. Michelle was doing a bit of catching up on the latest gossip news, Nina was reading some designer magazine, Claudia her romance and I was happy with my latest addition of an Allende novel.

I think most people would want to know why four young females wouldn’t rather want to book in at some spa for a girl’s week away, but the truth is that the four of us would rather spent our holiday time in nature, camping or hiking. It’s not that we don’t like spoiling ourselves in such way; it’s just that we always need a little bit more adventure, and what better way to spend it than on a wildlife safari?

Author Bio:
African Game Lodges offers a range of African destinations including the Savute Elephant Camp in the Chobe National Park in Botswana.

Author: Lulie Swanepoel

For many, the world’s greatest New Year celebrations take place in Edinburgh and they certainly wouldn’t want to be anywhere else when the clock strikes midnight on 31st December. Four continuous days of exuberant celebrations, during which the city is alive with magical and amazing days and nights of entertainment, start on December 29th and climax on New Year’s Day.

Annually, over 100,000 revellers descend on Edinburgh to welcome in the New Year known to the Scots as Hogmanay. Although the origins of that phrase remain uncertain there are many different theories. According to whom you believe Hogmanay has its origins in French, Anglo-Saxon, Flemish, Gaelic, Scandinavian, or even Viking culture!

A torch lit procession on the evening of December 29th kicks-off the extended celebrations. This is a stunningly visual family event which involves hundreds of characters in fancy dress carrying torches trailing behind a group dressed as Vikings, who in turn are dragging a traditional Long Ship up Edinburgh’s Carlton Hill. A fantastic firework display signals that the procession has reached its destination, and then the torches are thrown into the Ship providing an incredible climax as it burns bright; visible from many parts of the city.

On the night before Hogmanay, the city holds a monster Ceilidh which provides street theatre, music and dance for all to enjoy. Then, onto New Year’s Eve when the city is literally buzzing with anticipation as tens of thousands of partygoers fill the streets. If this description of the New Year celebrations is whetting your appetite and you are now considering going to the next Hogmanay, it is worth bearing in mind that as many revellers come from outside Edinburgh getting a hotel room can be a challenge. It is best to book well in advance as many of the bigger independent hotels and large chains such as Thistle hotels offer reasonably priced Hogmanay packages.

With so many people wanting to be part of this exciting spectacle only those holding passes, which can be bought in advance, are allowed into the central party area. There is a huge choice of pubs, restaurants, and outside entertainment centered on Princess Street. Three stages all host live music, two giant screens broadcast the revelry, and there is a Ceilidh in the gardens. At midnight a magnificent fire work display erupts over the seven hills signifying the start of the New Year and everyone joins hands to sing “Auld Lang Syne”.

After the official welcome to the New Year the party continues until the early hours but the festivities certainly don’t stop there. On New Year’s Day witness the thousands of brave souls who take a dip in the freezing cold Forth River, in a ritual known as the Loony Dook. It’s all for charity as is the reason why many others will be running the Royal Mile.

For the kids there is a duathlon which involves a 600 metre run, two miles cycling, and then a further 600 metre run. Adults can take part in a grueling triathlon, if they really feel the urge! Alternatively, take it easy after the night’s exertions and treat yourself to Edinburgh’s Dogmanay; husky dogs racing through Holyrood Park.

Perfectly placed in the heart of Beijing, Forbidden City is a graceful historical marvel which China proudly displays. Known as Gu Gong in Chinese, this world renowned heritage site was the majestic palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties and its 980 buildings with 8707 bays of rooms symbolize traditional Chinese architecture. This dazzling historical site has been the inspiration for many cultural and architectural developments in Asia and excels as the largest surviving palace complex in the world.

From ancient times Forbidden City has aroused awe and admiration of its visitors due to its glorious architectural splendour and historical insight. At present it houses the Palace Museum which displays a massive collection of artifacts ranging from Ceramic to Jade. The exhibits are centered on Quing imperial collection while the imperial libraries contain one of the largest preservations of historical books and documents.

The surrounding walls intensifies the magnificence of Forbidden City and serves as defensive as well as retaining walls. The one surrounding the palace is 7.9 meters high and elegantly poised at the four corners are four towers which have been the focal point for much folklore. On each side of the wall are two gates known as the Meridian and the Gate of Divine Might. In addition to these are another two gates towards the east and west referred to as the East Glorious Gate and the West Glorious Gate, all these splendidly decorated by a collection of golden door nails. In close proximity is Raffles Beijing, one of the most sought after Beijing hotels equally admired as an icon of Beijing’s historical heritage providing exceptional lavish amenities to its visitors. A trip to the charming city of Beijing would not be complete without exploring the overwhelming Forbidden City and Raffles Beijing surpasses as one of the best luxury hotels in Beijing to experience the wonder of this historical city while indulging in the hotel’s innumerable comforts.