Hong Kong is a city of lights- it was awarded the world's largest permanent lights and sound show, and it earned its place in the World book of records. This is a nightly 15 minutes, showcasing a symphony of lights which starts at 8 PM and gives an energetic spectacle of neon lights. This magical show combines interactive lights of 33 key buildings of booth Hong Kong and Kowloon islands with magical musical effects to showcase the vibrancy and glamorous night of the Victoria Harbour. Romantic walks along the piers and the Islands' long stretched promenades are a must- you must not shy away from these calming walks.

Hong Kong at night is a lively city and it will put a sparkle back in your life if you are a sea food lover. Dining at various sea food restaurants that surround most of the waterfronts in all the islands, you get to order your own fill from the fish tucks displaying live sea delicacies- You will no doubt enjoy feasting on the delight of Chinese Sea food cuisines. Aboard a Chinese pleasure junk boat, which sails to Lai Yue Mun fishing village, not only will you experience a great sail on a Chinese primitive transportation, but you will enjoy an intoxicating view of the islands and the high rise residential buildings which line the islands shores.

Cooking classes won't be a bad idea, not only to enjoy the taste food but learn to cook Chinese food even when you return home. You will learn how to prepare Chinese dishes from basic culinary art, to the oriental sophisticated dishes, like Dim Sum, fried rice, or a succulent fish dish. The Chinese use a wok, and their food is cooked on high heat, normally, they use only the freshest produce- be it meat , fish or vegetables. Part of the Chinese cuisine art is the blending of tastes to produce a mouth watery dish, and their greens are steamed to return the freshness and colour of the vegetables. The Chinese appreciate their food, which mostly comprises of the best ingredient with healing elements. With the Chinese, eating is an art- from the way you use the chop sticks to chewing, down to the swallowing and sipping of your teas. You can get more information on places to find self cooking restaurants at the hotel desk.

If your passion is shopping and bargain hunting- take advantage of your Hong Kong holiday, and visit the well known flea markets of Mong Kok and Stanley markets. An open bus tour will ignite your spirits too, and it starts from Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), and will take you along Hong Kong golden mile on Nathan road to Canton road where you will visit the famous Ladies Market in Monk Kok, known for its off the hook bargains. Price negotiations are like a sport here, and if you are good, you will meet your match in the shrewd, but polite traders.

Hong Kong's natural beauty offers unspoiled natural parklands and intoxicating sceneries. Experiencing a Sub-Tropical, like Mediterranean climate, and mountainous landscape, Hong Kong is favoured by backpackers from all over the world. Hiking in Hong Kong is one of the great outdoor adventures, even for the locals, a good break from their appreciation of food, which of course is healthy and healing. Venture out to two of the best known peaks; the Amah Rocks and the Lion Rock country parks. The walk starts with a visit to the Che Kung Temple in shatin. The Temple is a dedication to general Che who earned his respect and fame for his loyalty during the last days of the Sung dynasty, which rule from AD960-1279. From the Temple you will walk uphill to the legendary Amah rock- the Amah rock has a legend tale by its unique appearance. The rock tip is believed to be the remains of a petrified woman, whose husband, a fisherman feared dead by drowning, but she sits there, facing the waters, in wait of her husband's return. From here you have a magnificent, impressive view of Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong's highest mountain. Then the trail will take you up- separating kowloon and the New Territories, the path leads you up to 495 meters-high Lion rock, which gets its name from the close resemblance to a Lion head. The Lion rock gives you a splendid view of the kowloon urban grid, Victoria harbour and Hong Kong Island. The hike heads down along hilltop ridges, going around the Eagle Nest mountain where you will have glimpses of monkey troupes. This is also a great nature reserve, and your long hike brings you down to Old Tai Po road.

Another favoured, spot is the Lantau Island- double the size of Hong Kong Island, this lush greenery has much to offer you. Not only does it accommodate the city airport, but it is also a great outdoor destination. With its high peaks, mostly in the mist, deep valleys and usually deserted sandy beaches, it is an opposite of the urban grid, with its unspoiled countryside, which makes Hong Kong so distinctly an attraction of its own merit. You may also want to cross the famous bridge the native way by boarding a boat from Central which takes 45 minutes to one hour to get a close up view of the Tsing Ma Bridge, which connects Tsing Yi Island to Ma Wan. You can also get a great view of the Bridge from Lantau Link Vistors Centre deck and viewing platform.

while you are on Lantau island, visit Ngong Ping, which sites a stunning spectacle of the Buddha statue measuring about 34 meters, which is the largest outdoor standing statue in the world. You can choose to walk the buddha mile by taking the 260 steps through the mountain ridge leading to the buddha statue and learn about the buddha history. Or you can take the new cableway, the Ngong Ping 360 degrees, which is approximately 20 minutes to cross over from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping. Ngong Ping village offers a diverse array of entertainment, dinning and souvenir shopping. You can finish your visit of the Island aboard the cableway Ngong Ping 360, back to Tung Chung City Gate Mall which houses factory outlets at bargain prices of Branded fashion- a must to visit if you are a brand cat.

There is so much to view in Hong Kong, from the great traditional Chinese culture, to the cosmopolitan hong Kong with its mega-architectural structures, and lifestyle. The once Isolated Island is growing rapidly, but this mountainous land will always be a retreat, hiding the Chinese hidden treasures, and a place of enchantment for the curious soul to find balance and harmony.

Hotels

Depending on your budget, you will get your money worth stay in the Hong Kong lavished hotels. Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), has a number of hotels , from two stars to five stars hotels. Most of the hotel costs includes a shuttle bus, gym, steamer, sauna, but massage therapies are charged at a minimal fee worth your take.

Transport

Hong kong transport system is one of the best in the world. Efficient and reliable you will never get lost in Hong Kong- MTR and KCR train companies are well structured serving the all of Hong Kong, inter-linking all the Islands, with a help of the Green and red taxis completing your transport satisfaction in the inner cities. Hong Kong has a very efficient pre-paid card called Octopus, you can buy it at any train station for HK$50 adults, and HK$28 for kids from 4 to under 12 years. An Octopus card is used for most of the Islands' transport, except the taxis, you can also use it to pay for your small expenditures, and you can top it up at participating convenient stores, like 7 Eleven and the train stations' inquiry desk. This card can be sold back and get your HK$50 back when you are leaving Hong Kong at any train station desk.

Visa

It is always good you check with the Hong Kong local embassy in your country if you may need an entry Visa to Hong Kong. Most of the countries, except the immediate neighbouring countries, do not need a Visa to enter- you receive a 90 days stay on entry stamped in your passport.

Currency

Hong Kong uses Hong Kong dollars and like other developed nations, you use credit cards to pay for your hotel fees. nevertheless, you need cash if you have plans to visit the flea markets, to pay for your transport, and some of the remote Chinese restaurants. Like any other travel destinations, do not carry too much cash around although Hong Kong has a very low crime rate in the world, be cautious. Tips are optional and you don't pay any sales tax- you pay the tag price and you are all set.

As one of the last remaining bastions of communism in the world, Cuba is gradually reopening its doors to tourism, although U.S. travel restrictions prevent U.S. tourists from traveling to Cuba directly. Most U.S. visitors arrive in Cuba by way of round-a-bout means such as flying from the U.S. to one of the countries which does allow Cuban flights and traveling on to Cuba. Technically speaking it is not illegal for U.S. citizens to visit Cuba, it's just illegal to spend any money there.

Traveling within the country for the tens of thousands of U.S tourists who visit the country legally or illegally each year is another issue entirely. Travel is very inexpensive, but it is also limited by poor road conditions, lack of space on public transportation systems such as buses and trains, and lack of comfort while traveling.

In the larger cities, particularly Havana you can find fairly inexpensive taxi service, including some taxis which are powered by bicycle or even horsepower.

People travel to Cuba for various reasons. Tourist types usually go to see the historical sights, of which there are many. In recent history, the bar made famous by the novels of Ernest Hemingway and the site of the Bay of Pigs invasion and two locations often visited by travelers. Further back in history, visitors are interested in various structures dating from colonial and conquest eras.

There are a number of fine museums, including one dedicated to Ernest Hemingway and the one called the Napoleonic Museum

The third major reason for tourist visits to Cuba is for the world famous resorts located there. With the loss of Soviet support in past years, Cuba desperately needs foreign revenue to maintain its economy. Several large joint venture type resorts with international companies or hotel chains are very popular with tourists. They contain the expected mix of beaches, swimming pools, marine activities and entertainment events.

Outside of the resort areas, there are shortage of such things as meat, so dishes in the past which would represent the uniquely Cuban cuisine are now at best poor imitations. Again, the price for food is less expensive that one would expect, even considering the quality or lack or it.

While Cuba has many hotel rooms, including some which go back to the colonial period, there is a concerted effort to rebuild the lodgings that will bring waves of international tourists to revitalize the Cuban economy.

Although there are some agricultural products which form a basis for Cuban economy, the best hope for the future of its economy is still the influx of tourists coming and buying products and services in the country.

Entertainment is a key factor of New Zealand that entwines the old with the new and attracts millions of people worldwide. New Zealand is known everywhere as the place with something to do at all times. New Zealand challenges visitors to do things they would never think about. It brings a whole new era of adventure and risk. New Zealand provides a vast variety of vacation spots from Ski lodges in Queenstown to an old time cottage in Otago.

Everything that everyone wants can be found throughout the quaint, little towns in New Zealand. This paper provides information on the history, climate, entertainment, and vacation getaways of the calm country of New Zealand.

The history of New Zealand is formed by many different people that together accomplished a huge goal of unifying the country.

The first people to inhabit New Zealand were the Maori, who traveled from the Polynesian Islands to explore an unidentified land. They lived there for many years, when in 1642, Abel Janszoon Tasman arrived from Holland. His exploration caused anger from the Maori, which led to fights. Finally, Abel left the island. After one hundred years, in 1769, James Cook, a British explorer arrived. Simultaneously, Jean Francois Marie de Surville, a French commander arrived. There, they both lived peacefully. Later on, missionaries, traders, and whalers arrived and set up settlements. On February 6th, 1840, the Maori signed a treaty with the British known as the Treaty of Waitangi. Today, New Zealand is made up largely of Europeans. Maoris now only make up 7.9% of the nation.

I remember the times I went on field trips to visit Maori tribes and learn about New Zealand's history. New Zealand definitely has a great history, filled with peaceful people, who rarely fought.

Aotearoa, meaning “Land of the Long White Cloud”, is the name the Maori people had given to New Zealand when they saw its climate.

The climate in New Zealand changes very quickly, but it still attracts many people. New Zealand has temperate climate with sharp regional contrasts. The climate is known to vary throughout the country. This unique climate has influenced the land in New Zealand. New Zealand has many temperate deciduous forests and natural wonders, like waterfalls. The far North has a subtropical climate. The average temperature of the north is 15 degrees Celsius, while the average temperature of the South is 9 degrees Celsius. The coldest times are in July and the warmest are January and February.

I always remember experiencing the cold fronts, when your hands would turn blue if you weren't wearing thick gloves. But, I also remember the hot sun shining on the sand dunes at the beach. New Zealand's climate has proved to be unique and amazing.

The best thing about New Zealand is the variety of things people can do. New Zealand has all the fun needed. There's sand boarding on those hot days and snowboarding on those cold days. New Zealand is home to the bungee jumping, where adventure seekers can hang on an elastic wire, while plunging head first into a lake off a cliff. Also, there is the shot over jet, which is heaven for the speed addicts. New Zealand is a hot spot for hiking and natural expeditions. There is luging and skiing spots that will blow your mind. There are many national parks that are not the normal parks. Visitors can get up close to exotic animals without being separated by a fence.

I had a blast experiencing the unique thrills New Zealand has to offer. If people want adventure, come visit New Zealand, which has been named “the most adventurous place in the world”.

The vacation spots in New Zealand are mind-blowing and will leave you more appreciating God's beautiful creations. New Zealand offers the most unique vacation getaways. Visitors can “live with the forest” inside a log cabin in one of many rainforests. People can live in triangular houses along the St. Kilda Beach or in Snowcapped lodges on snow covered mountains. They can live in a cottage outside a meadow where cows graze in the spring. Visitors can even go and live in a Maori tribe and experience daily life with them. There's no telling what the New Zealanders will think of next.

I can remember many times when I stayed in little cottages and lodges. It was an extraordinary experience I was fortunate enough to have. New Zealand provides every visitor with a unique vacation spot that they'll never forget.

New Zealand is land worth seeing because of its thrilling features. It has a sensational history, an attractive climate, amazing entertainment, and exclusive vacation spots. New Zealand's history is unique because of its tranquility. This feature amazes many visitors. The ever changing climate is thrilling and adventurous itself. This is a plus for meteorologists and agriculture. The entertainment here will keep you having fun all the time. You will not want to leave. Vacationing in New Zealand is an unforgettable experience for everyone who visits. New Zealand is a little island with a lot of fun.

New Zealand has definitely proven to the world that it holds a lot of fun.

A land that astonishes anyone fortunate enough to see it, New Zealand is a peaceful country that goes unnoticed by few. The factors of New Zealand come together like perfect pieces of a puzzle to form this heavenly island. Ever since 800 AD, the Maori people have explored and colonized in this vast region. New Zealand has a unique history, with very few wars. The climate in New Zealand is mild with cold, long winters. The weather largely depends on the mountains and the sea. Entertainment is a key factor of New Zealand that entwines the old with the new and attracts millions of people worldwide. New Zealand is known everywhere as the place with something to do at all times. New Zealand challenges visitors to do things they would never think about. It brings a whole new era of adventure and risk. New Zealand provides a vast variety of vacation spots from Ski lodges in Queenstown to an old time cottage in Otago. Everything that everyone wants can be found throughout the quaint, little towns in New Zealand. This paper provides information on the history, climate, entertainment, and vacation getaways of the calm country of New Zealand.

The history of New Zealand is formed by many different people that together accomplished a huge goal of unifying the country. The first people to inhabit New Zealand were the Maori, who traveled from the Polynesian Islands to explore an unidentified land. They lived there for many years, when in 1642, Abel Janszoon Tasman arrived from Holland. His exploration caused anger from the Maori, which led to fights. Finally, Abel left the island. After one hundred years, in 1769, James Cook, a British explorer arrived. Simultaneously, Jean Francois Marie de Surville, a French commander arrived. There, they both lived peacefully. Later on, missionaries, traders, and whalers arrived and set up settlements. On February 6th, 1840, the Maori signed a treaty with the British known as the Treaty of Waitangi. Today, New Zealand is made up largely of Europeans. Maoris now only make up 7.9% of the nation. I remember the times I went on field trips to visit Maori tribes and learn about New Zealand's history. New Zealand definitely has a great history, filled with peaceful people, who rarely fought.

Aotearoa, meaning “Land of the Long White Cloud”, is the name the Maori people had given to New Zealand when they saw its climate. The climate in New Zealand changes very quickly, but it still attracts many people. New Zealand has temperate climate with sharp regional contrasts. The climate is known to vary throughout the country. This unique climate has influenced the land in New Zealand. New Zealand has many temperate deciduous forests and natural wonders, like waterfalls. The far North has a subtropical climate. The average temperature of the north is 15 degrees Celsius, while the average temperature of the South is 9 degrees Celsius. The coldest times are in July and the warmest are January and February. I always remember experiencing the cold fronts, when my hands would turn blue if I was not wearing thick gloves. But, I also remember the hot sun shining on the sand dunes at the beach. New Zealand's climate has proved to be unique and amazing.

The best thing about New Zealand is the variety of things people can do. New Zealand has all the fun needed. There is sand boarding on those hot days and snowboarding on those cold days. New Zealand is home to the bungee jumping, where adventure seekers can hang on an elastic wire, while plunging head first into a lake off a cliff. Also, there is the shot over jet, which is heaven for the speed addicts. New Zealand is a hot spot for hiking and natural expeditions. There is luging and skiing spots that will blow people's mind. There are many national parks that are not the normal parks. Visitors can get up close to exotic animals without being separated by a fence. I had a blast experiencing the unique thrills New Zealand has to offer. I people want adventure, come visit New Zealand, which has been named “the most adventurous place in the world”.

The vacation spots in New Zealand are mind-blowing and will leave everyone more appreciating God's beautiful creations. New Zealand offers the most unique vacation getaways. Visitors can “live with the forest” inside a log cabin in one of many rainforests. People can live in triangular houses along the St. Kilda Beach or in Snowcapped lodges on snow covered mountains. They can live in a cottage outside a meadow where cows graze in the spring. Visitors can even go and live in a Maori tribe and experience daily life with them. There is no telling what the New Zealanders will think of. I can remember many times when I stayed in little cottages and lodges. It was an extraordinary experience I was fortunate enough to experience. New Zealand provides every visitor with a unique vacation spot that they will never forget.

New Zealand is land worth seeing because of its thrilling features. It has a sensational history, an attractive climate, amazing entertainment, and exclusive vacation spots. New Zealand's history is unique because of its tranquility. This feature amazes many visitors. The ever changing climate is thrilling and adventurous itself. This is a plus for meteorologists and agriculture. The entertainment here will keep you having fun all the time. You will not want to leave. Vacationing in New Zealand is an unforgettable experience for everyone who visits. New Zealand is a little island with a lot of fun. New Zealand has definitely proven to the world that it holds a lot of fun.

Cima Pius

Ms. Gomez English 7A

New Zealand

Informative Essay

April 29, 2006

Work Cited

1. Unknown. “New Zealand”. 2006. [http://www.concierge.com/destination/newzealand/logistics] April10, 2006.
2. Unknown. “New Zealand”. March 29, 2006. [http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/nz.html] April 11, 2006.
3. Unknwn. “New Zealand Climate: Climate in New Zealand”. 2003. [http://www.tourism.net.nz/about-new-zealand/climate.html] April 11, 2006.
4. Whitmore, Robbie. “New Zealand in History”. Tuesday, March 28, 2006. [http://history-nz.org] April 11, 2006.
5. Unknown. “New Zealand Entertainment: Entertainment in New Zealand”. 2003. [http://www.tourism.net.nz/new-zealand/about-new-zealand/entertainment.html] April 11, 2006.

Step aboard a traditionally decorated dhor (cabin cruiser boat) for an evening of fine oriental dining as you drift between the banks of Dubai's most beautiful most beautiful architectural landmarks.

As you dine in romance and comfort, your dhor guide will point out landmarks located along the creek such as the towering National Bank of Dubai, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Sheikh Saeed's expansive home and the charming Heritage Village.

The highlight of the moonlit dhor tour is the personalized onboard entertainment. You and your cabin-mates will be treated to a special show of traditional Arabic music and be serenaded by an authentic belly dancer as your drift through one of the most architecturally rich nations in the East.

Your evening meal includes a buffet dinner of either continental or oriental cuisine. You may also choose between soft drinks, traditional coffee, alcoholic beverages and mineral water.

The tour is approximately two hours long, from 8:30pm to 10:30pm. Rates are US $49 (Dhr. 180) for adults and US $27 (Dhs. 100) for children. Your cruise will pick you up to escort you to the creek between 7:00pm and 8:00.

Honeymooners and event planners: if you're looking for a special, private evening, you are invited to rent either half or the entire vessel for your group. The rate to rent the entire vessel is US $547 (Drs. 2,000) and to rent half of the vessel is US $231 (Dhs. 850).

There's simply no better or more personal way to acquaint yourself with Dubai than the moonlit dhor Dubai creek tour. Feel free to contact us for more information or fill out the form below to book your excursion today.

Explore Dubai's World-Famous Desert by Dune Buggy

Dubai is celebrated around the world its rich and mountainous desert landscapes. Spend an afternoon exploring the orange sands in your very own Quad Bike Dune Buggy.

Duny Buggying in the Dubai desert is one of every Dubai visitor's most memorable treats. Take off with your travel mates for 20-30 minutes of exploration. Along the way, you may encounter travelers on camels, desert towns and opportunities for sand boarding.

All participants are required to undertake a brief lesson in operating their Quad bike dune buggies. You will also be required to wear your helmet at all times.

Sign up now to experience the adventure, landscape and originality that has made Dubai world-famous and greatly celebrated.

Pamper Yourself with a Cold Scented Towel Upon Arrival in Dubai

You've traveled far to reach our desert paradise. Why not pamper yourself with a cold scented towel on your ride to your destination from the airport? We soak your soft towel in the finest Eastern scents, blended to both awaken and relax you at the end of your journey. You're in Dubai; you're in paradise!

Explore Dubai City with a Personalized Tour

Let an experienced guide share the magnificent city of Dubai with you and your travel-mates. On this special half-day excursion, we will begin our journey in Jumeira, Dubai's most picturesque and traditionally residential region.

We will invite you to explore the world-renowned Jumeira Mosque before wondering around the expansive Sheikh Saeed House. You'll have a rare opportunity to walk through the grounds that the ruling family once called home.

Pack your cameras for a scenic drive through Al Bastakiya, where we will end up at the enchanting museum located within the walls of the Al Fahidi Fort. Next, we'll board the Abra (water taxi) for a trip across the Dubai creek to the celebrated spice souk. We'll take some time to shop in the Gold souk - the most famous Dubai landmark.

Finally, our excursion will end at the market, where you'll be invited to wonder amongst the fresh fish, fruit and vegetable stands. Bring your appetite - all mouth-water products are fresh and homegrown or caught.