Red Light Discotheque

March 29th, 2010

The Red Light Discotheque is located nearby Whitehouse (lady bar) within the Colaba district. From Leopold or Voodoo it shouldn’t be more than 20 rupees at night time. There’s no sign that says “Red Light Discotheque” there’s just a red light! downstairs at the entrance. The entrance fee on weekdays is 1000 of which you can spend 800 in drinks (200 cover charge) and 1500 in the weekends of which you can spend 1000 in drinks (500 cover charge). Once you paid the cover charge, continue upstairs as the bar is on the first floor (right hand side) During the week days it closes 1:30 and in the weekend it closes 3:00AM. Be careful what you wish for, there’s NO re-entry! The beer price is 200 rupees, King Fisher only.

Main crowd is Indian, foreigners are allowed and present. The DJ booth is located on on your right hand side next to the entrance/exit. The bar has a long stretch, good air-conditioning and a large bar on the left side where you can order drinks. The bar is black and red, has several red bull signs and a glowing cocktail menu. In the back side of the bar is the VIP/Reserved area where all the upper class Indians go. There’s no entree for regular customers, and opposite sex couples are not a requirement. The area is divided with private booths, and most of the VIP guests keep ordering bottles of liqueur and food to entertain themselves. It’s quite difficult ordering a drink sometimes for regular customers during the weekends, you have to adjust to Indian style to get a drink; push, scream and try to get ahead of your turn.

When big cricket games are being played they will show it on a large projector screen keeping the entire disco from dancing just staring blind at the screen while drinking beer and whiskey. As it gets later, the Indian crowd, especially males start getting drunk and dancing rather wild on any particular song. Where westerns would just continue dancing regular, the Indians start jumping, pushing and hugging each other.

The toilets are located on the first floor, as you exit the discotheque area go straight than left. The toilets are made with glass walls & mirrors, I suggest you first take a look at the toilets before stumbling in wasted. Inside the discotheque smoking is an offense, the smoking area is on the first floor directly straight after you exit the disco/dance area.

Opening Hours Mon- Sun 7 pm – 1:30 am (Fri-Sat 7 pm : 3 am)

Red Light Disco & Dance Club
145, Mg Road, Above Khyber Restaurant
Near Rhythm House, Whitehouse, Kalaghoda, Fort, Mumbai
Mumbai, India
(+91) 22 66346246

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Oranjestad

March 28th, 2010

Oranjestad is Aruba’s capital city. Locally, however, it is only referred to as “Playa” in the Papiamento language. Unlike other cities that have to undergo transformations before becoming the capital, Oranjestad was the capital from the very moment it was established in 1796. The name comes from King Willem van Oranje-Nassau. After all, Aruba is part of the kingdom of the Netherlands. Oranjestad has a population of 35 thousand people according to the latest measurement.

The city of Oranjestad is found in the Caribbean island of Aruba. However, it is also part of the kingdom of the Netherlands. So when you are in the city, you will be surprised by the tropical setting being venues to Dutch architecture. The European influences are less blatant compared to other Dutch territories, however. However, the tropical beaches are enough to make you very interested. If you are visiting Oranjestad or any other part of Aruba, you do have to be prepared financially – touring the island can be quite expensive. It is all worth it though because Oranjestad is a beauty and its people are warm and friendly.

You can fly to Aruba, stopping on Reina Beatrix International Airport, which is 1.55 miles from the center of Oranjestad. When in Oranjestad, you can get around by taxi, bus, tram, or by hired car or motorcycle. If you are not planning to go around much, sticking to the city center, you may be better off walking or going for public transport such as a taxi or a bus. However, if you want to reach more destinations within the city and the whole island, you may have to rent a car. Tropical in climate, Oranjestad benefits from the cool trade winds; the average temperature is at 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

Usually, Aruba’s visitors are required to present a passport valid for at least three months. If you are from the United States, however, presenting a birth certificate and identification card may be enough. However, you should also accompany the documents with either a naturalization or alien registration certificate if you are not originally from the United States. You are also required to present your return ticket.

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Bergen

March 28th, 2010

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and the largest in the Western Norway region. Bergen is also the administrative center of Hardoland country. In the year of 2000 Bergen earned the title of European Capital of Culture along with 8 other cities in this region. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 265 thousand people.

The city of Bergen is located far west in Norway and is sheltered from the North Sea by a small number of islands. It’s situated along the latitude 60 degrees north with Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, Saint Petersburg and Anchorage. The city is one of the most hilly and mountain rich in Norway, it’s city center is surrounded by several mountains and peaks known as “Seven Mountains”. As it’s visible from anywhere in the city it’s adding true character to Bergen. The city is also part of the UNESCO list of cultural places, and has preservation spot as a World Heritage City. Further more the city is spread over several areas, all of them are completely safe for tourists and locals.

Bergen is an interesting travel destination with a number of sightseeing in and around the city, however it shows that most tourists find the laid-back ambiance, cultural landscapes and architecture more compelling that the regular sights and prefer spending time in the many cafe’s, taking a stroll in city center or the spacious parks, enjoy a concert or take a hike through the mountains. On hot summer days, it’s advised to enjoy the northern sunset from downtown Bergen. Although Bergen alone is enjoyable there’s some sightseeing’s to fill up open hours including Bergen Art Museum, The fish market (Fisketorget), Fløibanen, The West Norway Museum of Decorative Art, 18th century St. Jørgen’s Hospital, Bergen Aquarium, Statsraad Lehmkuhl, St. Mary’s Church, Bergenhus fortress and Bryggen. All by all Bergen is considered as one of the top travel destinations in Norway, not only by it’s locals but also elsewhere in Norway.

Americans do not need a visa for a visit of three months or less. In special cases, multiple entry visas may be given within a span of 6-12 months. Extensions on visas may be granted in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Proof of enough money to cover travel and accommodation costs may be required at the border.

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Valkenburg

March 28th, 2010

Valkenburg is town in the municipality Valkenburg aan de Geul, in the province Limburg. It includes the hamlets Emmaberg and Heek. Valkenburg has a high tourist character. The construction of the railway Valkenburg / Aachen in 1853 with a station in Valkenburg provided a good accessibility of the town. The old station is still in use. In 1885 was established in Valkenburg the first VVV of the Netherlands, to provide tourists of better information. There is something for everyone in Valkenburg, there is beautiful nature, caves and mines, amusement parks and cycling events and of course there are bars, hotels and restaurants.

Valkenburg is both nationally and internationally known as great location for cycling events. The World Cup was held four times, in 1938, 1948, 1979 and 1998., and in 1992 and 2006 an stage of the Tour de France arrived in Valkenburg. There are several country championships and arrivals in overnight rates and since 2003 the finish of the Amstel Gold race is on the top of the Cauberg.

The subterranean marl pits, as the Gemeentegrot and the Fluweelengrot, which are mined in Roman times, are beautiful to visit. In the Gemeentegrot you can see the natural conditions long before our era, by fossils and shell layers. There is also a fascinating overview of various art forms and lives of countless generations of people. You will find murals and plaques showing you the past

The Fluweelengrot is the oldest cave in South Limburg, it is a marlstone quarry excavation. The cave is a permanent naturally 12 degrees Celsius year-round. It has many secrets, like impressive wall murals, inscriptions, strange sculptures in the soft marlstone walls and a romantic chapel dating from the French period under Napoleon (18th century).

In the Second World War, during the German occupation, the cave served as a hideout for the people of Valkenburg and for the American troops. All these events have left their mark on this place, which we can still see today.

In the coal mine there is a atmospheric cinema underground. There you can see a unique film from the State Mines (DSM) from the mid sixties. This movie gives you a good picture of all facets of mining. After the film you can go along whit a former miner in the world of coal mining. Experience the hard, but impressive world of the miners, a journey past the machines, which were used for coal winning.

At Valkenburg there is fun for everyone. Amusements park De Valkenier is a family park, with a Dino World, the Lunar rocket, indoor Dwarves Play Land, a Little horses circuit and a Old-timer circuit. There are Bumper cars and Minicars a Roller-coaster and Fun-Sidings and a lot more.

Het Sprookjesbos is a theme park that is intended primarily for children, but walking around in the wonderful Fairy Tale Forest, even adult will have also fun, while watching one of the many beautifully depicted stories. They are all there, Hansel and Gretel, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Little Red Riding Hood.

At the head of the Cauberg there is a spa, the Thermae 2000 , where you can relax in the tropical heat of the thermal baths or even doze during an massage. In the Holland Casino you can play Roulette, Black Jack or slot machines. It is also an evening entertainment with fun, excitement and unique atmosphere, good food and entertainment. There is also a cable car in Valkenburg which takes you to the watchtower for a beautiful view. In winter there are several Christmas markets, even in the caves.

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Ordino

March 28th, 2010

The city Ordino is the most northerly parish in the Principality of Andorra, located between the capital Andorra La Vella and France. Other nearby settlements include El Serrat, Ansalonga, Sornàs, La Cortinada, Llorts, Segudet, and Arans. With a population of 4 thousand people as of latest measurement its one of the smallest cities in the country though it covers the largest area within the country.

The town of Ordino lies on the foot slopes of the Casamanya, a 8980 ft. tall mountain. As Ordino’s exact geographic location is in the center of Andorra it gives a spectacular panoramic view on several nearby cities as Andorra La Vella and Arinsal. The most important reason for Ordino to have tourists returning every October since 1983 is the International Narciso Yepes Festival which is a series of classical music concerts. The festival was once started by the guitarist Narciso Yepes, and later named after him. Ordino has a lot of small and narrow street with local bars and pubs, drinks are rather low prices, the town isn’t use to much tourists and hasn’t adjust yet to these standards.

The parish area of Ordino borders not only with France, but also other parishes of La Massana, Canillo, and Encamp. Each has its own unique kind and factors, when looking to travel outside Ordino it’s recommended to visit any of these settlements, to be amazed by the locals and their daily habits. In the extreme northwest at the height of 8612 ft. lies the ski resort Vallnord Ordino-Arcalis.

American and European citizens can enter Andorra after showing their valid passport and a return ticket to immigration. If the duration of your stay does not exceed 90 days, there’s no requirement for any type of visa. In general the city of Ordino has a low crime rate.

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Bhagwati Internet

March 24th, 2010

Searching for internet cafe’s in New Delhi can be a pain, they are either hard to find, not open or have 15 inch screen with windows 98 and internet speed & processors from stone age. Bhagwati Internet located upstairs from Bhagwatizone Drinks Corner in the center of Naiwala Koral Bagh gives a new dimension to internet cafe’s in New Delhi. As of March 2010 the internet cafe offers 2 computers with fancy 21 inch Samsung LCD flat-screens, 2.6 GHZ processors and 1MB memory which is being offered in combination with a 3 MBPS internet connection for a decent price.

Bhagwati Internet is more than just a internet cafe, in combination with the Drinks Corner they can serve drinks and foods when using the computer as well help you print, scan and fax (color) pages/photo’s, backup photo’s from your memory card on a CD, even book a taxi or railway & flight tickets.

When you just arrived in India, you will notice soon enough your going to need a local cellphone that works anywhere in India. In order to save numbers of taxi drivers or to call your hotel when your lost. You can either buy a cellphone in a regular store for full price or simply rent a phone from the Bhagwati Internet Cafe. Basically you will be paying the actual price the phone costs but have possibility to sell the phone back at the end of your trip for half the price. Example: Buy a 2000 rupees cellphone, go on a one month trip and receive a 1000 rupees back when returning the cellphone.

When both of the computers are occupied the owner will offer his own laptop for availability of a third person, as well there’s an older backup computer which can be used as a fourth.

The internet cafe can be found easily by following these directions, ask your Auto Rickshaw driver for the Koral Bagh area. Once you entered the Koral Bagh area (easily noticeable), take the first turn right than go straight. The Bhagwatizone Drinks Corner is located on your right hand side, right next to the C Park INN hotel. If you have issues finding the cafe, call the number (ask for Varun) and ask for directions.

Opening Hours Tue- Sun 8 am – 10.30 pm (Mon 8 am – 5 pm)

Bhagwatizone Drinks Corner
1026/17 Naiwala Karol Bagh, New Delhi
Tel: (+91) 9582759515
bhagwatizone@gmail.com

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Janjira Fort

March 12th, 2010

Janjira Fort which is the local name for the fort is located half a mile of the Rajpuri Village coast in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. The fort is famous for being the only fort along India’s western coast which remained undefeated even after the Maratha, Dutch and English East India Company attacks. It’s one of the must visit sightseeing while in Murud or surrounding villages. It’s mainly visited by Indian tourists who are on their way from Mumbai to GOA. The fort can be easily reached from anywhere in the Murud area, the Auto Auto drive back and forth from the main Murud market, a 1,5 mile bumpy road across the coast for the price of 5 Rs. (about $0.10). towards the harbor in Rajpuri Village.

From the Auto Auto stop it’s a 5 minutes walk to the Pierre where you will have to purchase a ticket in order to visit the Murud Janjira Fort for the price of 20 Rs. (about $0.40). The boats depart every 10 to 15 minutes towards the fort, they are old fashioned sailing boats without engines. About 10 people should be allowed on the boat, but the Indians try to fit in as many as they can.

The boat ride lasts about 15 minutes, is very relaxing and is giving great sightseeing of the Janjira Fort, which itself is absolutely huge! The fortress is about 500 years old, and once arrived they will start a tour which is in Indian (Hindi) language. The price of the tour guide is 30 Rs. per head, no English guides are available. Tourists are allowed to wonder around the fort for about 45 minutes free of charge giving unique opportunities of making endless magnificent pictures and video footage, which are free of charge to bring.

It’s advisable to go to the top of the fort, where the flag located giving you a fantastic view of the Janjira coast and the fort. It can get a bit windy up there, so be careful! Around the fort there’s a lot of Indian workers trying to clean up the fort. In the recent years tourists have written texts on the walls which is prohibited by law, as of March 2010 they are repainting the fort, and the most parts are under construction.

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Murud

March 11th, 2010

Once capital of the former Janjira state, nowadays the photo rich fisherstown of Murud which is situated about 102 miles south of Mumbai and can be easily reached by ferry/bus combination from the Gate of India as its located on the green west coast of Maharashtra. Janjira is the Marathi corruption of the Arabic word “jazirah” meaning “island”. Although the whole city was once called Janjira, the true meaning is defined by the mighty island fortress in the sea.

When you arrive in Murud by bus or taxi there’s just one main street leading through the city which is narrow and clean, one the sides are palm trees and colored houses, an gigantic empty beach can be found on the right hand side overlooking the outlines of the Casa Fort with nearby a few lodges like Sahil Lodge (from 600rs/night) as well a handful of hotels like Sea sight (from 800rs/night) providing cheap accommodation. Nearby these accommodation is another hotel/restaurant facing the beach named Vinajak Garden Family Restaurant providing cheap, fresh local foods for breakfast and dinner. It’s not a popular tourist destination but more of a stop-over for backpackers who are traveling from Mumbai towards Goa and back. 

The presence of the volatile Abyssinians can be felt like the tales of Murud’s past glory being told by the locals, as well can be seen by visiting the magnificent Sidi Palace that even today still stands on the outskirts of Murud village. The Sidi Palace brings a whole new dimension to tourist sightseeing with it’s 43 acres of land, old cannon’s, remnants of stone lion and a disused fountain covered with weeds and sculpture, not to mention the interiors of the Sidi Palace which is absolutely breathtaking unfortunately tourists are not allowed to go inside. Another great sightseeing in Murud is the Janjira Fort which is nearby the Janjira Village.

As earlier mentioned, the beach is empty besides for a few fishermen and kids riding buffalo’s with wooden cars, as well horses. You’re in for a surprise! Leaves you wondering why they don’t add a few beach shacks, restaurants and advertise Murud as a beach resort. As far our research, map wise Murud is the closest beach town from Mumbai and can be easily reached within 4 hours of convenient travel. It’s a perfect hide-away for Mumbai citizens and backpackers, but as of March 2010 has a serious lack of facilities. There’s just a few small shops that sell snacks and drinks although the Fish Market at the end of the beach is defiantly worth a visit. In the entire city of Muru there’s no ATMs (closes one is 19 miles away) and just a single internet cafe named “Fahim Internet Cafe” opened from 8:30 am to 11:00 pm (35rs. per hour) with 17 inch flat screens and a decent internet connection which is a few doors down from the Sahil Lodge.

The trip from Mumbai to Murud should cost you 144 rs. as of March 2010 for the ferry and bus from Gate of India to Mandrwa by ferry 45 minutes, from Mandrwa by bus to Alibag 30 minutes (2 in 1 ticket 110rs) total travel time 1 hours and 15 minutes. From Alibag central by bus (named tum tum) to Murud 2 hours (bumpy ride) for 34rs. Be sure to stock some extra drinks and snacks before proceeding to Murud by bus as there’s no air-conditioning. The tickets for the bus can be purchased in the bus.

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Dar Es Salaam

March 10th, 2010

Dar Es Salaam is the largest and richest city in Tanzania. When you translate its name, it means House of Peace in Arabic. The city was formerly named Mzizima, before the Sultan of Zanzibar needed a port on the mainland. Dar Es Salaam grew fast after World War II. It is located on the east on a natural harbour on the Indian Ocean and has a population of around two million people.

Dar Es Salaam is not the official capital city of Tanzania. The city is however home to the head offices of various governmental organisations. Most tourists see the city as a necessary stop, but it has lots of things to offer. It is a busy place with a great atmosphere, culture, beaches, markets and historical buildings. The harbour looks very picturesque and you can visit water parks. You can easily go shopping and eat at good restaurants. The city has a mix of African, Arabic and South Asian influences, and has Swahili roots, which offers many great sights around the centre.

The main sights of the city are the interesting Kariakoo market, the National Museum and the Botanical Gardens. You can also visit the Makumbusho Village Museum, the Askari Monument and Kivukoni Front. Or go see the Karimjee Hall, the Azania Front Lutheran Church and the St. Joseph’s Cathedral. The largest building in the city is the Benjamin William Mkapa Pension Tower that has more than 21 stores. When you are done walking through the city, you can relax at the beaches. Or you can enjoy scuba diving or deep sea fishing. Nearby sites close to the city are Bagamoyo, Bongoyo Island and Mbudja.

It is best to check the official website of Tanzania’s embassy in the United States for the latest information. Dar Es Salaam has relatively stable temperatures during day and night. It has a tropical wet and dry climate, as well as one short and one long rainy season. Most of the year it is hot and humid. The best time to visit is between June till early October, when it is dry and cool.

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Zierikzee

March 8th, 2010

Zierikzee is a small city in the municipality Schouwen-Duiveland in the province Zeeland. The city has a population of more than 10 thousand of people. At the end of the Middle Ages Zierikzee was an important city for the province and surroundings. It was damaged by the catastrophic flood of 1953 but helped by the English town of Hatfield. Since 1971 the city has a protected city view. It is connected to the Oosterschelde by a long canal.

The city of Zierikzee was probably founded around 976. Some farmers and fishermen started a settlement alongside a creek that ended up in the Gouwe. This was an important navigation connection between Vlaanderen, Holland and Zeeland. The city rights of Zierikzee were confirmed and extended in 1248. In 1304 the city won a battle with the Flemish army. The city was to the east and west extended after World War II.

Zierikzee is known for its monuments. Some of the walls, churches, towers and mills were founded in the 15th century. The most famous monument is the Sint-Lievensmonstertoren, a tower that is also called The Fat Tower. The city has a beautiful city hall that was built in the 16th century and rebuilt between 1772 and 1779. This building is somewhat similar to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Other beautiful sightseeing sights are the mills De Hoop and Den Haas, the Nobelpoort, the Noordhavenpoort and the Zuidhavenpoort. You could also visit the Maritime Museum, the 14th century old house called De Haene or the Gravensteen of the 16th century.

Travelers to Zierikzee need a valid passport and visa. American citizens are allowed to stay up to 90 days without the use of a visa. The best time to visit the city is during daytime summer from July till August.

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