Thursday, November 20, 2008

Ten Wonderful Things To Do In Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the favorite tourist destinations in Asia. This country is known for its wonderful shopping experience as well as modern way of living. If you are going to visit Hong Kong, prepare yourself for a wonderful blending of Western and Eastern cultures.

1.) Visit Repulse Bay

So far, this is Hong Kong’s most famous beach. Here, you will get to see the Chinese Pavilion that is home to statues of the traditional Chinese gods. This is also a wonderful place if you want to have a leisurely stroll and immerse yourself in Hong Kong sights and sounds.

2.) Visit Stanley Village

This is a very popular seaside village, and many tourists flock here yearly. You can find here a very trendy shopping center as well as the infamous Stanley Market where you can find lots of bargain items. This is also a good place for you to buy your souvenirs.

3.) Ride the Peak Tram

This is the best way if you want to reach the area called the Peak. Once you are in the Peak Tram, prepare yourself for the dizzying sights below and enjoy the seven-minute ride to the top. If you are afraid of heights though, this ride is not for you.

4.) Victoria Peak

This is where your Peak Tram ride ends. Once you reach Victoria Peak, be enthralled at the wonderful sight of the city below, especially if you visit Victoria Peak at night when Hong Kong city lights are brightly shining. You can also find excellent restaurants here, and what better way to enjoy dinner than having a beautiful sight at the same time?

5.) Party in SoHo

If you want the best of the modern world, then come to SoHo. In this place, you will surely enjoy the many international restaurants and bars that are located here as well as the shops. Be prepared for the night of your life here.

6.) Ride the Ngong Ping 360

Like the Peak Tram, this is not for those who are afraid of heights, but to those who are not, then be prepared for this beautiful cable car ride towards the Giant Buddha. During this ride, you will get fabulous 360-degree views of Hong Kong’s rugged terrain and the sea. The wonderful sight of the fertile valley below is truly something.

7.) Visit the Po Lin Monastery and the Giant Buddha

Your ride on the Ngong Ping will take you to these two tourist attractions. Here, you will get the chance to visit the Po Lin Monastery and enjoy its unique structure. Plus, you will also be fascinated by the seated Giant Buddha.

8.) Take a Walk on the Wisdom Path

This is surely something that a tourist must do when in Lantau Island, Hong Kong. This is also called the Heart Sutra. Here, you will see wooden pillars where the prayers are written, and what is interesting about it is that the pillars are arranged in the infinity symbol.

9.) Visit the Tai O Fishing Village

For a firsthand experience of Hong Kong culture, visit the fishing village of Tai O. You will surely become fascinated with the houses that are built on stilts along the creek. The families who live here are said to be direct descendants of the first settlers of Hong Kong and are called the Hanka People.

10.) Enjoy Causeway Bay

If SoHo is not enough for you, then you must definitely visit Causeway Bay. Here, you will definitely enjoy its malls as well as little shops and boutiques. If you want more bargain items, then definitely go to Causeway Bay’s street markets.

About the Author: Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/hongkong to view or share Hong Kong travel videos.

Source: www.isnare.com

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Friday, November 14, 2008

Retire Overseas: The Best Places To Retire In Asia

Choosing a place to serve as a retirement home is always a major decision for anyone. The right decision can lead to years of contentment, and a wrong one can be costly. In order to make the right decision, one needs to gather information about the various options before settling on one.

Here are some of the criteria you should consider when considering a retirement location:

Job Outlook - Since many people work at least part time after retirement, availability of jobs is required in the desired place.

Recreation - Shopping and sport events, access to outdoor recreation, from skiing and biking to walking and hiking.

Cost Of Living - It should be affordable; preferably less than the cost of living in the U.S.

Education - Good public education should be available since many will want to take advantage of continuing education. A scope of higher education should be available for the retiree in order to pursue a new career.

Travel - It should be well connected to the other cities and towns and be easily accessible.

Public Transportation - Transportation such as buses, taxis, trains and planes should be easily available, comfortable and low in cost.

Climate And Weather - this is a major factor that needs to be borne in mind while selecting a place for retirement.

Medical Care - Proximity to comprehensive, well-recognized health care facilities is a major factor to be considered when choosing a place to retire.

Food - A variety of food of all regions should be easily available at a reasonable cost.

If your budget and schedule permits, you should try living in the place of your choice before actually investing in any property. Local community rules should also be read carefully and understood before investing in any property in a foreign country.

Consider Asia in your Retirement Location Choices

Asia is a great retirement option for those seeking affordable yet comfortable living, without compromising on natural beauty, entertainment and great food. The largest of the seven continents, Asia is home to numerous countries, which vary in geographical form, from islands and peninsulas to plateaus and mountains. To top it all off, the continent is home to some of the world's most hospitable people, making it a perfect place to retire.

Below are some of the best places to retire in Asia:

Malaysia

Malaysia is blessed with a pleasant, warm climate, inviting shorelines of white sands skirted by crystal clear waters. Lots of public and private hospitals, recreational/entertainment facilities and developed and quality education system are also available.

Thailand

Thailand’s reputation as a holiday paradise and an exotic, colorful and easygoing country is well deserved. To add to this, Thailand has a sophisticated and modern culture, fantastic sceneries, cheap shopping options, wonderful food and great nightlife.

The Philippines

The Philippines are comprised of over 7,000 islands, with clear blue waters, white sand beaches and coconut palm trees. The climate is moderately warm all year. Day to day expenses are low, living is easy and the people are warm, friendly and helpful.

Laos

Located in Southeast Asia, the tiny country of Laos is also a great retirement option for those looking for something different. The culture, lifestyle and mannerism of the people of Laos is greatly influenced by the Buddhist religion.

India

India The country is rich in culture and traditions, the effect of which is clearly visible on its people who have distinctive manners, habits, and cuisine, relative to their specific geographical location.

These places offer just a minor glimpse into what Asia really has to offer. Varied landscapes, lifestyles, cultures and cuisines are just a few of the attractions that the continent boasts of. From a retiree's point of view, the significantly lower cost of living leads to a relaxed and tension-free life.

Copyright by Best Places to Retire and Alex R Valdivia

This article may be used freely in ezines, newsletters, websites, to offer as free bonus or part of a product for sale as long as no changes are made and the byline, copyright, active links and this resource box is included.

About the Author: Alex R Valdivia offers detailed reviews on some of the best places to retire in Asia where you can live comfortably even on a small pension or retirement savings. Visit today and find your ideal retirement location.

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