Australian Gold Coast Offers More Than Just the Surfers a Paradise

There is no puzzle as to why Surfers Paradise, which is part of the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia is such a popular holiday destination. After all, it is the entertainment and glam capital of the island that is ‘Down Under’, and epitomizes that perfect marriage of city and beach lifestyle.

But it’s the eclecticism of Surfers (as it is affectionately referred to in Australian vernacular) that attracts people from all walks of life. There are activities and events to cater and appease everyone, from families to backpackers, schoolies (young adults who have just finished high school), singles, surfers, honeymooners and retirees. It is home to a host of theme parks and national parks including, Dreamworld, Wet’n’Wild Water World, Warner Bros Movie World, Adrenalin Park, the Australian Outback Spectacular and Fleays Wildlife Park. There are about 53 different tours to choose from, ranging from whale watching to scenic hinterland day tours.

Accommodation options are plentiful, ranging from youth hostels to 5-star hotels. Since there’s so much to do within a limited amount of time, choosing the right location will help. For example, the A1 Crown Towers is located right in the heart of Surfers Paradise and within walking distance to the city center and beaches.

Like most tourist destinations, Surfers Paradise offers a vibrant and varied nightlife that caters to all crowds. To start, Melba’s Restaurant and Nightclub is a great place to dine and dance, with a clientele of all ages. The Rose & Crown, Cocktails & Dreams and The Drink are recommended places for people who love to dance, and for those who prefer to lounge out and chit-chat with a cocktail in hand, My Bar is just that type of place.

And gourmands should be impressed by the variety of cuisines to choose from. Cafes and restaurants line the streets and hotels, offering world class dining experiences. One restaurant currently making waves is Absynthe, where 2-star Michelin Chef Meyjitte Boughenout plates up exciting contemporary French and Australian creations to complement a 600+ wine list.

Shoppers will also be in paradise. Believe it or not, Surfers is the only 7-day, late night shopping district in Queensland, with 14 shopping centers and arcades, offering both retail and duty free shopping. Those keen on a more local experience, should head over to the Beachfront Markets which open every Wednesday and Friday from 5:30-10:00pm.

Indeed, there is something for everyone that visits the paradise that is known as Surfers on Australia’s Gold Coast. The weather is subtropical year-round, it is within close proximity to Brisbane airport (just one hour’s drive) and is about as tourist-friendly as an Australian city can be. For more information about this bronzed Queensland town, go to the official Surfers Paradise website.

A Goan Get-Away Diving Through the Busy Goan Beaches

“This country (India) is a paradise for criminals” -Charles Shobharaj

April 6, 1986. That was the day when Charles Gurumukh Sobharaj, a notorious international criminal, was arrested from a Portuguese restaurant in Panaji, the capital of Goa.  The quote above was reportedly pronounced by Shobharaj, while being interrogated by Mumbai police inspector Mr. Madhukar Shinde. Goa was the forever-favourite retreat of the bikini killer. In other words, the beautiful settings and the historical backdrop of the Goan beaches offered a safe haven for this jail- bird, who used to enchant his victims, the police officers, the lawyers (it is said that a lady lawyer who appeared for Shobaraj in the court fell for him) and the journalists all alike.  No wonder Goa became a safe place for the criminals, where the tourism industry indirectly facilitated the thriving of underground mafias. From the early 60’s the place had become the hangout of the hippies.

But all this is old story. The Goans are trying to forget the shady past. Hippies had become a significant minority, and the law takes care of the drug and other mafias. Those who had experienced the enticing beauty of the picturesque Konkan landscape and the friendliness of the Goan people lately, would have realised the change. And, the Goan culture which perceives life as one for celebration still holds good. Ironically, the gruesome murder of the British teenager Scarlette Eden Keeling (in February) near Anjuna beach proved a serious set back to the sincere efforts of the authorities, in proving the destination safe and serene.

Sobharaj’s interest towards India could be attributed to the great Indian theory “adhithi devo bhava”. You cannot blame the Goans for Sobharaj’s exploits. Like any other outlaw, he just took leverage upon the loopholes of the country’s law and order system

Charles Shobraj Still in Goa?

But the Goans were not willing to let go of Sobharaj like that. They have quite skilfully “immortalized’ this man who willingly courted imprisonment for life and is now spending his days in a jail in Nepal (probably a ploy to escape the gallows that is kept ready for him in Thailand). As we reached “Okokaeiro”, a restaurant on NH 17 near the Kalungutte beach, we were welcomed on the verandah by none other than Charles Shobharaj, who was sitting on the same chair from where he was captured, with a certain kind of detachment written on his face — in the form of a statue. We were quite startled by the Goans’ ability to take the gravity of life with cheery ease.

Travelller’s Paradise!

As soon as we landed at the Goan airport at 3.15 pm, we started off to Panaji, the capital city. On our way, we witnessed the Portuguese legacy in full swing. Goa, a meeting point of various races, religions and cultures of the East and West over the centuries, has a multi-hued and distinctive lifestyle quite different from the rest of India. There were buildings that revealed the magnificence of the bygone era, and most of the constructions here, including churches and temples were architectural splendours.

To Read More,   Please visit

www.travelbird.in

sia’s most informative e magazine on travel and tourism

Argentina Holiday Guide

Experiencing South America culture and history starts with engrossing oneself in the culture and history of three of Argentina’s best cities. An Argentina Tour holiday is the perfect way to escape your normal routine while relaxing and exploring the city of Catamarca.

Catamarca is located about 1,000 kilometers to the northwest of Buenos Aires and features a walking friendly atmosphere steeped in ornate Spanish architecture and a natural river-walk surrounded by tall trees and distant views of the surrounding mountain tops.

Visit the Laureano Brizuela Fine Arts Museum to become immersed in one of Argentina’s most complete and culturally significant art collections. Schedule your Argentina holiday for the month of July and become a part of the annual tradition of Poncho National Festival, which features folk music and the exhibition of fine crafted ponchos from throughout the country.

If you’re interested in wine then the vineyards of Colome are worth the journey. The road to Colome leads from the city of Cachi , and will take a few hours to traverse by bus. However, the drive is worth the time once you experience the 39,000 hectares of vines ripe for the harvest. The vineyard features a fine dining experience as well a small gaucho bar. Accommodations are nothing less than top notch which include a swimming pool and putting green for the ultimate relaxation package.

Another winery worth mentioning is located in the city of Cafayate. At the Bodega La Banda winery a guided tour is available which begins with an explanation of the history of the oldest winery in the city. Historical facts are not the best part of the tour, as the guide will soon open and share a complete tasting of all of the vineyards current production wines. An Argentina holiday wouldn’t be complete without a literal flavor of the land.

A Golf Safari to Kenya

Once you arrive at the JKIA in Nairobi, you will be transferred to Windsor Golf and Country Club in the outskirts of the city. You will spend the night at this luxurious hotel where you will have your meals too. On the second day, you will have a time of your life as you sample out the golf courses in the hotel. This golf course is designed to international standards. It is an eighteen hole course. On the third day you will be driven to the Mount Kenya Club in time for lunch. This is in the Mount Kenya region.

On the fourth day, in the morning, you will be able to enjoy the facilities at the golf course coupled with a nature drive around the hotel. You will be able to catch the lion, buffalo, the cheetah, the leopard and herds of elephants in action all over the park as this club is in the heart of the Aberdare National Park. On the fifth day, breakfast is served at the ark. You will thereafter travel to Naivasha arriving just in time for lunch at the Great Rift Valley Hotel. Here there is a golf course that is up to international standards.

Dinner will be served at the lodge where you will spend the night too. On the sixth day, you will spend the entire day having fun on the golf course. On the seventh day, you will depart for Nairobi after lunch. You will have lunch at the carnivore restaurant then transfer to the airport for your trip to Mombasa. There, you will be transferred to an up to international standard lodge with a golf course. Here you will spend three days enjoying the course and the beach life. On the tenth day, you will take a flight back to Nairobi where you will connect your flight back home.

Aviator Sunglasses – Latest Trends For Everybody

There are a huge number of people world wide tend to have a pair of coolest Aviator sunglasses because these are viewed as sexiest pieces that exist in today’s marketplace. Some of the best offer along with iconic designs and you’ll be able to speak of all the nostalgia they also have connected with them.

Most people do not know the reputation these Aviator sunglasses have been able to get current times, but the truth is these pair of sunglasses seemed to be originally suitable for armed service use. Additionally, there are several who find themselves understands this company which originally found this style – the Ray ban.

It really is greatly amazing simply because Aviator sunglasses exactly like clothing, has managed to create its approach to many buyers making use of Cargo pants and dog tags. To become fairer, these Aviator sunglasses have managed to stick to Airline industry after the introduction of mirrored sunglasses. A few of the finest designed Aviators have also attained lots of reputation not only due to the designs but also for mystique, glory and respect.

These are generally the majority preferred sunglasses in Aviation and Airlines industry and also the associated industry. Since quite a while several boys and girls right from world wide dream of being a Pilot and in addition they try to get their hands on a single good pair associated with Aviator sunglasses which matches their own designs and behaviour. As for me it surely is a desire until present day, however possessing a set of Aviators could usually leave you with a feeling that your dream might come true some time. Besides this you might have seen Aviator sunglasses offering in many Hollywood films from 1980s starting from mirrored sunglasses to traditional Black shades. They are considered as innovative things because they have the potential to generate 1000s of people forcefully to buy them.

Whenever viewing films you might have observed a number of celebrities putting on a couple of Aviator sunglasses practically in most movies and even within their regular routines of party and night clubs. There are numerous associated with sports stars who prefer putting on these sunglasses as they really feel total defense against sun and stylish all at once. People today like putting on traditional designs however there are many of people that prefer wearing a unique Aviator sunglasses that may be designed in gold and silver together with few diamonds studded around the frames.

Speaking very frankly these kinds of sunglasses are usually thought to be greatest icon pertaining to fashion and style till date which will be predicted for several years in the future. You can test purchasing one particular the traditional types which could in no way move out of trend. These are so pleasant that right after putting on one you might in no way want to remove them. These are just not for protection, but the best alternation with regard to fashion statement.