Experience these New York City Holiday Events

It’s always an adventure to spend the holidays in another city or country. New York City is one of the must have experiences during the holidays. The holiday season starts as early as Thanksgiving and ends with the famous ball drop in Times Square.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The annual pageant always has giant balloons and floats, marching bands, performances and celebrities joining in on the fun. Every last Thursday of November the streets along Central Park West, Columbus Circle, Sixth Avenue, Central Park South, 38th Street, to Herald Square is lined with people awaiting the grand spectacle.

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Photo by: Anthony Quintano (Flickr)
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Photo by Shinya Suzuki (Flickr)
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Photo by slgckgc (Flickr)
Photo by slgckgc (Flickr)
Photo by slgckgc (Flickr)

*Central Park West to Herald Square

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

One of the most spectacular sights you can witness is the lighting of the 78-foot, 10-ton Norway Spruce tree with over 45,000 LED lights. This yearly event is free and everyone is welcome to watch. Atrip to Rockefeller Center wouldn’t be complete with a skate at the Rink.

Photo by Anthony Quintano (Flickr)
Photo by Anthony Quintano (Flickr)
Photo by Angelo Amboldi (Flickr)
Photo by Angelo Amboldi (Flickr)

*Rockefeller Center on 49th St between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

New Years Eve Ball Drop at Times Square

Almost everyone turns to Time Square to witness the ball drop as we enter the New Year. The tradition has spread throughout the world and it such wonderful sight to witness.

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*Times Square Manhattan, NY 10036

Do’s and Don’ts When Visiting Thailand Temples

Thai temples also known as “wats” are the beautiful representations of historical and cultural significance. Buddhism is a central element of Thailand culture. Monks have a certain identity and are surprisingly friendly and many speak English and have kept up with the times.

Thai temples are usually located in a courtyard with housing and small worship areas. The sheltered areas with Buddha statues are known as Bots. These areas are considered more sacred and as such rules of etiquette should be followed.

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  • Step over the threshold not on it when walking into a temple
  • Dress modestly covering your knees and shoulders
  • Remove your hats, sunglasses, shoes before entering

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  • Never turn your back away from the Buddha statue but rather back away facing the statue
  • Don’t touch sacred objects in the worship area
  • Do not raise yourself higher than the image of the Buddha
  • Sit with your legs underneath you when worshiping in the Bots area. Avoid pointing your feet at the image of the Buddha

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  • If you are sitting, stand up when monks or nuns enter the Bot
  • Use your right hand when giving or receiving something from a monk
  • Women are not allowed to touch a monk or his robes or cross their legs in the presence of a monk
  • Treat monks with the highest respect
  • Don’t point at a monk or Buddha statue, either with your fingers or feet.

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  • Don’t touch a Buddha
  • Smoking, spitting, chewing gum, or eating are not allowed
  • Don’t photograph or disturb monks or others who are worshiping
  • Learn a few basic phrases in Thai, like ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’
  • Turn off your mobile phone
  • Keep your voice low at all times

VISIT THE THAILAND TEMPLES NOW

8 Best French Cafes in France

Have an authentic Franch experience in one of the lost standing cafes that France has to offer. From the decor to the food you’ll get a genuine experience in any these 8 best french cafes.

Café de la Paix

A Parisian institute since 1862, Café de la Paix has an al fresco ambiance combining history, tradition and modern touches.

5, Place de l’Opéra – 75009 Paris

Le Select

Le Select is decorated in the style of the 1920s, with stucco walls and wooden tables and benches.

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99 Boulevard du Montparnasse 75006 Paris

Les Deux Magots

Located in the charming district of Saint-German, the popular Les Deux Magots is held in high esteem. It has a distinctive atmosphere and lends to the freedom of the renowned cafe.

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6 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés 75006 Paris

Cafe de la Rotonde

Tucked away in the Montparnasse district, this cage serves traditional French cuisine such as beef ribs, steak, steak tartare oysters, sole Menières and more.

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105 Boul. Montparnasse – 75006 Paris

Le Procope

A cafe that has truly stood the test of time since 1686, Le Procope is the world’s first literary café having had talents such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Beaumarchais, Balzac, Hugo, Verlaine and La Fontaine.

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13 Rue de L’Ancienne Comedie – 75006 Paris

Le Café Tournon

In the tradition of Parisian bistros, Cafe Tournon was once a  gathering place of African-American writers and artists such as James Baldwin , Chester Himes , Richard Wright, William Gardner Smith , painter Beauford Delaney and sculptor Howard Cousins.

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18, Rue Tournon 75006 Paris

Musée Jacquemart-André Café

Housed in the mansion’s former dining room, the Café Jacquemart-André is the most beautiful tea room in Paris. Just a stone’s throw from the Champs-Elysées and the shops.

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158, boulevard Haussmann Paris

Angelina

Since it opened its doors in the early 1900’s, the cafe famously designed by the architect of the Belle Epoque Edouard-Jean Niermans has been an experience of indulgence and pleasure. The world fanous tea house has a timeless elegance and steady clientele keeping its allure ever present.

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Musée du Louvre, Aile Richelieu, Café Richelieu 75001 Paris

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7 Weekend Getaways from San Francisco

San Francisco is considered a hub for artists, business and leisure but even then the hustle and bustle can be much and travelers and locals alike seek a nearby getaway for rest and relaxation. We have 7 suggestions for you to try in the proximity of San Francisco.

Sausalito

A quaint small waterfront town is an idealic place to get some rest and relaxation. The main attraction here are the beautifully decorated homes that align a series of docks. Also worth visiting are the Point Bonita Lighthouse and the Nike Missle site.

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Napa Valley

Take in the vast expnse of the Napa Valley which is home to wine caves and features olive oils, tomatoes, and cheeses as well.

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Sonoma

Sonoma is a popular wine country and wedding destination. The Gundlach Bundschu Winery is the oldest family winery here. Also highlighted are the farm-to-table restaurants, spas, and parks.

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Santa Barbara

A picturesque view is what you’ll be getting when you make a trip to Santa Barbara. Sunny skies and lush gardens and wine country welcome you as you cascade through the quaint downtown.

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Carmel by the Sea

A seaside twin filled with art, wine and history, Carmel by the Sea boasts of a lovely beach side which runs fro Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach.

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Half Moon Bay

The coastal town of Half Moon Bay gives you resorts and day spas for that rest and relaxation you’ve been seeking. Don’t forget to try horseback riding at Sea Horse Ranch.

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Mendocino

The combination of an amazing ocean view, art galleries, hiking and whale watching on the Mendocino Coast is enough for anyone to want to make a trip here for the weekend. With only less than three hours drive from the city you’ll be far enough away to be in paradise.

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Search for accommodations in San Francisco 

The Good Life: Best Wine Districts and Regions in Europe

If you happen to go to Europe, one of the most sought after tours would be in the vineyards and wineries across the region. So better dress your Sunday best and visit the top 5 wine regions across Europe.

Photo credit: Graeme Churchard- Flickr
Photo credit: Graeme Churchard- Flickr
  • Porto and Duoro Valley, Portugal

The vineyards that cascade along the Duoro valley, wines from this region is considered as one of the finest. There’s no other place to taste the original but here in the valleys of Porto and Duoro. You won’t regret the trip because of the complexities and richness of the wines produced here.

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  • Piedmont, Italy

Lying below the Alps, this Italian wine region presents us not only with a spectacular view but also complex wine grapes that brings out subtle tastes in the reds that they produce.

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  • Tuscany, Italy

Nothing describes relaxation better than a glass of Tuscan wine along the valley or the beach. Tuscany brings not only a various range of wine making regions (and with them different wine flavours) but also a spectacular scenery that can only be described as breathtaking.

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  • Bordeaux, France

Considered as one of the largest wine regions in Europe Bordeaux. The town of Saint- Emillion is a good start for touring this wine region. Bordeaux wine can be characterized as a complex yet elegant blend of flavours that is not too overpowering to the pallet.

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Photo Credit: Christophe PINARD – Flickr
  • Champagne, France

This region is very accessible by train from the busiest of tourist attractions, Paris. Enjoy tours around the region as well as cultural heritage sites while making sure to sample what Champagne has to offer.