spirit travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises spa and resorts

Brussels is the capital of Belgium, as well as home of the European Union headquarters. There is a great deal more to the city than politics though, with other historic cities such as Antwerp and Bruges being only a short drive or train journey away. Located at the foot of the Atomium, Mini-Europe is the only park where you can have a whistle-stop tour around Europe in a few short hours. This is a fun introduction to Europe, miniature famous landmarks from countries throughout Europe – canals of Amsterdam, Big Ben in London, the Eiffel Tower, windmills of Spain, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, and more. Plus, jumbo ferries that go, trains zooming around, steer your own radio controlled boat through the miniature waterways of Europe.

A park in which you can find all the important monuments of Europe scaled down 25 times their original size. It was some kind of commemorative park for the EU. At a glance, they might look like thermocouple models, but closer look will reveal all the minute details being brought out in the model as in the original. They are made by sticking together small thermocole bricks. A time taking process. This truly brings out the architectural beauty of the original.

Mini-Europe is above all an “invitation to travel”. The chimes of Big Ben, the gondolas in front of the Doge’s Palace, the Grand-Place in Brussels, the Acropolis … an animated tour with visual and sound effects of 350 miniature models and attractions that you won’t find anywhere else. The miniature trees and plants in the park make everything appear realistic in scale. Cheer on the matador at the Corrida (bullfight) in Seville, watch the launch of Ariane V, the eruption of Vesuvius, the fall of the Berlin Wall, follow the Thalys from Paris to the other end of France and marvel at many other working models, for both young and old. Also visit the exhibition “Spirit of Europe” where you’ll get to know the EU in a fun way. Mini-Europe… not to be missed during your visit to Bruss. The miniature model park of Mini Europe allows you to sample the charms specific to each European country.

All the monuments have been recreated down to the smallest detail. Most models are made on a scale of 1:25, but exceptions are made for representations of larger objects – such as Mount Vesuvius, built on the scale of 1:1000. Big Ben is 4 m high. With its height of 13 m, the Eiffel tower projects above a 3-storey building ! And yet all the buildings are on a scale of 1 to 25. The town hall of Brussels is decorated with 294 hand-carved statues. All against a backdrop of miniature gardens with an area of 2.5 hectares.

On Saturdays during the summer months, the organizers present fireworks to accompanying music. Please visit the Mini-Europe website to find out more about this and other special events. Mini-Europe also incorporates the European Space of interactive multimedia games for children and a European Union information office. Although open daily, the park closes each year from January to March as new cities and monuments are put onto the mini map. Fun for young and old. Admission: EUR8.5 to EUR20 depending on the package purchased. This summer, the venue welcomes new EU member Slovenia, with Ljubljana’s three bridges. Watch out for Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary to be added later on this year.

The holy city has been a symbol of spiritualism, philosophy and mysticism for thousands of years and has produced great saints and personalities like Buddha, Mahavira, Kabir, Tulsi Das, Shankaracharaya, Ramanuja and Patanjali. Varanasi is a famous Hindu holy city situated on the banks of the river Ganges in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, dating back thousands of years and contemporaneous with the Sumer civilisation. The culture of Varanasi is deeply associated with the river Ganga and the river’s religious importance. The city has been a cultural and religious center in northern India for thousands of years. Varanasi has its own style of classical Hindustani music, and has produced prominent musicians, philosophers, poets, and writers in Indian history.Considered as the abode of Lord Shiva, Varanasi is situated on the banks of River Ganges, which is believed to have the power of washing away all of one’s sins. As pundits here will tell you, whatever is sacrificed and chanted here or given in charity reaps its fruits thousand times more than those good deeds performed at other places because of the power of that place. It is believed that three nights of fasting in Varanasi city can reap you rewards of many thousands of lifetimes of asceticism.

Varanasi is a holy city in Hinduism, one of the most sacred pilgrimage places for

Hindus of all denomination. More than 1,000,000 pilgrims visit the city each year. Many references to the city of Varanasi are found in many ancient texts, leading to more mystery. It is generally believed that the city is as old as 3000 years old. Another myth is that it is 5000 years old. It is believed that Varanasi is the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. Regions near the banks of river Ganga are extremely crowded and house several Hindu temples, narrow winding lanes and road-side shops Here is the holy shrine of Lord Kashi Vishwanath, and one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas of the Lord Shiva. Hindus believe that bathing in the river Ganga will remit sins and that dying in the holy city of Varanasi circumvents rebirth.

This holy city is worshipped as one of the Shakti Peethas where Divine Mother Sati’s earring fell and so devotees believe that on that spot stands the present Vishalakshi Temple. It is here that Shankaracharya wrote his commentaries on Hinduism, leading to the great Hindu revival. In the residential neighbourhood of the city lies Sarnath, the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon about the basic principles of Buddhism. It is one of the four pilgrimage sites designated by Gautama Buddha, the other three being Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya, and Lumbini. Here the Dhamek Stupa is a impressive structure marking the spot where the Buddha gave his first sermon. Varanasi has kept its sacred position as the Holy City of Hinduism.

Varanasi is a city of temples. Almost every road crossing has a nearby temple. Such small temples form the basis of daily local prayers and other rituals. But there are many large temples too, erected at different times through out the history of Varanasi. There are about 1,500 temples, palaces, and shrines. Few of these, however, date back further than the 17th cent., since Muslim invasions destroyed many Hindu religious sites. The most famous Hindu temples are the Golden temple and the Durga temple with its swarms of sacred monkeys. The Golden Temple was built in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, is located on the outskirts of the Ganga. This temple makes Varanasi a place of great religious importance to the Hindus. It is believed that the majestic Alamgir mosque has replaced one of the most ancient shrines known as the temple of Bindu Madhava. The thirty-three hundred million shrines fill one with awe and wonder with sheer numbers.
With unique culture, Varanasi is a major tourist destination for foreign tourists in India. A number of 3 and 4 star hotels are present in the city. Auto Rickshaw and Rickshaw are the most widely available public transport within Varanasi. In outer regions of the city, mini-buses are common. Small boats and small steamers are used to cross the river Ganga.
The city’s unique culture revolves around the holy river Ganges. Legends say that the waters of Ganges have come from heaven to wash away the sins and sufferings. Thousands of pilgrims come every day to immerse in the river. The famous American writer Mark Twain once wrote, “Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together”.

This boutique Island resort is ‘one of one’ with a stylish and relaxed charm that is set to captivate and delight.
Dining is one of Lizard’s many pleasures… Share the panoramic coastal views while dining seated on the broad sweeping verandah, or enjoy an intimate dinner beachside in a private marquee. The menu is fresh, creative and contemporary – appealing in every respect.The Pavillion at Lizard Island holds ancient secrets and embraces a total harmony between health, beauty and nature. Allow yourself to be captivated by the pavillions earthy ambience… Indulge in the serenity of the spa and delight in total relaxation or enjoy the gym for active workouts.

Imagine beaches so pristine, so untouched, that yours are the only footsteps in the sand…. You’ll discover the beaches of your dreams on Lizard Island and delight in exploring them on foot or by motorised dinghy. Take a gourmet picnic lunch and find a private beach to enjoy. White sands meet crystal clear waters and below the surface a myriad of colour and life awaits discovery. Snorkellers are rewarded for little effort, coral gardens, brightly coloured tropical fish and giant clams are a few of Lizard Island’s magical underwater sights.

Discover the variety of diving and snorkelling attractions that have made Lizard Island an international favourite. From coral gardens to the dramatic channel drop-offs and the famous ‘Cod Hole’ with its friendly residents, the Great Barrier Reef offers beauty beyond belief.

Hotel Amenities

-Overview
This premier resort off the coast of North Queensland is also a national park that features an idyllic lagoon and numerous vanilla sand beaches. Asian-influenced accommodations bespeak serene coastal chic

- stylish villas, suites and guestrooms all offer a private deck, balcony or veranda and superb sea views. Here you’ll be treated to full-spectrum hospitality as you enjoy a true reef encounter. The ocean calls with snorkeling in a garden of giant clams and renowned scuba diving at the world famous Cod Hole, where you’ll come face to face with a massive potato cod that swims right up to inspect you. Learn the true meaning of “seclusion” with a picnic lunch on a private beach. Set out on a magnificent walk and glimpse a monitor, the lizard after which the island was named. Explore the surrounding waters in a catamaran, then be touched by a massage at the Azure Spa.

-Restaurants and Amenities

-Osprey’s Restaurant, breakfast, lunch, dinner, local seafood, tropical fruits, menu changes daily, picnic hampers available

-Bar, lounge, Austrailian wines, liqueurs, spirits

-Beach, , water sports, surfing, glass bottom boat trips, catamarans, motorized dinghies, deepwater diving, snorkeling available

-Guided nature walks

-Freshwater pool

-Book, games room

- Azure Spa, range of treatments, massages, gymnasium

-Tennis court, night/day

-Island boutique

-Guest departure lounge, television, Internet access

- Meeting rooms

-Concierge, laundry service, safe deposit boxes, fax, currency exchange, postal service, first aid clinic

-Child Policy

Children 13 and older are allowed

Location

- Lizard Island is the northernmost Great Barrier Reef resort, 27 km off the Queensland coast, 240 km, north of Cairns

- Regular flights are available from all Australian capital cities to Lizard Island (LZR) daily via Cairns, CNS

Room Amenities

-Room Descriptions
Anchor Bay Room: Located in a tropical garden setting with easy access to Anchor Bay and the beach, Anchor Bay Rooms have a private balcony with hammock. Interiors are compact but comfortable. Family Rooms offer two separate sleeping areas.

Anchor Bay Suite: Set in a broad sweeping arc along Anchor Bay, with easy access to the main Lodge, Anchor Bay Suites offer captivating sea views and each has a pathway leading directly to the beach. Seamlessly blending indoors and out in an elegant and spacious open plan design, a large verandah with daybed is one of the many designer comforts.

Sunset Point Villa: Sunset Point Villas are set high on Sunset Ridge amongst native eucalyptus bushland. Providing filtered sea views over Anchor Bay or Sunset Beach, these Villas offer privacy and easy access to a string of secluded beaches. Each Villa has a private deck with comfortable Australian timber squatter chairs and a hammock. Inside, the mix of colors and textures creates a calm retreat with the surrounding coastal bushland the inspiration for the understated and elegant design.

Perched high above the Coral Sea and set on the point of Sunset Ridge, The Pavilion combines complete privacy with a spectacular 270 degree panorama of Anchor Bay, Osprey Island and Sunset Beach. Extensively refurbished mid 2003, a new expansive decking area incorporates a private plunge pool, sun lounges and a daybed area, inviting guests to relax and take in the stunning views. Leaving the balcony to stroll down a private path, guests will discover another secluded area where chairs and a table have been perfectly positioned to make the most of sea breezes and gorgeous views. Inside, the Pavilion offers every comfort. Bollinger champagne and a deluxe fruit bowl greet guests on arrival. A laptop computer for downloading and sending emails and high powered binoculars are among some of the special features.

Includes

-All meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

-Motorized dinghies, paddle skis, sailboards

-Glass bottom boat trips and many island activities

-Packages and Promotions
-5-night minimum stay required, Sunset Point Villa

-4-night minimum stay required in Apr 2007-Mar 2008, Anchor Bay Room or Suite, Sunset Point Villa, or Pavilion

-All meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

- Mortorized dinghies, paddle skis, sailboards

You cannot afford to visit Berlin and miss that spot. Forget about everything else and go there. Thit is a place of SPIRIT…and once you enter in the dirty ruined building it becomes difficult to leave.The Kunsthaus Tacheles is an art center and nightclub that was opened in East Berlin after the Berlin Wall came down in the spring of 1990. Tacheles is a large (9000 square meter) building on Oranienburger Straße in the district known as Mitte. The exterior of the building was damaged from shelling in World War II, and much of the damage was never repaired. Huge, colorful graffiti-style murals are painted on the exterior walls, and modern art sculptures are featured inside.

Actually it is useless to describe it. Tacheles is a place for deconstruction of reality, a place where all aspects of ART can be felt – you can wander through the floors, entering in different artists ateliers (where most of them actually live) visit all kind of exhibitions or simply go to one of the cafes and have a nice chat with interesting people, smoke some weed or do whatever you want…