Munich – Day Trips & Excursions – Around Munich

In 1957, Stanley Kubrick shot scenes for his film Paths of Glory in Schloss Schleißheim. Oberschleißheim, Freising, Dachau, Fürstenfeldbruck, Wolfratshausen, and Ammersee (Herrsching) are on the S-Bahn lines. Schloss Schleißheim Maximilian II Emanuel, the Elector, wanted to rival Versailles with the Neues Schloss (New Palace). Begun in 1701 based on plans by Enrico Zuccalli and … Read more

Seattle – Streetsmart : Traditional Hotels, Boutique Hotels

Traditional Hotels Unless otherwise stated, all traditional hotels accept credit cards, and have en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning. Westin Located in two round towers, the Westin has an indoor pool, 24-hour room service, in-room movies, valet/laundry, two restaurants, a business center, and non-smoking rooms. 1900 5th Ave 206 728 1000 www.westin.com/seattle Dis. access Fairmont Olympic … Read more

Seattle – Streetsmart : Shopping Tips, Eating & Accommodation Tips

Shopping Tips For any unresolved complaints on a product you have purchased, call the Better Business Bureau at 206 431 2222. Department Stores Although suburban shopping malls have the bulk of nationally recognized chain department stores, downtown shopping opportunities serve the needs of Seattle’s residents in a variety of ways. Find most of the larger … Read more

Paris – Around Town : Champs-Elysées Quarter (part 1)

The Champs-Elysées is undoubtedly the most famous street in Paris and the quarter which lies around it is brimming with wealth and power. It is home to the president of France, great haute couture fashion houses, embassies and consulates, and the five-star hotels and fine restaurants frequented by the French and foreign élite. The Champs-Elysées … Read more

Berlin – Around Town : Central Berlin: Scheunenviertel (part 2) – Best of the Rest, Old Courtyards

A Day in Scheunenviertel Morning Take the S-Bahn to Friedrichstraße and explore this road, Berlin’s former entertainment district. Walk north along the street up to Reinhardstraße, and turn left here towards Bertolt-Brecht-Platz. Continue south to Albrechtstraße to the Berliner Ensemble . Once you have admired the theatre where the great playwright used to work, you … Read more

Berlin – Around Town : Central Berlin: Scheunenviertel (part 1)

The Scheunenviertel, literally the “barn quarter”, Berlin’s former Jewish quarter, has experienced a unique revival in recent years. Originally, the thriving Jewish community lived in neighbouring Spandauer Vorstadt, beyond the city limits, while the Scheunenviertel was better known as a red-light district. The Nazis, however, applied the name of “Scheunenviertel” to both areas, in order … Read more

San Francisco – Around Town : Oceanfront (part 1)

As with every segment of this city, the area that faces the Pacific Ocean is a study in contrasts. Surprisingly to many, it contains terrains of natural beauty that are just as untamed and craggy as they always have been, particularly the rocky, windswept micro-climates that make up the cliffs and hidden ravines of Land’s … Read more

San Francisco – Around Town : Bars and Clubs, Places to Eat

Bars and Clubs Lucky 13 A chill-out punk bar where you can sport your new tattoo to an admiring audience. The jukebox is full of indie alternative sounds. 2140 Market St at Church 415 487 1313 DNA Lounge The recent return of this clubbers’ favorite brings with it a juiced-up sound system, five bar areas, … Read more

Washington, D.C – Around Town : Beyond the City Center (part 1)

The Monumental Core of Washington, D.C. is so rich in sights that visitors may be tempted to look no farther. But many delights lie within easy reach of the city center. The Michigan Avenue NE area near North Capitol Street is home to the stunning Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception; the … Read more

Rome – Around Town : The Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese (part 4) – Pubs, Cafés and Bars, Places to Eat

Pubs, Cafés and Bars Enoteca Antica Delicious antipasti and wine by the glass, are served in this old-fashioned lively establishment. Via della Croce 76b Gilda Rome’s most central disco has remained popular for years, with a pizzeria in the evening and dance music cranking up at midnight. High cover charge on weekends, but always an … Read more

Rome – Around Town : The Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese (part 3) – High Fashion Boutiques, Discount and Specialist Shops

High Fashion Boutiques Giorgio Armani Stylishly cool service for one of Italy’s top names. Emporio Armani branch (Via del Babuino 140) sells the designer’s couture line at lower prices. The lowest-end line, Armani Jeans, is at Via del Babuino 70A. Via dei Condotti 77 Giorgio Armani Prada The most highly priced of the top Italian … Read more

Rome – Around Town : The Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese (part 2) – Best of the Rest, Art and Antiques Shops

An Afternoon Roman Passeggiata Begin in Piazza SS Apostoli to see its namesake church (see Santissimi Apostoli) and the 2nd-century AD relief of an Imperial eagle against the portico’s right wall. Then continue straight across Via dell’Umiltà and through the elaborate iron, glass, and frescoed 1880s pedestrian passage. Turn right on Via di Muratte to … Read more

Rome – Around Town : The Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese (part 1)

Here is Rome at its most orderly and elegant, carefully laid out under 16th-century papal urban planning schemes. Baroque popes such as Leo X and Sixtus V redeveloped the all but abandoned area around the Corso, the extension of the ancient Via Flaminia from northern Italy, for their rapidly growing city. Romans now call it … Read more

Hong Kong – Streetsmart : Accommodation Tips, Super Luxury Hotels

Accommodation Tips Directory Info 2375 3838 Reservations 2769 8822or 2383 8380 www.hkha.org 2713 9211 www.accomline.com www.asiatravel.com www.lastminute.com www.rentaroomhk.com 2522 3082 www.shama.com 41 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui 2268 7888 22 Hennessy Rd, Wan Chai 2866 6688 Making Reservations Booking through the HKTB or a travel agent will almost always be cheaper than just turning up … Read more