St. Patrick's Festival in Dublin, Ireland

St. Patrick's Festival is an annual celebration held in Dublin, Ireland. It was established in November 1995. Since then, it has become a well-known celebration around the world, making the Irish proud of their ancestry, talents and skills shown throughout the world.

Today is St. Patrick's Day and revelries are ringing around Dublin on this joyous occasion to celebrate St. Patrick.

All photos below are from http://www.stpatricksfestival.ie/.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

Things To Do In Harajuku and Omotesando Area in Tokyo

Harajuku and Omotesando are nice places to visit in Tokyo. They are both located in Shibuya Ward and are close to each other so if you visit one place, you cannot miss the other.

Harajuku was formerly referred to as Onden which is a low-lying area near the Meiji Street. Now, it is very famous for its quaint little shops in Takeshita Street and the young cosplayers walking around during weekends.

Nearby area is Omotesando. It stretches from the foot of Takeshita Street all the way down to Aoyama Dori where the Omotesando Station is located. It is known for as home to some of the well-known brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dior, Herzog and many more, all close to each other. It is sometimes touted as the Champs Elysees of Tokyo.

If you find yourself wandering in Tokyo, make time to visit these 2 places for a nice walk along the famous streets and a look in some of the high-end brands in Tokyo. There are other things to do aside from window-shopping. Here are things you can do in Harajuku and Omotesando.

HARAJUKU

• Visit Takeshita Dori
• Shop at the quaint stores in Takeshita
• Walk the stretch of Takeshita all the way to the other end leading to Omotesando
• People watch, especially the young cosplayers during weekend
• Try out their famous crepe in cone
• Visit the Yoyogi Park
• Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine
• Shop at the big Daiso Shop
• Visit Yoyogi National Stadium

OMOTESANDO

• Shop along the "5th Avenue" of Tokyo
• Visit Kiddyland if you're the kid at heart. It has loads of toys and has several floors full of fun!
• Visit the Oriental Bazaar which sells Japanese souvenirs
• Visit Cat Street
• Visit the nearby Shibuya Crossing

Things To Do In Harajuku and Omotesando Area in Tokyo

Harajuku and Omotesando are nice places to visit in Tokyo. They are both located in Shibuya Ward and are close to each other so if you visit one place, you cannot miss the other.

Harajuku was formerly referred to as Onden which is a low-lying area near the Meiji Street. Now, it is very famous for its quaint little shops in Takeshita Street and the young cosplayers walking around during weekends.

Nearby area is Omotesando. It stretches from the foot of Takeshita Street all the way down to Aoyama Dori where the Omotesando Station is located. It is known for as home to some of the well-known brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dior, Herzog and many more, all close to each other. It is sometimes touted as the Champs Elysees of Tokyo.

If you find yourself wandering in Tokyo, make time to visit these 2 places for a nice walk along the famous streets and a look in some of the high-end brands in Tokyo. There are other things to do aside from window-shopping. Here are things you can do in Harajuku and Omotesando.

HARAJUKU

• Visit Takeshita Dori
• Shop at the quaint stores in Takeshita
• Walk the stretch of Takeshita all the way to the other end leading to Omotesando
• People watch, especially the young cosplayers during weekend
• Try out their famous crepe in cone
• Visit the Yoyogi Park
• Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine
• Shop at the big Daiso Shop
• Visit Yoyogi National Stadium

OMOTESANDO

• Shop along the "5th Avenue" of Tokyo
• Visit Kiddyland if you're the kid at heart. It has loads of toys and has several floors full of fun!
• Visit the Oriental Bazaar which sells Japanese souvenirs
• Visit Cat Street
• Visit the nearby Shibuya Crossing

Things To Do In Harajuku and Omotesando Area in Tokyo

Harajuku and Omotesando are nice places to visit in Tokyo. They are both located in Shibuya Ward and are close to each other so if you visit one place, you cannot miss the other.

Harajuku was formerly referred to as Onden which is a low-lying area near the Meiji Street. Now, it is very famous for its quaint little shops in Takeshita Street and the young cosplayers walking around during weekends.

Nearby area is Omotesando. It stretches from the foot of Takeshita Street all the way down to Aoyama Dori where the Omotesando Station is located. It is known for as home to some of the well-known brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dior, Herzog and many more, all close to each other. It is sometimes touted as the Champs Elysees of Tokyo.

If you find yourself wandering in Tokyo, make time to visit these 2 places for a nice walk along the famous streets and a look in some of the high-end brands in Tokyo. There are other things to do aside from window-shopping. Here are things you can do in Harajuku and Omotesando.

HARAJUKU

• Visit Takeshita Dori
• Shop at the quaint stores in Takeshita
• Walk the stretch of Takeshita all the way to the other end leading to Omotesando
• People watch, especially the young cosplayers during weekend
• Try out their famous crepe in cone
• Visit the Yoyogi Park
• Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine
• Shop at the big Daiso Shop
• Visit Yoyogi National Stadium

OMOTESANDO

• Shop along the "5th Avenue" of Tokyo
• Visit Kiddyland if you're the kid at heart. It has loads of toys and has several floors full of fun!
• Visit the Oriental Bazaar which sells Japanese souvenirs
• Visit Cat Street
• Visit the nearby Shibuya Crossing

My Travel Goals For 2014

It has been a wonderful year for my family in terms of traveling. We managed to visit Niagara and Tokyo this year which made me tick several items off my bucket list.

It's been really great so I am looking forward to 2014 with more destinations in mind, more attractions to see, more great stuff to discover, more food to taste and more culture to immerse ourselves to.

2014 will be a busy year for us as my daughter starts college back home. That means, our travels will become tricky as we are miles apart. Unlike this year, we are all coming from Dubai so it is easier to plan our travels and getaways. Once she is back home, we will have to plan our leave dates according to her new schedule.

The changes to come in our schedules and living arrangement will not dampen our desire to see the world. For 2014, I plan to go to Canada and Australia, covering both the northern and southern part of the globe. It won't happen one after the other as the terrible jet lag will be too hard to miss. I also want to include another Japan trip next year, perhaps in a different prefecture like Kyoto or Okinawa where we will see more of nature and pagodas. I also want to visit more US states next year aside from our favorite NYC! I like to visit Washington D.C., Massachusetts, San Francisco, Seattle, Texas, Florida and Georgia.

Those are a lot of places to see, countries to visit and definitely more money to spend. But there's no harm in dreaming and when I dream, I want to dream big!

Costa Rica: Six Simple Steps for Finding a Fishing Charter

Photo credit: yahoo images

If your idea of nirvana is an exotic fishing trip and the chance to take on an exciting challenge by trying to land iconic fish like the marlin, tuna or wahoo, then Costa Rica is where you should be heading.

Here is a look out how you find a fishing charter and begin your adventure.

Do your research

The first thing that you want to do is get some local information about what you are likely to catch and where the best places to fish in Costa Rica are. Costa Rica Fishing Report is an excellent guide to how you can get involved in what is considered by some, to be the venue for the best sport fishing in the world.

Not only will you get a feel for the amazing place on our planet that is Costa Rica, but you will also get a flavor for the adventure and culture that awaits you in this truly spectacular South American country.

Visit some harbors and towns

Reading a travel guide and getting some information is a great idea, but there is no substitute for actually visiting some of your chosen harbors and towns so that you can find out what is available.

There are many Costa Rica sportfishing charters to choose from and you are spoilt for choice with venues such as Tamarindo, Jaco, Quepos and Los Suenos often being able to provide local charters with English speaking captains.

Use local recommendations

Check with local tourist offices, or with the local people connected with where you are staying to see if they have any particular charter boat companies or trips that they particularly recommend.

They may be able to negotiate a discount on your behalf or if you are not able to find anyone initially, you could do a local directory search using the keyword barcos, which should bring up a local list of local sport fishing charter companies.

Use the web

If you would prefer to be organized and have your trips booked in advance of your arrival then pay a visit to popular sites such as the aforementioned Costa Rica Fishing Report or Tico Travel, who have links to a good number of charter companies in Costa Rica.

Make a reservation

You should be able to reserve your space on the trip or charter a boat for yourself if there is a group of you, by either calling or emailing the captain, once you have chosen the boat that you would like to hire.

Most of the charter companies will expect you to pay a reservation deposit to hold the slot and also make sure that you check with the charter company what is included in the price and what you need to bring along yourself, such as bait and any tackle that may be needed.

Pack what you need

Having gone through the process of finding the right charter, organising your accommodation and arranging travel to Costa Rica, you want to make the most of your trip so make sure that you pack everything that you need.

Irrespective of the time of the year when you go, you will probably need to pack a raincoat, plenty of sunscreen and some protection like a hat and sunglasses as well. You will often find that many Costa Rican charter companies provide a lunch and maybe even alcoholic beverages within the agreed price, so check with them so that you don’t take your own supplies when they are not required.

Fishing in the waters of Costa Rica is a real adventure and with a bit of good fortune and some expert local guidance, you should be able to bag a prize fish, which would be a real bonus in addition to having a great vacation in this truly beautiful country.

Marcus Anderson is a deep sea fishing addict of many years. He likes to find new places to fish, and then he shares what he has found on the Web. 

Cape Cod Tourism Ideas and Tips

Cape Cod is known for its beautiful beaches and harbors, rich history and culture, and plenty of outdoor activity possibilities. The area attracts hikers, artists, golfers and tourists from around the world. Here are a few Cape Cod tourism ideas to help you make the most out of your visit.

The Beaches

The Cape Cod National Seashore boasts miles of sand beaches preserved in their natural beauty. Their high sand dunes and picturesque sunsets make the trips to the sea unforgettable. The bathing water is monitored by regular testing, and is known for its high quality. Cape Cod has a total of more than 550 miles of beautiful coastline for visitors to enjoy.

Pristine Nature

Several conservation organizations in Cape Cod make efforts to preserve the local nature and its resources, maintaining the environment in its pristine condition. A lot of emphasis is placed on recycling and other waste-reducing activities.

Outdoor Activities

From fishing trips to schooner cruises, sailing is one of the most popular activities in Cape Cod. Whale-watching is another exciting adventure, which hundreds of tourists undertake every day during the summer months. Miles of dedicated hiking and biking trails with breathtaking sceneries along the routes are available to those who prefer a more active vacation.  

History and Architecture

Besides its natural beauty, Cape Cod has a lot of other attractions for tourists to enjoy. Its lighthouses are great architectural landmarks, exciting to watch from both the land and the sea. Many of the buildings along the scenic Route 6A are former sea captain homes. When traveling the route, one can also visit Sandwich, a small historic town with a lot of character.

Culture and Art

The galleries of Cape Cod attract many art lovers to the area. They display the works of local and national artists, Saturdays in July and August being popular exhibit opening nights. Provincetown is one of the county’s oldest art colonies, with the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket having a rich art scene as well. A popular Cape Cod tourism feature, Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich, are 100 acres of galleries, antique exhibits, concerts, and various other cultural activities.

(Photo credit: yahoo image)

How to Decorate Wedding Venues

Your wedding is a monumental occasion that will be remembered for years to come. Although the ceremony is the most critical part of the event, the reception will be just as memorable. In fact, it’s likely that you’ll have more photos from the reception, especially if photography is not allowed at the church or other location you hold the ceremony. You’ll want the venue to look as nice and attractive as possible since there will be so many snapshots of guests, the wedding party, the cake, the activities and dances, and so on. For transforming plain Pittsburgh wedding venues from drab to fab, follow these tips.

Walls and Ceiling

If the interior surfaces of the venue look shabby or maybe the wallpaper is peeling, feel free to cover these spaces up. Drape long pieces of fabric across the ceiling and walls so you will feel transported to a more elegant venue. You can also create backdrops on walls for areas where you wish to take pictures or for where the bride and groom will sit. Create enlarged photos of the bride and groom and attach them to the walls for guests’ viewing pleasure. Add paper lanterns, twinkling lights, and other sources of illumination to light up dim settings. Go Harry Potter style and use fishing lines to hang electric candles and lanterns from the ceiling. Plants, flowers, and other foliage can make a room feel fresher when you place them in corners and along the walls. For example, consider stringing vines across the walls. Balloons also add to a festive look and can even look whimsical and romantic.

Tables

Line each table with cloth and runners that correspond with your wedding colors. Create centerpieces at each table. You may want to include a portrait of the bride and groom, flowers, or vases filled with rocks and flowers. Some will even add goldfish! Remember to layer as you set up tables. For instance, you may have one large centerpiece with smaller pieces surrounding it. There are tons of ways to dress up Pittsburgh wedding venues. Just be sure you use your own creativity and imagination when applying these tips.

Spice Up Your Travel with a Bit of Activity

Photo credit: yahoo.com/images

Train Tour of India

Indian train tours have been a delightful source of inspiration for film makers, poets, authors and even just normal travelers seeking a charming break from boring routines. They offer an exclusive view of the Indian country side: from the tea estates in the Southern most point of India to the Western most corner of Gujarat.

You can fly cheaply into India with Go Air, and then hop on board The IndianMaharaja Deccan Odyssey which is commonly known as the Palace on Wheels as only the royalty of India travelled in this elegant train from Mumbai to Delhi.  Enjoy fascinating onboard activities as the scenic beauty of the Thar Desert passes by. This is just one of the 5 luxury trains that ply through India. For royal treatment, book early and relax deeply aboard these opulent trains.

The Toy train that connects New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling is a fascinating tiny steam train once used to transport potatoes. The hill railway is now considered as a World Heritage Site. The train trudges through the dense forests and vast tea plantations giving you a splendid close view of tea pickers with baskets strapped on their backs.

Photo credit: yahoo.com/images

Golf Holiday in Turkey

Turkey is a place of mysteries, a melting pot where the Middle East meets the Mediterranean. It has a fascinating heritage bragging of thirteen successive civilizations. Turkey also boasts of some of the finest golf courses in the whole of the Mediterranean region.

For a relaxing seaside Turkish golf experience, Belek is ideal located in the Antalya region. Antalya is also home to the PGA Sultan course curved through lush green eucalyptus and pine described as one of Europe’s finest and attached to Turkeys finestgolf resorts. The magnificent National Antalya is reasonably routed across gently rolling terrain and mature pine and eucalyptus trees. The Antalya Pasha winds its way through the trees and crowns the Sultan beautifully.

If you are awed and inspired by nature visit the Old Course at Gloria golf resort which lies at the beautiful forest at the feet of the Taurus Mountains. It is a challenging course: to score in this course you have to hit the ball well because of the tight tee shots and greens.  

Photo credit: yahoo.com/images

Surfing in Morocco

Morocco is a place where seemingly all adventures take place: surfing is still in its bucket list of exciting activities you can engage in. Agadir is endowed with some of the best waves and most diverse surf spots in the world.  From the most experienced surfers to the basic learner, Agadir is ideal for a memorable surfing holiday.

Essaouira beach has the perfect conditions for beginners, the excitement of catching your very first magical wave, the fear of the waters and the desire to become one with nature will hook you on to surfing forever. For experienced surfers theTaghazout region has more challenging spots like Sidi Kaouki, The Cave and Imessouane.

Imessouane is a small fishing village with two renowned surfing spots, the Bay and the Cathedrals. At the Bay you can catch a wave as high as 500 meters from the harbor all the way to the beach. You will also be fascinated by the goats climbing trees!

This post comes from Tom at Top BackpackingDestinations

Three Tips for the Perfect Wedding Day

Most brides have dreamed about their wedding day since they were little girls. Some have long-since picked out their colors and know exactly what food they want served. Others have a basic idea of what they want, but are open to creative suggestions from friends and family. Regardless of how you approach your wedding, your wedding day can be a day that will live long in your memory as a perfect day or a terrible disaster. Following are three suggestions to help you create the perfect day for your wedding:

·       Don’t sweat the small stuff

·       Put your money where your memories will be

·       Use services like the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce for help finding wedding services

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

A newly engaged woman was given advice from a newlywed: “Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff.” As the wedding day approaches, plans will change, problems will arise, and disasters might even happen. In the end, though, what does it really matter? The only thing that matters is that you and your future spouse enjoy the day together. When the wedding is over, all you will have are your memories; and you can choose what type of memories you will have.

Put Your Money with the Memories

Some weddings have a large budget while others have a small budget. Regardless, there will always be more services to spend money on than you will have budgeted. As you come face to face with the decisions of what to cut out, remember the advice to put your money where your memories will be. For instance, a videographer might cost a lot of money, but how much enjoyment will you get out of watching your wedding video in the future? It will probably be a lot more enjoyment than the memory of the perfect refreshment table.

Find the Right Wedding Services

Finding the right photographer, cake decorator, or caterer can be overwhelming. Fortunately this task is much easier when you use companies such as the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. These types of agencies collect and provide information about businesses and the different services they offer as well as contact information. In addition, most companies registered with professional or non-profit organizations are reputable businesses that you can use with confidence.