worldtravel 2018 One

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worldtravel 2018 Issue One

Historic Athens Amazing Andorra Dazzling Dubai

North Korea Enter A Nation Of Wonder

This Issue’s Top 5: Best Countries To Ski


w

A Road In Andorra


CONTENTS worldtravel

ATHENS

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ANDORRA

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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF KOREA

TOP 5 SKIING

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DUBAI

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T

he capital city of Greece, Athens is the historic center of Europe, which is an amazingly beautiful destination to be at. Named after the goddess of wisdo m and the city’s patron, Athena, Athens is among the most gorgeous cities in the world. It is home to many craftsmen and artisans who master in making jewelry, pottery and sculptures. The ancient capital of the world, known for its centuries old history and remarkable natural bliss covering the outskirts of the conurbation, the Greek capital Athens have always been among the most prominent and desired getaways in the world. Regardless of distance, tourists from across the globe tend to explore this superb and exhilarating conurbation of Greece throughout the year and enjoy discovering myriad aspects of culture, history, nature, traditions and modern lifestyle of this cityscape that has been blending past and present at one place. So, if you have been thinking to have a first time visit to this amazing Greek capital, you must understand the destination before planning out your destination. Before you visit to any destination, you must always understand the transport system of your respective place and regardless whether the city is from Asia, Europe, Americas or any other part of the world, transport have its limitations and you should respect the gravity of their frequency and availability. Athens is known for its wonderful and smooth transport system featuring trams, buses, cabs and more that are not only frequent in nature, but quite affordable if you use them smartly. Using bus-pass for multiple days is a better option if you are planning on using buses as your mode of transportation. Unless you are planning to go and explore the outskirts, try and avoid cabs and rental cars as the traffic of the city will consume a lot of your time sitting like a duck in the taxi. There is also an electric railway and the Athens Metro. The Athens Metro, while its main purpose is transport, the stations house Greek artifacts found during construction of the system. The two lines (red and blue) were constructed largely during the 1990s and the initial sections opened in January 2000. The lines run entirely underground. The metro network operates a fleet of 42 trains consisting of 252 cars with a daily occupancy of 550,000 passengers.

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Athens is quite a diverse city and whether you believe it or not, most of the landmarks in the city are named after those legendary stories and historical sites that are standing here for centuries. Places like Acropolis of Athens, Tower of the Winds, Hadrian’s Library, Temple of Athena Nike, Propylaea, Agios Eleftherios Church, Jewish Museum of Greece, National Museum of Contemporary Art, Tzistarakis Mosque, Kaisariani Monastery, Old Parliament House, Athens War Museum, Herakleidon Art Museum, Omonoia Square, Arch of Hadrian, Theatre of Dionysus, National Garden, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Temple of Hephaestus and many more sites are the most glorious places where you can find the true spirits of Athens.

“enjoy discovering myriad aspects of culture, history, nature, traditions and modern lifestyle of this cityscape” On an Athens tour one must explore the splendid Parthenon, considered perhaps, to be the finest of all Greek temples. The adjoining area too has a collection of temples which can be explored. Another captivating temple is the Temple of Olympian Zeus built by the Romans. The Acropolis is the most visited destination in not only Athens, but in the entire Greece as well, being a major attraction for tourists from around the world who approach this region in order to meet these constructions. The Acropolis hill, also known as the Sacred Rock, contains several ancient symbolic constructions such as per example, the Parthenon, the Temple of Nike, and the Erechtheion. These spots, built within the years 450 and 330 BC have gone through several different historical moments and meeting them is without any doubt as meeting the past in the present. The Parthenon, is the most symbolic construction from Ancient Greece. The Parthenon was built between the years 446 and 432 BC in honor to the Goddess of Athens Athena Parthenos. This construction was built almost entirely with Pentelic marble and shows 8 columns at its two shorter sides and 17 columns at its longer ones, containing a statue of Athena in its central area.


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The Temple of Athena Nike, another major construction in The Acropolis, was built around the year 420 BC. This construction shows four columns at its shorter sides and walls in the larger sides. This construction’s walls contains depictures of gods’ conferences and battles at each side. The Erechtelion, is another major construction in The Acropolis. This construction was originally divided in two main sections which were dedicated to the Goddess Athena and the God Poseidon. The National Archaeological Museum is hailed by many as one of the greatest museums in the world. It’s the largest museum in Greece, showcasing more than 20,000 exhibits, with five major permanent exhibitions. This 8,000-metre space houses not only ancient sculptures, pottery, jewellery, artwork, and more, but also a massive library of archaeology and a photography archive – it’s a researcher’s dream. It’s here you’ll find the Antikythera Device, a 2,000-yearold astronomical clock. The ancient Greeks used this to calculate astrological and astronomical events, and some say it was the first ever (analogue) computer. The museum is generally open until 7:30 p.m. (check their website or ask your airport transfer service driver for winter hours) so you can take your time and make a day of it. Another major spot located in The Acropolis in Athena is The Propylaea. The Propylaea was built between the years 436 and 431 BC following a design of the architect Mnesikles. This construction was built with the purpose of being the main entrance to The Acropolis and contains rows of columns and decorated walls. It is interesting to know that, due to its paintings, this construction is often known as the Pinakotheke. Even after recent recession in the country of Greece, the markets of Athens are not thinking to put a stop and have been pleasing its customers with a wonderful array of handicraft, artifact, clothes, souvenirs and many more products. If you are strolling down Athens and seeking for some serious shopping, visit Athens Central Market, Monasiraki Flea Market, Athenia Agora, Avissynias Square Market and Evripidou street Market that are the finest places to go for the shopping of food, groceries, pocketfriendly souvenirs, clothes, local handicraft products and much more. There are a few shops in these markets that

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are pioneer in the city to sell out unique and antique items including furniture, books, old electronic items, gadgets, music records, household items and much more. Greek gastronomy might not be as famous as other European gourmet, but once you are in Greece, you will understand why people love visiting Athens apart from sightseeing and history exploration. Dishes like Gyro, Souvlaki, Saganaki, Revithokeftedes, Tirokroketes, Mousakka, Feta Me Meli, Tzatziki, Greek Salad, Kebabs, Dolmathakia, Spanakopita and many more are the finest to be found in the city of Athens. The most prominent markets and neighborhoods are filled with food joints and restaurants serving these dishes with some extra love and quality. So, if you feel famished and open to try the Greek gastronomy, you shall consider trying all these dishes along with a few more. Greeks are proud of their culture and history and whether you believe it or not, the city has a number of cultural and art events lined up throughout the year. Planning a vacation in Athens require a perfect timing so that you can not only enjoy a wonderful time exploring the history, but also have the chance to be a part of the wide-spread festivals in Athens. Festivals like Pentecost Monday, Nafplio Festival, Ancient Olympia International Festival, Assumption, Ohi Day, Miaoulia Festival, Nafplio Festival, Athens International Film Festival, Second Day of Christmas, Epiphany, Apokreo, Clean Monday, Greek Independence Day and more are the biggest celebrations that you can enjoy in the Greek capital. It has three distinct climates namely Alpine, Mediterranean and temperate climate with mild and wet winters and also hot and dry summers due to Mediterranean affect. Alpine system is seen in mountainous regions. The temperate climate is seen near border along Macedonia. Athens has both temperate and Mediterranean weather. Athens is a wonderful and charming city of the Europe, ideally famous for its remarkable diversity and pure history that has brought all the attention to this Greek capital. From an astonishing variety of heritage sites to superb and bustling markets, the city has it all to give you an incredible and memorable getaway experience. So, if you have been thinking to plan a vacation to this sweet and beautiful city that has everything to offer you, you must start looking for suitable flights and begin your packing before the next peak season hit the streets Athens.


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Words and Photos by Jamie Brown

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A

ndorra, The Principality of Andorra is a very small, landlocked principality in south-western Europe. It is located in the Pyrenees mountains, bordered by France and Spain, and is a very interesting little country to travel to. Once an isolated country, Andorra, has currently become a very prosperous country because of tourism and for it’s benefits that it offers to international corporations for taxes. The name of the country, Andorra most likely originated from the Navarrese word andurrial, which translates to shrub-covered land. Tourism is the staple of Andorra’s small, well to do economy. This accounts for roughly 80% of the Gross Domestic Product. It is estimated that nine million tourists visit Andorra annually. These tourists are attracted by Andorra’s duty-free shopping and also by its summer and winter resorts. Andorra’s advantage has recently shrunk as the neighboring economies of France and Spain have slackened up, providing more availability to goods and lower tariffs on them. With its tax haven status, The banking sector, also contributes in a large way to the economy of the Andorra. Agricultural production is so limited because only 2% of the land is arable. This means that most food has to be imported from nearby countries. Lifestock that does exist, is mainly sheep. Local Manufacturing consists of cigars, cigarettes, and furniture.

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Andorra, although not a ‘full member’ of the EU (European Union), still enjoys a special relationship with it. An example of this is that Andorra is treated as an EU member for among EU members. This means that there is no tariffs. Andorra really does lack a currency of its own, because it is uses the currencies of its two surrounding nations. The beautiful Andorra la Vella is the capital of the Principality of Andorra and counts with a very peculiar and diverse population since about 45% of its inhabitants are Spanish, 11% are Portuguese, 33% are Andorra, and 7% are French. The main language spoken in Andorra la Vella is Catalan, but many of its inhabitants also speak Castilian, French and Portuguese. It is also interesting to know that the name of this town, Andorra la Vella, means Andorra the Old, and this is due to the fact that it is a very ancient spot which was inhabited since the Christian times. Andorra la Vella has a very picturesque and antique old town, which was were the first settlements of this destination were established. This old town is called Barri Antic, and is characterized by having stoned streets and antique houses mostly constructed with stone as well. This spot can be found between the Placeta del Puial and the Esglesia de Sant Esteve, and is without any doubt one of the main spots tourists should visit while here.


The Esglesia de Sant Esteve is a very antique construction and one of the main attractions in Andorra la Vella. This church was built in the 11th century in Romanesque style, and by visiting, tourists could observe some peculiar paintings exhibited in its interior. Most of these paintings are even more antique than the construction itself since they date from the 13th century. One of the most interesting constructions visitors can meet in Andorra la Vella is the Casa de la Vall, or House of the Valley. The Casa de la Vall is the house of the Andorran parliament, and has received them since the year 1703. Before that, this construction which dates from 1580 was inhabited by a family. This building is very interesting for a variety of reasons, among which we can remark its antiquity, its architecture, its interior design, and its history. The people live simply, farming their land or raising sheep. They are very proud of their ancient customs, which have changed very little in hundreds of years. Most of them belong to the Roman Catholic Church. The Andorrans raise enough crops to feed themselves, and grow enough tobacco tobacco to sell some of it to other countries. They manufacture very little except paper for cigarettes, and some rough cloth. An Andorran

earns very little actual money (only about thirty dollars a year), but there are almost no taxes, and food and clothing are inexpensive. Strangely enough, though the people are poor, one out of every nine now owns an auto mobile. Children are not required to go to school as in most modern countries, though there are free parish schools. Most of the people can neither read nor write. There is only one movie theatre in the entire country. A favourite sport of the men is izard hunting. The izard is a small goat-like antelope that lives in the mountains. The people do not travel often, and marry among themselves, so that many of the families in Andorra are related. There are telephones in Andorra, but no long distance lines, so they cannot call anyone outside their own country. Andorra makes for a celebrated ski location as it very mountainous indeed. The tallest peak being Coma Pedrosa standing at 2500 meters. If you’re an avid skier or just like to get away for an annual ski holiday, then Andorra may be the place for you; cool summers and snowy winters make for an outdoor Mecca of sorts. Because Andorra is situated between France and Spain so perfectly, it’s quite easy to get to.

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DEMOCRATIC PEOPLES

REPUBLIC OF 조선민주주의인민공화국

KOREA WORDS AND PHOTOS BY JAMIE BROWN

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Capital City Pyongyang

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North Korea is nothing if not a fascinating and totally unique country. You may be curious to experience it for yourself, you’ve just got to follow all the rules to the letter.

T

ourism in North Korea is unlike anything you will have experienced anywhere else in the world. Your every movement is controlled, watched and carefully planned by the Government. Most if not all tours are ultimately run by the Korean International Travel Company and it will be their guides who show you around. Forget any notions of independent, adventure or solo travel, it just doesn’t work that way in North Korea. If you are not prepared to accept severe limitations on your movements and behaviour, you should not go to North Korea. Independent travel is not permitted, you must not leave your hotel without a guide, you will not be allowed to travel on the public transport system at all and both you and your guide will be punished if you infringe the rules.

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tour will be highly choreographed to visit only authorised sites, shop in approved stores, and speak only to official guides. North Korea is communist state; it’s safe to assume that you will be under surveillance at all times. North Korean government security personnel closely monitor the activities and conversations of foreigners. Hotel rooms, telephones, and fax machines may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched.

“there are some breathtakingly beautiful natural areas in the country”

There are some nationalities that are not even permitted entry to North Korea. South Koreans are not permitted entry and there have been reports of difficulties regarding Israeli, American, British and Japanese nationals. However, in January 2010, North Korea lifted the restrictions on American citizens who are now free to visit at anytime of the year. A specialist North Korean travel agency can help you sort out the complex and ever-changing regulations.

The capital city of North Korea, Pyongyang, is located on the Taedong River and is roughly 30 miles (48 km) from the Yellow Sea. Although North Korea is very mountainous, Pyongyang is situated on a flat, open plain. Because it receives no protection from mountains or hills, Pyongyang Temperatures during the winter are generally very cold, averaging 17°F (-8°C) in January. The temperature in Pyongyang is rather pleasant during the summer with highs around 70°F (21°C).

When you arrive in North Korea, your guide will take your passport and keep it for “security reasons”. Make sure your passport looks decent and doesn’t differ from the most common passports from your country. Also, DPRK border officials routinely confiscate visitors’ cell phones upon arrival, returning the phone only upon departure. You will not have access to anyone or anything that is not part of your authorised tour. Your

Although Pyongyang has many of the trappings of a modern, vibrant city, it is often described by visitors as drab and lifeless. The streets of Pyongyang are often devoid of cars, bicycles, pets, and people. Those who are on the streets go about their business without smiling or making eye contact. Apartments are often very cramped, some with only one toilet for every two floors. The lives of Pyongyang residents are tightly regimented.

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Ryugyong Hotel

Arch Of Triumph

USS Pueblo

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Restaurants open at noon and generally do not remain open late in the evening. Only a simple meal is offered by restaurants. Diners may choose between a rice meal, rice mixed with another grain, or a noodle dish. Very few restaurants offer meat or eggs, as these are scarce and very expensive. Pyongyang serves as the major hub for North Korea’s railway system. The city has a very modern, clean, and efficient subway system. Subway stations are adorned with beautiful chandeliers, marbled walls, and mosaic murals of Kim Il-sung. North Korea’s international airport, Sunan Airport, is located approximately 10 miles (6 km) north of Pyongyang. Sunan Airport handles international flights to Moscow and Beijing as well as domestic flights from Pyongyang to North Korea’s other major cities. Foreign language publications are available in Pyongyang. Those published in English include: The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Foreign Trade of the D.P.R.K., Korea, Korea Today, Korean Women, Korean Youth and Students, and The Pyongyang Times. The types of books published in North Korea include essays, short stories, plays, literary criticism, textbooks, children’s books, poetry, and novels. A large proportion of all titles are devoted to a glorification of Kim Jong-il. Radio Pyongyang broadcasts are transmitted over loudspeakers into factories and municipal centers. Programs include news, weather, music, drama, literary recitations, some light entertainment, analyses of international affairs, and glorification of Kim Il-sung and the Korean Workers’ Party. The main television station is located in Pyongyang, with stations at Munsudae and Kaesong. Foreign films, news, music, and dance and cultural programming is shown daily. Television service is available throughout most of North Korea.

If only more national parks were like this. You feel perfectly alone and in the wilds of the country and you see practically no body. However there must be people around because nature alone doesn’t do such a good job of looking immaculate. A really pleasant hiking destination. The pathway is well maintained and very safe. Not a scrap of litter anywhere. Hike up to the Kowloon waterfall and then do the further loop to the top of that. There are a couple of strategically placed springs spouting fresh mountain water out of the rocks. It is very tempting to strip off and dive into one of the mountain pools. Our guide advised against this. Make sure you return before dark because at night, the trail really is treacherous. Whilst in the area, be sure to visit Lake Samilpo. The lake is a short drive from Mount Kumgang. It is stunningly beautiful and great hiking territory. The Arirang Festival has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the biggest choreographic event in the world. Some 100,000 athletes perform rhythmic gymnastics and dances while another 40,000 participants create a vast animated screen in the background. The event is an artistic representation of the country’s history and pays homage to Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, the largest stadium in the world with its capacity of 150,000, hosts the Festival. It may be strict, but provided you follow the guides and their rules, you will no doubt enjoy a trip to this intriguing nation that we percieve as dangerous, secluded and impenetrable. It’s natural beauty, statues and historical monuments can only be witnessed in person. To satisfy your curiosity, have a look at the Koryo Tours website.

Most people think a trip to North Korea is nothing but monuments and propaganda, but there are some breathtakingly beautiful natural areas in the country. Mount Kumgang is one of them, and I went on a really nice hike to a waterfall.

Arirang Mass Games

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Yonggwang Metro Station


Mt. Kumgang National Park

Kaeson Youth Park

Heaven Lake

Sino-Korean Firendship Bridge

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TOP

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By Jamie Brown

Countries To

SKI

Italy No room for New Zealand or the USA or Norway on this list. Must be good then. Lets crack on with number five; Italia.

Lake(in the north The Caumasee ski resorts here of Italy, obviously) provide exactly what you’d expect from the European Alps; Magnificent views, well-built infrastructure and of course beautifully manicured smooth ski runs. Resorts here include Monterosa, Alta Badia, Cervinia, Dolomites and Val Gardena.

Japan Though Japan may be a dense and populous country, it’s actually quite mountainous. Volcanic is another way of putting it, but anyway it’s no surprise this country has so many ski resorts. Zao Onsen in Yamagata is one in particular that caught my eye, thanks to it’s densely snow-covered trees making it look outerworldly. Other resorts include Niseko, Sapporo Teine, Aomori Spring and Nozawa Onsen.

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Canada Probably no surprise to find Canada on this list. Outside looking in, we think all Canadians can ski and all Canadians go on ski holidays whenever possible. This is somewhat mostly true. Canada has some big-name ski resorts such as WhistlerBlackcomb (where some of the 2010 Winter Olympics were held), Big White (great name), Kicking Horse (they just get better), Powder King (oh yes), Baldy (?) and Sunshine Village.

Austria Austria is home to the world’s best après-ski resort of St Anton. It has modern infrastructure and access to 280 km of well-groomed terrain. This is basically a party resort though, with bars such as the mighty MooserWirt, famously known for it’s Jägerbombs and Austrian oompah music. There’s also Skicircus Saalbach, a resort that has a whopping 29 gondolas and about 270 km of pristine ski runs.

Switzerland Switzerland may be a small country, it may only have a few ski resorts, but in our opinion, they are the best. Best of all is the paradise of Zermatt, which sits in the shadow of the iconic Matterhorn peak. This above all else, makes it an iconic and picturesque location that tops them all. So much so, it can only be accessed via the mountain train or a helicopter. There is also Verbier, one of the biggest and well-known resorts in all of Europe, and also Andermatt Sedrun.

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The Palm Jumeirah

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D

ubai, it’s one of the most established travel destinations in the deserts, Dubai is flourishing with man-made architectures and gorgeous beaches. Dubai Tours offers visit to the amazing constructions like Palm Island, Burj Arab and Jumeirah Mosque which symbolizes beauty of Islamic art and architecture. When on a tour of Dubai, one can also look forward for the enthralling know-how on the camel ride and sand get on. Dubai holidays offer you a delightful shopping experience in the luxurious shopping malls and the traditional Arabic foodstuff adds spice to your fun-filled trip. This destination of sand and dust has full-grown into one of the most progressive cities in the world. Dubai International Airport (DXB) has 3 terminals. Terminal 1 is for major international airlines, Terminal 2 for low cost carriers and Terminal 3 is dedicated to Emirates Airline. Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Sharjah (SHJ) are nearby airports which travellers use to get into Dubai. Fastest way to get to your hotel from Dubai is by Taxi, fares start from 20 dirhams cheapest way is by Dubai Metro. Catch the Dubai Metro from airport and get down at a station close to your hotel. And then take a taxi from the station to your hotel. Best areas to stay in Dubai are Deira or Bur Dubai where you will find hotels for all budget ranges. Areas like Jumeriah and Sheikh Zayed Road cater to more upmarket tourists. have a good deals for hotels in Dubai at swantour.com. Visit Dubai during the shoulder peak months of September, October and March, April to get the best hotel deals and also enjoy a fairly good weather. Taxis are metered (AED 1.6/km) and are cheap compared to western standards. Public transport buses are air conditioned and tickets have to be repurchased either from the ticket vending machines at the bus stops or at the nearest metro stations. Buses are not recommended for short distance as they generally have a long wait time. Dubai also has 2 metro lines. The Red line runs from Rashidiya to Jebel Ali and covers all the major tourist destinations on its way. The Green line runs from Etisalat to Dubai Creek. Taking a boat ride on the Dubai Creek is the low-cost (AED 2) and fastest way to go from Deira to Bur Dubai (and vice versa). Mainly at night, this gives nice views of the buildings along the creek. Dubai is often called the Shoppers heaven; the city is full of malls and is a most wanted past time of the residents. Popular malls are The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Marina Mall. Dubai Mall is a huge shopping mall and has a giant Aquarium with underwater zoo, a full sized ice rink, indoor theme park called Sega World and Kidzania for kids. Kids can learn to ice skating at the Dubai Ice Rink in the Dubai Mall for around AED 55.

World’s Tallest; Burj Khalifa

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Dubai’s very own indoor theme park Sega Republic is situated in The Dubai Mall. Nearby are five zones of pure entertainment for all ages with 9 adrenaline-fueled


attractions and over 250 of the latest amusement games and competitions to win great prizes. The Thrill Ticket is a day pass for all fascinations plus any 10 video games and costs AED 160. The Platinum Power is a day pass for all fascinations, plus free AED 200 credit for games. Individual rides and games cost on an average AED 30. They as well have a Sega Republic Game Zone in the Dubai Marina Mall. Kidzania, the only place where the cost of entry for kids is more than that for adults!

World’s largest dancing fountain is on display every evening infront of the Dubai Mall. Shows take place every 30mins from 6­11pm and gives excellent photo opportunities with Burj Khalifa in the background. Best of all its free. Dubai Marina and The Walk offers great views of Dubai Skyline, has Dubai Marina mall and one can also visit one section of the Jumeirah beach from here. There are 2 fabulous walkways. The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence is a stretch of 1.7kms and offers wide range of shopping, dining and leisure activities. One can also stroll along the Marina walk to see some of the luxury yatchs docked in the water. If you would like to experience some gravity defying flying inside a simulator, try I Fly Dubai. Cost is about AED 215 and is quite popular with young and adults. It is located in the Mirdif Citi Centre. The Burj Khalifa is the Tallest building in the world has 160 floors; you can

take the Metro Red line and get down at Dubai Mall Station. The cost to go up to the observation deck on 124th floor is AED 400. Advance booking can also be done online from atthetop.ae for AED 130. Burj al­Arab is the world’s most luxurious 5 star hotel and an icon of Dubai. The best way to see the hotel is to book a table in one of the restaurants inside the hotel. Best options are the Sahn Eddar restaurant (AED 250) or the Skyview bar (AED 425). You can yield the metro to Mall of the Emirates Station and then a taxi from there Just like the hotels, Dubai has cheap as well as top­end restaurants. Food and travel go hand in hand especially if you are in Dubai. You can treat your taste buds to some amazing Arabic cuisine with local flavors that you can easily enjoy in Dubai. Dubai being an islamic state, alcohol is not permitted in outside restaurants. Only those inside a hotel can serve alcohol. Palm Jumeirah is the most famed landmark of Dubai is a set of artificial islands created in the form of palm tree. The main attraction to see on the island is the Atlantis hotel described below. Atlantis, the Palm, is a resort hotel situated in the Palm Jumeirah has Aquaventure theme park, shopping malls and Dolphin bay where you can swim and interact with dolphins. You can get down at Dubai Marina Metro Station on Red line and then take a taxi from there. Another choice is to take taxi to Gateway Station of the Monorail that runs from the mainland to Atlantis. Monorail runs above ground and gives great views.

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Jumeirah Mosque is the largest mosque in Dubai and most attractive. It is the only mosque in Dubai which is open to non­muslims and also features on its AED 500 currency note. There is an entry fee of AED 10. The Jumeirah Open beach is few mins walk from the mosque. You can take a taxi from Al Jafliya Red Metro station to extent here. Bus Number 8 and 8A is another choice. To be found in Atlantis, the Palm, Aquaventure Dubai is a supposedly the number one water park in the Middle East. It is set in 42 acres and includes Master Blasters, speed slide, rivers, rapids, Splashes children’s play area, lush tropical landscapes and a private beach. The Wild Wadi Water Park in Jumeirah is Dubai’s first water park. An all-day pass costs about AED 225 for Adults and AED 175 for children. They also have a sundowner pass which costs AED 190 and AED 145 for Adults and Children respectively. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: To be found in the Dubai Mall is a good pass time for kids with its underworld aquarium tunnel and underwater zoo. The combo ticket with Aquarium Tunnel and Underwater zoo costs AED 55 per person. The Ultimate Aquarium Package costs AED 110 which includes a Glass bottom boat ride and a Gift Shop voucher. If you are fascinated in Diving, then the dive packages costs from AED 290 to AED 1875. Dubai Dolphinarium: Watch Dolphin shows and Play with the dolphins at the Dubai Dolphinarium. The shows run from 11am to 6pm (except Sunday) and swimming with dolphins from 1pm to 4pm (except Friday, Saturday and Sunday). The dolphin show costs vary with the standard seating costing about AED 100 for adult and AED 50 for children. They also offer VIP seating’s and also Illusion shows. Swim with Dolphin for unto 3 people costs about AED 2100. Gold Souk. Souk in Arabic means market and as name suggests Gold souk is the most famed Gold Market of Dubai. There are over 300 more gold shops which display their jewellery and ornaments. The Global Village. It is the largest open-air cultural and entertainment venue in the Middle East, where there are many pavilions representing different countries. It takes place during the winter months of November M ­ arch. Ski Dubai is one of its kinds in the world, Ski Dubai offers travellers an experience of indoor skiing in the Mall of Emirates. The entrance fee to snow park is AED 130 (Adults) and AED 120 (Children), Ski Hill for 2 hours is 180 (Adults) and 150 (Children). There are also various preferences like a Power Pass (AED 275), Super Pass (AED 200) and Ski Slope Day Pass (AED 300). Depending on which pass you choose, you have various choices like chairlift rides, Giant Ball, Mountain Thriller, Fleece Gloves Voucher and also a 60 mins Lesson in the Ski School. While Dubai is most famous for its shopping, visitors should take advantage of their trip to the United Arab Emirates to also learn about the local culture.

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