When I wrote my previous email regarding packing, I should have mentioned the most important thing—the weight of the luggage. You always need to check with your specific carrier directly, but for most transatlantic flights you are allowed 50 lbs/bag in economy and 70 lbs/bag in business. The problem is, once you are overseas and traveling from country to country-the luggage allowance drops.
Most carriers within Europe allow 44 lbs TOTAL for the bags in economy and 66 lbs in business. Although I know it’s hard to pack efficiently for a long trip overseas, it’s best to do so, so you do not run into any problems or any extra expense. We have had instances where clients have incurred small overweight fees, so please be aware while packing.
My colleague, Kevan, always amazes everyone with his packing skills…he packs 7-10 days worth of clothes into a backpack size suitcase that he carries on the plane with him. Oh, and I forgot to mention that he usually always has a sport coat in there and none of his clothes are EVER wrinkled. So keep that in mind while packing for your trip and you’ll be sure to never be at risk for the dreaded overweight fees that are imposed by ALL the airlines!
I just returned from Russia, and I would like to say that one of the most intriguing places that I visited this time was the Cold War Bunker. If you are interested in Military History, or simply in a historic location that is very exciting and at the same time a break from the Museum–Palace route, I definitely recommend a stop at this recently-opened Bunker.
The entrance is deceivingly small. First, you hop on an elevator (or stairs, if you are up for it) and go down 18 floors to the Bunker. A series of long tunnels and metal stairs followed, while our Bunker guide told us more about its history. It is particularly fascinating to hear the Metro running above your head!! The very dark and cold tunnels got particularly scary at one point when suddenly all the lights shut off and the very loud emergency alarm went off! I just stood there… and I am glad it was completely dark, as I am sure I had a total “deer in the headlights” moment. My feeling was that the subway was going to come and run the deer (me) over but, as it turns out, it was no real emergency. Phew!
At the end, we were taken to a room for a wonderful special treat! The Red Army Choir was singing some Russian classics just for us. They were so talented and enthusiastic, and they completely put us in the mood for the vodka, tea and kasha (a porridge commonly eaten in Eastern Europe) that were waiting for us at the end.
The perfect end to such a unique day!
Category:
Cold War Bunker,
Metro,
Red Army Choir,
Russia
0
коммент.
Parked at the end of the runway at Amsterdam's Teuge airport, the IIyushin 18 has become the newest addition to the luxury hotel market. Ben Thijssen, a Dutch entrepreneur, converted the 131-foot long plane into a 5-star hotel suite.
For approximately $500 per night, you can stay in one of the most unique and exciting hotels in all the world- an airplane! Amenities include 3 flat-screen televisions, wireless internet, a kitchenette, an infrared sauna, and of course a whirlpool- I mean what plane doesn't have a whirlpool!
The "Airplane Hotel" opens for reservations on August 1, 2009. Book your room (or cabin) today!
For approximately $500 per night, you can stay in one of the most unique and exciting hotels in all the world- an airplane! Amenities include 3 flat-screen televisions, wireless internet, a kitchenette, an infrared sauna, and of course a whirlpool- I mean what plane doesn't have a whirlpool!
The "Airplane Hotel" opens for reservations on August 1, 2009. Book your room (or cabin) today!
Category:
Airplane,
Airport,
Hotel
0
коммент.
Have you ever dreamed of being pampered in the absolute middle of nowhere in the depths of winter? If so then Villa Säikkärä could be for you.
Located in Lapland and about 45 minutes from the airport that services the small town of Rovaniemi, this tranquil location is located on the end of the Säikkäräniemi headland a formation shaped by the Ice Age. The spot has been used for festivities by the indigenous Sámi for centuries. The historical setting and stunning surrounding natural spectacle will leave any guest speechless. It feels as though time has stood still here.
Inside Villa Säikkärä, this same timeless atmosphere continues. The cozy high class log-built villa accommodates and caters for its guests while respecting traditions in the appropriate manner. Lappish hospitality is provided by the Säikkärä host, Risto Kauppinen, who personally receives his guests. It is a matter of honour for the host to ensure his guests enjoy their stay and experience the true Lappish atmosphere.
The villa has 6 double rooms, a spacious combined living and dining room with a big fireplace, a special cigar terrace and separate sauna building with 4 showers and a fireplace.
In the wintertime, huskies, reindeer or snowmobiles take the Villa Säikkärä guests through untouched snowy landscapes, and the waterways provide ice fishing experiences.
In the evening indulge in a traditional Finnish sauna right at the villa. The tradition of the sauna, carried on unbroken for about two thousand years, is deeply rooted in the Finns' way of life. Sauna bathing is part of the Finnish identity just as essentially as rye bread is part of the customary diet. In Villa Säikkärä you can enjoy the relaxing heat and the peaceful atmosphere in this private sauna.
You might also want to take a dip in the lake water – yes, even in winter! A large hole is made in the ice which provides a unique experience and the opportunity to feel the cold waters of the northen lake. You can also try rolling in the snow outside the sauna - it will “sure make your blood run” as the Finns say! After the sauna rediscover your sanity relaxing in a cozy room with an open fire place.
During your stay you can make use of the snow shoes supplied in the villa but for some real adventure arrangements can be made to explore the countryside on dog hauled sleds or on snowmobiles. You can also visit a reindeer farm and experience the joy of riding on a sleigh pulled by reindeer.
For those lucky enough to stay at the villa over Christmas a private visit to Santa Clause in his nearby office can be arranged after which you have a chance to shop in Santa’s Village or sit back and enjoy lunch in the village accompanied by a heart warming glass of Salmiakki-Kossu or Salmari, prepared by mixing in salty black salmiakki licorice, whose taste masks the alcohol behind it fearfully well. Or play it safe and try the non-alcoholic Pommac, an unusual soda made from (according to the label) "mixed fruits", which you'll either love or hate. But you have to try it to know for sure.
The highlight of any Christmas Eve stay will be when you hear the jingling of bells, at first in the distance, but slowly approaching the villa and looking out of the snow framed window you will see Santa Clause arriving on his reindeer-drawn sleigh for a private visit before setting off on his trip around the world. You will soon find out just how good you have been this year!
Located in Lapland and about 45 minutes from the airport that services the small town of Rovaniemi, this tranquil location is located on the end of the Säikkäräniemi headland a formation shaped by the Ice Age. The spot has been used for festivities by the indigenous Sámi for centuries. The historical setting and stunning surrounding natural spectacle will leave any guest speechless. It feels as though time has stood still here.
Inside Villa Säikkärä, this same timeless atmosphere continues. The cozy high class log-built villa accommodates and caters for its guests while respecting traditions in the appropriate manner. Lappish hospitality is provided by the Säikkärä host, Risto Kauppinen, who personally receives his guests. It is a matter of honour for the host to ensure his guests enjoy their stay and experience the true Lappish atmosphere.
The villa has 6 double rooms, a spacious combined living and dining room with a big fireplace, a special cigar terrace and separate sauna building with 4 showers and a fireplace.
In the wintertime, huskies, reindeer or snowmobiles take the Villa Säikkärä guests through untouched snowy landscapes, and the waterways provide ice fishing experiences.
In the evening indulge in a traditional Finnish sauna right at the villa. The tradition of the sauna, carried on unbroken for about two thousand years, is deeply rooted in the Finns' way of life. Sauna bathing is part of the Finnish identity just as essentially as rye bread is part of the customary diet. In Villa Säikkärä you can enjoy the relaxing heat and the peaceful atmosphere in this private sauna.
You might also want to take a dip in the lake water – yes, even in winter! A large hole is made in the ice which provides a unique experience and the opportunity to feel the cold waters of the northen lake. You can also try rolling in the snow outside the sauna - it will “sure make your blood run” as the Finns say! After the sauna rediscover your sanity relaxing in a cozy room with an open fire place.
During your stay you can make use of the snow shoes supplied in the villa but for some real adventure arrangements can be made to explore the countryside on dog hauled sleds or on snowmobiles. You can also visit a reindeer farm and experience the joy of riding on a sleigh pulled by reindeer.
For those lucky enough to stay at the villa over Christmas a private visit to Santa Clause in his nearby office can be arranged after which you have a chance to shop in Santa’s Village or sit back and enjoy lunch in the village accompanied by a heart warming glass of Salmiakki-Kossu or Salmari, prepared by mixing in salty black salmiakki licorice, whose taste masks the alcohol behind it fearfully well. Or play it safe and try the non-alcoholic Pommac, an unusual soda made from (according to the label) "mixed fruits", which you'll either love or hate. But you have to try it to know for sure.
The highlight of any Christmas Eve stay will be when you hear the jingling of bells, at first in the distance, but slowly approaching the villa and looking out of the snow framed window you will see Santa Clause arriving on his reindeer-drawn sleigh for a private visit before setting off on his trip around the world. You will soon find out just how good you have been this year!
Category:
Christmas,
Lapland
0
коммент.
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