Archive for September, 2009

The 10 Greatest Waterfalls of Iceland

Posted in Iceland | by admin
September 16th, 2009

#1- Dettifoss Waterfall

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Located in Northeast Iceland’s Jokulsargljufur National Park, Dettifoss is Europe’s most powerful waterfall, with an average flow of over 7,000 cubic feet per second. The massive waterfall is 144 feet high and an impressive 328 feet wide.

#2- Glymur Waterfall

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The highest waterfall in Iceland, Glymur is 643 feet tall. Located in the far east end of Hvalfjordour, or Whale Fjord, due to the height and location of Glymur, one cannot view the entirety of the falls from one location.

#3- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

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Located between Selfoss and Skogafoss (#5), the 200 foot Seljalandsfoss is connected to the river Seljalandsa. One of the most picturesque waterfalls in Iceland, Seljalandsfoss also offers some of the best tourism as a foot path travels directly behind the falls, allowing tourists to view the waterfall from the backside without getting wet.

#4- Gooafoss Waterfall

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The name means “waterfall of the gods.” Though one may think the name derives from the beauty and immensity of this waterfall, it actually dates back to about the year 1000. According to legend, when Christianity was declared the official religion of Iceland, Porgeirr Ljosvetningagooi threw statues of Norse gods into the falls.

#5- Skogafoss Waterfall

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Southern Iceland boasts the beautiful and massive Skogafoss. At 82 feet wide and nearly 200 feet tall, Skogafoss is one Iceland’s largest falls. A local legend states that Prasi Porolfsson, the first Viking who settled in the area, hid a treasure behind the waterfall that has been glimpsed but has yet to be found. The legend is enhanced by the fact that, due to the fall’s spray, a single or double rainbow appears before it on most sunny days.

#6- Svartifoss Waterfall

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Known as “Black Falls,” Svartifoss is flanked by dark lava columns. The columns formed inside of a slow cooling lava flow, allowing for this natural, unique beauty. Svartifoss is within Iceland’s Skaftafell National Park.

#7- Ofaerufoss Waterfall

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Like Barnafoss (#10), a natural bridge once ran the length of the falls of Ofaerufoss. Until the bridge’s collapse in 1993 due to an earthquake, visitors could walk very near the waterfall, gaining a spectacular view. The falls are just as spectacular today. Ofaerufoss is located in Iceland’s Eldgja chasm.

#8- Haifoss Waterfall

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Southern Iceland’s Fossa river gives us Haifoss, Iceland’s second highest waterfall at about 400 feet tall. Located in the Thjorsardalur valley, Haifoss shares a gorge with the waterfall Granni. Haifoss was named in the 19th century by Dr. Helgi Petursson.

#9- Gullfoss Waterfall

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One of the country’s most famous tourist attractions, Gullfoss is located in the southwest, in Iceland’s Golden Circle. Making the canyon of the Hvita river its home, Gullfoss rushes at a rate of about 5,000 cubic feet per second. Above the waterfall exists a stone memorial to Sigriour Tomasdottier, who is rumored to have saved the falls from industrialization.

#10- Barnafoss Waterfall

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Western Iceland’s Barnafoss is known not only for its beauty but also its folklore. Known as “the children’s waterfall,” the legend of Barnafoss comes from the tale of two boys falling from the natural bridge that once spanned the falls. The mother was so distraught that she put a spell on the bridge, causing it collapse.

Top Nighttime Activites to do in Russia

Posted in Russia | by admin
September 16th, 2009

Night life in Russia is both thrilling and exhilarating. This can include trips to a theatre, visiting a state or park reserve or being at a nightclub or bar. If you are in Moscow, you will discover, there is an excellent choice of bars, pubs, casinos, dance clubs, opera houses and theaters. You can play pool or billiards at sports bar. If you like to attend an opera, you will need to book in advance. Many night clubs charge an entrance fee or make the drinks expensive.

1. Bolshoi Theatre

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If you dig culture, you should try visiting the Bolshoi Theatre. This theatre is the country’s oldest theatre and hosts delightful performances by actors to make a perfect night out. You can also visit the Theatre of Musical Comedy or the Music Theatre. Ballets are hosted almost every other day. The Chamber Music Theatre is popular among classical music aficionados.

2. Moskva Casino

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If visiting and playing games at casino’s turn you on, the Moskva casino on Kalanchevskaya street offers roulette, black jack, a nightclub and a bar. The Eldorado Casino will entertain you and the Premiere Casino is one you must try.

3. The Priori Dance Club

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If dance clubs are your number, The Priori is a dance club with two floors, variety of music and live DJs. Fabrique is rated among the best music clubs in the city. Also, a restaurant is located nearby if you need a quick bite. B-Club is a classic place for R&B dance music. B3 has multiple dance floors, a chill-out room, a pool room, a cinema room, a restaurant and a café. Zona, Garag, Marica, Ballentine’s Bar and Sahar are other clubs. The Hungry Duck plays excellent rock music. If the nightlife makes you rock, start today to have a grand time in Moscow.

4. St.Petersburg Pubs & Cafes

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If you are in St.Petersburg, you can make trips to the local pubs and café’s. Bars and clubs in Russia open very late and hence you might have to wait your chance to visit them. The club Cha Cha Coconuts has live music and a Taste of Wine is a great place to drink. There is an Irish pub called Annie Moore, for a great pub time and drinking and fun.

5. Chic-a-Boom Room

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If you are looking to network with other people, the Chic-a-Boom room is an excellent place to be and the Extra Inning Ball Park Cafe’ is also favourite among sports fans.

6. Gasoline Alley Café

The Gasoline Alley Café offers great food and live music. Billiard Café is a great place for playing billiards.. Club M is good for billiard players too.

7. Stadion Vympel Go-Karting

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Another popular night time activity among the youth in Russia is Go-Karting. Stadion Vympel in Moscow has a huge track and is very popular.

8. Art Clubs

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Stray Dog is an art club with a difference. St.Petersburg has night clubs spread across the city.

9. Bowling

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Bowling alleys can be found throughout Russia and are filled with people at night.

10 Things You Should Take with You When Travelling to Iceland

Posted in Iceland | by admin
September 14th, 2009

Iceland is one of the most unique travelling experiences, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. As with any trip, pack your camera, of course, and the most comfortable shoes you own, so you can see it all and remember it later. You’ll need a few more things to make your trip even more enjoyable and memorable.

1. Comfortable Clothing

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The average temperature in the country’s capital of Reykjavik is 51 degrees F. in July and about 32 degrees F. in January. Bring gloves, thick socks and a warm coat for cold weather. A light jacket and will do in mild weather.

2. Icelandic Dictionary

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Although many people in Iceland speak English and Danish regularly, plus French and German as taught in school, be prepared to run into those who only speak the native Icelandic language in shops, restaurants or on the street.

3. Binoculars

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If you don’t own a set, buy or borrow them so you don’t miss out on some of the most wondrous sights in the world. They’ll give you a great close-up view of volcanoes, fjords, geysers, whales, seals, waterfalls and an amazing skyline. Binoculars also come in handy for bird watching and concerts.

4. Rain Coat

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Weather can be stormy any time of year, so bring along your gear and also be prepared for water splashing on whale watching, fishing and whitewater rafting trips.

5. Fishing Pole

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Be prepared for lake, stream or ice fishing for salmon or trout, depending on the time of year. Reserve salmon fishing permits long before you come, or trout permits when you arrive.

6. Golf Clubs

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Iceland has more than 50 golf courses available May until September. While some of them offer club rentals, if you’re emotionally attached to your nine-iron, you’d better bring it along. Try your hand golfing at 3 a.m. in June, just for the fun of it, when the midnight sun is out and 24-hour golf is on the agenda.

7. Hiking Boots

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With beautiful terrain to explore, plan at least one day for hiking. Hire a guide or go on your own. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are a must-have for an enjoyable outing.

8. Travel Sickness Tablets

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If air or sea travel makes you queasy, pack some in your carry-on luggage. Once you arrive, glacier tours can be a fun adventure, and many different boating activities abound. If you’re prone to motion sickness, come prepared so you don’t miss out on the fun.

9. Bathing Suit

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Hot outdoor pools are the rage year round, so don’t forget to pack your favorite swimwear. While doing laps is popular, “hot pots” are even more so, with water between 90 and 110 degrees F. to sit and relax in with new friends.

10. Sunscreen

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Any amount of time spent in the sun requires protection, as with anywhere, but particularly in Iceland where there are so many outdoor activities and the sun is strong. Skiing, horseback riding, swimming and ferry rides are just a few ways to get burned if you’re not careful.

A Guide to Public Transport in Kiev

Posted in Uncategorized | by admin
September 11th, 2009

As the capital and largest city in the Ukraine, Kiev is an important cultural and industrial city with many famous landmarks and historical buildings. It is located on the banks of the Dnieper River, making its setting unique and wooded. Over 2 million people live in the city and it is home to several renowned universities. Fortunately for travellers, Kiev has an extensive array of public transportation options including a Metro system. While it can be crowded, as can any large city public transportation systems, Kiev’s public transportation system is efficient and inexpensive. Here’s an overview of some of the public transportation options available in Kiev, and some helpful tips to help you get around in the city.

Kiev Metro

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Kiev built the first public metro system in the Ukraine and the third one in the former USSR. It forms a widespread network throughout the city, and in 2005 boasted making 600 million trips carrying over 1.6 million people daily. Many of the metro stops are built deep into the ground and could double as bomb shelters if needed, this was very important during the Cold war era when it was built. The metro operates via inexpensive tokens which can be purchased at any station or from automated kiosks found in metro stops. If you are going to be in Kiev on a long-term basis, you can also purchase a monthly metro pass.

Kiev Bus System

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The city runs two types of bus services, the city bus and the trolley bus. You can catch a ride on buses from assigned stops; look for signs posted on telegraph poles. You can pre-purchase tickets from self-service kiosks located throughout the city or from the bus drivers, and validate them when you board the bus by having it hole-punched in the validation machine. There is a stiff fine if you are caught riding on a bus with an unvalidated ticket.
Kiev also has a system of private route taxis called “Marshrutky” which follow designated routes and can be found at specific bus stops. If you hail a Marshrutky, make sure you bring coins to pay the driver directly. These do not operate on tokens or regular city bus passes.

Taxis

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Kiev has a couple of different taxi service options, there are official company taxis which are marked with typical taxi designation symbols and can be booked via phone or hailed on the street, and “gypsy” cabs which are unmarked vehicles belonging to Kiev citizens who wish to earn a bit of extra income by picking up travellers. If you want to hail one of these “gypsy” cabs, simply hold out your arm out and your palm down and negotiate a price with the car that stops to pick you up. Fares can vary wildly on both official taxis and “gypsy” cabs so you might ask at your lodging for what purveyors feel are accepted fares to get to various spots within the city.

Other
A scenic funicular is available to route passengers from the upper part of Kiev to Poshtova Ploscha in Podil. Beautiful views of the river Dnipro and its banks are available from the inexpensive funicular.

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A city tram, or streetcar, route is available to take travellers throughout some parts of the city.