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Rome is a fascinating city bringing visions of mystery, romance, and history. No matter where you look, you will hear or read about the unique and interesting happenings of Rome. Rome is an important city in today’s world as the seat of Catholicism and has been an important part of the history of the world spanning an existence of 2500 years.
The birth of Rome according to whether you listen to legends or records began somewhere between April 753BC (legend) and the 9th century (record). The small village is today the center of Rome where you will find many ancient structures. When Rome was first founded, the main language was Etruscan and of course, the main population was Etruscans. By 500 BC, the Romans took control of Rome from the Etruscans and the Roman Empire began to materialize.
In 44BC, Augustus established the Roman Empire after many emperors and wars made Rome the largest city in the world. However, the great fire of Rome during the rule of Nero in 64AD could have been the end of this powerful city, but even though the majority of the city was destroyed, it was the beginning of a new Rome.
By the 3rd century, Europe was in danger along with the great city of Rome. The dangers and even evasions were on the minds of the Romans. Emperor Aurelian finally completed the wall surrounding the city of Rome.
The population of Rome declined and many of the buildings of the Medieval era began to erode. During the late middle ages, Catholicism began to be strong and the Pope established a home here, which today is known as Vatican City. At this time, the Holy Roman Empire was founded.
The Renaissance came to Rome in the 15th century and such magnificent works of art in the way of architectural were created like the Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. From the 15th century until 1800, Rome saw many changes from beautiful artwork to various Popes as well as monarchy governments. In 1861, Italy finally became a united country.
Today walking through the streets of Rome you can find many historical structures, buildings, ruins, monuments, and parks from days gone by all standing to remind visitors of the vast past and power of the Roman Empire. With the various guided tours available, you can capture the love, passion, and power of this great city as well as embrace some of the worlds most rare and exquisite works of art whether in the way of monuments, sculptures, or paintings.
A trip to Rome, is more than just a vacation, it is a step back in time where you will feel the passion of Romans, the struggle of the Empire, and the faith of the early Christians. A family vacation to Rome is one that will leave every member of the family with memories that will last a lifetime.
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Okinawa Japan Night Life Experience If you have the desire to go out and experience a "Japanese type bar" vice the places that specifically cater to the foreign community. There are a few things I've come up with to help you out.
Types of places. Let's clearly define the different types of bars that exist and place them into various classes. Legally bars are categorized to determine the types of services available, the hours it can be open, what hostess are supposed to do, and the like.
Izakiyas
These are the most fun and are generally the cheapest. These are also frequented by the younger age groups like college students.
Snacks
These are fun to go out and sing karaoke at. The songs you sing will be about 100 or 200 yen each. Snacks are by far the most common and they are located all over the island. Customers in snacks may include women. In a snack generally the hostess sits on one side of the counter and is there to provide basic conversation friendly only. There is very little sexual implication or suggestion. Snacks usually sell food in addition to drinks.
Salon
These are fairly common in drinking neighborhoods, and is totally different from the snack. The only women customers found in salons are generally hostesses from other similar establishments who are friends with one of the hostesses or the mamasan. You can expect them to behave like an employee, as well. Hostesses in a salon are much "friendlier" than in the snack bar. Generally they will sit next to you and behave as though they are your girlfriend. They may hold you hand, put there arms around your, feed you your drinks often faster than you'd like, as well as other intimate gestures that make you feel good.
If you drink in a salon expect to pay more for what your get. This could possibly include a table set-up fee, over priced drinks, often if the hostess sits with you there may be a fee as well. Remember also that tatemae talk (gomasuri or sweet talk) is the standard in these places and anything promised that is not a legal business service is to be considered as talk only. The hostesses job is to make you feel good right now and not to carry through later on any promises made remember there are no friends on duty. This is clearly understood by all Japanese patrons. If you drink at a salon you need to understand this.
Salon and Cafe hostesses also have a reputation for being "very accommodating" while you are buying but, the second you quit they change into flesh eating wenches. This may not be true in all cases.
There is a Japanese word used in bars "oshibori", which refers to a little hot (or sometimes) a cold towel they give you to wipe you hands and face when you first come in. Along the true path of intent is the Japanese verb "shiboru or shibori" to squeeze or ring out till dry. "O" in front of a Japanese word makes it polite or honorific. A common joke in these places is that the hostesses are actually are there to politely ring out your wallet until it's dry.
Cafe
The rules in the cafe are about the same as in a salon. They are fairly common in drinking neighborhoods. The only women customers are hostesses from other similar places. Watch out for oshiburi. These are different from coffee shops and when your toasted and enter the wrong one you'll be able to quickly discern the difference.
Cabaret
The cabaret is not as common as the others. This is a class of bar that is usually clearly identifiable even if you do not speak or read Japanese. There are NO women customers in a cabaret. There is a trend in main land Japan nowadays providing these types of clubs for women customers only. There are a couple in Naha that cater to women only and the men are hostess. The entrance typically has a guy there to greet customers accompanied by the ever present "Irasshai , irasshai" ( welcome, welcome) bantering. Most have signs showing prices as much as 30,000 yen . This is the set fee to pay to enter and all of your drinks are free for a limited period that is anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. This is also called Nomi hodai (all you can drink). There are places that are Nomi hodai that provide a little less seedy atmosphere than most cabarets.
Hostess in these clubs employ the age-old time tested tricks and treats to get drunk. This is to entice you to buy the hostess expensive drinks (which are not included in the entry fee). Naturally, she will do or say anything to get you to feel as generous as possible. If you do not have the cash to blow I'd stay away. Be warned now if you get trashed and cause and argument about how much you did or didn't spend and didn't even get... The bouncers will come from the wood work so to speak. Most of these thugs are younger kids without jobs paid to be there and most of them have girlfriends working as hostess there or are very close friends with the hostess or mamasan.
All the Japanese customers know that "if you didn't get it before you leave chances are you ain't gettin' it". Remember, no matter how nice the hostesses are when you are spending money, as soon as you stop paying they want you to leave. Many of these do not accept foreign customers.
Members Clubs and Bottle Clubs
There are not very many of these member clubs or bottle clubs around but there is generally one or two in each drinking area. You pay a membership fee, which might mean buying a bottle (keep) of booze, in order to drink there. Many of these places do not allow foreigners either.
Fashsion or Lingerie Clubs
These are places where the hostesses may wear fancy lingerie and serve you while half clothed. In some, the hostesses take turns dancing on stage and partially remove some of their lingerie. These are not to common on Okinawa but there are a couple in Naha and up in Nago around Midori Michi. They are expensive and most do not allow foreigners. "Nihonjin dake!"
Filipino Clubs
There are only about two dozen of these clubs left here. Nearly all of the hostesses speak English and are recruited from the Philippines as cultural entertainers, models, and dancers. Contrary to popular belief the individual hostess doesn't determine what she may say and do, and the level of truth you can expect from her should be judged with care.
Most of these clubs place limits on when the hostess can leave the club and when she must be at the boarding house where she lives. So if you plan on trying to date one expect a thousand valid excuses. If she leaves either place when she is supposed to be there, she has to pay a fine, sometimes as much as $300 or about 30,000 yen. The intention is to keep them "off the streets". Her sponsor, generally the club owner, is responsible for her behavior and it will be trouble for his business should the hired help be outside of a specific liberty area.
You should keep in mind that many of these hostesses may have financial problems back home and that is what they hope to alleviate by being here. So, it is possible to set up dates with them, but generally they will be expecting to get paid for their time. It is very uncommon for one of them to go out with you because they like you only. After all, if you like them you must be sensitive to their personal problems.
The remianing few of these are located Kin Village, Okinawa City, Kitamae, Kadena town and a few in Futenma town. The number of these types of clubs or bars a fading fast and is no where near the number that there was in the 80's and early 90's.
Night clubs and Discos
Nightclubs are similar to those in the rest of the world. There are generally one to two discos in nearly every major drinking area. They offer some form of entertainment which is usually a live band, stage act, or dancing. There may be male hosts as well as hostesses, but they only provide the business services of taking orders and delivery your order.
Some nightclubs have hostesses that will sit with the customers. It is safe to say that most are not involved with providing any form of companionship for the patron.
The places that do not normally let in foreigners will usually allow you in if you come as a couple, regardless whether you are with an American or Japanese woman. They are concerned that overly aggressive girl hunters will chase off the women customers or tourist from mainland Japan.
Rock houses were originally designed with an American theme. There a few still left, most from the 80's and 90's. The most well known are 8 Beat, Abbey Roads, and Downtown All located in Okinawa City's Naka no Machi bar district and a couple in Kin Village. This is where the young crowd go to meet and listen to great music. There are no hostesses and house rules are pretty much like any bar in the States.
These places have outstanding sound systems, play good music in a nice nostalgic setting, and have good food and drinks for a fair price. Be careful in these areas though. It's best not to go alone when it is late after 11:00 p.m., especially if you are new to the island. But definetly worth going and checking out.
Okinawa City is probably the most Americanized town in Okinawa because it is right next to Kade-na Air Base. On weekend evenings, many young Americans spend their leisure time at discos or places that offer live music in Okinawa City, and on those nights the streets of the city are peopled with pedestrians of many nationalities.
Many of the Okinawan discos are large and elaborate, and some are even well-known to tourists from mainland Japan. Young Okinawan men and women dance enthusiastically and sometimes even more wildly when mixed with Americans. The discos are places where communication between young Okinawans and Americans can take place without knowing a common language; they make themselves understood through dancing. Through the mutual enjoyment of discos, they become friends. During the summer, young people from Japan come to Okinawa City to experience an exotic atmosphere that they cannot find on the mainland. Because so many places to visit in Okinawa City are located in a small area, some people may visit three or more discos in one night.
Live music entertainment is also concentrated in Okinawa City, where one can find hard rock, soft rock, and even reggae music. Weekend nights in Okinawa City belong to a world different from what is found elsewhere in the prefecture.
Naka no Machi (The Inner City)This is one of the most famous watering holes on the island. Those it has a long history - it is now in serious decline. The popping of the Japanese economic bubble has cause most revelers to sit home and drink, or drink at friends houses. In addition to the hundreds of tradition Japanese bars and Izakiyas (restaurants), most of the rock houses are located in this area also. These rock houses are favorite pick-up spots.
Park Avenue / Peace Park Avenue (BC Street)
This is one of the most famous watering holes to those who were here during the 70's, 80's, and early 90's. In the old days BC Street was the place for nighttime entertainment. It was the wild west. Boasting every type of floor show imaginable, both sides of the street were lined with club after club. But I'm dating myself.
In the early 90's, the local city government decided it was tired of that image, and changed it from BC Street to Park Avenue or Peace Park Avenue. They also spent a great deal of money and effort to renovate it to the present tourist friendly image.
Though it is mostly just gift shops for the mainland tourists who come to Okinawa, there are still a few nightclubs and a Fillipino bars left for the hard core party animals.
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The Philippines consists of 7,107 islands in the Pacific Ocean. It is the world's 12th most populous country having about 92 million people. The country is actually composed of three main lands: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Each major island consists of small islands that are further composed of smaller islets.
The country has Filipino or
Tagalog as its official language. The Philippines is also one among the top countries with the largest English speaking population. English is the second language practiced by the Filipinos with it being the medium of instruction in schools and universities. Apart from these main languages, there are other eight considered as major dialects in the country. These are Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Kapampangan, and Pangasinense. Some towns in provinces have their own dialects.
The Seven Thousand Plus Islands
From the top north, Philippines has Batanes, Catanduanes, Hundred Islands, Luzon, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindoro, the Palawan Group includes Alava, Albaguan, Bagambangan, Balabac, Bancalan, Barangonan, Batas, Beni, Binalabag just to name a few. The Islands of Romblon, Spratly, and many other islands also belong to the northern part of the country.
Biliran, Bohol, Cebu, Guimaras, Leyte, Negros, Palawan, Panay, Samar, Siquior, Alad, Almagro, Ambulong, Biliran, Burias, Cabilo are just some of the group of islands that made up the Visayas.
The third major division of the country has Camiguin and Mindanao that include Antocon, Bucas Grandem Dinagat, Lajanosa, Nonoc, Rock, Samal, and Siargao islands. This region also has the Sulu Archipelago that has the Basilan, Sulu, Jolo Island, and Tawi-Tawi.
The Beautiful Islands Exuding With Beauty
Every island in the country has its own natural beauty to boast. Each of them takes its own pride with astonishing glimpse of nature and heavenly place to commune with nature on a vacation getaway. Most of the awesome things in the Philippines are seen in small islets surrounding the main land.
It is through travel and exploring that you get the best of an adventure in these islands. You get to enjoy a fun filled island adventure in the Philippines. Discover the island beauty of the country by going to the different islands that hold a promising getaway experience.
Many islands in the Philippines await its guests to open the opportunity to discover its beauty. Cebu, Batangas, Davao, Bohol, and Bicol are just among the many popular islands in the Philippines that are top destinations by local and foreign tourists. These are just some of the 7,107 islands in the country that brought about exhilarating and unparalleled experience to so many vacationers. A travel to the Philippines will give you the rare opportunity to be in the best diving sites, to see the royalties of flower, fruits, and skies. It is also in the Philippines that you get to see nature's innate way of bringing up a perfectly cone shape volcano, mounds that looked like uniformly molded chocolate, bats, and tarsiers.
Exploring a country just like the Philippines can give you a majestic island adventure. The beauty of nature, the warmth of its people and the beautiful islands in the country can provide tourists a tranquil feeling that will truly make every trip to the Philippine island a truly amazing experience.
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Rajasthan is the most traveled tourists’ destination of India. It is the largest state of India that has amazing tourism that lures visitors from every corner of the world. Rajasthan is gifted with amazing beauty of timeless monuments, forts, exquisite palaces, blossoming gardens and rich culture and traditions. These captivating attractions of Rajasthan depict the glorious past of the state. There are many captivating cities in the state which are worth visiting and exploring. Some of the most visited cities of Rajasthan are
Jaipur,
Jaisalmer,
Udaipur,
Jodhpur,
Bikaner,
Kota, etc. These cities are well connected with roadways which makes easier for tourists to explore the attraction of these cities in a convenient way.
Jaipur popularly known as the Pink City of India is the most visited cities by tourists. The Jaipur city has so many captivating tourists’ attractions that are worth visiting and exploring. Some of the popular attractions of Jaipur are Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Birla Temple, Amber Fort, etc. These cities attractions grab the attentions of tourists from every part of the world. Tourists coming to the place will surely find the city alluring and captivating.
Jaisalmer is another captivating city with tempting tourism attractions. The city is popularly known as the Golden City of India. The city has so many tourists attraction that are worth visiting and exploring on tour to Rajasthan. Some of the popular attractions of Jaisalmer are Lalgarh Palace, Junagarh Fort, Fort Museum, Camel’s breeding farm, Ganga Golden Jubilee museum, The Har Mandir, etc. Visitors can also make an excursion for Jaisalmer to the Bhandasar Jain Temple dedicated to 23rd thirthankara, Deshnok Karni Mata temple, etc. Visitors can also enjoy the memorable Camel safari on the rippling desert. Enjoying a camel safari on the rippling desert will provide a delightful experience to visitors to cherish their Rajasthan tour for lifetime.
Udaipur also known as the City of Lakes is one of the most charming and captivating cities of Rajasthan. It is the heartthrob or Rajasthan tourism and attractions of Rajasthan. City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Palace, Fateh Prakash Lake, etc are prime attractions of Udaipur. Visitors coming to Udaipur never fail to enjoy the motor boat tour on the picturesque Lake Pichola. It is sure the visitors will get lured with the captivating and the mesmerizing view of the Lake Pichola. Visit once to Udaipur and you heart will hardly try to leave the city.
There are many other captivating attractions in Rajasthan which are worth exploring. Its exotic wildlife sanctuaries, colourful festivals, traditional fairs, royal wedding, warm hospitality, etc are some other attraction of the state. In order to make the Rajasthan tour easier and comfortable it is better to take the help of city guide or the Rajasthan travel agents. They provide each and every help to tourist such as introducing about Rajasthan map, arranging car, booking hotels and p to make the tour of Rajasthan a delightful one. Traveling through luxury car makes the tour more comfortable and enjoyable. Hire the car from the any reputed car rental company and visit these destinations in a convenient way. These car rental companies’ keeps only well trained humble chauffeurs. These Chauffeurs have good knowledge about Rajasthan road map and the tourists’ attractions.
Tourists can explore all the varied attractions of Rajasthan in a delightful way by booking tour package from the Rajasthan tour operators. There are many tour packages available in the market, visitors can pick up anyone according to their choice and preference. Book you tour package and explore the captivating attractions of Rajasthan in a delightful way.
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Dubai has recently gained a lot of attention as a tourist hotspot. As one of the wealthiest Emirates in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is a modern desert city that mixes the traditional with the contemporary. There are many reasons to visit Dubai such as those listed below.
1. Dubai is an excellent destination for shopping, especially since most items here are duty free. The shops, boutiques and malls located around the city offer visitors to the city a large variety of goods to choose from. They are also known for providing excellent bargains and regular sales.
2. Dubai is popular for its upscale hotels, modern infrastructure and high-end shopping districts. Dubai is also relatively close to continental Europe and a flight to the city would only take about 5 hours.
3. The climate in Dubai is ideal for tourists looking for a warm vacation. Many people go to Dubai to take a break from the cold weather in their home countries.
4. In recent years, Dubai has enjoyed a renaissance in architecture. The new buildings that have been erected in the city are masterpieces of modern construction and architecture. Dubai is home to some of the most beautiful modern buildings in the world including the Burj Dubai.
5. Dubai is a lively cosmopolitan city with exciting nightlife. Many visitors come to this region for business purposes. Dubai plays host to several exhibitions and major business events that take place in the city throughout the year. Also, there are many upscale nightclubs and bars in the city ideal for an evening of relaxation after a hard day’s work.
6. Dubai’s local residents are very warm and friendly and visitors to the city are likely to be treated with Arab hospitality. It is traditional for the people of the area to treat guests with respect and many will go out of their way to help tourists.
7. Dubai is well known for being a venue for major sports tournaments like the Dubai Tennis Open and the Desert Golf Classic. There are a number of world-class racetracks in the city and there are other sports that are popular here as well, such as diving, sailing, water skiing, 4x4 racing and even some exotic sports like camel racing and falconry.
8. Dubai has many world-class beaches and resorts and there are many stretches of beautiful beaches in the region like the Jumeirah beach.
9. Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world and crime is almost non-existent in the city.
10. Dubai is home to some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts in the world like the Al Maha resort and the Burj Al Arab hotel. These establishments are famous the world over for being some of the most luxurious and extravagant places in the world.
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The Galapagos Islands are a group of islands located in the eastern Pacific Ocean, and coming under the administrative jurisdiction of Ecuador. These islands consist of 13 major islands, 6 smaller islands and several islets and rocks. An interesting destination for those looking to get away from the maddening crowds usually encountered at popular holiday spots, Galapagos makes you feel you are in a different era altogether. Go for a holiday in Galapagos, you will never regret it!
History
The Galapagos Islands were accidentally discovered in 1535, when Tomás de Berlanga, the first bishop of Panama, drifted offcourse during his journey from Panama to Peru. For the next 3 centuries, these islands were primarily used as a base by buccaneers and sailors, primarily since there was an abundance of fresh flora and fauna. In 1835, the Galapagos Islands (islands of tortoises) received their first major (and the most important) visitor in Charles Darwin, who’d come aboard the Beagle as a part of his study for his Theory of Evolution. Darwin spent 5 weeks on the islands, out of which 19 days were spent on the 4 major islands collecting important evidences for his theory – published a few decades later. Ecuador took control of the islands in 1832. In 1934, some of the islands were declared as wildlife sanctuaries; in 1959, 97% of the islands were officially designated as national parks. Around 80,000 tourists visit these beautiful islands annually.
Galapagos Cruises
Interested in visiting the Galapagos Islands? You could try a Galapagos cruise to enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of these islands. Several tour operators offer affordable as well as luxury packages for Galapagos cruises
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One of the obvious benefits of an online travel agency is the ease with which any consumer can compare prices, research their chosen destination, and chose the best way to get there, all with the click of a mouse button. From the comfort of your home or office, even a novice traveler or hopeful tourist may book flights, secure lodgings in major hotels or local bed and breakfast providers, and sign up for tours at places of interest, all while being on a single website of their chosen online travel agency. By simply spending a few minutes in front of your computer, anyone can now plan every detail of an upcoming vacation or business trip with less stress. Online travel agencies are convenient services literally at your fingertips, which provide all of the necessary information you may require to make your trip a pleasant and enjoyable experience.
Thanks to the internet, researching a destination has never been easier, but at the same time, never more difficult. Due to the massive amount of information that is found on various internet sites, such information can be as confusing to sift through as it is helpful. Another great benefit of using an online travel agency is that they will have already filtered this information for you.
This enables the traveler to make safe and practical choices regarding all aspects of the intended business trip or vacation. With said information from the online travel agency, practical choices such as what to pack, what to wear, places to avoid in the area of your chosen destination, and "must see" sites can all be determined by you. Through an online travel agency factors such as airport rules, fees and additional taxes will no longer be a surprise. Information regarding local customs can be provided to you and local hot spots during your excursions will be readily found. An online travel agency will be able to answer all of your questions and offer alternative suggestions based on the latest available information.
Another benefit of the online travel agency is that travel suppliers have been able to increase their visibility in the market place. Working with online travel agencies enables the suppliers to have their brand names seen by millions of consumers every week. The ease of tracking online sales also makes it possible for them to identify and target different markets, leading to more competitive rates in almost every section of the industry. Many travel suppliers work closely with online travel agencies for just this reason. This means savings for the traveler in addition to the convenience of planning a vacation or business trip online. The speed of the internet ensures that the information and rates needed are as up to date as possible.
The simplicity of comparison shopping online is truly remarkable. Rates are readily available from virtually every travel supplier at the click of the button on your mouse. Everything from flights, cruises, hotel accommodations, car rentals and more, can be compared online. The time involved in planning a business trip or vacation has been dramatically reduced. Every detail can be quickly checked to ensure that the traveler is obtaining the best possible value for their money. An online travel agency will do the homework for you and provide you with cost comparisons and options. Getting the biggest bang for your buck has never been simpler.
Special rates and deals are sometimes hard to find on the internet. Using an online travel agency gives you access to those rates instantly and with little effort. As these rates are offered by the suppliers, the online travel agency posts them to their website, keeping the shopper instantly informed. These special rates and deals often offer huge savings, and are usually available only online. Convenience, price comparisons and special rates combine to make using an online travel agency a truly smart decision when planning your next business trip or vacation.
Not only will you save money by using an online travel agency, you will also get different deals that are only available online. Many resorts and airlines offer online deals only to their online travel agent dealers and these incredible deals can be offered to you for choosing to do business with a select online travel agent.
Another benefit to online travel agencies is the ability to compare prices, packages and deals from one online agent to another to ensure that you are getting the best travel package at the best price. It is much quicker to compare online travel agencies from the comfort of your own home than it is to travel from agent to agent in the city.
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The unique, timeless, and unchanged Morocco creates a great impression on the mind. Morocco is a North African country with many travel destinations. The best time for Traveling to Morocco is during the winter months. The real beauty is the Atlas Mountains. Morocco has the flavor of romance, ancient culture, and history. Some of the cities of Morocco are Marrakesh, Essaouira, Casablanca, Tangier, and Fes. Bazaars, medinas, riads, bubbly pipes and yes, excellent beaches make Traveling to Morocco a wonderful African adventure.
Sightseeing in Morocco includes famous beaches, best seaside towns, represented by Essaouira, Tangier and Asilah, also the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara desert and the Dades Valley.
Moroccan Culture hosts many people including Berbers, the people of North Africa and Nile valley. The Moroccan culture is traditional with the men earning and women taking care of the cooking at home. There are lot of restrictions as far as women are concerned. You will find friendly and colorful environment in Morocco. Moroccan culture is famous for its hospitality.
A stay at Morocco is a fascinating experience. Marrakesh, being the culture center of Morocco, is a noisy and highly populated city. If you are thinking of a stay here, Riad is the best option. Marrakesh riads, the traditional Moroccan house, generally has a central courtyard along with a fountain, restaurant or a pool. Some Marrakesh riads also have terraced cafeterias, where you can eat breakfast while enjoying the beauty of the city. You can have flavor of traditional meals at Marrakesh riads. All the Marrakesh riads, are not expensive. There are many riads in Marrakesh, playing an important role in Moroccan culture. Few popular riads in Marrakesh are, Riad Magellan, Riad Dar Dialkoum, Riad Assala, Riad La Terrasse Desoliviers and many more.
Essaouria, the Moroccan city is enriched with a mixture of French influences alongwith Moroccan traditions and culture. Essaouira is known for its wood sculpting, paintings, fabrics and music. The city has tall white houses with blue doors, and workshops. Awesome beaches, seafood, and Gnaoua Music Festival are the specialty of the Essaouria. If you want to have the most fascinating experience here, you must visit Essaouria riads. A stay at Essaouria riads, is ideal for families. Essaouria riads, give a homely feeling. Rooms are fully facilitated, with extra beds, fully equipped bathrooms, multi cuisine restaurants and many more. Some of the famous riads here are Ryad Watier, and Riad Asmitou.
There are few travel tips at Morocco that you should remember. Non Muslims are prohibited from visiting mosques. If you visit the city during the month of Ramadan, you will have a different experience. Usually men and women both prefer to cover their body. You are free to dress as you please, but don’t insult Moroccans about their clothes. Local currency is Dirham. Moroccan transport is not very expensive. You will enjoy your stay over there.
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Playa La Perla, meaning The Pearl Beach, is located a mere 2.5 km (or about 5 miles) within the beginning of the main Hotel Zone in the renown city of Cancun, Mexico. This beach provides visitors with a pleasant place to swim and practice many other water sports. As it is common in Cancun, restaurants and bars are located along the beach.
As I stepped foot on the beach, I couldn’t believe my eyes. The proximity of the hotels to the beach is unbelievably close; literally the beach is in the hotel’s backyard. Though it was a cloudy day, the water was peaceful and quite pristine. This particular beach is definitely family oriented. I couldn’t help but notice the small groups of families relaxing and enjoying their much-awaited quality time with their children. As seen in the picture, you can’t ignore the mother and daughter building a small sand castle. Of course, they couldn’t do this without the sand being as soft and manageable.
The surrounding palm trees can’t go without mention, for they give this particular area a very “oasis” kind of look. The thatched roof and the plastic chairs are very popular, particularly when it comes to lounging around or just taking pleasure in the beautiful sight while enjoying refreshments or a simple snack.
One of the very-near hotels is the Holiday Inn Cancun Arenas, not only is the beach in it’s backyard but it offers all the necessary amenities. There’s even one hotel that offers baby-sitting, the Celuisma Imperial Las Playas
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Mexico has always been a prime destination for tourists, and the
Yucatán Peninsula is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The Yucatán Peninsula is located in the south-eastern region of Mexico and is comprised of several Mexican states, namely, Campeche,
Quintana Roo and
Yucatán.
The Yucatán Peninsula is the historical homeland of the ancient Mayan civilization and many of their ruins can still be seen across the peninsula today. Most of the people here are also of Mayan descent and some of the locals still speak the
Mayan dialect. Tourists will not find it difficult to interact with the locals as almost all of the residents can speak Spanish fluently.
There are many sightseeing destinations for tourists to visit in the area. Some of the most popular destinations are the Mayan archaeological sites. These include the Chichén Itzá where the Kukulcan Pyramid is located and the ruins in Ruta Puuc. In the state of Quintana Roo, Coba and Tulum are also popular destinations for tourists interested in ancient Mayan ruins.
There are also many ecological parks scattered throughout the Yucatán Peninsula like Garrafón, Xel-Há and Xcaret, which were established to help preserve the local flora and fauna. These parks are also very popular tourist destinations and attract many eco-tourists and environmental conservationists.
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is also located near the Yucatán Peninsula. Many tourists visit this region to enjoy a bit of snorkelling and reef diving. Venturing into the bay will allow visitors the privilege of swimming alongside the local dolphins. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is also known as the second largest barrier reef system in the world. This giant reef system is located off the coast of the peninsula and it extends as far as the Bay Islands in the country of Honduras.
Today, many tourists are visiting the Yucatán Peninsula to conduct archaeological surveys and for the purpose of ecological tourism. The Yucatán Peninsula is a beautiful tropical region that also draws in holiday makers who just want to enjoy some fun in the sun on the beaches surrounding the area.
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Mexico City is the bustling capital city of the country of the same name. It is one of the world’s largest cities in terms of land area and population density. As a result, this bustling capital city is one of the most important tourist hotspots in the whole of
South America.
There are many interesting locations in Mexico City and tourists are often overwhelmed with the sheer number of possible destinations and sightseeing locations. The city is home to many upscale nightclubs, lively bars, historic monuments and a large number of art museums. The following places are considered to be some of the most important destinations in Mexico City.
1. San Jacinto Plaza – A beautiful plaza at the heart of Mexico City’s San Angel District. It is also a great place to buy affordable art pieces and souvenirs during the weekly Saturday Art Market.
2. Ballet Folklorico de Mexico - This ballet troupe was founded by the famous Doña Amalia Hernández and is it famous the world over for providing spectators with some of the best ballet performances in the world.
3. Plaza de las Tres Culturas – This place is the historic center of the pre-Columbian city of Tlatelolco and is very popular with tourists.
4. National Museum of Anthropology – This museum is one of the most extensive and comprehensive anthropological museums in the world. It is located in the scenic Chapultepec Park.
5. Central University City Campus – This incredible Mexican university campus is one of the most breath taking spots in the city. Tourists can marvel at the exquisite examples of 20th century architecture within the campus grounds.
6. Palacio Nacional – The national palace is the official residence of the president of Mexico. This extraordinary edifice is famous for its historical murals and other works of art by the famous artist Diego Rivera.
7. Museo del Templo Mayor – This is an old excavation site of an ancient Mexican temple that has been converted into a museum. It houses many interesting artefacts.
8. Palacio de Bellas Artes – This building is a well-known venue for art events and public performances.
9. Xochimilco – Xochilmilco was the site of an ancient water system used to transport goods in and out of the city. There is also a lovely garden in the area where tourists can walk around.
10. Torre Latino – One of Mexico City’s modern wonders, Torre Latino is also home to the world’s first “aquarium inside a skyscraper”. Guests are also treated to a marvellous view of the city from the tower’s viewing decks.
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How many times do you book something that looks fun when you first saw it but was not at all what you read? This is something that happens all to often to those in charge of booking holidays. So when you decide to plan your next family trip make sure you read up a bit more about the area you are going to. For example, why not check out
Florida? Do you want a taste of what you can look forward to on your
Florida holidays?
Do you love the water? Not only is Florida located on the Gulf coast with miles and miles of perfect beaches but it is also home to the most water parks in the world. For example, when you go to Aquatica on your holidays in Florida you will never be the same again. This one of a kind
water park will have you floating through an undersea paradise one moment and shooting the rapids the next. In fact, you will wonder what exactly is around every bend. From the famous Dolphin Plunge ride to their super cool tube slides there is just so much water fun to have here that you will be hard pressed to try them all.
And speaking of Dolphin Plunge, have you ever heard of swimming with the fishes? No, we are not talking about some mob threat but the chance to shoot through 250 feet of clear tubes under water only to be then float through an amazing dolphin habitat. And it is exactly these types of holidays in Florida that will have you leaving a changed person. No longer will you be just a plain Jane but a person that has experienced what life is really all about. Are you ready for the fun and excitement that is Florida?
But perhaps the tranquility of watching the fishes and riding the water slides is not your cup of tea. For those that choose Florida holidays for a really thrilling time you will want to check out Cutback Cove and Big Surf Shores. Why not see if you can stay up on your board in the worlds only side by side wave pool. Or better yet, for a treat for the whole family you will not want to miss Walkabout Waters. This is the worlds largest water park with over 15,000 square feet fun. Here you will be able to let the kids run wild while you sit and enjoy the relaxing pool and refreshments that get delivered right to your chair. However, as with anything like this always remember to look for ticket deals.
When you book your Florida holidays you will not only want to take advantage of all our cheap package rates but also on many of the tickets to these fun and exciting places. And because many of these tickets can only be found in the UK you will not want to wait until you get to the gates of the park. Quite simply, planning ahead will always save you money.
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If you are thinking about an ideal trip this coming holidays,
Cape Town would be the ideal place to visit. Being one of the greatest cities in the world, it has all the facilities that you expect from a top class
metropolis. Along with the advantages of the modern civilization, this beautiful city of
South Africa has a wide range of natural beauty that has made it even more attractive. A beautiful route connects the civilized modern shopping complex with the exotic beaches, mountains and wine lands.
The list of top destinations in Cape Town includes a host of different things. If you are a lover of the wildlife, the Cape point Nature Reserve will give you unprecedented pleasure. The ocean here is clear and transparent and this is the amazing spot where the currents the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. Apart from that, there are spots for barbeque and snorkeling. Then, there is the Two Oceans Restaurant with its world class cuisine.
No description of Cape Town can be possible without the account of the Table Mountain, the most iconic part in the city. You can mount up 1,073 meters to reach the top of the mountain and get an unforgettable view of the city from there. There are the cable cars to take you there on the top; also you can climb up yourself.
If the Table Mountain stands high, the beaches of the Cape Town are right there at its foot. Wherever your Cape Town accommodation is, you are sure to find a beach nearby. There are top class restaurants and shopping centers around them, to increase the fun quotient. Well, if you don’t like the hustle and bustle, simply lie down on the white sands with a good book. At the end of the day, the beautiful sun set will make you thrill.
Cape Town has the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. There is a large amphitheatre in it where you can watch live shows. Also, there are the craft markets, and plenty of other shops that will induce you to buy the beautiful products that are sold there in V&A. Also, there is the Two Oceans Aquarium where you can visit the ragged tooth Sharks.
A boat from V&A Waterfront will take you to the Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela served his long imprisonment. There is also the national monument of South Africa.
The west coast is another interesting place to visit. If you are in the Cape Town hotels, it will take almost an hour to reach there. The entire region is filled with wild and beautiful flowers during the spring. In facts, these flowers are known all over the world for their beauty and a large number of people flocks in every year just to watch them. Well, there are thousands of other activities and adventures apart from watching the flowers.
There are plenty of wine lands in around Cape Town. The list includes Paarl, Stellenbosch, Constantia, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. These wines are famous around the world. There are several points in the Western Cape where you can watch out whales from July to December.
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Tourism predictably has been severely hit in many countries or specific cities due to this recession we are experiencing.
New York is a prime example, known as a popular location for those looking to buy cheap Levis and other
American goods during the day and enjoy a vibrant city at night; these difficult times have meant the uptake for hotels has been very low. It is a double whammy for the city of New York since the effects of
Wall Street have also taken their toll. Not only are international visitor numbers down, domestic visitor numbers are too.
While it has been bad for business in New York it provides an opportunity for international visitors to enjoy a cheap hotel in New York. Prices are at a six year as New York hoteliers look to draw tourists back in.
A quick search reveals half price rooms at the Hudson Hotel. The Empire Hotel prices have been knocked down from £205 per night to £92! There are many more cheap hotels to be found.
The simplest and quickest method of finding the best hotel bargain is to use a hotel comparison site, there are many on the internet all sporting slightly different features. Some will allow you to plan your whole holiday so once you have found a cheap hotel room you can search for a flight to go with it. Prices for flights to New York are also lower now than in previous years so this could well be THE summer bargain. I ran a quick search for flights to New York from London; there is a return flight for £285! What a deal!
There are other locations around the world that are sadly suffering from the reduced tourist trade so using a comparison site will certainly help you sniff out those bargains. There are new announcements for cheap hotels, so keep checking. It looks like many of the hotel big groups will be discounting their hotel rooms to bring in the customers, so keep your eyes peeled.
It is predicted the exchange rate will continue to improve and may rise up to $1.80 to £1 so things many get even better for British tourists.
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Chiloe - ChileChiloe offers an
amazing adventure with a new ecological reserve and features the oldest agro-tourism network. The experience is so different there to best enjoy it is recommended you visit the various islands via one of the traditional wooden fishing boats and see the very cool Museo de Arte Moderno (you don’t need a translation to understand what this is).
Chiloe offer foggy farmsteads and forests where you can learn about the virgin troll myth. You must visit Chiloe’s Punihuil penguin colony and sea-kayaking can also be organised. There are teams that will take you into Pumalin Park to experience the Patagonian wilds.
Bay of Fires - Tasmania
Recently discovered and brought to international attention the Bay of Fires has beautiful white beaches. The perfect beach has sheltered coves with forests lining the area. For the adventurous there is a great surfing pool and a beautiful coast line. Guides will offer tours to give you the full bay experience and the sea food is some of the best you will ever experience.
Basque Country – Spain and France
Art fans will love the futuristic Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum. Walkers will love the Pyrenean vistas and everyone will lose themselves in the all night street parties that can be a million strong! The Basque country offers a culture, beauty, fun and sun.
Ko Tao – Thailand
You will feel like you are on an episode of Lost with Ko Tao’s beautiful beaches and coastal jungles, in only a few minutes you go from a beach to the middle of a jungle. Diving fans can enjoy the neon coral and get up close with the rays and sharks.
You won’t find package holidays here. It is more of a backpacking affair where you book as you go along. Diving fans can do Padi courses and if you want to visit Bangkok you can get a bus and ferry together for as little as £15.
Languedoc - France
Holidays in France are full of excitement and diversity. Visit Bas-Languedoc features the vibrant towns of Sete, Montpellier and Nimes and long sandy beaches. Haut-Languedoc has breathtaking deep gorges and wild upland and Languedoc offers beautiful cities and gorgeous kayak trails for adventure fans.
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The
warm weather marks the arrival of several outdoor events in
New York City, including free open-air concerts, movie screenings and theatre productions. From the Museum Mile Festival to Shakespeare in the Park, there are plenty of entertaining activities to fill your trip
itinerary!
Museum Mile Festival
Admission is waived by nine of the Fifth Avenue museums during this one-day festival, which celebrates music, art and culture. Fifth is closed to traffic between 82nd and 105th (known as the Museum Mile) and is filled with live bands, entertainment and tons of activities for kids. Held rain or shine, the Museum Mile Festival attracts thousands of people each year and offers art lovers a wonderful way to see top museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the
Smithsonian, and the
Guggenheim for free!
Father’s Day
Father’s Day falls on the third Sunday of June and there are several ways to spoil Dad in the Big Apple. If he’s a baseball lover, spend an afternoon watching one of the city’s two major league baseball teams, or head to the ESPNZone in Times Square with sporting events on dozens of TVs. If Dad is more of a culture vulture than a sports buff, take in one of the free concerts or big-name benefit shows offered at the Central Park SummerStage outdoor venue, or head to Rockefeller Center early on a Friday morning to enjoy the free summer concerts put on by NBC’s Today Show.
Shakespeare in the Park
Since 1957, the Public Theatre has been presenting the wildly popular Shakespeare in the Park productions at the open-air Delacorte Theater in the heart of Central Park. Free tickets are distributed at 1p.m. on the day of the performance. Some theater-goers start to line up as early as 8 a.m. and it is a New York tradition to make the wait a fun event by packing a picnic lunch and basking in the sunshine. The semi-circular theatre is surrounded by the lovely landscape of Central Park’s 55-acre Great Lawn, and offers views of Turtle Pond and the beautiful Belvedere Castle. Tickets are non-exchangeable regardless of a rain-out.
Restaurant Week
Twice a year in January and June, New York City Restaurant Week gives foodies on a budget a chance to experience some of New York City's most fabulous restaurants at a fraction of the cost. Discount lunch and dinner menus are offered by dozens of restaurants including celebrity chef favourites like Tom Colicchio's Gramercy Tavern and Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill. Visit your favourite New York City restaurant’s website to see if it is offering a Restaurant Week menu, and call well in advance to reserve a table. Reservations at many of the participating restaurants can also be booked online.
Bryant Park Summer Film Festival
Enjoy free Monday night outdoor movies in this urban park, beloved by New Yorkers. Films begin between 8p.m. and 9p.m. as the sun sets, and movie-goers starting arriving around 5p.m. to set up their blankets on the lawn and start picnicking. The film schedule can be found at the park’s official website. Bryant Park is located behind the New York Public Library in midtown Manhattan, between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
New York is a walking city and June is a perfect month to walk it. The weather is warm, but not as hot and humid as it can get in July and August. A wide variety of walking tours cater to every interest from Bob Dylan fans to chocoholics. So put on comfortable shoes and explore the neighbourhoods!
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Everybody enjoys taking a
swim at the beach or just strolling by the white sand enjoying the
beautiful scenery. Before rushing to the beach try to consider these tips:
1.) Save before the
trip. It would hurt if along the way, you encounter problems that need money or maybe you might regret not bringing enough so you could buy the souvenirs at the shops.
2.) Choose the right beach for you and your
companions. Research about the
beaches you consider in your
planning.
3.) Plan your whole travel. This includes transportation, fare, tickets and the like.
4.) Research about the accommodations and choose the right establishment for you. There are many reviews in the internet.
5.) Choose your companions. You wouldn't want to go to the beach knowing the people you bring along may waste your day boring you to death.
6.) Plan an itinerary if the beach isnt the only place you wish to go to.
7.) Make a list of the things you should bring:
-sunscreen lotion
-lots of towels
-extra underwear
-destination guides if youre not well acquainted with the place
-your favorite swimming wear
-comfortable sets of clothes if you prefer not to wet yourself
-sunglasses
-goggles, snorkels, and flippers if you wish to do activities which need these
-food and water including paper plates, disposable cups and napkins
-liquor if you are with friends. Just make sure its legal and the person driving doesn't drink too much.
-garbage bags
-bring a camera and lots of film or lots of space in your memory card
-slippers
-a big umbrella
-beach toys for the kids
-books and magazines
And don't forget to have fun and take lots of pictures.
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London’s Top Burlesque, Cabaret and Comedy Clubs
A must for everyone not just because it is the Daddy of the burlesque cabaret scene but because through its superlative programming it caters for almost everyone from my American tourist (go for the weekend shows) to my burlesque aficionado hipsters (go for the showcases and some of the midweek shows) not to mention having some rather good club nights (but that’s for another article). If anything the only groups not well catered for I would say are UK hen and office parties who might find the weekend shows too dumbed down (well you try and find humour that can encompass 20 different nationalities – including Japanese - that isn’t!) and the midweek show / showcases a mite inaccessible. Wonderful architecture and a convenient location caps off a great overall package . Other grumbles might be the high prices and the so so food and drinks but that’s not really the point is it. My main criticism is that it leans far too heavily towards traditional burlesque /cabaret forms and is looking increasingly dated for it relative to its more avante garde rivals – shades of The Royal Academy of Art there perhaps in the mid 90s which go so left behind by the likes of Goldsmiths College with the whole Brit Art thing. Still should one expect a venerable Grande Dame to be anything else – I mean would you want your Great grandmother to be break dancing and “getting it on” with the kids Particularly well suited for tourists
Again situated conveniently in the West End albeit in a somewhat uninspiring (but well decked out) basement Volupte is my preferred London supper club. Escellent burlesque programming with a good range of both traditional and neo burlesque performers and for that matter a great website too with not a flash of err flash. What I especially like about the programming is that its both sophisticated and accessible at the same time something which from my own experience is quite hard to achieve. Everything is just right from the ever so crisp white linen table clothes to the faux Edwardian table lamps. Good food and drinks service too with a large stage (albeit somewhat obscured behind pillars for some tables so do make sure to check when booking!). Grumbles unfortunately as a supper club the atmosphere can be bit restrained to say the least and with a Holborn address very office party dominated (the yards of white linen only surpassed by the acres of white shirts and ties of the office workers who descend pack like) so the audience is somewhat less sophisticated than the shows (the management by the way are to be complimented for ignoring the “I want more tits and arse” brigade). I am not a great fan of the standing tickets either and as with all West End venues yes the prices are high. An excellent late licence caps off a great night out. Oh and please do avid expensive imitations like Pigalle’s which I have heard nothing but bad reports about (Vince Powers should really stick to rock and roll!)
The legendary gay cabaret haunt which has launched just about every gay /transvestite crossover TV comedian and host in the UK and beyond for the last 20 years which tells you something of the quality of the acts here. All this in a venue unparalleled anywhere in the UK for its grossness from the sweat stained black walls to loos indescribable in their filthiness - all which of course provides the perfect backdrop for the b*tch queen from hell style of acts that predominate here (hecklers beware!). Unfortunately this venue is strictly gay so not accessible for the majority of us. People often write of how Lost Vagueness, avante garde performers like Leigh Bowery and clubs like Torture Garden helped spark off the neo burlesque movement . However I suspect the Vauxhall Tavern had a far greater indirect influence than any of these. So for any gay or bi sexual people from overseas visiting London don’t leave till experienced at least one night at The Vauxhall Tavern. But a word of warning do avoid the legion of cheap and expensive imitations from Clapham to Camden – none of them are the patch on the real thing. Finally the Vauxhall Tavern is obviously much more a cabaret than burlesque venue – you won’t be seeing too many girls in feathers not unless they are drag queens that is. Grumbles its gay only and really could do with a tiny bit of a clean and maybe a tiny bit of air conditioning too without of course wanting to in any way change the character of the place. Oh No! Particularly well suited for metropolitan gay and gay friendly customers
I am not entirely sure why I am including this venue because its not actually a burlesque or cabaret venue at all - it is as the title suggests a working mans club in a really rather unpleasant part of London. It’s also rather unpleasant inside although possibly of interest to sociologists as you do feel you are walking back in time to the 1950s - from the ancient cashier at the front door to the aging beehive haired harridans who pass for bar staff (serving some of the most uninspiring drinks I have seen. Lets just say the mixology revolution forget to get off at Bethnal Green tube) not forgetting vinyl and carpets so decrepit that you wonder it does not stick to your shoes (oh and does on busy nights). The programming is however inspired and its home to some of the best roving neo burlesque club nights (Wham Bam Club for one) and performers (Chocolate Delicieux for one). However do check listings in advance and do ring in advance too or when you arrive you might be very disappointed when you find there is no show and only warm beer in plastic glasses and checkers for entertainment. Particularly well suited for metropolitan sophisticated burlesque aficionados and clubbers
Now I have to confess to some bias here as I book the club and helped create it. However in my defence Peacock Bar has been rated Top London Burlesque Club, Top London Cabaret Club as well as Top Birthday Party venue by ViewLondon [plus won just about every other award under the sun in the last six months including Top London Small Venue from Function Fixers. Our programming is very much neo burlesque – really musical comedy sketches /social commentary in the finest Kinks style. We also specialise in being interactive and bringing audience members on stage with a lot of improve as well as being a bar club rather than a supper club. All of which we believe creates a much livelier, exciting and dynamic atmosphere than you get at either supper clubs (although we do of course provide food) or traditional burlesque shows (well just how many girls in feathers can you see in a lifetime). We also try and program seasonally so for Christmas we are presenting “ Christmas Lunch and Christmas Dinner with a difference with free burlesque and cabaret – put your boss on stage and humiliate him! Particularly well suited for birthday party, Christmas party, hen party and stag party bookings.
