Journeyetc |
- Ten best establishments that are open 24/7 in the U.S.
- Top 10 Great European Cities for the wise spenders
- New British Passport Features Scenic Britain for Improved Security
| Ten best establishments that are open 24/7 in the U.S. Posted: 04 Sep 2010 01:21 PM PDT While the rest of the world is fast asleep in their beds, tucked snugly under their covers, night owls everywhere else are wide awake. Some are up because due to sleeping problems while others may have to stay up late because of work. Whatever your reason is for being up and about at night, chances are there will come a time that you're bored out of your wits with nothing to do and nowhere to go to. Today then is your lucky day because we'll be sharing with you ten of the best all-night spots located all across the U.S. so you know where to find the places where you can hang out, have a bite to eat, go shopping, or even get a relaxing body scrub. By sharing this bit of information with you, we hope to make your nights a little less boring and tiresome, and provide you with the perfect antidote to another sleepless night. So if you're not exactly looking forward to another monotonous evening flipping through the hundred or so channels on TV, grab your jacket and head out to the following places. 1. NAME: APPLE STORE LOCATION: FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK Geeks in New York suffering from insomnia can consider the Apple Store located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and East 59th St. as a high-tech playground where they can while away the hours until the sun peeks out from behind the skyscrapers. If the long lines at the cash registers have been delaying your purchase of any of their latest gadgets, come on over around midnight where there are fewer people around and you can take your time in trying out that gadget you've been eyeing. And even during these odd hours, the store is always manned with extremely friendly staff who will be more than willing to answer any questions you might have. Even if you're not planning to buy anything, the place is definitely worth a visit. For starters, it's hard to resist stepping into that big glass cube; and once you're inside, it's a shame not to ride the glass elevator. As expected, there is free wifi in the store, so you can surf the net to your heart's content. This flagship store was built four years ago and has become a popular spot for city dwellers at night. If a certain gadget has been in your Christmas list since last year and you still don't have enough cash in your pocket to spend on it, visiting the store also gives you the opportunity to try it out. Don't be shy; the always full Genius Bar is proof that all those who can't buy an iPad yet are milking this free service for what it's worth. 2. NAME: FUEL CITY TACOS LOCATION: DALLAS, TEXAS Aside from boredom, one of the major issues for people who are up all night long is food. In the late hours of the night, not all restaurants and fast food chains are open which makes it quite difficult for some people to find a place where there's some good grub. If you happen to live in Dallas, consider yourself lucky to have Fuel City Tacos nearby. This spot that sells tacos 24 hours a day is located right off the interstate 35E. If you're pulling up for some gas, take the time to try some of their tacos to understand why a lot of people keep coming back. The small, humble taco stand has become popular among residents and late night eaters mainly because of the tasty treats that they serve to their customers, but also because you can always count on them to be open and ready to feed you. Four years ago in 2006, the magazine named Texas Monthly labeled the picadillo taco from Fuel City Tacos as the best taco that you can get in Texas. If you're an adventurous eater and are starving for a couple of tacos, don't be afraid to get one of each kind. You can get a fajita stuffed with beef and chicken; or the picadillo which is the common order among customers. You can also try their barbacoa or the al pastor. The next time you feel like going on a late-night road trip, consider stopping by Fuel City Tacos for some comfort food to go. 3. NAME: AU PIED DE COCHON LOCATION: ATLANTA The Au Pied de Cochon is a restaurant located within the compounds of the InterContinental Hotel Buckhead in Atlanta. If you're feeling peckish in the middle of the night and don't feel like digging into another bag of potato chips, check out the Au Pied de Cochon for a nice sit down meal. What's good about this restaurant is that aside from serving delicious food, you can opt to dine in a private room or the outdoor terrace; there is also the Lover's Booth if you happen to be on a late night date. As an alternative to the common fare you have at home, try ordering the pickled tongue or the zucchini blossoms for starters. Admittedly, this restaurant is a bit on the pricey side, but if you're not planning to eat here every night for the rest of the week, we still think the food is worth trying out. Try the duck magret in mushroom sauce (US 26 dollars), ribs (US 25 dollars), or the happy pork chop (US 21 dollars). For dessert, you can have poached pear with vanilla ice cream (US 5.50 dollars), or the classic cheesecake (US 6.50 dollars). You can also choose from the restaurant's wide selection of beers such as the Moosehead, Griffon Extra Pale Ale, and the Tuborg. If your plan for the rest of the night is to stay away from your bed and sheets, then by all means, choose from more than seven types of coffee which one you'd like to finish your meal with. 4. NAME: L.L. BEAN FLAGSHIP STORE LOCATION: FREEPORT, MAINE The L.L. Bean Flagship Store opened its doors to customers over 90 years ago, back in 1917. If you find yourself making a shopping list in the middle of the night, why not drop by and get your shopping over and done with? The store started their 24 hour operations almost 60 years ago, back in 1951. Back then, they aimed to provide service and goods to hunters who were in need of supplies early in the early hours of the morning. Because hunters usually headed out even before dawn, the store decided to stay open all night long instead. These days, you don't have to be the outdoorsy, adventurous type to have a good reason to look around and check things out. L.L. Bean is stocked with things you need for your home such as sheets, pillows, quilts, rugs, and even furniture both for indoor and outdoor use. If you're planning to go on a vacation pretty soon but still don't have any luggage to put your stuff in, you can browse through their selection of backpacks, duffel bags, shoulder bags, rucksacks, and many more. Whatever sport you're interested in, chances are L.L. Bean has the gear you need to be ready. Whether it's camping, cycling, kayaking, fishing or skiing, you can go to the L.L. Bean on Maine St. any time of the day and get the gear you need. For the ladies, feel free to shop for clothes and shoes, even swimwear, underwear and accessories. There's nothing like a good shopping spree to cure a bit of sleeplessness. 5. NAME: VOODOO DOUGHNUT LOCATION: PORTLAND, OREGON This doughnut shop which is the baby of Kenneth Pogson and Tres Shannon opened seven years ago back in 2003, offering sumptuous doughnuts to customers 24 hours a day. If you find yourself craving for something sweet and tasty in the middle of the night while watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, pop on over to Voodoo Doughnut to get your sugar fix. Not only are the doughnuts here a pleasure on the tastebuds, the fun and playful designs also add to their charm. Their menu offers an array of doughtnuts in various shapes and sizes, so you can try a different one each time you visit the store. The Voodoo Doll doughnut comes in the shape of a growling doll that is filled with yummy raspberry jelly and covered in chocolate frosting. The Bacon Maple Bar, on the other hand, actually has strips of bacon placed on top. Enjoy all the colours of the rainbow as you munch on the Gay Bar; and chew on all the oreos you want on the Dirt Doughnut. The visually stimulating Cock-N-Balls doughnut doesn't really need more words to describe it; and you can save the piece of bubble gum from from Dubble Bubble doughnut for a post meal refresher. If you're hungry enough to take on a dare, order the Texas Challenge and eat it in one minute and twenty seconds and get your money back as a reward. The catch? This giant doughnut is equal to the size of six of their regular doughnuts. But hey, that's US 3.95 dollars in your pocket if you conquer the challenge. 6. NAME: CAFE LAFITTE IN EXILE LOCATION: NEW ORLEANS When you're tired of staring at your ceiling night after night counting sheep, a good way to spend the time is to go out and have some fun. The Cafe Lafitte in Exile located in New Orleans is an ideal place for people can chill and have some fun at any hour of the day. The Lafitte is considered to be the oldest of all the gay bars in the entire country. Through the years, it has become popular with the locals; and even today, famous people have been known to drop by for a drink or two. Lafitte is a friendly place full of music and entertainment. Whatever your sexual orientation is, you can always count on Lafitte to be a welcome hangout spot. The main bar can be found downstairs. Here, you can enjoy a tall glass of beer or a cocktail while watching classic movies on their big screen. They've got popcorn too, if you want some; and every Tuesdays and Wednesdays, belt out to popular songs as you root for your favourite contestant on the live showing of American Idol. Upstairs, you and a couple of friends can place your bets and have a go at the pool table; otherwise you can just hang out at the balcony and watch the sunrise together. 7. NAME: MR. LUCKY'S 24/7 LOCATION: LAS VEGAS Hard core partygoers in Las Vegas will never run out of entertaining places to check out such as clubs and casinos. But even in this city of nonstop amusement, party animals still have to allot an hour or two to eat. At the Vegas Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, step inside Mr. Lucky's 24/7 for some satisfying meals between parties. Mr. Lucky's is a friendly, well lit place where you and your date can get a booth and sit down for a hearty meal. Here, they serve standard fares such as burgers, French toast and pizzas. One popular specialty is the BLT Burger; for US 7.77 dollars, you can also try the Steak and Shrimp special. If you order this dish, you will be served an eight ounce steak, three pieces of jumbo shrimp, a salad plus garlic flavored mashed potatoes. If you're in the mood for some fruit and cereal for breakfast, there are a number of varieties to choose from at Mr. Lucky's. Those who like crunchy cereal can choose from fruit loops, cheerios, shredded wheat and many more served with either whole milk, soy milk, or even skimmed. 8. NAME: RON JON SURF SHOP LOCATION: COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA If you're in Florida for vacation, chances are you're a beach lover who loves to be in the water as early in the day as possible. Inside this castle shaped store, you can browse and shop for various gear and apparel for all your surfing needs. You can also rent a surfboard early in the morning and ride the waves to start off your day. This way, you get to have fun in the water without having to jostle with the usual crowd at the beach. If you're looking to buy your own surf board, you can choose from the store's selection of boards in various lengths. They also have accessories if your gear needs repairing. If you didn't pack enough swimwear for your trip, you don't need to panic because you can shop for clothes and swimwear at Ron Jon any time of the day. In fact, the ladies can take advantage of the lesser crowds and lines at night so they can take their time in trying out different suits. 9. NAME: FREEBIRDS WORLD BURRITO LOCATION: ISLA VISTA, CALIFORNIA It has been 23 years since Freebirds World Burrito opened its doors to the public back in 1987 and since then, they have been feeding their customers, most of whom are students at the nearby University of California campus in Santa Barbara, big, delicious, juicy burritos. The serving portions here are so big that one order can be shared between two people. Obviously, the monster sized burrito is meant for those with bigger appetites; but if your stomach isn't that big, you can always go for the small order, which they call the half bird. What's good about Freebirds is that you have the option of building your own burrito and choosing which toppings you like. The staff here are always warm and friendly so don't be afraid to ask questions if it's your first time to visit. If you're conscious about your nutrition and want your burrito to be on the healthy side, there are lots of fresh vegetables to choose from that you can add to your order. Freebirds is also recognized for the special flavors that their burritos come in. Next time you're hankering for a snack, you could try their spinach flavored burrito, or perhaps the spicy cayenne flavored burrito. One thing you probably haven't tried before is the quesarito. This order consists of one burrito that is wrapped inside a quesadilla. The student friendly prices here are also another thing that will keep you coming back. 10. NAME: WILSHIRE SPA LOCATION: LOS ANGELES Being up in the middle of the night isn't as easy as you think. For a person who has trouble sleeping at night, tossing and turning in your bed can be quite tiring and agitating. Before you know it, you've managed to drain all the energy from your body and you're even more wide awake than before. One way to help fall asleep is to relax the body and a good way to do so is to step inside a spa. The Wilshire Spa located in Los Angeles is one place that you can go to at any time of the day, even at night. Subject your body to a full scrub and pretty soon, you'll be dreaming and snoring for hours. |
| Top 10 Great European Cities for the wise spenders Posted: 04 Sep 2010 12:42 PM PDT The struggling economics wherever you are in the world should not stop you from enjoying that European vacation you deserve. Sounds crazy? No it doesn't. Traveling doesn't have to be expensive if you know just where the most practical places are. Explore these 10 cities in Europe that will give you the most affordable rate without sacrificing the quality of your trip. Walk around the hippest and trendiest streets of fashion; be acquainted with their wonderful culture, stuff your taste bud with their delectable gourmet, swim until your skin is burned and be enticed with their magnificent art without emptying your pockets. Are you still not convenience? Just go on reading. Antwerp, Belgium Compared to Paris, Antwerp is not a commonplace for tourist. But you will definitely remember the warm atmosphere that this place can proffer especially every Saturday and Sunday. Stay in the Bed and Breakfast, Boulevard Leopold or at Hotel Matelote that both offer a homey experience. Your visit will not be complete if you will not drop by in two of their trendiest stores. For the young ones, Ra is an excellent place for your shopping needs while Graanmarkt13 provide you with a more personal touch. Tanguy Ottomer, an expert personal shopper in Antwerp is willing to offer his service to those who are into designing their homes. Catch the store sale during the spring and fall season. If you have extra time, visiting designers of Belgian roots in Brussels is just a train a way. Berlin Berlin is the city that never gets tired. They just got it all- a booming night life, a unique way of showing art and up to date styles. Splurging in a little bit on their spas and fashion shops is totally worth it. Your trip will not be complete if you won't visit the freshest museum and library, Neuse Museum and Topography of Terror Documentation. Swim in the pool of Soho House which is just steps away from Mitte's Rosenthaler Platz. Other recent properties that tender indulgent services are just around the area. Hotel Amano is a hit. If sand under the sun is what you are after for, make an effort to drive in the beach of Baltic Sea and stay in Villa instead of a hotel. Bolzano, Italy Bolzano is the perfect place for organic-conscious, nature-enthusiast or simply for those who wants to stay out of pollution. Fill your lungs with fresh and clean air from their mountains and ranch. Indulge in their finest fermented juices notably every October for their yearly wine festival. Relish freshly picked vegetables from the farm or apples from their orchard. If you want to witness blooming apples, April is the perfect moment to visit. Lodge in this small apartment, Hotel Figl or in Hotel Greif for a more luxurious accommodation. Complete your stay with a soothing massage in this conventional spa, Terme Merano. Edinburgh You may need to shell out just a little bit more cash when you visit Edinburgh. This posh capital is known for their love for music and creative arts. Witness thespians, operatic singers, classical musicians and dance ensemble as they gather around in this three-week running performances-the Edinburgh International Festival. Edinburgh International Festival which begins its program every August 13 is less popular compared to Fringe Festival to American guests. If you have an extra dollar to spend, travel to Edinburgh from months of June to September, but for a less pricey one, months of May and October will also be okay. You can enjoy a superb dining and lively night life here in Tigerlily, an inn with glass and wooden interiors. An Italian-inspired Hotel Missoni has sleeping quarters that will make your stay more pleasurable. A stay in the woods is not that luxurious? Not if you will go camping in Loch Houses Farm, jut a thirty-minute drive from Edinburgh. Istanbul Inexpensive doesn't mean less value. Get more than your money's worth here in Istanbul, the culture capital of Europe. There are a lot of great things to do. Recognize the value of their arts and history in the different museums at no cost. Be amazed with their antique structural design and party all night-long with different gigs to choose from. You can also feast with their best-tasting food. Catch Istanbul foundation for Culture and Arts in its new home which was launched recently, Deniz Palaz. Appreciate its memorable and significant locality while dining in this contemporary and stylish restaurant, X. Tip for Istanbul's first time guest, hotels can be pricey. Most of the tourists stay in Witt Istanbul Suites. A suite that makes you feel that you are staying in a real hotel with a more reasonable rate. Another affordable inn is the Tomtom Suites. It has the same set up as a hotel situated around Galata. Galata houses various bars and restaurants. You can visit Istanbul from spring to fall but it is not advisable to go during the month of August because of the super hot weather. From Istanbul, ride a ferryboat for a sixty-minute jaunt to the Buyukada. Buyukada is the biggest among the group of Island in Princes Islands. The newest attraction in Princes Islands is the Museum of the Princess Islands. Krakow, Poland After a week-long at work, most Europeans take a break and get entertained in Krakow. Krakow is very much similar to Prague in the year 1990. Hotel rates and prices in every dining place are much cheaper compare to other cities in Europe. Its focal place is the Rynek Glowny. The Rynek Glowney is built with magnificent, soft shade. It is the biggest and most scenic market plaza in Europe. Learn about the Jewish culture as you go to Galicia Jewish Museum. Every year, most specifically before June ends or at early July, they celebrate the Jewish Culture Festival. A variety of activities are there to celebrate their tradition. You can move along with their Hasidic dance, watch a Yiddish movie, listen to the tunes of klezmer and view drama onstage. Krakow is jam-packed with pupils during their summer vacation. If you don't want to be huddled by these students, it is best to go here in the months of May and September, this is considering the weather. Get a royal atmosphere and treatment in Bonerowski Palace in Main Square. The place is small with just eight sleeping quarters and seven flats, giving you a more personal and warm accommodation. Just as tasteful with a good location is the Hotel Grodek. It has a winter-themed garden and a bistro run by an honorable chief cook. From Krakow, an additional one and a half hour of train adventure to Holocaust place in Auschwitz will complete your vacation. Lyon, France You can enjoy dining in Paris or at any other towns in Europe without shelling out as much money. This city of food lovers can be your first stop for French food. You can get your wine in the neighboring chateau in Beaujolais and Burgundy. You will have a truly unforgettable fine dining experience if you eat in Auberge du Pont de Collonges. If you prefer fast food, you can try Ouest Express. Both Auberge du Pont de Collonges and Ouest Express is owned by one of the most renowned chef in the world, Paul Bocuse. Aside from this fine dining restaurant and fast food place, he also has four taverns where you can enjoy a drinking session. A regular fare is available during late summer and beginning fall. You can indulge staying in Cour des Loges, a hotel with Renaissance-inspired structural design. Interiors are modern and modish. A reasonably-priced alternative is staying in Villa Florentine. Be a wine connoisseur by taking lessons in the University of Wine in Suze-la-Rousse. Palma de Mallorca, Spain Even if it sounds expensive because this is where King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia stay every summer, staying in Palma is less costly than staying in Barcelona. Don't forget to visit this world of artists. ABA Art, Es Baluard Museu d' Art Modern and Galeria Maior are some of the galleries you should not fail to check out. You can book an accommodation in Palacio Casa Galesa that looks like an old mansion or in Santa Clara which has a combination of ancient and modern style of design. You can go to Soller by riding a wooden train in Soller Railway. The trip is about sixty minutes. Porto,Portugal This second biggest town in Portugal gives an enticing food and presents valuable architecture at a lower cost compare to other cities in Europe. Last 1996, UNESCO selected their historical point a World Heritage spot. Since then, a lot have been added to this place. Some of these are Casa da Musica and Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art. Check out Foz do Douro to shop and Foz Velha to dine. No need to rush eating your dinner if you want to shop after. The shopping stores close at mid night. Every June 23, they party on the street. This event is called, Sao Jao Festival. You can stay in Palacio do Freixo who has a luxurious structures, up-to-date facilities and perfect sights. You can also consider staying in Pestana Porto situated in historic city center. Visit Alto Douro, one of the world's oldest wine districts. You can get at Alto Douro by boat. Vienna, Austria Get fashionable and innovative treats with a cheaper cost here in Vienna. Go to Lobmeyr a glass manufacturer of Augarten for your ceramics needs. Vienna can be best appreciated on months when the weather is warm or months before Christmas. You can choose to lodge in The Ring where there is fire place to keep you warm or in Alstadt with a cheaper rate. You have an option to visit Bratislava in Slovakia and walk along the main streets where you will find castles painted with Baroque theme. |
| New British Passport Features Scenic Britain for Improved Security Posted: 04 Sep 2010 10:22 AM PDT
The British passport's makeover is part of De La Rue's £400 million deal. De La Rue is a British company that operates papermaking, cash handling systems, and security printing. The production for the new British passports will start this October. Each page includes a symbol depicting ”typical British weather”, but the outlook is predominantly cloudy with just four of the 28 pages forecasting the sun in a cloudless sky. The new British passport will also include images of the Giant's Causeway located in Ireland, the breathtaking Gower Peninsula that can be found in Wales, the famous White Cliffs that makes Dover famous, and the Ben Nevis located in Scotland. These four images represent the rural imagery of in UK. However, no images depicting urban Britain is included. Sarah Rapson is the head of UK's Identity and Passport Service. She said in a statement that they are not attempting to symbolize every single feature of what Britain is today. Rather, they have decided to choose scenic Britain along with complex images of the beautiful gardens of the Blenheim Palace, the Dorset Coasts, and a lone beach hut spread across the pages. The front pages now bear the holder's identity information to lessen the time it takes to scan through the passport. The new British passport now features two photos of the holder with the primary photo protected and sealed with a transparent coating filled with overlapping holograms. The electronic chip that has been implemented since 2006 is now sealed and hidden in the cover of the new British passport. The new 10 year passport for adults uses these multifaceted images to prevent scam and fraud will still be at £77.50. |
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