Travel and tips

Another Chinese city similarly named is NanJing, meaning south capital. At times in history, the capital was declared to be NanJing rather than BeiJing, according to whether the then current powerbase lay to the north or south of China. Emperor Wu was the first to declare the site of Beijing as the capital in 1057 BC. Subsequently, the city has gone by the names of Ji, ZhongDu, Dadu, then finally Beijing when the name was chosen by the Ming Dynasty Emperor ChengZu in 1421. Before 1949, Beijing was known as Peking by the Western world. Beijing was once again the capital only when Mao ZeDong declared the Peoples Republic of China on October 1st 1949.
Beijing first served as the capital of a (more or less) united China in 1264 when Kublai Khans victorious Mongol forces set up the city of Dadu (Great Capital) to rule their new empire, from a northern location closer to the Mongol homelands. After the fall of the Mongol Yuan dynasty in 1368, the capital was moved back to Nanjing, but in 1403, the 3rd Ming emperor Zhu Di moved it to Beijing again and also gave the city its present name. This was Beijings golden era: the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and many other Beijing landmarks were built at this time. Beijing remained the capital into the Qing era and into the revolutionary ferment of the early 1900s, but in the chaos following the abdication of the last Emperor, Beijing was beset by fighting warlords. The Kuomintang thus moved the capital to Nanjing again in 1928, renaming Beijing as Beijing (”Northern Peace”) to emphasize that it was no longer a capital. However, the Kuomintang was eventually defeated by the Communists, who in 1949 proclaimed the Peoples Republic of China with its capital at Beijing. Beijing is divided in 18 districts. Some central Beijing districts are Haidian District (home of Chinas Silicon Valley -Zhongguancun- and 39 universities including Beijing, Tsinghua and Renmin Universities); Chongwen District; Xuanwu District ( for traditional medicine); Chaoyang District (Art District and flea market district); Xicheng District and Dongcheng District. The last two ones are very nice areas where you can find some public parks and green areas and boutique hotels nestled in hold traditional hutongs ( like the Spring Garden Courtyard Hotel) in the former or a lot of youth hostels for international backpackers in the latter. The 9 dragons youth hostel, the Saga youth Hostel, the Courtyard Hotel, Beijing Harbour Inn Hostel, the Beijing New Dragon Hostel, Beijing City Central youth Hostel are just some of them.

Purchasing a mobility scooter can be a great first step toward your newfound independence. Before you decide on which mobility scooter is best, however, there are things that you should consider that will greatly help you with your overall purchase decision.
First you should consider whether you need a mobility scooter for mostly indoor mobility or outdoor uses. There are many styles and sizes of mobility scooters available and some are better used for outdoor use than others. If you plan to spend many hours traveling outdoors then you will likely want to consider purchasing a 4 wheel scooter for better functionality in outdoor terrains.
You should also consider whether you will be driving your scooter on paved roads. In many areas, it is not legal to travel on roads in a mobility scooter, so be sure to check in your area for laws regarding having scooters on the road before you begin.
Next, be sure to determine whether your home will allow for the use of a mobility scooter. You will want to make sure that your doorways are wide enough to allow access, and if you have stairs within your home, or outside for entrance purposes, you may want to consider the additional purchase of a lift to help you to navigate the stairs in your scooter. You may also want to consider the amount of space that you have available to store your scooter when you are not using it. Although many take up minimal space, you will still want to determine if you have possibly a closet or corner where you can store it to ensure that it will not be in the walking path of you or your family or guests.
Comfort is one of the most important aspects of choosing your new mobility scooter. You want to choose a scooter that will be completely comfortable, particularly if you plan to spend much time in it. Check out several styles and notice any bonus features that will add to the comfort level.
Also, consider traveling with your mobility scooter. If you like to travel frequently, or need to for any reason, then you should ensure that you can attach a carrier to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has adequate trunk storage space to fit your mobility scooter into. Having a mobility scooter is an excellent way to gain independence, but if you can not take it with you when you travel, then you somewhat defeat the purpose of owning one.
Overall, determining your comfort level, home needs, and budget will help you in the process of finding and purchasing the mobility scooter that will best suit your individual needs. Once you have selected the best model for yourself, you can begin your journey into gaining back your independence.

Using a bed and breakfast rather than a hotel will be an experience like never before. The attention to detail and the service you will receive from the bed and breakfast owners will be second to none. Not only that, but it is likely to be much more personal and relaxed than a busy hotel set in the middle of the action.
Bed and breakfasts are everywhere, they are on the outskirts of popular towns and cities and some of them are right in the thick of the action. Bed and breakfasts were once considered a last resort, now people go on holiday and book bed and breakfasts rather than hotels for the level of service they get. People often used bed and breakfasts as they were easy to find a room at the last notice. However nowadays, you are much more likely to have to book in advance, especially if you are holidaying in a very popular area.
The majority of bed and breakfasts all over the world are usually small and extremely cozy. They are also privately owned possibly run by a family, the business may have been passed on down in the generations. The owners usually live in the bed and breakfasts themselves so you always have someone to talk to should you come across any problems. The owner of where you are staying will also be a fountain of knowledge. The owners will more than likely be up to date with all the latest tourist attractions. The hallway or the reception will have many leaflets with information about local attractions.
The bed and breakfast industry is massive and although cannot completely take over from hotels, it certainly rivals the best hotels in the area. Some people prefer the personal service of a bed and breakfast, whereas some prefer the hustle and bustle of a busy hotel instead. That is why there will always be a need for both bed and breakfasts and hotels equally.
Some owners now have moved on in the times and have websites to showcase their establishment. You only have to type in ‘bed and breakfast’ into a popular search engine and there will be millions of results sent back to you. There will be photographs of the bedrooms and the dining rooms and outside of the bed and breakfast. Search online today to see some of the amazing people and the amazing businesses that are available to visit wherever you are from or travelling to.
Bed and breakfasts tend to be cheaper than hotels and this is another reason why they have become so popular now. You will also get breakfast included with your stay, something which you normally have to pay extra for at hotels. At bed and breakfasts you will get a brilliant service, great home cooked food, and all for a lesser price than a hotel room.
The bed and breakfast business is booming and it will continue to do so. The rise of the bed and breakfasts will always be on the up and up, especially as more people realize the charm and the brilliance of the people who run them.

If you are planning a trip to Russia, you need to make an effort to prepare yourself. Practicing drinking vodka is a good start, but you will need to know some basic Russian terms.
Basic Russian Terms for Your Trip To RussiaRussia is a unique and amazing country. Having lived there for a year, I can tell you it is like nothing you will experience in Europe or anywhere else. The culture is entirely different as is the language. The language, in particular, is the first hurdle you will face. The Russian language is based on the Cyrillic Alphabet. From the sound of individual letters to their combined essence, everything is different than what you are used to. If you try to wing it, you are going to be in for big trouble. To help you out, here are some basic words and phrases you should know. The first phrase I mastered while in Russia was “ya ne gavaru puruski.” This phonetic mess can be translated to “I don’t speak Russian.” Trust me, you should learn this. I became so good at ripping it off that many people thought I actually spoke Russian, but was just being a jerk!“Privyet” is probably a familiar word. It means hello or hi and is common greeting. The phrase is pronounced easy at the beginning and hard at the end – privYET. That being said, I mumble constantly and nobody seemed to object to just about any pronunciation. “Tak” is a word used to buy time or give the impression you are thinking deeply. A Russian will often pause and say tak…tak…tak and then respond. It is the equivalent of hmmm in the English language. You can use it to sound intellectual or during negotiations over a purchase. “Nuzhnik” is one of those important phrases. It is an informal term used when trying to find a toilet. Keep in mind this is very informal, as in “where is the can?” I don’t know why, but it just stuck in my mind. Obviously, there are a few zillion different phrases of Russian you will need at some point in your trip. At least now you can you say, “Hi. I don’t speak Russian…hmmm…I need to find the can!

The best things in life are free – at least, in Barcelona. A vibrant city famous for its architecture and geographical splendors, Barcelona is also the perfect destination for the frugal traveler looking for a fun trip that won’t force you to remortgage your home.
After the obvious expenses (plane ticket and Barcelona hotel) you can experience this European city without barely cracking open your wallet. That’s because some of the best activities and tourist attractions don’t cost a thing. Visit the parks of Montjuic and La Ciutadella, or stroll the Passeig de Gracia Boulevard and take in the architectural marvels created by the genius Gaudi, without paying a cent. La Rambla, the city’s popular tree-lined boulevard teeming with artists of all kinds, is another wonderful place to enjoy for free. Or, if soaking up the rays is more your inclination, you can enjoy the many beautiful beaches of Barcelona for free as well.
Cheap eatsDelicious food is everywhere in Barcelona. And it doesn’t have to cost a lot, either. Tapas is always a good choice if you want to stretch a buck – the best places are in the Raval area located behind the Boqueria Market. Two can eat here for less than 10 euros. During the day, lunch is the biggest bargain you can find. Restaurants have low-priced lunch menus that don’t skimp on quality or quantity. You’ll get 2 or 3 courses, usually for less than 2 euros, with a glass of wine and coffee or dessert. Most places won’t bother you with the cheque until you ask for it, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the food and the view.
What to doIn addition to the street festivals, balladeers, and other cultural events, there are other inexpensive ways to take in a concert and enjoy some good music. Visit the Liceu (the city’s famous opera house) to take in a show. Because they have recently added a cast of new, not-so-famous performers, it’s possible to watch a show for less money than you’d have to spend to see the veterans. Called the “popular cast,” this group of talented artists takes over on the main cast’s night off. Other than the cast – and the price - the show is identical. You can save at least 50% off the regular ticket price for these performances.
An amazing sight every visitor must see is the Sagrada Familia temple. This piece of architectural brilliance is yet another incarnation of the famed Gaudi, but it’s a particularly unique attraction because it’s still under construction. Started in 1882, this building was only partly done when Gaudi died in 1926. Although there has been some controversy over the years as to whether it should be completed, it is expected to be finished by 2020. This is a rare sight you cannot miss.
The best things in life really are freeThe best way to enjoy all that Barcelona has to offer is to look around and take in the beauty of the surroundings. The city is indeed very charming and beats to its own drum. There is so much history to explore, architecture to appreciate, and warm people to meet that your biggest problem will be deciding where to begin, and how to end your day. The city, for instance, boasts several medieval palaces, one of which now holds a Picasso museum on Calle Montcada.
When in Barcelona, you’ll notice that the city seems to be constantly rejuvenating itself. Once dilapidated harbors are now gorgeous hotspots off the Riviera. Even the Park Guell (yet another creation sprung from the artistry of Gaudi) contains leftover tiles that were used to create an immense expanse of mosaics. You’ll find new places such as these all over the city – if you’re willing to explore. And you won’t have to pay for the privilege of enjoying your discoveries.
Another way to save money is by using the Barcelona Card, which can be purchased for 2-5 days and costs 23 to 34 euros – and you can buy it online at http://barcelonaturisme.com to receive an additional 10% discount. The card saves you a lot of money because, once purchased, it grants you free or discounted access to a wide range of museums and other attractions. But the best thing about the card is the fact that it allows you to travel for free around the city on almost all the available public transit (including the airport train) for an unlimited period of time.
For lodging, be sure to book your room in advance as this will no doubt save you a ton of euro.
Barcelona is a treasure trove of culture, art, food, history, and architecture, but it doesn’t have to cost you a pretty penny to soak it all in. This wonderful city has much to offer the traveler who wants to experience Europe minus the usual price tag – so why not plan your next trip to Barcelona?

Just stroll down the elegant Passeig de Garcia, surely you can’t miss the two magnificent buildings by Antoni Gaudi: the multicoloured Casa Batllт (Passeig de Gracia 43, casabatllo.es , open every day 9am to 8pm, ticket 8Ђ, Metro 2 Violet, 3 Green or 4 Yellow, Passeig de Gracia station) and the splendid Mila house, better known as La Pedrera (Passeig de Gracia 92, only one apartment open to visits Monday to Sunday, 10am to 8pm, ticket 8Ђ, Metro 2 Violet, 3 Green or 4 Yellow, Passeig de Gracia station). The Pedrera has an undulating smooth surface of pale stone with Art nouveau railings in wrought iron. Yet the most spectacular element is the splendid terrace, comprising medieval knights carved from warm red stone, steep brick staircases and bottle-green and white mosaics. The faзade is said to be tempting the observer to gaze from the ground skywards a metaphor for the passage from the earth to heaven. The north-western part of the city is the site of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia (Plaзa Sagrada Familia, ticket 8Ђ, Metro 2 Violet, Sagrada Familia station), the final and unfinished work of the Catalan artist . This audacious building, a mix of architectural styles (Neo-Gothic, Cubist and Art Nouveau), was started in 1883 and today still remains unfinished, following the express wishes of the artist. The incomplete building is intended to signify the tortuous and unending path of the individuals in their search for God and spirituality.
Walk a few minutes northbound and have a look to the Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau (C/ Sant Antoni Maria Claret 167, santpau.es), an unqualified masterpiece of Modernism Architecture that is open to the public for viewing.
The area of the Sagrada Familia is home to various modern monuments, including the Quadrati d’Or, the Passeig de Sant Joan, the Avingude Diagonal and the Ronda de Sant Pere. In this area you can easily find very nice apartments which in recent years have been the ideal choice for many group of friends wishing to visit Barcelona at a very reasonable low budget. Some of them are apartments hosted in residences where swimming pool are often to be shared with others, But overall a very special common area where to meet other guests!! Most of the Spanish apartments also feature very nice and colourful furniture and warm atmosphere In terms of rates, the apartments usually range from 80-120 euros per day where an apartment can guest up to 6 people. IN this way young people can really save a lot of money especially if comparing with the prices of some Youth hostels. Maybe a little cheaper but without the comforts and the privilege of being in a private apartment. They are a very good option for anyone who wish to stay in Barcelona on a budget but with all the comforts of a private place. You can try the following apartment rentals companies: Gran Via Apartments, BCN Dreams, Barcelona Residence, Corsega Apartment and many more available on line.

One of its points of interest is the MACBA, i.e. Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (Plaзa del Angels 1, macba.es , open Monday to Wednesday and Friday 11am to 7.30pm, Saturday 10am to 8pm, and Sunday 10 am to 3 pm, ticket 4Ђ, Metro 1 Red or 2 Violet, Universitat station) constructed by Richard Meier. The art collection is mainly from the second half of the 20th century, but the museum often hosts some contemporary art exhibitions.
Near the museum there’s the CCCB, i.e. Centre de Cultura Contemporania de Barcelona (C/ Montalegre 5, open Tuesday to Sunday 11am to 8pm, Metro 3 Green, Liceu station), a multidisciplinary institution that organises and hosts plenty of events: exhibitions, concerts, shows, cinema festivals, courses, debates, lectures. Last but don’t least you can’t miss the famous Mercat de la Boqueria (boqueria.info), an enchanting explosion of colours! The market stalls are full of fresh vegetables, fruit, meat and fish that come from every part of the world. Near the Mercat we find the Liceu Opera House, considered by many to be one of the finest opera houses in Europe along with the Scala of Milan. In 1994 it tragically burned to the ground and was therefore rebuilt expanding the facilities while conserving the original faзade. At the end of the Rambla stands the Columbus Monument. Built on the occasion of the Universal Exposition of 1888, it has become one of the identifying symbols of the city.
In this area you can easily find very nice guest houses, that in Spanish are called Hostal or hostales, not to be confused with hostels or youth hostels. Hostal is a typical family run pension or guest house where you will be accommodate in a Spanish house, with a private room. Breakfast is not always served nor included in the price. Nevertheless, guest houses (hostales) average prices range from 25-40 euros per person, which is quite good! Here some good one you can easily find in Barcelona: Barna Hostal B&B, Sleepy Beds B&B and guest house, BCN Dreams Guest house, Somnio Hostal, Barcelona Residence, Corsega Apartment, Agua Alegre Hostal, Que Tal Guest house. For nice youth hostels that in Spanish are called albergues de la juventud in Barcelona try Pere Tarres youth Hostel, Residencia Universitaria San Marius hostel, La Trajinera youth hostel.

Barcelona is a fascinating city, with a buzzing rhythm reigning in this cosmopolitan heart of the Mediterranean. There are always lots of things to explore and to visit: the Roman origins, the great medieval old city, fishing quarters, the newer modernist district, the impressive urban architecture that arrived with the Olympic Games, the design shops, the parks, the beaches, the markets. And if you suffer of a culture overdose, just enjoy Barcelona’s rich gastronomy, one of its many terraces or look for a live concert in one of its many bars, theatre halls or churches. The last thing you should have to worry about is your accommodation.
These days it has become popular to rent an apartment in Barcelona. Apart from being cheaper than hotels, you will have much more space, more privacy, more flexibility, and will definitely enjoy a more personalised atmosphere and a feeling of being at home.
The problem is there are hundreds of companies renting out apartments in Barcelona right now and naturally, some are better than others.
It can be a nightmare finding a good place to stay. Imagine this - all your friends think you’re amazing because you have booked an amazing apartment on “La Rambla” for a bargain price, right in the middle of summer. However, once you arrive, you soon realise that this is not the famous “Las Ramblas” in the Barcelona city centre, but “La Rambla” in Sabadell - a town about 25km outside the Catalonian capital. You’re not quite as popular with your friends right now and you wish you’d spent a little more time investigating the whole apartment rental world. So how can you avoid situations such as these? Well basically, you need to find a trustworthy rental company, one that offers quality. One where you won’t find any dodgy apartments located on a fifth floor without elevator - and there are many apartments like that in Barcelona. One that doesn’t offer their guests mattresses on the floor, worn-out beds and a bathroom that is oh-so-authentic but hasn’t been renovated since Gaudi was still alive. Look for a company that is fully licensed, with apartments that meet the official requirements of the Generalitat (the local Catalan government). If a company meets certain standards, there’s more chance that the apartments they offer will be of a higher quality. There are plenty of things to look for when choosing a good Barcelona apartment rental company. Below is a short list of things to check for and ask about before making a decision: Is the apartment fully furnished?Is there a TV, DVD player & Internet?Does the apartment have a washing machine, iron and ironing board?Will you have to take your own sheets and towels?How far from the city centre is the apartment? (Ask for the address so you can check it out on Google Maps). Are there any hidden costs such as utility bills, telephone and agency fees and tax?Is there always someone you can contact in case of emergency?All these questions need to be answered, but at the end of the day, the decision is yours. Make sure you have done your research and are not disappointed. If in doubt, call the company before booking. If you choose well, your friends will remain good friends for years to come along with the happy memories of a wonderful holiday. And who knows, they may even take you out for dinner to say thank you in one of Barcelona’s many gastronomic wonderlands!

Backpacking is a great way to escape the rat race and be one with nature. Alas, your backpacking experiences can fade with time. The best way to prevent this is to keep a backpacking journal for your adventures.
Backpacking JournalsTake a minute to give some consideration to your most recent backpacking experience. What sticks out in your mind? Now think about the first time you ever went backpacking. Undoubtedly, you remember few things about the geography, people you went with, particular backpacking routes and spectacular views. The experiences you’ve forgotten are lost to time. If you had kept a backpacking journal, this won’t be the case.
There are famous instances of people keeping journals throughout time. Of course, Anne Frank’s Diary is the best example. In her diary, Anne kept a running commentary of the two years her family spent hiding from the Nazis. While your backpacking experiences better be more lighthearted, keeping a journal will let you remember them as the years pass.
A good backpacking journal combines a number of characteristics. First, it should be compact so you don’t have to take up unnecessary space for other things. Second, it should have a case to protect it from rain, spills and so on. Third, the journal should contain blank areas to write your notes. Fourth, the journal should contain cue spaces to remind you to keep notes on specific things. Cues should include:1. Who you went backpacking with,2. Where you backpacked and if you enjoyed it,3. Who you met and contact information for them,4. The geographic and weather conditions,5. Routes you tried and how far you made it, and6. Any unique things that occurred while backpacking.
At the end of the trip, you should be able to get the following from your journal:1. Contact information for other backpackers and people you met,2. Enough detail to provide you or a friend with a guide if you backpack the location a second time.
3. Memories to reflect upon years later, and4. Something to pass on to your friends, children and grandchildren.
To get the most out of your backpacking journal, you should write in it during backpacking breaks or immediately after. Every trip is special, even if you just go out for a weekend.
Backpacking is a great way to commune with nature. Make sure to preserve the experience.

Backpacking is a great way to escape the rat race and be one with nature. Alas, your backpacking experiences can fade with time. The best way to prevent this is to keep a backpacking journal for your adventures.
Backpacking JournalsTake a minute to give some consideration to your most recent backpacking experience. What sticks out in your mind? Now think about the first time you ever went backpacking. Undoubtedly, you remember few things about the geography, people you went with, particular backpacking routes and spectacular views. The experiences you’ve forgotten are lost to time. If you had kept a backpacking journal, this won’t be the case.
There are famous instances of people keeping journals throughout time. Of course, Anne Frank’s Diary is the best example. In her diary, Anne kept a running commentary of the two years her family spent hiding from the Nazis. While your backpacking experiences better be more lighthearted, keeping a journal will let you remember them as the years pass.
A good backpacking journal combines a number of characteristics. First, it should be compact so you don’t have to take up unnecessary space for other things. Second, it should have a case to protect it from rain, spills and so on. Third, the journal should contain blank areas to write your notes. Fourth, the journal should contain cue spaces to remind you to keep notes on specific things. Cues should include:1. Who you went backpacking with,2. Where you backpacked and if you enjoyed it,3. Who you met and contact information for them,4. The geographic and weather conditions,5. Routes you tried and how far you made it, and6. Any unique things that occurred while backpacking.
At the end of the trip, you should be able to get the following from your journal:1. Contact information for other backpackers and people you met,2. Enough detail to provide you or a friend with a guide if you backpack the location a second time.
3. Memories to reflect upon years later, and4. Something to pass on to your friends, children and grandchildren.
To get the most out of your backpacking journal, you should write in it during backpacking breaks or immediately after. Every trip is special, even if you just go out for a weekend.
Backpacking is a great way to commune with nature. Make sure to preserve the experience.