Should all foods be named in relation to their ingredients? If they were, we would be all be missing out on some good laughs before dinner. Some of these foods taste better than they sound, others taste worse, but they are all very interesting. Here are eight of the strangest food names in the…

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Welcome to Adelaide, the capital of South Australia and one of the largest cities in Australia. With a population of over 1.1 million people, you may fear getting lost in the crowd when visiting Adelaide, but such is far from the case. In a city where festivals and sporting events are the norm, it’s easy to find something to do in between business meetings or laps in the hotel pool. Of course, when you’re not out exploring you’ll want to ensure you’re able to relax in a luxurious atmosphere, which is why you’ll want to check out one of Adelaide’s incredible 5-star hotels.

5. Clarion Hotel Soho

The Clarion Hotel Soho is one of the newest hotels in the Adelaide area. This chic boutique hotel, opened in 2008, is home to only 30 guest rooms and suites, each complete with the finest modern amenities available today. Imagine returning to your room after a day in the city to relax in front of your 42″ television, bathe in your marble bathroom, or simply unwind while enjoying free internet access and in-house movies as you take in the view from your hotel windows.

As if all these amenities weren’t enough, the Clarion Hotel Soho has a magnificent roof-top pool surrounded by a lovely balcony. Bask in the warm Australian sunlight from the roof while enjoying views of the city skyline beneath you. Once you’re relaxed you’ll want to call the Soho Spa – a unique spa service that will bring the opportunity to be pampered directly to your private room.

4. Stamford Plaza Adelaide

The Stamford Plaza Adelaide is yet another remarkable hotel in the city centre of Adelaide. The five-star hotel is located on the North Terrace and is within walking distance of the Parliament House, the SKYCITY casino, and the Convention Centre. In stark contrast to the Clarion Hotel Soho, the Stamford Plaza features over 300 rooms on 19 floors – but the level of service and elegance is just as remarkable.

Each of the large rooms within the hotels features modern amenities and every guest receives a complimentary newspaper each morning. Guests who wish to stay close to their rooms will enjoy choosing from one of Stamford’s three restaurants or two bars, each featuring elegant cuisine your tastebuds will certainly enjoy. Guests at the Stamford Plaza claim to love the service as well as the convenience of the close proximity to the train station and tram stops.

3. Hilton Hotel Adelaide

Luxurious Hilton hotels can be found around the globe and the Hilton Hotel Adelaide is certainly no exception to the rule. The stunning 374-room hotel sits where it can overlook Victoria Square and is just moments away from some of Adelaide’s most stunning tourist attractions. Visitors will enjoy exploring the Central Market as well as the shopping and theatre districts before hopping the train to visit the coast at Glenelg.

The Hilton Hotel Adelaide offers a number of different room and suite styles, ranging from simple rooms to suites and now, after renovation, some spectacularly redesigned executive rooms and deluxe suites. When you are not in your aptly equipped room you’ll enjoy exploring the hotel’s numerous restaurants, spa, and outdoor pool or simply relaxing in the cozy bar.

2. Sebel Playford Hotel Adelaide

The Sebel Playford Hotel Adelaide is another stunning boutique hotel. Larger in size than the Clarion Hotel Soho, the Sebel Playford features over 180 luxurious guest rooms and suites. Wine lovers will particularly enjoy visiting the Playford Restaurant in which some of the area’s finest boutique wines are served, while those with work to do will appreciate their ability to take advantage of the 24 hour business center.

The service at the Sebel Playford Hotel Adelaide is noted as being superb from the moment you pull up at the main entrance until the moment you drive away. The service here is so stunning, in fact, that the hotel was voted the “Best Luxury Hotel” during the SA Tourism Awards for each of the six years between 2001 and 2006.

1. Hyatt Regency Adelaide

The Hyatt Regency Adelaide is one of the most conveniently located 5-star hotels in the city. Located within the Riverbank Promenade, the hotel is central to the SKYCITY Casino, the Adelaide Convention Centre, and the Festival Centre. Featuring over 360 elegant guest rooms, the hotel also houses three restaurants, a bar, and a nightclub. There’s no reason to sit alone in your room during a stay in Adelaide.

The staff members at the Hyatt Regency Adelaide are ready and waiting to ensure your stay is as pleasant as humanly possible. Past guests have loved every aspect of their stay including their staff experiences, the buffet breakfast, and even the gorgeously adorned bathrooms.

You deserve to be treated like royalty, no matter where you end up in Adelaide. Stay in one of these incredible 5-star hotels and you’re guaranteed a pleasant Australian hotel experience.

The world lost a pop culture icon on June 25, 2009. The untimely death of the King of Pop shook the entire globe, from Mongolia to Cuba, Iceland to New Zealand. Nobody in history, certainly not in the world of music and entertainment, had name recognition like Michael Jackson.

From The Jackson 5 to Off the Wall, Thriller to Bad, Jackson was a pioneer and innovator and set a new standard in show business. His videos, album sales, chart records and world tours had a transformative effect on the industry.

The hyperbole can get out of hand when you describe icons like Michael Jackson. Before we run out of adjectives to define his timeless legacy, here are some places that together, make up a de facto King of Pop pilgrimage.

Gary, Indiana

Born in Arkansas, Joseph Jackson, patriarch of the famous music family, came to East Chicago and later, Gary, Indiana, at the age of eighteen to work as a crane operator for U.S. Steel. There, he met future wife Katherine Scruse and after a failed attempt at a music career, Jackson poured his energy into grooming the couple’s nine children for stardom.

The rest as they say, is history. While the city of 100,000 people, a short 45 minute drive from Chicago, has some notable charm, Gary will forever be famous as the birthplace of Michael Jackson and indeed, the entire Jackson clan.

Detroit

After Berry Gordy got wind of The Jackson 5 in 1968 and specifically, the inordinate talent of young Michael, the family relocated to The Motor City. Once there, the band would revive Motown Records and from the first strains of “I Want You Back” and “ABC”, took the world by storm.

The Jackson 5 sound – a marriage of pop and R&B, led by the powerful, clear vocals of a pre-teen Michael Jackson – was fresh and revolutionary. It came to typify a new era of Motown and indeed, music. The old headquarters of Hitsville U.S.A., graced by the likes of The Temptations, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5, is now home to the Motown Historical Museum.

Apollo Theater

A New York City landmark and on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the Apollo Theater’s contribution to popular culture is without precedent. No other music hall in the world has launched more legendary careers, from Ella Fitzgerald to James Brown, Diana Ross to of course, The Jackson 5.

Michael Jackson’s appearance at the Apollo with his brothers in the very early days of the group helped propel them to mega-stardom. After his death became public on June 25, fans spontaneously gathered en masse outside the theater and his childhood home.

Los Angeles

Hollywood and Los Angeles contain a slew of relevant Michael Jackson landmarks. On the day of his death, the King of Pop’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was covered by a red carpet for the premiere of the Sasha Baron Cohen mockumentary Brüno. Coincidentally, a scene from the film featuring sister LaToya and referencing Jackson was cut by Universal, being deemed distasteful in the wake of the superstar’s death. As a result of the premiere, hundreds of fans mistakenly paid homage to the wrong Michael Jackson. English-born radio talk show host Michael Jackson also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Other Los Angeles landmarks that have a connection to the King of Pop include the Bel Air mansion where he met his demise on June 25. While inaccessible for now, Neverland Ranch, Michael Jackson’s sprawling 3,000 acre amusement park estate in Santa Barbara County, will no doubt rival Elvis Presley’s Graceland one day as a tourist attraction.

London

London was to be the backdrop for Michael Jackson’s dramatic swansong. With fifty dates at O2 Arena, all sold out in a matter of minutes, the King of Pop was just weeks away from the stage before he went into cardiac arrest on June 25.

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Remains of the ancient times and an evidence of the long and defensive history of a human settlement, the cities with walls are nowadays cities that breathe history. Europe has some of the best conserved pieces of this kind of architecture.
1. Carcassonne, France
Restored by Viollet-le-Duc, the…

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In the southwest section of India you’ll find the state of Kerala. The area has long been known as the “God’s own country” and it is famous amongst locals and tourists for a variety of reasons. Some enjoy the backwaters and others the beaches. Those interested in Ayurveda and other forms of health care, however, will be incredibly interested in the medical tourism industry that continues to grow in Kerala.

Image: fabola

What is Medical Tourism?

The term “medical tourism” isn’t as luxurious as you might at first believe. While some people associate tourism with “vacations” and “trips” the term actually applies to individuals who travel to foreign countries to obtain health care that is either not available or unaffordable in their own country.

Image: fabola

There are several different reasons to use medical tourism in order to obtain health care. Some people, especially celebrities, prefer to have cosmetic surgeries done far from home because they want to be out of the public spotlight while they recover. In other case, some patients may find alternative treatments being utilized in other countries that are not available in their home country. In many cases, the main reason for participating in medical tourism is cost.

Image: challiyan

Individuals have traveled across international borders for joint replacement, dental work, psychological care, and even hospice treatments. Just about every area of the medical profession welcomes medical tourism in some country. Today there are approximately 50 countries around the globe who participate in medical tourism.

The Risks Associated with Medical Tourism

Those who decide to participate in medical tourism are taking quite a few risks. It is important to realize that the culture in every country is different. The natural immunity you have built up towards diseases in your home country may not protect you from foreign diseases in the place you visit. You’re opening yourself up to infection not only from your procedure, but from amoebic dysentery, paratyphoid, tuberculosis, HIV, and even hepatitis.

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One of the reasons people flock towards medical tourism is because the costs associated with care in other countries are often much less than the cost of care in their own homes. For example, the cost of healthcare in the United States is so expensive because it is heavily regulated by government agencies who are concerned with quality control. If the doctor makes a mistake in a foreign country you may have no recourse and, even if you did sue, the doctor is not very likely to pay you.

Ethical issues may arise as well. In some countries, such as Thailand, doctors are so focused on foreign travelers (who pay more) that they have less time for local Thai patients who urgently need their care.

Medical Tourism in Kerala

Image Credit: BIJI KURIAN

The Indian state of Kerala focuses on Ayurveda as its traditional medicinal system and is heavily promoted as a medical tourism destination because of these classical treatments. That’s not to say that Kerala is solely focused on Ayurveda, though. The state prides itself on having highly trained doctors from all areas of the medical profession and is believed to have some of the finest medical facilities in the world.

Indian doctors have gained recognition around the world. They’re known for being very skilled and caring and several of the finest Indian doctors return to India after touring and training abroad. The Indian medical system also includes world-class pre- and post-operative care – meaning you won’t be rushed out of your hospital bed because of corporate or bureaucratic red tape.

Image: fabola

The types of medical care available in Kerala include:

• Ayurveda
• Cardiac
• Dental
• Transplant Surgery
• Ophthalmology
• Orthopedic
• Neurosurgery
• Fertility Treatment
• General Surgery, and
• Other alternative practices (naturopathy, Siddha, etc)

Kerala is popular amongst medical tourists for a number of reasons. Aside from providing high-quality medical care for low prices, the area is relatively easy to access and boasts a temperate climate year round. Visitors will be able to communicate easily with their doctors and the public and will have the finest amenities available, both in the hospital and in their hotels.

Medical tourism is, of course, not something that should be taken lightly – whether you plan to travel to Kerala or some other country. Make sure you conduct thorough research before deciding to take a trip overseas for a procedure you could have had done back home. Do the benefits outweigh the risks?

Of the dozens of top ten lists in our humble blog thusfar, it was a major surprise, if not shock, to discover the conspicuous absence of Athens. For shame! Lest our Greek mates discover the blatant omission, we should rectify the error here and now, post haste.

Vast capital of Greece, birthplace of the Olympic Games and indeed, philosophy and democracy, the once classical city-state is a lively, cosmopolitan metropolis. Athens, the heart of finance, politics, commerce, arts and culture in Greece, is a premier alpha world city. While many opt for a short stay in the capital before weeks of debauchery and depravity in the Aegean Sea, patience yields brilliant rewards in Athens. Santorini, Ios, Rhodes, Mykonos and Crete, to name but several islands, will always be special but with well over 3,000 years of history, Athens is unbelievable.

From the obvious to the diminutive, here are ten must-see attractions in the 2004 Summer Olympic Games host city.

10. Academy of Athens

The de facto national academy of Greece is a tribute to the Academy of Plato and honors the tradition of knowledge, philosophy and study in the country. The main Neoclassical complex, built in the late 19th century, is one of the central landmarks in Athens.

9. The National Garden

Those in search of refuge from the heat and urban sprawl of Athens will love the superb National Garden. Just behind the Greek Parliament, the oasis offers over 15 hectares of land to explore at your own pace, with ancient ruins to ogle at every turn.

8. Syntagma Square

One of the most important squares in Europe, if not the world, has been the pulse point for political protest for well over a century – a frequent occurrence in Greece. Syntagma Square, with the Greek Parliament in full view, is a public transportation hub in Athens and provides easy access to some of the best districts in the city. Did we mention the square has free WiFi?

7. Cape Sounion

Though 69 km from Athens, Cape Sounion still merits consideration as a must-see attraction in the capital city. The beautiful peninsula promontory offers stellar Aegean Sea photo ops and best of all, a heritage network of ancient ruins and temples.

6. The Ancient Agora

In classical times, the agora was a place of assembly, open to the public at large. The Ancient Agora of Athens is the best example left in the world, with as many as twenty vital inherent monuments that date as far back as the 6th century BC. Some 800 years later, landmarks such as the Temple of Ares, Altar of Zeus Agoraios and Odeon of Agrippa, among many others, were built within the agora.

5. Mount Lycabettus

The grand summit of Athens is visible from the Acropolis but for some reason, many choose to leave it at that and skip out on the funicular ride to the top. With a magnificent panorama of Athens, the legendary hill is worth the short trip, especially for open air summer concerts.

4. The Plaka

At the base of the Acropolis, the historic Plaka district winds around the ancient hill and features labyrinthine streets, stone and Cycladic architecture and a host of restaurants, tavernas, bars and shops. The most popular and vibrant area of the city, bar none.

3. National Archaeological Museum

Archaeology and Greece go hand in hand. From Turkey to Macedonia, the country is a goldmine for Indiana Jones hopefuls. For the absolute best of what Greece has to offer in terms of ancient relics, artifacts, monuments and documents, head to the world class National Archaeological Museum.

2. The Acropolis Museum

A site of eternal archaeological excavation, the Acropolis is a limitless treasure trove of remarkable relics. Built in 2008 at the base of the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Acropolis Museum is without peer, with artifacts that cover the Bronze Age to Byzantine Greece.

1. The Acropolis

The Great Pyramid of Giza, the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal: all ancient and instantly recognizable. Well, add the Acropolis of Athens to the list. So familiar and ubiquitous in grainy picture form, from humble gyro restaurants all over the world to middle school history textbooks, the mere appearance of the Parthenon startles many as they get within close range of the famous hill. The premier attraction on the European Cultural Heritage list is a remarkable complex, with the ruins of no less than twenty-one vital monuments on site.

Discover the best rates on hotels in Athens.

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Known around the world as a fashion capital, the Italian city of Milan draws a wide variety of fashion divas and business tycoons year round. The city is as artistic as it is historic and features a number of distinguished museums, opera houses, palazzos, and galleries. Have you ever considered ogling some of da Vinci’s original drawings in between trips to upscale shopping malls? If not, a trip to Milan is certainly in order.

When to Visit Milan

Milan is an incredible destination throughout the entire year, though individuals who don’t like rainy weather should avoid the city during the spring months, although temperatures are reasonably cool. Summer temperatures tend to hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 Celsius) and then taper back down to a cooler temperature for the fall months. Truth be told, the temperatures in Milan are relatively stable throughout the year except for during the winter months when they fall to anywhere between 25 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 to 7.2 degrees Celsius).

What to Wear in Milan

Despite its status as the fashion capital of the world, not everyone walks around the city wearing designer clothing. As a matter of fact, if you look around you’ll see a wide variety of fashion trends ranging from ethnic dress to falling jeans (on teens, of course) and completely sloppy tourists. It’s best to try to look at least somewhat put together during your stay but dressing up every moment of the day is inappropriate.

What you don’t want to do is wear brand new white sneakers as they’re a sign that you’re a tourist. Shorts and tank tops are usually acceptable but you can’t wear them inside of churches so they’re best avoided, unless you’re absolutely positive you won’t be going near a house of worship on any given day.

Safety Considerations within Milan

Milan is an incredibly safe city for both locals and tourists but, as in any place, you should use caution when moving about. The most common crime in Milan is theft but if you are careful to lock up  your belongings, pay attention to  where you leave your purse, and lock your rental car at all times you should have no problems.

The city is usually very busy, even at night, so you should feel safe exploring the nightlife as well. Individuals traveling alone should consider renting a cab, though – better safe than sorry, especially if you find yourself lost in an unfamiliar neighborhood.

Photo: orsorama

Speaking the Language in Milan

This may come as a bit of a surprise but locals often prefer it when tourists speak their own native languages. You will, most likely, still experience a language barrier but waitresses and shop owners prefer speaking slow English than attempting to decipher your broken Italian.

Unless you are fluent in Italian, greet your host in his native language and then assess the situation. Many Milan locals, especially those who deal with the public, are fluent in English and it will be easier for everyone involved if you just slow you speech, avoid slang, and communicate effectively.

Transportation in Milan

Image Credit:LHOON

Most of Milan can be explored by foot, especially if you’re staying near the center of the city. You’ll enjoy being able to wander from shop to museum to restaurant at your own leisurely pace and at the same time you’ll have a better opportunity to witness life in Milan through your own two eyes.

It’s highly recommended that you avoid attempting to drive through Milan as it can be incredibly confusing – not to mention adventurous. The city bus system is highly recommended and taxi drivers are friendly and knowledgeable. Both are much better options than driving which, by the way, comes with an extra pollution surcharge.

Things to Do in Milan

If you’re visiting Milan for the first time we highly recommend you join one of the city’s myriad of sightseeing tours. They’re a bit expensive but will ensure you’re able to see several major highlights – including a view of the original Last Supper – and will help you to locate some of the other attractions you wish to see later on during your trip.

Those interested in understanding exactly why Milan is the fashion capital of the world should head towards Quadrilatero d’Oro. The triangle shaped plaza is where you’ll find the storefronts of most of Italy’s major fashion designers. If window shopping depresses you (or if you simply aren’t interested in high-end clothing) you should skip this section of the city entirely.

Photo: scalleja

By the way, you haven’t had a real gelato until you’ve visited Riverano Gelato. Inside you’ll be presented with a menu full of both familiar and unusual names (though you might be able to sample one of the strange ones if you ask). The creamy texture is unlike any you’ve ever tasted – and you certainly won’t find yourself licking up a watery mess like you would in some other shops. Don’t leave Milan without visiting this establishment.

Milan is a vibrant city full of sophistication and class. Explore as much as you can while you’re there. You won’t be sorry!