Hogmanay Is The Scottish New Year Experience‏

     Have you booked that trip for New Year's Eve yet? Please don't tell me you're just going to do the standard hanging out with family and friends at home? Why don't you just bite the bullet and travel to some place you have never been?. I know of a brilliant place for a New Year's Eve celebration. That place is Edinburgh in Scotland. So what happens there I hear you ask? It is home of the annual Scottish New Year's festival, Hogmanay. 

Hogmanay

     I am here to tell you that Hogmanay is a fantastic experience and a must-do for everyone on New Year's Eve. Whether it is the people, the food or the party itself, if you just get off your butt and book a trip there you will have a brilliant time. Did I tell you that the word Hogmanay means the "last day of the year" in Scottish? Well I guess not, but anyway, Edinburgh is easily one of the best places to welcome in the New Year. Personally I think it is not only the best in the UK but easily the best in the world. So what is the origin of this Hogmanay festival I hear you ask? Well some historians say that the Vikings actually invented the Hogmanay celebrations because the actual eve of New Year was an important event to the vikings. So I guess it was only natural that they would want to celebrate with a big shindig on New Year's Eve! What about the word Hogmanay, where is that from? Well some say Flemish, some say Scandinavian, some people even say it is Anglo-Saxon. Well I have got no idea, I just know that it is a wicked party. Having personally experienced the New Year's Eve celebration of Hogmanay in Scotland, I can confidently say it is a breath-taking event. The fireworks in the night skies, the dancing and the music among others give you everything you are looking for in a New Year's Eve. 

Hogmanay - Edinburgh

     For a moment it felt like I was on a different planet and just wanted the party to continue. I was particularly surprised with the large number of people who attended. I'm thinking there were over 250,000 partygoers from all around the world. I was there with an American friend, Mike, and you could see the smile and happiness in his face at how awesome the night was. Edinburgh does not only offer the beauty of welcoming a new year but also has some astonishing hotels. If you are travelling to Hogmanay there are plenty of accommodation options, but it is probably your best bet to book early. Having booked our hotel early and staying for four days, Mike and I got a great deal at the 5 Star Sheraton Grand Hotel located near to the Edinburgh Centre and the famous Edinburgh Castle. The accommodation at the Sheraton Grand Hotel was fantastic. The services were good and the staff were really friendly. This made us felt like we were at home. Mike and I tried plenty of traditional Scottish foods whilst we were at Hogmanay. The cold night means that the food should be served hot and we even gave the Haggis a run. It wasn't for me, but Mike went back for seconds. 

     Maybe just give it a go for yourself and see what you think. If you like sweets I actually had some of the best shortbread I have ever had. There was plenty of different drinks on offer at Hogmanay, but of course Scotch whisky is the drink of Scotland. You know what they say, "When In Rome"! But hey, Scotch is not only enjoyed in Scotland but across the world. I actually think Scotch is my new favourite drink! I just love really good Scotch, the taste is incredible. There are so many tour groups out there that organise Hogmanay tours as well. So if you aren't the type to book stuff yourself, and if you want to go with a tour group, then do a search on the net and Im sure you will find one that will suit your budget and needs. 

     Also, if you're looking at travelling with a whole group of people then you should definitely hook up with a Hogmanay tour group. Travelling as a group can be the best experience. There was plenty of things happening at Hogmanay, but there is nothing like singing Auld Lang Syne at midnight in the country where the song originated. It really was an amazing experience. Hogmanay offers a magic way for you to kick in the New Year in style. You definitely will not regret it.

La Tomatina and Pamplona's Bull Run

     Spain is a fabulous holiday destination and the fact that a few years back it was the second most visited country in the world after France gives you an indication of its popularity. Its mild climate, its sandy beaches, its entertainment hot spots, nightlife and festivals ensure Spain remains a sparkling gem in the tourism crown.

La Tomatina - Bunol

     Spain really has some world renowned festivals. One of those is La Tomatina, held in Bunol, near Valencia. This festivals involves people throwing tomato at each other! But by far the biggest and best festival is the San Fermin, which is held in Pamplona every July. The San Fermin is best known for its crazy Running of the Bulls held every morning of the festival. 

     I love risk and a challenge and the thought of running in front of snorting, angry and frenzied bulls that have been let loose on a sectioned-off course spelled excitement and daring. It is something that I've always watched on TV with deep fascination. This year I made sure that I had booked my turn for the Pamplona Running of the Bulls and July 6 to July 14 had been firmly circled on my calendar for me to get to the renowned San Fermin Festival.

     There are bull run events in plenty of towns and cities across Spain, but it is the running of the bulls in Pamplona during the San Fermin Festival that is most famous around the world. I fortunately did my homework and discovered that during the Pamplona Bull Run, hotels in Pamplona can be expensive. As an alternative you can camp and there are companies that do Pamplona tours where they plan everything for you, including transport, tent and breakfast. I was booked into a hotel known as Gran Hotel La Perla which was a perfect choice for me simply because it had a balcony and looked down on the very road where the bulls would come thundering by. 

     The first time I watched the Pamplona Bull Run from my balcony I was totally blown away. Like I am thinking? "Are you insane?". I had thoughts about whether or not I wanted to actually go through with it and run with the bulls the next morning. I agonised all day. One of the my friends said "Do it!". The other one said "What are you, Stupid or something?" So....did I???

     I know Im keeping you guessing on the bull run, but I have to tell you there is plenty to do in Pamplona during San Fermin other than the Bull Run. The parties start early and go long into the night. There are so many little bars we went to and ate some really tasty food at some cool local restaurants. Quite often though we would just go to a tapas bar and have some snacks. Tapas is perfect to keep you going during San Fermin's not stop party. The bars and restaurants open late, but remember, in Spain they have a siesta in the afternoon so Pamplona, even during San Fermin, is like a ghost town. There is still plenty happening throughout the day and night with parades and what not, as well as the fireworks that happen around 11pm each night. 

Pamplona's Bull Run

     When it finally came time for me to run with the bulls, well lets just say that I sort of chickened out! However, I must say I was appalled to see people simply pounding over others who had tripped or fallen in front of them and opted to just be a spectator. I mean people have died in these runs you know. My friends and I stayed for the full seven days, which ended with everyone gathering at the City Hall and singing a song called "Pobre de Mi" or "Poor Me", indicating that the San Fermin Festival was over for another year. 

     I have briefly visited Pamplona outside of San Fermin and it is a completely different place. You really need to be in Pamplona for the Running of the Bulls to appreciate the atmosphere and experience what is pretty much a uniquely Spanish experience.

Mongolian Tours - The Adventure Of A Lifetime‏

    

Burkhan Khaldun mountain

      Eating in Mongolia can be interesting, though there are restaurants in the capital, anywhere else one is likely to have access only to mutton and a number of dairy products produced from their animals. Owing to their genetic makeup and the lack of arable land, vegetables are rarely eaten. Although they are quite creative in the products they can make from their herds, meat is dominant. When people think of Mongolia, aside from the name Ghengis Kahn, few have any real idea what the place is like. The last century has seen it as an isolated nation where few westerners ever went, especially during the Russian occupation. Mongolian tours can open an exotic, fascinating window in the past one will always remember.

Nomads from Mongolia

    The location of Mongolia, a land locked nation nestled between Russia and China, resulted in a history of conflict and many occupations by both neighbors. Mongolia as a nation began with the rule of Genghis Kahn and represented a period when Mongolians ruled. One key to his power and success was getting the many separate clans united for the first time, not always peacefully.

     Traditionally the people of Mongolia live in Gers, a felt lined circular tent which can be dismantled or reassembled within a few hours. The climate is extremely dry, with humidity in the single digits most of the time, and experiences more than 250 sunny days each year. The extreme continental climate means the winters are brutally cold with the capital of Ulaan Bataar being the coldest capital in the world.

     There are cities throughout the country with the capital, Ulaan Baatar, being by far the largest and most significant. It was given its current name, which means Red Hero, following the communist triumph in 1924. This began the Soviet influence, square buildings and heat infrastructure transmitting steam for heat quiet inefficiently in exposed over-ground pipes.

Mongolian landscapes

     Historically the people who practiced religion were free to choose from many, including Islam and      Christianity, but by the 12th century Tibetan Buddhist had become predominant, with ornate monasteries scattered throughout the land. During the Russian occupation religion was actively and brutally suppressed. Tens of thousands lost their lives in the purges and most of the beautiful golden artifacts were looted and taken back to Russia.

Mongolia Map

      The nation and its culture have rebounded since the soviet breakup, and with freedom of religion in place, Tibetan Buddhism returned as the majority practice. Festivals are held throughout the year, with the largest in Summer. Archery, horse racing and wrestling competitions are held with the national title at stake.

It is a rare opportunity to visit a nearly unspoiled culture that lives the same today as it has for generations. No country is completely without an impact from the industrial revolution, and the capital city of Mongolia is testament to that, but taking Mongolian tours provides an insight few have gained and the trip will be a memory for a lifetime.

Best Destinations For New Year's Eve Celebrations

Paris

New York

With the New Year just around the corner, now's the time to make your New Year's resolutions, drink away the last year's regrets and celebrate starting all over again next year. As the Christmas lights start to fade and the holiday season comes to an end, there's still the age old question of where to celebrate one of the most epic nights out of the year, New Year's Eve. 

Sidney

Rio de Janeiro

There is some really exciting must-do New Year's Eve events across the globe in nearly every continent. Ever wondered what it would be like to do a New Year's Eve trip somewhere other than singing 'Auld Lang Syne' with a bunch of strangers in your local pub or bar? 
Few places rival the atmosphere of New Year's Eve in New York City, home to one of the night's most memorable New Year's Eve events, the Times Square Ball Drop. Since 1907, the iconic ball, a 12-foot glittering sphere weighing 11,875 pounds, is dropped each year on the stroke of midnight from a flagpole on top of One Times Square. Cramming into the New York City Times Square to watch the ball drop with fellow tourists from all over the world is something everyone should do once. They say that you have not really celebrated until you've frozen your extremities and lost your voice screaming while that ball drops above you.
The Scottish capital Edinburgh hosts one of the liveliest New Year's Eve events in the world, celebrating with a massive four-day festival known as "Hogmanay", which runs 30 December to 2 January each year. Hogmanay is the Scots word for the last day of the year and at the turn of the New Year, Scotland can be very cold but the both the vibe and the Scotch are warm and there is plenty to see and do in Edinburgh. The centuries-old tradition brings crowds of 250,000 party-goers to the city to take part in the famous festival. At midnight there is a huge fireworks display setting the Edinburgh skyline ablaze as the crowds shout out the words to classic Scottish song "Auld Lang Syne." This world-renowned NYE song was written by Scotland's national poet Robert Burns and was first sung in Scotland before spreading to the rest of the world.
One of the world's first major cities to celebrate NYE, Sydney's New Year's Eve firework show is renowned around the globe. The fireworks exploding above Sydney Harbour is probably the World's most famous New Year's Eve celebration aside from the New York City Times Square Ball Drop. What makes Sydney better to be at than New York City though, is that 31 December is summertime in Australia and you can pretty much expect a warm night out.
Other North American destinations that have great New Year's Eve experiences include Orlando, Key West, New Orleans, Hawaii, Niagara Falls and Whistler.
You know you don't want to miss it... So make sure you get your New Year's Eve travel plans sorted out, because the only question is, where will you be when the clock strikes midnight on 31 December this year?

Below is a list of some of the major destinations for your next New Year's Eve experience: NORTH AMERICA New York City Las Vegas Miami Orlando Key West New Orleans Hawaii Whistler Niagara Falls Mexico City 

AUSTRALIA Sydney Melbourne

SOUTH AMERICA Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

EUROPE Edinburgh London Amsterdam Paris Berlin Vienna Reykjavik Barcelona Prague 

ASIA Hong Kong Bangkok Tokyo 

OTHER Istanbul, Turkey Cape Town, South Africa Beirut, Lebanon, Goa, India

Fluffy Snow And Kashmir Skiing‏

     There is lots to be learnt and experienced when travelling abroad to a new country where you can do some Kashmir skiing. Cultural differences can seem somewhat bizarre at times to see how the other part of the world lives on a day to day basis. There is much to see and experience with regard to gastronomical delights and vistas that can leave you winded with their magnificence.

Ski Himalaya

     From world renowned cuisine to more importantly an unforgettable skiing experience this part of the world has everything to offer for the weary city dweller. It is a destination sort out by many as it is unique in its cultural beauty as well as its geographic magnificence. Should you not be used to or accustomed to this sport, pointers are there to assist you in making the most of your experience.

     For the hiker this mountainous topography has a lot to offer. Coming prepared is essential and it is best to inquire as to its prerequisites before embarking to this part of the world. Online it is a simple exercise of emailing providers in this sport in advance to get all the facts you will need to know before embarking on your holiday trip.

     This subsidiary range of the Himalayas is called the Pir Panjals and because of its position experiences the heaviest snow falls and this is why it has been attested to be the best snow skiing resort in this part of the world. The village is situated fairly highly at a whopping two thousand seven hundred meters above sea level. Obviously warm clothing is the order of the day as you bite into the delicacies that are on offer whilst you take in the history of this area.

     Skiing for the uninitiated can be daunting at first and it is best practice to take a few lessons before attempting the more riskier rides. Seeing others participate at it on television is just not the same as doing it yourself. This also makes for magnificent trails especially woven for the avid hiker with beauty beyond compare sketched out in front of you as you trod through this mountain range.

Kashmir Skiing

     It is best practice to book your journey when the snow abounds. This is quite easily accomplished by telephoning or even emailing providers at these resorts. These can be found online with pricing for those that are eager to get on their way and experience the pleasures that are on offer in India.

     Glancing at their online resources avails one to a ton of information. Reports from others who have journeyed on this adventure are positive and full of excitement. Super fluffy snow in an idyllic setting is what pushes most folk to embark on this journey to a new location for the purpose of skiing.

     They say it just seems to get better and better the more you take to the mountains and ride its ski routes. But this holiday is not just about skiing. It is much more than that as you take your trip through India and embark to the Kashmir for some Kashmir skiing.

Nuevo Vallarta Rental Residence Club Property - San José del Cabo ( Mexico)

Nuevo Vallarta Apartments

Club San José del Cabo - Mexico

Nuevo Vallarta Rentals for Vacations

A study on Nuevo Vallarta rental  management was done by a group of people who wanted to invest in rental estate business. It is always wise for one to use their salaries in a way that they are willing to do great in their future lives. One should know that they will not always be strong in their entire life to work as they can work when they are youths.
When one gets to understand about the way life is they get the wiliness to know about the Nuevo Vallarta rental property management. They understand that it is better to invest and save while one is able to work than just spending and struggling later when they are old. When it comes to investing i8t can differ from ones likes, talent and interest. Whatever the person wishes to invest in they have to have enough knowledge on how to go about it.
The fact that they are not very new is that they end up causing a lot of problems with their other lifestyle. One may not even be with good terms with their family members due to too much of thinking about what they invested in. This is what is referred as stress which can lead to chronicle diseases which  are

Luxury Residence Club

hard and expensive to heal.
It is not that stressful to be in such an investment type. The only thing that makes people scared of having such great investments is that they are not sure on how to go about it. They are scared that may be they may end up getting more loss than they may have expected.
Taking into consideration the type of work the estates have. For one to become a tenant one has to collect their personal details before giving them an apartment. This can be hectic if two new people want to live in the estates that are located at two different locations. Sometimes it can even lead to losses.
If the same investment was left to the experts to do all the directing and sending the money or profits to the owner per day or per month it can be a very positive step. This is because the owner gets an opportunity to do other things which are of importance. One can do other business, get more studies or try to spend time with their families and other friends.
The experts always get to control and plan all the activities held by the person business. If it is a vacation real estate they control who lives in those houses and for how long. The do all the needed repairs and try as much as they may want to do to increase their profits.
The company pays its employee at the end of every month. The Nuevo Vallarta vacation rental property management company does the entire finance recording and sends it to the owner together with their profits. If one want to make more profit to make time for their families they should know more about such companies.