Japan firm offers weddings in space

A JAPANESE firm has begun accepting reservations for couples who really want to make the big leap – by blasting into space to exchange their wedding vows.

Each happy couple will spend 240 million yen ($A2.4 million) for the ceremony in a small space vessel, which will shoot up 100km into the sky.

During the hour-long flight, the couple will spend several minutes in zero gravity during which they will exchange their vows with up to three guests present, said Taro Katsura, a spokesman for Japanese firm First Advantage.

The couple would perform most of the ceremony before takeoff “so that they can say their vows and look out the window,” Katsura said.

The firm is offering the space marriages in a tie-up with US-based Rocket Plane, which will conduct the flights from a private airport in Oklahoma.

From the spaceship, the couple would probably be able to see the outline of the Earth although they will not be far enough into space to allow complete floating, Katsura said.

Despite launching the offer in Japan, the company said it expected most of its customers to be from China or Arab Gulf nations. There are currently no plans to start the space weddings in the United States, Katsura said.

Space tourism has been seeing a boom of sorts since 2001, when American millionaire businessman Dennis Tito paid $US20 million ($A20.89 million) to Russia’s space agency to become the first person to pay his own ticket into space.

Czech Republic : Ten Beautiful Places

The Czech Republic is a country located in Central Europe. It is bordered by Germany, Austria, Poland, and Slovakia. This country is further divided into three regions; namely, Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia. The Czech Republic has lots to offer its visitors, and here are the ten beautiful places that are a must-see in this country.

1.) The Prague Castle
This is recognized by the Guinness World of Records as the largest and oldest castle in the whole wide world. This is a very impressive castle that seems to be guarding the city below. You can also see here the St. Vitus Cathedral as well as other smaller palaces.

2.) Charles Bridge
This is only one of the many bridges in Vltava. It was constructed during the 14th century and is considered as oe of the most stunning bridges in Prague. During the day, it is nice to stroll along the Charles Bridge and get to enjoy the many stores and restaurants and bars that are located here.

3.) The Old Town
If you want to see what an ancient town looks like, then visit The Old Town. This is also considered as Prague’s historical center as it houses a lot of historical buildings as well as monuments, the most popular of which is the Astronomical Clock or the Orloj. There are also a lot of historical churches that you can visit here.

3.) Josefov
This historical Jewish ghetto is a must-visit place. Here, you will get to see old synagogues that are well maintained, and you will also see here the Jewish Cemetery, thought of as the oldest cemetery in Europe. There is also a burial site that you can visit which is said to be Prague Golem’s.

4.) New Town of Prague
Its main tourist spot is the Wenceslas Square where you will get to enjoy shops and restaurants as well as little stalls. You can also visit the National Museum. Along the Boulevard, you will also see parks as well as arcades and modern discos as well as new buildings.

5.) The Lesser Town
What this offers is picturesque views of streets and old churches. The most popular church is the St. Nicholas Church. You can also see the famous Lennon Wall here.

6.) City Center of Brno
If you want to see more historical buildings, then go on to the City Center of Brno. Here, you will surely enjoy the sights of its old churches as well as theaters. You are also going to see here numerous sculptures as well as fountains as you walk along its streets.

7.) Spilberk Castle
This castle/fortress is located in Brno and used to be a famous notorious prison where a lot of people were tormented and tortured during the Austro-Hungarian Empire era. Now, it houses a museum as well as a restaurant to dine in. There is also a park that offers wonderful sights which you can visit.

8.) Vankovka Gallery
If you are fond of shopping, then go on to the Vankovka Gallery. This used to be an industrial center but was later converted to a big shopping center. You can still see some historical industrial buildings here and, at the same time, shop till you drop.

9.) Cesky Krumlov State Castle and Chateau
This is one of the famous tourist destinations in Krumlov. Here, you will see the castle complex and even explore it for free. If you want to see its interiors, then there is the paid guided tour for you to choose.

10.) Namesti Svobody
This is also called the Freedom Square. This is the place where most cultural events are held. So if you want to see a cultural event, then head on to Namesti Svobody.

Holiday Destination : Vienna , Austria

Vienna Austria is the country’s capital and is located on the scenic River Danube. This city was the political center of the Austrian Empire and is home to ornate palaces and museums. Many of these were built for or by the Hapsburg family and trace the family history as well as the country’s history.

Visiting Vienna
The city has many hotels and other accommodations near the airport and in surrounding areas. There are hotels in every price range. The inner city is home to monuments and parks that are popular tourist attractions. Old, ornate churches can be found here as well as other building such as Parliament, the University and Opera house.

When planning your trip, be aware that most attractions are closed on public holidays in the city. Public holidays include: January 1, January 6, the Monday after Easter, May 1, Ascension Thursday, The Feast of Corpus Christi, August 15, November 1, December 8, December 25 and 26. Just about all museums, palaces and many shops are closed on these days.

Museums
o Kuntshall Wien is a museum with a collection of modern and contemporary art. The artists are both Austrian and International artists. This museum is run by the city of Vienna.

o The Sigmund Freud Museum is dedicated to the Father of Modern Psychology. It is run by the Sigmund Freud Society and traces the doctor’s life and work.

o Austrian Gallery Belvedere was built for Prince Eugene of Savoy as a summer home. It is now open for tours and contains art work and historical information. The gardens are spectacular and are also open for touring.

Palaces in Vienna
Vienna is home to several palaces built for the Hapsburg family. The Imperial Palace is located in the inner city and it was from here that the Hapsburgs ruled for seven centuries. It was constructed in the early 13th century. The Gothic chapel on the site is still open on Sundays for services. The Vienna Boy’s Choir sings here. The palace is open for tours during the week.

The Gothic Cathedral of St. Stephens is located near the Imperial Palace. Construction on this ornate cathedral was started in the thirteenth century and completed in the fifteenth century. The steeple of St. Stephens can be seen from all over the city.

Schonbrunn Palace was built as a summer residence for Empress Sisi. The grounds include a park, zoo and large labyrinth that are open for tour as well as an ornate, Baroque style palace. There is so much to see at this palace that you should plan an entire day here.The Belvedere Palace is also built in the Baroque style. This palace was the heart of the former Hapsburg empire. The Austrian Gallery Belvedere is located here. In addition to viewing the artwork, you can tour the palace and gardens.The Imperial Burial Vault is located below the Capuchin Church and is open for tours. This was the burial place for members of the Hapsburg family. The vault contains 146 aristocrats, 12 emperors and 19 empresses.

Holiday Destination : Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta (also Jogjakarta in pre-1972 spelling or Jogja) is a city and province on the island of Java, Indonesia. It is the only province in Indonesia that is still formally governed by a precolonial Sultanate, the Sultanate of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat. The city is known as a center of classical Javanese fine art and culture such as batik, ballet, drama, music, poetry and puppet shows. It is also famous as a center for Indonesian higher education. The official name of the Yogyakarta province is Special Region of Yogyakarta.

Haunted by spiralling population, economic and political problems, the most populous island in South East Asia is a land of contrasts with an uncertain future.Java is an island of striking natural beauty, rich in cultural history. But it’s getting harder to recognise it.At Yogyakarta’s center is the kraton, or Sultan’s palace. Surrounding the kraton is a densely-populated residential neighborhood that occupies land that was formerly the Sultan’s sole domain; evidence of this former use remains in the form of old walls and the ruined Water Castle (Tamansari), built in 1758 as a pleasure garden. No longer used by the sultan, the garden had been largely abandoned, and was used for housing by palace employees and descendants. Reconstruction efforts began in 2004, and an effort to renew the neighborhood around the kraton has begun. The site is a developing tourist attraction.

The Ramayana ballet is worth attending even if you’re not a fan of traditional Asian stage performances. 20,000rp gets you a 90-minute show with a talented dance troupe and full gamelan orchestra. It’s a casual, well-organised atmosphere and you can meet the performers and even dance with them on the stage!

The Cirebon Restaurant, also on Jalan Malioboro attracts a steady stream of locals and foreigners with its (mainly) vegetarian specialties and convivial atmosphere — all at good prices.

Honestly, there are no other cities in Indonesia that have equally popular different names like this one. And, frankly speaking, none of the hundreds of names of areas in this country have been abbreviated in so many ways by its name like Yogyakarta.On the streets, people – including government officials and university students – prefer to call this sultanate province Yogya or Jogja, despite its official name Yogyakarta.

Holiday Destination : Buxton

The Spa town of Buxton has become known as the cultural capital of the Peak District. For many centuries now, this town has been a popular holiday resort with people from across the UK. Because it is based in the heart of the Peak District, there are plenty of Buxton attractions to keep one amused and entertained during your stay. Plus there are plenty of others which if you have a car within easy distance of being enjoyed by you and your family as well.

The town of Buxton as mentioned is set in some of the most breathtaking scenery that the Peak District has to offer. Plus you can still partake in the spa waters if you so wish and which have been used to heal certain ailments and conditions as far back as when the Roman’s were in occupation. In fact, up until a few years ago people who wish to partake of them could do so through the British Governments National Health Service.But along with the spa in the town, there are plenty of other things that this place can offer it visitors. Below we take a look at some of the other attractions that Buxton has to offer you.

1. Buxton Museum and Art Gallery – Is located in the very heart of the town and is enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. It contains comprehensive information relating to the history of the town and the areas surrounding it. Along with artefacts and archaeological finds on display, there are plenty of other items that help to bring the history of this area to life.

2. Buxton Opera House – Although it was built in the early 1900’s originally it was a theatre but in 1927 was then converted into a cinema. But throughout this time on special occasions, it would be used as a theatre once more and this happened up until the 1970’s. But unfortunately, it fell into decline and then in 2001, major renovations took place.Now the Opera House has been brought back to the state it would have originally been like and hosts a number of different musical, comedy, drama, opera, dance and other theatrical events throughout the year. So it would be advisable to check out during your stay what is on and go and enjoy the splendour of this magnificent building.

3. Poole’s Cavern – This is one of the most beautiful of all the Buxton attractions that one can visit during a stay in this town. The cave is more than 2 million years old and is carved out of natural limestone and is situated in woodland in the heart of Buxton County Park. Throughout the summer, guided tours leave every twenty minutes from the visitors centre and is well lit and has good pathways and not many steps to climb and the tour normally lasts around 1 hour to complete.When you visit Buxton, there are plenty of places to stay. These range from small local bed and breakfasts and guest houses through to larger hotels. Wherever you choose, you’re bound to get a warm welcome in this picturesque town.

02 July : Holidays and observances

Italy’s Festa della Repubblica (Republic Day), which commemorates the birth of the Repubblica Italiana and the end of the monarchy.

Holiday Destination : Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is busy, noisy and full of adventures to be had. To experience South America in full party mode, visit Rio de Janeiro at Carnaval time, but stay in a boutique hotel so that you have an oasis of calm to return to.Rio de Janeiro is on the Brazilian coast, looking out to the South Atlantic Ocean, with Salvador to the north and San Paulo to the south. The climate is hot all year round, with occasional rains in the summer, but the party temperature is always high.

Where to stay ?
Although Rio de Janeiro attracts high-living, high-rolling visitors, it caters for a wide range of tourists, from those in palatial hotels to backpackers making their way through Brazil. For a real treat, however, book into a boutique hotel, which offers a cool, calm retreat away from the hustle and bustle of this 24-hour city. Rio de Janeiro is one of the most densely populated cities in the world and both its residents and visitors like to live life to the full while they are there. If you need to recharge your batteries, a boutique hotel is the perfect place to stay. Try the 5-roomed La Maison, which is just a stone’s throw from the beach, but once you’re inside is a haven of peace and tranquillity, with a swimming pool and sundeck for guests to use when the beach has become too busy to handle. To really get away from it all, try La Suite, a boutique hotel with just seven rooms and 180° views of the ocean, the beach and the Cagarras Islands as well as the point of Arpuador, the rock that separates Copacabana from Ipanema. Here, the beach and great shopping are only a few minutes away by car, which means that you get the best of both worlds.

What to see ?
People-watching is an occupation in itself in Rio de Janeiro. Once you’ve had your fill of beach beauties and surf dudes, take yourself off to some of the many museums that show the works of a range of Brazilian artists; or take a walk in some of the beautiful tropical gardens. If you want to spend your time walking rather than dancing, then take a trip into the mountains for some unforgettable views.

Get around
Travelling in Rio de Janeiro can be an adventure. Buses are cheap, but not necessarily reliable or safe, so you’re advised not to take valuables with you if you decide to take a bus across town. Taxis are a more comfortable option, and usually a safer one, although you still need to be careful. A good hotel will be able to arrange affordable, safe taxi services for you. For an altogether different experience, try the subway which, although it doesn’t cover the whole city, is clean, cheap and fast.

Daily Travel Photo : Brazil

Salvador , Brazil

Plan Your Trip To Exciting Brazil

Brazil is an attractive land with its unique natural resources and wonderful people. The aspects Brazil is most famous for are its forests of the Amazon, the amazing carnival and artistic football. It appears that mother nature is at its best in Brazil and has taken a long time to create it lovingly. The hospitality of the people will enthrall you. Being an urban country, Brazil too has problem to tackle, but it is a place with charm which you shall never forget in your life.

Brazil has around 175 million people and the popular language is Portuguese. For the people who think that Brazil is just the Amazon forests, the size of the population is really surprising. While, the natural beauty of the rainforest is preserved to a large extent, it is slowly but surely being eroded each day.

Brazil has gotten a bad rap recently, with many issues of severe poverty being broadcast around the world. While there are certainly areas that you should not go, these are mainly sections of major cities, such as Rio de Janeiro. You should be sure to know what area you are staying in and what areas to stay away from before you go. By being aware of your surroundings and the current social atmosphere in the city, your stay should be safe.

Brazil is famous for the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean where water sports are the main attraction. Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro is the most well known beach in Brazil. The beach is flooded with people who wear almost nothing which does not qualify it as the best family destination, but you will have fun watching people all the same.

Rio de Janeiro is a wonderful city which you must not miss. Rio has a wonderful landscape with mountains and islands. Rio is famous for the sugar loaf mountain and statue of Christ the Redeemer. The people of Rio enjoy partying up to the wee hours of the morning. It is a city that is best visited during the carnival to have oodles of fun.

Heading to the Amazon rainforest is a great day trip. You will get to experience many species of birds and plant life so different from anything else you have likely seen. You can also see many abandoned river villages that recently housed tribes of Indians. Unfortunately, “progress” has driven them further into the Amazon.

If you want more fun, then visit Jericoacoara. Jericoacoara is slowly attracting tourists who are mostly back packers. This fishing village offers one of the best wind surfing opportunities. If you wanted to get yourself relieved of the hectic life of the city, then this place offers a calm and graceful environment for you to relax.

If you are traveling by air then the largest airport in Brazil is Rio. But depending on where you are flying from, you can choose the city you wish to land at. To visit different parts of Brazil, air travel is the best option as Brazil is a big country. Air travel is very costly and the next best option is to take a bus ride which allows you to enjoy the wonderful surrounding while traveling.

Brazil is a wonderful country filled with wonderful people. While it has had its problems in the past, many people still flock to the balmy temperatures and fun loving atmosphere that the Brazilian people have cultivated.