Showing posts with label Tourism n travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tourism n travel. Show all posts

Saturday, July 14, 2012

英国的各大景点--大卫柏罕来给您当导游!

(伦敦14日综合电)伦敦奥运会已经离我们越来越近了,如果你有机会到现场观看奥运,自然也会想去英国的各大景点转转。

不知道如何才能完整地领略伦敦和英国的美?没关系,大卫柏罕来给您当导游!
虽然成名于曼彻斯特,但柏罕可是土生土长的伦敦人,为了能让游客们更好地畅游英国,柏罕也贴心地给人们列出了他的10条私家旅游攻略。

1.白金汉宫
柏罕:“我从小就养成了对皇室的热爱,今年是女王钻石禧(登基60周年),所以非常特别。白金汉宫在伦敦的中心,它记录和见证了英国历史上的许多伟大片段,我们没有人会忘记去年威廉王子的大婚庆典。”
2.在Tony Lane’s Pie & Mash shop尝试地道的伦敦东部美食
柏罕:“这里有一条我的内线建议,一定要去东伦敦吃Tony Lane’s Pie & Mash的馅饼和土豆泥。”
3.在奥脱福和新温布里球场边散步
柏罕:“我很幸运能踢英超联赛,这是世界上最好的联赛之一,只有在现场才能感受到那种氛围。如果你赶不上一场比赛,那就在奥脱福、晏菲、史丹福桥、温布里附近转转吧。”
4.在皇家公园呼吸新鲜空气
柏罕:“如果你是一家人一起出行的话,可以去海德或丽晶公园散心,它们就好比伦敦市中心的绿洲。你也可以去里治蒙公园,在那里你能看到野生的鹿,可以骑马,而且还能从另一个角度俯瞰伦敦。”
5.在圣安德鲁斯打一次高尔夫球
柏罕:“好像许多运动都是起源于英国,苏格兰是高尔夫的故乡,在这里有世界上最漂亮、最难挑战的球道。如果你爱高尔夫,一定要去圣安德鲁斯。”
6.在曼彻斯特Northern Quarter或Camden、 Portobello、Spitalfields商场购物
柏罕:“英国一直引领世界时尚的潮流,而且还有世界上最好的商店。曼彻斯特Northern Quarter是购物天堂,如果你只能待在伦敦,也可以去Camden、 Portobello、Spitalfields转转。”
7.带你的孩子去索普游乐园或者哈利波特影棚
柏罕:“我很了解孩子们对主题公园的狂热,伦敦城里还新建了华纳影视公司的基地,孩子们也可以去看看哈利波特电影的制作过程。”
8.不要错过伦敦的剧场以及类似《战马》《泽西男孩》这样的戏剧
柏罕:“我喜欢和家人一起去看戏。伦敦西区以歌舞剧闻名,不论老幼,都会喜欢狮子王或是马蒂尔达。每次回伦敦都有新剧可以欣赏,比如《战马》和《泽西男孩》。”
9.去尝尝伦敦的Cecconi’s或者NOPI
柏罕:“在英国,你可以吃到世界各地的美食,很多世界知名的饭馆在英国都有分店。不论是Ivy,Ceconnis,Nobu,Bread St Kitchen还是Nopi。”
10.在乡间漫步,于路边的旅店过夜
柏罕:“英国以其美丽的乡间风光而闻名。在结束一天的漫步后,你可以随意栖身在乡间的小旅店,惬意地围坐在篝火旁,还有什么比这更棒的吗?”

Thursday, June 30, 2011

拥有79年历史的丹绒巴葛火车站,6月30日正式走入历史。

(新加坡30日讯)丹绒巴葛火车站和关卡将从7月1日起迁移至兀兰,为纪念历史性的时刻,马来亚铁道公司举办了简单的告别仪式,柔州苏丹依布拉欣也亲自驾驶一列特别火车,开离丹绒巴葛火车站,象征移交仪式。


最后一趟开离丹绒巴葛火车站的火车在今晚10时出发,并在明早6时30分抵达吉隆坡终站。逾百名乘客在数月前便订购了末班次的车票,成为这段历史的参与者,见证新加坡火车时代的终结。

Senandung Sutera号快车是最后一班开离丹绒巴葛火车站的火车,为感谢和纪念这批乘客对马来亚铁道公司的支持,马来亚铁道公司在晚上9时45分,颁发了纪念状给这批从丹戎巴葛站搭乘火车出发的乘客。

在颁发纪念状仪式后,最后一班从丹绒巴葛火车站开离的火车,在数百名前往火车站见证告别仪式民众的目送和挥别下,缓缓在铁轨上运行,在飘扬的汽笛声中渐行渐远!这趟火车上的乘客,成为了历史的见证者。

苏丹亲民合照

在末班火车开离后,柔州苏丹依布拉欣在晚上10时30分抵达丹绒巴葛火车站。

苏丹殿下的莅临引起了在场观众的好奇,纷纷拿起相机拍照,而苏丹殿下也亲切地在现场与民众拍照。

马来亚铁道公司在告别仪式上,准备了15分钟的摄影时间,让摄影师及民众拍照。

在拍照仪式后, 主理单位将为最后一班火车的开离进行祈祷,祈求一路平安。1 1时整,苏丹依布拉欣殿下进入火车控制室,启动火车系统,驾驶这列特别火车,在11时40分抵达兀兰关卡,在午夜12时前开离新加坡。

由苏丹依布拉欣殿下所驾驶的这列火车,从开离丹绒巴葛火车站开始,就在为移交仪式进行倒数。

随著火车的缓缓开离,也意味著新加坡火车时代的终结,英殖民时期贯通马新经济活动的铁道命脉,终于划上句点。

Sunday, March 20, 2011

British visa to be via Manila only

Sunday March 20, 2011, The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian students applying for British visas could soon face more anxiety.

The British High Commission is to cease processing visa applications under Tier IV (students) and those applying under other tiers.

From November, the decision to grant or reject British visas for Malaysians will be made by the British visa centre in Manila.

Britain has increased the visa fee for Malaysian students from £220 (RM1,034) to £255 (RM1,198) effective April 6, but High Commission officials said this was not connected to the outsourcing of applications.

A source assured The Star that the timeframe (within 15 days) to grant visas would be maintained.

He explained that visa applications would be collected here and couriered to Manila at no cost to the applicant.

The only change is that the visa decision-making will be made in Manila instead of in Kuala Lumpur.

“We will bear the extra costs but the challenge is to maintain the quality of service,” he said, adding the move was to reduce costs and streamline the processing of British visas as part of a global strategy.

High Commission sources confirmed that Wisma Putra was notified of this development last week.

The High Commission handles an average of about 6,500 visa applications from Malaysian students each year, with June to September usually the peak period.

An official said it was not feasible to maintain a visa processing unit at the High Commission when it was active for only four months.

The post of Manager, Visa Services for the UK Border Agency here would be abolished and about 10 local employees would be affected, he added.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said he was aware of the High Commission’s notification.

“We were informed that this was being done in other regions and applies to several other countries as well.

“I have instructed my officers to follow up on this matter with the High Commission to ascertain the reasons and the processes involved to safeguard the interest of our students applying for British visas.”

Wisma Putra secretary-general Datuk Radzi Abdul Rahman confirmed that a meeting would be held with British officials soon.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

中国新铁路试行 重庆赴欧洲13天

(北京19日综合电)19-Oct 2010

接连中国重庆、新疆和欧洲的“渝新欧铁路”中国段周一试运行,重庆货运到欧洲仅需13天,还可避开亚丁湾的海盗。

周一上午9时40分,一列满载物资的火车缓缓启程。这是渝新欧(重庆—新疆—欧洲)国际铁路五定班列的首次试运行,这意味着,今后除了航空和海运,重庆市与欧洲间的货物运输又多了直达铁路,着名的“丝绸之路”再现。

据悉,周一进行的是中国国内段试运行,预计11月中旬进行国际全程试运行。

渝新欧国际铁路联运大通道是铁道部、国家海关总署及途经各国加强合作,在原新欧亚大陆桥的基础上,进一步优化完善的国际物流大通道。

全程1万1179公里

运行路径从重庆始发,经达州、安康、西安、兰州、乌鲁木齐,向西过北疆铁路到达中国边境阿拉山口,进入哈萨克,再转俄罗斯、白俄罗斯、波兰,至德国的杜伊斯堡,全程1万1179公里

本次先进行国内段试运,即重庆至新疆阿拉山口边境;在11月将进行重庆至德国杜伊斯堡的全程试运。列车初期为一周发一班,今后逐步增加班列。

优化完善后的渝新欧国际铁路联运物流大通道,全程运行时间约13天,比原运行最多时间39天节减少2/3。

其中国内段,从重庆至阿拉山口运距3812公里,设计运行时间4天(96小时46分)。列车运行速度达到40公里/小时,比按快运办理的整车货物,每日500公里还要快460公里,速度增加1倍。周一试运行班列运载的货物主要有外贸、农用物资及钢材等。

目前,重庆正着手打造亚洲最大的笔记本电脑生产基地。届时,大批信息科技产品将销往欧洲市场。

渝新欧国际铁路联运大通道,运费比航空节省;运到时限比海运缩短,安全性更高,更重要的是,该线路可绕开亚丁湾,避免索马里海盗骚扰带来的损失。

Monday, August 23, 2010

Toys of the Ultra Rich: What They Cost

Sure, it's expensive to buy the toys of the rich and famous. But buying them is just the start -- once you have them they cost a small fortune to keep.

Mega Yacht

go-go.jpg
Courtesy of Denison Yacht Sales

Purchase Price: $6,750,000
Yearly Operating Costs: $1.025 million

This 127-foot used mega yacht can be picked up for $6.7 million, a relative bargain. But it could cost over $1 million a year to run, said Justin Onofrietti, the broker at Fort. Lauderdale, Fla.-based Denison Yacht Sales that's selling the ship.


While actual costs will vary depending on use and location, Onofrietti said the captain on a typical yacht could make $145,000 a year, with an additional $70,000 for the first mate, $55,000 for the cook and $35,000 for the stewardess.

Throw in another $180,000 a year for fuel, $240,000 in dock fees and $300,000 in insurance, and it's easy to see why this is a rich man's hobby.

Private Jet

go-go.jpg
Courtesy of Gulfstream

Purchase Price: $50.5 million
Yearly Operating Costs: $2.5 million

The Gulfstream G550 is one of the most sought-after long-range private jets. Usually used by businesses, it's also popular among very wealthy individuals.

But it doesn't come cheap. If flown often, it will burn through nearly a million dollars a year in fuel alone, according to the aviation research firm Conklin & de Decker. Crew, maintenance, insurance and hanger costs add another million.

Many wealthy jetsetters are opting for partial jet ownership or buying prepaid flight cards priced by the hour. But even those cost-saving options are no bargain. Steven Kaye, a New Jersey-based wealth manager, said one of his clients recently booked a round trip jet to Rome for two. The cost: $180,000.

Helicopter

go-go.jpg
Courtesy of Bell Helicopter

Purchase Price: $6.5 million
Annual Operating Costs: $1 million

Can't afford the private jet? How about the much more affordable personal helicopter? You might have to fly commercial but at least you won't have to take a cab to the airport.

And the operating costs are also easier on the wallet: This Bell 430, a top-of-the-line executive model, will eat up a mere $200,000 a year in fuel, $338,000 in maintenance costs, $216,000 in crew salaries and $150,000 in hanger and insurance costs, according to the aviation research firm Conklin & de Decker.

Exotic Car and Driver

go-go.jpg
Courtesy of Rolls Royce

Purchase Price: $380,000
Yearly Operating Costs: $70,000 or higher

Just parking an exotic automobile at a garage in midtown Manhattan will cost north of $8,000 a year -- more than most Americans spend on actual car payments.

Then there's insurance, which on this $380,000 Rolls Royce Phantom will run around $8,400 a year, according to Hagerty Insurance.

Don't forget maintenance and repairs. "If you go over a curb, you can bust a $1,500 rim in a heartbeat," said Thomas DuPont, chairman and publisher of the luxury products magazine the DuPont Registry.

A driver will run another $55,000 to $60,000 a year, plus benefits and overtime, said Robin Kellner, who runs her own luxury staffing agency.

Private Island

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Courtesy of Sotheby's Realty

Purchase Price: $55 million
Annual Operating Costs: $200,000 and up

This 681-acre Bahamas island boasts an airstrip, a seven-bedroom timber frame main house, and two staff houses.

Maintaining an island like this requires one engineer to run the water and electrical systems and two groundskeepers, at a minimum, said George Damianos, the Sotheby's broker selling it.

Operating costs can exceed a million dollars on islands with bigger homes, said Damianos, especially since everything has to be shipped in.

But despite their high costs, private islands remain popular among ultra-rich clients. "After you have your jet and your yacht, what else is there to get?" asked Damianos. "Your own private island."

Personal Chef

go-go.jpg
Thinkstock

Annual Cost: $80,000 to $150,000

Who doesn't fantasize about having their own private cook, with tasty meals whipped up on a whim?

But a personal chef is one of the most expensive of all domestic staff, commanding anywhere from $80,000 to $150,000 a year plus benefits, said Robin Kellner, who runs her own luxury staffing agency.

And it's not just cooks who command big bucks. Kellner said a popular household staff hire is a personal assistant, who pulls in anywhere from $65,000 to $120,000 a year. A nanny gets $50,000 to $80,000, while a maid might earn $40,000 to $70,000 and a property manager could get $75,000 to $90,000.

Kellner said that while most of her clients have four or five staffers, an ultra rich person could employ dozens of them at properties around the world.

Vacation

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Courtesy of The Ritz London

Twelve-Day European Tour: $36,097, plus expenses and airfare.

A single night in the Royal Suite at The Ritz London costs a whopping $5,863.

And that's only the first stop on a three-city tour taking in London, Paris and Rome put together by ultra-lux agency Leading Hotels of the World. The sojourn includes a private tour of the Louvre, Colosseum and Sistine Chapel.

But let's face it, better set aside more than $36,000 for vacations. If you're super-rich, you're taking more than one of these a year.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

布城千禧纪念碑耗两千万, 一天只有二十人前往观赏

作者/本刊实习记者黄翠妮 Jul 07, 2010 01:26:36 pm

【本刊实习记者黄翠妮撰述】设 立在布城(Putajaya)的千禧纪念碑(Tugu Alaf Baru)和Astaka Morocco 殿各别以马币2100万元以及马币2000万元建成,其中千禧纪念碑一年只吸引8500名旅客,平均只有20人前往观赏。

联邦直辖区副 部长兼印度国大党的打巴国会议员沙拉瓦纳(M.Saravana)今天在回答槟城升旗山国会议员刘镇东的提问时表示,千禧纪念碑(右图)一年的维修费为马 币9万3000元而Astaka Morocco殿为马币25万元。

副部长表示千禧纪念碑主要是为了记载马来西亚的成就、国家历史以及国家 领导人的成功故事,而Astaka Morocco 殿则是一栋结合Maghribi以及西班牙文化的建筑物,同时也是植物公园(Taman Botani)的地标。

根据沙拉瓦纳提供的2009年数据,千禧纪念碑共吸引了8500名旅客,不过刘镇东在国会走廊上对媒体表示,这是马 哈迪时代的遗产,现在人民必须承担庞大的承建以及管理费。

刘镇东说:“这意味着千禧纪念碑一个月平均吸引700名游客,一天只有20人,马 币9万3000元用于一年只有8000人的千禧纪念碑过于昂贵。”

刘镇东表示无可否认布城透过举办花展,马拉松等活动吸引了许多的游客,可 是重点是这些建筑物已经成了负担,政府应该吸取经验,不在重蹈覆辙。

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Flying into London's Stansted Airport

May 10, 2010 Beth MacMillan

This guide to London's third largest airport explains arrival procedures and the various methods of travelling from the airport to London and beyond.

From its beginnings as a bomber airfield and maintenance depot during the Second World War, Stansted Airport has grown into the third largest and busiest airport in the United Kingdom. Located 30 miles (48 kilometres) northeast of Central London near the village of Stansted Mountfitchet in Essex, it handles over 20 million passengers a year and is a hub for Easyjet, Ryanair, Thomas Cook Airlines and Thomson Airways.

Stansted Airport opened for commercial operations in the 1960s in order to help relieve congestion at the two main London airports, Heathrow and Gatwick. It grew rapidly in the 1980s and 90s and plans are underway for further expansion. Passengers flying into Stansted Airport will generally find it to be smaller and less difficult to manoeuvre than Heathrow or Gatwick, but it can still be a bewildering experience to those who have never flown there before.

A Guide to Arriving at Stansted Airport

Stansted Airport has one main passenger terminal which is separated into three areas, the Check In area, Arrivals and Departures. Gates are located within three satellite buildings, two of which are reached by a transit train system and a third which is connected to the terminal by a walkway. Passengers from Europe and other countries will arrive in the International Arrivals area which is connected to the main terminal by a transit train. Upon entering the waiting area for the train, it is wise to stand nearest the first two doors to the left as the trains are often short. When a large flight or several flights arrive at once, this area can become quite congested. Transit trains run every 5-10 minutes. Passengers then arrive at Immigration and Customs. Those holding European Union passports go to the right while arrivals from all other countries go to the left. Immigration cards are often provided on the plane and can be filled out ahead of time. New regulations state that you need to provide a full address of your residence in the UK, even if it is a hotel or guest house.

Once through Immigration, passengers enter the Baggage Reclaim area. When you are reunited with your luggage, you pass through Customs, through the "Nothing to Declare" gate and into the main terminal. Once at the terminal, there are various methods of ground transportation available to ensure you reach your final destination.

Ground Transportation from Stansted Airport

Many travellers arriving at Stansted are destined for London. The quickest and most convenient way to get to London is by taking the Stansted Express train service. Trains depart from Stansted every 15 to 30 minutes and it is a 45 minute journey by train to London’s Liverpool Street Station. Cost for the train is £18 for a one way ticket and £26.80 for a round trip to London. National Express trains also run from Stansted to other destinations such as Cambridge. Train tickets are available in the terminal and costs vary depending on where you are travelling.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

世界第1高楼——杜拜塔今日开幕

5th January 2010

(杜拜4日综合电)世界第1高楼——杜拜塔今日开幕,当局预估,全球至少20亿观众会透过电视机,见证历史性的一刻。

这个地球新地标的高度,大约是香港最高楼宇国金二期的2倍,从底层跑往顶层,气温相差达摄氏10度。但由于风光不再的杜拜一度陷入信贷危机,这幢在建筑师口中的《超级摩厦》,现今却被批评者揶揄为杜拜繁荣年代的巨型悼念碑。

约 6000名嘉宾获邀出席开幕仪式,由于同日亦是杜拜酋长穆罕默德登基四周年纪念,预料他也会出席盛会。负责转播落成启用典礼的《杜拜媒体公司》将动用最新 的数码高质传输设备,把最好的画面呈现在世人眼前。虽然杜拜当局没有受到恐袭威胁,仍会采取严密的保安措施,大楼附近一带会封闭,派出约1000名警员戒 备,当中包括防爆小组和特种部队。

建筑界神话

杜拜政府寄望,以杜拜塔为核心所打造的杜拜新市镇,日后可带动杜拜的观光产业再创高峰。

不过,大楼在2004年开始兴建,当时正值杜拜蓬勃发展的年代。现在杜拜陷入信贷危机,地产泡沫破裂,楼价下跌一半。这座沙漠上的高塔现在被批评者揶揄为杜拜繁荣年代的巨型悼念碑。当地一名银行家讥讽地说:“在这个发展过速的城市,大楼是二十一世纪首十年的最后狂欢。”

全球最高建筑物 堪称高楼奇观神话

楼 高818米的杜拜塔,高度相当于台北101和巴黎艾菲尔铁塔的总和,连顶层气温都比地下低层低摄氏10℃,跨越数个气候带。全座巨塔共动用了33万立方米 混凝土、3万1400吨强化钢铁、15万5000平方米不锈钢镀层,还有10万2000平方米双层玻璃炮制的塔尖,堪称建筑界奇观和神话。

杜 拜塔在杜拜商业区中心高耸入云,巍峨气魄连远至100公里外的沙漠绿洲都可用肉眼见到。外墙使用的玻璃和钢铁数量,也几乎覆盖17个足球场,其他原材料, 还包括意大利大理石和巴西胶合板等。贵为全球最高建筑物,建筑商考虑到用家需要,安装了8条全球最高的扶手电梯,还有57部每秒爬升18米的升降机,疏散 人流,用家只需在地下乘扶手电梯到43楼、76楼或123楼电梯大堂,便可转乘电梯前往各分层。

楼高169层跨越数个气候带

杜拜塔楼高169层,从地下低层到塔尖至少818米,跨越数个气候带,所以顶楼温度会比地下低层低摄氏10℃。当中40至108楼是住宅单位,76楼有全球最高的泳池,122楼是餐厅,123楼是健身室,143楼有全球最高的夜总会,158楼则是全球最高的回教堂。

杜拜塔令用家足不出户上班和生活,所以塔内有900间工作室,办公室面积达2万7870平方米还有144个意大利时装设计师亚曼尼(Giorgio Armani)设计的公寓和以他作招牌的首间精品酒店。冷冻系统每天更可凝结1.3吨冰,确保室内可以保持舒适气温。

杜拜塔的出现,不但比全球其他对手高逾300米,远远抛离其他对手,连兴建中楼高541米的纽约世贸中心一期,都突然变得十分矮小,至于过往曾傲视全球的纽约帝国大厦、伦敦金融中心金丝雀码头更顿变小矮人。

建 筑界便大赞杜拜塔是“超级高楼大厦”,建筑难度高,能够建成,是建筑工程界一次重大胜利。由于杜拜夏季的气温高达50℃,随时会出现沙尘暴,加上杜拜塔超 高,所以建筑工人都要争分夺秒工作,像杜拜塔的测量师,为了避开地盘热胀冷缩,所以都会赶在黎明前工作测量,否则容易出现误差。

现代巴别塔见证杜拜浮夸

杜拜塔是现代巴别塔(Tower of Babel),象征杜拜要比天高的雄心,壮丽豪华,见证了人类的聪明和工程成就,也见证了人类的自大和好大喜功,不惜工本和实际需要,都要斗高斗大。

据《旧约圣经》记载,古巴比伦人建巴别塔,力图通天,触怒了上帝,变乱了他们的语言,巴别塔因而停工。虽然现代的摩天大楼没有亡于天谴,但人人争建最高大楼之时,却往往是经济危机出现先兆,反映过度借贷、过度有信心和经济过热。

摩 天大楼斗高,从经济效益角度也不化算。纽约19世纪末兴起建摩天大楼,是得利于曼哈顿地下有坚固的花岗岩层、升降机和钢架结构的发明,但过了某个高度,升 降机和通风系统等设施占用空间比率大升,变得不化算。环保人士就批评杜拜塔冷气系统每日相当于制造1万2750吨冰,又要耗用数以百万加仑计化淡海水太浪 费。

摩天大厦“附送”经济危机

1907年美国纽约胜家大楼和大都会人寿保险大楼动工后不久,纽约即发生股灾。

1929年美国纽约克莱斯勒大厦和帝国大厦动工后,华尔街特发生大股灾和大萧条。

1973年美国纽约世贸中心和芝加哥西尔斯大厦(现称威利斯大厦)开幕,正值全球股市大跌。

1997年马来西亚双峰塔在亚洲金融风暴爆发前开幕。

设计概念源于蜘蛛兰 螺旋式越高越窄

杜拜塔由美国建筑师史密斯设计,他指设计概念源于植物蜘蛛兰,而全塔以螺旋式地越高越窄,其实是模仿回教堂尖塔,既可额外打造26个露台,也令可见面积更广阔和减少风阻。

现年65岁的史密斯,是全球著名建筑师之一,有逾40年建筑设计经验,1980年起便是芝加哥Skidmore,Owings and Merrill(SOM)建筑事务所伙伴,设计曾获全球逾90个大奖,已落成上海金茂大厦,都是SOM作品之一。

史密斯早年跟现年59岁的结构工程师贝克合作,打造杜拜塔,直至2006年才辞职自立门户。史密斯矢志向高空发展,贝克则形容设计杜拜塔时惊喜万分,因为这是全球最高建筑物,结构上需要面对不少挑战,如怎样抵御风力和物流。

至 于史密斯共事多年的SOM,创立于1936年,是全球最大建筑事务外之一,主攻设计玻璃幕墙大厦,事务所曾形容,杜拜塔混合功能性的现代主义外貌和装饰性 设计,抽象地表达了地区与文化的影响,香港会议展览中心、香港美国国际集团大厦(AIG Tower)和香港赤鱲角机场,也是SOM作品之一。

相关照片

■ 历时5年建成的杜拜塔,楼高 818米,气势磅礴。(美联社照片)

■ 登上杜拜塔高层,俯瞰地面一望无际的景色,恍如置身空中之城。(互联网)

■ 大堂

■ 观景台

■ 以垂直城市概念兴建的杜拜塔,令住户有如活在另一个世界。

■ 杜拜塔有1044个住宅单位,高峰期卖4万港元(约1万7674令吉)一尺。(互联网)



从“迪拜塔”俯瞰周边建筑/looking down from top of Dubai Tower
...
Tue, January 5, 2010 10:48:08 AM





从迪拜塔俯瞰周边建筑 (图1)

  阿拉伯联合酋长国定于1月4日举行迪拜塔落成典礼,揭开这座世界第一高楼确切高度的谜底。为确保这座超过800米高楼以洁净面貌现身典礼,12名“蜘蛛侠”奋战3个月,终于清洗完迪拜塔表面玻璃。

  迪拜塔2004年开工,原定2009年9月完工,但受金融危机拖累,竣工日期推迟。这座高楼耗材大约33万立方米混凝土和大约3.14万吨钢材。楼高160层,49层为办公场所。楼内设57部电梯,包括最高时速64公里的世界最快电梯。



  从迪拜塔俯瞰周边建筑 (图2)



  迪拜塔周边景色迷人 (图3)



  从迪拜塔俯瞰周边建筑 (图4)



  迪拜塔周边夜景 (图5)



  世界第一高楼迪拜塔 (图6)




今日,媒体公开了一批从迪拜塔内部拍摄的罕见照片。图为从迪拜塔顶楼鸟瞰地面。



从迪拜塔上鸟瞰迪拜城



2007年4月1日拍摄的建设中的迪拜塔。



图为工人正在进行最后的装修



图为工人在屋顶的灯光照明系统前。



图为2009年11月拍摄的迪拜塔夜景。



以下图片是世界排名前十的高楼图片



世界第三高楼:上海环球金融中心,高492米


世界第5、6高楼——马来西亚吉隆坡双子塔。这是当地时间2010年1月1日,马来西亚吉隆坡,民众聚集在马来西亚地标建筑——双子塔前观看焰火燃放。








这是中国超过400米高的摩天大楼对比图


Monday, November 23, 2009

Dredge Museum in TT5 - Tj Tualang

Dredging Up Memories

Some time ago Jeya mentioned that it is still possible to visit a bucket dredge some 10Km from Batu Gajah on the Tanjung Tualang Road. This is dredge number TT5 and it is open to visitors for a small entrance fee. You may walk on the dredge to get a feel for its massive size (4,500 tonnes weight) and talk to the man behind the project Steven Ng who seems to spend most of his life there.

This dredge, a museum piece, the last in Perak and one of only 3 left in Malaysia was built in 1938 by W F Payne & Sons and worked the mining pools in the Kinta vally for 44 years. It stopped working in 1983 when the price of tin dropped to a level where it was no longer an economic proposition. Today it sits in a man-made pond at Desa Perlombongan along the Tanjong Tualong Road and is well signposted.

Unfortunately the machinery no longer runs, but if you want to get an idea about how the dredge worked, click here and you will find the 11 different operations that took place on a dredge of this sort.

Kinjiang Water fall in Chnderiang

Perak’s Most Famous Waterfall

Perak, with its limestone hills has many beautiful waterfalls. Indeed it is suggested that there may well be several not yet discovered in the more remote parts of the state, but this one, Lata Kinjiang, is well known as it can be seen from the North South highway close to Tapah. We have posted it today simply for the joy of this old postcard from the beginning of the 20th century.

However, if you want to see the falls in person, it is possible once you can find the way, which is not obvious. If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur on the highway, exit at Tapah and follow the signs for Chenderiang. Once there, just through the village the road is signposted to the falls. Parking and often hawkers food is available (but not guaranteed to be available) once you reach the falls.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Hunting for cheap airfare to London? Be cautious

Tuesday November 17, 2009

http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/11/17/business/5107619&sec=business

By B.K. SIDHU


PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) recently launched its global sales promotion, which offers an all-inclusive one-way airfare of RM1,248 to London.

But there are conditions attached to the offer and you will be lucky if you can get it at that price before the year is out.

The final quarter of the year is usually the busiest for an airline. That is when most carriers enjoy full capacity and this helps them to make up for any shortfall in income in earlier months.

Ticket prices have generally come down due to competition and the impact of the global economic crisis.

But London is one of the many “hot destinations” for most airlines and if you do not book early you may have to pay a lot for a flight to London in November or December.

There are now many more choices for Malaysians to travel to London, more so since AirAsia X made it debut on the route last year.

AirAsia X has made it possible to fly to London and back for less than RM1,000; you just have to look out for the promotions.

Both MAS and AirAsia X offer twice daily and once daily flights respectively and the direct flights are good for people rushing to get into London for their business meetings.

However, if you do not mind spending a few hours in transit then you have many more options as you can fly to London via Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, India and even the Middle East.

MAS’ fares are attractive at RM1,248 one-way and if we can get the same return airfare, then London is a steal at RM2,496.

But that is not usually the case as the return portion can be slightly higher. And if you still insist on travelling just before Christmas you may have to pay RM12,512 for a return ticket.

That was the price that showed up when a check was done online for a flight departing Dec 18 and returning on Dec 28 on the MAS MH FLex fare.

But if you delay your flight to Dec 21 and return on Dec 30, then you only pay RM5,111 for an all-inclusive return fare.

On the same dates, the fare charged by AirAsia X was lower at RM4,268 for a return flight.

Singapore Airlines flies three times daily from the republic to London.

The lowest all-inclusive airfare from Kuala Lumpur to London, transit Changi, was priced at RM3,666 for each person and it should be a group of two travelling, SIA said in an email response.

If it is a single person, the fare is RM4,966 return all-inclusive and subject to seat availability, according to SIA.

An online check for a flight on Dec 18 to 28 showed that the price of an all-inclusive return ticket on SIA was RM5,866.

Some of the Middle Eastern carriers have bargains but booking early helps as the peak period sees many Arabs heading for London, thus the airlines have pre-sold a lot of their seats.

Nevertheless, Gulf Air is offering an all-inclusive fare at RM3,082, but subject to seat availability and comes with a transit in Bahrain.

If you want to fly via Dubai, then Emirates is offering an all-inclusive return fare at RM4,566 but an online check showed you could get it for RM4,444.

Qatar Airways, dubbed the most popular Middle Eastern carrier by some publications, is offering a promotional fare of RM3,089 if you return to KL before Dec 10, and it comes with a transit stop in Doha. For a flight on Dec 18 to 28, the all-inclusive fare quoted by its office in Kuala Lumpur was RM4,132 per person.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

2年后到新加坡 一对熊猫借10年

租约10年 熊猫住狮城
二零零九年十一月十二日 下午五时十四分

(新加坡12日讯)一对大熊猫两年后移居新加坡,借住狮城10年。

新加坡公众2012年初,就可在本地看到熊猫可爱的模样。

昨天抵达新加坡进行国事访问的中国国家主席胡锦涛,在纳丹总统为他设的国宴上,亲自宣布借一对大熊猫给新加坡,进行保育与研究合作。

1岁的雌熊猫和2岁的雄熊猫,将在2011年下半年到狮城,入住2012年第一季开幕的游河探险乐园(River Safari),长住到2020年。

新加坡野生动物保育集团,将在新加坡动物园与夜间野生动物园之间的游河探险乐园这个新景点里,以两只大熊猫为主角,打造中国稀有动物展示区。

该集团总裁赖威敏表示,整个中国展区的年运营费预计100万元,集团不会另外向公众收取熊猫展示区的门票。

大熊猫是中国国宝,全球只剩下1600余只,十分稀有。

在新中明年建交20周年之际,中国向借出一对珍贵的大熊猫,象征两国友谊深厚,关系稳健。

目前两只大熊猫还在四川卧龙熊猫基地,尚未向外界曝光。

曾见过这两只熊猫的赖威敏透露,这对大熊猫五官对称,头部圆润,在动物专家眼里可谓相貌出众。

据知,动物五官越对称,其生育能力就越强。

4“保姆”伺候 照顾熊猫不易

一对大熊猫,住15间五房式组屋大的乐园,全年吹冷气,还有4“保姆”专人“伺候”。

虽然2只大熊猫要两年后抵新,不过野生动物保育集团已着手进行准备工作。

■食:·规划8000平方公尺的土地,栽种6种竹子,满足大熊猫每天20公斤的竹叶食量。

·大熊猫来新之前,还要把竹叶运到四川让熊猫们提前“试菜”。

■住:·建1600平方米、供熊猫休息、锻炼的住所,模拟自然生态的四季变化。

·全年温控介于18到22度,湿度控制在50%至60%。

■顾:·指派4名有经验的专人,“伺候”大熊猫的吃住。

·另有4名中国大熊猫工作人员将两人一组,各驻扎我国6个月,为大熊猫在热带岛国建立贴近它们的自然生态新居。

第7个国家 引进熊猫长住

从“赠”到“借”,熊猫外交津津乐道,新加坡成第7个从中国引进熊猫长住的国家。

澳洲将在今年12月迎接熊猫,而新加坡将成为第7个从中国引进熊猫常住的国家。

熊猫真正作为最高规格国礼发轫于1941年。

为感谢美国政府支援中国抵抗日本侵略,当时的国民政府特以宋美龄的名义,赠送美国一对熊猫。

中华人民共和国成立后,赠送熊猫象征两国之间的深厚感情。

由于将熊猫送给外国的做法有违1975年《濒危物种国际贸易公约》,中国在1982年停止向外国无偿赠送熊猫;但同时开启中国商业性熊猫租借的大门。

1994年起,中国改以科学研究交换的方式,租借熊猫给其他国家。

这种以研究繁殖为主要目的的合作模式,租借合约一般为期十年,通常接收国需向中国支付每年100万美元的租金(约140万新元),10年约1000万美元。

如果租借期间生下小熊猫,每年租金增加50万美元,而且两年后要将熊猫幼崽交还中国。

●“熊猫外交”简掠:

·1957年,前苏联成为第一个获中国赠送熊猫的国家。

·1972年,“玲玲”和“兴兴”乘专机“移民”美国华盛顿动物园,首个月吸引100万人争赌熊猫风采。

·1972年,中国赠送日本一对熊猫,“兰兰”和“康康”。

·1973年,中国赠送一对熊猫给法国,联邦德国和英国随后也分别获赠一对熊猫。

·1965-1980年,中国陆续赠送朝鲜5只大熊猫。

·1999年,中国赠送香港一对熊猫,取名“安安”和“佳佳”。

·2007年,庆祝香港回归十周年,再送香港一对熊猫“盈盈”和“乐乐”。

·2008年,一对“团团”和“圆圆”熊猫抵达台北。

相关照片


■ 在中国的熊猫外交政策下,新加坡是第7个被借熊猫的国家。(档案照)

Thursday, October 15, 2009

PD Ostrich Show Farm @ Port Dickson

http://www.vkeong.com/2009/travel/pd-ostrich-show-farm-port-dickson/

PD Ostrich Show Farm is one of the main attractions in Port Dickson, which I only discovered when I was planning my trip through the Internet. Usually when Port Dickson is mentioned, the beaches will come into mind first since it is mainly famous for that. So, I wouldn’t have guessed that an ostrich farm would be here as well. To be honest I wasn’t too keen on visiting the farm at first but since it was recommended by many people who visited it before, I went anyway.

pd-ostrich-farm

Ostrich Show Farm is located on the 9th mile of the Port Dickson coastal road, quite easy to find if you are driving along the coastal road. The entrance was RM8 for adults and RM6 for kids, quite pricey for a mini zoo if you ask me.. it’s more expensive than visiting Malacca Zoo!

horse

Funnily enough, the first animal we went to see was the horse at the petting zoo instead of ostriches lol. There were a couple of rabbits as well but they were closed in small cages so we couldn’t touch them :(

turkeys

Saw some turkeys wondering around, and that’s a fat one for sure. Didn’t dare to move too close to them as male turkeys are quite aggressive and territorial. I know this because we used to rear a pair of turkeys back in my house.


bird

What bird is this? Seen it quite a number of times at numerous bird parks throughout the country.

ostrich

The nicest looking male ostrich among all, handsome looking with a perfect coat of feathers. The rest mostly had a bare bottom which is emm.. not a very nice sight lol.

abu-and-trainer

Since it’s more like a mini zoo, there are many other animals to see like crocodiles, goats, civets and small reptiles. But the star would be Abu, a female Macaque which was very clever in plucking coconuts.
Although Abu had a fierce look and bared her teeth occasionally, it was safe to take a photo with her. She was very intelligent too, as soon as someone sits next to her, she would climb over and sit on their laps for photo taking.

abu

The trainer pinching her mouth lol. I took a photo with Abu and you may have seen it before at my “About” page. It was a nice to be able to get so close to a Macaque, the feeling was warm, fluffy and emm.. wet underneath lol.
By the way, Abu’s favorite food is durian ice cream, you should’ve seen her eating it after the show.. simply adorable.

ostrich-race

After meeting with Abu it was time for ostrich race. Here, you can ride an ostrich provided you are not more than 75kg and it costs RM4 each time. None of the people who went that day dared to ride the ostriches so we were all spectators.

ostrich-race-back

Now you know the bare bottom I mentioned earlier? I really have no idea what happened to the ostriches that would cause such a big bald spot, lol.

feeding

We bought some animal feed at RM2 each box which contained yellow corn and proceeded to the feeding area. While feeding the ostriches, one important thing to do was to open your palms outward as wide as possible. This is because ostrich has a rather long and sharp beak that would hurt your fingers when they peck the food from your hand.

ostrich-feeding

Not to mention they peck really hard too.

ostrich-eggs

Located between the ostrich race track and petting zone was a small hut with three ostrich eggs under it. Let me tell you why they were there.. to be stepped on! Ostrich eggs are the largest of all eggs and have a shell so tough that it could support an adult’s weight. I tried stepping on it and yeah nothing happened, felt like stepping on a rock only hehe.

ostrich-satay

Ostrich satay was available at the cafeteria and I ordered some to try.

ostrich-sate

It wasn’t nice though.. the meat was tough, dry and had a rough texture. *addon: There were many comments about the ostrich satay’s untastiness so I just wanna clarify.. ostrich meat is one of the best meat you can eat in the world for being low in fat. It tastes awesome if you cook it with black pepper or ginger and onion, with a very similar taste to lean beef but a lot tender. It was just that the ostrich satay I had was terrible. Maybe because very old meat was used, or the cook overcooked them*

goats

After the meal and a brief rest, we decided to leave because it started to rain. But before that we fed all the remaining corn to the goats just next to the exit. They were super active and would run and jump around just to get to our food lol.
OK the visit seemed short but we actually spent a good 3 hours there. There was a crocodile feeding session which I didn’t show because it was shown twice in my previous trips to Langkawi and Sarawak. If you’re not a beach lover or not looking for a swim, PD Ostrich Show Farm is a nice place to visit especially for families.

P.D. Ostrich Showfarm
Lot 1419, Jalan Kemang 13,
Batu 9, Jalan Pantai,
71050 Port Dickson,
Negeri Sembilan,
Malaysia.
Tel: 012-3317770 / 019 - 3604466
Fax: 06 - 6625421