RECESSION? WHAT RE3CESSION?
PLACES OF A LIFETIME
National Geographic Expeditions is booking reservations of a tour of that name,
aboard a private 757 (actually a four-across, reconfigured first class), with
world-class chefs on board, and lodging in five star hotels.
Start in Washington DC with a guided tour of the Library of Congress, then onto
South America for a boat tour up the Amazon to the Rain Forest. Next, the
Easter Islands (Cook Islands). A long journey over the Pacific to once
forbidden Cambodia to see the wonders of Angkor Wat, then over to China to a
tour which includes the Terra Cotta Warriors of Xi’an, and the Great Wall of
China. Across to India and the Taj Mahal. Down the coast of Africa to the
Serengetti Plain and NgoroNgoro Crater in Tanzania. Flying over the Middle
East, stop in Jordan to see the Lost City of Petra, carved into rose-colored
cliffs more than 2,000 years ago, and Wadi RumAcross the Mediterranean to
Istanbul, where you will see the sites of the Bosphorus, Topkapi Palace and the
incredible Haggia Sophia, which has influenced architecture for 1,500 years.
Finally, you arrive in London. I’ve been to most of these places. There is
nothing to match sundown on the African savannah, which turns the earth to a
fiery red as you sit by a campfire, and you hear a leopard somewhere up on
Kilimanjaro (must admit that experience was somewhat intensified by the
Lufthansa stewardess who accompanied me on safari). You will rest and dine in
some of the world’s great hotels. Only 78 people will be taken on this 24-day
extravaganza (the crew includes cooks and medical personnel). Leaves October 8,
2011. The cost: $63,950 per person, double occupancy. Singles would pay a
supplement of $8,250. Believe me, you would want to share this experience with
a close companion.
HURRY, HURRY, HURRY
Ferrari World Set To Open
by
Fran Golden
Subscribe to Fran Golden's postsPosted Sep 29th 2010 02:14 PM
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Ferrari
World Abu Dhabi, the world's largest indoor theme park, is set to
open October 27, a day earlier than expected, officials say.
The brand new attraction is the first park themed on the famed racing cars and
includes the world's fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, with top
speeds of up to 150 mph, among its 20 Ferrari-inspired thrill rides, simulators
and family-friendly attractions.
All are located under a 2,200,000-square-foot red roof, modeled after the side
profile of a Ferrari GT.
Officials in the United Arab Emirates say the opening will be a "historic day,"
and guests will be able to experience for the first time the park's wide variety
of rides and attractions, special festivities, shows and souvenirs.
"This will be the beginning of an exciting Inaugural Period, with the start of
operations at the world's first Ferrari theme park," says Claus Frimand, general
manager of the theme park. "The Inaugural Period will continue throughout
November, leading up to a Grand Opening in December with the official launch of
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi."
In addition to Formula Rossa, the park boasts the region's first dueling
roller coaster, Fiorano GT Challenge, and a 4-D experience inside
Speed of Magic.
During the Inaugural Period, families and racing fans will be able "to
experience the legendary Ferrari passion, history and culture" through offerings
that also include unique shopping and dining experiences with an Italian flavor,
officials say.
Ticket prices include unlimited use of rides and attractions and will range from
about $61 to $102 for adults (anyone taller than 4 feet 11 inches). Children's
prices are about $45 to $74. The higher priced tickets come with priority on all
attractions (you get to cut lines) and include access to an exclusive lounge
with refreshments, as well as other benefits.
Formula Rossa;
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
The park will be operating on a six-day a week schedule from Tuesday to Sunday,
opening each day at noon.
Nearly three years since the first stone was laid, Frimand says an operations
team of nearly 850 dedicated staff is currently conducting "comprehensive ride
testing," and working around-the-clock to get the park ready for the public
opening date.
"We are on schedule to open the park with a wide selection of rides and
attractions. We have managed to turn one of the world's most exclusive brands
into an extraordinary experience which families and fans will come back for time
and time again."
Among the other attractions are Made in Maranello, a virtual trip through
the famous Ferrari factory in Italy; V12, a flume ride through the heart
of a 12-cylinder engine; and G-Force, a tower ride that shoots
thrill-seekers through the red roof and 203 feet in the air before plummeting
back to Earth (experiencing the actual G-force of a Ferrari, in a seat directly
inspired by the Ferrari Enzo).
Among kid-friendly attractions, Junior GT lets kids drive reduced scale
F430 GT Spiders and Carousel features never-before-seen Ferrari
prototypes based on winning designs from a Ferrari competition.
Formula Rossa
Rendering; Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Ferrari World Roof Image; Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Carousel
Rendering; Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
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