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Dubai

Dubai

Dubai is a city in the United Arab Emirates that is known for its luxury and extravagance. The city has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. There are many reasons why Dubai is an ideal tourist destination, from its stunning architecture and beautiful beaches to its world-class shopping and entertainment options.

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Luxury and Extravagance

Dubai is a city that is synonymous with luxury and extravagance. The city is home to some of the most expensive hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls in the world, making it a popular destination for those who are looking to indulge in the finer things in life. Visitors can stay in luxurious hotels like the Burj Al Arab, which is often described as the world’s most luxurious hotel, or the Atlantis, which is home to an aquarium, water park, and marine mammal park.

In addition to luxurious accommodations, Dubai is also home to some of the world’s most expensive shopping malls. The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world and features over 1,200 shops, a movie theater, an ice rink, and an aquarium. Visitors can also visit the Mall of the Emirates, which is home to over 600 shops and the famous indoor ski slope.

Here are some of the key features of the luxurious lifestyle in Dubai:

  1. Luxury hotels: Dubai is home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, such as the Burj Al Arab and the Atlantis, The Palm. These hotels offer a range of opulent amenities, including private beaches, butler service, and high-end dining options.
  2. High-end shopping: Dubai is also known for its high-end shopping, with luxury brands such as Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton represented in the city’s many malls and shopping centers. The Dubai Mall, for example, is one of the world’s largest shopping centers and offers a range of luxury shopping experiences.
  3. Fine dining: Dubai has a thriving culinary scene, with many high-end restaurants offering gourmet cuisine and unique dining experiences. Some restaurants, such as Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara and Ossiano, are located in underwater environments and offer stunning views of aquatic life.
  4. Exotic experiences: Dubai offers a range of exotic experiences that cater to the luxurious lifestyle, such as helicopter tours, hot air balloon rides, and private yacht charters. Visitors can also experience indoor skiing, skydiving, and indoor water parks.
  5. Luxury cars: Dubai is known for its love of luxury cars, with Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Bugattis being a common sight on the city’s roads. The city also hosts an annual supercar parade, where owners of high-end sports cars can show off their vehicles.

Overall, the luxurious lifestyle in Dubai is characterized by extravagance, opulence, and high-end experiences. While not everyone can afford to partake in this lifestyle, visitors to Dubai can experience a taste of luxury through the city’s many luxurious offerings.

Beautiful Beaches

Dubai is known for its beautiful beaches, which are a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. The city is home to some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the world, including Jumeirah Beach, which is one of the most popular beaches in Dubai. Visitors can soak up the sun, swim in the warm waters, and enjoy a variety of water sports like jet skiing and parasailing.

In addition to the beaches, Dubai is also home to some of the most luxurious beach resorts in the world. Visitors can stay in resorts like the Palm Jumeirah, which is an artificial island that is home to some of the most luxurious beach resorts in the world.

Architecture and Landmarks

Dubai is a city that is known for its stunning architecture and iconic landmarks. The city is home to some of the most impressive and futuristic buildings in the world, including the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Visitors can take a trip to the top of the Burj Khalifa and enjoy stunning views of the city from above.

Another iconic landmark in Dubai is the Palm Jumeirah, which is an artificial island that is shaped like a palm tree. The island is home to some of the most luxurious beach resorts in the world, as well as some of the most impressive and innovative architecture.

Entertainment and Activities

Dubai is a city that is known for its entertainment and activities, with something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can take a trip to the Dubai Miracle Garden, which is the largest flower garden in the world, and features over 45 million flowers. The garden is a popular destination for families and is a great way to spend an afternoon.

Another popular destination in Dubai is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, which is home to over 140 species of marine animals. Visitors can walk through a tunnel that runs through the aquarium and get up close and personal with the marine life.

Dubai is also home to some of the most exciting and thrilling theme parks in the world. Visitors can take a trip to the IMG Worlds of Adventure, which is the largest indoor theme park in the world, or the Dubai Parks and Resorts, which is home to four different theme parks.

In conclusion, Dubai is an ideal tourist destination that offers something for everyone. From its luxury accommodations and shopping malls to its stunning beaches and iconic landmarks, the city is a must-visit destination for anyone who is looking for an unforgettable vacation.

Nightlife

Dubai is known for its vibrant and diverse nightlife scene. Whether you’re into dancing, live music, or simply enjoying a drink with friends, there’s something for everyone in this bustling city.

Some of the most popular areas for nightlife in Dubai include Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Road, and Dubai Marina. Here are some of the best places to check out:

  1. Dubai Mall: While the mall is primarily known for its shopping, it also has a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars that are perfect for a night out.
  2. Atlantis, The Palm: This luxury resort is home to a variety of bars and nightclubs, including the popular Nasimi Beach Club.
  3. Cavalli Club: This high-end club is known for its luxurious decor, live performances, and celebrity sightings.
  4. Zero Gravity: This beach club is a great spot for a fun day in the sun, and also transforms into a lively nightspot after dark.
  5. Jumeirah Beach Hotel: This iconic hotel has several restaurants and bars, including the popular 360 bar, which offers stunning views of the Dubai skyline.

It’s worth noting that Dubai has strict laws when it comes to alcohol consumption, and most bars and clubs require patrons to be at least 21 years old. Additionally, dress codes are strictly enforced, so be sure to check the requirements before heading out for the evening.

Holiday in Hong Kong

A list of the coolest, most sophisticated cities on earth includes places like London, New York, Berlin, Hong Kong…

Because I had always heard how cool it was, the thought had crossed my mind a few times that I should move to Hong Kong. But I really had no idea what to expect when my plane touched down. But within the first 5 hours I had gotten lost multiple times, found the inn I had booked, carried 4 huge suitcases up 12 stories of stairs because the elevator was broken, and then saw a cockroach for the first time in my life (as it scurried under my bed)… Yikes!

Bear in mind this is only one person’s experience in Hong Kong, and understand that I’m not trying to scare you from visiting. I actually had some of the best times in my life in HK; I just wished that I had done a bit more research and planning beforehand.

What you will see during your holiday

Hong Kong is an exciting, fast paced, and wonderfully interesting place that combines so much of an old world with so much of a new one. Expect to see high end fashion stores like Gucci and Prada built right into the same structure as a derelict apartment building that looks like the remnants of some post-apocalyptic civilization.

In all seriousness, there are a tonne of cool attractions to see such as Lamma Island, the Big Buddha Statue, the many street markets, Daoist and Buddhist temples, Asian Disneyland, and Macau which is just a short boat trip away.

Areas in Hong Kong

Hong Hong is divided into districts including Central and Western, Wan Chai, Eastern, Southern, Yau Tsim Mong, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon City, Wong Tai Sin, Kwun Tong, Kwai Tsing, Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, North, Tai Po, Sha Tin, Sai Kung, and Islands.

Be sure to check out the location of your inn in relation to the places you would like to visit before booking anything.

How to find the best inn in Hong Kong

I suppose “best” is a relative term as it depends on what you are looking for. If you seek adventure on the cheap and are not afraid to slum it, then you may want to try one of the sketchy hostels that HK is famous for (ie. ChungKing Mansions). But if money is not an issue and you want to stay in place where you will be pampered, there are also many expensive hotels.

How to know if a Hong Kong inn lives up to what its website claims

Some inns will claim that they are super clean, that the staff is friendly, and that the location is excellent. But anyone who has done more than a little bit of backpacking will tell you not to believe everything a hostel or hotel tells you.

I recommend searching the inn that you would like to find out about on Google Maps. Then click on the link that says “reviews”; here you will find firsthand accounts of people who have stayed at that particular location.

Price

Prices vary immensely depending on whether you want to live in the lap of luxury or if you just want a place to lay your head. When I visited Hong Kong I stayed in the district of Kowloon, which was a short walk to the water and a short subway ride anywhere else.

For a 2 bedroom unit during Chinese new year it cost me 60 Hong Kong Dollars per night; this is less than $8 American Dollars. This was also during one of the most expensive times of the year. On the other hand, some people pay several thousand Hong Kong Dollars per night.…

Visit Hong Kong

HONG KONG is very much ‘abroad’. Now that the near continent is easily accessible, countries such as France, Spain, Italy seem to merge styles and culture to become one generic Euro-Country. In contrast Hong Kong feels like a foreign country. It also has reminders of a colonial past, so your trip there as well as being a trip to a foreign country is also a trip into the past.

Hong Kong is also a brash mixture of Western and Eastern cultures, a meld of designer clothing, electronic consumables and Chinese superstitions. Modern apartment tower blocks, very Western in style and decor, do not have floor numbers ending in ‘4’ as the number 4 in Cantonese is very close to the Cantonese word for ‘death’.

You will also stand out as a tourist amongst the Chinese rather than being able to blend in with other Europeans as you would nearer to home. And unless you’re an exceptional linguist there won’t be any attempts to converse in Cantonese with the locals. But don’t despair, thanks to its history and a large ex-pat community most Chinese, at least in restaurants and shops, will be able to speak English. Most of the street names and signs are in English as well as Cantonese.

The first thing you will notice about this lively place is its modern, efficient mass transit systems. Arriving at the new airport, Chek Lap Kok, you essentially walk in a straight line from gate through baggage & customs onto a (usually) waiting train that takes you right into the heart of Kowloon, a popular hotel and tourist district. For exploring further the subway system (MTR – Mass Transit Railway) is very cheap and clean with air-conditioned trains and stations.

Taxis are also plentiful and very cheap, thanks to the fact that most people do not run their own cars and rely instead upon buses, taxis and the MTR.

It is a good idea to get the name of your hotel printed onto a card in Cantonese so that you can make yourself understood to the taxi driver when you want to get back to your hotel.

You will also notice the fact that you are in the tropics. The climate is hot and humid, even at night. But air-conditioning is abundant, in fact on some streets you will probably be dripped on by water from the air-conditioning condensers attached to most every window of the buildings towering above the streets.

As a gweilo (‘ghost people’, the Cantonese term for pale-faced Westerners) you will be targeted on busy Nathan Road by the many street salesmen : “Copy watch, sir?”, “Custom suit?”, “Free drink?”, “Jade rings?”. Unless you are happy to part with your money for fakes, or buy clothing with a higher price tag than its quality merits, learn to ignore these people. Even saying ‘No’ is seen as a sales opening.…

Top 5 Tips When Visiting Hong Kong

Hong Kong is an overcrowded but glorious mixture of slick America, quaint 1950s England and the beguiling Orient. The hotels are sophisticated and they work.

Swimming or Sunbathing

Hong Kong is not a place for serious swimming or sunbathing. Hotels mostly do not have swimming pools – space is too precious – and they rarely have outdoor sitting areas. There are beaches around parts of the islands but they are not set up for sun-worshipping. Anyway, everyone is too busy shopping.

Language

Although many people in Hong Kong – especially shopkeepers and hotel staff do speak English, taxi drivers often don’t. But they usually know the names and whereabouts of the hotels. If you need to take a taxi somewhere, ask your hotel receptionist to write the address in Cantonese which you can show the driver.

Crowds

Office workers have a six-day working week, with only Sundays off. This means that the parks and the ferries to the outlying islands are jam-packed every Sunday. In Hong Kong and China jam-packed takes a whole new meaning, do take into consideration when planning out your trip.

Eating Out

It is easier to get the full range of authentic Chinese food in Hong Kong than it is in China. You can dine, at a price, in luxurious surroundings in the many swish hotels (whether or not you are staying there). You can queue for the world’s cheapest McDonalds. You can also fill up on American Club sandwiches and Coke at the office shop in every hotel. You can feast in any of the many modest to not-so-modest Chinese restaurants, or you can eat at a rickety table and stool at a pavement or market cafe. If you can’t be bothered with chopsticks, the waiter will find you a spoon and fork.

Shopping

If there is a particular item you are after, let your fingers do the walking. Local phone calls are free (although you may well be charged something if you make them from your hotel room). Use the yellow pages to shop around for the best price. Always tell the shopkeeper you are shopping around – it is amazing how the price can come down.

You can use just about any strong foreign currency and any credit card in Hong Kong. Sometimes you can negotiate a better price for cash. Some shops, especially those selling “designer” clothes straight from the factory, are not in conventional shopping streets but tucked away in office blocks. The Hong Kong Tourist Office has a list of addresses and opening times.…

The Best Time To Visit Argentina

Argentina is a large country placed in South America, between Chile on the left, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay on the right side and Bolivia above it. This country really has to offer many different and interesting things for every tourist. You can do whatever you like including things like skiing, hiking and horse riding. Whatever you choose, it’s going to be an adventure for sure.

Before you start planning your trip you first need to decide what you would like to see and do, and how many things you can see and do in your time of vacation. Decide if you want to go to the mountains or the sea (or country) and than start to think about some particular things like accommodations and flights.

Warmer or colder weather?

The first thing, after you decide where you are going, is to see what the weather is like. As I said before, Argentina is a very big country so it’s difficult to say what the weather is like in Argentina because it’s different in different parts of the country. But I will tell you approximately what you can expect and in what time of the year.

One thing that you maybe didn’t know is that Argentine is placed in the Southern Hemisphere and by that it has reversed seasons. That means when it’s snowing in the US, in Argentina it is summer. The weather varies around the country especially because of the Andes. You can find in Argentina everything, from subtropical in the north to cold in the south. The only place where the weather is really unpredictable is the Andes. You can find rainfall and floods but you can also find extreme heat or even snow. There is also a unique hot and dry wind called Zonda.

Argentina is a beautiful country and you can visit it during the whole year. The only thing I wouldn’t recommend is the far south. Is extremely cold and unpleasant there and most attractions and hotels are closed in that area during the winter.

The seasons with most attractions are winter and summer, but at the same time they can be not so pleasant (too hot summer). Patagonia is a story for itself. Most of the year is very mild on the east and glacial on the south. But the weather there is very unpredictable and it can change drastically.

The important things you should remember – summer lasts from December-March, the winter lasts from June-July. The best weather is in March, April, September, October and November.…

The Latin Continent – Uruguay

The smallest nation in the Latin continent, Uruguay boasts a variety of sights and recreations of its own. The golden Atlantic coastline offers nothing but the best waves for surfing, swimming and scuba diving. Surrounded by a mountainous range, Uruguay lets you enjoy subtropical weather with not too cold and not too hot.

The destination is among the favorites of western tourists and many international travellers. Visit Uruguay to admire its agricultural beauty, enjoy the interesting tales of the history and their indigenous people. Fascinating and an interesting destination to be, Uruguay allows a relaxing holiday for those who crave for a break, a gala of events for those who seek entertainment and excitement for adventure lovers.

Take a trip to the gorgeous Atlantic coastline sandwiched between Argentina and Brazil for fun under the sun. Soak up in the sun with your shades and sunscreens while enjoying the seafood delights and best spas treatments at the beach resorts. Play your favourite in the sea or on the beach and have a splendid time with your friends and families.

Make it an everlasting experience at some of the best beaches along the Ocean coasts in Uruguay. Some of the best and famous beaches in Uruguay are Punta Del Este, Piriapolis, La Paloma, La Pedrera, Cabo Polonio, Punta Del Diablo and Santa Teresa.

Uruguayans are football lovers, so don’t miss one of the greatest matches of all time between the Nacional and Penarol.

Montevideo is a destination one must explore for its rich culture, historical landmarks, entertainment pubs and clubs with a variety of dining options. Visit Uruguay’s capital city for an awesome time with your loved ones. Palacio Legislativo is the Uruguayan parliament dominating the city of Montevideo. Other places of interest you mustn’t fail to see are Plaza Independencia, Palacio Salvo and Old City, Montevideo Centenario Stadium and Football Museum.

Pay a visit to the UNESCO declared world heritage site for colonial ruins and spectacular architecture in vicinity. Colonia Del Sacramento also known as Colonia is a well preserved historic town in the city. Hop on an interesting tour around the preserved city of Colonia to enjoy a lesson of history and mystery.

Uruguay is indeed the ‘river of the colorful birds’ as its meaning for its vibrant and varied birdlife. Birdwatchers call it paradise for there are ample sanctuaries. One of the most famous places is the Rocha tourist ‘estancias’.

High on butter and low on spice, savor the tempting tastes of Uruguayan cuisines. With the touch of Italianism, the cuisines are exotic and delicious. Vegetarians have their way with the favourite ravioli while there are a variety of meats for those who love to taste big and many. Empanadas or cheese pies with meat are popular snacks to fill you while traveling across the cities. Have a food tasting tour around the country’s best restaurants and a taste of their delectable desserts like the famous dulce de leche. Love it or hate it, Uruguay is a destination of unique blends and rich culture.…

Why Visit The Bolivian Amazon On Your South America Vacation?

Take a second look at the Bolivian Amazon for pristine wildlife and some true community involvement.

Where To Go? The Madidi National Park covers 1.8 million hectares and is one of the most intact ecosystems in South America. There is a huge diversity of flora and fauna here thanks to the range in habitat, from the lowland rainforest to the mountains that reach 5500m. The park protects more species than any other in the world; there are over 45,000 different plant species and over 1,000 tropical bird species, making it a great place for your visit to the Amazon.

Where to Stay? There are some superb projects in the Bolivian Amazon. One of the best is the Chalalan Lodge in Madidi National Park. In 2010 it was listed in the Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Sustainable travel experiences in the world. While these days many jungle lodges jump on the “Sustainable Tourism” bandwagon this project really is worthy of the title. Community Owned Sustainable Tourism The lodge was established and is owned by Quechua-Tacana people who live in the San Jose de Uchupiamonas community. The Quechua-Tacana whose people have lived in harmony with the surrounding jungle for over 300 years. 20 years ago they realised that Eco-Tourism was a way of protecting their land and traditions from the threats of deforestation and the migration of young people to the cities. The lodge is owned and run 100% by the local community and benefits already include clean drinking water, and improved health, education and training standards.

What is the Accommodation Like? It is often difficult in such a project to get the balance right between the needs of the community and local environment and the demands of tourists who want to visit the area. Here the staff have excelled in providing clean, comfortable accommodation, expert local guides and a very welcoming environment. The passion for their environment and project show in every detail which is probably what makes Chalalan so special. Rooms are simple but clean and comfortable with cold water showers (but with temperatures high they are welcome!). Your stay includes 3 delicious meals a day so you get to try many local specialties.

How to Get There? Most people fly from La Paz to Rurrenebaque, a jungle town on the river Yacuma. From here a motorised canoe takes you upstream for a few hours. Lodge staff are waiting to help with luggage leaving you free to follow your guide along the forest path to the lodge.

What Can You See and Do There? Activities include; nature walks, bird spotting, night canoe trips, nature talks, hikes, handicraft demonstrations, canoe trips and a goodbye ceremony on the last night where you get to try the local drink “leche de tigre” (“Tiger’s milk”). Madidi is home to 340 species of birds including parakeets, parrots, toucans, wild turkeys, woodpeckers. Animals include the spectacled bear, Andean cat, Andean deer, white-tailed deer, puma, jaguar, white-lipped peccary, spider monkey and the red howler monkey; not to mention more bugs and frogs than you can shake a stick at.

A truly unforgettable trip into the Amazon in Bolivia.…

Holidays in Bolivia and Things to Do in Bolivia

Holidays in Bolivia are often fast moving journeys, involving long bus journeys and maybe even a few sleepless nights, but if you are a keen and active traveller, this may be a good and ultimately rewarding itinerary for you.

Holidays in Bolivia usually include a visit to Potosi, the highest City in the World. Its climates and temperatures are some of the most extreme and its landscapes too. The country, as a whole, has a sort of rustic, dry feel, but as your holidays in Bolivia take you nearer the equator you also have the tropics, which are filled with thick greenery and fertility. It also has a vast indigenous population, who add character and culture to your holidays in Bolivia, and it has an extremely friendly and welcoming feel.

Other places to go on your holidays in Bolivia:

Samaipata is a good place to spend four or five days of your holidays in Bolivia. Swing in a hammock with a good book in the heart of the mountains in this beautiful, quiet village. If you like to keep busy and on your feet, it offers a range of hikes, which are a not too expensive addition to your holidays in Bolivia. The hikes take you to nearby temples, or bird watching, whatever gets you going.

Sucre is another good place to spend four or five days of your holidays in Bolivia. This colonial City was, to me, the most beautiful in Bolivia. The tall, white buildings and cobble stone streets are a delight, as well as the square where all the Bolivian locals meet for their daily catch make for a lovely backdrop for holidays in Bolivia.

There are two ways to get here from Samaipata on your holidays in Bolivia. You can either embark on an overnight bus journey, which is the cheaper option, or you can go back to Santa Cruz and fly. Although a rough ride, due both to the roads and overcrowded bus, its journeys like these make you realize just how far away your holidays in Bolivia are from holidays at home. On my trip I discovered that the distance covered on this bus ride, on roads in Western countries would only have taken about four hours. On your holidays in Bolivia it takes 12!

Uyuni is worth two or three days of your holidays in Bolivia. It’s the neighboring town to the largest salt flats in the world, which are too many, a spectacle. The only way to see the flats on your holidays in Bolivia is to go on a tour, which means you arrive on the flats in the evening. Cactus Island, Flamingo Lake, the hot springs, and of course, the flats are each a stop off on your holidays in Bolivia.

La Paz is worth five or six days of your holidays in Bolivia, it was a fantastic City, not so much for the look of it in my mind, but more for what it had to offer; fantastic markets and shopping, great restaurants, and the main attraction being the nightlife. You can spend a couple of hours of your holidays in Bolivia on an intense bike ride on the most dangerous road in the World.…

Great Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

  • Anuradhapura. Being the first kingdom of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura is an ancient city with well-preserved ruins of palaces, monasteries, and Buddhist temples that make history buffs won’t want to leave. The sky-high database and the seas-like man-made reservoirs will leave anyone in awe and surprise. With a history that runs back to the ‎4th century BC, Anuradhapura is a place that you should not miss to explore during your visit to the cultural triangle if you want to experience the core values of the island.
  • Dambulla. Known for its famous Golden cave temple complex, Dambulla is a city situated 160 km away from Colombo. The temple nestled on top of a rock is one of the ancient natural cave temples in Sri Lanka and offers you breathtaking views of the surrounding. The large Buddha statue with several other statues and impressive murals make it worth a visit. It’s one of the UNESCO world heritage sites you can find in the cultural triangle.
  • Kandy. Being the number one cultural city in the country, Kandy is one of the must-visit cities during your Sri Lanka cultural triangle exploration. The city is home to a UNESCO world heritage site- the temple of the tooth where lord buddha’s tooth relic rests which is the number one attraction of Kandy. With several museums and cultural shows full of traditional performances, Kandy is one of the best attractions of the cultural triangle to absorb the essence of the island.
  • Pidurangala Rock. Though some might think that the Sri Lanka cultural triangle is all about culture and history, you will find a diversity of activities to enjoy during your visit to the area. One is a hiking adventure to the Pidurangala rock. Located a few kilometers away from the Sigiriya lion rock fortress, the rock offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes as well as of Sigiriya at the summit.

Why you should grab the Chance to See Shanghai

Shanghai represents one of China’s major cultural and economic centers, and some have even gone as far as to dub it the oriental Paris – although this takes something away from the uniqueness of the region, which is a world-renowned city in its own right. As the biggest city in China it’s definitely not a place you want to pass up when in the country, and features numerous and diverse local attractions that tourists can choose from. The city has often been described as a blend of east and western attributes.

Its towering skyscrapers are complemented by a collection of historical landmarks such as the Nanxiang Old Street with its collection of mouthwatering snack shops, and the beautiful Yu Garden, first built during the Ming Dynasty in 1559. Shanghai is one of those cities that have something for everyone. You can enjoy a full and delicious meal for just ¥10, or if you feel like spending big during your time here, you can visit the Ultraviolet restaurant – where 20 course meals can cost up to ¥5000 ($735). Shanghai also represents a shopping paradise for all potential budgets. Famous commercial streets such as Huaihai and Nanjing Roads offer a selection of luxury goods, while the Qipu Lu Clothing Market provides a variety of more affordable fashion options. Shanghai is definitely not a place you want to miss out on.…