Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Ok, we're goin to play a little game...

...called guess the hotel room.  See the photos below?  Guess what national chain of hotels these photos are out of?  It'll surprise you.

(sample room photo)

(sample bar photo)

Take a few guesses and I'll update this post in a few days.  :-)

UPDATE:  It's a...Best Western!   Read the fully story here:  Best Western upgrades some of it's hotels.  It's Best Westerns attempt to grab some of the people that currently hit up Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn and/or Hyatt Places.  The shots above are from one of their first re-do's in Denton, Texas.

Thanks for playing!



A rare owl was hiding out on the worlds largest cruise ship.

The Oasis of the Seas (Royal Caribbean), the worlds largest cruise ship, can pack in up to 5,400 guests but last week a special visitor made it's way onto the ship.   A Florida burrowing owl!  This ship is plant infused and apparently this owl thought it was the right place to camp out!  Floria wildlife officers had to board the ship to remove the owl and put the little guy back in the wild.  


Fun facts about the ship!
  • Built in 2009 this ship holds 1,030 more guest than the 2nd largest ship
  • It's 1,187 feet from front to back, that's longer than 3 football fields lined up end to end.
  • Only 30 feet deep of ship is actually underwater.
  • The ship sits 236 feet above the surface of the water!  (think of a 20 story building)
  • It can clip right along at 26 MPH!   FAST for such a big ship.
Learn more about this HUGE cruise ship here:  www.oasisoftheseas.com

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Here's something to do in Vegas - for FREE!

Las Vegas can cost a lot or a little, it's all on how you go about it.  Here's one free thing you can do that's pretty cool.  Over at the posh Bellagio there's a FREE conservatory that 15,000 visitors a day go and check out.  And from Sept. 19 - Nov. 27, 2010 the Bellagio Conservatory presents its autumn showcase with all the sights and colors of the season.   English artist Tom Hare, created an amazing display including majestic "fantasy" trees.


In addition, the fall showcase features a stone-based rustic greenhouse.  Nestled among weeping California pepper and olive trees, the greenhouse includes 20 to 30-year-old specimen orchids from around the world. Specimen orchids are grown uninterrupted for several years, which allows the plants to grow to a large size with an abundance of blooms.   


Other picturesque displays include pumpkins (weighing anywhere between 300 to 1,000 pounds), a "smiling" Elm tree, animated Venus Flytraps, a babbling brook, a rustic bridge, a scarecrow and colorful cattails. Scents of chrysanthemums and Asiatic lilies fill the air, providing the perfect refreshing experience through the gardens. 
 
Go check out the coolness at the Bellagio at Google Map.  Or check out their official web site at Bellagio.com Garden.

A model photo shoot in Jamaica - Hedonism II

Here's a short clip straight from Hedonism II in Negril, Jamaica.   It features the North American/Caribbean Model of the Year contestants strutting their stuff at Hedo 2.


Each year top models chosen from numerous fashion shows across the United States and the Caribbean come to Hedo II.  The week highlights the cream of the crop on the fashion circuit as they vie for the coveted title!  The ladies perform in the toga parties, wet t-shirt contest and all the Hedonistic fun and games going for the title and entertained the guests along the way.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Check out this romantic hotel in Paris!

Le Fabe Hotel in Paris sits in the romantic Paris Left Bank area of town.  This newer boutique hotel is getting rave reviews from couples looking for romance in the city of romance!   The hotel opened up in 2008 as an affordable yet very romantic hotel location for travelers.


Divided into 3 categories – Pleasure, Charm and Cozy, these sexy hotel rooms boast modern amenities, stylish design and intimate atmosphere.  Le Fabe Hotel is 3 star hotel with 17 rooms and the facilities of Parking (fee required) and Non-Smoking Rooms.  Rates are around $125 USA cash per night, not a bad rate!  

(Le Fabe offers soundproofed design rooms and a sauna - Oh la la)

  • Fitness facilities
  • Internet access - wireless
  • Multilingual staff
  • Sauna
  • Wheelchair accessible
  •  24-hour front desk
  • Business center
  • Flat-panel TV's in the rooms
  • Free WiFi!
 Check them out further at their web site:  www.lefabehotel.fr, if you can read French and/or see the Google map of their location here:  Google Map.  If anyone has been here personally, please comment with your thoughts and/or review!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Do you want the best travel camera? Got $678?

Then you want the Canon EOS Rebel T1i!  This camera might be overkill for some people but if you're really looking for a super high quality camera that'll take some of the most amazing vacation photos then here you area.  Photos are a HUGE part of most travelers vacations, just remember that.

Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
Canon’s new EOS Rebel T1i is packed with features, both refined and new. In addition to its admirable performance with an all-new 15.1 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 Image Processor, a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD with anti-reflective and scratch resistant coating, and compatibility with the EOS System of lenses and Speedlites.





EOS Rebel T1i Highlights

 Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution
The EOS Rebel T1i shoots brilliant video, even in full high definition. By simply selecting Movie mode on the EOS Rebel T1i’s mode dial, the camera’s 3.0-inch LCD lights up, and it's ready to go. Shooting is at a frame rate of 30 fps when shooting SD or HD quality video (640 x 480 and 1280 x 720 pixels, respectively) and at a frame rate of 20 fps in Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) recording. Sound is recorded through the camera’s built-in microphone. Playback modes are simple to access, and all Live View AF features can be used in shooting video.
  

Live View Function for stills and video
With Live View Function on the EOS Rebel T1i, you can enjoy nearly every camera function available in normal shooting, all with the convenience of composing on the camera’s brilliant 3.0-inch LCD monitor. You can zoom in and navigate the composition and there’s even a grid overlay for architectural shots. Live View focusing modes include Quick mode, Live mode and Face Detection AF mode and these are easily selectable through the convenient Live View Function menu.  

(don't worry, it's not REALLY clear in real life)

  3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots/VGA) monitor
The EOS Rebel T1i has a 3.0-inch high resolution LCD monitor that features 920,000 dots/VGA for far more detail than previous Rebel-series LCDs. It’s the same screen found on professional models such as the EOS 5D Mark II. A number of features enhance usability: an anti-reflective and water-repellant coating provides a clearer and more smudge-resistant surface and screen brightness can be adjusted in 7 steps in accordance with ambient light.


Auto Lighting Optimizer for superior highlight-shadow control
The EOS Rebel T1i’s Auto Lighting Optimizer is yet another image-quality tool that comes to the rescue in tricky lighting conditions. It can actually lighten dark areas of a scene while ensuring that bright areas maintain tonal detail. It’s available in all shooting modes, including P, Tv, Av and Manual.

This bad boy will set you back about $600 to $700 but you know what they say about buying quality.  For a full review on the camera go here:  Cnet's review.  But if you do buy it, please use my link above so I can make a whole $5 bucks or something!  :-)

Saturday, September 25, 2010

A way cool 1886 print of a ship in Jamaica!

 Here's a 1886 schooner cocoa nuts Kingston Jamaica ship print that came right out of the Illustrated London News C1850-1899.  The date of the print is on the print itself.  It's a genuine antique Victorian print and not a modern copy.  The size of this bad boy is 15 by 11 inches.


 Right now you can get it for $12.88 off Amazon by clicking the link above.  Not Bad!  Christmas IS coming up.  It used to be over $50 so at this price, it's a pretty good deal.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Faren Williams in Jamaica!

Model Faren Williams, www.MissFaren.com, had a nice little photo shoot in Jamaica a few years back.  What's better than a pretty woman in Jamaica?   NOTHING!  Smooth Girl Magazine - you rock!

(Click any pic to enlarge it)





Her measurements? 34DDD-24-35 NICE!!!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

American Airlines is buying it's customers drinks!

Starting October 1st, 2010 American Airlines will start serving complimentary drinks at it's domestic Admirals Club lounges.  Press release.  In the release they note "domestic clubs will offer well-brand liquors, as well as beers and house wines as a complimentary service on Oct. 1."   But they also state, "premium liquors and wines" (and food) won't be on the house.  Hey, at least you're getting something free!

(American Airlines Admiral Club in DFW)

But what is the Admirals Club Lounge?  AA Lounge Offical Site.  Well, it's a place where you can enjoy amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi, cyber cafes, music rooms, business centers equipped with PCs, copiers and global printing that can help you stay productive when you travel.  How much does it cost?   You can buy a one day pass for $50 or for the year rates start around $500 per person.  I guess if you fly a lot maybe it's worth it.   They have 43 club locations at places like:  Dallas Fort Worth, Atlanta, Los Angeles and other prominent airports.

The better question - A "AA" club serving alcohol seems like an oxymoron huh?

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Thar she blows! Flash flood warnings for all of Jamaica. 9.22.10

There's never a bad day in Jamaica in my humble opinion.  However, if you're there today you might be hunkering down in your hotel room instead of enjoying a more typical sunny day in paradise.  

(NOAA satellite image taken 9.21.10 at 12:00 am EDT)

An area of low pressure is currently generating unstable weather over most of the Central Caribbean. The disturbance is expected to continue moving westward and should continue to affect the weather over Jamaica.

Jamaican's - stay safe.  Tourisist - you'll be ok.

More swinging on the high seas!

Do you like taking a cruise?  Do you like the open ocean?  Do you like seeing the love of your life with someone else?   Then here's the trip YOU should be taking!   Come January 23rd to January 30th, 2011 swingers will commandeer the Windstar's Windsurf cruise ship, windstarcruises.com, and have a jolly 'ol time.  Get nude, sunbath all natural, get naughty in the nightclubs!  This ship has been taken over with the lifestyle in mind.


There's room on this ship for 156 sexy couples (or not sexy) aboard this ship containing 154 total staterooms: 31 ocean-view suites, 2 Bridge Suites and 123 deluxe ocean-view staterooms.  While on the ship you can have sex with others OR get a massage from one of the 10 cruiseline 10 massage therapist, take in a show or swim in the ship pool.   In the mood to jump around on a trampoline?   No problem, you can do that too.


The ship has a lot to do other than just laying around in the sun drinking and flirting with other couples.  There's a on board library, fitness center to stay in shape with, a casino to blow your money in and all the rooms have flat screen TV's to keep you company.  And they'll be plenty of stops in the Caribbean for you to explore and regain your "land-legs".


 Prices start from around $1,900 per person for the week up to $3,675 depending on how nice of a room you want.  There are a few extra port fees/taxes too but you can read all about them here, Book the Cruise.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

A new "all natural" resort opens up in Jamaica. The "N" Resort.

Opening November 19th, 2010 in Fallmouth Trelawny, the "N" Resort will off an all-inclusive au natural travel experience.   BONUS LINKGoogle Map.

Suites:  96 air conditioned, red cedar deluxe junior suites with king bed, comfort robes, hair dryer, coffee makers, cable TV, daybed, mini fridge, bathroom and large spacious patio/balcony.  Free wi-fi access.

(click on the map to enlarge)

 Your vacation includes:

3 meals daily, choice of 3 restaurants:

The Oceanside - buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner
Sabbia - Italian gourmet dinner only
The Beach Grill - jerk chicken, panini sandwiches, hamburgers and a wide variety of sandwiches.



You also get 2 Bars:  Main Bar & Grill Bar - serving exotic tropical drinks, premium liquors, beer, mixed drinks and house wine with lunch and dinner.
     Things to do: 1000 ft. of natural white sand beach for snorkeling, kayaking, pool volleyball, beach volleyball. Use of all sports facilities, 100 ft waterslide and swimming pool, fitness centre, gym, hot tub, Jamaican cooking classes, tennis (day), game room: cards, ping-pong, billiard tables.


     Large lounge area and reading room, stroll through tropical gardens, hammocks, disco, free computer cerntre, beach parties, beach BBQ, dancing, live entertainment nightly, karaoke, sing-a-long at piano main bar.

    35 minutes from Montego Bay airport, airport transfers from and to Montego Bay airport, all hotel taxes and gratuities included.


     Optional items:  scuba diving offered on property, tours, massage and spa treatments available, day/night trips to Glistening Waters and much more.

    Basic Rules:  Towels to be used on seating in public areas. Women and couples only.  Cover-ups required in main dining room, Italian restaurant, and lobby area.  NO CAMERAS ALLOWED!

    BONUS SITE:  Check out their official web site at:  "N" Resort

    Monday, September 20, 2010

    Oxygen's "Bad Girls Club - Miami" films at Hedo II!

    On TV's Oxygen's channel is a show called "Bad Girls Club - Miami".  In episode 6 of the show the ladies flew down to Jamaica for a night at Negril's famous Hedonism II.  The ladies climbed the rock wall, parasailed, caused some drama, flirted with the male dancers and in general were "bad".  







    (Extra bad girl Catya - click to enlarge)

    I'm not sure if any of the ladies were brave enough to venture over to the nude side, but I'd be curious to find out!   To check out the show in further detail go here:  Bad Girls Club on Oxygen.

    Sunday, September 19, 2010

    My cure for "DIF", dreaded island fever!

     DIF defined...

    "Dreaded Island Fever is a condition which eventually effects all those who travel to the Caribbean.  Dreaded Island Fever, also known as DIF, is a very real and not imagined, affliction which is contracted by most first time visitors to the Caribbean!   Symptoms tend to set in within 24 hours of visiting the islands. There is no known cure, only treatments which include revisiting the Caribbean".

    So you've been down to Jamaica or one of the wonderful island and had the time of your life.  Now you're stuck back home and at work trying not to spend all day wishing you were back on that beach.  How do you get your fix?  Well, you'll have to go back to the island OR mimic your experience the very best you can.  

    (a singing diva at Hedo II's piano bar)
    DIF cure ingredients
    •  Irie FM streaming radio more
    • DennyP chirping tree frogs MP3 more
    • Warm weather or a warm house
    • Beef patties to snack on more
    • Mix up your favorite island drink (Rum Punch works) more
    Mix up all the ingredients, get some good friends over and celebrate the night away!

    Saturday, September 18, 2010

    Lady Gaga's handcuffs don't faze LAX security

    Travelers at Los Angeles International (LAX) were treated to an unexpected (and impromptu) show by Lady Gaga, according to various media reports.   Sources tell us "the outrageous singer arrived at LAX yesterday wearing very little, and a pair of handcuffs at her waist."


     BONUS LINK:  TSA Prohibited Items

    Friday, September 17, 2010

    Are you looking for a cool gift? Try Jamaican made handbags!

     Here's a local product you might want to check out.  If you really do love Jamaica then help support this company who creates these awesome looking bags on the island.  Yebo is a new company and you can purchase these bags starting from $40.  Contact them at yebojamaica@gmail.com.



     

    Bonus Video
     

    All of their current clutches are 100% suede and locally handmade.   The totes are made from an assortment of fabrics and are also locally handmade.  So help support a local Jamaican business while at the same time looking "Jamaican Fresh" here in the states!

    Thursday, September 16, 2010

    How much does it cost to get on the 'net on a cruise ship?

    Are you out in the middle of the ocean yet want to tell your landlocked buddies on Facebook what you're up to?  Well, on most ships these days you can!  On a recent Queen Mary II cruise some guests noticed WiFi costs on the ship read as follows...


    That's very very costly but once you understand the technology behind it you may see where they're coming from.  These ships have to install special ship-to-shore voice and data satellite communications services and systems.  Trust us, that's not cheap.

    Currently, WiFi is offered on all Carnival, Holland American, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Princess ships. It’s usually not ship-wide however, so you’ll have to head to the atrium or specially designated public rooms to get a signal.

    So how much is too much to pay for WiFi out in the middle of the ocean?  Have you ever paid?  If so, how much?

    Wednesday, September 15, 2010

    Bargin shop Las Vegas's NY NY Casino!

    We're always on the lookout for good deals to Vegas.  New York New York (the place with the cool outdoor pool and roller coaster) is serving up some hot deals.  With these cheap prices it will allow you to spend your money on more important things, like booze, strippers and gambling.


    For the best rates click here:  Nov & Dec rates at NY NY

    Just remember the promo codeBRGPH50 and save!
     
    (NY NY's club Rok - rokvegasnightclub.com)

    Tuesday, September 14, 2010

    A Playboy features model freaks in mid-air!

    Last week on Jetblue Flight 522 from Orlando to Newark a busty model named Tiffany Livingston apparently freaked out on the flight with some turbulence and grabbed on the door for balance.  The problem is, is that some thought she was trying to open the door at 10,000 feet.  

    (the new Steven Slater)

    She's suffers from panic attacks and was offer her medication during this flight, reportedly. Tiffany is featured as a cover model in a debut edition of "the Singapore version of Playboy".   She's 5'6 and hails from from Merrimac, RI.  She was released after questioning and I think they determined she really was not trying to open the door.

    Monday, September 13, 2010

    Hedo II's night manager needs help!

    Hedonism II's night manager, Michael Asemota, is the man that kept Hedonism II in Negril, Jamaica running smoothly at night.  But in the last few weeks he unfortunately suffered a brain aneurism!   In Jamaica he got the best care he could but then got transported to The Mayo Health Clinic in Florida where he got more care.  They performed a surgery that has seemed to fix his health but now we need to help Michael out financially!   In total he owes around 100k and to help pay for that Superclubs has donated (10) five night stays to use in a raffle to raise the funds.

    (click to enlarge the Hedo II official notice)

     If you win the raffle you can travel any time between October 1, 2010 and December 31, 2011 to Hedo II in Negril, Jamaica.  The raffle ends September 30, 2010 and it cost $100 to enter.  But think about the greater good!  You can help a man out PLUS you get the chance to win a trip!  My friends over at Dream Pleasure Tours have committed $1,000 of their own money to Michael’s cause PLUS if you do enter the raffle for $100, they’ll turn around and give YOU a $100 certificate good for any Hedonism II vacation.   No black out dates!

    Visit them at Dream Pleasure Tours - Help out Michael to learn more!

    Sunday, September 12, 2010

    Visit Bob Marley's resting place in Jamaica!

    Last week I did a big post covering the life of Bob Marley.   If you read it, Bob Marley Post, you'll see that Bob was buried in Jamaica at "Nine Miles" the place of his childhood.  Today, we're going to cover this tourist stop of one Bob Marley. 


    Nine Mile (Saint Ann Parish), the location Google Map where Bob Marley Mausoleum is located is about an hour and a half away from Ocho Rios.  It may seem like a long ride, but it’s well worth it, especially if you’re a fan of reggae music or Bob Marley as an artist, singer & musician. 

    (you might see a few locals trying to sell you ganga)

     The Bob Marley Mausoleum guided tour is about an hour to three hours long and will take you through Bob Marley’s life, starting with his birthplace and finishing with his place of eternal rest.  You will get to see the tomb of Bob Marley, which is elevated to about 6 feet above ground level.  You will also get to see his cooking pit and his rock pillow.


     The tour is accompanied by a lot of singing and is guaranteed to leave you in awe. It’s highly inspiring to see that someone from such humble surroundings appealed to millions upon millions of people. Once within mausoleum, you will feel like you’re feet away from one of the greatest musicians of 20th century.
    The tours are open from 9:30am to 6:30pm every day and cost $10 – $15 USA, depending on the season.


      Be aware that road to Nine Mile is not in the greatest of conditions and depending on a driver, could turn into a rather jumpy adventure. The further you get, the narrower, curvier and steeper it gets. You’ll see the driver honking his horn just to let everyone know that he’s coming through.  It’s different, it’s Jamaica.

    "We'll share the shelter, of my single bed"

    (Bob's single bed made famous in the song, "Is this love")

    Whether you arrive to 9 Mile by way of hired Taxi or you’ve rented a car or a tour company, indeed you’ll likely be met by begging children and a Rastafarian or two hoping to sell you some marijuana, but by and large it’s safe.  Today, 9 Mile is owned and operated by Bob Marley’s family. Indeed the road leading to 9 Mile is in desperate need of repair, once inside the 30-foot tall purple gates of 9 Mile, it’s quite the Rastafarian paradise.  Clean, well maintained, organized and can rival any of the aforementioned resort towns with its presentation.

    BONUS MAP 
    Located in the map below is the satellite view of Nine Mile.  You can zoom out and see just how remote this location really is!  Smack dab in the middle is Bob's resting place.



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