Monday, April 17, 2006

Kyoto cherry blossom

The cherry blossom (sakura) is Japan's has been celebrated for many centuries and takes a very prominent position in Japanese culture. There are many dozens of different cherry tree varieties in Japan, most of which bloom for just a couple of days in spring. The Japanese celebrate that time of the year with hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties under the blooming trees.




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Sunday, April 16, 2006

Paris Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower, or La Tour Eiffel in French, is an iron tower built on the Champ de Mars beside the River Seine in Paris. It is the tallest structure in Paris and among the most recognized symbols of France. The name is from its designer, Gustave Eiffel. It is a premier tourist destination, with over 5 million visitors per year.

The Eiffel Tower built between 1887 and 1889 as the entrance arch for the Exposition Universelle (1889), a World's fair marking the centennial celebration of the French revolution. The tower was compleated on March 31, 1889, and opened on May 6.


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Saturday, April 15, 2006

Hong Kong - Disney's Hollywood Hotel

Step on stage, as the Lights! Camera! and Action! of a glittering era live again.

Receive the star treatment in one of 600 Guest rooms that provide your family with comfort and fun. Scintillating surroundings, delectable dining, astounding amenities and sensational service make this hotel an ideal destination to experience your own Hollywood happy ending.

Dine in Hollywood style when you opt for one of the family-friendly eating establishments on the premises of Disney's Hollywood Hotel. Discover the fun and whimsy as you dine in the stylish surroundings of these fun-filled restaurants.

Take a break and stretch the possibilities as you choose from an enticing array of recreational amenities. Take a picture with a classic California vintage car or make a splash in the piano-shaped pool — you can do it all at Disney's Hollywood Hotel.


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Chicago McDonald's USA First Store Museum


McDonald's #1 Store Museum is a recreation of the first McDonald's Restaurant opened in Des Plaines, Illinois by McDonald's Corporation founder, Ray Kroc, on April 15, 1955.

The Museum Facility: The original red and white tiled restaurant building featuring the Golden Arches underwent several remodels through the years and was finally torn down in 1984. The present facility was built according to the original blueprints with some modifications to accommodate Museum visitors and staff. The "Speedee" road sign is original.

The customer service and food preparation areas contain original equipment used in the days when fresh potatoes were peeled, sliced, blanched and fried; milkshake mix and syrup were whipped up on the Multi-mixers; Coca-Cola® and root beer were drawn from a barrel, and orangeade from the orange bowl.

The all male crew is represented by mannequins dressed in the 1955 uniform - dark trousers, white shirts, aprons and paper hats.

The basement features a historical display of photos, memos, early advertising, memorabilia, and a short video presentation.

McDonald's #1 Store Museum
400 N. Lee Street
Des Plaines, IL 60016
There is no Museum store. An operating McDonald's restaurant is located across the steet from the museum.

Open Seasonally (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
Admission is Free
Call (847) 297-5022 for Days/Hours


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Friday, April 14, 2006

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel


The Height of Elegance
Step into the Victorian elegance of the luxurious Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel where European grandeur meets signature Disney style.



Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, the six-story, 400-room flagship hotel at the resort, recalls the romance and luxury of grand, Victorian-era hotels made famous in England, Europe and America. Along with meticulous accommodations, Disney's guest services 24 hours a day and Disney's world-famous attention to detail, guests also will find the Grand Salon for afternoon high tea, a Disney retail shop (Kingdom Gifts), scheduled recreational activities and themed, indoor and outdoor pools.


All photos ©2005 The Walt Disney Company


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Hong Kong Disneyland



Hong Kong Disneyland, discover a magical kingdom of thrilling adventures, storybook journeys and beloved Disney Characters. Here you will find the familiar Disneyland that you could expected plus the Asia culture blended.

Main Street, U.S.A.
Stroll back in time on this picturesque boulevard of dreams which Walt Disney envisioned as America's hometown. This quaint boulevard exudes the small-town charm of more than one hundred years ago. At the crossroads of a new era, old-time busses vie for the right of way with puttering motorcars, and hope and optimism for the new century abound.

Adventureland
Venture deep into the heart of uncharted jungles. Exotic adventures wait around every river bend. Romance and mystery thrive in this land that captures the intrigue of the world's exotic tropical regions. Cruise hippo-filled rivers, explore overgrown jungles and scale the heights of Tarzan's Treehouse as you journey into the unknown!

Fantasyland
The "happiest kingdom of them all," Fantasyland brings to life the wonder and magic of Disney animated stories in a quaint storybook village. Embark on enchanting adventures with Mickey, Winnie the Pooh, Mulan, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and other well-loved characters. Anything is possible… all you have to do is believe!

Tomorrowland
Rocket through outer space, blast at warp speed and glimpse at near-future technology. Inspired by our hopes for a peaceful and prosperous future, Tomorrowland is homebase to many futuristic ideas and out-of-this-world adventures. It is a tribute to history's visionaries who have dreamt of a better world. Tomorrowland, like our dreams, is timeless.




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