How to Understand a Penguin
Not glamorous or exotic like tigers or parrots, penguins are still loved like no other creature. Films, cartoons, even chocolate bars exemplify the penguin as an international symbol of a simple and happy survivability, the underdog lacking in teeth, claws who can still waddle out a jolly existence. Their happy survival in the harshest climates of arctic regions has won the penguin endless respect. And in the modern world, full of business, competition and even aesthetics have become a cut throat industry of fashion and personal judgments, maybe we could all learn a lesson from the penguin.
But how to do this? Visit a zoo to see the some captive creatures waddle around a cage? Or lounge lazily on your sofa indulging in the soporific tones of David Attenborough?
Better than a day trip to the zoo; actually taking the time to travel to the earth’s southernmost extremes can be one of the most personally enriching experiences of a lifetime. Meeting a penguin in an environment so alien to the office in which you while away the days will give a sense of perspective better than any weekend in the Cotswolds.
It might have become a cliche these days for people to go ‘travelling’, hipsters hitting twenty live to read Che’s Motorcycle Diary and think they’re going to start the next social revolution after they’ve gone on a drinking tour of every hostel in South America and come back wearing a poncho and a genuinely authentic beard.
Patagonia is different though, if only because of the effort it takes to get there and the lack of cheap parties, Patagonia and the Antarctica remain some of the most extreme and awe inspiring locations on the planet.
Sailing beneath the shadows of 5,400,000 square miles of solid ice, in temperatures as low as -89 degree Celsius the insane weight of nature’s power compared to the size of our own little heads cannot fail to have an effect. Perhaps then we will come a little closer to understanding the worlds humblest little jolly bundle of feathers who can maybe see something the rest of us miss.
Top 10 Hotels in Monaco
Monaco is a delightful little principality in Europe, famous for being a tax haven, for the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, and as a holiday destination on the French Riviera. As such, people in Monaco tend to be rich and famous, and life in Monaco is one big holiday. The same can also be said of the hotels in Monaco.
The hotels display the same characteristic traits of overflowing luxury and old-world European charm. A stay at one of the luxury hotels Monaco has tends to be part of the overall Monte-Carlo experience, rather than just a place to sleep. The best of these choices, aka the top 10 hotels in Monaco, are listed below.
1. Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo: Historic hotel in the Place du Casino which was opened in 1864 by none other than Prince Charles III of Monaco. The hotel has 182 rooms and 74 plush suites, not to mention 3 restaurants, and direct access to the Les Thermes Marins de Monte-Carlo, which is widely acknowledged as the most beautiful hotel spa in Europe.
2. Columbus Monte-Carlo: This hotel was opened by Prince Rainer in 2001, and was formerly co-owned by F1 driver David Coulthard. So it’s not surprising that the designer chic hotel rooms are popular among visitors and celebrities who come for the Grand Prix.
3. Fairmont Monte-Carlo Grand Hôtel: One of the most luxurious 4-star Monaco hotels, the Grand Hôtel has the history and all the trademark Fairmont luxury and resort facilities. It is also a large hotel with over 600 rooms, and yet offers Monaco style service with personal attention for each guest.
4. Hôtel Ambassador: This hotel is also situated ideally with the Casino Square, Prince’s Palace and Port Hercule all within hailing distance. Guests have access to every modern amenity required, including wifi internet, cable tv and a bathtub with a shower.
5. Port Palace: The Port Place is a boutique hotel and as such, retains an identity and personalized service that can’t be found in the other chain hotels. It also has a Michelin star gourmet restaurant and bar on the sixth floor. Also to be noted that some of the rooms offer an excellent view of the Grand Prix as the F1 race cars weave in and out of the streets of Monte Carlo.
6. Hôtel Hermitage: The Hermitage is yet another star among MonteCarlo hotels, with views of the Mediterranean and the marina. Hôtel Hermitage offers direct access to the Les Thermes Marins de Monte-Carlo. It also has a quality restaurant in Le Vistamar, which offers seasonal cuisine prepared under the watchful eye of star chef Chef Joël Garault.
7. Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo: Hôtel Metropoleis a historic hotel which dates back to 1886 and has been refurbished in 2004 with help from interior designer Jacques Garcia. In addition to all the modern amenities and facilities that hotel guests need, the Metropole also offers access to the Monte Carlo Casino, has a heated seawater outdoor pool, and direct access to a private beach.
8. Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort: A baby by European and Monaco standards, the 334 room Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort opened in 2005. But the hotel already knows a thing or two about luxury and offering guests whatever they need. Built on the water’s edge, the hotel grounds have a 4-acre garden, restaurants, casinos, a night club and shows, and everything else that a guest could possibly need.
9. Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel: As the name implies, the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel is an exclusive 26 room sea facing hotel where every room has a view of the Mediterranean. It has a restaurant alongside the Olympic sized pool, and a bar and grill with a seafood menu located out on a peninsula which requires a boat transfer. There’s also Sea Lounge for sushi with cocktails and champagne.
10. Le Méridien Beach Plaza: Le Méridien also offers the same sweeping views of the Mediterranean, and has a private beach to boot. Le Méridien is also good for meetings and events with a 3000 sq meter conference centre looking down on the sea below.
Facilities that Cottages in the South Downs Offer
The coastal areas in South East England are famous for a range of chalk hills; this area is called the South Downs. Cottages in the South Downs get high numbers of visitors every year, because the beauty of the South Downs is simply unmatched. The area spans across more than 70 miles and is made of various types of chalks such as calcites and quartz.
Roaming across the chalk hills under the sunny sky is an amazing experience. Visitors find this experience so gripping that they can’t resist visiting the place again and again. For a wanderer, there can’t be a better place to discover by strolling aimlessly out on a leisurely walk.
Those who visit Sussex with plans of exploring the astounding splendor of the South Downs, seek cottages nearby. Many South Downs cottages with nice interior design and updated amenities have sprouted up over the last few years. Most of these cottages look like typical village homes from the outside.
The exterior of Buncton Mantor Cottage has this kind of a look, with it’s traditional mansard roof. The cottage has easy parking, a cycle store and a beautifully designed garden outside.
Shepherd’s cottage is set inside an area protected by stone walls with a small garden. It’s one of the most famous cottages in South Downs, with it’s original roof joist, staircase and fireplace intact. Located at the center of the historically important town of Steyning; with it’s famous clock tower and panoramic views of the South Downs, visitors will definitely find Shepherds Cottage somewhere worth staying.
Although based in rural and village settings, most of these cottages offer all types of modern amenities for visitors comfort. Since the cottages are situated in sparsely populated areas, privacy of the vistors is guaranteed. Safety is a big concern for all those visiting from overseas, but with South Downs cottages that’s one less thing to worry about. Parents are often concerned about their kids, however, staying in a South Downs cottage they won’t have to worry about them. Most have ample outside space that kids can comfortably turn it into their playground. Visitors are informed in advance if there’s anything to worry about, for example cottages that have a pond so may not be suitable for small children.
The exceptional South Downs scenery and its chalk hills are irresistible, so it’s obvious that more and more visitors will visit here in coming years. The Cottages in South Downs therefore, continue to hold their importance.