WOW 
Saturday, 20. September 2008
Louis Vuitton Soundwalk
Louis Vuitton presents its first digital mp3 audio guide: The Louis Vuitton Soundwalk.
Tthe French luxury giant has created MP3 audio guides in six languages for three Chinese cities, with walking tours narrated by famous actresses: Gong Li for Beijing, Joan Chen for Shanghai and Shu Qi for Hong Kong. The audio guides were produced in collaboration with Soundwalk and launched in tandem with the Olympic Games in Beijing this summer.
Each adventure is divided into chapters at different points of the city, tied to a map and a slideshow of beautiful images.
Friday, 18. July 2008
No Arms - No Problem
She was born without arms.Some people resign from life when faced with adversity and hardships, some people thrive and overcome.
She is simply amazing! Be sure to watch this awesome human story until the end ... inspiring for all of us!
(via Le Web...et le reste)
Wednesday, 02. July 2008
My Photographic Caribbean Cruise Travelogue
As I told you last week, my husband Roland and I were on a cruise through the Caribbean last March (you didn't noticed, all entries here was preposted).And I promised that I will show you a photo-illustrated travelogue. Yeap! Just yesterday I finished the online photo album with a big smile on my face. We had an awesome time!
I am pleased to share with you our travel experiences - so here we go!
(Click the pictures for a larger view)
Grenada is called the Spice Island of the Caribbean, because of its export of nutmeg and other spices as Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Clove and more.
When you stand on the top of the viewing platform in Helvellyn you have a world-class view in so many directions! Look one way, and you see the southern Grenadines islands. Walk a few steps to the top of the garden, and you look along the north coast to Sauteurs and beyond.
I don't know what makes a place feel like home, but for me Grenada has it!
Barbados' east coast is sprinkled with some breathtaking rock formation. What at first glance are huge boulders washed up on the beach, are actually rock formations broken away from ancient coral reef!
A splendid landscape! The very scenic and relaxing area is a popular get-away spot for Barbadians, especially during the summer months.
Romney Manor is the oldest colonial plantation and was the first estate in St Kitts to free its slaves - courtesy of the owner, the Earl of Romney at that time. Established in the 17th century during the first major stage of colonial development, the property has been owned by only six families in over 350 years.
These lush tropical gardens are a photographer’s dream, the grounds are truly spectacular!
After the cruise we spent seven days at the Dominican Republic.
Not so famous like Punta Cana and not so crowded like Boca Chica, the La Romana/Bayahibe region in the southeast of Dom Rep still offers beautiful beaches and nice resorts.
We stayed in Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus, offered peace and seclusion. Everything is surrounded by extensive tropical gardens. The flamingos there are very tame and familiar. Maybe you don't believe but they eat from my hand. I have never feed a wild bird from my hand before ... it was awesome!
Folks, this is just a little appetizer of things to follow!
Within 14 days, we visited 11 stunning islands with historical towns, colorful people and spectacular nature.
Enjoy my photographic travelogue to the "Pearls of the Caribbean" - there are two versions you can choose from: a Flash version with some Caribbean music (use the music player at the bottom right) or the HTML version. Both has 229 photos with short descriptions.
Ursi's Photographic Caribbean Cruise Travelogue (Flash version, 1024 X 768)
Ursi's Photographic Caribbean Cruise Travelogue (Flash version, 1280 X 1024)
Ursi's Photographic Caribbean Cruise Travelogue (HTML version)
Friday, 27. June 2008
Oasis of the Seas
We were on a cruise through the Caribbean last March. It was glorious! – because the cruise and the places we visited were indeed wonderful, and we had a fantastc time. It was a small ship and very lovely, carrying 450 passengers and a crew of 200. Since I am also a fan of cruise ship travel ... a photo-illustrated travelogue is coming soon ...And since I'm interested in all aspects of cruise ships and travel.
I'm not sure bigger is always better, but this one is breathtaking. Royal Caribbean's 'Oasis of the Seas' will be ultra luxury and the world's largest cruise ship.
Central Park
Fast Facts:
- Launching late 2009
220,000 GRT (gross registered tons)
7 neighborhoods
5,400 guests
2,700 staterooms
16 decks high
AquaTheater
Oasis of the Seas will be the world’s largest and most revolutionary ship introducing the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept, which will provide vacationers with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal styles, preferences or moods. Boardwalk, will be a breathtaking space for families inspired by the nostalgic seaside piers of yesteryear; the first amphitheater at sea, AquaTheater, will celebrate water with the largest freshwater pool found on a ship offering a full spectrum of activities and performances for guests; and the urban living concept will take to the high seas with the introduction of industry-first loft suites offering expansive ocean views and luxury amenities.
Oasis of the Seas - Be sure to check all the pictures and the hi-res videos!
Friday, 06. June 2008
Louis Vuitton: Countless Journeys, Countless Emotions
Ah France! The land of Au Revious, Madames, Mademoiselles, Miseurs, Merci Beaucoups and ... Louis Vuitton!
Louis Vuitton has put together real "seasoned & well traveled" celebrities who share their authentic and personal insights about places they know and love. They share a sort of emotional interest built up over many journeys to one place.
For example - Keith Richards, smoking a cigarette, face like spider legs, tells us in one video: "London guitar players have longer straps ..."
The video-rich campaign site around stars Keith Richards, Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi, Catherine Deneuve, and Mikhail Gorbachev. Graf and Agassi talk about New York, while Deneuve talks about her hometown of Paris. See the trailer below.
For the full stories vistit:
Louis Vuitton: Countless Journeys, Countless Emotions
Tuesday, 13. May 2008
eTravelPhotos
Taj Mahal, India 2007
The photographs that you see on this website were all 'snapped' during my journeys to and through various exotic and some not so exotic destinations.
I have organised the photos as follows; firstly by trip, then by each country visited and finally by perspective of subject matter encountered, e.g. perspectives of sunsets & sunrises, flora and fauna, landscapes, people, etc.
Lions at Sunset, Kenya 2007
Tuesday, 26. February 2008
Birds Eye View Over Sri Lanka
Enjoy this 10 minute aerial trip over Sri Lanka.Created by JWT Sri Lanka for the Sri Lanka Tourism Board: Small Island Big Trip.
Wednesday, 06. February 2008
Country Insights - Communication Styles and Gestures
When you are traveling, gesture is your friend! Here are some information that helps travelers understand and learn about cultural differences.
Go beyond the do's and don'ts:
Country Insights by The Centre for Intercultural Learning. With lots of interesting cultural information for most countries worldwide.
See also: Essential business culture guides for the international traveller by ExecutivePlanet.
Tuesday, 05. February 2008
10 World's Fastest Trains
Last week I searched for 'fast trains' and found a lot of good stuff.
Let's see what I'm talking about and what I got. Not only for train enthusiasts ...
I hope you will enjoy the selection. Here we go:
They are getting bigger, better and faster than ever. Around the world, high-speed train systems are on the move. E.g. in China, you can ride between Shanghai Airport and downtown on a futuristic magnetic levitation (maglev) train that jets along at 267 mph. The ride takes less than eight minutes. Well have a look at the 10 bullet trains from Shanghai to Spain!
Shinkansen Trains (Japan)
Japan pioneered high-speed rail travel in 1964 when the Tokaido Shinkansen began passenger service between Tokyo and Osaka. The first bullet trains took four hours to make the trip, but the latest generation of N700 shinkansen trains have a top speed of 186 mph and can make the journey in two hours and 25 minutes. According to Japan Railways Group, the lightening-fast network has carried more than six billion passengers in its 40-plus years of service. Japan also set the current world-record speed for rail in 2003 when its experimental MLX01 maglev (magnetic levitation) train attained a speed 361 mph.
For more information and pictures: Byun Byun Shinkansen, a comprehensive guide.
Train à Grande Vitesse (France)
France loves its TGV (train à grande vitesse, French for "high-speed train"). Like an earth-bound Concorde, the über-brisk Train à Grande Vitesse set the record as the world’s fastest wheeled train when it zoomed to 357 mph on a test run in April 2007. (Usually, the TGV whisks passengers around France at a still speedy 200 mph.) In the '60s and '70s, France also experimented with a high-speed hovercraft train called the Aérotrain that was itself capable of reaching an impressive 267 mph.
For more information and pictures: TGVweb, a comprehensive guide but not an official site. (If you like go to official TGV site.)
Alta Velocidad Española (Spain)
Alongside the amazing food of El Bulli and the spellbinding architecture of Calatrava, Spain can also boast one of the best high-speed rail systems in the world. The nationwide network connects Spain’s largest cities, with its sleek Alta Velocidad Española trains zipping back and forth at speeds reaching 217.5 mph. Currently, Spain is tunneling through five miles of the Pyrenees mountains to build a high-speed rail line between Barcelona and the French border.
For more information: AVE official site at the RENFE (Spanish)
Shanghai Maglev Train (China)
In April 2007, China upgraded more than 3,728 miles of its rail network to carry trains that soar up to 124 mph, creating what is now the largest high-speed rail system in the world. The giant Asian nation has also earned bragging rights for its Shanghai Maglev (magnetic levitation) Train, which, manufactured by Germany’s Bombardier company, whisks passengers from the Shanghai airport to a downtown station in under eight minutes, traveling at speeds of 267 mph. Shanghai is currently planning the largest railroad station in Asia - 14 million square feet of space spread over five stories.
For more information: Pictures and technical Info about the Shanghai Transrapid Maglev.
KTX Rail System (South Korea)
South Korea’s KTX high-speed rail system was launched in 2004, cutting travel time between Seoul and Daejeon to just 49 minutes. While the 186-mph KTX was based on French TGV technology, Korea is close to debuting a homegrown, high-speed aluminum train called the G7 that would be capable of running at speeds of 217.5 mph. Looking even further ahead, Korea hopes to bring its next-generation of trains—the 248.5-mph Highspeed Electric Multiple Unit (HEMU) - online by 2011.
For more information: Korea Train eXpress
Taiwan High Speed Rail (Taiwan)
It may be a relatively small island nation, but that doesn’t mean Taiwan’s travelers aren’t up to speed. The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) can zoom from Taipei City in the north to southernmost Kaohsiung City at speeds of up to 186 mph - a journey that takes just 90 minutes, one-third the time of a conventional train trip. THSR chose to base its system on the Japanese shinkansen, in part because Japan had built its network to cope with earthquake risks that also affect Taiwan. The private system has already carried 10 million passengers since opening earlier this year.
For more information: Taiwan High Speed Rail Photogallery on Flickr and Taiwan High Speed Rail official website.
InterCityExpress (Germany)
Although Germany did not deploy its InterCityExpress (ICE) high-speed trains until 10 years after France’s TGV hit the rails, the country has made up for lost time. The third-generation ICE trains currently in service can whisk passengers from Dresden to Düsseldorf at speeds of 205 mph; and the system is integrated into the rail networks of neighboring Belgium, the Netherlands and France. Meanwhile, Germany continues to develop its Transrapid maglev (magnetic levitation) train, which has clocked speeds of 342 mph in testing.
For more information: ICE-Fanpage, Private fansite (German), Photos: The Railfaneurope Picture Gallery and ICE by Deutsche Bahn AG (German).
Eurostar (Europe)
A shining, speeding symbol of the fruits of international cooperation, the Eurostar partnership continues to strengthen links among England, France and Belgium. In September 2007, the opening of new tracks in England allowed Eurostar to set speed records for travel between London and the continent. Travelers can now hop from London to Brussels in just one hour and 43 minutes (moving at 186 mph), or London to Paris in just over two hours. Eurostar passengers have the added bonus of arriving in London at the newly renovated Century St. Pancras station, a masterpiece of Victorian architecture and engineering that practically glows after its $1.65 billion restoration.
For more information: Eurostar official website (check the destination guides) and Eurostar - For Tomorrow
Treno Alta Velocità (Italy)
The Italians introduced high-speed rail travel to Europe back in 1978 with the Direttissima, which shuttled between Rome and Florence at a molto rapido speed of 158 mph. These days, Italy’s Treno Alta Velocità SpA company is moving full speed ahead to create a newer, faster rail network. In 2005, the line between Rome and Naples began carrying passengers at 186 mph. A second line capable of the same speed opened next between Turin and Milan. Engineers are working on extending Italy’s high-speed networks across international borders into neighboring France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.
For more information and pictures: TAV official website.
Acela Express (USA)
The Acela Express, currently the only high-speed rail line in the U.S., operating between Washington, D.C. and Boston via Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York along the Northeast Corridor (NEC) in the Northeast United States. Acela Express trains are the only true high-speed trainsets in the United States. This has made the trains very popular, and by some reckoning, Amtrak has captured over half of the market share of travelers between Washington and New York. Outside of stations, Acela runs at speeds between 75 mph (120 km/h) and 150 mph (241 km/h), depending on track conditions. On the average, it is significantly slower than most other high-speed trains elsewhere in the world.
For more information: Acela Express official website.
Tuesday, 29. January 2008
World's Largest Moose
Northern Sweden have the all-clear for the construction of the world's largest elk, or moose as the animal is known in North America. Perched on top of a mountain, the 45-metre (148-foot) elk will double as a restaurant and concert hall that can seat up to 350 guests. From its antlers, more than 500 metres above sea level, visitors will be able to enjoy the spectacular view over the valleys below.World's Largest Moose
A junction in the nortern part of Sweden, a destination for people all over the world, a monument dedicated to wilderness, nature and the king of the forest. Our goal is for this giant moose to be "born" before the end of 2009.
- Situated on top of the mountain "Vithatten"
2 legs in the district of Arvidsjaur and region "Norrbotten".
2 legs in the district of Skellefteå and region "Västerbotten."
Construction completly made of gluelam wood with steeltubes in the legs and in the "pinetree".
Approx. 47 m long, 12 m wide, 35 m on the back, ca 45 m on the antlers. The antlers incl. tines approx. 100 m².
all inside the body of a wooden moose:
Tuesday, 22. January 2008
HDR Japan
Kourijima Island
HDR Japan features high dynamic range photography of Japan in an attempt to provide a visually stunning travel resource for this region. Unlike other online guides who can't really guide you through Japan, we want to make sure that you get a taste of this beautiful region.
Bise Okinawa
Saturday, 12. January 2008
Caribbean Islands For Sale
Let's dream a little dream together ...Dream Caye is perfectly located only 9 miles east of Dangriga and 2 miles from the Belize barrier reef, in the Sand Fly range of cayes in Belize. The island has a natural harbor on the southern side that is very near the eastern shoreline. Most of Dream Caye is covered in large Black Mangrove. There is currently a fisherman's house on the island that can be removed if requested.
Dream Caye, 11.7 acres - US$550,000
Located just 12 miles from Belize City, Caye Chapel has been operating as a very exclusive destination. The island offers 8 stunning beachfront villas and 11 marina view casitas in a spectacular Caribbean setting with a Par 72, 18-hole championship golf course. The island features a deep water marina capable of accommodating yachts up to 140 feet. Plus, a paved private airstrip, a huge formal clubhouse and restaurant with conference facilities, and over two miles of manicured sandy beaches.
Caye Chapel, 265 acres - US$75,000,000
If your dream is to buy an island in the Caribbean, here is the perfect company to help make it a reality: Caribbean Islands For Sale. With a large amount of pictures by air, sea, and land. Enjoy your dream!
Tuesday, 18. December 2007
Travelling the World in Motion VR
Fly with the Helicopter
Panorama VR with video clips! It’s a very interesting way to look the world.
The unique Motion VR really puts you inside a dynamic scene. First click the play button and then move your mouse over the clip: World in Motion VR.
Absolutly Great!!! And don't miss the MotionVR of the Month.
Saturday, 08. December 2007
Acropolis 360
Welcome to our immersive multimedia tour of the Athens Acropolis. One of the most important historical sites in the world today. Listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1987. The Acropolis remains a lasting link to 1000 years of Ancient Greek civilization.This tour will take you on a journey of sights and sounds, providing a tantilizing taster of the influence of Ancient Greek civilization on modern day art, architecture, culture and even sport.
Acropolis 360
See more VR Presentations by Immersive 360.
Monday, 03. December 2007
Landsat Image Mosaic of Antarctica
The Landsat Image Mosaic of Antarctica (LIMA) is the first-ever true-color high-resolution satellite view of the Antarctic continent enabling everyone to see Antarctica as it appears in real life. This web site is designed as part of the International Polar Year to familiarize people with Antarctica, to explore the richness of its features, to learn about why Antarctica matters to us all.
View LIMA: Discover Antarctica in greater detail than ever before by exploring the nine versions of the Landsat Image Mosaic of Antarctica (LIMA). Each version highlights different features of the landscape. Created from over 1,000 Landsat 7 ETM+ scenes, LIMA consists of two principle mosaics, six stretched versions and one center-filled mosaic. The map viewer displays the mosaics and Landsat scenes in polar stereographic projection using Web Map Service (WMS).
Mt. Takahe volcano in West Antarctica (76.2 °S, 112°W).
Though you wouldn’t suspect it if you were standing on the surface, West Antarctica contains many volcanoes. It’s just that most are buried under the ice and have been eroded so much by ice flowing over their domed surfaces that scientists can only recognize them by remote measurements of the different mass of volcanic rocks. Some, however, like Mt. Takahe have summits more than 1000 meters above the surrounding ice sheet.