There's Always Time for Tea

By Chris Marsh

Tea was first introduced to Britain in the 17th century by the East India Tea Company and has remained quintessentially British ever since. In fact, recent reports show that an incredible 165 million cups of tea are drank daily in Britain! Without a doubt, tea drinking is routed deep in British history and culture.

During the 19th century, afternoon tea became a popular trend. In those days, most people tended to consume two meals a day, breakfast and an evening meal. One day, Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, felt so tiresome and hungry in the late afternoon that she requested a selection of sandwiches, cakes and tea. The idea soon cottoned on and the concept of afternoon tea was born.

Afternoon tea has remained so popular because it is simply delicious! It also serves as a great social-gathering event, uniting families and friends. Afternoon tea usually begins with something savoury, such as sandwiches, followed by scones accompanied with jam and cream, and then a selection of cakes. It is served using the best of silver and washed down with delectable cups of tea from all over the world.

There are about 1500 different teas available to purchase within the UK, each with their own unique style, taste and colour. Amongst some of the favourites, there is Earl Grey, Assam Black, Ceylon / Srilanken Black, Darjeeling and Chamomile. Tea is usually taken with milk and sweetened with sugar if desired.

In 1717 came Thomas Twining's introduction of tea houses for ladies. This came shortly after the East India Tea Company had initially spawned the concept of drinking tea. Since then, and to this day, tea houses and restaurants throughout Great Britain and much of the world have strived to deliver the perfect afternoon tea. Private Members' Club, Home House, situated in Portman Square, London, serve a truly delicious afternoon tea, against a backdrop of pure Georgian charm at Number 20. Home House is definitely worth a visit for afternoon tea, not just for a 'cuppa' but for the glorious neo-classical staircase showcasing the best of imperial Britain. It is one of the most opulent entrances in British architecture and is the perfect setting for the quintessentially British afternoon tea.

About the Author:

Home House is a social hangout for people from all walks of life, which is part of its uniqueness. Quite unlike many other of the best social hangouts in London, Home House is a place to enjoy leisure time or the perfect spot for a working day. Home House is one ofthe places to have afternoon tea in London.

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The Success Behind Key West Weddings Available 7 Days A Week 365 Days A Year

By Peter Estenoz

Attending an beautiful beach wedding ceremony is the desire of every individual. More success is attained by the couple considering that this is a once in a lifetime event. Planning for the occasion is always a challenge and assigning the planning job to a competent professional is highly considered and advised. Key West weddings available 7 days a week 365 days a year is certainly the best option. People can access these services anytime without many procedures. There are many things that make the services outstanding.

Professional planners are availed to make the occasion free of any discomfort. Planning is done at specified packages with respect to financial capability. Everybody is catered for and there is absolutely no reason for anyone not to enjoy a happy wedding. Filing of wedding license is also offered a short while after the ceremony. This eliminates the need to struggle with certain legal processes.

The venues available are high class. Professional designers ensure that high standard decorations are put in place. This main consideration is to match the venue with the dressing code. Arrangements are also perfectly done to make the venue attractive and colorful.

It is always good to keep happy moments alive. Professional video tapers and photographers understand the importance of this aspect and will enhance perfect coverage of the events. The main factor behind the quality of photographs and recordings done is the use of modern equipments. Coverage is done to full details ensuring that nothing is omitted.

The need to have reliable transportation services is also adequately met. This is done by the availability of high class limousines among other vehicles. The choice rests upon the preference of respective clients because the vehicles come at differentiated costs and looks whether it is a limo, trolley, or van your looking for. A team of experienced staff will ensure that there are no discomforts during every trip. All vehicles are in good shape and this has been made effective by regular servicing conducted.

Catering services are also provided making it possible to feed guests with high quality food. The food is prepared by qualified caterers and satisfaction is greatly assured. Visitors are handled in a friendly way throughout the occasion. Those who would like to order wedding cakes can also do so without any problem.

Key West weddings available 7 days a week 365 days a year offer the best entertainment. Each event is held with equal concern under the most favorable conditions. Honeymoon destinations are also suggested to eliminate struggles involved when searching for perfect venues.

About the Author:

Arranging for Key West Wedding Packages may be easier than you think when you use the internet. Key West Weddings are a unique and creative way of celebrating your special day.

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Guide on Why Hostels Are Good Places to Stay

By Marco Leonardi

As a student I usually, assumed that hostels were the top locations to stay. Hostels are inexpensive, hygienic, good food with fairly decent basic facilities. Hostels are like dorms where students live on university campuses. Hostels are often used as roadhouses for students who travel on led tours and instructional tours. In some place like London where living is awfully pricey, travelers like hostels to spend the night. Hostels are a great place to stay on the cheap as they only cost about 20 bucks per night even in the most expensive of cities. Most folks who stay at hostels are budget travelers.

Hostels are also a great place to hook up with other travelers. The sleeping area setting helps you get to understand other people and most hostels have common areas where people can relax and get to know one another. Additionally, most hostels have a bar o you can drink lager at inexpensive rates. As hotel guests are often on a restricted budget, this helps them have some fun and meet people while still staying inside their budget. Before going out research and know about hostels that offer bed, linen, shower and free meals. To find a good hotel, you have got to do research. Otherwise you may never find one that fits you. Besides meeting cool new folks, the other benefits of staying in a hostel are:

1. They are less expensive than hotels. Hostels are just a few greenbacks a night compared with the loads of greenbacks per night a hotel can cost.

2. Some organize group activities to interact with other travelers. This is the most engaging side of staying in a hostel. Many hostels arrange for group tours and help travelers explore the place. Meeting folks from different parts of the planet is a gorgeous experience on it's own. Hostel enables you to bond with other travelers.

3. Many have unlimited access to a kitchen and laundry facilities. Hostels give you kitchens to cook and occasionally have cook outs as a way to meet other travelers. In addition, hostels have washing machines to scrub your attire.

4. Most are usually found near public transport. Location is exceedingly important while traveling on a vacation. As it is you are in a new place and if you are puzzled about the best way to go about exploring the place then you get upset. Staying near to public transit system like trains or bus station helps in commuting. 5. Hostel employees can often tell you everything about the area you are visiting. They know the area and will help you find all the best places in the town you are visiting. These employees are a good resource for new travelers.

Consider staying at a hostel next time you go on vacation. If you're a young person or a traveler on a small budget, you might want to stay at a hotel since it'll be cheap and you can meet lots of people. Hostels are a smart way to network and socialise while traveling as hostels can be too formal. Go hosteling and have some fun.

About the Author:

Lear more about hostel vacation by going to my wordpress blog http://hostelvacation.wordpress.com.

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Carnival Time, St. Thomas US Virgin Islands

By Erol Toki

Carnivals celebrate freedom through dancing, singing, parades, drinks, food, fun and enjoyment. Carnivals can be found all over the Caribbean. They are held on various islands at different times of the year. In the United States Virgin Islands Carnival events take place on St. Thomas during the last two weeks of April, on St. Croix in December/January and on St. John in June/July.

The US Virgin Islands host three carnivals per year, and St. Thomas is internationally known for being the most extravagant. St. Thomas Carnival is the second largest Carnival in the Caribbean (after Trinidad), and it hosts the majority of the festivities in the spacious Lionel Roberts Stadium, with a capacity of 9,000 seats.

The St Thomas Carnival features musical venues, beauty pageants, calypso contests, parades, costumed stilt-walkers representing African spirits called Moko Jumbies, scratch bands, boat races and much more. Restaurants cater to all kinds of tastes, and food carts are filled with yummy treats.

Preparations start months before Carnival with costume making, rehearsals for the parade, and competitions. During Carnival, all the streets of St. Thomas are filled with music, extravagant costumes and treats. The islanders parade the streets in fascinating, elaborate costumes. The joy and happiness is so contagious!

The final week of celebrations is the most exciting, ending with two major parades on the last two days: the Children's Parade and the Adults' Parade. Children have their own royalty competition, music and art competition, carnival rides, and a Children's parade held one day before the Adults' Parade. The parade features lots of majorettes and children's steel-band orchestras.

St. Thomas Carnival festivities are culminating with the Adults' Parade, which is the most anticipated event of Carnival. It takes place on the street a block from the main road to the airport, all the way up to the Lionel Roberts Stadium. The famous Adults' Parade is the grand finale to the Carnival. It is amazing. The glittering costumes shining in the sun, the movement of the bodies following the Calypso beats, the bands, the food and drinks, all these make the Carnival an unforgettable experience.

About the Author:

Start writing and publishing articles about exotic locations like Caribbean Islands. Travel to Caribbean now!

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Enchantment in the Historic City of Hokitika

By Margery Pick

Like many other areas around the world, the city and area around hokitika accommodation was born from the fever of those seeking their fortune in gold. The unsettled West Coast of New Zealand called out to those with a sense of adventure and willingness to achieve it. It is easy to wonder exactly how wanderlust affected this future city. The interesting beginning of Hokitika in the 1860s moved towards the future with several areas of development.

The West Coast enticed thousands of men and a few women to investigate the likelihood of finding gold in that area. Blazing the trail towards a chance at riches involved leading the way through wilderness. Business owners also sought a fortune as they followed the cleared area with supplies that miners would need for survival or comfort. Alluvial deposits were quite disappointing at first, but more gold was discovered. hokitika accommodation began its long history with the gold rush and the discovery of more gold required more rooms. Seventy-two filled hotels in 186, in addition to serving food and drink, indicated the new settlement was a good investment.

Others quickly followed those who headed towards the goldfields and the growth of businesses and citizens around the Hokitika area. The construction of a port led to even further activity in the area, as sea travel made it easier to send and receive goods and supplies. The toll of life and damage earned the reputation of a dangerous port, although it was the 1950s before it lost the designation of official port of entry. Only so many ships could fit in the harbor and at busy times, others had to wait their turn for entry.

The town had the short-lived title of capital of Westland Province between 1873 and the end of provinces in 1876. Settlers decided to stay in the area even though the mining of gold dwindled away and found other types of jobs. Although population has declined, the area continues to thrive. Tourism is one of the area's largest businesses today.

Although the methods of getting gold are more sophisticated with today's technology, it is still interesting to tour a gold camp and see the techniques. Local shops have an assortment of rings and other jewelry items to admire and purchase, many made from local materials by resident artists. Whether they are designing statues or jewelry, the artisans use local assets like driftwood. Transportation to the city is readily available and once there, visitors will find it easy to travel to and from Hokitika motels using local buses. Shops, the beach and other areas of interest are within walking distance.

Quality upscale rooms encourage the relaxation some guests crave after a day of touring the sites in the area. Trees and gardens, part of the beauty of this area, provide a habitat for many lovely creatures such as birds and butterflies. Accommodations make visitors feel comfortable and welcome, offering smoke-free rooms and easy access to the cultural and shopping areas. Staying at a lodge near town gives visitors the ability to walk on the shore and take in the lovely ocean view, as well as discuss the options of which areas are the most intriguing to visit.

About the Author:

Looking to find the best deal on hokitika motels, then visit accommodation hokitika for you.

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Find Sensational Architecture in Dubai

By Steve Alexander

There are many hidden treasures that provide an insight into a country's vast historicism, or, as in the case of Dubai, its future. Buildings can simply define a city. Just think of the leaning Tower of Pisa, the Statue of Liberty, or the Coliseum for example.

A city can be made great by its architecture and we take a look at some of the most impressive constructions, both ancient and modern, from Dubai. Great deals on all inclusive hotels here are always available, so you'll be able to visit to experience some of these fantastic sites.

Nothing has been off-limits in Dubai until lately, as architects have got away with anything and everything. It was like an architectural cold war was taking place, with everyone racing to outdo each other. No matter how ambitious or outlandish the idea, someone always provided the money, and some of the most interesting buildings in the world were erected.

If you're looking for an example of Dubai's propensity for extravagant architecture, look no further than the Burj Al Arab Hotel. It is shaped like the sail of a dhow, an Arab sailing ship. Its two wings create a V-shape, which form the mast and is without doubt the most distinct feature of the hotel. During the day a white fabric gives way to a light, milky light inside the hotel, which makes it even more interesting.

Other examples of conspicuous construction in Dubai include the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, at 828 metres. Indeed, its cladding also provides a unique contrast to the more conventional architecture surrounding it. Worth catching at sunrise, the rays bounce off its reflective surface. Emirates Towers are a favourite building among Dubai's architecture enthusiasts. Most notable is the way the towers' 'relationship' appears to change, depending on which angle you choose to look at them.

About the Author:

Steve Alexander is a travel writer with a passion for Dubai. Click here for the latest hotel deals in Dubai or go to Hotels4u for a range of all inclusive hotels around the world.

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Looking For An Answer To Fly Clear

By Greg Diener

Obviously we would all like to have the comfort of being relaxed whenever we get on a flight. We want to have the comfort of knowing that our safety as passengers is being treated with good hands without having to fear the risks involved in any potential risks related to terrorism. Whenever we want to get on a flight, we use the experience of being up in the air to relax and put our worries behind to fly clear.

Being a person who has never enjoyed being on an airline flight, I want to be able to have the reassurance of knowing that the airlines and the government are not being lazy when trying to fix the threats involved with terrorism. There are lots of factors why I do not get on planes, and while terrorism is one of many reasons it's still the crucial problem most of us panic about when we think of prospective hassles with flight. Risk management is always something that is going to be with us at airfields and that's never going to go away. There is always going to be a problem with some crazy person wanting to cause havoc on a flight and security has to be mindful of the measures needed in order to stop disaster.

Problems though will occur at airlines when people get checked at the security lines at the airport regarding a passenger being a potential risk at the airport for silly reasons. They could include anything from too many items in their carry-on bag or the right amount of shampoo that is being allowed through the gate. While it is understandable that there can be reasons why it is needed, most of these measures seem punishing to well meaning travelers and only serves to frustrate them.

Let's ponder for a minute that there needs to be programs that have to be enter into the picture which will make the lives of everyone involved at the airport more calm. There have been some suggestions being put into place that are making security much easier for well mannered passengers to get on their flight. Hopefully, we can start to see more answers come into fruition to make the world much secure and less disorderly for every traveler.

Airline travel is something that we hope in the future, is going to be something that will not make us sigh in frustration due to the problems we notice in the news about it. These new solutions to addressing all the probable consequences involved with terrorism should be something that will be a tremendous improvement for every passenger in the long-run. For less continual plane riders like me, this would be something that would lean me and many people I know to riding on airplanes very much more.

About the Author:

Click here today if you're interested in learning more information about how you can clear airport security.

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Good Stainless Steel Cookware

By John Ilman

Many home makers consider ceramic cookware sets as very chic & classy equipment that can be of great value in the modern kitchen. But on the same note, there are some safety factors that regard ceramic cookware sets that one needs to take well into consideration while buying these convenient systems. These kitchen equipments are made with a special glazed up finish that would automatically add over some sense of dcor to your kitchen.

The conspicuously colored & pretty decorated pots and cooking pans are simply stunning to say least. Despite high standards of beauty that these effects have it would be appropriate to also take note in learning how to use then such that eventually they may not only bear aesthetic value but utility as well.

In spite of the astounding beauty which cookery sets have still it shall be considerable for one to consider learning various ways of using these kitchen sets to perfection such that they may be able to last up for even longer time frames.

In most cases ceramic cookware sets would be traded in form of dual unit effects that the interested user would now be able to choose up from. One primary structure that's featured here is clay while the other construction is pure enamel.

In many instances ceramic cookware sets area sold in form of dual units for the user to choose from. One form is purely clay while the other is enamel composed. The whole pure clay varieties of cookware sets are considerably lightweight as well as easy to use compared to their counterparts. Due to this lots of chefs and dedicated home makers prefer them over many other sets.

In the event that one objectively chooses to purchase these high quality sets by nature then it shall be good to also take note on the enamel sets which are still very versatile and multipurpose. At times this special feature could be added with lightweight metallic components for more robustness.

This multipurpose cookery could at times be integrated with a special metal coating for extra robustness, and such an addition effect may at times get compounded through with various iron based additives. Enamel material which's more often employed in making these unique sets are porcelain and additional effects of same nature.

The cookware sets may as well get fully molded to represent virtual integrative molten unit residues. On a more prominent range ceramic composed cookware sets have been noted to be very durable as well as resistant to many unconstructive conditions such as too much moisture or heat. Most of these effects also have some form of internal casing that would make cookery quite bulky when contrasted with their clay equivalents. The principle safety effect of cookware sets may be requested from some of porcelain unit glaze structure. Cookware sets are a great addition to your kitchen.

About the Author:

Looking for the perfect sets of cookware? Click Here for the data that you need. You could also check: All-Clad Copper Core Review

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Choosing Great Hotels For Your Upcoming Trip With Hotel Reviews Around The World

By Carla Rossouw

Accommodations are very important when travelling. They serve as your home in a foreign country. They serve as a resting place for exhausting trips. Therefore, you need to choose wisely. In this article, we are going to talk about how you can choose your hotel or accommodation when you are on a trip.

First, you should check the hotel reviews and ratings. A lot of sites are now offering services that let people write reviews on particular accommodations. People can write their comments about a certain hotel on different aspects. Previous guests also have the privilege to rate the hotel. When planning for your trip, it is a must that you check the rating of the hotel. You do not want it to ruin your trip, right? Therefore, choose wisely based on what the previous customers are saying.

The second tip is to check if the hotel has branches overseas. Normally, if the hotel is getting good feedback from the public, it is also recognized internationally. This means that the service it provides is at par with other internationally acclaimed accommodations. You can be sure that the hotel is good if it has already established a good reputation overseas. These types of hotels also include extra services such as driving the customers from the airport to the hotel and vice versa.

Third, you need to consider the positioning of the hotel. Have a look at itinerary again and pre plan the locations that you'll be visiting. Select which hotel is regarded as the smartly situated for that trip. Make sure that it's a smaller amount definitely not the sights as well as the airport terminal. It's also smart to make sure the place remains safe and secure. When you're advertising online, it is also smart to consider the check-in and search-out occasions from the hotel. These small particulars can delay your trip if overlooked.

Fourth, you need to consider the rates of the hotels. During off-peak season, the hotels are relatively cheaper because the demand is not so high. However during peak season, the hotel rates can go up and become really expensive because a lot of people are booking it. You need to be strategic when it comes to choosing the date. You should also watch out for discounts. Discounted rates and packages are often offered at certain times of the year. It is best to subscribe to newsletters, if any, to instantly know the latest discounts.

Fifth, you need to check the amenities and the extra services. You need to check what the hotel has to offer. For instance, does it have internet connection - cable or Wi-Fi? You should also check if there is a television set in the room. If you like swimming and other physical activities, you should choose a hotel with pool and gym facilities. There are also some hotels which offer massage and spa. These services will serve as a bonus during your travel. If you want them, make sure that you check them with your hotel staff. You can also learn about these extras from hotel reviews.

About the Author:

Looking to find the best Travel Deals, then visit http://carlarossouw.com to find the greatest travel advices andRestaurant Guide.

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Exploring The Lost City Of Machu Picchu

By Loraine Roane

Machu Picchu was home to the pre-Columbian civilization Incans. The term 'pre-Columbian' refers to the period of ancient history before Christopher Columbus set foot on what is now American soil in 1492. The Incas dwelt in highland Peru from the 13th Century until they were wiped out by the Spanish in 1572, when the last Incan Emperor, Tupac Amaru, was executed.

A Yale University professor of Latin American Studies rediscovered the lost city in 1911. Since then, the ruins have become a draw for intrepid tourists. The essentially intact cultural remains made the 2007 list of 'New Seven Wonders of the World.' Prior to that, in 1987, it was designated a Historic Sanctuary by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a World Heritage Site.

There are ten criteria under which a cultural or natural property may become listed by UNESCO. Of these, Machu Picchu meets four. It hosts natural phenomena of aesthetic importance and serves as a living example of evolution in process. It provides an outstanding display of human creative genius and it bears unique testimony to the ancient civilization.

Situated in the Andes Mountain Range, Machu Picchu has an elevation of 2,430 meters (7,972 feet). To get an idea of the fitness level required to fully enjoy exploring the area, visit a tall building in your area and walk up and down the stairs. Prepare yourself for several hours of this type of exercise.

Nearby Cuzco, at 11,000 feet or 3,400 meters, is a good place to stay for a day or two to get acclimatized to the altitude prior to tackling a trek in Machu Picchu. Using a hiking pole will help with fatigue and take the strain off any delicate knees. Anyone with a diagnosed respiratory disorder or joint problem should certainly consult a medical professional before subjecting themselves to the rigors of this sort.

Proud of their country, Peruvians are very patriotic. This is reflected in the way they want tourists to view Peru, to the extent that there is a high profile police presence protecting visitors from unwanted attention. Even when protesting against the government, the locals are polite and peaceful as well as passionate and loud about their cause.

Spanish is the main language, although Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and English are also spoken here. The lost language of Quipu was invented by the Incas. Less a language than a system of record keeping, Quipu was a system of data recording that consisted of knots tied in various colors of cotton or wool thread. It has been hypothesized that it was used to monitor tributes.

While transporting yourself to this remote area of South America can be expensive, once you are there it is fairly cheap to sustain yourself in terms of food and accommodation. While the month of February, the beginning of summer time, is a good time to visit the pacific coast of Peru, the trail to Machu Picchu is closed because of torrential rain. The months of May and September are reported to be good times to visit Machu Picchu. May is good because it is comparatively free of hoards of other tourists. If you are planning to do the Inca trail, your visit will be enhanced if you try to plan this aspect of your trip so that it ends with a full moon.

About the Author:

If you are thinking of exploring Peru and the ancient Incan site Machu Picchu, you are sure to find a deal at savacations.com. They offer several exciting packages for travelers to choose from, find out more details by visiting savacations.com/destinations/destination_item.asp?CountryID=22.

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