Travel

If we went back in time a few years, we’d find that Greece was once a great deal more popular as a tourist destination than it is right now. The last decade hasn’t been a happy one for Greece when it comes to how it’s perceived on the global stage – a sharp recession followed by an internationally-funded bailout has generated a lot of unwanted press. That’s taken some of the shine off it as a vacation destination, which is a shame because it’s one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

If you’re considering a vacation to Greece – and you really should – then you’ll find the Greeks will be very happy to see you. Tourism is a huge part of their economy, and as the country rebuilds itself it’s going to extra mile to make sure visitors feel welcome, and then go home and tell all their friends about how great it is. That way, they’ll want to come as well! It’s also a little cheaper to go than it may have been in the past – lower demand has meant lower prices, and so right now is a good time to take advantage before they shoot up again.

Before you set off to Greece and its enchanting islands, though, there are a few things you ought to know about the country. We’ve condensed them into five fast facts, so consider this a handy reference guide!

History And Modernity Are Fused Together

Greece is famous all around the world for its ancient myths and legends. We’ve all heard about Mount Olympus, and the great Greek god Zeus. Many people will have fond memories of Ancient Greece being their favorite subject when they were at school. That fascination has evidently followed people into adulthood; if you go to a mobile slots website or the related casinos, you’ll find various mobile slots based on Greek myth. Zeus has several mobile slots named in his honor. There’s even a mobile slots game based on Pandora! Just like with the mobile slots, though, modern Greece has fused the old and the new together.

Many of the structures of Ancient Greece are still standing – the Parthenon being the best-known and most mysterious (did you know it contains no straight lines or right angles?) but in many cases, the modern towns and cities have grown up around the old monuments. Don’t expect them to be standing alone in an open field – there’s probably a McDonald’s around the corner!

It’s A Bit Smoky

If you’re a smoker, firstly you should quit. Secondly, you’ll probably love Greece. If you’re a non-smoker, you might be in for a bit of throat irritation. There are more smokers in Greece than there are anywhere else in the European Union (and possibly the world). There have been various government initiatives aimed at reducing the smoking rate, but the issue is that Greeks don’t seem all that interested in giving up.

Smoking is theoretically banned in all indoor spaces, although in rural areas you’ll likely find nobody enforces or pays any attention to that ban. In busy outdoor spaces, you’ll probably be followed by the smell of smoke wherever you go. Make sure you take plenty of changes of clothes, and consider a face mask if it particularly bothers you.

Greek Retailers Prefer Cash

In the major Greek cities (for example Athens, which we’ll go ahead and assume is one of your planned destinations), you won’t have to look very far for an ATM. Almost everywhere else, you will. Some of the islands you might want to visit won’t have an ATM at all. Even if they did, they wouldn’t be much use to you; many traders and retailers only accept cash. You’re unlikely to have a problem with large, global brands, but if you want to get a taste of Greek culture and shop at authentic Greek stores, you’ll need to carry cash on you at all times.

If it’s not clear whether a shop or venue accepts card payments, make sure you get clarification on the matter before you attempt to make any purchases. If you waste a merchant’s time by trying to proceed with a purchase you can’t pay for, you may find out that the stereotypes of Mediterranean temper are well-founded!

Drive At Your Own Risk

You might find that the driving style of Greeks is a little more aggressive than you’re accustomed to. If they think you’re moving too slowly, they’ll have no qualms about overtaking you. That overtake might happen on either the right or left side. Motorcycles seem to operate according to their own rules, and weave in and out of traffic without warning (and there are a lot of them). If you’re not accustomed to it, it can be very stressful.

Because of the stress of driving, you might prefer to take a taxi, but you should also be aware of taxi etiquette, too. It’s not unknown for a taxi driver to pick up a fare while your ride is already underway. If the driver can figure out a way to drop you and your new friend off along the same route, they’ll do it. If this happens, don’t worry – you’re not expected to split the fare. Your driver will have a separate tab running for each of you. In a lot of ways, it’s a more efficient way of running taxis than is the norm in the USA!

They Don’t Get Drunk

Greece is the nation that gave the world ouzo. Because of that, you might think they drink ouzo like the Russians drink vodka, and that a Greek bar is, therefore, an exceptionally rowdy place. The Greeks do love a drink, but they’re especially good at knowing their limits. You will rarely see a drunk Greek anywhere. They’ll eat, drink, and be merry, but merry is as far as the majority of them go.

As you’re in their country, you’ll be expected to conduct yourself in a similar manner. The Greeks don’t take kindly to public drunkenness. Years of exposure to British and American bachelor parties on the islands have made them even more wary of this than they used to be. Enjoy a drink on your vacation, but do so in moderation. You’ll be more likely to remember your spectacular trip that way!

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

As the Philippines’ oldest urban center, Manila has a long and storied past from even before the Spanish conquest in the late 16^th century. This has resulted in many historic landmarks that have withstood the Spanish and American colonial periods, a short span of British rule, as well as Japanese occupation in World War 2.

Moreover, despite marked urbanization, the city’s official boundaries remain relatively compact if you’re not counting the surrounding municipalities that make up Metro Manila. As a result, it’s possible to tour the most important historical sites in quick fashion. You can even easily book a hotel near St. Luke’s Extension clinic close to the U.S. Embassy or around Ermita and still roam around the city from there. So, if you’re looking to experience old Manila, here are four important places that should be on your list.

The National Museum Complex

Though its initial structures were constructed only during the early 20^th century, the National Museum Complex maintains its historical importance as the custodian of the country’s most important cultural artifacts. Inside the complex are the National Museums of Fine Arts, Anthropology, Natural History, as well as the National Planetarium. Arguably, the museum’s most important pieces are two gigantic paintings: the “Spoliarium” by Juan Luna and the “Assassination of Governor Bustamante and his Son” by Felix Resureccion Hidalgo. These two paintings are famous for winning the gold and silver medals respectively in the 1884 Madrid Exposition of Fine Arts, beating out other entries from many European painters.

The Nakpil-Bautista House

Located in the city’s Quiapo district, the Nakpil-Bautista House is a large and old house that starkly contrasts with its busy and chaotic urban environment. Though the surviving structure dates only to 1914, the building was built on two lots where two houses had originally stood. It’s primarily known as having been the later home of key figures in the country’s early revolutionary history. From an architectural standpoint, it’s also unique among old Philippine houses due to design elements which borrow from the Viennese Secession art movement. This gave it a minimalist look that was ahead of its time. Today, the spacious interiors have also been preserved and transformed into a museum that you can easily visit.

Escolta Street

Formerly Manila’s commercial and financial center, Escolta is now one of the city’s most important historical areas. This long street runs from east to west, parallel to the Pasig River. Its eastern point begins at the district of Santa Cruz’ main plaza, ending at the Plaza Moraga in the district of Binondo. As one of the city’s oldest streets, Escolta is home to a number of important heritage buildings and historical landmarks. Today, these structures have been repurposed and are still in use. A good example is the neo-classical Don Roman Santos Building, which now operates as a branch of one of the country’s main banking institutions. Meanwhile, the Calvo Building now houses a museum which pays tribute to the area’s heyday as a frequent haunt of the rich and famous. With its many other interesting sites, you’ll be glad to know that the area is also easily accessible by multiple means. The easiest of which is by train through one of the city’s main metro rail lines.

Intramuros

Intramuros is a walled area within the city of Manila that originally functioned as the Spanish colonial government’s seat of power. The old city hall within was then transformed during the American colonial period into the headquarters of the Philippine Commission.

Despite the near-destruction of Intramuros during the Japanese occupation in the Second World War, post-war reconstruction efforts have allowed it to continue as an important heritage site. These days, parts of the outer wall are open to the public—with some portholes manned by replicas of the cannons that had once kept watch over the city. Meanwhile, within the walls are many places of interest, including old churches like the San Agustin Church and the Manila Cathedral. Many old structures are also still in use, such as the old Palacio de Santa Pontenciana, which is now the headquarters of the Philippine Red Cross. Meanwhile, a sizable chunk of the old Fort Santiago’s interior has been turned into a museum that celebrates the life of Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero.

Despite many modern developments, Manila still possesses a connection to its storied past through many remaining historical sites. As there are many other important places of note scattered throughout the city, make sure to take your time to fully experience the Manila’s rich past.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

 

At the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, there is so much to do. Frisco, a vibrant suburb, is especially chock full of exciting and interesting things. The Frisco Discovery Center is a diverse art, science, and cultural center that serves the local community and its visitors. A trip to this bustling venue is the perfect centerpiece for a visit to the Frisco area. Before you set off on your Frisco adventure, be sure to read about all of the offerings of the Discovery Center and how to make the most of your visit.

BLACK BOX THEATER

This intimate theater seats approximately 100 patrons and is home a variety of productions and cultural events. Be sure to check out the calendar for the latest upcoming events.

SCI-TECH DISCOVERY CENTER

This interactive science and technology museum is fun for the whole family. Visitors will learn about the human body, engineering concepts, principals of physics, and much more.

TRAINTOPIA – A RAILROAD ODYSSEY IN MINIATURE

Presented by the Museum of the American Railroad, this unique experience features 2,500 feet of G-scale model trains. Guests will immerse themselves in a miniature world of trains at this fun exhibit.

NATIONAL VIDEOGAME MUSEUM

This museum is a gamer’s dream. The expansive venue boasts a vast display of videogame artifacts so that visitors can explore the evolution of the videogame industry. It’s a popular exhibit, so be sure to get here early on weekends.

FRISCO ART GALLERY

This venerable art gallery features a variety of pieces from local, regional, national, and international artists. The rotating exhibits mean there is always something new to see.

DETAILS

The Frisco Discovery Center is open 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 am to 8 pm, and Sunday from noon to 6 pm. The center is closed on Mondays but some select venues may be open. The Frisco Discovery Center is conveniently located at 8004 N. Dallas Parkway.

TIME TO SLEEP

All of the fun at the Frisco Discovery Center will necessitate that you have a comfortable place to rest your head at night. Fortunately, there is an abundance of quality hotels in Frisco TX. The Hyatt House Dallas/Frisco boasts well-appointed guestrooms complete with a fully-equipped kitchen, comfortable beds, and lots of space. The complimentary breakfast and indoor pool is the icing on the cake at this comfortable hotel. The Omni Frisco Hotel is conveniently located just minutes from the Frisco Discovery Center. The upscale hotel features an infinity pool, a trendy restaurant, and more.

LET’S EAT

The Frisco area offers a cornucopia of delicious food offerings, guaranteed to satiate any appetite. Located in The Shops at Starwood, TruFire Kitchen & Bar is a great place to enjoy the endless Texas sunshine with its festive patio. The New American fare and creative cocktails offer something for every taste. For something a little funkier, you would be wise to try Mash’D. This trendy space boasts mouth-watering Cajun food, moonshine cocktails, and a vast beer list. If you are craving homestyle food, head on over to Babe’s Chicken Dinner House. This local chain serves up heaping helpings of fried chicken and all of the complementing sides in a rustic atmosphere.

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It’s not only positivity that changes the world. Although it’s an interesting place, Hong Kong has several negative aspects and I think you need to know about your trip. Enjoy!

It’s been 10 days since our arrival in Hong Kong and overall we had fun. However, apart from beautiful city views, efficient subway systems, free tea refills in restaurants and fast Wi-Fi, we have found some negative aspects of Hong Kong and we think you should know before you arrive. Read our 2 tips to find out how you can avoid negativity and make the most of your trip.

1. Accommodation in Hong Kong is not cheap

On arrival in Hong Kong, we went looking for a cheap hostel that we were able to stay for two weeks. With everything already filled or very expensive, we finally found the cheapest we could find – a small, windowless room in a small guesthouse in the middle of a twenty-story building at a price of $ 40 per night. Don’t play in Hong Kong casinos because you might lose a lot of money. It would be better for you to place your bet on onlinecasinodeutschland.com.de.

Two tips for not breaking into a bank before you even start:

Book online for at least a week before arriving in Hong Kong to secure the room and pay less for it. This will also save your feet and your patience.

Create a profile on the couch surfing or on other sites. The online community is home to thousands of residents around the world offering their sofas (sometimes beds) for travelers who want to create new friendships throughout their journey.

2. Hong Kong is full of pressure

If you are looking for a place to go and relax and stress your mind, this is not the place to come. The first day in Hong Kong and we feel immersed by the pressure of having to do everything fast and get mentally making money, to people (and giving you people in Hong Kong). We began to feel the hustle and bustle of the city which began to spread to us. People pushed to achieve what they want without caring about others and eventually becoming rather rude, losing their patience (especially with strangers) very quickly. Women marched on the streets distributing brochures offering cheap massages for relaxation, but the problem was that no one had time for that!

Two Tips to Avoid Stress:

Do some research and find a place to stay that is a bit far from the main area of ​​Hong Kong. So you will have a place of protection and the possibility is cheaper. With the metro connecting the entire city, it’s easy to reach all areas of business, shopping and nightlife.

One step back, take a deep breath and smile. Just because all these people have deadlines to meet, places to visit, and money to produce, this doesn’t mean you have to do it. If you are on vacation, remember, control your day at your own pace and enjoy yourself.

 

Business trips must be strategically planned because proper planning increases productivity and efficiency. If you need some more tips for a business trip to Princeton, NJ, the strategies in this guide can help.

Hotels Near Princeton NJ

First things first: booking yourself a nice hotel will remove a big mental and psychological burden from business travel. Even if you spend little time in your hotel room, having a nice place to stay is an easy way to make work travel a bit more humane.

There are many great hotels near Princeton NJ, such as the Westin and Nassau Inn. However, if you’re looking for convenience, consider booking a suite at one of the more popular business hotels, the Hyatt Regency Princeton. This particular hotel is near the Princeton Junction Train Station and Route 1, so you’ll have easy opportunities to explore the city. If you book a suite at the deluxe location by Princeton University, you’ll have access to a heated swimming pool, an advanced gym, and multiple bike paths.

If you want to have fun after a long business day, you can listen to jokes at the Catch A Rising Star Comedy Club or order drinks at the Artisan Kitchen & Lounge. Both of these spots are located right on property at the Hyatt Regency Princeton.

General Travel Tips

The day before you take a trip to Princeton, don’t consume any alcoholic beverages. Even a few drinks can dramatically affect your sleep patterns the night before your flight, and a hangover may cause dehydration during the flight. When the plane lands, try to limit your overall alcohol consumption, which can be hard when there are mixers and after work get togethers.

Pack items that can help you fall asleep during the flight if you’re usually stressed out before important business meetings. To increase your comfort, invest in a soft pillow that supports your neck. If you want a very peaceful sleeping experience, pack a pair of noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask.

As a businessperson, time is money; you should take proper steps to speed up the time that it takes to reach your destination. At most airports, delays happen in the security lines. To avoid long lines, simply join the TSA pre-check for $85; this will cover trips to Princeton and other cities in the United States. In order to cover global entry, you’ll need to pay $100. A TSA pre-check is a very cost-efficient solution. The one fee gets you an enrollment that lasts for five years.

To stay on track during business meetings, you’ll need access to all of your important files. While traveling, you can avoid costly situations by packing all documents in a carry-on bag instead of a suitcase. Large luggage is risky because you many lose important paperwork if your suitcase is misplaced after the plane lands.

Your carry-on bag must be light, and it should contain essential items. The most important products to keep on you at all times are phone chargers, a change of clothes, and your toiletries. A good rule of thumb is to pack your carry-on like it could be your only luggage for at least 24 hours once you land.

If you’re going to stay in Princeton for several days, place a few dress shirts in plastic bags, and stack everything in a suitcase. The plastic bags will prevent wrinkling while the shirts are tucked away.

Efficiency Tips

The day before your trip, gather all of your electronic devices, and let the batteries completely charge. This strategy will allow you to use your devices before boarding the plane, and you won’t have to battle for an open outlet at the airport.

If possible, book a non-stop flight to Princeton. Layovers should be avoided because they will make your trip longer.

 

There are some countries that not many have heard of, but they present the beauty that you perhaps never would have seen anywhere in this entire world. You can even state this reason that why these countries still enjoy the perfect nature bliss, unexplored land, and untouched beauty. Talking of such beauty then mentioning Azerbaijan is a must. Azerbaijan is amongst a few countries that share its boundaries with two continents, Asia and Europe. It is located on the Caucuses region of the Caspian Sea. The country reflects the best amalgamation of beauty, nature, and historical sites. There is so much to explore in the city that a single list will never be enough.

The first thing you need to do is to book Azerbaijan tour packages from a trusted travel site and then you can decide on what to explore in the country and then things to do there.

However, if you are confused with the places to visit as you may not be much aware of the places there, we have got you covered. Here, we are sharing the details of a few best places that you must visit in Azerbaijan.

Baku:

Starting the list with the capital city of Azerbaijan, Baku is also one of the most important and the modern cities that are soaked in the history presenting two different sides. There are plenty of places in Baku that you must visit if you want to know about the history, culture, and other significance of the country. The first place you should hit is Icheri Sheher. This is a medieval core exhibit which presents the Islamic style architecture and European style facades line up the old city. Other attractions include a long promenade near the Caspian Sea, Baku Boulevard, and the amazing view from the hill located near to the Martyrs’ Lane.

Sheki:

Sheki is a place that is set in the heart of nature and is located at the bottom of the Southern Greater Caucasus Mountain. This is a small town which has a long history of 2500 years. The population of the town is somewhere 60,000 and the main fame of this small place dwells in its textile, silk, and embroidery. The place has a special mention at the time of the Silk Road. At present, the town acts as a door to the ancient time and there are castles, mosques, and 18^th century established palace of Sheki.

Astara:

Another very beautiful place in the country of Azerbaijan is Astara. Many locals even claim that it is the most beautiful town in the entire country. There are mountains that surround the place and it is located on the border of Iran. There are dense forests that stay untouched giving shelter to many species of animals and plants. It is even a home to the famous and peculiar Caucasus leopard.

These 3 places must be in your list of must visit places when you are making a trip to Azerbaijan.

London is a place that you can visit at your desired time of the year because it is known to have a mild climate and extreme weather is not common. However, your visit will be a different one as the seasons unfold. Fortunately, you will find many flights from Dubai to London regardless of the season. The seasons are discussed in details below and it is up to make a choice on the best season that favors you or according to your interest:

1. March to May (spring)

During the spring, London experience longer daylight time and mild weather. The temperatures at these months of the year usually range from 11-15 degree Celsius. Spring rainfall is regular, and you are advised to travel with your umbrella. Easter holiday falls in the spring period and public holidays are the Good Friday as well as Easter Monday. With these holidays, most shops in London are closed and reduced means of transport (public means).

2. June to August (summer)

This is the great time that you can visit London. It is warm during this time and sometimes, very hot. It allows you to make the most from the London’s rooftop bars, beer gardens and green spaces. The temperatures range from 18-30 degree Celsius, making it a perfect time if you like to experience the music festivals as well as outdoor cinemas.

It is the right time to visit London and travel with your kids as they will be on school holidays. With its good weather, most people prefer travelling to London, therefore, book your hotel and attractions in advance for you to avoid queues.

3. September to November (autumn)

The 2^nd week of September marks the end of busy summer period. During this season, weather is mild with temperatures ranging from 11-15 degree Celsius. There are a number of yearly events such as Halloween celebrations and Totally Thames Festival. From November, you will be able to see magnificent Christmas decorations and lights.

4. December to February (winter)

Winter is a cold season with temperatures ranging from 2-6 degree Celsius. You can still enjoy the city, but you need to keep warm. There are several activities, decorations, and Christmas lights during December and ensure to book public transport earlier as there will be reduced services. Cheaper deals on restaurants, attractions, and accommodation happen in January and February.

Conclusion

Going through the seasons above help you plan in advance your journey and know the best season to visit London.

If holidaying in Spain, well, then you got to plans some favorite beach holidays. After all, Spain boasts of some of the best beaches out there in the world. While many vacationers arrive here for its major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, but there are scores of others who come to Spain only for its spectacular beaches. One can sunbathe on those silky sand beaches stretching across hundreds of miles of coastline. With stunning shorelines and islands, it is no surprise to come across some awesome beaches here. Nothing could be better than enjoying the beautiful beaches and excellent climate form a beachfront villa. Explore the wide selection of Spanish villas for rent to enjoy a relaxing seaside holiday. Just find a villa that fits your needs and meets your preferences and budget.

Spain is known for its diverse geography, cultures and of course the gorgeous beaches. Here are some of the leading beaches of Spain.

1. Asturias
   The emerald-green coastline of Asturias is far from the typical tourist trails and boasts of some of the most exquisite beaches in Spain. Amidst the low-key beach town, you will find remote golden crescents and rocky coves where a buzzing surf scene awaits. What is special about the region is that one is never far from both sea and mountains. Thus, one can enjoy sunbathing sessions and well as explore the mountains. Those long sandy shores along this stretch of coastline with striking backdrops add to the holiday appeal. These beaches are just perfect for solo travelers, families and groups alike.
2. Ibiza
   If you are looking for a mix of lazy days, grooving all night and sailboats, then head for Ibiza. This is just the place you are looking for, as these Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni are well known for buzzy nightclubs and techno beats sound. Packed with revelers during summertime peak season, Ibiza is not just about partying and music. Explore family-friendly beaches and quaint villages plus those secluded coves. Enjoy great Balearic foods from vendors and hawkers. Ibiza is everything beach lovers are looking for. Its modest population gets overpowered by millions of tourists that arrive here enjoying sunset chilling or boho-glam style fun.
3. llas Cies, Ria de Vigo, Galicia
   Well known as “Galician Caribbean, the trio of pristine islands located in the northwest region of Galic is exposed to the Atlantic Ocean. You can reach Cies from the town of Vigo by ferry and from there the two main isles, Illa do Faro and Illa do Monte Ayudo. Rodas Beach is undoubtedly one of the prettiest beaches of Spin because of powder-white sands and sparkling blue water. There are beach bars, campground and flea markets that pull the crowds. One can bring their own tents and supplies for camping.
4. Canary Islands
   Spain’s Canary Islands are situated towards the North Atlantic Ocean. These islands flaunt great strips of shoreline and aquamarine waters. You will find the shores busy with plenty of windsurfers, surfers, scuba divers and sunbathers. Laze on the soft sands and explore the vibrant underwater world. Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Lanzarote, some of the bigger islands boast of luxury accommodations and villas. Parque Nacional del Teide contains the third-largest volcano on the planet. Travelers love taking camel rides in Timanfaya National Park. Thus, it is one of the few islands where you can enjoy a mix of luxurious accommodations, beautiful beaches, and great world natural parks.
5. Cala Mesquida
   Cala Mesquida is a stunning beach that lies on the north-eastern tip of the Majorca Island. Those long stretches of pale sand frames by dunes and pine forests is indeed hard to resist by the beach lovers. There are many bars and restaurants on the beach that will keep your hunger and thirst contented. Cala Mesquida beach looks unusual because of its porcelain-colored sand and the dunes and greenery. It is just perfect for boarding and windsurfing thanks to the calm, sky-blue waters. Most people are drawn by the powder-fine sands as well as the traditional Majorcan cuisine.
6. Playa de Bolonia
   Playa de Bolonia lies in the Andalusian territory of Spain and is teeming with tourists. It is indeed impossible to find a blemished stretch of sand in this part of Iberian Peninsula. The beach’s 2.4 miles of shoreline curves around Bolonia Bay and has the planet of sand and surf. Though Playa de Bolonia beach feels wild, it offers all the amenities such as restrooms, showers, and umbrellas. You will also find some history buffs here as Roman ruins of Baelo Claudio lie next to the beach. Playa de Bolonia beach is a favorite with Spanish families as well as tourists. You will find surfers and kite-surfers making their way down to the beach. Because of its isolation, it remains largely unspoiled.
7. San Sebastian
   San Sebastian may not as popular as other beaches of Spain but has some remarkable offerings to make. The oceanfront resort town boasts of timeless beauty and offers world-class culinary and cultural experience. Spaniards flock to the cooler waters and shores of San Sebastian for a respite from soaring temperatures. One can relax on the isolated spots along the ocean and explore the famous hillsides. One can gaze over the coastline from some fine vantage points and the hilltop heights. The gently lapping seas and powerful waves across the picturesque sweep of sandy beach attract surfers from all across the world. Those pristine white sand beaches have attracted beach-goers who come here looking for sun and sophistication.

When we think of Disney, we often think of the children’s stories and animations. But Disney is also about musicals, and this is something that Ron Ozer is particularly interested in. He is from New York himself, where there are many concert halls and other such venues. However, he regularly travels to Los Angeles to view the Walt Disney Concert Hall as well. Interestingly, the rest of the world is not much aware of this particular concert hall. While everybody has heard of the amazing Disney resorts and of Eurodisney, the concert hall is a hidden gem.

Ron Ozer on the Walt Disney Concert Hall

The Walt Disney Concert Hall is a marvel of acoustic architecture. In fact, it is the world’s most sophisticated of its kind! Frank Gehry designed the hall and Yasuhisa Toyota worked on the acoustics. It was all made possible thanks to corporate and individual donors, including Lillian Disney, who all have a passion for art and music.

The hall is found in Los Angeles at 111 S. Grand Avenue. It opened in 2003 and immediately became the home of the prestigious Los Angeles Philharmonic, who Ron Ozer always makes a point of seeing. Uniquely, the hall has a sophisticated yet intimate experience. Additionally, it has already started to become one of California’s greatest structural landmarks. In essence, it has become what the West End is to London and Broadway is to New York.

The exterior of the building is absolutely fascinating as well. Its curves are stainless steel, but they have a matte finish. This makes it look very modern and state of the art. Inside, the Children’s Amphitheater and the Founder’s Room have panels that are like mirrors, and they have concave sections to further amplify them. This architectural drama is like a musical composition in its own right. The individual panels, meanwhile, have been sanded down so that it would not cause glare or heat problems for those around the building.

One year after the concert hall opened, in 2004, more work on the building was completed. Specifically, the large concert organ finished and this is a true masterpiece. The final decisions were made by Manuel Rosales who look at the designs that Gehry had made, and he consulted with Caspar Glatter-Gotz on these matters. The organ is one of the largest of its kind, with 109 ranks, 72 stops, and no less than 6,125 varieties of pipe ranges. Since completion, musicians the world over have put in requests for the chance to play this magnificent instrument. The organ was expensive, of course, but as a gift to Los Angeles County, Toyota Moto Sales, USA, Inc. decided to sponsor it. This made construction possible.

Since construction was completed, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, which for some reason still hasn’t managed to grab the international attention it deserves, has featured in a range of television shows and movies. In fact, it was in Everyday Italian, Iron Man 2, The Soloist, Brothers and Sisters, and also in the Matrix Revolution. And if you play the game Midnight Club: Los Angeles, you may be able to spot it in there as well.