avocado heights park
avocado heights park
1. MOUNT KILIMINJARO - TANZANIA
The highest mountain on the African continent, ‘Kili' measures an astounding 19,340 feet at her highest point. The challenge to climb this majestic mountain has lured many to scale her heights, a demanding but worthwhile ascent by most accounts. Kili, which has five distinct ecological zones, is an extinct volcano.
2. OKAVANGO DELTA – BOTSWANA
The champagne-coloured waterways of this famous floodplain form the basis of a pristine Wetland of International Importance (RAMSAR). With some of the most fantastic birding globally and a wild dog population, the largest inland delta in the world is often called Africa's most beautiful destination. The region can be explored by land, boat and air. Enjoy the spectacular diversity of flora and fauna species.
3. THE EGYPTIAN PYRAMIDS
Easily the most recognizable of the 7 Wonders of the World, the Egyptian Pyramids have long held fascination for thousands of people. Recent resurgence of interest Egyptology has made trips to this alluring destination more popular than ever. The majority of visitors view the pyramids at Giza. The origins of these majestic structures continue to be a source of lively debate, while the stories of ancient curses and grave robbers delight us all.
4. PONTA DO OURO - MOZAMBIQUE
With around 100 Bottlenose and Spinner dolphins making the sheltered waters of Ponta du Ouro their home, this region is definitely worth visiting. Dive the reefs to 40 metres in depth; they are teeming with a rainbow of marine life. Dolphin dives are a popular while in winter the haunting call of the humpback whale can be heard.
5. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – SOUTH AFRICA
The oldest, most established reserve in Africa, the Kruger boasts an amazing variety of game and bird life throughout its numerous habitats. The fantastic opportunities to view the Big Five draw many visitors to the park, hoping to spot lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and black rhinoceros. Game drives and guided walking trails offer great animal watching opportunities in the African bush.
6. DJEMAA el FNAA SQUARE - MARRAKESH - MOROCCO
A tapestry of colours, smells, sites and wonderful local characters make a visit to this bustling marketplace an unforgettable experience. Be entertained by fortune tellers, street performers and henna women. The Municipal Market sells local fresh produce. Take a ride in a Horse-drawn carriage and enjoy the spectacular sunset. More performers come out in the evening and entertain till midnight. Enjoy the famous local orange juice or mint tea!
7. THE SERENGETI – TANZANIA
The Serengeti National Park, covering 14,763 sq. km, is named ‘endless plains' in Masai. Here are 35 species of mammals, including wildebeest, zebra, lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant and giraffe, and over 200 species of birds.
The annual wildebeest migration is possibly the most spectacular natural event in Africa.
8. THE VICTORIA FALLS - ZIMBABWE
From either Zimbabwe or Zambia you can experience the world's largest sheet of falling water. The spray can be seen up to 30 kilometres away – hence the local name ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya' – "The smoke that thunders".
Apart from the spectacular views including permanent rainbows arcing across the face of the falls, one can experience the waters along the river at closer quarters with white water rafting.
9. LAKE MALAWI
The 3rd largest lake in Africa is a tropical paradise. The tranquil waters lap against shores lined with palm, mango, banana and avocado trees. Here you can kayak, while snorkeling offers access to the colourful kaleidoscope of endemic cichlids found at this UNESCO world heritage site.
10. TABLE MOUNTAIN - SOUTH AFRICA
This iconic landmark stands in the centre of the beautiful city of Cape Town.
Climb, or experience the wonders of the revolving cable car. Either way a visit to one of the most recognizable mountains in the world is a must for your trip around the great African continent. And while you're there, enjoy the wonders of Cape Town -beaches, winelands, Robben Island - each one a ‘Top 10' in its own right!
About the Author:
Francois Botha is the developer of Akuko, a blog covering South Africa, travel, news, Cape Town and everything interesting. To read more of his articles visit his South Africa blog.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Top 10 Attractions In Africa
A new addition to the snaking list of Japanese restaurants in Singapore is Minori Dining & Sake Bar @ UE Square Shopping Mall. Garnering loyal patronage even from Japanese expatriates, Minori has indeed managed to park itself at the top of the aforementioned list. Set up in mid-2007 by Mr. Thomas Loh, Minori recreates the flavours of Japan in a 5-stars style at bargain prices.
This spacious restaurant boasts a large dining area that seats 150, two private dining rooms that seat 24 and a private tatami corner that seats 12. Despite the size, this restaurant still exudes a sense of cosiness and comfort. This, perhaps, can be attributed to Minori's décor concept, which centers on the theme, of the reaping season. "Minori", by the way, is Japanese for "harvest". Minori's (the restaurant) interior decoration is cleverly pulled together by artistic elements such as murals of rice harvests and art installations of dried reeds – perfect complements to Minori's mahogany colour palette, dim lighting and spaciousness.
The good people at Minori are set on ensuring that every diner – from the buffet fanatic, to the corporate luncher, and to the sake barfly – gets his fill.
For the buffet fanatic, a whopping 120-item buffet menu consisting of fresh sashimi, sush i, teppanyaki dishes, sumiyaki dishes and cooked dishes awaits at Minori. For starters, Minori's sashimi selection includes fresh, thickly-sliced salmon, tuna, black king fish, octopus, yellowtail, snapper and cuttlefish. If you want to sample an assortment of several sashimis at once, opt for the Sashimi Moriwase, a visually-appealing platter of five kinds of sashimis of your choice. Minori's Temaki ( Hand Roll) selection also enjoys a wide assortment of at least 17.
On the other hand, if you have room for only three, the California, Ebi Tempura and Spider hand rolls are best choices. These hand rolls are filled with generous contents of crabmeat, avocado and crunchy vegetables; tempura prawns that are deep-fried to perfection; and crispy deep-fried soft-shell crab respectively. If you are feeling adventurous, the Kabocha No Fukume Ni (Japanese pumpkin simmered in special sweet sauce) will see to that. Notably a favourite amongst ladies, this unique appetizer is hard on the outside, soft on the inside and sweet inside-out.
If your meal needs some beefing up, sample the Gyuniku Shogatayaki (beef strips pan-fried in special sauce and garnished with onions) – one of Minori's many signature dishes. To get the most out of this tender beef dish, pick up some beef strips together with some onions garnishing and dip thickly into the special chef's sauce. If you prefer white meat though, the Tori Teppan (chicken teppanyaki ) – marinated bits of tender and juicy chicken – is a must-have. And not forgetting the carbs-addicts, curb your cravings with the Unagi Yaki Meshi, fragrant fried rice that is generously served with fried eel and egg.
Should you choose to forgo the all-that-you-can-eat buffet, fret not; Minori's ala carte menu is all about exclusive flair. Minori's Sunshine Maki ($15), for instance, comprises succulent grilled chicken rolled with nori (seaweed) and wrapped with a thick layer of sweet mango cream. The Hotate Meintai Chizu ($18) consists of baked-to-perfection scallops that are lavishly garnished with high-quality cod roe and layered with melted cheese. Minori even manages to inject a culinary swish into the traditional century egg – by using it as a puree atop the delectable, chilled egg custard in its cold appetizer, Minori Pi Dan Tofu ($8). Need warming up? Let the miso soup take a back seat this time and allow the steaming Lobster Nabe Steamboat soup ($18) to take you to feverish heights of satisfaction.
Apart from these, Minori also caters to the corporate luncher by offering reasonably-priced executive lunch set; and to the sake barfly by offering an extensive beverage list of Japanese beers, sakes and shochu. There is something for everyone here.
Mimicking the Japanese's reputation for good manners, the wait staffs are professional and prompt. Empty dishes are quickly cleared away and water glasses are swiftly refilled. During busy periods, restaurant owner Mr. Thomas Loh even helps out on the floor.
The SD Food Advisor's Take on Minori
Minori is, as local foodies go, "die-die must try!" With something to offer everyone, from an eight-year-old to an eighty-year-old, it is the perfect venue for a family outing. The all-you-can-eat buffet especially is value-for-money, with prices ranging from $28++ (adults) for lunch and $32++ (adults) for dinner. As for the ala carte menu, some may find the prices a tad pricey, but for food with exclusive flair, it is justified.
About the Author:
Author Bio:
This petite wordsmith and literary mistress sure dream big: She wishes to place herself alongside the likes of legendary travel writer Paul Edward Theroux and celebrated food writer Alan Eaton Davidson as she unveils only the best of Singapore’s hot zones and sizzling kitchens. For this, Ezaida digs going “off the beaten track” to take her alike-minded audience on a Singaporean road less-traveled.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Minori Dining & Sake Bar: Harvesting Fine Food With Flair
Tags: ancient curses, avocado heights park, distinct ecological zones, dolphin dives, egyptian pyramids, kruger national park, mount kiliminjaro, okavango delta, spectacular diversity, spinner dolphins