The 12 Apostles, Australia

The Twelve Apostles is a collection of limestone stacks off the shore of Port Campbell National Park, by the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia.

Their proximity to one another has made the site a popular tourist attraction. Seven of the original eight stacks remain standing at the Twelve Apostles viewpoint, after one collapsed in July 2005.[1] Though the view from the promontory by the Twelve Apostles never included twelve stacks, additional stacks—not considered part of the Apostles group—are located to the west within the national park.

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Airbus A380

The Airbus A380 is the world’s largest passenger airliner, a wide-body aircraft manufactured by Airbus. Airbus studies started in 1988 and the project was announced in 1990 to challenge the dominance of the Boeing 747 in the long haul market. The A3XX project was presented in 1994; Airbus launched the €9.5 billion ($10.7 billion) A380 programme on 19 December 2000. The first prototype was unveiled in Toulouse on 18 January 2005, with its first flight on 27 April 2005. It obtained its EASA and FAA type certificates on 12 December 2006. Difficulties in electrical wiring caused a two-year delay and the development cost ballooned to €18 billion.

It was first delivered to Singapore Airlines on 15 October 2007 and entered service on 25 October. Production peaked at 30 per year in 2012 and 2014. However, Airbus concedes that its $25 billion investment for the aircraft cannot be recouped. On 14 February 2019, after Emirates reduced its last orders in favour of the A350 and the A330neo, Airbus announced that A380 production would end by 2021.[6]

The full-length double-deck aircraft has a typical seating capacity of 525, though it is certified for up to 853 passengers. It is powered by four Engine Alliance GP7200 or Rolls-Royce Trent 900 turbofans providing a range of 8,000 nmi (14,800 km). As of July 2019, Airbus has received 290 firm orders and delivered 239 aircraft; Emirates is the biggest A380 customer with 123 ordered, of which 112 have been delivered.

Sweden is the best in the world at pretty much everything

As Sweden celebrates its national holiday today, it’s a great occasion to take a bird’s-eye view on the country.

By revisiting the many global rankings out there, it becomes evident that Sweden is among the best countries in the world at just about everything of import — from gender equality and tech startups to pension systems and social progress. The World Economic Forum also made note of this recently.

Sweden is the best

Ikigai

Ikigai (生き甲斐, pronounced [ikiɡai]) is a Japanese concept that means “a reason for being.” The word “ikigai” is usually used to indicate the source of value in one’s life or the things that make one’s life worthwhile.[1] The word translated to English roughly means “thing that you live for” or “the reason for which you wake up in the morning.”[2] Each individual’s ikigai is personal to them and specific to their lives, values and beliefs. It reflects the inner self of an individual and expresses that faithfully, while simultaneously creating a mental state in which the individual feels at ease. Activities that allow one to feel ikigai are never forced on an individual; they are often spontaneous, and always undertaken willingly, giving the individual satisfaction and a sense of meaning to life.[1]

Source: Wikipedia

Bonamanzi Game Reserve

Bonamanzi is a privately owned Game Reserve, 4000 hectares in size with the Hluhluwe River forming our Eastern border.​  Proclaimed a Natural Heritage Site in 1995 in recognition of the biodiversity of the Reserve we offer Sand Forests, Savanna & Wetland Areas.  This diversity is why Bonamanzi is recognised as one of the best birding destinations in Southern Africa.

From the Eastern side of the Reserve we offer magnificent views over False Bay – on the Western side a Viewing Deck overlooking the Lalapanzi Dam where one can relax and watch the sun set.

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Bonamanzi is home to “The Big Four“, no Lion.  We offer Game Drives on the Reserve which can be booked and paid for at Reception.  There are a few roads open to guests to do self drives but these are limited to certain areas and do not cover the whole Reserve, the Route covers a portion of the Sand Forest and takes you down to a section of the Hluhluwe River.  We suggest that guests drive in a 4×4.  Access to these roads is strictly dependent on the weather – no admittance during or directly after a rain storm, our Reserve Manager will open the roads once sufficiently dry.  This also applies to our Guided Game Drives.

One of Bonamanzi’s special features is that it provides an interactive bush experience in which you can participate in one of our guided walks or a game drive.  We offer unguided walks on our well appointed trails – caution needs to be taken on these and the guest needs to take full responsibility for their own safety.

Within a short 30 minute drive we have the Hluhluwe/Imfolozi “Big Five” Reserve.  We offer Game Drives to the Park and more information on these drives can be obtained from our Reception desk.

Isimangaliso Wetland Park – with access gained via the Ndlozi Gate is a mere 30 minute drive away.

Tips for International Travel

Whether it’s your 1,00th time traveling out of the country or your very first time going on an international adventure, there are always opportunities to make your trip even more relaxing and comfortable. I

1. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.

It is possible to become severely dehydrated on long airplane rides due to the lack of humidity in airplane cabins, so it is very important to drink plenty of fluids, namely water.

2. Get a Good Night’s Rest

Although going on a big trip is super exciting, do your best to try and get at least 8 hours of sleep the night before traveling. It is difficult to truly get a lot of rest when you are traveling for 10+ hours and you need to be alert when checking in, during layovers, and once you get to your destination.

3. Pack Ahead of Time

It can be stressful to leave all your packing for the last minute, so I recommend starting a week or so before so that the day of, you can feel confident that you have everything you need, washed and ready to pack!

4. Carry-on

I like having everything I need right at my fingertips, so I always try to use a carry-on.  This carry-on is internationally sized and yet still fits everything I need! Plus, it gives me the option of either rolling it or converting it into a backpack. My carryon is always compact to fit under the seat infront of me and contains:

Ear plugs, Eye cover, noise cancelling headphones with in seat adapter, phone cable for charging, ipad mini, phone, toothbrush, toothepaste, aspirin, pen and of course passport/boardingpasses.

5. Be a Minimalist

Whenever I go on a trip out of the country, it’s always so difficult for me to choose exactly what I want to bring. The weather is almost always unpredictable, normally less clothes are necessary than one would think of. Usually I bring a jersey or similar on board as flights tends to be cold.

Light

6. Bring a Packable Daypack

I don’t think I know anyone who has come back with less than they left with. And why would you? Everyone likes souvenirs or to pick up gifts for family and friends after visiting a cool place.

7. Stay Aware

One of the most important tips I can give is to be aware of your surroundings, especially when going to a foreign country that you’ve never been to before. While I personally love to wander, and discover new shops, café’s, and parks, it is still very important to always be aware. To keep my belongings safe, I use a money belt that fits securely around my waist, safe and out of sight from pick pockets. It also keeps all my important travel information, personal ID’s and debit/credit cards protected while going through security with RFID technology. Lastly, make sure that you have your phone with you always so that you can contact someone, or check Google maps if you were to get completely lost, or if you find yourself in a compromising situation.

8. Meet the Locals

One of my favorite aspects of traveling is meeting new people and making friends. There is so much to learn and discover through someone else’s perspective. But, also be careful when giving out specific information about who you are, where you are staying, or what your plans are. In general, just use good reasoning skills to feel out the situation.

9. Go Out of Your Comfort Zone

Be safe, but also make bold choices and have a lot of fun while you are traveling. Immerse yourself. Experiencing a new culture means new foods, new music, and new people. Try things you wouldn’t normally do, don’t shy away from opportunities because you are too scared or nervous – besides, those make for the best stories later when you get home. Embrace everything that you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch, and don’t be too quick to judge.

Traveling is a great opportunity to learn more about our world, to push yourself to try something new, and come home with an open mind and newfound respect for other cultures – so be yourself, be respectful, and be curious. In the end, no matter if you’re going on a backpacking trip in the Himalayas, skiing in the Swiss Alps, or adventuring to the beautiful beaches of Thailand, your trip will be so much less stressful knowing how to best prepare ahead of time.

Sweden is the best in the world at pretty much everything – Business Insider Nordic

As Sweden celebrates its national holiday today, it’s a great occasion to take a bird’s-eye view on the country. By revisiting the many global rankings out there, it becomes evident that Sweden is among the best countries in the world at just about everything of import — from gender equality and tech startups to pension systems and social progress. The World Economic Forum also made note of this recently.

Källa: Sweden is the best in the world at pretty much everything – Business Insider Nordic

Endless Horizons Boutique Hotel

Endless Horizons Boutique Hotel is situated in the cosmopolitan suburb of Durban North, in Durban South Africa. Having just scooped the Best Luxury Boutique Hotel in the World at the World Luxury Hotel Awards, it offers matchless 180 degree views of the Indian Ocean and prides itself on delivering modest, yet first-class service to the discerning travellers and guests that visit the hotel.

Often referred to as one of Durban’s best kept secrets, this hidden gem boasts 12 beautifully decorated bedrooms designed with a serene and luxurious feel. There’s a decidedly Eastern influence in the hotel’s décor and the magnificent koi ponds, brushed stainless steel and wood finishes is carried through in the antique Chinese wall art and décor pieces found throughout the hotel.

The hotel features a large wooden deck and infinity swimming pool offering a fresh and natural al fresco dining area. The conference room and restaurant are well known for the delectable food and beverages; try a signature cocktail on the deck at night. The hotel only makes use of the freshest, local ingredients and produce to ensure a meal of superb quality and taste. The menu caters for every taste and desire and will be acknowledged by even the most discerning of palates.

Intercontinental Business Class on Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines has developed to be on of the largest airlines covering middle and far east. Despite the oversized and noisy lounge at Ataturk Airport, Turkish Airlines hub. The travel experience has been a pleasure, travelling to Taipei in Boeing 777-300ER.

Dinner was Turkish Meze, champagne and swordfish!



Spacious seat with shoe compartment, foot rest and lie-flat bed.


The hostess assisted, after dinner, to make up the bed for the night.

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