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From Parramatta to Circular Quay, there is a really large river called the Parramatta River. Along that river operates the River Cat, a ferry that runs between Parramatta and Circular Quay.

The most common way to get from Parramatta to Circular Quay is by train. The train is faster, and much more regular than the River Cat, but in the end of the day it is a train.

I had some time on my hands, so I was not in any rush to get to Circular Quay and so I thought why not take the River Cat? So I wandered down to the ferry terminal and of course the first drawback is the timetable.

The River Cat leaves about every hour on the hour, as opposed to the train which runs between 3 and 5 per hour. But I had some time on my hands and I was not too far away from when the River Cat was going. So I waited around and jumped on it.

It is fairly inexpensive; it cost me 7 dollar 70 for the trip, which is fairly standard and not too expensive at all. So I waited around, I got on this River Cat, the first thing that I was shocked by is it is quite small.

It was a very personal experience; there was two guys working on the River Cat. They pull up at the ferry, throw the drawbridge across and on you go. And then you do not even pay until the River Cat takes off then they come around and collect your money for your tickets at that point.

I got on around at 5 o’clock, which is winter at the moment in Australia, so it gets dark quite early, so it was dark when I got on it. The entire trip takes just over an hour, you can do it by train around 35 to 40 minutes depending on the train.

There are some pretty interesting sights to see along the way; around 6 or 7 stops between Parramatta which is one end of the run and Circular Quay which is where it terminates.

The stops are all really little wharfs, they are little riverside suburbs where it pulls over, ropes up, puts the drawbridge out and 1 or 2 people would get on and off, very small, pretty quiet actually and some quiet little pleasant suburbs as well over there.

So you can take in those little wharfs and you have these people that get this little River Cat to and from work everyday. You can also see some riverside suburbs along the river, got its bushes and weeds on both sides, so you cannot really take it in too much, but during the breaks there is a lot of parkland, a lot of quiet pretty suburbs as well.

Definitely the highlight of that is the arrival at Circular Quay. You enter Circular Quay from the front of Sydney Harbour, from the mouth of the Parramatta River, swing underneath the Harbour Bridge, veer straight for the Opera House and take a right into Circular Quay, near the CBD. It is really spectacular.

Sydney Harbour is one of those icons, there is the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, but really the views do not get any better than going underneath it on the River Cat and then just having it there straight in front of you when you are in that River Cat.

So that is the Parramatta River Cat, obviously if you are in Parramatta and in a hurry, the River Cat is probably not the method of transport for you. It is a little slower and it is not so regular, but if you are not in a rush, it is definitely a far more scenic and pretty way to make that trip.

Garry Searle has lived in Sydney, for 15 years. His podcast, The Sydney Visitor, is the free authoritative guide to experiencing the sights and sounds of Sydney Australia. To instantly hear more inside information on visiting Sydney Australia go to http://www.thesydneyvisitor.com.

We often fret for hours on end on what we should give to someone. We look over catalogs, analyze their habits and try to determine what gift best exemplifies our friendship or love for them. So what is the best gift to give? Is it an expensive high-definition television, or is it the simple homemade quilt? According to a study done by Harris Interactive, it is none of those.

In this study that included 12,000 individuals, most of the respondents chose experiential or life experience gifts over material gifts. This is a great idea for you to give as a gift that will be sure to please. For most of us, while a handmade gift has sentimentality behind it, nothing beats the gift of a life experience.

What is a life experience exactly?

To know that, you must first ask yourself what the person you are buying for wants to experience more than anything. We are not talking about experiencing the newest home theater system or luxury car, but things that change someone’s image of the world and of oneself.

For some, it may be seeing a baseball game at Yankee Stadium, or a hot air balloon ride through the Alps, while for others it may be touching the Pyramids. No matter what it is, the life experience will stay with the person you give it to, long after a material gift has found a spot in the back of the closet.

Of course, life experience gifts are not exactly cheap. Flying someone to Egypt for a tour of the Pyramids comes at a lofty price, but is that one-time price not worth the joy and sheer exhilaration you will give to that special someone?

Often we put too much emphasis on material possessions and during Christmas, this is more evident than ever. It is often easier and quicker to just pick up that gaming system for someone rather than spending the time finding the right white water rafting trip that will blow their minds.

Has the Harris Interactive poll has anything to say about it? Of course. The extra effort is worth it because while the gaming system will provide countless hours of entertainment, the white water rafting trip will stay with that special someone for many, many years.

So throw out those notions of buying gift cards, socks or any other material things during the holiday season. Go out, buy a life experience and help open up the mind of that person you care so much about.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for flowers and gifts. When shopping for flowers and gifts, we recommend you shop only at these best online stores: http://www.sendflowersgift.info , http://www.sendflowers4.info , and http://www.usedjewelrysell.com .

India is the world’s second most populous nation, and with all those people is bound to come some beautiful, extravagant and perfectly executed businesses. Some of these are in information technology, an area where India is rapidly establishing itself as a market leader. Some of these are in outsourced customer service -well-trained staff and minimal accents are giving these call centers a newfound reputation for excellence.

One of the newest ways in which India is establishing itself as a global market leader is in its luxury hotels and resorts -some of the best in Asia, which you can often stay at for a fraction of the price of the same luxury in Europe or America.

The Oberoi Group led the way for India in creating a reputation for the best luxury Asian holidays. The company was established in 1934, and now manages 33 different hotels and luxury cruise liners in India and four other countries. It has been noted that prior to the last decade, many of the best hotels India had to offer had unpolished service staff, second or even third rate amenities like towels, and a characteristic musty smell -a legacy of the cities in which they are found.

The Oberoi group has concentrated their efforts on building and acquiring new luxury hotels in India over the last decade, and the result has been a surge in the market generally, led by this one pioneering company. They now offer spas, leisure hotels, business focused hotels, cruises, and beautiful surrounds and elegant perfection of service at all of their locations.

The Taj Hotel group is another chain of hotels making a name for themselves as purveyors of perfection in Indian accommodation and luxury hotels. They own Umaid Bhawan Palace, a hotel where you can stay in the same building as the royal family of Jodhpur. Many celebrities also take advantage of this fact, including Kate Winslet, Arun Nayar, Kate Moss, Elizabeth Hurley and Elton John. The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower hotel in Mumbai was one of the very few luxury hotels in India prior to the last decade -built more than a hundred years ago. They now have 57 hotels in 40 locations across India, and are growing rapidly.

You’ll also now find gems of luxury hotels in India such as the Shangri-La New Delhi resort. The Shangri-La brand has made an impression on the world’s psyche as a major player in the Asian luxury hotel market, and the New Delhi Shangri-La lives up to expectations. Shangri-La splits their focus effectively between business and leisure travelers, recognizing that executive guests crave luxury just as leisure guests do.

One of the factors in the rise of the luxury hotel in India has been the global marketplace -most of the guests at these extravagant resorts are international travelers, taking advantage of the fact that the exchange rates with their own currencies often provides them better facilities than they could experience at home for the same price.

Rajasthan and Mumbai are the places you will likely be looking at if you want to take a luxury rest in India. These forward thinking cities, with their high population concentrations, have the potential, human traffic and resources for creating more luxurious facilities. There is plenty to do and see around Rajasthan and Mumbai, which adds to the attraction of the areas for affluent travelers.

A little research will quickly uncover why India is fast becoming known for more than tandoori chicken – and how you can make a holiday in India one of luxury and opulence.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts – http://www.shangri-la.com – manages 54 hotels under Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 27,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.

If you are looking for a truly decadent experience for your next holiday, why not learn from the masters of comfort and style -the rich and famous. Celebrities and millionaires definitely do not put up with lost bookings, maids that enter without knocking, less-than-spotless suites – or anything less than the best! You deserve the same perks and benefits that these people get -so why not check out our guide to luxury hotels of the rich and famous in Asia.

The Park Hyatt Tokyo

Lost in Translation was a hit in 2006 for Bill Murray, Scarlett Johanssen and Giovani Ribisi. Most of the action in the movie took place in the hotel -the Park Hyatt in Tokyo. Tokyo lights up like a fairyland at night time, and the Park Hyatt is one of the best ways to take in the view in luxury for your next Asian holiday. You’ll find striking exotic colors, an ethereal atmosphere, space, clean lines and ultimate opulence at the Park Hyatt Tokyo.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Rajasthan, India

To feel like a true priness or prince, you must stay in a palace -the Umid Bhawan Palace gives you the opportunity to do just that. Many celebrities have taken advantage of the opportunity to experience the pampering and preening of the Umid Bhawan Palace on their Asian luxury holidays, including Kate Moss, Kate Winslet, Elizabeth Hurley, Elton John, and Arun Nayar. The palace took 15 years to construct, and has 347 rooms. Renting these out as hotel suites is one of the most sensible ways to ensure they are maintained properly. The royal family of Jodhpur resides here also -so if you are looking a royal soulmate, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is the place to stay in Asia!

Shangri-La, Beijing, China

One of the original locations of the world-famous Shangri-La chain, this hotel in Beijing is frequented by Sean Penn and Al Pacino. If you fancy yourself pitching your script to these acclaimed producers and actors, or would just like the chance to show Sean what he’s missing out on, do it at Shangri-La, Beijing!

Hyatt on the Bund, China

As a daughter of a hotel magnate, Paris Hilton would never stay in anything less than the finest luxury. So you can imagine that the Hyatt on the Bund is one of the most luxurious hotels in Asia. Paris enjoys magical views of the Bund and Shanghai from this hotel, as well as the space and sophistication that the Hyatt offers.

Le Meridien Pune
The beautiful facade of Le Meridien Pune in India glows like a welcoming fireplace for you to come home to at the end of a tiring day of exploration and adventure in India. Travelling through India and Asia can be a luxurious experience, as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie discovered at Le Meridien Pune. It is situated in close proximity to many of India’s natural wonders, as well as some of the country’s most vibrant and exciting festivals and events. If you’d like to imagine yourself as Mrs Brad Pitt … or even Mr. Angelina Jolie, try Le Meridien Pune!

The Grand Hyatt in Tokyo

Another celebrity favorite, the Grand Hyatt in Tokyo combines the golden red and darkly exotic beauty of Japan with sparkling luxury, for your next Asian holiday. The Harry Potter crew has been sighted here, on their promotional touring -Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint all stayed at the Grand Hyatt in Tokyo.

Le Meridien Bora Bora

If tropical beaches and white sandy beauty is more your style, you might want to stay at the same hotel as Sharon Stone in French Polynesia -Le Meridien Bora Bora. The hotel features beautiful traditional-style huts perched over a sparkling blue lagoon -but there is nothing traditional or basic about the accommodations inside the huts. There is a restaurant with a different theme of cuisine every night of the week, all delectably executed, as well as a turtle sanctuary, trying to help preserve the beauty of the natural environment in Bora Bora. Your Basic Instincts for luxury hotels will lead you to Le Meridien Bora Bora -just like Sharon Stone.

If you’d like to see what hotels your favorite celebrity stays at, in order to casually position yourself with them (!), you can Google ‘Hotels of the Rich and Famous’.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts – http://www.shangri-la.com – manages 54 hotels under Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 27,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.

Universal Studios Orlando is a massive 400+ acre vacation destination with thrilling rides, production studios, film sets, a water park and onsite luxury hotels. Located within the Universal Orlando Resort area, this Florida attraction features four exciting entertainment experiences in one location and includes over 40 exciting rides and 3-D shows based on pop culture’s most compelling films and television shows.

The Universal Orlando Resort area offers three on-site hotels with exclusive benefits for guests, including free shuttles to the parks as well as Universal Express ride access which lets guests bypass the regular theme park lines with just their hotel room key card. Theme park guests who are not staying at the Universal official hotels can purchase Express Passes at an additional cost along with a variety of FlexTicket options that offer combined admission prices for all four Universal Orlando areas.

Universal as a company has been known for terror for many years, and with its emphasis on Universal’s legendary film catalog, Universal Studios Orlando does not disappoint. Thrill seekers will love the action and adventure lurking around every corner and the many rides and attractions that make them feel like they are living out some of their favorite scenes. A ‘Ride the Movies’ concept links all the attractions found throughout Universal Studios’ four distinct areas listed below:

1. Universal Studios Orlando has six themed sections in a Hollywood back lot area where guests can enjoy attractions based on some Hollywood favorites. The Production Central area features the attractions “Shrek 4-D” and “Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast” while the New York area features the “Revenge Of The Mummy – the Ride” roller coaster. The Hollywood area is where live action stunts and special effects come together in “Terminator 2: 3-D” and the San Francisco/Amity area is where guests can participate in live shows like “Fear Factor Live”. World Expo features the interactive ride, “Men In Black Alien Attack” while the Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone allows guests to board flying bikes and cross the sky in the “E.T. Adventure”.

2. Islands of Adventure offers a journey through five islands where attractions feature favorite comic books, cartoon heroes and children’s stories. High tech thrills include the “Incredible Hulk” and “Dueling Dragons” coasters along with the “Jurassic Park River Adventure”. During the Jurassic adventure, guests board boats and try to escape from the Raptor Containment Area full of animatronic dinosaurs and end up shooting down an eight-story drop into a pool below. For the younger ones, attractions include” The Adventures Of Spider-Man” at Marvel Superhero Island and “The Cat In The Hat” ride at Seuss Landing.

3. Universal Studios City Walk is a 30-acre entertainment complex offers live music, famous name restaurants and nightclubs, unique shopping and a 20 screen AMC Universal Cineplex. Conveniently located at the entrance to both theme parks, it also contains world-class film and television production facilities.

4. Wet ‘n Wild Water Park features a variety of tube rides like the “Bomb Bay” and “Der Stuka” extreme speed slides and “The Storm” water coaster. Multi-person tube rides include the “Brain Wash” funnel ride, the “Disco H2O” raft adventure, the “Surge” and the “Bubba Tub”. Other raft rides include the “The Flyer” and “The Blast” toboggan rides and the new “Black Hole:The Next Generation”. The water park also has plenty of kid-friendly attractions like the “Bubble Up” inflatable bouncer and the tipping bucket, shallows and slides of the “Kids Park”.

Universal Studios Orlando combines family fun with film themes and puts guests right into the center of all the action with wild rides, live shows and sneak peeks behind-the-scenes. With more vacation adventure than you could ever imagine, your next family vacation to Florida should definitely include several fun-filled days and nights at Universal Studios Orlando.

Kelley Falgout is the publisher of http://www.FamilyThemeParkVacations.com, a vacation planning tool and continuously growing database of all theme parks, amusement parks and water parks located across the United States. Visit now to get your free copy of the Orlando Attractions Vacation Guide.