For 2 days every July since 1979 truck lovers are able to indulge in one of the biggest and best trucking events. Just outside Iowa on highway 80 (exit 284) at the aptly named Iowa 80 truck stop hosts the Annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree as a thank you to the truck drivers of America for delivering goods across the country.
In 2009 this will take place in 9th and 10th July and some 175 exhibits are anticipated. One of the best times to visit will be the first night when there is a large firework display and the ‘Lights at Night’ competition when all the super trucks light up the evening with their impressive customised lighting. In fact this is a gathering of some of the most amazing customised trucks you can see together in one place. Many of them are works of art with thousands of dollars spent on their paint jobs and chrome. They are mobile works of art and to enter the competitions they also have to be road-worthy.
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Posted by Jackie Hewett on Fri 12th September 2008 at 02:23 AM, Filed in Unusual Hotels
I have always fancied having a decent sized fish tank in my bathroom – I think it would encourage me to slow down a bit and take more relaxing baths rather than just grabbing a quick shower. However, my bathroom isn’t really large enough, but until that day I have had to make do with visiting aquariums and a few’ under-water’ dining experiences. This seems to be something of a trend as more and more restaurants are opening worldwide offering the chance to nosh while you gaze at fish. Here’s a list of a few – perhaps I should visit them all and compile a top 10 list!
Ithaa Reataurant
Maldives – Conrad Maldives Rangali Island (part of the Hilton Group) – boasts the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant 16th below sea level. Currently this has to be the most ‘extreme’ aquatic dining experience. Unlike many restaurants of this genre, you sit in an acrylic tunnel (some describe is as 180 degree, others as 360 degree views) – but anyway, the fish are all around you rather than just on one side / ‘wall’. This restaurant is about 5 meters below sea level reached by a spiral staircase at the end of a jetty. The cuisine is described as ‘western fusion’ and you need to budget at least $120 for lunch or $220 for dinner – but then nothing’s cheap in the Maldives. As this isn’t an aquarium, but actually under the sea you will be able to see all sorts of marine life – including sharks and sting rays depending on the light – so lunch may be the better option. Hum – not sure what happens if the roof springs a leak though.
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I stayed at this hotel between Christmas and New Year a few years ago, and the Christmas decorations were still in evidence. Koh Samui Island is not large, and the hotel was barely a 10 minute drive from the airport, but I don’t recall hearing any airplane noise during my stay.
Chaweng Regent Gardens
I was fortunate to stay in one of the royal suites (in bungalow style accommodation right at the beach edge). To get to the room there was a (very pleasant) walk around a large fish pond with water-lilies and lush gardens. I believe that staying in the rooms adjourning the fish pond can be a bit mosquito-ridden so I would avoid staying in those. Our room was beautiful, we had a smallish outside seating area, a lounge area with tv and privacy screens, then into the bedroom (all in beautiful ‘blond’ wood) with another tv, off to the side was a dressing room leading to a black marble bathroom with the obligatory Jacuzzi. All very tastefully done.
Entrance to our Royal Suite
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Situated a couple of hours by ferry from Singapore (see things to do in Singapore) Bintan Island, and especially the Banyan Tree Resort, is a little piece of heaven, and a popular week-end escape for Singaporeans who can afford to visit. The resort is situated at the north western tip of the Island.
The hotel has a great spa - I indulged in a lovely ‘Lomi Lomi’ (Hawaiian) massage which was extremely relaxing rather than the more ‘sports style’ massage. The Banyan Tree also has an outdoor yoga pavilion overlooking the sea – well worth a visit. You can join in group sessions or book a private yoga lesson for up to 2 people. The hotel has 2 beautiful pools, one is circular on the ‘middle level’ near where the spa is and the other is down by the beach – a few minutes walk from the central areas.
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Are you planning a visit to the lovely clean, unspoilt city of Copenhagen, and are looking for a Hotel? Look no further, book a room at the Fox Hotel and you will be in for a treat!
Why?
The Fox Hotel was created by Volkswagen to promote a car! All the company’s innovative experience has come to the fore in the design of this unique residence.
The sixty one rooms were designed by 21 artists, encompassing everything from strict graphic design to wacky comical styles, Japanese Manga, amazing street art, flowers, fantasy, dreamy creatures, way out designs, secret vaults…and much, much more.
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