Lamborghini Superbus

The Superbus looks more like a very long Lamborghini than a regular bus, but it’s able to transport 23 people over long distances at speeds of up to 250 km/h.

The world’s first superbus was developed at the Delft University of Technology, in Holland, under the supervision of professor Wobbo Ockels, who in 1985 became the first Dutch astronaut to travel in outer space. He thought trains were too slow for present day needs and also have the disadvantage of traveling only between stations, so he set out to build a super vehicle that could travel at lightning speeds and be eco-friendly at the same time. He and his team spent three years working on the Superbus, and the result is nothing short of impressive.

 

The Lamborghini-like Superbus is 49ft long (15 metres), 8ft wide (2.5 metres) and 5ft 5in high (1.65 meters), and was built using only lightweight materials like carbon fiber, aluminum, polycarbonate and fiberglass. It runs exclusively on electric batteries charged by solar power. The interior of the futuristic-looking vehicle offers the same luxurious features as high-end limousines and private jets. As you would expect, such a revolutionary invention can’t be cheap. It cost an Arab sheikh over $10 million to acquire the Superbus and fly it to the UAE with a jumbo jet, where it will be used to travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The hi-tech bus will travel the 75-mile distance between the two cities in under 30 minutes.

 

Within city space the Superbus will travel at normal speeds, but once it’s on the motorway it will switch to a dedicated concrete track parallel to the road and accelerate to 250 km/h.

 

 

 

 

 

 SUPER SPECIFICATIONS

Length: 49ft (15 metres)

Height: 5ft 5in (1.65 metres)

Breadth: 8ft (2 metres)
Top speed: 155mph (250kmh)

Seating: 23

Cost: £7 million

Funiculars & Cable Cars

From the National Geographic book Journeys of a Lifetime

1. Zacatecas, Mexico

   
   The teleférico (cable car) swings above the mosaic of streets, plazas, rooftops, and domes of this elegant, rose-colored city before ascending Cerro de la Bufa in just a few minutes.
   www.enjoymexico.net

2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

   
   The journey takes you first to Urca Hill above Guanabara Bay, then up to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain (1,300 feet/396 meters). In the distance is Rio’s famous statue, "Christ the Redeemer" on Corcovado Mountain, while the city and its beaches fan out below, splendid at sunset.
   www.braziltravelvacation.com

3. Mérida, Venezuela

   
   The highest and longest teleférico in the world takes an hour to ascend from a plateau in the Andes 10,250 feet (3,125 meters) to the top of Pico Espejo. Stop off at four stations on the way if you wish, and at the top admire Pico Bolívar.
   www.andesholidays.com

4. The Peak Tram, Hong Kong, China

   
   This funicular railway rises briskly up Victoria Peak—at a gradient of 4-27 degrees, so that all the buildings seem to be leaning over as you pass by! At the top the city views are spectacular, and you can dine, shop, or walk park trails.
   www.thepeak.com.hk

5. Genting Skyway, Malaysia

   
   The fastest cable cars in the world speed you up the longest cableway in southeast Asia. The journey ends at the Genting Highlands Resort, a cool 6,650 feet (2,027 meters) above sea level, with theme parks, shops, hotels, and a casino.
   www.genting.com.my

6. Gulmarg Gondola, Jammu and Kashmir

   
   The lovely valley of Gulmarg, at 8,958 feet (2,730 meters) in the northwestern Himalaya, is justly named the “meadow of flowers.” From here the world’s highest cable car rises, vertically, above pine-clad slopes to 13,058 feet (3,980 meters), almost the summit of nearby Mount Apharwat. From here you can see K2 and other commanding Himalayan peaks, and in winter launch into some serious off-piste skiing.
   www.webindia123.com/tourism

7. Picos de Europa National Park, Spain

   
   These mountains in northern Spain form part of an area of outstanding natural beauty. An excellent entry point is the steep cableway that carries you above a sunny, wooded valley in the Picos to 6,037 feet (1,840 meters). At the top you can walk to the viewpoint of Aliva, from where the sight of these mountains may well lure you to further exploration of this spectacular hiking terrain.
   www.asturiaspicosdeeuropa.com

8. Grindelwald-Männlichen Cableway, Switzerland

   
   One of the longest cable-car rides in the world links the village of Grindelwald-Grund (3,094 feet/943 meters) with Männlichen (7,316 feet/2,230 meters) in the Swiss Alps, and is overlooked all the way by such celebrated mountains as the Jungfrau and Eiger. In the space of a comfortable 30 minutes, you can marvel at these rugged peaks and the valleys below, without the need for hiking boots or skis!
   www.maennlichenbahn.ch

9. Table Mountain Cableway, Cape Town, South Africa

   
   The floor of the cable car rotates 360 degrees to give passengers maximum views on the quick journey to the summit of Table Mountain (3,560 feet/1,085 meters). On arrival choose from a number of paths for exploring the mountain—take a picnic for a relaxing visit. The atmosphere is often clearest in the early morning or late evening.
   www.tablemountain.net

10. Powell-Hyde Line, San Francisco, California

    
    Complete your city visit with a trip on the iconic Powell-Hyde line that trundles upward via the vibrant neighborhood of Russian Hill, before making a steep, lurching descent on San Francisco’s famous hills, ending at Fisherman’s Wharf. The Golden Gate Bridge shimmers in the distance.
    www.streetcar.org

unique home built on a big rock - part 1

Unique home built on a big rock is owned by Boston architect Henry Wood. Almost all the houses made of wood. Not only is it a turbine on the roof of a house which is driven by the wind into the main energy source, saving it?

Asia's top 10 shopping destinations

1. Hong Kong

Hong Kong is the land of some of the biggest and impressive shopping malls. From posh malls to open air markets and streets lined with hawkers, Hong Kong offers a huge variety for shoppers. Festival Walk, Harbour City, Times Square and The Landmark.

Pacific Place, The Landmark, The Galleria, Prince's Building, Alexandra House and the IFC mall are the main shopping centres. Admiralty is known for luxury goods.

And for those of you looking for some street shopping, two parallel streets called Li Yuen Street East and Li Yuen Street West have clothing, watches, jewellery, luggage, shoes at cheap rates. Hong Kong also has amazing sales during summer (July to September) and winter (late December to February). 

2. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is the second best shopping destination in Asia. Bangkok is a shopper's haven, a place that offers great discounts.

Towering malls and bustling street markets, Bangkok has great avenues to make your shopping an unforgettable experience. From antiquities, designer jewellery, clothes, CDs, electronic goods, Bangkok has an elaborate fare to attract all types of buyers. Central World Plaza is the biggest mall in Bangkok.

Thailand Emporium is an excellent shopping centre. Siam Discovery, Gaysorn Plaza, Amarin Plaza Bangkok, MBK Shopping Centre, Siam Paragon, Pantip Plaza on Petchaburi Road are some favourites among shoppers.

Chatuchak Weekend Market is the place to go for anything related to computers. Bangkok Patpong Night Market offers a wide range of fake goods such as watches, clothes, bags etc.

3. Singapore

It's a delight to shop in the lively city of Singapore . With designer boutiques, local and international department stores, speciality shops and bargain counters, cafes and restaurants, shopping is truly a pleasure here.

With over 250 malls, the shopping avenues in Singapore are endless. Orchard Road is a favourite among shoppers with malls selling clothes, shoes, electronics goods, furniture, rugs, cosmetics.

Kampong Glam & Arab Street, Bugis, Geylang Serai, Marina Bay, Little India, North Bridge Road, Raffles Place Riverside are must-visits. The Riverside area by River Valley Road houses the newest and oldest shops in Singapore. Raffles Place and Shenton Way are crowded shopping areas for a variety of stuff.

Also look out for unique arts, antiques, handicrafts and carpets. Singapore organizes a mid-year sale, which is the best time to go for shopping.

4. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

hopping in Kuala Lumpur is exciting and fun. Shops offer great variety, and value. Shopping malls, department stores, hypermarkets, shopping arcades, specialty stores, handicraft centers, duty-free shops, you have everything here.

The city also has night markets or 'pasar malam'. You can find hawkers selling a variety of local stuff, food items, clothing and cakes at these markets.

The Shopping Carnival, an annual sale held in October/November in Kuala Lumpur. Popular shopping areas are Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Cheng Lock, Petaling Street, Jalan H.S. Lee Bangsar, China town and central Market. The famous malls are Bukit Bintang Plaza, Low Yat Plaza shopping center Imbi Plaza, Sungei Wang Plaza, Starhill Plaza.

5. Manila, Philippines

Manila is known for its interesting book stores, handicraft stores, antique shops, and specialty stores, which make customised shoes, lamp shades, furniture etc.

Major Filipino department stores are Rustans, Landmark, Shoemart, Robinsons. Other must-visit places are the Ayala Centre for designer casual wear. It also has restaurants, bars, cafes, movie houses, bookstores and shops selling jewelry, apparel, accessories, shoes, and furniture. 

6. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo offers an interesting shopping experience. Shibuya is a major shopping area for Japanese fashion. Tokyo has many 100 Yen shops similar to $1 shops around the globe.

These are good places to buy cheap souvenirs. Takeshita-dori, a narrow street has fashion boutiques and cafes. The Nakamise Shopping Arcade offers traditional souvenirs. Other interesting shopping areas are Kappabashi Dori, Oriental Bazaar for great gift items and Harajuku Fashion.

Jimbocho is Tokyo's bookshop hotspot. For good clothing, head to Harajuku, Shibuya or Shinjuku, Shimokitazawa and Kichijoji. Meida Dori Avenue in Ochanomizu is known for musical instrument shops.

The Yamaha music store in Ginza sells almost every musical instrument. Yasukuni Dori in Ochanomizu is the place to go for sports shops. The best shopping locations are Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukero (JR Yamanote Line), Ginza and Nihombashi (Ginza Subway Line).

7. Shanghai, China

Shanghai is a shopper's dream come true. Must-visit shopping areas are Nanjing Road, for a wide variety of old shops and modern malls. Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road which has designer brands from around the world.

For cheap shopping, head to North Sichuan Road. And for a taste of ethnic cuisine, head to Middle Tibet Road. Parkson Shopping Centre on the Huaihai Road is worth visiting.

Yuyuan Shopping City, Xujiahui Shopping City, New Shanghai Shopping City and Jiali Sleepless City are the famous 'shopping cities' in Shanghai.

While Yuyuan shopping city offers specialist Chinese goods, the new shopping and entertainment hub, Xujiahui offers a huge variety for shoppers. Other places to visit are New Shanghai Shopping City. Jiali Sleepless City facing Shanghai Railway Station is also a good place for shopping.

8. Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi is a great place for shopping silks, silver, embroidered goods, and ethnic crafts. Hanoi is known for good quality silk cloth, which you can get stitched in a day.

Many shops are lined along Hang Gai Street (better known as Silk Street). For ethnic products, there are several stores around Hang Be, Hang Bach, and Dinh Liet. Khai Silk is the place to visit for quality silks and linen clothing.

For decorative items and souvenirs, streets surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake are the best like the Nha Tho Street. For silver, antique oddities, and traditional crafts, try Hong Hoa Hang Dau Street. Hanoi has many galleries of oil, silk, water, and lacquer paintings. Asia House is a must-visit for wooden furniture.

9. Seoul, Korea

Shopping and entertainment go hand-in-hand in Seoul, making it the 9th best shopping hotspot in Asia. Head to Myong-dong, for great shopping deals and entertainment.

The Namdaemun Market is popular for good bargains in clothes and food. Itaewon is a bargain haven. This is place for buying export rejects at throwaway prices.

Apkujong offers fashiobalbe wear while Tongdaemun Market is a hub for inexpensive stuff. KoreaInsa-dong houses antique stores, art galleries and secondhand bookstores.

Chang-anp'yong antique market also has a huge variety on offer. Seoul also has the Yongsan Electronics Market, one of the largest electronics market in Asia

10. Shenzhen, China

Shenzhen is the tenth best shopping destination in Asia. A fast developing city, Shenzhen has a number of department stores and shopping centres.

Shezhen offers good buys in electrical appliances clothing, jewellery and seafood. Lo Wu Shopping Mall is a favorite shopping centre. If you are in Hong Kong, you can take a train to Shenzhen for some great shopping.

The prices in Shenzhen are incredible, people are friendly and shops offer a great variety. Dongmen and Hua Qiang Bei Lu are popular places to shop.

Ada tiga jenis manusia di muka bumi ini.

1. Belajar daripada pengalaman sendiri; mereka ini dikatakan bijak dan berpengalaman.

2. Mereka belajar daripada pengalaman orang lain; mereka ini dikatakan cerdik dan dapat menikmati kegembiraan dalam hidup.

3. Mereka yang tidak belajar daripada pengalaman sendiri mahupun orang lain; mereka inilah yang hanyut dengan kebodohan sendiri.

unusual trees from around the world

Burj Al Arab Hotel - world's most luxurious hotel

Burj Al Arab Hotel...7-star hotel

Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai, which was opened in 1999, is unofficially billed as a 7-star hotel and is the world's most luxurious and tallest hotel. Designed to resemble a billowing sail, the hotel soars to a height of 321 metres, dominating the Dubai coastline. The hotel's own website describes it as the best in the world. With your chauffeur driven Rolls Royce, discreet in-suite check in, private reception desk on every floor and a brigade of highly trained butlers who provide around-the-clock attention, this hotel promises the finest the world has to offer. Here are a selection of pictures to give you a taste of what you can look forward to as a guest. Al Falak Ballroom Al Mahara Restaurant Royal Suite Royal Suite Royal Suite Jacuzzi Atrium The Lobby The view at night, when it is surrounded by color sculptures of water and fire