History of the tower

The design of the Tokyo Sky Tree was published back in 2006 while construction started in 2008. The tower was is set to replace Tokyo Tower as Greater Tokyo’s broad casting needs. Over the years several sky scrapers were built and now tower over the 333m tall Tokyo Tower.

A comparison of the world's tallest towers

The original proposed height of the Tokyo Sky Tree was 2001ft (610m) but in a drive to build the world’s tallest tower and symbolize the region the tower was built on they increased the height to 2080ft (634m).

The Tokyo area (where Tokyo Sky Tree is built) as well as much of Saitama Prefecture and Kanagawa prefecture were originally part of “Musashi” Province. In Japanese the height of the tower 634m or 6-3-4 can be read as mu-sa-shi.

Things to do at the tower

Tokyo Sky Tree ready to open

The Tokyo Sky Tree features two observation levels, the Tembo Deck at 1148ft and the Tembo Galleria at 1476ft. The Tembo Deck is host to a gourmet restaurant, café, observatories, and a shop while on the Tembo Galleria visitors can enjoy the world’s highest skywalk overseeing the Greater Tokyo Area.

Hours and rates

Although the doors open to the public on May 22, 2012 advance reservations on the official website are required until July 11, 2012. From July 11 onwards you will be able to purchase tickets at the tower itself.

Prices range anywhere from 1000 yen to 2500 yen for adults and from 300 to 1000 yen for children. For a full list of prices please visit this page.

If your headed to Tokyo this summer, Tokyo Sky Tree should definitely be on your list and don’t forget to grab you mTrip Tokyo Travel Guide.

Alcatraz Island

1. Alcatraz is an island that has been used as harbor fortification, a facility for military detention and a maximum security federal penitentiary. Alcatraz Island has a rich history and housed many of the United States most notorious criminals, including Al Capone and “Machine Gun” Kelly. The natural locale of Alcatraz makes it an amazing place to visit – it’s easily viewed from around San Francisco, and is a quick boat ride away. Now a National Park it’s an incredible and educational place to visit.

A waterfall is just some of what you will see!

2. Golden Gate Park is one of the world’s most famous urban parks. Families can visit the serene Japanese Tea Garden, the oldest Japanese garden in the United States, with its Zen gardens, the famous Drum Bridge, and tea house. Stow Lake is a fun attraction on warm days, as families can rent rowboats and pedal boats and cruises the lake at their own speed. A visit to Golden Gate Park wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Bison Paddock, where you can visit a herd of bison that has been kept in the park since 1891.

3. The Exploratorium is a unique science-cum-art museum that kids (and adults!) love. There are many participatory wonders that you can discover with your family at The Exploratorium, including The Science of Music, The Science of Cooking, even Skateboard Science. These exhibits teach valuable information on living things, the material world, the mind, human culture, the earth and more.

Who doesn't love boats?

4. San Francisco Maritime National Park lets you visit and climb aboard some of the more famous vessels in U.S. Maritime history, including the USS Pampanito, a WWII Balao class submarine, the Balclutha, a 300-foot long three masted sailing ship from the 1880s; the C A Thayer, a three-masted schooner from the 1890s; plus seven more ships both big and small to explore.

Sea lions basking in the sun!

5. Sea Lions At Pier 39 will give you an up close and personal view of a throng of cute but loud sea lions. Their numbers fluctuate – at times there might be as few as a dozen, at other times there have been over 1,500. They are fun to watch, and kids can stare at them for hours. Pier 39 is a fairly touristy location, so it usually isn’t too hard to pry kids away from the sea lions.

6. Chabot Space & Science Center is a center that focuses on space sciences and astronomy. There are visitor shows and programs held for families to discover the secrets of our universe and the Milky Way. The Planetarium and MegaDome Theater are always big hits.

Enjoy the lush greens of the 4-story rainforest

7. The California Academy Of Sciences is one of the largest museums of natural history in the world. Founded in 1853, the CAS currently houses a large number of historical exhibits along with the Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium, and Kimball Natural History Museum. The four-story living rainforest display is an amazing display of fish, plants, animals and birds, and is one of the highlights of any trip.

8. Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in North America and the largest Chinese community outside Asia. It’s also a major tourist attraction, drawing more visitors annually than the Golden Gate Bridge. There are always interesting events taking place, whether something large like a parade or festival, or one of the more mundane snapshots of daily life (life shopping in a traditional Chinese market)

The largest Chinatown outside of Asia!

that can be fascinating to the uninitiated. It is a place that you cannot afford to miss when in San Francisco.

This post was written by Randall Pinkston of Neotravel.com, who specializes in travel deals, airfare sales, vacation discounts and Budget Rental Car coupons.

images by: Manue@PrettyKiku, Ricky Romero, Jerry Downs, iriskh, wallyg, clickykbd and albertobastos

For those who are unfamiliar with The Webby Awards, they are the “Oscars of the internet” and receive nearly 10,000 entries every year. Since 1996 the Webby’s have awarding web excellence for websites, online film, video and mobile content.

mTrip, Official Honoree - Webby Awards 2012

This year (2012) fewer than 10% of entries were distinguished as an Official Honoree and mTrip Travel Guides is just one of just eight (and the only travel guide) to be selected in the Travel section of Mobile and Apps. Other Official Honorees include Disneyland and National Geographic.

The mTrip Team would like to thank all of our partners and mTrip travelers who encouraged us and allowed us to improve our guides over time through their comments and suggestions.

Here are 5 recommendations from a native Chicagoan on where to get great food in Chicago. I’ve brought dozens of friends and family members to these restaurants and they’ve never been disappointed. Enjoy!

Giordanos

Talk about deep!

If you want to get a great slice of Chicago style deep dish pizza, Giordanos is the place to go! Made from the freshest ingredients, two slices of this cheesy monster will leave you stuffed for hours. For those over 21, you can enjoy it with a Goose Island beer, brewed right in Chicago! This restaurant is my friends’ favorite pizzeria in Chicago, but is a close second to the next suggestion below.

Lou Malnatis

Another great pizza

When rating Chicago style pizzerias, some claim that Lou Malnatis should be number 1, and it really depends on the person. Their pizzas are also made with the finest ingredients, and if you want a meat topping, I highly suggest adding Italian sausage. Although not as thick as Giordanos, you certainly won’t be disappointed with your meal at Lou Malnatis. If you’re staying for a few days, try a slice from both pizzerias!

Gene and Judes

Fries, onion, pickles and more!

I honestly believe (and many Chicagoans agree) that Gene and Judes has the best Chicago style hot dogs, hands down! Their Vienna beef hot dogs come with all the fixings of Chicago style hot dog: yellow mustard, sweet relish, tomato slices, chopped onion, hot peppers, pickle spear, and celery salt. Don’t dare ask for ketchup unless you want to be yelled and laughed at! Their fresh cut fries are delicious as well, just make sure that when you get ketchup, you say it’s for the fries.

Ditika’s

A great place for steak

The legendary coach of “da Bears” has started a chain of steak houses in select cities, with one being in Chicago of course. The steaks at Ditka’s are massive and I am yet to hear anyone say something negative about Ditka’s. If the line is very long, Morton’s steakhouse originated in Chicago as well and is a good backup.

Portillos

"The" Italian beef sandwich

Portillos is an excellent place to go for lunch and they have something to satisfy everyone! Along with hot dogs and burgers, they have an amazing Italian beef sandwich. To add to their massive menu, they also have great salads and a pasta station. Many believe that their fries are the best you’ll find anywhere! You have to leave room for their famous chocolate cake for dessert!

This post was written by  Adam, who encourages travelers from all over the world to make at least one visit to his hometown of Chicago. He helps international travelers find the adapters from travelproducts.com they’ll need for their trip. He also helps fashionistas find the trendy shades they’ll need for walking around the town.

images by: stephee, A Gude, hcic, Marshall Astor, hubsterdisney  and selva

Night Safari and the Singapore Zoo

The Night Safari is one of the most unique zoos in the world. Opening in 1994 as the world’s first nocturnal zoo it took a different approach towards nocturnal exhibits. Rather than reversing the day-night cycles of the animals the zoo is only open at night.

A leopard resting at Night Safari

It houses over 1040 animals of 120 different species including Indian rhinoceros, tarsiers, leopards and tigers. Nearly 30% of species at the zoo are considered endangered species.

There are two different ways to see the animals: you can walk one of the zoo’s four trails or you can take a 40-minute tram ride around the zoo.

Right next door to the Night Safari is the Singapore Zoo. It has everything from tigers to elephants, monkeys to bears. There are a total of 315 species of animals from around the world!

If you show up in the morning you can even eat breakfast with an orangutan, elephant and a few other guests.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

There are many boardwalks to explore

Situated in the northwestern area of Singapore, the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve has been well preserved making it a great place to see a large variety wildlife native to Singapore including mudskippers, mollusks, Smooth Otters and Bitterns.

There are two routes that you can take and they both feature boardwalks, observation posts rest stops. Admission is only $1 for adults and $0.50 for children.

Pulau Ubin

The Dugong feeding trail at Chek Jawa

Paulau Ubin or translated “Granite Island” is one of the last rural areas left in Singapore. As the name hints, the island is known for its granite. The Island is only 3.9 miles squared but with only 100 or so villagers there is lots of greenery and wilderness to explore.

One of the main highlights of Pulau Ubin is Chek Jawa, which used to be a coral reef 5000 years ago. Today it remains virtually untouched and is alive with marine life such as sea hares, cuttle fish, octopuses and more.

To reach the island you must take a bumboat ,which will cost you a few dollars. Once you arrive, you can rent a bike to get around.

Jurong Bird Park

Flamingos at the Jurong Bird Park

Jurong Bird Park is home to thousands of birds and a dozen exhibitions. The largest exhibition is the African Waterfall Aviary. It has over 1500 free flying birds and the world’s tallest man made waterfall, which measures 100 feet tall. Other exhibits include the Pelican Cove featuring 7 species of pelicans and the Penguin Coast. If you want to get closer to the birds you can feed the birds or take the Panorail (monorail) through the exhibits.

Don’t forget to download the mTrip Singapore Travel Guide to help you navigate both the natural and urban sides of Singapore!

images by: Michael McDonough, cryptor3, bibicall, wildsingapore and linkway88

The history behind the tradition

The tradition began as somewhat of an accident. In 1961 a plumber showed up at the Plumbers Hall wearing white overalls that were stained an Irish green. The cause of the stain was a dye used to detect leaks into the river.

Steve Bailey, who was head of the local plumbers union at the time suggested that they dye the river green for St. Patrick’s Day. After discussing the idea with the port director and they decided to follow through with the idea and dye the Chicago River green through private funding.

Workers dying the river green. The dye starts as an orange powder but turns green once its dissolved.

In 1962 they dyed the river green for the first using a 100 pounds of dye. It may not sound like much for a river but it resulted in the river turning green for an entire week!  After a couple of years of experimentation they were able to settle on the right amount to only turn the river green for one day.

Today the event remains privately funded and the dye used to turn the Chicago River green is environmentally friendly. Unlike the original oil based dye, which was used until 1966, the current dye is vegetable based ensuring that the water quality of the river is unaffected.

Get the best views of the river

This year the river will be turned green starting at 10 am on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th 2012).

For the best views of the river, head down towards the Michigan Avenue Bridge. The area also has several attractions such as the London Guarantee Building,  the Wrigley Building and the Heald Square Monument.

We recommend you arrive early for the best seats and then enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day parade which begins at the corner of Columbus Drive and Balbo then continues North to Monroe.

Be sure to download the mTrip Chicago Travel Guide to navigate your way through Chicago.

images by: multisanti, michellemarie and Hans (lumilux.org)

Haggling at the Grand Bazaar

Holidays in Turkey will never be complete without a visit to the Grand Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar comprises of some 4000 shops and is surrounded by even more shops in the immediate area. Lamp shades, carpets, ceramics, fashion and jewellery are all just a few examples of the types of merchandise available at the Grand Bazaar. Haggling in Istanbul is a fun and great adventure; particularly when you realize just how low traders can go under enough pressure. Ask the trader for their best price and then drop it by more than half.

An amazing array of lamps for sale at the Grand Bazaar

Always offer much lower than you are prepared to pay and never look too pleased with anything you see even if you like it as that will give them the upper hand in any negotiation. Once you have got as low as you can tell them it is not low enough and they should give you a better price or you’ll go elsewhere as there are many shops selling the same thing. You’ll leave the shop having a better idea of the lowest selling price to use at other shops. You may even decide to go back to the first shop if it turns out that you did do a good job. Never dress too smartly or wear flashy designer clothes to go shopping or go on a Turkish holiday, as you will be sending out the wrong message if it’s a bargain that you are looking for.

Bargain Hunting at the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar

Saffron and other spices

The Egyptian Spice Bazaar was built in 1664, the same year that Kronenbourg lager first started commercial brewing. Exotic eastern fragrances tease your senses as spices, fruit, nuts and Turkish Delight (lokum), linger in the air. One of the best bargains to be found at the Spice Bazaar is saffron. Saffron sells at a fraction of the cost usually found in the West but remember to never take off your haggling hat. Scarves and necklaces can also be found for very reasonable prices so long as you put in the work and walk around to compare prices.

Special Gifts from the Copper Smith Bazaar

A shop filled with brass and copper

The Copper Smith Bazaar has a wide range of wonderful gift ideas for you to return home with from your Turkish holiday. Copper smiths can beat out a variety of shapes to make you saucepans, candle sticks, cauldrons or bespoke items. The Copper Smith’s Bazaar is not just famous for copper products but also sells a wide range of embroidered goods, jewellery and clothing.

This post was written by  Martin who has travelled through Turkey extensively and has picked up great bargains in Istanbul over the years. His site Low Cost Airline Guide has some helpful information for finding a low cost flight to Turkey for your next holiday.

images by: maistora, laszlo-photo, marfis75 and Curious Expeditions

1. Omnivore Books on Food (3885A Cesar Chavez Street)

Omnivore Books on Food storefront

A trip to Omnivore Books on Food is the perfect destination for anyone who is a cookbook collector, is a general fan of cookbooks, or just loves all things cooking. The store includes new, collectable, and antiquarian books on both food and drink. You’ll find anything and everything from early 19th century guides for starting a kitchen garden to what you need to know about your 21st-century apartment kitchen. If you can’t find what you need browsing their varied, interesting shelves, don’t be afraid to talk with one of their staff members. Many of them are knowledgeable and friendly. Don’t forget to see what’s on their events calendar. While you’re in town, you may be able to catch a tasting, author talk, or pot luck.

2. Discovery Street Tours (various locations)

These walking, street tours are science-themed. They provide an urban study of the science in your food, under your feet, and in every part of your daily life. The tour includes eating a variety of delectable goodies, participating in hands-on activities, and meeting like-minded people who are active, curious, and maybe just a little bit out of the ordinary. Foodies should consider one or more of the following tours: “The Science of Bread and Cheese,” “The Science of Tea,” and “Fermented Favorites: The Science of Cheese and Wine.” These tours will give you the opportunity to learn captivating food science while getting some exercise and touring a variety of San Francisco neighborhoods.

3. The Cheese School of San Francisco (2155 Powell St., 2nd floor)

Cheese sampling at the Cheese School of San Francisco

San Francisco’s Cheese School is a must-stop destination for all cheese lovers visiting San Francisco. The school is located in the historic, gorgeous North Beach neighborhood. Their web site offers schedules for cheesemaking classes, cheese tastings, open houses, cooking-with-cheese demonstrations, cheese movie nights, and occasional cheesemaker dinners. Additionally, they have intensive three-day programs for professional-level cheesemakers, which are held twice a year. If this is not for you, consider a one-night class such as “Mountain Cheeses,” “How to Stretch Mozzarella,” and “Vermont Beer and Cheese,” all of which provide an informative, delicious night out in San Francisco.

4. TCHO Chocolate Factory (Pier 17, at Green Street, on the Embarcadero)

Some delicious TCHO chocolate

The TCHO was founded by a former Space Shuttle technologist and is known for its dark chocolate. They make excellent milk chocolate as well. Their web site provides anything and everything that you could possibly want to know about chocolate science, history, and politics. When you are filled up on chocolate facts, head on over to the Factory at Pier 17 right on the water for a free tour. The views are stunning so don’t forget your camera. The tour will include a presentation and factory tour from their very entertaining and knowledgeable staff. The tour also includes a comprehensive, guided tasting of artisan chocolate that is out of this world.

5. Brenda’s French Soul Food (652 Polk Street)

Breakfast at Brenda’s French Soul Food

Chef Brenda (with the very appropriate last name Buenviaje) is a New Orleans native. She specializes in cooking with Creole and Southern influence and technique rooted in French cooking. You don’t want to miss her famous cream biscuits that are buttery, fluffy layers way beyond anything that you could imagine. The beignet flight is one not to skip either. It includes plain, apple, chocolate, and crayfish (if you can believe that) beignets. The destination is close to the downtown San Francisco area and is creative and delicious with generous portions that are still reasonably priced. What’s not to like here?

This post was written by Charlie of the Five Star Property Management Team who specializes in San Francisco single-family, multi-family and HOA management, as well as spreading the word about all of the great things about San Francisco.

images by:Kanaka Menehune, Ms. HC, pkingDesign, Laughing Squid & Caroline on Crack

Although the videos are in Turkish, the English subtitles allow you to follow along and get an authentic first hand view of Istanbul. If you are headed to Istanbul be sure to watch some of their videos for inspiration.

The term Manhattanhenge is derived from Stonehenge, where the sun aligns with the stones semi-annually during the solstice.  The dates of Manhattanhenge do not align with the equinox, as Manhattan’s street grid is rotated 29 degrees east from geographic north.

It was discovered by Neil deGrasse Tyson, the director of the Hayden Planetarium in the Department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History. Every year he releases the dates and times that Manhattanhenge occurs. Here are the dates for 2012:

Half sun

Half-sun on the grid:

Tuesday, May 29 at 8:17 pm

Thursday, July 12 at 8:25 pm

Full sun

Full-sun on the grid

Wednesday, May 30 at 8:16 pm

Wednesday, July 11 at 8:24 pm

Tyson suggests that you “arrive a half-hour earlier than the times given” and to “position yourself as far east in Manhattan as possible but ensure that when you look west across the avenues that you can still see New Jersey.”

Don’t forget to grab the mTrip New York City Travel Guide App to help you get around the city.

images by: Dan Nguyen @ New York City, OpenStreetMap contributors, ianqui and GRI SHA