United States is a country that completely represents the western culture. Such culture existed in this country since time before it was recognized as a country. United Stated culture was mainly influenced by the British Culture in the beginning. British colonization resulted in the expansion of English language and legal system. Other European parts are also held responsible for influencing the cultural aspects of the country. Immigrants in a large number from the European countries like Ireland, Germany, Poland and Italy also brought about vast culture development in different parts of the United States.
And of course, the Native Americans, Immigrants from western Africa and younger generation America also share the influences on the culture in USA. The perception about United States being a melting pot is gradually diminishing as the recent academic opinion seems to talk in favor of cultural diversity. It is rather being recognized as salad bowl instead of melting pot. The unique point about the American culture is that has got subculture within it. Northern European culture is the strongest agent that has influenced the American culture—Germany, Ireland and England are the most prominent ones.
Hollywood is the biggest medium that forms the part of cultural entertainment. Many world famous studios of motion pictures are available in the American state of California. Hollywood movies star are the most popular faces in the world of entertainment. Various other means of entertainment like drama, theatre, music shows, games and several others contribute effectively in the development of cultural integration in the country.
Shopping in Hong Kong is going to be an incredible experience. Hong Kong shopping is famous for its competitive prices and enormous product varieties. Hong Kong imposes no import tax, no sales tax or value added tax. You can buy the hottest, trendiest and newest items at highly competitive prices. As a native Hong Konger, I would want to tell you some interesting facts about Hong Kong shopping – what and where to buy.
Jewellery
Many people don’t plan to buy expensive items while travelling. However if you are shopping in Hong Kong, you would have to change your mind. Diamond and gold are popular to buy here. You would find eye-catching sparkling jewellery shops in Central, Causeway Bay, Tsimshatsui and many other areas. You must be convinced by their fashionable designs, first-class craftsmanship and attractive window displays.
It is safe to buy diamond and gold here because Hong Kong has an ordinance that vendors have to give customers correct information of carat rating and gold purity.
Chow Tai Fook, Chow Sang Sang, Tse Tsui Lun are very reputable local chain stores. J’s, Just Gold, Just Diamond and Van Cleef Arpels are selling very fashionable items.
Electronics
Large chain stores like Fortress and Broadway have a wide selection of the latest products like LCD or Plasma TV, digital camera, iPod, MP3, video camera etc.
Hong Kong shopping is for everything. I did see people at the Hong Kong Airport taking home TV sets and other over-sized electronics. Don’t worry about weight and size, just buy whatever you want, as prices and product ranges are extremely attractive.
Electronics are best to be shopped at reputable chain stores. Shopping malls in Causeway Bay and Tsimshatsui have many large electronics stores.
Mobile Phones
Large and beautiful mobile phone shops are everywhere in Hong Kong. The mobile phones here are not just mobile phones. Other than the latest 3G technologies, they are equipped with all kind of functionalities such as photo-taking, video call, email, MP3/4 etc. Just start at HK$1,000 (US$125) and you’ll get more functions if you pay more.
Computers
Computer shopping in Hong Kong is very popular. Computer malls are usually packed with people. Please be prepared to put up with crowds. You can find all kinds of PCs, notebooks, accessories and related products. One of my favourite computer malls is located at Wanchai, just next to MTR Wanchai Station Exit A4. Windsor House in Causeway Bay has three floors dedicated to computer products.
Designer Label Fashion and Accessories
Hong Kong shopping malls are full of internationally famous designer label boutiques. Here is just a short list: Bally, Burberry, Chanel, Cerruti 1881, Gucci, Hermes, Jean Paul Gaultier, Louis Vuitton, Polo Ralph Lauren, Prada, Valentino….I am sure these shops are selling at the lowest price compared with their other shops in the world. Click here to check a list of china-travel-golden-route.com/Hong_Kong_shopping_malls.html Hong Kong shopping malls.
Tailor-made Suits
Hong Kong’s quality custom tailors are extremely efficient and good value for money. Turn around time could be as short as 24 hours for some tailors in the tourist area like Tsimshatsui and Central. Some of them even provide free transport service to their shops. In general, a men’s package around HK$1,600 (US$200) would include one suit, one blazer/sports jacket, one pair of matching slacks and two ties. Ladies’ package of a similar price would include a dress, one suit, one blouse, one skirt and one scarf.
You can pick up a Hong Kong shopping guide from your hotel room and call up a tailor.
Other Hot Items
Shopping in Hong Kong is very much diversified. There must be something that fits your budget and interest. Antiques, cosmetics, watches, sports wears and Chinese goods are very popular shopping items here. Click here for a detailed china-travel-golden-route.com/shopping_in_Hong_Kong.html Hong Kong shopping guide.
Tips
• Though Hong Kong traders are usually honest, some of them do apply bait-and-switch tactics. Always look for clearly marked prices and inspect your product before paying. Shops that display the Quality Tourism symbol are safe to buy from.
• Get an international guarantee to ensure you can receive service after returning home.
• Check and keep your receipts and ensure that all details and verbal agreements are fully listed.
• Credit cards are widely used in Hong Kong. Make sure you have lots of limit for shopping.
• Prepare a shopping list and research prices at your home town. Compare prices while you are shopping in Hong Kong.
• If something does go wrong, call the Hong Kong Consumer Council on (852) 2929 6111. Take immediate action, as it is easier to rectify a problem while you are still in Hong Kong.
Anna is a Hong Kong Chinese. She loves travelling, especially China travel. Her website is all about the top tourist cities in China.
china-travel-golden-route.com/ china-travel-golden-route.com
If you want to experience Africa in a truly unique, fun and exciting way, consider a safari expedition. This is usually a 4X4 safari trip that can last from 2 days up to 6 months. These are out of the ordinary safari expeditions designed for the fun-loving and adventurous sole. The greatest benefit when choosing an overland adventure is that the traveler can really experience the diversity of Africa by becoming part of it. With Safari Expeditions the other truly great benefit is that the traveler gets to remote, exciting and often off the beaten track areas where the traveler can get a taste of the real Africa.
When choosing a Safari Expedition to travel Africa, it is easy to plan your trip and activities, usually the Safari Company will give you an itinerary and often there is a certain amount of flexibility involved where the individual traveler can manipulate the itinerary to include their own plans. Another consideration when undertaking a Safari Expedition is Budget. When you choose an overland safari the host company will often include your accommodation, food costs and usually visa and gate entry fees into your budget. Often the expedition’s entire cost will incorporate all these costs, allowing you and others to budget for any extra activity you might want to do separately. These optional extra activity can be anything from white water rafting, fishing, horse riding to restaurant meals and buying curios.
An African Safari Expedition is a group holiday; travelers can travel on their own in the group or travel in pairs or more within the overland group. Overland Truck trips can have from 6 to 25 people in a group. As a result, these Overland Safaris are never boring, the days and evenings are filled with activity and fun. On the Safari the group has to perform a limited amount of general duties such as washing dishes and keeping the vehicle clean. These menial duties can often make the group feel united as a team and can promote friendship. Towards the end of the adventure all the members of the group can look back at the fun, excitement and team work that was involved in the entire trip, creating wonderful memories of making great friends along with experiencing the most diverse continent in the world.
The traveler can choose the type of overland experience according to the safari company; there are luxury safari expeditions and budget Over Landers to consider. The accommodation on the tour can also range from luxury safari park accommodation to budget tenting.
When you decide on an African Overland Expedition, research your chosen company on the internet, view testimonials of past travelers and check how long the company has been in business. Your chosen tour company can provide you will all the necessary information regarding your overland trip, such as currency and flights. You will have to consider the type of insurances and vaccinations necessary for the trip.
In summary the best way to describe an overland safari expedition is one of great adventure; this traveling is a truly self sufficient exploration experience which promises un-planned, exciting and memorable occasions.
Dylan Vincent wrote this article for the online marketers for lathita.co.za Lathita ( lathita.co.za lathita.co.za) Dylan is interested in the outdoors and wildlife.
Thousands of scholars over the course of time have written countless books on the history on England. England’s history is a long an elaborate one filled with murder, intrigue and fantastic accomplishments. If one was sit down and start to write a history of England they would have to pick just one aspect of the countries history, or they would be writing undoubtedly to the reached their death.
The royal family has always been a point of interest to people. Several novels could and have been written on the monarchy of England, and they way each of those monarchs have chosen to rule over the country. An exciting point in history came when those kings and queens no longer had complete and total control over all of the decisions made in the country, and instead worked along with a parliament to make decisions for the English people.
Just walking through the streets of England you can tell that it is a country enriched with history. Many of the buildings that stood hundreds of years ago are still standing today. Unlike their counterparts England stands true to tradition. Many of their traditional buildings still remain in tact, and are still used for the same purposes that they were used for when they were originally built. You have the opportunity to just walk by, or even stop and walk in a piece of history everywhere that you go.
In England you can visit the homes of famous writers for centuries before, and actually have the opportunity to walk around in their homes. In some other counties you just have the opportunity to read about the countries history, in England you have the ability to experience it firsthand through traveling to historical landmarks, and physically seeing how they were then, and how they still are today.
England started to become what we know today in 1588 when they defeated the Spanish armada. After that terrific win, Great Britain set its sights on the world and has remained a highly respected world power to this day. Although physically smaller than many other countries, England has managed throughout the years to maintain a great position of power throughout the world.
Throughout the years by way of a political or military decision both Scotland and Wales have been made a part of England several times. Today the two are set apart from England as their own countries, yet all are a part of the collective United Kingdom. Each of those transfers is filled with history, that you can in some ways still see today when making a trip to the other countries as well as England.
Another exciting part of English history has been the pulls between Catholicism and Protestants in the country. Once primarily catholic, King Henry VII was responsible for England’s ultimate breaking with the catholic church due to his desire to divorce his current wife and marry another. That break remained somewhat permanent, despite many future attempts to reinstate it, most famously Queen Mary Tutor (Bloody Mary)’s slaughter of numerous Protestants during her reign. Even today England is eighty percent protestant.
Before you plan any trip to England first take out a history book and scan through for paces where exciting events in history have taken place within England’s borders. Throughout the years a number of highly important events that have changed not only England, but also the entire world have happened within England’s borders. When making a trip to visit the country you have the opportunity to often see the exact place that these types of events took place.
Copyright 2005 S Wander
S Wander smoothhound.co.uk smoothhound.co.uk offers affordable hotel and guest house accommodation throughout the world.
