TRAVEL SPECIAL..... IF ON BUSINESS TRIP WORLD SPECIAL

Finish Business & start the FUN

    The idea of business travel starts off with the promise of seeing the world, exploring new cultures, and all, at the expense of your company. Soon however, you realise just how hectic these travels can be... jet lag, rushing around for meetings, the culture shock and those long hours spent at airports.
    Instead of making your work trips such a drag, tweak them around a bit into fun vacations.
   

LONDON REGION:

England For most business men and women who are in dealings with UK, trips to London are a given. By now, you’ve already seen the Big Ben and ridden the London Eye. So what more does this amazing city have to offer?
LESSER KNOWN LONDON:

   Horniman Museum: Venture to Forest Hill in South London and spend a couple of hours at the Horniman Museum which houses a vast collection of antiques and a wildlife and flora collection. Stop by at the conservatory to enjoy lunch with a view of the greens.
    Sail through Little Venice: The area south of Maida Vale with its connections of canals is often referred to as Little Venice. This tranquil pocket of London is the perfect escape for an early morning stroll or a lazy afternoon meal by the canals. Hop onboard a Narrowboat cruise to Camden Lock and enjoy the scenery.
    Shop for quirks at Ridley Road Market: This market is a global pot pourri with its stalls selling items from Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. www.visitlondon.com 

TASHKENT REGION: Uzbekistan
    With the current global market changing so dramatically, companies are looking to invest in new segments and countries. Uzbekistan is one such budding country that is starting to catch the attention of both, investors and industries looking to get into joint ventures.
    Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan is also its business hub, and a work trip here will offer an interesting glimpse into this history laden city. Get done with the deals and meetings and then make a plan to explore the city by extending your stay here for two days or more.
    Tashkent was one of the important trade cities along the Silk Route from China to Europe which has led to an influx of various cultures and people.
    While on one side Asian influences are visible, the early invasions of the Arabs led to the formation of a strong Islamic culture here. The impact of the Russian Tsarist rule and that of the Soviet are however equally prominent.
THINGS TO DO IN TASHKENT:
    Tour the mausoleums of Tashkent: Mosques and mausoleums dot the cityscape of Tashkent much like the rest of Uzbekistan. In the capital city alone, there are five prominent mausoleums, which have stood the test of time. Kaldyrgach-bly Mausoleum is recognised as the oldest monument in Tashkent. The lattice work and engravings in the Mausoleum of Abubakr Muhammad Kaffal Shashi are exceptional. If your interest in the local history draws you here, do so with a local guide who can explain these monuments’ significance to you.
    Spend a day in Old Town: Like the Old Towns in other cities, Tashkent’s Old Town is also a flashback into the past. The houses, adorned with gardens juxtapose the city’s growing skyscrapers. Get a glimpse into the everyday life of the locals when you visit Chorsu Bazaar with its bustling stalls and noisy alleyways. This bazaar has been running in the same location for the past 2,000 years and is the oldest of its kind in Central Asia. Shop for spices, traditional home decor and embroidered shawls. Stop by the Moyie Mubarek Library Museum where the oldest Quran in the world is kept.
    Go shopping on Broadway: Looking for bigger brands? Head to Saligokh Street, known locally as Broadway, where a number of up and coming designers and brands set shop. The area is also known for its street artists, so stroll around and enjoy the local scene.
    www.tashkent.org 

SAN FRANCISCO
REGION: California, USA
    The city’s large Indian population, a sizeable percentage of which is involved in private business enterprises has led to many international ventures with Indian companies. So, you’ve just finished with a day of meetings while in the city and you’re looking to unwind and take in the sights. You won’t have to look too far for entertainment while in San Francisco. The city is an amalgamation of lush parks and floral gardens, rolling hillsides and a culture that is varied and accommodating.
SAN FRANCISCO’S TOP ATTRACTIONS:
    Golden Gate Bridge: No monument in San Francisco is as iconic as the Golden Gate Bridge. Drive across or stroll along the east sideway of the bridge. One can also explore the bridge on bicycle.
    Golden Gate Park: This vast stretch of green right in the middle of the city, is a great place to unwind. Visit the Japanese Tea Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, Stow Lake, Spreckels Lake, Bison paddock,
windmills and children’s amusement areas. The park is also known for hosting regular public events, like music concerts and film screenings.
    SF Chefs: When it comes to restaurants, San Francisco has an eclectic setup of five and seven star properties. If you happen to be in the city before August 4, attend the SF Chefs food, wine and spirits festival which will showcase the best chefs, dishes and drinks of the city.
    Chinatown: It is said that almost every country in the world has a Chinatown. San Francisco’s version is one of the most famous and the largest outside of Asia. Find yourself being transported into another world when you visit. Try Chinese delicacies, visit an acupuncturist and maybe even take in a Chinese theatre performance.
    Alcatraz: So you’ve seen this famous island prison in the movies... now it’s time to take a ferry boat to the location itself and see how the prison was in its working days. Today, the buildings are used mainly as a tourist destination. Stop by the gift store and pick up a souvenir to remind you of your time behind bars.
    Ride a cable car: The tram system is still very much in use in San Francisco and a ride through one of the city’s hills like Nob Hill, is a must for every visitor. Also visit the San Francisco Cable Car Museum.
    LGBT City: San Francisco has been one of the most homosexual friendly cities in America. It is also home to a number of gay friendly and gay centric nightclubs, lounges and hotels.
    Pier 39: From amazing views and a population of sea lions to chowder bread bowls and California wines, your visit to Pier 39 is essential to the SF experience. Explore dining, entertainment and shopping attractions, all surrounded by unbeatable views of the city and the bay.
    End your day with some Jazz: San Francisco boasts of the vital role it played in the creation of some of Jazz’s most popular genres. Visit the SF Jazz Centre for the best concerts in town.
    www.sanfrancisco.travel 

Compiled by Lara Rebello  ETTR130718