Commuter plane goes off taxi-way at Pulliam, no injuries

Officials say a US Airways commuter plane slid off a taxi-way at
Flagstaff’s Pulliam Airport, but none of the 29 people aboard was
injured.

Search Results – azdailysun.com

Hong Kong: Same Attractions, Different Experience

Hong Kong is famed as city for shopping, eating, entertainment and spas. All of this can be done with a little extra as well.

Let’s start first with shopping, for which Hong Kong garners most credit. Of course there are the usual shopping malls at Central Hong Kong and Tsim Sha Tsui and bargain buy markets at Kowloon. For something different, you could consider Whampoa Gardens at Hung Hom. The difference here is that the Gardens’ landmark is a ship-shaped shopping centre building. Given the size and scale of this shopping centre, this would be the place to truly indulge so “weigh the anchor and hoist the mizzen!” As Whampoa Gardens stretches over 1.4 million square feet and boasts over 300 shops, it is not a surprise that it is one of the largest shopping, dining and entertainment centres in Kowloon. To manage the stupendous number of shops, typical to Hong Kong style, there is a combination of themed worlds, namely Whampoa Gourmet Place, Fashion, Treasure, Home, Amazing and Pebbles World. These “worlds” offer fashion, accessories, dining and entertainment options. True to the malls’ nautical theme, walking on its terrace, which of course is decorated with colourful flagstaff and palm trees, provides good views of Victoria Harbour.

Shopping in general can tire one out, but shopping in a ship that size is even more demanding. Recovery therefore requires additional indulgence, specifically in the form of a spa. The usual for spas would be aromatherapy, scrubs and massages. Fishes are usually not part of this equation, now this is where Wonderfish! Spa steps in. Wonderfish! Spa provides pools filled with Garra Ruta fish which nibble the feet with the tendency (and hope) to leave the feet feeling exfoliated, soft and smooth. Garra Ruta fish are used as these are working fish with the natural behaviour to suck at the hard, dry skin on the feet. As the fishes’ sucking ability produces a tickling sensation, it is similar to a mini feet massage. Also, as these fish do not have any teeth, they will not be any biting rather nibbling on dead skin. As no pain is involved once the client recovers from initial ticklish feeling, it can be quite a relaxing and unusual experience. I mean, how often can we say that we paid for fish to bite at our feet while enjoying it!

Now after all the animal contact, without any making its way to the belly, it is time for a real meal. This is where Noah’s Ark at Ma Wan Park comes to play. This is not due to the controversy if fish where on Noah’s Ark but because the park provides gourmet, resort and beach activity. For dining, Harvest Restaurant is a suitable choice as it has delectable Western and Eastern cuisine at an affordable price with almost touchable views of the Tsing Ma and Ting Kau Bridges. Along with other restaurants along the beach, Harvest also provides enticing beach views al fresco. Additionally, meals along the beach front present diners romantic views, even if the company is otherwise! Given that the park is called Noah’s Ark, there is of course a pseudo Noah’s Ark with real-life size animal figurines exiting or lounging about the Ark. Given that this is Hong Kong where locals and tourist have a deep desire for photo taking; there will no doubt be a lot of photos that are captured. Seriously speaking though, with backdrop views of the habour and bridges, visitors are presented with picture perfect photo opportunities, especially in the night.

Speaking of the night, Hong Kong now offers a different type of experience in the dark. Dialogue in Dark is an exhibition constructed in the dark with visually impaired guides offering visitors the opportunity to view the world from a different perspective. Within the exhibition there are 5 different environments- a park, ferry, market, movie theatre and café. Each environment exhibits its particular textures, sounds and smells. As such, visitors comprehend several aspects of sight- the necessity to rely on other senses besides sight to explore the environment; the value of these senses to appreciate the environment and the challenges visually impaired people face in dealing with their domain, which we take for granted. This journey is literally an eye-opening experience that encourages or even forces its visitors to appreciate their blessing while raising empathy for others who are not as fortunate.

A trip to Hong Kong need not just be one for shopping, eating and clubbing; it can be all of this with a little more- a different way of undertaking these activities with the potential of increasing the depth of the experience.