Billund Legoland

Thank you Anna for telling us about Legoland in Billund

Billund Legoland Legoland is the best place to spend your free time with children. I have to admit that is great place for visiting even if you are a grown up person and wish to have a little bit of entertainment. It can bring you in the world of fantasy and childhood. I have visited this amusement park with my friends and we had a lot of fun.

As far as I am concerned the best attraction in Legoland is roller coaster X-treme racers. The trolleys on the rollercoaster are in the shape of car and every trolley can accommodate 4 people. The rollercoaster has many turns and at one point it is passing through the dark tunnel. You can feel the wind in your hair and your ‘heart in your mouth’ while going down with a full speed. The water attraction that makes your heart beats faster is canoe trip. The trip passes through the wild river which finishes with a fall through the waterfall. Another exciting water attraction is Viking River Splash. You are being taken up in the Viking raft by the water elevator and then you are going down the waterfall. It is an unforgettable adventure into a dangerous river!

Enjoy Legoland and Book your Billund accommodation online and get the best rates for your Billund hotel with Gtahotels. http://www.gtahotels.com/cities/billund.htm

Copenhagen- Christianhavn District

Thanks go to Anna in Customer Care for sharing Copenhagen with us...

The capital city of Denmark is atracting tourist from every corner of the world. Around 30% of the Danish citizens live in Copenhagen or around this metropolitan city. Copenhagen is known from its longest pedestrian street with great shopping places and many tourist atractions. Everybody has heard about Little Mermaid or about Hamlet Castle I would like to recommend soemthing different about Copenhagen: two attractions located in Christianshavn District namely Christiania and Church of our Saviour. Christinia is knows as Freetown Christinia an is very special place. Christiania was established in 1971 when a group of hippies have decided to set their own community in the abandoned military barracks. The community became completely independent from the danish governments. The community is situated in the heart of the city and is mostly known from its art whch is present everywhere in this small district. The distict ic coloreful and lively place and creates great diversity from the other attractions in Copenhagen. When you are going out from Christinia you can see interesting sign above your head which is stating that ‘You are now entering the EU’ Next to the Christinaia there is Church of Our saviour located. The construction of the church was completed in 1696 and it lasted around 14 years. The church was constructed in baroque style which is rather rare style to admire in Denmark. Of course the church presents uniqe altar and magnificent organ from 1968 however the most recommended place to visit is the Tower of Our saviour’s Church. The tower gives great opportunity to admire panoramic view of the Copenhagen.

The spire was constructed in 1752 however it was renovated many times during the centuries. The lenght of the tower is 90 metres and to get to the top you have to climb 400 hundred stairs. Climbing up the tower is a bit of experience and adventure. It can also be a little frightenning. The whole spire is built from oak which during windy water can shake a little. If you manage to survive this adventure and appears on the top you will be rewarded by possibility to admire breathtaking views of Copenhagen and shores od Sweden. Get the best rates when you book your Copenhagen hotels and tours online with Gtahotels. http://www.gtahotels.com/cities/copenhagen.htm http://www.gtahotels.com/activities/productdetails.php/SIC.2916CPH.htm

Paradise in the Philippines

Thanks to Joshua for this picture of a beach in the Philippines. Looks absolutely stunning and makes one just want to jump in the clear blue sea. As soon as I have an update as to where this picture was taken I will update this post....... Joshua, one of our shift supervisors in Manila

Customer Care @ Gtahotels

What is customer care? handling complaints? Trying to pick up the pieces after a mishap? Helping a client who is unable to travel? Yes, customer care is all this and more. Infact every company should welcome complaints to their customer care department in order to prevent complaints and monitor their services and make improvements along the way. Effective complaint handling We at Gtahotels.com welcome complaints in order to prevent them. We aim to resolve and preventing similar complaints. We make our complaints form easy accessible to our clients and it is easy for them to fill in. We aim to resolve every complaint issue within 20 working days though please bear in mind that often we have to go through a third party and wait for their response. If you have a complaint that can be dealt with at the hotel, don't be shy just ask for assistance from the reception. Generally hotels will go out of their way to resolve any complaints or problems for their guests on the spot. If the air conditioning at the hotel isn't working for example- Don't wait till you get home before you decide to file a complaint....Report the problem to the hotel because its more than likely that they are not aware of the problem and will be more than happy to fix it. Customer Feedback Customer feedback is always welcomed and this helps us at Gtahotels to make changes and improvements. We always appreciate customers who let us have their feedback - We really do listen! Caroline Customer Care manager Follow me on Twitter! http://twitter.com/GtahotelsCare

The classic W Beetle by Caroline

As promised on Twitter, here are a few photographs that were taken at the Koç Museum in Istanbul of the Classic VW Beetle.

This is the car I really really wanna have. Actually we had a couple of VW Beetles when I was a child- Naturally they were named Herbie and were totally reliable and unstoppable.

As the engine of the VW Beetle is in the back, we used to drive with ease in the snowy winter months. Also, as the car has no radiator, there was no chance of over heating and during the Summer I remember as we drove past all the overheating cars of the verge of the motorways

Yasemen and the attractive resort of Assos

Last spring we visited Assos for 2 days. It was so beautiful weekend for us.When we arrived Assos in the morning (6 am) a little dog was waiting for us. All hotels were closed. We were shocked but what we should do now. We waited 2 hours at the beach. Honestly I was afraid but then Assos woke up slowly. Assos is small fishing village. Also if you are trust your feet you can climb to Behramkale and finally you can find your dreams there. Firstly I saw the castle and I said 'I saw this everywhere' but after I saw 3 columns then after wonderful sea view. I wanted to be there until end of my life. But we had to go back and we wanted to swim. the water was like an ice. I am still cold :) Assos is very small village. there are not lots of hotels also it is a little expensive, but to drink a cold beer with wonderful sea view was a dream for us. I have nice photos and good memories from Assos. Distance is a 5 hour drive from Istanbul. For a relaxing weekend Assos is a good choice. Yasemen - Hotel reservations If you are tempted by Assos, have a look at the attractive hotels there... http://www.gtahotels.com/cities/assos.htm

Luciane and Istanbul

BEING ABROAD WAS A DREAM FOR ME AND THIS DREAM CAME TRUE IN ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CITY OF THE WORLD. THIS CITY WAS ISTANBUL. The winter of 2006 was the spring of my life. I saw the differences beetwen the oversea countries. I saw the mystery of the three civilizations, the water of two different seas. I felt the lightness of being able to change two continents in just one minute, the peace of hearing ezan from the minarets and the bell of the churches. I felt an authentic-factual peace. It sits on seven hill. The historical one is the first one, but the best one can change in respect of each person. For me the best one is the first one. Also it is the historical peninsula of İstanbul. When i was in my country, i desired to see the Arceological museum which is located in the best part of this historical peninsula. To see the tomb of Great Alexander. And i visited and saw it. Even i touched it. Just beetwen this wonderfull museum and sea side there is a peacefull public garden. Nice relaxing garden and if you walk till the end of this garden, it gives you a wonderful gift; one of the most wonderfull view of Istanbul. You can see the ships passing trough the bosphorus. (The waterway that divides Europe and Asia) and drink a traditional Turkish coffee against this wonderfull view. The other hill is the most cosmopolit one. The other one is the one which has the biggest panoramic view of Istanbul. And the list may go on like this longer and longer. And the lesson i got from this trip is seeing comes before thinkink. Seeing is beyond all of the toughts. Come and see. See and feel. As a small advise you can stay in a small boutique hotel in Sultanahmet where is possible to reach anywhere of Istanbul very easy. I didnt talk about the foods couse it is a big history. I can write a book about this. Wonderful Kebaps, fishes, Ayran and so many others.

Luciane - Reservations

Monasteries in Meteores, Greece

Meteores is the most spectacular place to visit in Greece. I have visited this place only for one day but it is unforgettable experience. Trip from Athens to this place lasts around four hours but it is worth to go there from every corner in the world.

Originally the area of Meteora was inhabitted by Monks who lived in caves from around 11th century. However in the course of time they started to built monsteries by bringing materials and people from down the hills by baskets. Until the beginning 20th century it was the only way to go to the monasteries. Since that times some paths and roads were created which enabled easy access for all travellers. Nobody has to be put in danger by travelling in the basket andmore J However if somebody is interested in previos ways of transportation there are still some baskets to see.

The monasteries fo Meteora represents an unforgettable architectural achievement. The six Greek monasteries (Holy Trinity , Varlaam Monastery, Monaster of Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas, Roussanou Monaster, Megalo Meteoris, Agios Stefanos) are built on the rocks on the edge of the Pindus Mountains in Northern Greece. Most of them were founded in 15th or 16th century. The most known of the Monasteries is Megalo Meteoris which is situated on the biggest rock. This monastery is the richest one and contains very beautiful paintings. It also has a museum collection. Meteores are very frequently visited by tourists and pilgrims and are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Nowadays there are 6 monasteries that are open for visits and entrance to every one costs two EUR. There as special ruleas about clothes inside of the monsateries. Women have to wear skirts which are available for visitors at every entrance. I have visited these amazing Meteores in October and I was suprised by the fog wich welcomed us the top. Fortunatelly fog did not prevent from admiring great views and visiting these pearls of architecture.

Anna - Customer Care

My Baguio Experience

It's summer time once again. And a good plunge in the beach-water would be a perfect vacation getaway. Or, going to a cool place would be nice to leave the hustle and bustle of the city life. In Philippines, we don't really have nice big theme parks like Disneyland in Hongkong or Genting in Malaysia. I also don't have a bigger budget to fly anywhere so Baguio is one of my top choices if I'm in the Philippines. We call Baguio as a summer capital because it is 8 degrees cooler on the average than any place in lowlands. Just imagine how you sweat in the Metro and seldom can you feel the climate to be lower than 26 degrees. That's why many people would pack their bags and head straight to Baguio to cool off. Every time I go to Baguio, I always see how diverse life here is. They are still preserving the culture and yet they can manage to adapt the fast pace of city and environs. The main street, session road, is jam packed of people with different cultures. This is where you get your first bite of the charm and serendipity of Baguio. Apart from a handful of curio shops and vintage fashion boutiques, Session Road also features an interesting array of culinary delights. Restos, bars are sprouting like tiny mushrooms but one distinct shop amazed me: Oh My Gulay Restaurant (Oh my vegetables). But this exclamation is really the Filipino version for the expression "omigosh." This one of a kind restaurant is housed on the fifth floor (very good exercise, no elevators!) of the La Azotea Building (still along the session road). I'd say one-of-a-kind resto because it is really a well-thought of and it is a fantastic place that suites everyone (not to mention the meatlovers as well). I guess they did it on purpose because when I stared at the entrance door, I could see the guests' faces and how they are trying to catch their breath. Hmmmm.... it is a nice strategy so that peeps can dig more because climbing to the 5th floor would really work on someone's appetite. Hahaha! They serve a wide array of dishes (mind you they are all fresh veggies --- Baguio is known for vegetable supplier in Luzon area). After hiking 5 floors to reach the establishment, you can take a little sip of their native coffee in their cute cups, just to jolt your blood a little bit while waiting for your food. Or you may try the minty iced tea laced with lemon. That would freshen you up a bit. Well, about the food, they mostly serve pasta and I would say that what you have on your plate are all fresh. And they have fun way of calling names to their pasta, sandwiches, and salads... It is really indeed a Pun-ny (Funny) thing to coin a Fast-ta (Pasta). You may hear some chuckling on one the tables from time to time whose browsing their menu. This Veggie Haven is not just a simple ordinary resto that adults could dine but it is also a turf of Filipino's diversed culture. Everything here is with ethnic touch. There is a tiny bridge where you need to cross to get to the seating areas. Moreso, there are few steps you need to take to go to a sem-open space. Someone said, it looks like a Peter Pan Flick. It is more likely of a surreal yet been drawn to real world. My friend’s trying to be artistic, you know! Now, after obeying our stomachs’ plea, my friends and I would wander the session road for Vintage Shops or what we call Ukay-Ukay (2nd hand clothes). Well, if your eyes are very keen, you can dig a mountain of clothes and get an original Guess Jeans for only as low as Php 80 (approx. $2). But of course, you need to negotiate with Manang (Ilokano term for sister) or Ading (Ilokano term for younger sibling or person). Next stop (to maximize your day and also for your budget hehehehe), would be Burnham Park. It is situated in the heart of the city. It is a very popular destination for families. It has a nice park with flowers and trees and picnic grounds. Burnham Park provides a vital role for family bonding. You can just sit back and enjoy the cold breeze brushing through your naked skin (well if you can take off your jacket) while talking to each other and eating a nice chicharon (a delicacy --- I guess it's called "Fried Pork Skin Pop"). It is also a nice place to walk your dogs, or ride a bike or just stroll with your partner doing HHWW (holding hands while walking --- hehehe). And the lagoon, this is the most enjoyable part of the trip. I could rent a swan-like boat and paddle the whole lagoon. Of course, I could not get 10 meters away from the dock. After trying so hard to be a captain of my so-called ship, our trip to Baguio won't be complete if we'll not include the Lourdes Grotto to our itinerary. It is a place of meditation. Of course, 90% of Filipinos are Roman Catholic so this is a favorite pilgrimage site for holy week or just a place to spend a few minutes to give thanks or praise to our Virgin Mary. The grotto has a breath-taking view (not to mention breath-taking steps - literally!). It really is a looong way before reaching the top. Since we can’t roam the whole Metro the whole day, we need a pit stop. Life here is so simple; a clean hostel is a good choice (not to mention that it is in the heart of the city and is very cheap). We always rented the same hostel for the same kind of room type: Family room (3 twin beds) every time we are in Baguio. The five of us would squeeze in and that’s part of our trip, to have bonding as friends and literally, like sardines (we call it ~budgeting!). Of course, our Saturday night won’t be complete without some clubbing. (What do you expect – we’re young!); a different spice to this well-diversed city

Almah - Our Philippines programme director

My first time in New York

First time in New York City... First time in America... Oh sorry, I should better say my first trip ever abroad. Hours of flight and understanding what jetlag really means. At first, I had no friends around so I talked to myself a lot! I Would be more than happy if you would like to read about my first time in NYC... First thing to learn- Don't even try!! A monday night, the night of Presidents Day so seems no one around 110th West. I really need a cigarette. Oh there is the starbucks, a familiar brand. Smokers do know, cigarette with a tasty coffee after a long day helps a lot. "Thank you for the latte, so where can I smoke?". "Out" replied the manager. "Sorry to offend you I have just arrived to New York City (so I will smoke outside in the cold) So for your sake, do not even try to smoke any where and may be you can even quit smoking in this city or otherwise the amount you paid for the city taxes will increase.

Subway and 1 train Next morning my first work day and have to take 1 train to Times Square. That's all I know. I am really excited that I will see Times Square, is it really that shining like we saw on TV? Some people are passing to 2 and 3 trains on 96th Street. This is something I will try like one month later. The express trains to Times Square. My everday stop was Village 38 just at the corner of 38th street and 8 th avenue. Starting the day with its bagels and coffee and sometimes with fresh fruits helped me a lot to wake up. The first time I had bagel in my life. Despite many varieties, I always tried cream cheese and tomato as in the picture. Times Square “My first Saturday in New York City, everything seems so fine just the trains are not as crowded as it is in week days so its even better, what may go wrong?” I asked to myself. “Well, who closed my exit? Where can I exit now? Nobody told me there was an ongoing construction between the lines. Anyway, I have the address with me. 330 West 38th Street and I know the office is between 8th and 9th avenue. I know the way from Port Authority so if I could just find the exit to there, I can find where the office is. I am on 41th street so I am really close to office. I am not sure if it was only me or all the new New Yorkers who can not decide which way to go to the next avunue or next street. I am sure it is one of the best constructed cities in the world but so easy to go to wrong direction for me. My first time in Times Square was at the day time so going up exit, me as a dumb have not realised I was just in the middle of Times Square. I thought there was going to be lights everywhere how can I know J I know the closest train exit to our office and I have the address too so ofcourse I can find Port Authority. Ok after walking around one hour but I have found, right? St Patricks Day vs Central Park OK this Saturday I have so many plans cause it is the Saturday of St Patricks day and I can not miss the parade, I have heard so much of it. I left the office at the right time and Well there seems nobody here but I can see a few Irish people so I should keep walking I am on the right way.... (after an hour) Have no idea where am I? I know the address and in which station to take off the train.

(After 15 min) Oh great I am in central park. I saw people coming out of the parade. It should have finished already. I know the parade can not wait for me to come. Anyway central park is also nice and I can smoke with a coffee.... Having a seat and watching how the children were having fun took me to my childhood too. Luckily I have my book with me, childrens voices. The deep white what would I want more?

I am not sure but this bridge always seemed to me the bridge where Mary Jane and Spidey met in Spiderman 3. I watched the film later I took this photo but walking over the bridge and seeing everywhere in white was one the feeelings you should live. Staten Island and Statue of Liberty One of the most common questions I have from the people I met was whether I have been to Statue of Liberty or not? Ofcourse I went to the battery park and wait for a long queue to take the ferry to Staten Island. When you are waiting you can have your picture be drew for 5 bucks but you should better be careful as if you do not specify they drew an caricature of yours and with the frame the total can come up to 20 bucks. Oh we are leaving the battery park and will be with Lady Liberty in 20-3o minutes. The weather is nice so no need to be inside. There is the New york city with all its glory. The road in the island gives you a lot information about the colour and the construction of Lady Liberty besides there is a museum within the island where you can have more information and Staten Island Cafe with special statue of liberty glasses. She was just gorceous and the announcement made in the ferry when going back to NYC gave us some more information about the history of statue of liberty and freedom of America.

Going back to the city, be careful about not taking the ferry to New Jersey. Of course I took the New York City ferry but I was just about to take the New Jersey one so just warning in case

Hairspray - The great Broadway musical http://www.gtahotels.com/activities/productdetails.php/SIC.3242NYCHAIR_CXL0.htm

My best night in New York was absolutely the night I have seen my first Broadway show. Hairspray. If you people have not seen yet, buy the ticket right know. It is the best musical winner with 8 Tony Awards in 2003 You would be taken to Baltimore at 60 s and meet great guys who have great passion for dance and friendship. I believe this show is satisfaction guarantee show. IT gives you the feeling for the good and humanity. You should not miss GEORGE WENDT as big mama but I can clearly say every single person in the show was faboulous. MoMa: The Museum of Modern Art http://www.gtahotels.com/activities/productdetails.php/SIC.2174MOMA_TR.htm The first day I have been to New York, I have heard about MoMa and I believe New Yorkers are proud of that huge modern art museum. I got MoMa to my things to do list and I was definately going to go. One weekend taking the bus from 152 broadway to Manhattan, I used E5 bus instead of train and I realised the route of that bus is like a hop on hop off tour bus so you do not need to pay for a tour in the city (just kidding J) and the last stop is penn station on 34th street so the famous shopping mall Macy s is just at the corner. Anyway I have passed like with the bus E5 American National History Museum FAO Schwarz Toy Shop I regret to say this is a toy shop. No it is absolutely not. It is a total attraction and experience. If you really want to see some funny stuff you should visit the store and have a closer look to the giant creatures made with Lego. If you apply before you might have the chance to enter the constructing of it. Even the planning took like one month and they were completed in 6 months. Coney Island and Nathans If you are a fan of hotdogs, you should absolutely try Nathans near Coney Island. There is a lot fun there and you can also win some toys by filling the balloons with water. Not only your children but you will also enjoy yourself a lot. Wonder Wheel was also seen in Joan Osbournes video clip for what if god was one of us. Just try it is really safe so you wont fall. Being at the top, you have a view of Manhattan on one side and the ocean on the other so you can sing what if god was one of us at that point. If you like bookstores in a city try Barnes and Noble and Borders Book store definately. http://www.bordersstores.com/index.jsp http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ After all... Walking down 5th avenue and listening to Sting’s Englishman in New York despite the fact I am neither an English nor a man made me feel so nice. Payless shoe store and Duane Reade was everywhere so I am safe So New York is the city of "hope" and "culture". A real cosmopolite with all the people fom all around the world. It is a city that you can not explain with words cause you have to experience it. So I should better stop here but before I go, one more thing to mention... I believe, there is no other city in the world where the bus drivers are such polite and friendly. They do welcome every single person taking on bus. I would like to give my special thanks to Frank Sinatra for '' New York New York..." Ayşenur - Our New York office director

Caroline's escape to Selcuk...

I love to get away from the big city life and head to Selcuk which is a small village in Turkey, it's about an hours drive from Izmir and 45 minutes from Kuşadası.

Selçuk is a small town in the Izmir province in Turkey 18 km (11 miles) from the tourist resort of Kuşadası 3 km (2 miles) from the ancient site of Ephesus Its original name was Ayios Theologos (from which the Ottoman Turkish name Ayasluğ is derived.

In 1914 it was renamed Selçuk, after the Seljuk Turks who settled in the region in the 12th century. Selçuk is one of the most visited touristic destinations within Turkey, known for its closeness to the ancient city of Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary and Seljukian works of art. The 6th century basilica of St. John the Apostle, which, some claim, is built on the site of the Apostle's tomb, is also inside the town. Selçuk, for many visitors is a stopping point for Ephesus but stay overnight in Selcuk and visit , the old quarter of Selçuk which remains generally undisturbed and undeveloped, retaining traditional Turkish culture and locality.

Ayasoluk Hill dominates the surrounding area, with several historical buildings on its slopes, including the İsa Bey Mosquebuilt by the Seljuk Turks in 1375, and the Grand Fortress. The Ephesus Airport and Selçuk Training Center of the Turkish Aeronautical Association is only 3 kilometers away from Selçuk, offering piloting, parachuting, paragliding and microlight training. The annual camel wrestling championship takes place in Selçuk in the Winter, not far from the ancient site of Ephesus

Here are my top tips if you will be staying in Selcuk;

You may want to visit the House of the Virgin Mary.

The shrine of the Virgin Mary was authenticated by Pope Paul VI in 1967. Pope John Paul II has also visited the House of the Virgin Mary in 1979, and Pope Benedict XVI, in 2006 during his four day trip to Turkey. Every year, on the 15th August, there is a religious ceremony held at the shrine to commemorate Virgin Mary who spent her last years of her life here until she died at the age of 101.Saint John the Apostle brought the Virgin Mary to this place near Ephesus in Turkey towards the end of her life (AD37 to AD45).

The first Pilgrimage to the Virgin Mary’s house took place in 1896 which was just a few years after the shrine had been discovered.The House of the Virgin Mary is located about 9km from Selcuk and about 5km from Ephesus. If you want to explore of this area rich in history, then you are best to book your cheap accommodation in Selcuk in advance, especially if you will be travelling over the dates when the ceremony takes place on the 15th August.

The Flying horse at Ephesus museum Courtyard at the Ephesus museum Selcuk is also home to the Ephesus Museum which is in turn home to some of the artefact's that have been uncovered at the ancient site of Ephesus which is just 2km from Selcuk. The photograph above is of the Flying Horse which you can see in the Courtyard of the museum. Ephesus Museum is opposite the park near the intersection of Atatürk Mah and directly opposite the Tourist Information office.

This is the main road in Selcuk, Atatürk Mahallesi which is comming from the direction of Izmir and the road that you see in the photograph is about as busy as it ever gets apart from on a Saturday which is market day and there is likely to be a traffic jam of tractors from farmers bringing their fresh produce to sell!Pamucak beach is a long sandy beach just 20 minutes away from Selcuk by the local mini bus ( dolmus) - This is my favourite day out I have to say.... The beach is pretty much undeveloped so its best to take your own soft drinks and snacks. Having said that, there is a small motel and camping site at the entrance to the beach when you get off the dolmus. The small motel backs onto the beach and you can walk through the site to get to the beach. The motel has a small market where you can get drinks, beer and snacks. There is also an attractive restaurant that overlooks the beach and small palm trees. The sea can be choppy and sometimes windy on the beach but it makes for a pleasant way to spend the afternoon. Its best to avoid going to the beach on a Sunday as it will be very crowded. From the motel entrance to Pamucak beach if you look right you will see that the beach is probably quite busy with locals who drive on the beach with their cars. To the left of the beach there are a few 5* hotels. The bars of the 5* hotels are generally open to non residents so you can enjoy a cocktail or two before heading back to Selcuk.

Caroline - Customer Care Manager