Take your time here; it’s a slow, methodic opening. Fullscreen is better. HD Version on Vimeo is even better.
There’s a few great moments in people watching history happening. Eventually you’ll also see the people in the reflections.
I took this while on vacation.
 | Airport hotels are usually reserved for business travelers, people with long layovers, and for those stuck at the airport for other reasons. I once stayed at a totally unmemorable hotel by the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport because bad weather conditions grounded my flight. While it was cheap, I can’t say I would ever stay at a airport hotel again- until now. The citizenM Hotel at the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has totally changed my mind with its super efficient and cutting-edge design. Start by checking in via high-tech monitors in the lobby and then the prefab rooms are set to your specifications: mood lighting, music, temperature, and of course, a wake-up call! The 230 rooms may only be 150 square feet large, but the LCD televisions with free movie channels, a king-sized bed, free wifi, a high pressure rain shower and luxurious Frette linens make you feel right at home. There’s even a 24-hour cafe which is good for those munchies you might get in the middle of the night. Take a peek at my slideshow to see what it’s like to live by the airport! |
Back to Monday’s theme of “Wow, this is cool!” I want to introduce you to the MSR Flex 4 System Cookset:
If you’re a camping enthusiast (or even if you live in an apartment with a tiny kitchen), this incredible nesting cookset is perfect for you. I can’t stop looking at it. I may even be drooling.
(via NotCot)
I’ve been riding a Giant Freedom DX for about 5 months now. Here are some common questions I get while out riding.
Why’s that front hub so big?
There’s an electric motor in it. A rechargeable lithium ion battery on the back provides pedal assist.
Isn’t that like cheating?
Yes, probably. I really just want to ride and this gets me out there more.
Do you have to pedal?
Yes.
It is decidedly a bicycle and rides like one. There’s no throttle like an electric mo-ped. It is most like those moving sidewalks at the airport, you just go farther faster. As you pedal extra torque naturally matches your work. You can also ride without the battery, and that is a great thing too.
How far is your commute to work?
8 miles each way.
How long does the battery last?
There’s three settings: economy, normal and sport. The economy gives you less juice but lasts longer. Sport is at the opposite end, more assist, less distance.
I would say I average about 45 miles per charge riding around Atlanta adjusting between the three according to terrain.
Why did you decide on the Giant Freedom bike over other electric bikes?
I think Giant has produced a smart ride that doesnt look like it should be roving on Mars.
I wanted an integrated system, not an after-market add-on. I read some reviews and most were favorable. Bikes only available in Europe looked great, but I really wanted to test ride one before purchasing. A local dealer was a must for me.
How do you charge the batteries?
The batteries are removable, which is great if you want to chain up somewhere else while you charge the battery.
Complaints?
The panniers are too small.
 | In need of something relaxing, romantic, and tasty? Perhaps it’s time for some time away in a valley famous for the production of great-tasting California-grapes. Perhaps it’s time for wine! The vintners of Napa Valley sure know a thing or two about viticulture, and the five million-or-so people a year who visit sure know a thing or two about picking a vacation destination. There’s a lot to see — and taste– from giant, well-known wineries to small, boutique wineries, so those with a thing for drinking have attractions abound to explore. Whether you’re just staying the night to sleep off a day of guzzling grape juice, or enjoying a weekend or more of first class accommodations, a peek at this slideshow will guide you to experiencing some of Napa County’s best-acclaimed resorts! |
 | Have you been spending too much time sucked into the monotony of your work routine and need a vacation that will simultaneously provide relaxation and an in-your-face dose of artistic expression? If so, I’ve found the perfect place for you to kick back! Berlin’s Arte Luise Kunsthotel is located within view of the Reichstag building and the Spree river, providing you with the prime location for a little culture and history lesson. The hotel itself, which dates back to 1825, is so imaginative in its design it hardly looks real, even after a few dozen blinks to convince yourself you’re not hallucinating. Each of the hotel’s 50 rooms has been decorated by a different renowned artist, featuring an array of original themes from Comic to Shoe Fetish, and seemingly transports you inside the psyche of the artist — no matter how whimsical or twisted — providing a getaway within a getaway just within the walls of your room! Don’t let the establishment’s old-fashion roots fool you though — its modern amenities help provide the comforts of home while you enjoy the hotel’s artistic decor and the city’s rich historical significance. Check the slideshow for a glimpse of the hotel’s unique rooms! |
 | When I travel, I either like to stay at a hostel that costs less than a meal or in a swanky suite with a view. I realized that t the end of the day, a room is just a place to sleep in and to store all my purchases! Nonetheless, when I do travel on the cheap, that means I’m sacrificing modern comforts like free wifi and flat screen televisions. That’s not the case if I ever want to go to New York City on a budget. The Pod Hotel is located conveniently in Midtown Manhattan and has everything you need to stay in comfort without breaking the bank. Choose from a townhouse studio or share bunk beds with a friend, all rooms have free wifi, LCD televisions, and an iPod dock. Some rooms have shared bathrooms, but that could be a great way to meet people from around the world. The Pod Hotel even has their own forum page where you can ask questions and find people to hang out with during your stay. Check out my slideshow to see what living in a pod would look like starting at $99 a night! |
 | An urban resort at its finest, Hotel ZaZa is the ultimate getaway for trendsetters, business professionals and those looking to be pampered in style. The strong juxtaposition of artwork and decor makes you feel glamorous just by stepping inside its doors. Stop in at either of the two locations in Dallas and Houston; visit the high-energy bar and restaurants, or lounge at the resort-style pool complete with private cabanas. Want it all to yourself? You can have it; the pool area can be rented for private events as well. |
 | MCM is a brand synonymous with classic luxury travel pieces. They followed on the heels of modern travel and were carried by royalty and celebrities alike. Style, quality and durability were the main goals and after decades, these pieces are still cherished and revered by the fashion press and customers the world over. They are even tested to make sure they are up to the task of being thrown in and out of 747 jets! This season’s totes will be sure to stand out among the crowd in “eye-popping colors” such as bright blue hues. Their iconic prints will get spiced up with contrasting piping and yummy crocodile and snakeskin will make a wonderful addition to the leather as they adorn purses and hobos in shades of purple and orange. To read more on MCM luggage, click on over to WhatsWear! |
 | Where can you find a vacay that combines the sand and surf of an island getaway, A-List-worthy nightlife for ultimate lounging, and all the modern luxuries that true foodies and shopaholics can’t live without? Sydney, Australia, of course! Bondi Beach’s hippest hotel and hot-spot, Ravesi’s Hotel, is the ideal place to relax on the coast, indulge in the neighborhood’s fine dining and boutiques, and explore the nearby culture with a quick cab ride to Sydney’s central business district. Designed by abstract artist Dane van Bree, the hotel’s guest rooms provide a modern spin on Aboriginal art and culture with its gold and metal palate and artwork, but with the getaway’s gorgeous beach location, it’s hard to keep yourself cooped up indoors! If the scenery isn’t beautiful enough to fully tempt you, you’re likely to bump elbows with local celebrities at the hotel’s Drift Cocktail Lounge, which lures out locals and tourists alike. Check out the slideshow to see some photos of Ravesi’s luxury accommodations — I dare you to hold back from buying a one-way ticket straight to Sydney! |
This is site is run by Sascha Endlicher, M.A., during ungodly late night hours. Wanna know more about him? Connect via Social Media by jumping to about.me/sascha.endlicher.
