Hollywood, Los Angeles USA. Magic Rating: **

Grauman's Chinese Theatre

At first, the famous strip doesn't offer much in the way of excitement or wonder. In fact, I thought it resembled an Asian market place. A deeper look reveals Hollywood history, set in stone (literally!)


Actors Set in Stone

Whether you're a fan of legends such as Bruce Lee, or comedian classics such as Eddie Murphy, then go to the Chinese Theatre and step into their shoes. Their hands and feet are so small from the concrete that you' won't be able to anyway!







Hollywood Stars

Hundreds of stars line the streets in recognition of, well, the Stars! Find your favourite actor and take a photo. Just a word of caution - don't get trampled in the process!










Characters & Look-Alikes

Would you dress up & act like your favourite film character then charge $2 per photo? If you're wondering why this Star Wars Trooper is coming towards me & shaking his fist, let's just say I thought it was my right to photograph what I wanted in public without permission. Ever heard of the paparazzi buddy?


Director's Cut

So I did get to pitch a great idea for a movie to one Director, too bad he was too stoned to appreciate it. That's Hollywood for ya....



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Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Egypt. Magic Rating: ***

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Sits on an area of 40,200 m² & consists of 11 levels. Home to millions of books, it has a Planetarium, Exploratorium, 3 museums, the first ever 9-projector interactive system, 7 research centres, 4 art galleries & conference centre that can seat thousands.


Planetarium Science Centre

At first, it looks like a giant dome and nothing more. We later discovered that it was a giant theatre, screening science features & documentaries. It can house 100 guests, with seats tilted backwards to give the audience a comfortable view of the 360° surrounding screen.


Planetarium & Library

This picture doesn't come close to capturing the magnificent light display, which helps illuminate the road at night.





Egyptian hieroglyphs

If you look carefully, you can see intricate hieroglyphs chiseled into the walls. A great fusion of past & present.












Floating Moat

As you walk up the stairs and past the dome, you'll be blown away by the Library's unique architecture. The surrounding water is a testament to the innovative design.



Main Library

The Library's main reading area can accommodate up to 2000 users & contains 200 study rooms. There are 6 specialised Libraries for:
1. Arts, multimedia and audio-visual materials
2. the visually impaired
3. children
4. young adults
5. microforms
6. rare books & special collections of Alexandria (largest)



Interior Lighting

To ensure maximum entry of natural sunlight, the architect designed a sloped roof of windows and sun panels. Who would have thought a Library could look so beautiful.

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Le Meridien, Phuket Thailand. Magic Rating: ****

Buffet House

The Buffet House at night was extremely tranquil. It was surrounded by the hotel's lagoon-style pool while overlooking the beachfront.




Hotel Restaurant

After enjoying a delightful buffet breakfast, where there are two waiters to every guest, one can not help but feel like royalty.





Hotel Pool & Beachfront

After breakfast, enjoy a dip in the lagoon-style pool which is almost the same length as the Hotel itself. Surrounded by palm trees and lush ferns, this tropical haven is easily the Hotel's best feature.


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