Hidden Museum in the Desert

A giant sand dune is going to be home to the new Museum of Modern Arab Art in Doha, Qatar. From a distance, it just looks like another pile of sand, like thousands of others in the desert. Upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the dune isn’t quite what it seems.

Architect Rafael Viñoly designed the museum to blend seamlessly with its environment. In a possible reference to historic Bedouin tents, Viñoly has used a sand-colored stretched canvas-like material to cover the 350,000 square foot space.

This camouflaged building will house Sheikh Hassan Bin Mohammed Al-Thani’s large collection of Arab art dating from the early Qur’anic period to modern times. And, you’ll find plenty of other treasures to explore at the MOMAA. The collection includes 5,000 paintings, 700 antiques, sculptures, metalwork, ceramics, a calligraphy section, photography and more. The museum is scheduled to be finished by 2011.

Via:  Jaunted

Chocolate paradise in Belgium

All chocolate lovers should prepare themselves before going to Belgium as this is a place where it’s almost impossible to resist and don’t try another candy or chocolate bar. Brussels, Belgium capital, offers fantastic sightseeing, truly amazing architecture, numerous attractions and its diamond – divine chocolates.

When you arrive to Brussels, consider taking a bike and making a bike tour as this is not only fun, but also simply the best way to explore this city. There are several must seen places like Grand Palace or statue of a little boy and fountain called Manneken Pis. When you get a little bit familiar with Brussels, it’s high time to make some rest and visit one of multiple chocolate shops and cafes.

Belgium makes best and highest quality chocolate that can satisfy absolutely everyone. Even if you are not a sweet tooth, don’t pass through shops like Neuhaus, Godiva or Pierre Marcolini. Only here you can taste exclusive candies and chocolates you can never find anywhere else. Best chocolate, fantastic flavors, nuts, toffees, cream, liqueur and other numerous ingredients are mixed to create a unique and elegant taste.

During each visit to a chocolates shop in Belgium you will feel like you’re attending a boutique or a perfume shop. Luxury design, perfect boxes everywhere and heaven like chocolate in showcases.

This country has an old tradition of making premium chocolate and it tries to maintain this prestigious level and provide only best quality. (more…)

Vietnam overview

Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a travel destination that is yet to be discovered. For many years this S-shaped country that borders China to the north, Cambodia to the southwest and Laos to the northwest was closed for tourists and the only association most travelers got concerned war with the United States. However the situation is changing and many tourists open this desired travel destination. Overall almost 4 million of tourists visit Vietnam during a year.

Vietnam population is 85 million what makes it 13th populous country. Also Vietnam is the second largest coffee producer in the world.

Vietnam is divided into 3 main regions that are called trung (central region), bac (northern) and nam (southern). Country’s capital, Hanoi, is situated in the northern region as well as such cities like Hai Duong, Sa Pa or Hai Phong. (more…)