People also contract coronavirus when they touch one another while greeting. And so, in order to minimize the spread, people have started abandoning a few traditional methods of greeting one another; including the most common way of greeting – the handshake. 

On one hand, there are a few methods of greeting like waving and the traditional Indian ‘Namaste’, and on the other hand, people have come up with novel alternatives to greet each other, starting with the foot shake to elbow-bump and well, ‘Wakanda Forever’. 

Let’s take a look at how people greet each other across the world:

No ‘Handshake’ greeting in China

Reeling under the grip of the novel coronavirus, China has put billboards at public places, urging people to avoid the ‘handshake’ greeting in order to prevent the current number of over 80,400 confirmed cases from going up. The people are being advised to greet each other the traditional Indian way, Namaste, or make the traditional Chinese greeting gesture, Gong Shou, the ‘hold fist salute’ which is common in martial arts. China has reported over 3000 deaths from the coronavirus pandemic. 

Foot-shake is new handshake in Iran

With about 3,515 confirmed cases and 107 deaths from the coronavirus, Iran has come up with a novel idea of greeting – shaking feet instead of hands. The citizens of Iran have started doing the foot shake after a video of three people shake their feet to greet each other went viral.  

France says ‘No’ to kissing 

With around 377 confirmed cases and six deaths related to the COVID-19, France stands eight on the list of the coronavirus-affected countries. The print media of France has launched a campaign advising people to abstain from handshake and kissing on the cheek, a common French way of greeting. Philippe Lichtfus, a renowned lifestyle expert, opines that looking directly into a person’s eyes can also be considered as a mode of greeting. 

Also know: Soar like a superhero with zero-gravity flights in the USA

‘Don’t share metal straw,’ Brazil urges  

With hundreds of suspected cases and only four positive cases of the novel coronavirus, Brazil has also joined the bandwagon of changing the greetings that involve physical contact. In order to keep the epidemic at bay, Brazil’s Ministry of Health (MoH) is urging people to break loose from the tradition of sharing metal straws. In the traditional culture of Brazil, a group of people shares Chimarrao, a special caffeine-rich tea, using one metal straw and passing it on from one to the other. People have also been requested to avoid any form of kissing.  

Romania bars kissing during gifting  

The need to change traditional greetings is also felt in Romania where six confirmed coronavirus cases have been detected so far. The government of Romanic has urged the citizens to be extra cautious during the Martisor festival and stick to exchanging flowers and talismanic strings without kissing. Usually, during the Martisor Festival, which marks the advent of spring, men kiss women when gifting flowers and talismanic strings to them.

No more ‘pressing noses’ in New Zealand

New Zealand has barely managed to stay out of the coronavirus’ radar, with three confirmed cases and two suspected cases of COVID-19. However, the government has banned the traditional Maori way of greeting – Hongi, wherein two people press their noses against each other. Furthermore, colleges in New Zealand have planned to welcome new students with ‘Waiata’, a Maori song, instead of pressing noses.

Pat on the back is new greeting in Australia  

With 52 positive cases and two deaths related to the novel coronavirus, Australia is not lagging behind in changing the way Aussies greet each other. Patting on the back, instead of a handshake, is a new mode of greeting in trend across Australia. The Health Minister for New South Wales, Brad Hazzard is urging people to exercise care and discretion to some extent while kissing.     

Also know: How Singapore’s Changi Airport is fighting coronavirus epidemic

UAE, Qatar bid adieu to ‘nose-to-nose’ greeting  

The UAE has 29 confirmed coronavirus cases, while Qatar has reported only one positive case. Both the countries have advised their citizens to bid adieu to the traditional ‘nose-to-nose’ greeting for the time being. Waving at each other is an alternate way of greeting in the UAE and Qatar. 

Make only ‘Cross’ signs in Poland

In Poland, people are instructed to take precautions over the Coronavirus outbreak though only one case of COVID-19 has been tested positive so far. Being one of the catholic countries, Poland allows people to take spiritual communion but bars them from sharing the communal bread. They are instructed to hold the bread in hand, instead of consuming it. Dipping hands into a pot of holy water before entering and exiting the Church is a tradition in Poland. Currently, people are making the sign of the cross instead of dipping their hands in order to reduce the risks of contracting the deadly virus.        

The post No Handshake! No Kissing! World is Embracing New Greeting Trends to Say Hello over Coronavirus Concerns appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

Worry no more! It’s all about to turn into a reality. Zero-G, a space tour operator, has promised an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience in a Gravity-free flight. According to Zero-G’s website, “Zero Gravity Corporation is a privately held space entertainment and tourism company whose mission is to make the excitement and adventure of space accessible to the public. The experience offered by Zero-G is the only commercial opportunity on Earth for individuals to experience true ‘weightlessness’ without going to space.”

How Zero-Gravity Flights Work

Gravity-free flights require a unique aerial maneuver, better known as a parabola. Let’s simplify it down as to exactly how zero-gravity flights work. To achieve a gravity-free stage, the aircraft reaches a certain height from the ground and then, the pilot maneuvers the aircraft upwards and then downwards. Basically, the pilot draws a lowercase ‘n’ in the air. In a continuous succession, the movement of the aircraft resembles ripples in water.

To be precise, once the aircraft reaches an altitude of 24,000 feet, the pilot pulls the aircraft upwards with its nose facing 45 degrees. The aircraft continues climbing at the same angle until it reaches an altitude of 32,000 feet aka the peak of the parabola. When the aircraft reaches the peak, for about 30 seconds, you’ll experience a zero-gravity moment until the plane dives down to reach the initial altitude. 

After the plane reaches the initial altitude of 24,000 feet, the pilot performs a few more additional parabola flights. There are four different kinds of gravity-free flight environments namely Martian gravity, lunar gravity, zero gravity, and hypergravity environment. 

These gravity environments are achieved when the pilot flies the aircraft in the same angle and climbs even further than the peak point, making a larger arc; gravity-free flight moments depend on the size of the arc created. In the Lunar gravity environment, you’ll experience one-sixth of your weight and on the Martian gravity, you’ll experience one-third of your weight.

Cost of Zero-Gravity Flights

The saying “You have to lose something to gain something” stands true. Soaring like a superhero with your hands stretched out comes at a cost. Zero-G offers three different packages.

The first package requires you to shell out $5,400 plus 5% tax for a seat on a zero-gravity flight. To be precise, it costs a few hundred dollars more than business class flights. In case you plan on tagging your friends and family along, you can avail of the second package which will cost you $55,000 along with a 5% tax for 12 people. Moreover, if your coffers are deep enough and you want to avail a charter flight, it’ll cost you $165,000 along with a 5% tax. 

The cost of a zero-gravity flight varies based on your preferences but, the perks will be the same for all packages. The perks include 15 parabolic maneuvers with 20 to 30 seconds of zero-gravity moments each, merchandise from Zero-G, meals before and after the flight, complimentary photos and videos of your experience in zero-gravity and a certificate stating that you successfully completed a zero-gravity flight.

Zero-gravity flights take place within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) corridor, which is away from most commercial flight routes and is around 100 miles long and 10 miles wide. 

If you want to experience zero-gravity, you can grab a seat on zero-gravity flights in USA as Zero-G has released its 12-city flight schedule for 2020:

• Atlanta – March 21
• Austin – April 4; Oct. 3
• Houston – March 28; June 6; Nov. 7
• Las Vegas – April 25; Aug. 15; Oct. 31
• Los Angeles – Feb. 15; April 18; June 27; July 25; Oct. 24
• Miami – Feb. 29; March 7; May 23; Aug. 29; Nov. 21
• New England – May 3
• New York – May 9; Sept. 26
• Washington, D.C. – May 16; Sept. 19
• Orlando – Feb. 22; May 30; Sept. 12; Nov. 14
• San Francisco – April 11; June 13; Aug. 1; Oct. 17
• Seattle – June 20; Aug. 8; Oct. 10

The post With Zero-Gravity Flights in USA, Soar Like a Superhero and Live Magical Moments of Weightlessness appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

Delta vs United: Economy Class

Seating

Delta Airlines’ economy seats are of the standard size as most of its aircraft have a total number of 139 seats with a pitch of 31 inches and a width of 17 inches. However, in a few aircraft, depending on the seat layout, you might get a few extra inches of legroom and width. But, the maximum pitch and width you can ever get on Delta Airlines economy flights are 35 and 18.5 inches respectively.

On the other hand, most of United Airlines’ aircraft have a total number of 120 economy seats with similar pitch and width. However, as mentioned above, owing to the seat layout in a few aircraft, you might get a few extra inches of legroom. 

Both airlines have charging sockets on their seats but, depending on the aircraft, you might get a personal socket, or you would have to share.

Amenities and Inflight Entertainment

In Delta Airlines’ main cabin for passengers with economy class tickets from USA, a sleeping kit and a complimentary headset are provided only on long-haul international flights. Taking note of the in-flight entertainment, the screen size is the standard 9 inches but, as an icing on the cake, the airline promises to keep you engaged throughout the flight with complimentary access to Delta Studio.

Coming to United Airlines’ economy class, passengers do not have the luxury of being provided with any amenity or sleeping kits. Well, United makes up for that with food, which we’ll see later! Taking note of the in-flight entertainment, United has been removing seatback screens from most aircraft, arguing that passengers carry personal mobile devices in their handbags these days. You might find seatback screens on a few selected aircraft with limited entertainment options. However, United bleakly tries to keep its passengers entertained on long-haul flights with complimentary access to the United App, which has to be downloaded prior to boarding the flight. 

WiFi is available for purchase on both the airlines, on select routes.

Inflight Food and Dining

Both Delta and United offer complimentary food onboard; but, the former strictly does not offer anything for flights under 250 miles. While, United is happy to serve you complimentary food on all flights, irrespective of the duration and miles. 

Delta offers a complimentary meal along with beer, wine, spirits, and Starbucks only on long-haul international flights. On top of that, Delta’s inflight dining boasts of 14 different special meals to choose from, starting with toddler meals to gluten-free meals and vegan meals to the meals that adhere to religious requirements. 

On the other hand, on international flights, United offers complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages along with a three-course complimentary meal and illy coffee. On United Airlines flights longer than 12 hours, a complimentary mid-flight snack is offered to make you feel full for the rest of the flight.  

Spirits and liqueurs are available for purchase on both airlines.  

Economy Baggage Allowance

Delta Airlines’ economy baggage allowance for international flights is two pieces of check-in baggage, each not exceeding 23 kg (50 lbs). In addition, one personal item and one cabin bag that fits inside the overhead bin or under the seat are allowed. United Airlines’ economy baggage allowance is the same as that of Delta Airlines. 

Seat Upgrades: From Economy to Business 

There are multiple options for you to upgrade to business class from economy seats on Delta flights. You can redeem your frequent flyer miles for the same. Delta offers a complimentary economy to premium economy or business upgrades to Medallion Elite members, alongside allowing the purchase of an upgrade on the day of departure. 

Unlike Delta passengers, not everyone can upgrade from economy to business on United Airlines flights. Only those with elite status with the airline can make it on United business flights by upgrading their economy or premium economy tickets.    

Also Read: Premium Economy Flights vs Economy Air Travel

Delta vs United: Business Class

Business Class Seating

The award-winning Delta One – Delta Airlines business class – boasts of 180-degree flat-bed seats which measure from 76 to 82 inches, based on the aircraft. Set in a 1-2-1 layout, each seat comes with a Westin Heavenly branded in-flight bedding, an oversized duvet, a down-alternative pillow, and a dedicated overhead bin. 

United Airlines’ business-class Polaris seats are more or less the same as Delta’s business class seats. The 180-degree flat-bed seats are 72-in long and 6-in wide in United Polaris. On most of the aircraft deployed for United business class flights, the seats are set in a 1-2-1 or a 2-2-2 layout, except the newer planes with a more spacious 1-1-1 layout. Each seat features a dedicated overhead bin, a cool-gel pillow, and bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue with two different types of blankets – a quilted duvet and a lighter throw blanket. Mattress cushions are also available on request.

Inflight Amenities

In Delta Airlines’ business class, passengers are provided with an LSTN noise-canceling headphone and a TUMI amenity kit containing various travel essentials like dental kit, tissues, earplugs, hand and body lotion, and a lip balm. If you feel comfortable in a pajama during bedtime, do make sure to carry one while traveling on Delta’s long-haul flights from USA to Philippines.     

United Airlines provides its business class passengers with a noise-canceling headphone, a pair of slippers and a random theme-based Polaris amenity kit that packs in similar travel essentials mentioned above. However, on flights longer than 12 hours, passengers are given pajamas on request. 

Inflight Food and Dining  

Delta One’s inflight meal service varies depending on the destination you travel to. Delta has partnered with chefs worldwide to pamper passengers with regional delicacies.  Moreover, Travelers with Delta business flight tickets are privileged enough to choose meals of their preference, three days prior to the journey. Delta has roped in Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson to curate the world’s best wines for premium passengers. 

United promises to keep its Polaris business class passengers’ appetite full throughout the flight, starting with snacks, a five-course meal and the arrival meal. In a bid to take its dining experience a step further, United has collaborated with chefs from The Trotter Project, a nonprofit organization. You can also savor the complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, along with ‘a la carte’ snacks to satisfy your mid-flight cravings. Regional specialties are only offered on flights from USA to South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines and other few destinations in Asia.

Lounge Access

The perks of flying Delta business class include complimentary access to Delta Sky Club lounges across the world, regardless of membership. However, if you have elite status with the airline, you can take a guest or two, along with you for free. 

Unlike Delta, United doesn’t allow you to take guests but offers complimentary access to its Polaris lounges worldwide and the lounges of its codeshare partners.

Lounge memberships can be purchased for both airlines, depending on your status with the airline. 

Priority Access

Sky Priority hassle-free boarding, access to dedicated check-in counters, expedited baggage handling, and fast security check-in are among the perks of booking Delta One flights. However, concierge access and bag delivery are only available at selected locations.

Similarly, United’s Premier Access priority options for its Polaris passengers are also the same.

Baggage

Delta Airlines’ business-class baggage allowance for international flights is two check-in bags of up to 32 kg (70 lbs) each, one personal item and one cabin bag that fits inside the overhead bin or under your seat. Similarly, United Airlines’ business-class baggage allowance is the same as that of Delta Airlines. 

Delta Airlines vs United Airlines: Fleet Age

Delta Airlines’ fleet consists of 909 Airbus, Boeing, and McDonnell Douglas aircraft, making it one of the largest in the world. However, Delta has an average fleet age of 15.8 years but its 112 MD-80/90 aircraft of 26 years, is the oldest in its fleet.

United Airlines’ fleet consists of 790 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, with the average fleet age of 15.1 years. 

The post Delta Airlines Vs United Airlines: Seating, Amenities, Food, Baggage, Lounge Access, Fleet appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

What is Coronavirus?

On December 31, 2019, several cases of pneumonia were reported in Wuhan. On testing, doctors realized that the virus did not match any other known species of virus. This raised an alarm as experts struggled to figure out how this mystery virus affects people. A week later, Chinese authorities confirmed that they identified a new strain of the virus, which is temporarily named ‘2019-nCoV’ aka coronavirus. This is the seventh variant of coronavirus known to affect humans.

Experts suspect that coronavirus might have originated in a seafood market in Wuhan, where wildlife was sold illegally. On comparing the genetic sequence of this mystery virus with those of other known coronaviruses, scientists have confirmed that it likely originated in snakes.

This novel coronavirus is a family of viruses that include the common cold and severe forms like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Related Coronavirus (MERS), which are life-threatening. In some cases, this mystery virus affects humans and animals alike. Occasionally, a coronavirus mutates and can pass from animals to humans and then from one human to another.

Coronavirus: Symptoms, transmission, and precautions

For confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV coronavirus infections, illness varies from infected people with a few or no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. The symptoms of coronavirus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. 

However, this new strain of coronavirus has been deemed dangerous by experts across the world. This novel 2019-nCoV virus usually causes mild to moderate upper respiratory problems, including common cold. But, there are more severe types that can cause pneumonia and death. These symptoms might appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure; this makes it hard to detect.

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV coronavirus infection. The coronavirus transmits from one person to another the same way other cold-causing viruses do i.e. when they come in contact with an infected person, by touching their hands or face, or by touching things such as doorknobs that infected people have touched.

However, the best way to safeguard yourself from this coronavirus infection is to follow a few simple preventive actions.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are feeling sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Cities and people affected by Coronavirus

This coronavirus has been crossing borders and spreading rapidly. In the past few weeks, China alone has registered more than 80,778 total confirmed cases of infection and 3,158 deaths. There also are hundreds of reported cases across the world. Apart from China, the other countries are – Canada, the USA, France, Germany, Nepal, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Macau, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia.  

On the other hand, multiple doctors across Wuhan have provided a more alarming perspective on the coronavirus outbreak. Dr. Jinnhui, who has been treating patients in Hankou District, Wuhan, stated that the infection rate is extremely high. In Hubei province alone, over 90,000 people have been infected and one person can easily spread the virus to at least 14 people around. 

Early this week, a teacher traveling to Beijing Capital International Airport took to her social media handles and shared how ‘spooky’ it was as one of the busiest airports in the world looked desolated owing to the coronavirus panic.

Safety measures, lockdown, and quarantine

Chinese authorities have imposed indefinite restrictions on public transport in and travel to Wuhan, to reduce the flow of coronavirus. Only vehicles with special permits, free shuttles, and government vehicles will be allowed to move around. Officials stated that they would also suspend visa and passport services for Chinese citizens until January 30. Over 50 million people in 20 Chinese cities, including Wuhan, are currently facing a travel ban.

Meanwhile, hundreds of airlines have canceled flights to, from and via Wuhan, owing to the coronavirus outbreak. Multiple airports across the world have started screening passengers who arrive from China. 

The Chinese government has also started the construction of a mobile hospital in Wuhan, which is expected to be completed in six days. This hospital will have the capacity to accommodate 1000 patients, apart from the medical staff. Once this hospital is completed, the government will construct another hospital within a similar time frame. This hospital will have the capacity to accommodate at least 1300 patients.

The post Wuhan Coronavirus Outbreak: All You Need to Know about Coronavirus Symptoms, Impact, Precautions appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

That’s how life is in Istanbul during Ramadan. Ali Buldu, a 55-year-old drummer, has been abiding by this tradition of beating drums to mark the beginning of Ramadan for half of his life. Decked in traditional Ottoman attire, Ali roams the streets and makes pre-dawn Ramadan rounds every year, which he inherited from his forefathers and which he is passing on to the next generation.

Istanbul’s neighborhoods wake up to drumbeats by about 2000 drummers and get ready for ‘Sahur’ – the first meal (breakfast) of the day eaten before sunrise. The drummers roam the streets and wake up people for ‘Sahur.’ The Ramadan breakfast consists of dates and pastries including baklava in Istanbul.

The traditional act of beating drums dates back to the Ottoman era of Turkey, according to Ali Buldu. He says with pride, “A special group of Ramadan drummers has been into existence since the beginning of the Ottoman Empire in 1299,” while patting his 23-year-old nephew who joins him in this ritual.

Playing drums at weddings and on other festive occasions is the main source of living for Ali and other drummers. This is the way they make their ends meet throughout the year. As weddings are not held in the month of Ramadan, they live on the generosity of people for survival. They thankfully accept tips from those who willingly give.

Veteran drummer Ali is afraid that the age-old tradition will gradually disappear in the coming years because today’s young men are not interested in carrying this task for their generation. He worries that ceremonious drumbeats will be replaced by unpleasant sound of alarm clocks.

However, the Ramadan drummers were given Ottoman costumes five years ago, which has changed people’s perception of them for the better. They have also been recognized with official membership cards, which have helped to put Istanbul’s centuries-old tradition in good books of the current generation.

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Rio de Janeiro Olympics 2016 will hold a special place in the history of sports as it is the first time that a South American country is hosting Summer Olympics. Outclassing Madrid, Chicago, Tokyo and other world-class cities, Rio de Janeiro clinched the Olympic bid in 2009. Despite its strong stand in competition for the nomination, Doha, the capital of Qatar, lost it out to Rio because Qatar wanted to host the games in October instead of August due to hot weather.

The ceremonial Olympic torch relay began with an impressive note on April 21 in Greece’s Olympia, the birthplace of Olympics. Ibrahim Al-Hussein, an amputee from the United Nations-run Syrian refugee camp in Athens, carried the torch of Rio de Janeiro Olympics on April 26 at the campsite. The Olympic torch arrived in Brazil on May 4 and will reach the venue for the opening ceremony on August 5 through Brazilian cities and towns.

The torch of Rio Olympics 2016 is as unique in design as Brazil is in geography. The design of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics torch embodies Brazil’s geographic diversity and exuberant nature while retaining the essence of Olympics games. Different parts of the torch represent the sun, the sky, water, earth and mountains in colors of the Brazilian flag.

Maracanã Stadium, the venue of the opening and closing ceremonies of Rio de Janeiro Olympics in Brazil, is one of the interesting facts about Rio Olympics 2016. It is the same stadium where the 2014 soccer World Cup final was held. With a seating capacity of around 78000, Maracanã Stadium holds the world record of having the biggest audience at a football game. The stadium was packed with around 173,000 fans at the 1950 Football World Cup final.

Rio de Janeiro Olympics will see participation of around 10,500 athletes from 206 countries across the world. The participants will contest in 306 medal events over 17 days of the event, out of which 161 medal events are for men, 136 for women and the remaining 9 are both men as well as women in 42 sports.

Do you know that addition of golf and rugby to Rio Olympics 2016 is one of the interesting facts? While golf will be played in Olympics after 112 years of its absence, rugby is making its comeback to the stage of Olympics after 92 years. To be precise, Rugby Sevens, a new variant of rugby, will make its debut at Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Gold and rugby were last played in Olympics in 1904 and 1924 respectively.

The 306 medal events of Olympics 2016 will be held at 32 venues in four parts of Rio de Janeiro: Copacabana, Barra, Deodoro and Maracanã. Barra will host golf, tennis and other sporting events at 15 venues, while 9 venues in Deodoro will hold hockey, aquatics and shooting events. Copacabana and Maracanã with 4 venues each will host sporting events such as beach volleyball, archery, triathlon, basketball, etc.

Believe it or not, the organizing committee of Olympics 2016 in Rio de Janeiro has been conducting tests since August 2014 to make sure everything runs smoothly for 17 days of the final event. The trial sessions will go on till May end.

Here comes one of the most interesting Rio Olympics facts. The 2016 edition of Olympics in Rio de Janeiro is the first to stage Olympians born in the year 2000. According to the official rules of the International Olympic Committee, only athletes born before January 1, 2003, are eligible to take part in the events. However, some sports have different age-specific requirements based on safety and health criteria. The youngest participants are likely to be from diving and gymnastics.

A team of athletes including 5 to 10 refugees who had to leave their countries for adverse circumstances is allowed to take part in Rio de Janeiro Olympics under the Olympic flag, for the first time in the history of Olympics.

Inspired by Brazilian wildlife, the mascot of Rio Olympics 2016 is a vibrant yellow and blue creature named Vinicius. It can prance around like a monkey and stretch its body like a cat. The Rio Olympics mascot is named after the legendary Brazilian musician Vinicius de Moraes and it is expected to become as famous as ‘Cobi’, the mascot of Barcelona Olympics in 2016.

Do you want to be in Rio to watch the topnotch athletes in action? Then grab your seats from the available 7.5 million tickets for sale. While 3.8 million tickets are priced at US $40 each, some of the best seats cost US $3000 each for the opening ceremony of Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Football, volleyball, basketball and handball are the most popular sporting events.

Huge food preparation for the participating athletes is among the fun facts about Rio Olympics 2016. The International Olympics Committee says that over 60,000 meals will be cooked for athletes every day. The meals will include the Brazilian staples, rice, black beans and barbecued meat, along with some of the local delicacies like tapioca, acai (an Amazonian fruit) and pao de queijo (cheese bread).

Apart from 11 million meals for athletes and volunteers, the organizers will provide 315 horses, 8,400 shuttlecocks, 25,000 tennis balls, 34,000 beds, 60,000 cloth hangers, 72,000 tables and 100,000 chairs for the 2016 Olympics events.

A mammoth workforce of 70,000 volunteers is required for the smooth run of the sporting events in Rio de Janeiro. Some 50,000 volunteers from across Brazil have already joined the organizing committee. The rest of the volunteers are from the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Russia.

Deployment of a security force comprising 85,000 soldiers and policemen is one of the interesting facts about Rio Olympics 2016. It is the largest security force for such an international event in the history of Brazil. Interestingly, this is twice the size of the security force for London Olympics in 2012.

The organizing committee of the 2016 Olympics Games is offering free online English lessons to Rio’s taxi drivers in a bid to facilitate smooth English communication with foreign tourists during the event.  It is a fourth-month English communication course that most of the taxi drivers have signed up for to hone their English-speaking skills.

The London Olympics 2012 saw participation of 556 athletes from the United States, which is the highest number of participants from a single country except the host nations. It is anticipated that Rio de Janeiro Olympics will fetch in more athletes from USA than other countries. 352 athletes from the US have qualified to take part in the Rio Olympics events till date. Entries are still going on.

The organizing committee of Olympics Games estimated a whopping budget of $7.4 billion to conduct Rio Olympics.

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The Queen will Celebrate 500^th Anniversary of the Postal Service 

April 21 is Queen Elizabeth’s 90^th birthday. On the eve of turning 90, she will visit the Royal Mail Windsor delivery office to celebrate the 500^th anniversary of the postal service. In the morning of April 21, she will inaugurate the construction of a 4-mile Queen’s Walkway at the foot of Castle Hill, which will interlink 63 points of interest in Windsor commemorating her achievement in being the longest-reigning British monarch.

The Queen will Celebrate her 90^th Birthday & Host Barack Obama

In the evening of April 21, the Queen will celebrate her 90^th birthday by igniting the first in a chain of 1,000 beacons across the country. She will be accompanied by the Royal Family members. It will be followed by a private feast at Windsor Castle. On April 22, the US President Barack Obama will arrive at Windsor Castle as chief guest who the Queen will host for a private luncheon.

The Queen’s 150 Treasured Outfits & Accessories will be Exhibited           

The exhibition of Queen Elizabeth’s dresses and fashion accessories is one of the most glittering events for the Queen’s 90^th birthday celebration. Named Fashioning a Reign: 90 Years of Style from The Queen’s Wardrobe, the exhibition will commence on April 21 and continue till October 16 at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland. It will coincide with two similar exhibitions: one at the Buckingham Palace from July 23 and the other at the Windsor Castle from September 17, 2016.

Over 150 outfits including gowns and headgears from Queen Elizabeth II’s wardrobe will be exhibited across the three palaces. The spectacular display of the Queen’s most-treasured outfits, both ceremonial and military, will leaf through the pages of her life from childhood to marriage to coronation to official state visits to foreign trips to parties to the present day. The exhibits also include some of the Majesty’s lavish gowns designed by topnotch British fashion designers such as Sir Norman Hartnell, Ian Thomas and Stewart Parvin.

London’ All Pubs will Remain Open Late till 1 AM

Queen Elizabeth’s 90^th birthday celebration has something great in the offing for boozers. One of the celebration plans including exhibitions, parties and processions, is to extend opening hours of pubs across London from 11 PM to 1 AM on June 10 and 11. Prime Minister David Cameron has already announced it. Pubs in London City were officially allowed to remain open late on previous occasions too, including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebration and weddings in the British royal family.

A Children’s Comic Book on the Queen’s Crown has been Published

Among the surprises of the Queen’s 90^th birthday on April 21 is a brand new children’s comic book that the Royal Collection Trust has published in honor of the Majesty. Written by eminent children’s author Davide Cali, The Birthday Crown is a light-hearted story of the Queen in quest for the perfect crown for her birthday celebration. The 32-page book depicts a special search for the right crown amidst ongoing preparations and plans for the 90^th birthday celebration at the Buckingham Palace, through comic illustrations. The story of The Birthday Crown ends with a paper crown that the Queen’s little grandson has made himself.

May 12 to 15 will See Spectacular Parades & Star performances 

May 12 to 15 will see a grand public celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s 90^th birthday by thousands of participants from across the United Kingdom. The event will be held on May 12, 13, 14 and 15 evenings. The Queen herself will be in attendance for the celebration at The Long Walk on May 14, which will be a 90-minute long spectacle of a grand pageant with 900 horses, 1500 riders and star performers. Many celebrities will walk the red carpet at The Long Walk and greet the Queen on May 15.

All 25000 tickets for May 15’s public event were sold out in November 2015. Even some 5000 tickets have been distributed to those willing to see the 90-minute extravaganza on giant screens which will be installed at parks close to the Windsor Castle. There will be food outlets and picnicking options too.

The curiosity about who will be performing in the grounds of Windsor Castle on May 15 is mounting day by day. An array of eminent stars including Katherine Jenkins, Jess Glynne and Kylie Minogue, James Blunt, Beverly Knight, Alfie Boe, Andrea Bocelli, Jim Carter, Martin Clunes, Jennifer Saunders and Star Wars actor John Boyega from the entertain world is expected to grace the Queen’s 90^th birthday celebration with their glittering presence and electrifying performance.

The Royal Cavalry of the Sultanate of Oman to Perform on May 15

One of the most spectacular events in celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s 90^th birthday is a thundering performance by the Royal Cavalry of the Sultanate of Oman, which has been preparing for the extravaganza from May 12 to 15 for past 4 months. The cavalry of 100 horses will travel all the way from Muscat to perform in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and other royal family members.

The Queen to Offer Thanksgiving Service at St Paul’s Cathedral on June 10   

It will be followed by the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on June 10 among the Queen’s 90^th birthday celebration plans and events. The Service of Thanksgiving will be attended by a congregation of invited guests. It coincides with the Duke of Edinburgh’s 95^th birthday.

The Queen to Travel to and from Buckingham Palace on June 11

The annual celebration of the Queen’s official birthday, which is known as Trooping the Color, falls on June 11 this year. It is also referred to as the Queen’s Birthday Parade, which BBC telecasts live every year. The Queen along with other royal family members and officials travels in carriages to and from the Buckingham Palace. Then she appears in the Buckingham Palace balcony for the public. The parade is rehearsed for a week in advance.

The Queen to Host Patron’s Lunch for Charities at The Mall on June 12

The Queen’s 90^th birthday celebration will culminate in the Patron’s Lunch at The Mall on June 12. The Patron’s Lunch in celebration of the Queen’s birthday is the UK’s biggest street party which transforms The Mall in London into a giant venue for as many as 10,000 guests to be entertained with great food at a picnic-style lunch and street performances. Queen Elizabeth II and Duke Phillip of Edinburgh oversee The Patron’s Lunch from a platform on the Victoria Memorial in front of the Buckingham Palace. Over 600 charities and organizations under the Queen’s patronage are given 9,000 tickets to auction and raise fund for their social services.

A Documentary on the Queen Elizabeth II is Released

The Oxford Film and Television broadcasted a 2-hour long documentary named Our Queen at Ninety on March 27, in advance of the Queen’s 90^th birthday celebration. The documentary features interviews of some key figures in the Queen’s life and the British Royal Family, including her son Prince Charles, daughter-in-law Camilla, grandson Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton of Cambridge.

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The Titanic 2 Ship replica is the world’s most-awaited cruise vessel which has already captured the imagination of millions across the globe. The new Titanic will be an interface between the past and the present, heritage and modern technology, Edwardian splendor and urbane sophistication. Many features of the original Titanic will be retained and recreated in the upcoming Titanic 2. FlyHigh shares the most interesting things to know about Titanic 2 Ship replica.                   

Titanic in 1912 vs Titanic 2 Replica

Like the original Titanic, Titanic 2 will have three travel classes in different packages. The travel cabins of Titanic 2 will not be divided based on the socio-economic status of passengers as there was societal and economic discrimination on the first Titanic. Passengers can exercise their right to the freedom of choosing from different packages of accommodation irrespective of travel classes. They can choose either one class accommodation for 6 nights or a package of 2 nights in each class during the voyage.

Interestingly, the third class cabins of Titanic 2 ship have already become popular, perhaps because of the lively portrayal of life during voyage in the third class in James Cameron’s Oscars-winning Titanic movie. Third class cabins will have shared bathrooms. The menu with complete Irish stew for the passengers in third class cabins is among the things to know about Titanic 2 Ship replica.

Those waiting to sail on the new Titanic are curious to know differences between the 1912 Titanic and the Titanic 2 replica. Titanic 2 Ship will get more or less the same interior as that of the original ship. Among the interesting things of Titanic 2 Ship replica are the grand staircase in the first class, the Jacobean-styled dining room for first class travelers, the communal dining space with long tables in the third class, and Café Parisien with the ambiance of a sidewalk café in Paris from the first Titanic, which will be recreated with attention to exact details of the original designs.

Titanic 2 will get lounges and public spaces with the same details pertaining the Edwardian décor and grandeur as in the 1912 Titanic. Everything from swanky wooden furniture to crystal chandeliers to timber cladded walls will be imported from the best manufacturers in the world. All the cabins and public spaces from the uppermost deck to the deck D will reflect the look and feel of the first Titanic except a new lower deck.

Some New Things to Know about Titanic 2 Ship   

There are some new things to know about Titanic 2 Ship replica among the interesting facts. The second Titanic ship may get a helipad on the aft deck, which was not there in the first Titanic. Passengers on Titanic the second may be provided with period costumes to let them have a feel of the Edwardian fashion of the time of the first Titanic. However, it is still under consideration.

The additional lower deck on Titanic 2 Ship is the new “Safety Deck” with a casino, a hospital, a theatre and a few shops. The theatre will have 400 seats. Moreover, the second Titanic Ship will house a gymnasium, a swimming pool and a smoking room for all passengers on board. Turkish bath with Edwardian décor will add to their entertainment ashore.

Other Interesting Facts about Titanic 2 Ship

Though Titanic 2 Replica resembles the 1912 Titanic in interior décor and external appearance, it is more efficient and stable than its predecessor. Equipped with high-tech navigational equipment and a diesel-electric propulsion system instead of steam engines in the original Titanic, the new Titanic Ship meets all modern safety requirements.

Titanic 2 Ship is said to accommodate more passengers and crew than the ill-fated Titanic. The replica of Titanic will embark on its maiden voyage from China to Dubai with 2435 passengers and 900 crew. Besides integrating modern-day evacuation systems, Titanic 2 Ship will have 2700 lifeboats on board for emergency, while only 1178 was the lifeboat strength of Titanic the first. The new Titanic will have 840 cabins across its three travel classes.

The 21^st century Titanic Ship will boast fireproof infrastructure and can withstand extreme atmospheric conditions. Estimated construction costs will range from $434 million to $578 million for the state-of-the-art technology.

Edwardian Dining Experience on Titanic 2 Ship 

What menu would be served to the passengers on board is one of the most interesting things to know about Titanic 2 Ship replica. It is said that dining on Titanic 2 would be a priceless experience of the Edwardian era. The guests on board will be treated to an 11-course menu, which will be designed by a team of 68 chefs.

• Course One: Oysters
• Course Two: Consommé Olga
• Course Three: Scottish Balik Salmon w Mousseline Sauce, Cucumber
• Course Four: Sauté of Chicken Lyonnaise, Vegetable Marrow Farcie, Parmentier Potatoes
• Course Five: Aberdeen Angus Filet Mignons Lili
• Course Six: Eye of Lamb Loin, Mint Sauce & Green Peas, Boiled New Potatoes
• Course Seven: Roast Duckling, Apple Sauce, Boiled Rice
• Course Eight: Punch Romaine
• Course Nine: Cold Asparagus Vinaigrette – Pate De Foie Gras
• Course Ten: Waldorf Pudding, French Ice Cream, Peaches en Chartreuse Jelly, Chocolate & Vanilla Éclair
• Course Eleven: English Stilton & Port Wine, Hors D’ Oeuvre Varies

The most-awaited Titanic II Ship will be launched in 2018 for its maiden voyage from China to Dubai. Currently it is under construction in China. This ambitious project – Titanic 2 – is titled “The Past is Present.” (Watch this video of a new Titanic model)

iEagle is the only travel agency to make flying to China and Dubai cheaper than ever with special airfare deals from airlines. Book your cheap flights to China and Dubai on iEagle.com.   

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