#iconic tower egypt height

[hiroshitanaka]

Discover the Wonders of Alexandria, Egypt

Alexandria, a city steeped in history, is a must-visit gem on Egypt's Mediterranean coast. Founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, it once served as the capital of Greco-Roman Egypt and rivalled Rome in its glory days. Although its influence waned by the 4th century AD, Alexandria remains a captivating destination, known as Egypt's second capital. Visitors can explore its rich past and stunning sites, making it one of the country's top cities to visit. 

Some of the must-see attractions in Alexandria include.......

Qaitbay Citadel

Qaitbay Citadel stands as a testament to Alexandria's rich history. Built on the site of the legendary Pharos of Alexandria, this magnificent fortress offers a glimpse into the city's ancient past.

The Citadel was constructed by Sultan Al-Ashraf Abu Al-Nasr Qaitbay in the 15th century using some of the salvaged stones from the ruined lighthouse. Its strategic location has made it a significant military outpost over the centuries.

Today, Qaitbay Citadel is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to explore its historic walls, admire its stunning architecture, and learn about the fascinating history of Alexandria.

Pompey's Pillar

Pompey's Pillar is a towering testament to Alexandria's ancient grandeur. This monolithic column is one of the tallest standing monuments in the world and the only Roman artefact located outside of Italy.

Originally constructed in the 3rd century AD to commemorate Emperor Diocletian, the pillar stands proudly on the hill of Sedra. Its impressive height and intricate design make it a must-see for any visitor to Alexandria.

If your plan is to discover Alexandria's history and experience attractions such as the Alexandria National Museum and Montaza Palace, knowing what are the Egypt visa requirements for Indian citizens is vital. Indian passport holders usually require a tourist visa, available by providing documents such as a passport, photographs, and accommodation proof. And when you're ready, you can enjoy Egypt's cultural wonders and natural beauty without any hassle.

Kom El-Shoqafa

Kom El-Shoqafa is a fascinating archaeological site that offers a glimpse into Alexandria's ancient burial practices. These catacombs, located in the southern part of the Mina Al-Basal neighbourhood, are renowned for their intricate carvings and well-preserved tombs.

The name "Kom El-Shoqafa" translates to "Hill of Pottery Shards," referring to the pottery remnants found in the area. Exploring these underground chambers is a unique experience that provides insight into the beliefs and customs of ancient Egyptians.

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a cultural icon that stands as a testament to Alexandria's enduring legacy. Located on the Mediterranean coast in the Shatby area, this modern library is one of the most important cultural institutions in the world.

With its impressive collection of over eight million books, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina offers a wealth of knowledge and resources for scholars, researchers, and curious minds alike. Its stunning architecture and state-of-the-art facilities make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning and culture.

Alexandria National Museum

The Alexandria National Museum presents Egypt’s glorious history through over 1,800 artifacts, representing all major eras of Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, & Islamic periods of the country. Housed in a striking Italian-style palace, among its highlights are underwater artifacts from ancient Alexandria. This bounty of culture invites visitors on an immersive journey through Alexandria’s storied past.

Visit the National Museum, a sight of history where exhibits make history more interesting and collections of history are seen. Stand in awe of ancient statues, jewelry & artifacts retrieved from the Mediterranean. Seated in central Alexandria, this museum is a treasure for any adventurer keen to investigate the city's illustrious history.

Montaza Palace

Overlooking the Mediterranean sea, the Montaza Palace is a royal landmark built in a blend of Ottoman & Florentine styles, surrounded by gardens. Once a royal retreat with its peaceful trails, towering palm trees & serene beaches, it is a popular haunt amongst nature fans and history lovers.

See Montaza Palace, an architectural gem set along Alexandria’s shore. Wander its wide gardens & take in stunning ocean views. This palace is a rare insight into Egypt’s regal past, combining history and natural beauty that makes every stay feel like a quiet escape.

[shakibansar3]

Elevating Construction: The Evolution of Cranes in Modern Building Practices

Historical Overview:

The evolution of cranes spans millennia, reflecting humanity's ingenuity and resourcefulness in overcoming the challenges of construction. Ancient civilisations, such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, laid the foundation for crane technology with their inventive use of simple devices like ramps and pulleys to lift heavy objects. The iconic pyramids of Egypt and the grand temples of Greece stand as testaments to the effectiveness of these early crane mechanisms. However, it was during the Middle Ages that cranes began to take on more recognizable forms, marking a significant advancement in construction technology. Wooden treadwheel cranes emerged as prominent features of medieval construction sites, utilising human or animal power to hoist materials to great heights. These cranes revolutionised building practices, enabling the construction of towering cathedrals, fortified castles, and monumental city walls across Europe.

Technological Advancements:

The Industrial Revolution brought about a seismic shift in crane technology, ushering in an era of unprecedented innovation and mechanization. The introduction of steam power and later, electricity, transformed the capabilities of cranes, enabling them to handle heavier loads and operate with greater precision and efficiency. Steam-powered cranes, such as the iconic rail-mounted steam crane, revolutionized material handling in ports, factories, and railway yards, facilitating rapid industrial expansion and economic growth. The advent of electric-powered cranes further enhanced operational flexibility and safety, paving the way for the development of modern overhead and tower cranes that dominate construction sites today. Hydraulic cranes represent another milestone in crane technology, offering superior lifting capacity, manoeuvrability, and control compared to their mechanical counterparts. These versatile machines are capable of performing a wide range of lifting tasks, from delicate precision work to heavy-duty lifting in challenging environments.

Modern Applications:

In the 21st century, cranes continue to play a central role in construction projects of all scales, from skyscraper developments to infrastructure upgrades. Tower cranes, with their towering height and impressive lifting capacity, are synonymous with urban construction, enabling the assembly of high-rise buildings with remarkable speed and efficiency. Mobile cranes, including truck-mounted and crawler cranes, provide unparalleled mobility and versatility, making them indispensable tools for infrastructure projects, road construction, and disaster recovery efforts. Moreover, advancements in crane technology, such as remote control systems, telematics, and digital monitoring solutions, have revolutionized crane operations, enhancing safety, efficiency, and productivity on construction sites. As construction methods and technologies continue to evolve, cranes will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of innovation, driving progress and shaping the built environment for generations to come.

By tracing the evolution of cranes from ancient times to the present day, we gain a deeper appreciation for their pivotal role in shaping human history and civilization. From humble beginnings as simple lifting devices to sophisticated machines powered by steam, electricity, and hydraulics, cranes exemplify humanity's relentless pursuit of progress and excellence in the field of construction. As we look to the future, cranes will continue to evolve in response to changing demands and emerging technologies, ensuring their continued relevance and indispensability in the dynamic world of construction.

Industrial Revolution and Technological Advancements:

 The Industrial Revolution marked a turning point in crane technology, ushering in an era of mechanical innovation and engineering prowess. Steam-powered cranes emerged during the 19th century, revolutionizing construction practices and enabling the rapid expansion of urban infrastructure and industrial facilities. The advent of electric motors and hydraulic systems in the 20th century further enhanced crane capabilities, allowing for greater lifting capacities, precision, and control.

Modern Crane Types and Applications:

Today, a wide array of crane types are utilized in construction projects, each tailored to specific tasks and environments. Tower cranes, characterized by their towering height and horizontal jib, are commonly used for erecting high-rise buildings and lifting heavy materials to great heights. Mobile cranes, including truck-mounted and crawler cranes, offer versatility and mobility, making them ideal for projects requiring frequent repositioning or access to remote locations. Additionally, speciality cranes such as gantry cranes, overhead cranes, and floating cranes are employed in various industrial settings, from shipyards and manufacturing facilities to ports and logistics hubs.

Technological Innovations and Advancements: In recent years, technological innovations have propelled crane design and functionality to new heights. Advanced materials such as high-strength steel and carbon fiber composites have enabled manufacturers to build cranes that are lighter, yet stronger and more durable than ever before. Furthermore, the integration of telematics, sensors, and GPS tracking systems has enhanced crane safety, efficiency, and remote monitoring capabilities. Automated features such as anti-collision systems, load moment indicators, and precision positioning technology have minimized the risk of accidents and improved productivity on construction sites.

Environmental Considerations and Sustainability:

As the global community increasingly prioritizes environmental sustainability, the construction industry is undergoing a paradigm shift towards greener practices. In this context, cranes, as essential components of construction projects, are also adapting to meet stringent environmental standards. Hybrid and electric-powered cranes represent a significant advancement in this regard, offering several environmental benefits over their traditional diesel counterparts. These eco-friendly cranes not only operate with reduced noise levels but also emit lower levels of harmful pollutants, contributing to improved air quality and reduced carbon footprint on construction sites. Moreover, the incorporation of regenerative braking systems and energy-efficient components further enhances the sustainability credentials of modern cranes, ensuring optimal resource utilization and minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.

Future Outlook: Looking ahead, the future of cranes in construction is poised for remarkable advancements driven by innovation and technological breakthroughs. Ongoing research and development efforts are focused on enhancing the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of crane operations. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and autonomous systems hold immense potential to revolutionize crane operations by enabling greater automation, predictive maintenance, and adaptive control. AI-powered algorithms can optimize crane performance, predict potential equipment failures, and facilitate real-time decision-making, thereby enhancing overall productivity and safety on construction sites. Furthermore, robotics and autonomous systems are reshaping the landscape of crane operations, enabling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and autonomous cranes to perform tasks with unprecedented precision and efficiency. Additionally, advancements in 3D printing and modular construction techniques are expected to revolutionize crane design and fabrication processes, leading to the development of more customizable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solutions. By leveraging these transformative technologies, the construction industry can embrace a sustainable future where cranes play a pivotal role in building smarter, greener, and more resilient cities and infrastructure.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, cranes have played a central role in shaping the built environment and facilitating human progress for centuries. From ancient civilizations to modern-day construction sites, these towering machines have enabled us to reach new heights and realize ambitious architectural visions. As we continue to innovate and harness the power of technology, cranes will remain indispensable tools in the construction industry, driving efficiency, safety, and sustainability in building practices.

In the dynamic construction landscape of Dubai, cranes stand as iconic symbols of progress and development, dotting the skyline as testaments to the city's ambition and vision. From the towering Burj Khalifa to the Palm Jumeirah's intricate network of islands, cranes have been instrumental in bringing Dubai's architectural marvels to life. As the city continues to evolve and expand, cranes in Dubai will continue to shape its skyline and contribute to its status as a global hub of innovation and excellence.

[chocolatedetectivehottub]

Egypt luxury tours,

Egypt luxury tours,

Egypt, a land entwined with ancient wonders, timeless history, and cultural richness, beckons travelers from across the globe. Offering a unique blend of antiquity and modernity, Egypt stands as a testament to the enduring allure of human civilization. While the pyramids, temples, and tombs evoke a sense of awe and wonder, the luxurious experiences that Egypt has to offer elevate the journey to unprecedented heights. Welcome to Egypt Luxury Tours, where opulence meets history, creating an unforgettable travel experience.

Unveiling the Splendors of Egypt:

Picture yourself standing amidst the colossal pyramids of Giza, feeling the weight of history as you gaze upon these architectural marvels that have stood the test of time for millennia. As you traverse the majestic Nile River aboard a luxurious cruise, you'll witness the serene beauty of the Egyptian countryside while indulging in the finest amenities and world-class service.

Luxurious Accommodations Fit for Royalty:

In Egypt, luxury knows no bounds. From lavish five-star hotels nestled along the banks of the Nile to opulent desert resorts offering unparalleled views of the majestic landscapes, every accommodation promises a stay fit for royalty. Immerse yourself in the lap of luxury as you unwind in elegantly appointed suites, dine on gourmet cuisine prepared by acclaimed chefs, and rejuvenate your senses with exclusive spa treatments.

Private Guided Tours:

Embark on a journey of discovery with private guided tours led by knowledgeable Egyptologists who unravel the mysteries of ancient Egypt before your eyes. Explore the iconic landmarks of Luxor, Karnak, and Abu Simbel, where the grandeur of the pharaohs is brought to life through intricate hieroglyphs and towering statues. Delve into the treasures of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, home to a vast collection of artifacts, including the legendary treasures of King Tutankhamun.

Exclusive Experiences:

Elevate your Egypt Luxury Tour with exclusive experiences tailored to indulge your senses and ignite your spirit of adventure. Enjoy a private sunrise breakfast overlooking the breathtaking landscapes of Aswan or embark on a hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings, where the golden hues of the sunrise cast a magical glow upon the ancient tombs below. For the ultimate indulgence, opt for a private dinner cruise along the Nile, where you'll savor gourmet cuisine while being serenaded by traditional Egyptian music under the starlit sky.

Seamless Luxury Travel:

At Egypt Luxury Tours, every aspect of your journey is meticulously planned and executed to perfection, ensuring a seamless and stress-free travel experience. From private airport transfers to personalized concierge services, we strive to exceed your expectations at every turn, allowing you to relax and immerse yourself in the wonders of Egypt without a worry in the world.

Embark on Your Journey of a Lifetime:

As you embark on a luxurious journey through the timeless wonders of Egypt, prepare to be captivated by its rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're tracing the footsteps of the pharaohs or unwinding in the lap of luxury, Egypt Luxury Tours promises an experience that transcends the ordinary and leaves an indelible mark on your soul. Come, discover the magic of Egypt in unparalleled style and elegance. Your adventure awaits.

[egypttoursworld]

Egypt Tours

Egypt Tours: Exploring the Wonders of an Ancient Civilization

Egypt is a land of mystery, history, and wonder. For thousands of years, this country has fascinated travelers with its pyramids, tombs, mummies, and a rich cultural heritage that has survived the test of time. Egypt tours offer unique opportunities to explore this fascinating country with its stunning artifacts, ancient landmarks, rich traditions, and vibrant street life.

Egypt tours typically begin in Cairo, the country's capital city and home to the legendary Pyramids of Giza. These timeless structures have captivated travelers for thousands of years with their towering height, ancient mysteries, and intricate designs. Exploring the pyramids is an experience unlike any other, as visitors can witness the grandeur and luxury of the pharaohs' kingdoms from more than 4,500 years ago.

After visiting the pyramids, many tours move on to Luxor, one of the most significant cultural destinations in Egypt. Here, visitors can explore the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Karnak, the Luxor Temple, and other historical landmarks. Luxor has a wealth of temples, tombs, and ancient artifacts, making it an essential stop on any Egypt tour.

Aswan is another popular destination for Egypt tours. Visitors can take a boat ride down the Nile to visit the iconic Temple of Philae, explore the Nubian heritage, and take in the picturesque views. Aswan also boasts the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel temples, one of the most significant historical landmarks in Egypt. Abu Simbel was carved directly into the sandstone cliffs on the banks of the Nile and stands as a testament to the grandeur and architectural genius of ancient Egypt.

Alexandria is another popular destination for tourists, with its blend of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman influences. Visitors can explore the Roman Amphitheatre, the Alexandria Library, the Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqafa, and the Citadel of Qaitbay. Alexandria has a unique charm, with its beautiful beaches and delicious seafood, offering a relaxing respite from the hustle and bustle of other cities on the Egypt tour route.

Egyptian cuisine is a treat for the taste buds, with its unique blend of Middle Eastern, African, and Mediterranean influences. Tourists can indulge in traditional dishes like falafel, shish kebabs, koshari, fuul, and taameya on street corners and in local markets. For those seeking an even more immersive experience, cooking classes and food tours are widely available

[abbbyyaaatt]

Nile Business City new capital

Nile Business City, the second highest peak in the Administrative Capital, launched today by Nile Company for Real Estate Development and Investment, Nile Business City is a skyscraper that has been classified as the third tallest tower on the continent of Africa, the highest vertical city in the continent of Africa, and the highest twin tower in Africa.

The company offers it a full view of the golden point in the Administrative Capital and a direct interface on the Green River. with a frontage of 200 m, Its total area exceeds that of the Iconic Tower. The following are the most important details about this distinguished edifice.

Nile Business City, New Capital

Nile Business City, the administrative capital, is located in the Down Town area, MU-32. It was designed with a direct facade on the Green River of about 200 m. It has a distinctive and wonderful view of 80% of the New Capital's landmarks.

Nile Business City is distinguished by its location in a very vital area in the New Administrative Capital, the highest hanging walkway in Africa, and the largest restaurant complex - it is located near many neighborhoods and main roads, as it is located near both the following:

Monorail train.

Senate.

Parliament.

Bin Zayed Axis. (The largest axis in the New Capital, with a width of 24 meters).

Ring road.

The central district of the capital.

Business and financial district.

the airport.

Diplomatic Quarter.

Al Masa Hotel in the Administrative Capital.

This huge tower is only a few minutes away from the most important landmarks of the New Administrative Capital. For example:

Away from both the new museum, the mosque of Egypt, and the cathedral, Massa Hotel is only one minute away.

It is only three minutes away from People's Square. prime minister, the central bank, the interchange station, and the city of arts, Both the financial district and the government district.

 

 

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Space and design of Nile Business City the new capital

The Nile Business City project is characterized by a huge area and a very wonderful design that qualified it to be the best investment project in the New Capital.

The space of Nile Business City  the new capital

The area of the Nile Business City project is 7.8 acres, As for its height, it reaches 233 m. It was called the highest peak in the administrative capital after the iconic tower, It is also distinguished by the fact that it is built on the largest piece of land in the tourist strip. It is located precisely in the middle of the tourist strip, to stand out from the rest of the projects around it with its huge height.

The built-up area of the Nile Business City project is equivalent to the area of an entire city located on an area of 70.5 acres, where the built-up area of Nile City is 296 thousand square meters, which is the largest area in Egypt that exceeds the area of the iconic tower,

Where this huge building includes 56 floors divided into 3 podium floors with 50 floors at the top, and below it is a garage that occupies the top of the list of the largest garages in Egypt, as it consists of 5 floors with an area of the entire building with a capacity of 5000 cars.

The building was also designed to include the ground floors and the first four commercial units in the project. To include the rest of the 46 floors, starting from the fifth floor until the 50th floor, on the administrative units of the project.

The engineering design of the mall has been developed to include a group of shops, medical clinics and administrative offices. It also includes n El Business City, a number of hotel apartments with a distinctive view of the landscape.

Spaces and prices of Nile Business City new capital

The spaces offered in Nile Business City vary between small and large ones so that each investor can easily find what suits him. The prices in the tower also vary according to the area and the type of unit chosen. Among the areas and prices of Nile Business City are the following:

The units' spaces in the mall start from 45 square meters.

The price per meter of the administrative units in the project starts from 119,000 EGP.

The price per commercial meter starts from 225,000 EGP.

Nile Business City services

In line with this huge construction project offered by the company, Nile Real Estate was keen to present its project in the best way, supported by the best facilities and services. We can summarize as follows:

Supporting the building with 40 elevators, along with a set of escalators.

Support the entire building with central air conditioning.

Providing the tower with high-speed internet.

Nile Business City contains the highest suspended track dedicated to walking in Africa.

Nile Business City includes two full floors that operate on the electromechanical system (the system for detecting faults and controlling remote maintenance through a specialized control room).

Nile Business City has an impressive and attractive view. It is surrounded by wide green areas.

The tower includes a cinema hall, which is the largest in the New Capital and works with the latest advanced technologies.

A group of cafes and restaurants that serve the most delicious drinks and local and international dishes.

The mall contains the most famous brands and international brands in one place.

Allocating large halls in the building for major conferences and meetings, equipped with the latest technological devices.

Halls are dedicated to receiving VIP visitors with a unique design and an impressive terrace.

This huge entity receives the largest labor force in Egypt. It is equipped to accommodate 24,760 employees per day.

the highest levels of security and safety, Through a tight security system that includes a group of the latest high-resolution surveillance cameras and highly trained security personnel 24 hours a day.

Periodic maintenance of all parts of the mall, including plumbing and carpentry. And hygiene on a daily basis.

Independent and sufficient electricity generators to ensure continuity of operation throughout the day.

An area equipped for children (Kids Area).

Scattered automated teller machines in the mall.

A mosque designed in a modern style for prayer.

Hotel units in Nile Business City

And in a clear response to those who want to invest in hotels in the new capitalThe Nile Company recently announced the allocation of several floors of one of the towers of its Nile Business City project as luxury hotel units, Offering the best hotel services in this huge project, This is to guarantee the idea of the comprehensiveness of the project, as it represents an integrated vertical city in one project.

If you are looking for hotel apartments in the New Capital or hotel units distinguished in the new capital, Do not stray your mind from the largest projects in the New Capital in terms of size and quality. And make Nile Business City your primary destination for investing in the finest hotel units in the New Capital.

Advantages of commercial investment in Nile Business City

The Nile Business City project has many features that made it the most eligible project to attract investment in the New Capital, This is due to the advantages of commercial investment that investors enjoy in it. Which include the following:

Location: It is located in the most exclusive location in the New Capital, specifically in the middle and center of the Down Town area in the tourist strip.

Area: The total built-up area of Nile Business City is 296,000 square meters, with approximately 30,000 employees working under the roof of each of its four towers.

Commercial space: Nile Business City occupies an area that is the largest among all commercial projects overlooking the Bin Zayed axis, with an area of 15,000 square meters.

Corridors: The project is characterized by remarkably wide and large corridors that facilitate movement between the commercial units in the mall.

Entrances: The project was designed with three main entrances to each tower to suit the large size of the project.

Elevators: The project contains 16 elevators for each tower separately to accommodate the number of visitors, residents, and workers on this huge project.

Reservation and payment methods in Nile Business City, the capitalThere are many systems provided by Nile Real Estate Development and Al-Ahram to clients in the Nile Business City project, the new capital, because the company was keen to reach the largest number of customers within this edifice through those available systems, including the following:

20% down payment and the remaining amount up to 8 years.

With a down payment starting from 10%, installment systems start at Nile Business City Mall, where the company launches for its customers a range of payment systems for up to 8 years without interest, so take the opportunity and choose what suits you and take the initiative now to reserve your private place in Mall Nile City Tower New Capital.

One of the most important advantages of investing in Nile Business City's new capitalIt is the location of the mall, as it is located in the Downtown area and features a view of the Green River, which has been dubbed the lifeline of the New Capital. It is also considered one of the advantages of investing in Nile Business City, the capital, is that it embraces more than one sector, including commercial, administrative, medical, and hotel accommodation.Advantages of administrative offices in Nile Business City1- View of Central Park, Gardens, Presidential Palace, People’s Square, Banks, Ministries, Infinity View2- Nile Enduser 100%:Through this system, the customer has the right to operate, and in the event that it is not operated for a period ranging from one to 3 months, the operating manager company intervenes and leases the unit to the investor at the highest value in the real estate market at the time of receipt, and 20% management fees are deducted.These administrative units are located in Nile Business City, which enjoys the user system, starting from the fifth floor to the 39th floor. As well as from the fortieth floor to the forty-eighth floor.3- Fixed payment systems

10% down payment and equal installments over 6 years 15% downpayment and equal installments over 7 years 20% down payment and equal installments over 8 years 35% down payment, 15% payment after 3 years, and the rest in equal installments over 3 years

Partnership system with Nile Partner

The partnership system is an investment system developed by the Nile and Al-Ahram Real Estate Development Company. And through it, the highest return on investment and the best operational efficiency are obtained. Through this system, you can buy only 50% of the unit value, and the rest is in partnership with Nile Real Estate Company.

Through this system, the company bears full responsibility in the event of non-lease, by giving you the choice between the following:

Refund of the amount paid, taking into account the interest of the Central Bank.

Obtaining your full percentage of the rental return after the period specified in the contract has passed.

Guarantee

Through this system, the customer can pay a down payment of only 15% of the unit and the rest in installments over years, with an annual installment increase of 10%. These units, which enjoy the grant system, are located from the 40th floor in Nile Business City to the 48th floor.

Cache system

And through this unique system from Nile Business City, the cash payment customer gets a huge discount of 75% of the unit value, Where he pays the full amount and then receives 5 checks, which represent a discount rate of 75%, to be redeemed over specific years. That is, through this system, you can get your unit for a quarter of its value only if you pay the value of the unit in cash and immediately.

Hotel apartments in Nile Business City

And in a new global step and event from the Nile Company in the new capital, The company recently revealed its latest phases within the Nile Business City project in the New Capital, He put it to the highest hotel in Africa, Specifically, the second tower of the project from the left.

The company decided to allocate this tower for hotel units after a long period of research and study of all successful experiences in various countries of the world. Through this, the company made sure that hotel projects are among the most promising investments. Also, Egypt is one of the countries most in need of increasing the number of hotel units in it. Hence, the company came up with its idea for the new phase within the Nile Business City project in the New Capital. And decided to launch the first phase of the new taekwondo project.

The new phase of Nile Business City is a complete tower that operates with a luxurious 5-star hotel system, With the help of one of the most important hotel operating companies in the world, Which manages to operate a hotel for the first time in Egypt and Africa.

This new hotel tower has many features that are worthy of the grandeur of the size of this large project. The most important of which are:

The hotel enjoys a direct and clear view of the Green River (the largest public park in the world, which extends from the beginning of the New Capital to the end).

The tower is the tallest hotel building in Egypt and Africa, with a height of 233 meters.

The hotel units in the project are classified as studios consisting of one, two, or three rooms.

The hotel directly overlooks the northern axis of Bin Zayed.

The Nile Company also offered a group of wonderful benefits for those interested in buying hotel apartments in the New Capital In the Nile Business City project, By giving them the following privileges:

Granting a special discount rate of 12% when booking hotel units in the project in the first week of the offering.

And a 9% discount for bookers in the second week of the offering.

As for the bookers in the third week of opening the reservation door for the hotel units, they will enjoy a discount of 5% of the total value of the hotel unit.

The down payment starts from 390 thousand pounds only.

The company announced the start date for reserving its units by filling in the expression of interest forms on Sunday, February 12, 2023. And pay an amount to confirm the seriousness of the reservation, which is specified as follows:

Fifty thousand pounds in the case of cash payment or through checks.

40 thousand pounds in the case of a bank transfer.

These amounts will be refunded in full as they are indicative of the seriousness of the reservation only.

Nile and Al-Ahram Real Estate Development Company

The Nile Business City project belongs to a major joint stock company with a history full of achievements in the real estate market, which is the Nile and Al-Ahram Company.

The Nile Company and Al-Ahram Real Estate Group were combined into a huge entity and a company called Nile and Al-Ahram Real Estate Development.

The Nile Company started its real estate activity in Egypt in 2002 in the city of Mansoura, Dakahlia Governorate, Then, in 2016, I moved to the Fifth Settlement in Cairo. Since its establishment, it has implemented 160 projects across the country.

The Nile Company has paid great attention to the new capital. Where it pumped a large percentage of its investments into it, with total investments amounting to approximately 290 billion Egyptian pounds.

The company's approach to development and sustainability

Nile Company serves a select group of leading and like-minded global institutional investors, and the company seeks to partner with them across strategies, markets, and multiple sectors, because, from the company's point of view, they value its conviction, creativity, and track record of superior performance, as well as the compatibility of interests that come from the company's keenness to maintain the size of its business.

Principles of sustainability and green architecture technology in Nile Business City

The Nile Real Estate Development Company relies on its design for the Nile Business City project on achieving the principles of sustainable or green architecture, Which means adopting environmentally conscious design techniques in the field of architecture, Where the principles of sustainability in architecture take into account the following:

Respect for the environment through the rationalization of energy and materials consumption, and resources in architecture.

Reducing negative environmental impacts in facilities by enhancing efficiency in the use of both materials and energy.

avoid depleting natural resources, This is to ensure its continuity and the right of future generations to it.

Designing buildings that rationalize the consumption of water, energy, and natural materials, By re-treating wastewater and using it to irrigate green spaces.

Using the latest technologies that automatically save energy used in buildings for refrigeration, air conditioning, and lighting.

Experts and consultants based on the project

In the framework of the implementation of this great edifice, the Nile and Al-Ahram Real Estate Company sought the assistance of the best experts and specialized consultants to contract with them. In order for the Nile Business City project to be produced in compliance with the international LEED certification standards concerned with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, It is a global rating system for assessing the sustainability of environmentally friendly buildings.

The company invested more than one billion and 200 million pounds in order to obtain the global LEED certificate. Which requires the fulfillment of more than 80 conditions in order to obtain it, Where the company is working hard to achieve all these conditions through its new project, Nile Business City.

Among the most important experts and consultants that the company cooperated with are the following:

Canadian architectural consultant It is one of the most prominent architectural offices specializing in building towers and skyscrapers in Dubai.

Structural Consultant/ Office of Dr. Asaad Salameh He is also considered one of the best structural designers of towers and skyscrapers in Dubai. Where he implemented more than 128 projects in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

ARCHRETE Egyptian architectural rendering and review office Which won the competition for the best concept (Concept) in the New Capital.

ART line office for interior designs in Egypt Dr. Ahmed Abdel Ghani Consultant Office He is one of the best specialists in electromechanical technology for skyscrapers and towers in Dubai.

CFM CONTRACTK Facilities Management It is a subsidiary of Orascom to manage the public facilities in the project.

KAD Commercial Property Management Company: Managing the commercial units of the project

ETQAN Business Development Company It is one of the best companies specializing in marketing and financial studies

Muharram Bakhoum Office for Engineering Consulting ACE Consulting Engineers.

The previous work of the Nile and Al-Ahram Company

Mall 31 North Tower, New Capital

It has also developed a group of housing projects in the Beit Al Watan area.

In addition to the lotus project.

And it served more than a thousand families in the Andalus region and took care of them even after the sales stages.

The company has implemented a number of projects in the northern Al-Rehab area.

After all that success, the company announces a new offering that will be launched for the first time in the New Capital, which is a tower consisting of 50 loft floors on the Green River. Thus, the company presents to its customers the Nile Business City Mall, the first vertical city in the New Capital.

Take advantage of the opportunity and contract now, in comfortable installments, on an investment unit or hotel accommodation with a global interface in the largest projects of the New Capital and in the most privileged location in Nile Business City.

Members of the Board of Directors of the Nile Real Estate Company

Engineer Mohamed Taher highly appreciates the trust of his clients. And always strives to exceed their expectations for the best. He has professional experience in the Egyptian real estate market for more than 25 years. CEO Mohamed Taher graduated from the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Mansoura University. He is known for his constant love of being informed of all that is new in the world of construction and real estate. And adopts the latest and best international and local practices in the field, Which helps him to develop many innovative concepts in the designs of various projects.

Mr. Mahmoud Taher Mr. Mahmoud Taher is the Executive Director of the Nile and Al-Ahram Real Estate Company. He is a forward-looking, passionate leader. He has the drive and determination to succeed in the work he undertakes in order to generate sustainable institutional growth. Mr. Mahmoud Taher occupies many honorable positions, He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Real Estate Investment Division of the General Federation of Chambers of Commerce. and a member of the company's board of directors, And treasurer of the New Cairo Developers Association and the New Capital. Chief Executive Officer Mahmoud Taher mainly contributes to setting the right management vision. This reinforces the importance of managers' commitment to always support the company's business transformation initiatives for the better.

Conclusion

And as a reflection of those innovative visions that the members of the Board of Directors seek to achieve, The company announced its new launch, which will be launched for the first time in the New Capital, the Nile Business City Tower, in the most prominent locations of the capital, in the Downtown Center on the Green River, Which is the first vertical city of its kind in the New Capital.

Information about the new capital

The new capital is the result of the Egyptian government's efforts to attract foreign investments inside Egypt. It was established by the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi Decree No. 57 of 2016, who announced its establishment during the Conference on Support and Development of the Egyptian Economy held in Sharm El-Sheikh from 13 to 15 March 2015.

The total area of the New Capital is approximately 170,000 acres (688 square kilometers). The new capital is equivalent in area to the size of the state of Singapore and four times the size of the city of Washington in the United States of America.

The New Capital is located east of Cairo, at a distance of approximately 60 km. It is also 65 kilometers away from the city of Suez. The government has planned for the city so that it will be able to accommodate approximately 6.5 million people after the completion of the city's construction in full.

The New Capital is one of the most important public national projects that the Egyptian government has clearly announced and its explicit direction is to support and amplify the size of the Egyptian economy through its establishment. It is a historic shift in Egypt's current history to bring together major companies to invest in.

The government estimated the total cost of establishing the new capital at about $45 billion. So that it takes 7 years to build, It includes a presidential palace, ministries, and government agencies, In addition to a special neighborhood for embassies and consulates, As well as the inclusion of many residential projects in it, so that its construction includes 1.1 million housing units. And 40 thousand hotel rooms to accommodate more than 5 million people.

take your chance now, And contract in comfortable installments on your own unit for investment or hotel accommodation in a tower that enjoys the best global destinations, And in the most exclusive locations in the New Capital. Contact us now at 00201069210222, One of our sales managers will contact you as soon as possible to provide you with all information about Nile Business City.

For more information about prices and installment methods

Prices Nile Business City new capital

Advantages of investing in Nile Business City's new capital

[realestate-egypt-masharf]

Iconic Tower New Capital - سنترال ايكونيك تاور العاصمة الادارية

All you need to know about Iconic Tower New Capital tallest building in Africa, The Iconic Tower is a skyscraper in the New Administrative Capital of Egypt. With a total structural height of 393.8 meters - كل ماتريد معرفته عن سنترال ايكونيك تاور العاصمة الادارية اطول برج في قارة افريقيا, يقع في قلب العاصمة في حي المال والأعمال 

► For More About Iconic Tower New Capital Tallest Tower in Egypt: http://bit.ly/3i7tEFn 

----- Iconic Tower New Capital Contact: 

► Iconic Tower New Capital Phone Number: +2 01270970000 

► Iconic Tower New Capital Whatsapp Directly: https://wa.me/201270970000

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Central Iconic Tower Egypt Skyscrapercity: 

- About the Iconic Tower Egypt: It is one of the most important commercial towers in the administrative capital built by Modon Real Estate Development Company, which provides all services of interest to Arab and foreign investors. 

- Central Iconic Tower Location: It is located in the New Administrative Capital in the MU7 area. 

- Iconic Tower space: a large space as the tower consists of 18 floors. 

- Iconic Tower Units Type: commercial and administrative units and hotel apartments. 

- Iconic Tower Units Space: starts from 40 square meters. 

- Iconic Tower Price per meter: starts from 33,000 Egyptian pounds. 

- The real estate developer of Iconic Tower developer: Modon Developments 

- Iconic Tower Payment methods: The company executing the project provides convenient payment systems and payment periods of up to 20 years. 

- Iconic Tower Full Details on the cheapest Offices for sale in New Capital City: https://bit.ly/3i7tEFn 

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Iconic Tower New Capital Units For Sale: (Available Soon On Website) 

► At an Attractive Price, Office 42m² In Central Iconic Tower With A Great View 136 m²: https://masharf.com/en/contact-us 

► Office for sale in Iconic Tower New Capital 60 m²: http://bit.ly/3EWy4Ys 

► Office In Central Iconic Tower New Capital 72m²: https://masharf.com/en/contact-us 

► Administrative Office for sale in Iconic Tower in New Capital 100 m²: https://masharf.com/en/contact-us 

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For More Info about Iconic Tower New Capital: +201270970000 للمزيد من المعلومات والاستفسار عن الأسعار والمساحات المتاحة: +201270970000 Whatsapp Directly:

  https://wa.me/201270970000 اسم المشروع: سنترال ايكونيك تاور. -

 عن مشروع سنترال ايكونيك تاو : من اهم الابراج التجارية في العاصمة الادارية من انشاءات شركة مدن للتطوير العقاري والذي يوفر جميع الخدمات التي تهم المستثمرين العرب والاجانب. 

- موقع سنترال ايكونيك تاور: يقع في العاصمة الادارية الجديدة في منطقة MU7. 

- مساحة مشروع سنترال ايكونيك تاور- مساحة البرج الايقوني : 4104 متر مربع. - أنواع وحدات سنترال ايكونيك تاور: وحدات تجارية وادارية وشقق فندقية. 

- مساحة وحدات سنترال ايكونيك تاور: تبدأ من 40 متر مربع. 

- اسعار وحدات سنترال ايكونيك تاور - اسعار البرج الايقوني : يبدأ من 1,200,000 جنيه مصري. 

- اسم ائمطور العقاري لسنترال ايكونيك تاور - مطور البرج الايقوني : شركة مُدن للتطوير العقاري. 

- طرق سداد سنترال ايكونيك تاور انظمة دفع البرج الايقوني : توفر الشركة المنفذة للمشروع انظمة سداد مريحة وفترات سداد تصل إلى 20 سنة. 

 Masharf Real Estate Social Media: 

► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masharfonline 

► Website: https://masharf.com 

► E-Mail: info@masharf.com 

► Whatsapp Directly: https://wa.me/201270970000 

 Iconic Tower Real Estate Developer: Modon Developments is The Developer of Iconic Tower Egypt ترتيب البرج الأيقوني, طول البرج الأيقوني, تكلفة البرج الايقوني, شقق للبيع في البرج الايقوني, البرج الأيقوني ويكيبيديا, لماذا سمي البرج الأيقوني, العاصمة الإدارية الجديدة, أطول برج في أفريقيا, 

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#Masharf #ModonDevelopments #CSCECorporation #NewCapitalTowers #IconicTowerNewCapital #MasharfProjects #NewCapital #skyscrapercity #skyscraper  #skyscrapers #newadministrativecapital #realestate #العاصمة_الادارية #iconictower #iconictoweregypt #egyptskyscraper #africakyscrapers #iconictowerheight #البرج_الايقوني iconic tower egypt skyscrapercity, iconic tower egypt 2022, iconic tower egypt cost, iconic tower egypt design, iconic tower

 height, iconic tower egypt height, tallest tower in egypt, iconic tower egypt, iconic tower price, skyscraper, What is the tallest tower in Egypt?, Which is the tallest building in Africa 2022?

اين تقع العاصمة الإدارية الجديدة, افتتاح العاصمة الإدارية الجديدة, مشروع العاصمة الإدارية الجديدة, شركة العاصمة الإدارية الجديدة, تكلفة العاصمة الإدارية الجديدة, العاصمة, اسم العاصمة الإدارية الجديدة, برج العاصمة الإدارية كم متر, عدد أدوار برج العاصمة #New_Capital_Towers #R7 #ابراج_العاصمة_الجديدة #RealEstate #NewCapital #ForSale #Office #الجمهورية_الجديدة #العاصمة_الادارية #  #مشروعات_العاصمة_الادارية #Luxry #NewAdministrativeCapital

[lealynnkittenwinchester]

Answer 21, Tag 21

tagged by my Stitch @femmedplume

1. nick names: Lynn, Lea, Kitten, Big, Missa

2. zodiac sign: just the sun sign? Leo 

but since I know them moon sign is Taurus and rising is Cancer

3. height 5′ 9″

4. Hogwarts house: Gryffindor ( but ya know the hat would’ve shoved me in Slytherin if I hadn't told it it otherwise)

5. last thing I googled: song lyrics

Something Just Like This Coldplay, The Chainsmokers

I've been reading books of old The legends and the myths Achilles and his gold Hercules and his gifts Spiderman's control And Batman with his fists And clearly I don't see myself upon that listBut she said, where'd you wanna go? How much you wanna risk? I'm not looking for somebody With some superhuman gifts Some superhero Some fairytale bliss Just something I can turn to Somebody I can kiss

I really like this song

6. favorite musicians: oh boy you;ve asked for it buckle up

AC/DC, Pink Floyd, Coldplay, Skillet, Ariana Grande, Avril Lavigne, Bad Company, Breaking Benjamin, Carrie underwood, Demi Lovato, Evanescence, Halsey, Icon for Hire, Led Zepplin, Linkin Park, Nickleback, Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Three days Grace, Three doors down, Within Temptation, P!nk

7.  song stuck in my head: 

8. following now: 83

9. followers now: 14

10. do you get asks: no but I would love to get some

11. do you sleep: sleep is for the weak

12. lucky number: I have two they are 7 and 13

13. what am i wearing: black and white plaid shirt and black pj pants

14. dream job : coiunselor

15: dream trips: oh boy you asked for it again

Paris, Ireland, Scotland, Sicily, Rome, Germany, Spain, Japan, Seattle, Disney Land, Sweden, Norway, Egypt

16. favorite food: Italian or sushi

17. instruments: piano and guitar

18. languages English, ASL (still learning)

19.  Favorite Song: What is wrong with you? Favorite song, SINGULAR??? 😒Top 5 ATM*: 

1. something just like this - Coldplay

2. zombie - the cranberries

3. how do you love someone - Ashley Tisdale

4. Check yes Juliet - We the kings

5. What’s my name - Chine Anne Mclain

*Songs subject to change at any moment…matter of fact, they already have

20. Random Fact: I am a practicing pagan and witch I don’t mention it much on tumblr

21. Aesthetic: skulls, flowers, Eiffel towers, stacks of journals, crystals, soft blankets in piles, red lipstick, winged eyeliner. incense smoke, gentle spring rains, loud music, classic cars, pentacles, black candles, mermaid tails, dyed red hair

Okay, I’m NOT tagging 21, that’s ridiculous, but I’ll shout out a few, only if you want to and it’s FUN for you 😊: @amanda-teaches @bringmesomepie56 @deandoesthingstome @eyes-of-a-disney-princessn @geeklibrarian @hidingfrommychildren @impala-dreamer @jinkieswouldyoulookatthis

[in-the-sometime]

Tag Me

Tagged by: @xvnot15

Why the username?: In the Meantime was taken and I just don’t have a good reason, but I love it now.

Zodiac: Virgo Sun, Cancer Ascending, Taurus Moon, Scorpio Venus, Tiger of Fire. I enjoy Astrology a bit. Wouldn’t rule my life around it, but it’s fun.

Height: 5′7″

Time: 11:48PM

Favorite band/artist:  I don’t have a favorite, but I do love a great variety of music. From Rock to Opera. From Rock Operas to Rap. From Salsa to Ballads. From local Latin music to Alternative anything. I cannot stand certain songs and certain monotonous beats. There’s very few reggaetón songs that I love and enjoy, but even that I like sometimes. Baby Shark was in my head so much at one point that I sang it for the kids that went to Castings.

Song stuck in my head: I was listening to Can’t help falling in love and it’s been going non-stop in my head for two days now.

Nickname: Pepita since I was a lil one. Different short versions of my name and Starina like the character from The Birdcage, because my Uni friends are hilarious and I would sing with them through the Drama halls when things would get impossible.

Last movie I saw: Captain Marvel. I finally saw it!

Following:  Following 40 being Followed by 561.

Average amount of sleep: 5-8 hours.

Last thing I googled: The schedule for Best Buy.

Other blogs: None

Do I get asks: Not really.

Lucky number: Don’t have one.

What am I wearing: Pajama bottoms and an old Girls Scout Summer Camp T-shirt that mom used to wear when she was our Mom Troop Leader. It’s Lion King themed from 1994. So soft.

Dream Job: Acting and actually making a living off of that.

Dream trips: My real dream trip would seriously be a globetrotting Road Trip to visit my online buddies and pals and give them 3D squeezes. That would take me all over the world, including Egypt and Brazil. ((This is so perfect, I’m leaving this as it is and adding New Zealand. ))

Favorite food: Carbs. I love Carbs.

Eye color: Brown

Hair color: Very Dark Brown

Aesthetic: I don’t know that I have a specific one yet. Must love books. Is that even an aesthetic?

Languages I speak: Spanish, English and some Italian. I really want to learn ASL.

Most Iconic song: Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen

Instruments I play: None. I always wanted to learn the Cello.

Random fact: I learned a few years ago during a yoga retreat Hudson was giving (if you know who this is, points for you) that a woman married the Eiffel Tower, and it is so damn disturbing. You’re welcome.

I tag @atarihansolo @burningexistence @greek-god-of-hair @jellysnack @obsessionisthenewblack @princesscharming1983 @starsthatburn and anyone else that wants to do this. xxo

[zombiescantfly]

Words About Games - Unreal Tournament 3 (Epic Games, 2007)

Unreal Tournament 3 is nothing short of an utter embarrassment, incompetent at nearly every level, and a gross misunderstanding of a playerbase that was, at the time, nearly a decade old.  I wish I could just leave it at that, but this is the first game I ever felt wronged by.  

This was a franchise killer.  UT3 flopped so hard that it took fans desperate for any sign of a new game ten years to make Epic even consider adding a new entry to the series, and even then it is, as of time of writing, on indefinite hiatus so the handful of developers assigned to it can make more Fortnite dances.  But that comes later.  Unreal Tournament 3 comes first.

The Unreal series was hardly a stranger to hard knocks.  Return to Na Pali was a dull-at-best expansion pack while the much-maligned Unreal 2 missed the point entirely and has since slipped into laughable obscurity, and even the original Unreal Championship on Xbox had to be redeemed with a well-received followup.  I played neither of those, by the way, it's just my understanding that the first one was bad and the second was good.

So what made UT3 the last chance?  What about it was bad enough to kill the franchise that had gone toe-to-toe with Quake and lived to tell the tale?  The real question is what the hell Epic was thinking.

Unreal Tournament 3 lacks a great many things.  At launch, it boasted a meager six gamemodes, and even then only by virtue of splitting 1v1 deathmatch maps off of Deathmatch and into a new category called Duel.  So, our gametypes are: Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Duel, Capture the Flag, Vehicle CTF, and Warfare.  That's it.  No Bombing Run, no Mutant, no Invasion, no Domination (double or otherwise), and yet again, for some ungodly reason, no Assault.

I feel like I've done this before.  What else did UT3 leave out?  Facing Worlds!  Yep, it's out again, and this time without a replacement.  That's right, no Face 4 to make up for it.  A new Curse map, a staple of the series since the original Unreal multiplayer, is also missing.  Most of the character factions introduced in UT2003 and 2004 are gone, like the Nightmares, the Robots, the Juggernauts, the Mercenaries, the Gen Mo’kai, the Egyptians, and the Skaarj.  You know, the Skaarj, literally the most important faction to the series at large.  They're gone.  Xan Kriegor, the Big Bad of every Tournament since 1999, the final champ who uses an AI setting above Godlike, who has his own spaceship where the ultimate match is duked out 1v1 in a truly brutal and awesome deathmatch?  Gone.

But that's not the worst of it.  Sure, they stripped out almost everything they'd spent so much time building up throughout character and map descriptions for three games, but even that wasn't enough.  There has to be something else they could take away to really strip the game of its identity.  The Flak Cannon?  No, too easy.  The Shock Rifle?  Almost.  Malcolm, the veteran of all the in-universe Tournaments and arguably the (human) mascot of the series?  I'll do you one better.

They took away the Tournament.

They took away the Tournament.

They took away.

The Tournament.

Unreal Tournament 3 has no Tournament.  

What do we have instead, in Unreal Tournament 3, if not a Tournament?  Calling it Gears of War 1.5 is a good place to start.  

Unreal Tournament never really had a defining artstyle to call its own, but it was still recognizable.  UT99 had its harsh shadows and pockets of bright light on largely cool-colored maps, a very neo-industrial/tech vibe with a smattering of ancient temples thrown in there to call back to Unreal.  UT2003 and 4 turned their tech maps into something a bit shinier overall, left a bit of industrial grunge in, had their fun with future space techno Egypt, and splashed a bit of East Asian architecture in one or two maps for good measure.  Colors were bright, each map had an identifiable pallette, and it's hard to confuse one for the other.

UT3 came out after Gears of War, which means it looked like this:

Not helping matters is the new direction character design was taken, which basically boils down to taking Gears character out of their usual armor and putting them in UT styled suits.  Malcolm’s there and he's put on about 200 pounds of muscle.

Man, just look at all those graphics.  And it's a good thing there are so many, because otherwise how would we know what we're looking at when the dramatic cutscenes play?

Because since we have no Tournament in our Unreal Tournament game, we of course have to have a very dramatic story about a Krall invasion and this guy named Ronin’s quest to get revenge.  

Let's unpack that.

The Krall invaded.  The Krall, the mercenary/slave race kept on retainer by the Skaarj, are the primary antagonists, but not the Skaarj themselves.  Ronin, an entirely new character made for this game, is the primary focus when actual series (human) mascot Malcolm is right there.  And the whole thing is a heroic revenge story, not a Tournament.

I hate this game.

So UT3 forces a series of ladder matches across all of three gametypes into a narrative nobody asked for.  If it had had anything to with the series’ history, it probably could have been acceptable, but it doesn't mean anything as it is.  Matches are now short gameplay segments in between an overproduced narrative about revenge and retribution, and they're given wholly unnecessary context.  Deathmatch is no longer literal bloodsport to entertain the masses but a gritty, brutal battle of attrition until one side wears down the other side’s respawner charges.  Capture the Flag isn't a game, it's you taking a daring and gritty shot at capturing your ugly, inhuman enemy’s Field LAttice Generator to turn off their respawner.  Warfare/Onslaught isn't a fun territory control match, it's a gritty and unrelentingly brutal comment on how war is hell, as you capture territory to destroy the Core that powers your gritty enemy’s respawner.

Do you get it.  Respawners.  Real war.  Not a game anymore.  No fun allowed.

Sigh.

This game came out when I was late into highschool, and was one of the first games I was super excited about.  Back then I didn't actually play all that many games, tending instead to stick to a smallish library of my favorites.  So when UT3 was announced, originally as Unreal Tournament 2007, I was hyped.  It would be one of the first games on the brand-new Unreal Engine 3, and the handful of prerelease screenshots kept my attention for months with their unparalleled lighting and detail.  Blurbs about the changes they were making excited me, talking about how they were putting a bit more speed back into the game to win over the holdouts who thought UT2004 was too slow.  An entirely new roster of vehicles was going to sit alongside the existing ones, and a whole host of changes was coming to merge the best of UT99 with UT2004.

That's what they promised.  What was actually delivered was an anemic blend of half-baked executions.  People don't like double jumping and think UT2004 is too floaty, others like double jumping and think UT99 is missing critical movement options?  UT3 keeps double jumping but makes the total jump height of both equal to a single jump in UT99, removes wall and air dodging, and adds a noticeable recovery delay after dodging from the ground.  Cool, great.

People didn't like the weapon balance changes and replacements?  Toss out the Assault Rifle, bring back the Enforcer, but make it just as inaccurate as the AR!  Make the spread on the Flak Cannon’s primary tighter, but have its alt fire shell fall off even faster than UT99’s!  

That's not to say all of the changes were bad.  Believe it or not, Unreal Tournament 3 actually does have a handful of things I really like, which makes their presence in an overall worse game all the more painful.  Vehicle physics are greatly improved, the new vehicles are amazing, Adrenaline is gone, the Rocket Launcher has its grenades back, a lot of the new weapon designs are superb, powerups are back on the map, you get a hoverboard on Warfare and VCtF maps, and I'm all out of nice things to say.  

The game, visually, is a mess (see above).  A new graphics engine means new effects to play with, but those effects here are bloom and more bloom.  Players get lost in overstuffed scenery because the artstyle inherited from Gears of War is red on brown on gray.  A more grounded overall concept strips a lot of identity from returning maps, taking them from space or exotic locales and putting them in a generic futuristic cityscape.

That's a small complaint, and totally worth dismissing, but it shows a certain lack of respect to the history of the series, to me.  These are maps that have been iconic as a whole that have been repurposed to show off how many pixels can be crammed into a skybox.  When Facing Worlds was eventually re-added in UT3’s first and only content update, it was transplanted from two opposing towers on an asteroid spinning above Earth and just set in the mountains somewhere in China.  

If you're looking at it from a pure gameplay perspective then there's nothing wrong with the change.  But it's just part of an inherent ignorance as to what players wanted from this game.  We didn't want a weird storyline where we watch Epic mush per-pixel lit action figures into each other before graciously being allowed to capture the enemy’s Field Lattice Generator three times, we wanted to mush those action figures together ourselves as we climbed higher up the ladder towards facing the Tournament champion.  We wanted to thunder across whatever alien landscapes the map designer thought up that day and add another piece to the expansive puzzle of the Unreal universe, not spend two-thirds of the game puttering around China or the generic scifi city. 

Also, in going back to get those above screenshots, I discovered something I’d entirely forgotten: there are no map descriptions.  The strongest part of that good old fashioned world building is just gone.  No more short tales of a skyscraper built by a hubris-devoured crazy person, no more small insights into the shipping lines around this or that outpost, no more glimpses at all into the world beyond the game.  For them to suddenly make such a big deal about the story, Epic sure didn’t care about anything beyond their cutscenes.

But I guess I'm getting ahead of myself.  What else is in UT3?

Not a whole lot.  With a lack of gamemodes came a lack of maps, though I suppose 41 maps was still more than you could expect at the time.  The bonus pack that turned UT3 into the “Black Edition” (I have no idea) added 19 more and did, as previously mentioned, re-add Facing Worlds.  Mutators are also lacking, with a fair chunk appearing just as basic gameplay tweaks - no hoverboard, no Orb (we'll talk about the stupid Orb), no powerups, the Arena mainstay, no Translocator (just a game setting in all previous titles), friendly fire (also a previous game setting), game speed adjustments (yep, was a setting before), and your basic Instagib/big head/super berserk mutators like you always get.  

Gone are fun things like quad jump, vampire, big wheels, slow motion corpses, all the “other UT” mutators (UT Classic and UT 2003 Style if you recall), and vehicle arena.  Remember, no fun allowed.

And I sure do wish there was fun allowed, because some things almost are.  Warfare is the star here, or at least it should have been.  Imagine:  a map five times as large as the largest Onslaught map, still joined by paths of dozens of capture nodes linked together to create distinct fronts, laced in between guided objectives reminiscent of Assault scenarios.  Completing these objectives grants you unique bonuses on your path to the enemy Core, if you can make it past the army of players and vehicles ahead…

That's what Warfare was billed as, but that's not what Warfare ended up being.  What did it turn out as?  Literally Onslaught again, but with an Orb now.  

The Orb is a game-breakingly frustrating mechanic.  Here's how it goes:  the Orb spawns at a node you control.  Someone can pick up the Orb and carry it around, shooting a giant pillar of light into the sky wherever they go.  The Orb will instantly destroy and capture any enemy node it's brought to, and will be destroyed in doing so.  The player carrying the Orb can't use any vehicle except their personal hoverboard.  

The Orb either wins games outright or does stone nothing.  See, both teams get an Orb, so what happens most of the time is that one guy uses the Orb to capture a node, then the other Orb is used to take it back.  It's not like you can use it to get a sneaky capture, because of the giant pillar of light shooting into the sky and an icon on the minimap.  The Orb is stupid, and proper control of the map makes sure that absolutely nothing comes from its presence.  So good work Epic, you added another layer to a gamemode you already stripped back to exactly what we'd gotten before, and all that comes of it is absolutely nothing.

The new vehicles are cool though.  Everything from UT2004 makes a comeback with a tweaked design, and new Necris vehicles are added as well.  They're usually just an analog of an existing vehicle except with wiggly scifi tentacles, so you get a single-person hoverthingy and a VTOL jet with lasers and missiles, but they really outdid themselves with some of the other ones.  Filling the spot of the main battle tank for the new vehicles is a giant War of the Worlds style tripod that can clamber over most obstacles and terrain.  The light attack jeep spot is a laser-toting mini-walker that can retract its tendrils and roll around as a ball, squishing people on its merry way.  Like I said, not all bad.  Oh, but only one team gets them, and not all maps support their inclusion.  So only mostly bad.

But they are all that's left of a much larger gamemode that had more and more stripped from it until they were left with literally just Onslaught but with the Orb.  

And the bad things just kept coming, this time in regards to the music.  New composers were brought in again, in the form of Jesper Kyd and Rom DiPrisco, and they make a total mess of the place.  There are a good number of “remixes” present on the soundtrack, but where the musical genius Kevin Reipl took GoDown and made Hyperblast Redux, whichever of the duo made the UT3 remix of GoDown just added some modulation and a breakbeat.  Or maybe the classic Foregone Destruction, where the UT3 version just adds some modulation and a breakbeat.  Mechanism Eight?  Modulation and a breakbeat.  Skyward Fire?  Modulation and a breakbeat.  The classic Unreal Tournament theme itself?  Modulation and a breakbeat.  The instantly recognizable stage music for UT2004’s Torlan, SDG-ONS1?  Surprisingly, a mold-breaker here: no modulation, only an added breakbeat.  And someone wailing over it.  I get that it's supposed to have a vaguely Middle Eastern or whatever sort of vibe, ‘cause the original did and Torlan itself was set in a dusty oasis sort of thing, but they changed the setting for UT3 to be more temperate so I really have no idea.

My point is that the music in UT3 sucks.  Even past the embarrassing quality of the remixes, none of the original compositions are memorable.  There's no energy, there's nothing that plays to the idea of the game, and there's no bombast.  The music probably has its fans out there, but I'm about as far from one of them as you can get.

I’m also about as far from a fan of the game itself as you can get.  When this came out, I was mainly confused as to how it could be so bad.  It’s not like it was the first time I ever didn’t like a videogame, but for Unreal Tournament of all things to turn out so bad, I just didn’t really know what I was experiencing.  UT3 was so bad that within a month I was looking up tutorials on how to use UT2004’s editor.  A year or so later Epic put UT3 on Steam and added a content pack that turned it into Unreal Tournament 3: Black Edition (I still don’t know), but that added so little that it barely made a difference.  Two new gamemodes that just amounted to new types of Deathmatch, a handful of maps, and that was it.  

People made their own maps, sure, and I’m sure if I looked now I could find mods that make it a more bearable experience.  But at the same time, I’m not really sure.  Because see, UT3 didn’t just release on PC this time around, it also came out on PS3 and the Xbox 360.  Epic wanted to bring the award-winning modding scene to those platforms as well, which means the entire process of modding and the number of things that could be modded was cut way down to adhere to guidelines from both companies as well as the much more limited space available on the console’s hard drives.  I only ever looked into mods back around when the Black Edition dropped, and the most popular mods I remember from back then is just adding a Master Chief character model.

To say that Unreal Tournament 3 was a disappointment is perhaps the biggest understatement of this entire essay.  I’m not going to rant on about how it was a betrayal of brand integrity or something, because I’m not entirely that naive, but the failure of this game to do as much right as its predecessors or even impress on any great scale meant a lot for the arena shooter genre.  Id Software had bowed out and wouldn’t reappear with Rage until years later.  Halo was wrapping up its trilogy to critical acclaim.  Call of Duty was rapidly changing the face of shooters with Call of Duty 4.  Fallout 3 was near, Bioshock had come out a year or so prior, and Gears of War 2 would cement Epic’s new direction.  

There was no redeeming followup to Unreal Tournament 3.  Nothing came out to add Assault or Domination or Bombing Run back in.  It came out, bellyflopped, and Epic let it sit in the lovingly-rendered mud full of bloom and speculars that it landed in.  

In the decade-plus since then, the face of shooters has changed again and again.  CoD4 ushered in an unrelenting push towards modern-day settings, a small subset of shooters with RPG elements grew larger, Bungie made more Halo games and then Destiny, a whole indie subgenre popped up to try to let us relive the days of Doom and Quake, then a fantastic new Doom came out, and now everyone has a battle royale.  Even Epic.  

A few years ago on the official Unreal Tournament forums on Epic’s website, a group of fans formed a plan to make their own Unreal Tournament entry under a different name.  Work started, schedules were made, and it caught Epic’s attention as so many remake projects do.  But rather than end with a Cease & Desist like just about every other one out there, a few people from Epic expressed surprise that there was such a massive push and actually pledged their own support to the project.  Unreal Tournament 4 was suddenly an official project.  

It was a strange relationship, of course - Epic’s people gave it a place in their launcher and let it use their official servers, they signed off on all major updates and made everything nice and official, but the weapon, map, and character design was going to be on the community.  We can get into the ethics of that some other time, but the point was this:  Before all that long, there was a playable Unreal Tournament 4.  Maps were using placeholder art and geometry, most of the weapons were just the UT3 models, there was one character model, and all you could play was Deathmatch, but it was coming along.  And it did come along.  The Enforcer, Link Gun, Flak Cannon, Rocket Launcher, and Sniper Rifle were all finalized and modeled, a few maps were finished entirely and look gorgeous (and play really well!), and more character models were added.  

And then Fortnite got big.  

Fortnite, a weird little Orcs Must Die-alike with building and survival elements, wasn’t much of a big name until Epic added a battle royale mode of their own, not too long after Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds swept across the Steam Early Access scene.  What that meant for the UT4 project is that the handful of official Epic people who were getting paid to curate this giant mod endeavor were suddenly reassigned to work on something a little more immediate, namely Fortnite.  

The long and short of it is that Epic killed Unreal Tournament twice in a row.  There are still arena shooters out there.  Toxikk is basically just UT2004 deathmatch with a shiny coat of paint (I played a bit, it’s okay but lacks a lot in comparison); Quake Champions is a perfectly fine hero shooter with a lot of balance problems and way too few maps, plus it’s Quake which means all the problems I have remain; Tribes: Ascend came and went just as fast as players in it moved thanks to a suddenly overaggressive monetization model; and lately I guess Dusk has its multiplayer which I hear is pretty healthy.  

The arena shooter isn’t dead; no genre really can be, and I have firsthand experience with how much work can be done to keep individual games alive, but it’s certainly not a popular choice these days.  If so much has happened to the shooter genre at large since Wolfenstein 3D came out, that much and more can happen again.  More people are playing videogames than ever, technology marches onward, and maybe one day someone in the right position with the right resources will create something that finally puts the public eye back on the most classic of multiplayer shooters.

But until then, the decade of languishing that arena shooters have been the subject of is entirely Epic Games’ fault.

[theyhaveacavetroll]

tagged by: @xpityx

Tagging: @dinodefender, @yeoman014, and anyone else that wants to do it

1. Zodiac Sign: Virgo and let me tell you I am so sick of being painted as all rainbows and unicorns have any of y’all who do those zodiac posts ever actually met a Virgo?

2. Nicknames: I have what I’d consider lots but they’re all some version of Meg. 

3. Height: 5′6″

4. Hogwarts : Pottermore claims I’m a Ravenclaw but I think I’m more of a Slytherin, although I would absolutely choose to live in Ravenclaw Tower instead of the dungeons.

5. The Last Thing I googled: probably “Notre Dame fire”

6. Favorite Musicians: Loreena McKennitt, Gordon Lightfoot, Gaelic Storm, the Jolly Rogers, basically any sea shanty band ever

7. Song Stuck in My Head: Johnny Cope by the Corries

8. Following Now: 329

9. Followers: 690, and the remarkable thing is that most of them have stuck around even though I basically just blog about whatever strikes my fancy that day with a side of “let me rant about the BS finale” so - hats off to you, followers!!  

10. Do I Get Asks?: Sometimes! It’d be nice to get a few more, but of course I’m aware that the less I manage to write for fandom the less I hear from people.

11. Amount of ?: I really don’t get what this is asking.

12. Lucky Number: don’t have one

13. What I’m Wearing: Black pants with a kind of renaissance faire top - it’s got bell sleeves and embroidery work around the neck. 

14. Dream Job: I’m going to go with “writing things that really get people to get up and make the world better”

15. Dream Trip: Italy, maybe? Then again I’ve always wanted to go to Marrakesh and then head on east to Egypt, too.

16. Favorite Food: Spaghetti, and all types of cheesy pasta. 

17. Instruments: my voice. I’m a decent singer, not hugely talented but not bad either.

18. Languages: English, enough French to get by, some Latin, and bits and pieces of a bunch of others. 

19. Favorite Song: I’m very sorry but that’s like asking me to choose a favorite pet and you can’t possibly do that to me, I love music so much. I’ll confess though that my brain reset song that I use when I have an earworm is Lady of Shalott by Loreena McKennitt

20. Random Fact: The iconic noise that we associate with crows - the three loud caws evenly spaced - is their phrase for “it’s going to rain very soon.” Pay attention and you’ll never get caught without an umbrella. (hey - they never said the fact had to be about me.) 

21. Aesthetic: Bilbo Baggins post-adventure. Lots of books, a few swords lying about, and trying harder every day to become an eccentric relation.

[waycityparkingdestinations]

Top 5 New York City Attractions and Where to Find Parking Near Them

The Big Apple is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. It is brimming with things to do – both for residents as well as out-of-towners! Once you step out into New York City, you’re guaranteed to never run out of activities to take up.  

Whether you’re a resident New Yorker or a visitor, there are some iconic attractions you must not miss seeing in your lifetime. However, as the streets are jam-packed with traffic and city parking spots are scarce, you’re likely to have a tough time finding NYC parking – unless you know exactly where to go and park. Well, we’ve made it easier for you by listing the major landmarks and where to find New York street parking near them

Statue of Liberty

What’s a visit to NYC without seeing Lady Liberty? Possibly the most recognizable feature of New York - and indeed the country – the Statue of Liberty should be a top priority on your visiting list. It is often the first thing seen by new immigrants as they come to America, a symbol of hope and freedom. It is also an enduring example of international friendship since it was gifted to the US by France. 

The architects and engineers involved in the statue’s design include Gustav Eiffel (after whom the Eiffel Tower is named) and sculptor Frederic Bartholdi. 

Located on Liberty Island, you can visit it by taking a ferry from Liberty State Park in Jersey City or The Battery in Manhattan. Ticket prices vary depending on what you want to do – merely view the statue from the base, enter it, or go up the staircase to the top. 

If you’re taking the ferry from Liberty State Park, you can find cheap NYC parking spots on Park View Avenue. If you’re going from The Battery, you can find convenient New York street parking at William Street or Whitehall Street before proceeding to see the statue. 

Central Park  

Often called the ‘green lung’ of the city, Central Park is where New Yorkers go when they need to reconnect with nature, exercise, breathe fresh air, or have a family picnic. Spread over 843 acres, the park has enough and more space for recreation or any other outdoorsy activity you might want to do. 

Central Park is a sprawling area, within which there are several other attractions. Among these are The Ramble and Lake (a wild garden on the banks of a lake), the Pond and Hallet Nature Sanctuary, the Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, and Sheep Meadow. Nature walks and conservationists can have the time of their lives here. There’s even been a growing number of bird-watchers who’ve made the park their second home. 

The park also has its fair share of cultural activities. The Delacorte Theatre is a big draw during summers when you can attend performances of Shakespeare in the Park. You can also catch the New York Philharmonic, which performs every summer. Bicycle and carriage horse tours, children’s playgrounds, and sculptures like Cleopatra’s Needle make a walk through the park memorable for every visitor. 

Central Park is usually crowded during most hours, so you can find cheap NYC parking at East 83rd or East 84th Street before heading on over. 

Metropolitan Museum of Art 

Why travel to other countries when you can experience a slice of culture right in the heart of NYC? Art geeks and culture nerds will have their hands full when they visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, called ‘The Met’ in short. As the country’s largest art museum, it has a unique collection of art, artifacts, paintings, architecture, and sculptures from a dizzying array of civilizations. 

The museum’s curated exhibits are quite exotic - ranging from Islamic, Egyptian, Ancient Greek, Roman, Chinese, Indian, African, and everything in between. You will find your cultural IQ scaling new heights at the Met. Be sure not to miss the Temple of Dendur (an ancient Egyptian temple dismantled from its original location and reassembled in the museum). Fans of the Orient can visit the Astor Court, a recreation of an ancient Chinese courtyard. You can also view the Monteleone Chariot, one of the best-preserved archaeological finds in the world, that dates from as far back as 530 BC. While there, see if you can spot the museum’s informal mascot – William the Hippopotamus, a delicate, blue-colored pottery figure from Egypt. 

But that’s not all: modern art enthusiasts can make a beeline for the Roof Garden, where the works of contemporary artists are exhibited along with a great view of the Manhattan skyline. Before visiting the museum, you can find convenient New York street parking on East 80th and 83rd Street. 

Times Square 

Times Square is most seen in the news during New Year’s, but it is a must-visit any time of the year. Called the ‘Crossroads of the World,’ it is the hub of the Broadway musical and theatre district, where every aspiring actor and musician looks to make his mark. 

There’s not a New Year that goes by without a live-streaming of the countdown at Times Square. You’re sure to have witnessed the famous New Year’s Eve ball drop at the Square, a tradition closely followed around the world. Plus, the neon signs and advertisements add to the charm of the place. It is the most visited place in the world – with a whopping 131 million people turning up every year to explore the ambience. If that doesn’t make you visit it, nothing else will!  

You can find a convenient NYC parking garage on Broadway or West 43rd Street. 

New York Public Library 

If you’re a bibliophile, then the New York Public Library is your Mecca. Whether you’re a teenager who’s thirsting to read more books or a research scholar waiting to get his hands on a rare journal, the library welcomes all and one into its quiet, hallowed halls. The NYPL has the distinction of being the second largest library in the country (second only to the Library of Congress) and the third largest in the world.  

That being said, you needn’t be a book-lover to visit the library. The buildings are constructed in the exquisite Beaux-Arts style of architecture, which means they’re quite aesthetically pleasing as well! Though it has many branches across the city, the most recognizable is the Main Branch, called the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, whose entrance on Fifth Avenue is flanked by two stone lions – Patience and Fortitude. No wonder then that it has been designated a National Historic Landmark. 

You can find cheap New York street parking spots nearby on Sixth Avenue or Madison Avenue.

[leenticing]

Most Affordable Singapore Tour Packages!

Selecting the destinations for experience Singapore and its eye-catching places is not that easy. Singapore is a more developed country in Asia, and it is ahead of one's time because this city is well known for its fast-paced growth. This tourist destination has unimaginable sky-kissing buildings, and it is subject to fun for everyone because the adventure elements it offers will amaze senses.

The vibrant history with the modernity of this place takes you on a remarkable journey, and there is no doubt that this destination offers a fully packed adventure with unmatchable beauty of beaches and nightlife with modern architecture, which makes your journey pleasing and mesmerizing. This place is full of thrill and action, and one can witness watery fun, modernity, and sky height buildings.

When such a mix of fun and adventure is in our front so, perfect Singapore tour packages allow us to explore this fantastic place efficiently. Confusion takes place in mind while choosing a suitable tour package according to needs and preferences. LeEnticing Global is a leading destination management company for B2B agents, which offers tours and travel packages at the most reasonable cost with full of travel preferences.

We have a team to manage the tour packages. Our experienced tour planners are happy to help our clients and do well research for giving the tour packages, which is full of comfort and adventures.  

Explore the fully Singapore and enjoy its beauty with the following must-visit places.

Merlion Park: This majestic lion-half mermaid icon roaring fountain from the mouth is the center of attraction. No one can imagine this country without this place, and there is an amazing story behind it. The body of this masterpiece represents the old business of Singapore that is fishing and the original name is Singapura that refers to Lion City. The Water in front of Merlion Park allows us to see the magnificent look of Marina Bay. This kind of quality time gives a memorable moment for your life. Take a river cruise and experience the laser and light show at night.

Universal Studios: Singapore is blessed with one of the most fun-filled adventure parks in the entire world. This park is full of world-famous themes and amazing rides. This studio includes sci-fi transformer ride and roller coaster ride that allows witnessing ancient Egypt. It is a mini-world of Hollywood, which is well known for the different themes that attract a lot of people from all over the world. 3D combat with watery fun makes this studio most appealing and promising. Uniquely crafted themes with the sky-height vision make this place a worth-visit.

Gardens of the Bay: This is one of the must-visit destinations in Singapore because it is an award-winning horticulture spot that signifies the worth of this place. This garden spread in 101 hectares of land and divided into two parts one is Bay East Garden and second is Bay South Garden. This garden is an imaginative place that covered the essence of beauty. It is the hub of several tree species which are flourishing into vertical gardens that make this garden a must-visit place for tourist.

Merlion Tower: This iconic destination of Singapore is 121 feet tall statue of the merlion erected on Sentosa Island. It is the tallest Merlion statue in the country. Experience the culture of Singapore by visiting this tower. Climbing to the highest point of the tower, then the view is so mesmerizing and pleasant. A Panorama View of Sentosa and Southern Shore of this country attracts a lot of visitors over the globe.

Sri Mariamman Temple: This temple is must visit place for exploring the cultural heritage of Singapore. This is one of the finest places for exploring cultural beauty with divine vibes. This is the oldest temple of the country, and built-in 1860. There is a statue of Mariamman along with two statues of Rama and Murugan. The artwork of the temple is outstanding, and the statues are fine illustrations and amazing craftsmanship. This is a praiseworthy temple for the craftsmanship and architectural work. This temple is located in china town so one can explore the more attraction and beauty of Singapore.

There are many dimensions to explore the beauty and do the adventure activities in Singapore, and we have listed the best things to do, that you can't afford to miss.

Go for Singapore Flyer

Visit S.E.A Aquarium

Experience The River Safari

Spend time in Trick Eye Museum

Experience Wildlife at Singapore Zoo

Ride in a Singapore Cable Car

For Watery fun visit-Adventure Cove Waterpark

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

LeEnticing Global offers Singapore tour packages, which are full of adventure and non-ending excitement. Our tour packages are well comfort to a wallet for our clients and come up with customization.

Contact us for a suitable partner for tour and travel packages.

[gotripdeals]

66 of The World's Best-Value Attractions and Worst Tourist Traps

The Burj Khalifa looms over Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Back in early 2012, I bounded up to the ticket booth at the then-new, 2,722-foot Burj Khalifa in Dubai, hoping to snag a last-minute elevator ride to the top of the world's tallest skyscraper. Taking a seven-hour tourist detour from a business stay in neighboring Abu Dhabi, I had little on my to-do list for my quick day trip to the ultra-wealthy Mideast city-state, apart from the view from that iconic building's 124th floor observation deck. Much to my disappointment, tickets were sold out for the next few days. I consoled myself with a camel-milk ice cream cone and plaintive window-shopping in the high-end mega-mall at the base of the Burj. Turns out I might not have missed out on much. According to a new ranking of worst and best values among the world's top tourist attractions — and, in some cases, traps — the Burj Khalifa comes in near No. 1 ... for disappointment. More from Personal Finance: Here are the world's cheapest and priciest cities How to pick the best travel rewards credit card This app makes clearing customs a breeze The U.K. offices of French resort chain Club Med released the findings of a study of 66 of the globe's most visited tourist draws, comparing typical entry fees with "social media sentiment" data from Paris research firm Linkfluence to award each site a score from 1 to 10 on value for money. The Burj, where basic entry fees start at about $40, only scored 5.6 out of 10 points — despite its towering reputation as a must-see. That landed it in the No. 60 spot, out of 66 sites. The building fared poorly due to its high entry fee and — despite its storied height — limited views, said a Club Med spokesperson. It was only under-performed for value, according to the study's metrics, by several theme parks run by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products and Universal Parks & Resorts. (Disclosure: CNBC and Universal Parks & Resorts are both subsidiaries of NBCUniversal, owned by parent Comcast.) It should be noted Club Med does compete with Disney and Universal hotel and resort properties (if not theme parks, per se) in at least one market, central Florida, and for overall vacation spending by tourists. On a positive note, the best tourist attraction in terms of value for money is the Peterhof Palace outside St. Petersburg, Russia. The ornate, gilded and fountain-laden complex, built by Peter the Great in the 18th century, charges around $19 for entrance and boasts 100% satisfaction from social media users who visit. That earned it a top score of 9.6 out of 10 and a description as "the must-see landmark of 2020" by Club Med. Other classic international attractions that also rank high for value include the Eiffel Tower, Egypt's Pyramids, the Colosseum in Rome, the Great Wall of China and the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Two U.S. attractions made it into Club Med's Top 10: Utah's Great Salt Lake came in at No. 2, with a 9.4 rating, while Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado made No. 4, racking up 9.2 points. Other American sites deemed good value include Arizona's Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon, ranked 14th and 19th, respectively; Zion National Park in Utah, at No. 17; and Yosemite National Park in California, coming in at 20th place. Club Med also broke out the best theme parks worldwide for value. Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark, tops that list with a score of 9.0, but the U.S. is no slouch, either: Six Flags' Hurricane Harbor Phoenix in Arizona is ranked No. 2, with 100% customer satisfaction, and Fun Spot America in Kissimmee, Florida, came in at No. 5. Fountains in the garden of Peterhof Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia. Glow Images Nathalie Drew, marketing director at Club Med, shared five tips on how to save while visiting the world's biggest tourist draws — whatever their ranking: Check in advance for online offers: "Sometimes, buying tickets in advance or looking for discount codes is a great way to save," she said, in a statement. "Also, be aware some attractions require advance booking and may be sold out if you just show up on the day." Get the best exchange rate: "Better rates mean better savings," noted Drew. "If you're buying entry tickets online, some sites will let you decide whether to pay in local currency or . Make sure to check your bank's rates when doing so, as you may end up out of pocket." Look for alternative ticket types: "Look out for discounted family deals or other passes," she added. "For example, full weekend tickets often cost less than paying for two days separately." Visit at off-peak times: "Weekdays are often cheaper than weekends (not to mention quieter), so take advantage if your schedule permits." Hit national parks instead: "Theme parks are fun, but almost always expensive," said Drew. "Consider visiting a national park or museum instead, and you should have more cash in your back pocket to spend on food and drink." For the full results and methodology of the Club Med study, which used Linkfluence data from October 2018 through September 2019, click here. Read the full article

[the-glamorous-bad-habits-blog]

Nowadays due to the sheer amount of stress people have to copy daily from work or daily problems, they want to spend more money and time traveling around the world.

Nowaday redtube due to the sheer amount of stress people have to copy daily from work or daily problems, they want to spend more money and time traveling around the world. So this letter contains some suggestions for tourist destinations that can be a good choice for travelers: The Colosseum, which was begun by Emperor Wespasian, the leader of the Flås dynasty in 72, was completed in 80 AD. This huge amphitheater was built on the site of an artificial lake, in the center of Rome. This magnificent arena was designed in an elliptical shape with a height of 48 meters and could accommodate 55,000 spectators. The coliseum, a huge arena, is considered one of the most impressive buildings of the Roman Empire The Eiffel Tower was erected at the 1889 Paris International Exhibition to commemorate the French Revolution. Weight 700 tons and 300 meters high, this tower became the tallest building in the world until 1930. In her life the Eiffel Tower experienced significant strange events such as rock climbing in 1954 along with a parachute from 1984 by two Englishmen. The Eiffel Tower, the icon of Paris, gives audiences excitement every time they pass Pyramids in Giza are characterized by the architecture of ancient Egypt. Meanwhile, the three largest pyramids in the valley of the Giza River are the Great Pyramid of Chufu, the Pyramid of Kafhre and the Menkaur Pyramid, which were created in the III and IV dynasties. The pyramids of Giza are rising from the desert and were built from huge blocks of stones dating back thousands of years to the bare hands of Egyptian workers. The Great Wall of China, among the greatest miracles in the world, was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987. Like the giant dragon, the Great Wall runs through deserts, meadows and mountains, growing by 8 851.8 km from east to west of China. The Great Wall of China is known as the serpentine masterpiece of China, thanks to its huge architecture and beautiful history. The Taj Mahal, one of the eight wonders of the world, built by Mughal, the Muslim rulers of India, according to the principles of self-replicating geometry and symmetry of architectural elements, could surpass all constructions thanks to the magnificent architectural beauty of white marble. Besides, the Taj sees his wonderful beauty at dawn and sunset, especially in the light of the full moon. The Taj Mahal offers smooth, shaped marble lines as well as a reflective pool running in the middle of well-preserved gardens. The Hollywood sign typed in nine white letters denoting the city name is considered one of the most iconic icons of the world. This enormous sign includes ambition, success, splendor and dazzling associations in its metaphorical meaning. The Hollywood sign does not seem to be an architectural achievement, an engineering feat, but it's the world's biggest sign that captures the attention of viewers. Big Ben, one of the famous London landmarks, named after the first commissioner, Sir Benjamin Hall, seems to be shining at night. In addition, parliament in the session can be recognized by the light glowing over the clock. In terms of specifications, the four clock faces are 23 feet high, and the minute is 14 feet long and the figures are 2 feet high. Big Ben, English symbol, also an excellent time judge, surrounds Parliament House and Westminster Abbey Machu Picchu, which also acts as an astronomical observatory, can be seen as a trek to reach there, an entrance at dawn, as well as huge ruins to be discovered. More importantly, this construction is perceived as a high setting in the Andes and is covered with steep cliffs, huge mountains with narrow valleys. Machu Picchu, revised in 1911 by Yale archaeologist Hiram Bingham, is known as one of the most beautiful ancient places in the universe. Table Mountain, a flat mountain dominating the south west of South Africa, whose shape is shaped by horizontal sandstone layers exposed to wind and water erosion. In addition, this spectacular mountain is considered one of the most famous places in Cape Town and is a well-known tourist attraction that provides tourism, camping and various attractions. Table Mountain is the beginning of Africa, and its magnificent beauty appears in the magical bush of the clouds, as the structure grows from the horizon and towers over Cape Town. Related Links: India - the ultimate tourism Netherlands - perfect hiking Top Three Summer Connecticut TourismDestinations

[sophiescarlet]

My reviews of all the Nancy Drew games

I was writing this up for a friend who’s just getting started on the games, but here you all go. My favorites are bolded. Sincerest apologies to anyone on mobile if they haven’t fixed the read-more bug.

1. Secrets Can Kill – Nancy goes to a high school to investigate a murder. It’s a bit more simplistic than later games, but still enjoyable. Plus Aunt Eloise is a librarian! She doesn’t actually appear in the game, but Nancy does go to the library to do research. I actually think the original version’s storyline (which sticks more closely to the book) makes more sense, but imo the “remastered” version’s gameplay makes more sense and is more fun. (NB: The original version no longer works on current computers.)

2. Stay Tuned for Danger – Nancy investigates sabotage on a soap opera set. I’ve only played this once and don’t see myself returning to it. The storyline is good, but the mechanics are reeeeally hard to figure out. It’s probably my least favorite actually.

3. Message in a Haunted Mansion – Nancy investigates supposed hauntings in a San Francisco Victorian. There are elements of the occult and Prohibition era. It was pretty fun; I ought to play it again.

4. Treasure in the Royal Tower – Nancy goes to a ski resort or some such thing and searches for Marie Antoinette’s stolen jewels, I think? It’s one of the biiiiiig fan favorites, but not one of mine; I just didn’t enjoy the mystery. Points for introducing the series’ best character, Prof. Beatrice Hotchkiss, though.

5. The Final Scene – Nancy has to rescue someone being held captive in a historic theatre that’s about to be torn down. Appropriately claustrophobic and atmospheric; I need to play this one again too.

6. Secret of the Scarlet Hand – Nancy investigates thefts from an exhibit of Mexican artifacts at a museum. Interesting but kind of eh. Guess it’s just not quite my cup of tea, topic-wise.

7. Ghost Dogs of Moon Lake – Ghost dogs haunt a rural cabin. Prohibition-era elements again. Also not one of my favorites because of tedious mechanics, and just a weak storyline.

8. The Haunted Carousel – Nancy investigates a New Jersey amusement park with strange happenings, like a carousel that operates by itself. Admittedly this is totally my bag as far as plot/setting because I love amusement parks, but I think the setting is a great mix of “old-fashioned” nostalgia and modernisation, and it has one of the most appealing sets of secondary characters in any of the games. Plus it has a MacGuffin, which I think is a large part of the key to the best Nancy Drew books (and games).

9. Danger on Deception Island – I don’t actually fully remember the setting/plot but it’s something on the ocean in the Pacific Northwest, I think. I remember the setting being very Murder, She Wrote, in a good way, but the game as a whole didn’t really make an impression on me, obviously.

10. The Secret of Shadow Ranch – I’ve played this twice and still struggle to remember it, so you can probably take that as an indication of quality. It’s not bad, just, all the pieces seem a bit disconnected, from what I recall? Also, I found the love interest character very annoying. At least Daryl from Secrets Can Kill was cute and gentlemanly.

11. The Curse of Blackmoor Manor – So this is actually the only one I’ve never played. It’s the fan favorite, though. I read the book it was allegedly based on – though past The Final Scene the extent to which the games are truly drawn from the books is hit-or-miss, and past Secret of the Old Clock it’s a total joke – and it was pretty shit, so I guess, can only go up from here?

12. Secret of the Old Clock – This was an interesting concept, to try to place a game in the 30s when the original ND books were set, and it works fairly well, though inevitably sometimes comes off as gimmicky (the phone system and gramophone being good examples). Trying to combine elements of all of the first four books was certainly a choice, particularly after adding in the new element of spiritualism, but the story actually turned out really well imo, even though it ultimately can’t be reconciled with the book universe. It’s also I think the last game where the puzzles integrate pretty directly with the plot, rather than just being random-ass mini-games thrown in to make the gameplay longer.

13. Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon – The first full appearance of the Hardy Boys, though they appeared fleetingly as far back as The Final Scene iirc. It’s also (veeeeery loosely) based on the first Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys SuperMystery I ever read: they’re invited on a newly-restored train trip by a Paris Hilton lookie-likey who wants them to solve the decades-old disappearance of a miner. It wasn’t bad, but it was hardly a gem. I don’t see myself playing it a second time.

14. Danger by Design – Nancy investigates why a Parisian fashion designer seems to be losing her mind. It was okay, though it took me two tries to get into it, but somehow it just seemed kind of half-assed.

15. The Creature of Kapu Cave – The second and last full appearance of the Hardy Boys. Pretty much universally considered one of the three worst games in the series, and I’d call it the worst. The plot is iffy and the gameplay not very entertaining, though at least you do switch between playing as Nancy and playing as the Hardy Boys, which is a neat twist. It’s also more linear than the other games, and ... yeah, the plot is just crap.

16. The White Wolf of Icicle Creek – Nancy investigates sabotage at a Rocky Mountain lodge and yes this setting is in fact Royal Tower revisited but without the cool castle. It also has the most notoriously difficult puzzle in the series. I might play it again at some point, but I wouldn’t count on it.

17. Legend of the Crystal Skull – Nancy investigates a murder in New Orleans. This is known for being one of the creepiest ND games, and I liked some of the characters, but it still falls flat for me. I guess I don’t think the plot is rich enough, especially given the very rich setting. You do get to play as Bess, though.

18. The Phantom of Venice – Nancy investigates a series of thefts in Venice. I’d say this is the best rendered of the more exotic locations, and though most of the secondary characters are just okay, Margherita and Enrico are absolute joys. Admittedly the plot doesn’t make much sense, and the different elements of the game can seem disconnected at times, but I find all the puzzles so much fun. I think this and The Captive Curse are the ones I’ve played the most, at least if the two versions of SCK are counted separately.

19. The Haunting of Castle Malloy – Nancy investigates something (I forget what) at an Irish castle. What I remember about this more than anything is how fucking tedious it was and how much fun I didn’t have. The bartending puzzle was the absolute highlight, which is kind of sad really. I don’t remember the plot being bad, but I don’t actually remember the plot at all, so it sure wasn’t good either.

20. Ransom of the Seven Ships – This is one of the three widely reviled games, but I didn’t think it was that bad. Nancy and George are marooned on a tropical island and have to find a kidnapped Bess. Yes, the plot is weak, but it’s still fun. Certainly not my favorite, but certainly not bad imo.

21. Warnings at Waverly Academy – Nancy investigates threats and sabotage at a girls’ boarding school. Yeah, SCK teas for sure. Personally, I found the supporting characters a bit of a letdown; it seems like this should have one of the best casts of characters of the ND games, but Rachel is the only one I really liked, and even she’s pretty milquetoast. The plot is a bit weak too.

22. Trail of the Twister – Not one of the more popular games, and for good reason. Nancy joins a tornado tracking team (alliteration entirely unintentional). I didn’t enjoy most of the characters or most of the puzzles, and I found the gameplay tedious at times. But mostly the plot just wasn’t engaging enough.

23. Shadow at the Water’s Edge – Along with Crystal Skull, one of the big “creepy” games. Nancy stays at a Japanese inn that seems to be haunted. I felt that the secondary characters were stereotypes and kind of racist, and one of the puzzles is stupidly frustrating, but the plot is actually really good, and the gameplay is fun (though traveling on the subway can be tiresome).

24. The Captive’s Curse – Yesssssss, this has to be my favorite in the series. Nancy goes to a German castle supposedly under attack from a monster. The supporting characters are excellent, for sure my favorites in the series, and the puzzles are pretty fun too. The setting is great as well, though it has the same frustrating “navigating the woods” thing as Castle Malloy.

25. Alibi in Ashes – Nancy is accused of arson in River Heights and has to prove her innocence, then catch the actual arsonist. This is the last game that involves playing as other characters: in this case, Bess, George, and Ned. I haven’t had a chance to play it a second time, but I’m sure I will, because it was pretty fun. Plus, Deirdre Shannon is a total gem of a character: “Nedward” is instantly iconic.

26. Tomb of the Lost Queen – Nancy goes to an archaeological dig in Egypt. Which should totally be my bag, but the plot here feels very superficial, and the gameplay seems disconnected.

27. The Deadly Device – Nancy investigates a death at a high-tech scientific facility. The mechanics can be tough to figure out, but I enjoyed the story and the characters. I’ve seen at least a couple people say they enjoyed this more than they expected to, and I concur. Joe Hardy is at his comic best too.

28. Ghost of Thornton Hall – Nancy investigates a haunted Southern mansion. The last of the creepy game trio (interesting that two of them are set in the South), and in some ways a throwback to MHM. It got a lot of acclaim at the time, but it was pretty average for me. I’ll probably replay it at some point, but it’s not what I call a priority.

29. The Silent Spy – Nancy goes to Scotland to learn about her mom’s past as a spy. Yeaaaah... That basic idea is pretty out-there and really not in keeping with the franchise as a whole. I don’t really know where it came from, honestly. The parts where Nancy has to come to terms with her mom’s life and death are good, but overall, it’s not that great.

30. The Shattered Medallion – Another pretty widely reviled entry, and again for good reason. Nancy and Bess go to New Zealand to compete on an Amazing Race-type reality show. There is little to no mystery here; it’s evident that the whole game was just an excuse to bring Sonny Joon, a long-running off-screen character, into the series, and damn, they did not do Sonny justice. I probably won’t play this a second time.

31. Labyrinth of Lies – Nancy investigates thefts from a museum in Greece, tied to an upcoming theatre production. I didn’t like most of the secondary characters, and the plot was weak, though the setting is good. Definitely in the bottom third or so of Nancy Drew games.

32. Sea of Darkness – Nancy goes to Iceland to search for a missing man and ends up getting involved investigating his girlfriend’s family history. An appropriate finale to the series (or at least it would have been if Her had managed to end things gracefully instead of dragging them out so painfully). The secondary characters are appealing, and the setting is great. Plus, points for having the only two canonically queer characters in the series.

Dossier #1: Lights, Camera, Curses! – Nancy investigates problems on the set of a remake of an Egypt-themed Old Hollywood movie. Pretty fun, though it really could have used a hint button like every other hidden object game I’ve ever played.

Dossier #2: Resorting to Danger – Nancy investigates bomb threats at a spa. Pretty generic setting, but they do make the most of it.

[arabyorg]

How the Cairo Tower Gave Birth to Modern Egypt

How the Cairo Tower Gave Birth to Modern Egypt

The Cairo Tower (Photo: Shutterstock)

Throughout history, iconic temples and buildings were constructed to symbolize power, with height being one of the main aspects used to impress the population.

For instance, the Great Pyramid of Giza, which was built to house the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu, was once the tallest monument in Egypt for nearly 4,000 years, before it was overtaken by the Cairo…