Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Wednesday, 19 April 2017 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Readers of the Daily FT and Weekend FT responded enthusiastically to the ‘Emirates Globalistas’ travel anecdotes competition, sending in hundreds of submissions based on their experiences in 18 popular destinations served by the award-winning airline.
The competition required readers to share their reminiscences from cities around the world, in 60 words or less. It was intended to celebrate the vast global network of 154 destinations that Emirates connects Sri Lanka to, making the airline one of the biggest facilitators of travel experiences for Sri Lankans.
Reproduced here are 15 submissions shortlisted for the grand prize of two return tickets to one of the destinations featured.
“Borough Market is London’s most renowned and oldest food market. It’s a wonderful place to pick up fresh produce, sample exceptional artisan foods and experience something local and unique. And once you’ve completed your shopping, I recommend enjoying a relaxed brunch at one of the market’s fantastic cafes or restaurants.”
T.P. Lim
Try the Thames Rockets because you get to see all the famous sights of London without wasting your limited time on a slow snail-like ride. You can experience the feeling of travelling at over 60 knots with upbeat background music. You will not regret this adventure; it will be the ride of your life.
Keziah Nicholas
Toronto is to Canada what New York is to the US. Other than the obvious attractions of the CN Tower and the Zoo, there is a Music Park. Explore the work of art where the cellist Yo-Yo Ma has teamed with botanists to give each movement of Bach’s First Cello Suite a horticultural evocation.
Rajeev Aloysius
If you’re ever thinking of going to Toronto be sure to try out the hands-free walk around the CN Tower’s main pod. Thrill seekers walk out with a small group of others and a guide that will really encourage you to push your personal limits, 350 meters above the city!
Ashweni Miranda
Amsterdam evokes images of bikes, dikes, and everything synonymous with Dutch culture. In addition to enjoying the city’s tourist hotspots, my experience was made perfect by simply getting lost. Engross yourself in a city that is a testimony to the audacity of the human spirit; walk with Rembrandt and Van Gogh and hear the Westerkerk chime as Anne Frank did.
Sandesh Bartlett
The city that doesn’t sleep, the city of lights and laughter. It was Amsterdam’s King’s day celebration, walking through a crowd of happy people in orange colour clothing cheering and singing their hearts out in the middle of the street. It was the biggest street party I have seen and had the time of my life.
Sheron Mendis
If you have an idea of visiting New York for first time, try to be there by train without travelling via taxi or car. Because once you come out from the Penn station you will see the amazing city at a glance and that will be a memorable experience. Also don’t miss cart meals in New York.
Asanka Ravi Wickramage
Favorite neighborhood for a crazy party experience is the East Village. Head to the Continental bar for $2 shots to get your night started on a high note and you can bar hop to the gazillion bars spread across the neighborhood.
Nilukshini Gooneratne
When you’re in Boston, a walk along the Charles River esplanade or the Memorial Drive gives a picturesque backdrop of downtown. World class research institutes Harvard and MIT are just across the river. The quaint buildings seen in many parts of the town along with a trip to an Irish bar give you a flavour of Boston’s Irish heritage.
Niles Perera
We visited Gardens by the Bay to witness the laser show. At 7.45 pm all lights were switched off and the man-made trees gradually started to illuminate and blink with a plethora of special effects to the tunes of English/Singaporean songs. I cannot find words to explain this mesmerising, synchronisation of music and lights. A must see in Singapore.
Sharon Fernando
On an evening, visit the Haji lane hidden in the Kampong Glam area near the Bugis junction, and be hypnotised by its eclectic collection of boutique clothing stores and innovative eateries. While indulging in retail therapy don’t forget to taste an Arabic dish at the nearby Arab Street.
Ruvini Ariyathilake
Amazing Orchard Road Underpasses – have you ever noticed that on Orchard Road, you need to walk very far to cross the road at traffic lights? The reason is that almost all shopping complexes on either side of roads are connected below street level. There are several floors of shopping underground which are also connected to the MRT rail system!
Iresha Silva
In Magnificent Dubai, the must-see attractions are the Burj Khalifa skyscraper and the Atlantis The Palm resort. Enjoy amazing aerial views of Dubai from the top of these two locations. Try out some amazing Lebanese food at the Mazaj Lebanese Cuisine restaurant at Dubai Media City. And for your sweet tooth, don’t miss the Cheesecake Factory at Dubai Mall.
Anuk De Silva
Tour the city in the vintage ‘city circle’ free tram, starting at Flinders Street. Hop off at Melbourne’s favourite laneway: AC/DC (named after the band filmed there) to see live street art. Make sure to indulge in Melbournians’ favourite meal of the day… brunch, at Krimper – a local gem tucked away at 20 Guilford Lane with 100-year-old interiors.
Afra Cader
Just four hours’ drive from Joburg visit the Tao Lodge in the Madikwe Game Park and you are sure to be rewarded with some wonderful memories of the Big Five namely Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Wild Buffalo and the African Elephant. Amazingly...this is the closest you can get to the Lions!
Lakshmi Ranasinghe
