Thursday, February 23, 2012

CNNGo.com

CNNGo.com


Japan plans ‘space elevator’ by 2050

Posted: 22 Feb 2012 10:28 PM PST

by CNNGo staff

space elevatorGoing up -- next stop, zero-gravity. How would you like to spend a week in an elevator?

No, this isn't David Blaine's latest stunt to survive seven days of Muzak, it's a plan by one Japanese company to put space onto every traveler's bucket list.

The 36,000-kilometer high, 200-kph lift will be ready by 2050, according to Obayashi Corporation, and will take passengers a tenth of the way to the moon.

For travelers, it could mean bragging rights over those who opt for alternative space tourism ventures such as Virgin Galactic and Space Expedition Curacao, both of which offer sub-orbital flights up to 100 kilometers, well short of Obayashi Corp's 36,000-kilometer high.           

Also on CNNGo: Tokyo to London in 90 minutes, via space

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Why hailing a Singapore taxi is about to get easier

Posted: 22 Feb 2012 06:58 PM PST

by CNNGo staff

Singapore is famous for its rigid regulations, and taxis are no exception. Think you can just step off the curb and hail a ride, New York City style? Sorry. 

If you're a first-time visitor to Singapore, you might find yourself cursing as you watch cab after cab ignore your attempts to flag them down, despite their illuminated green lights. 

That's because before 10 p.m. in the central business district (CBD), taxi drivers are only allowed to pick up and drop off fares at designated stands, where queues can be painfully long during rush hour, and building driveways. 

But new rules that come into effect next month will make it easier for people looking to catch a ride in the CBD. 

More on CNNGo: Meet Singapore's most tech-enabled taxi

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The Korean godfather of charcoal-roasted coffee

Posted: 22 Feb 2012 06:07 PM PST

by Frances Cha, Seoul Editor

Located on the outskirts of the quirky Heyri Art Village in the Gyeonggi province, Kaldi Coffee features the high ceilings, beautiful hand-carved wooden tables and chairs and rows of delicate glass siphon coffeemakers at the bar that would make it seem like the perfect coffee shop to spend a rainy day.

But when passers-by -- most of whom made the trip to see the various art galleries in the village -- walk in to order some coffee, they tend to be met with surprise, rather than the briskly efficient order-taking characteristic of most coffeeshops.

Also on CNNGo: Heyri Art Village: Korea's melting pot of creativity

Despite its appearance, Kaldi Coffee is not really a coffeeshop. In the coffee-obsessed Korean foodie blogosphere, it is known as "the factory," and the origin of charcoal-roasted coffee in the country.

"The taste is quite different than coffee made from beans roasted over gas fire," says owner Seo Duk-sik, 54, of the unique method of roasting beans over charcoal. "It's subtler, and much more aromatic."

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10 of the best Sydney day trips for children

Posted: 22 Feb 2012 01:55 PM PST

by Chantal Abitbol

Sure, Sydney may be a cosmopolitan place known for its smart eateries, pubs and colorful nightlife, but don't be totally fooled. By day, this family-friendly city also offers loads to do to keep its most-demanding residents happy too.

Here's our pick of the top 10 things to do with the kids. And even if you don't have children, many are still worth a visit.

On CNN: 5 things not do on an airplane


1. Splash the dugongs at Sydney Aquarium

Set in the heart of Sydney on Darling Harbour, Sydney Aquarium showcases more than 12,000 marine animals from 650 species in habitat displays, including platypuses, seahorses, giant turtles, jellyfish and thousands of tropical fish.

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Photo gallery: Sukhothai, Thailand's ancient capital

Posted: 21 Feb 2012 10:50 PM PST

by Derrick Chang

For many tourists, Thailand's ancient history involves a day trip to Ayutthaya. They see a few demolished ruins between the crowds of other tourists, and return to the hotel thankful they got that out the way and can now go into R and R mode.

It's a shame they don't head further north to Sukhothai; it's still the best place to experience a laidback glimpse of Thailand's pre-Bangkok days.

Sukhothai was the capital of Thailand from 1238 until 1438 and features the Sukhothai Historical Park, which was unaffected by last year's floods. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with the ruins of royal palaces, Buddhist temples and historical monuments.

If you get there early enough you'll enjoy the golden morning light and have the park to yourself, which makes for an incredible photo opportunity. The best way to tour the ruins in and outside the city walls is to rent a bicycle or a motorbike, which also gives you a chance to see the scenic countryside surrounding the old town. Bike rentals are available at the park gates.

getting there

Buses depart from Bangkok's Mochit Bus station daily. The trip takes roughly five-and-a-half hours. There are no direct trains to Sukhothai but you can travel as far as Phitsanulok and then take a local bus to Sukhothai, which is about 50 kilometers away. Bangkok Airways flies twice daily to Sukhothai in the morning and afternoon. The flight takes approximately one hour. Sukhothai is divided into the old and new towns, which are 12 kilometers apart. If you want to get to the Sukhothai Historical Park early in the morning, it's best to stay in the old town.
A full range of hotels, resorts and guest houses lies adjacent to the park. Public buses ferry guests between the old and new town every 20 minutes.  

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