If you're looking for a Dubai beach holiday with your own butler, walls covered in gold, no less than five private pools at your disposal and to be surrounded by no-one but the uber-rich, then your every wish will be granted at these hyper-luxurious beach resorts in Dubai.
1) Mina A' Salam
The Mina was the first Dubai beach hotel completed as part of the Madinat Jumeirah resort. Built around 2 miles of Venetian-style waterways filled with abras that ferry guests around the Dubai beach resort, the Mina aims to marry Dubai's modern-day opulence with its old-world architecture.
The sand-coloured buildings making up this Dubai beach hotel are striking on the outside and palatial inside. Each of the 292 sea-facing rooms are styled in keeping with the Arabian theme: heavy studded doors give way to Moorish arches hung with ornate lanterns, and the beds are piled high with exotic dark blue, red and gold fabrics.
But the real hook for this Dubai beach hotel are the large terraces which jut out towards the water, ideal for sitting and sipping a leisurely G 'n' T as the sun goes down on your Dubai beach holiday. With walkways along the harbour, al fresco restaurant terraces and a souk full of lavish boutiques, Mina has a distinctly village feel to it - albeit a village full of those looking for luxury.
2) Le Royal Meridien
This Dubai beach hotel is situated on a pristine stretch of private beach with a stunning view of the Arabian Gulf. It is set in landscaped gardens overlooking the famous Jumeirah beach.
Roses are a big deal at the Royal Meridien. In the rooms of this Dubai beach hotel are finger bowls of water floating with petals to dip the digits; more rose residue scatters the bed and the bathroom has more blooms than a florist on 13 February. Such opulence is typical of Le Meridien's flagship brand and the pools, gardens and great stretch of sand have been sculpted in a timelessly classic style.
Sexy European clients flitter around the upmarket all-beige coffee spaces and bars, and it is doubtful that the pool has seen a full swimsuit in its life. For more decadence, head to the Roman Spa. This hotel is perfect for an indulgently romantic Dubai beach holiday.
3) Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Jumeirah Beach Hotel is a 5-star hotel which opened in 1997. This wave-shaped hotel complements the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, which stands opposite in the sea. Beside the hotel is the Wild Wadi Water Park, a fantastic Dubai beach holiday destination, to which all guests in the hotel have unlimited access.
When completed in 1997, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel became the 9th tallest building in Dubai. Today, it is ranked lower than the 100th tallest building. Despite its lower rankings, the hotel remains a Dubai landmark.
4) Le Meridien Mina Seyahi
The Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina is set on Jumeirah Beach, opposite Emirates Golf Club and Montgomery Golf Course. This Dubai beach hotel is a boutique-styled luxury beach resort. Dubai's cultural and tourist venues like the Dubai Museum and Gold and Spice Souks are conveniently accessible from the hotel, excellent for Dubai beach holiday outings.
It is outside where the Mina really comes into its own. With over 2,800ft of golden sands, the hotel boasts more beach than any of the other beach resorts in Dubai, and it utilises every inch of it with excellent water sport facilities.
The hotel is great for guests looking for a more active Dubai beach holiday. It features outdoor facilities for up to 5,000 guests, eight restaurants and bars, five outdoor pools and access to a range of sport activities such as water skiing, kayaking, and windsurfing, and a glass-fronted gym that allows you to look out to sea while working out.
5) Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab is a giant-size beach resort in Dubai and, at 321 metres, the tallest building used exclusively as a hotel. However, another Dubai hotel, the Rose Tower, which has already topped Burj Al Arab's height, will take away its title upon its opening in April 2008.
The Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 metres out from the coast, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. This lavish Dubai beach hotel is an iconic structure designed to symbolise Dubai's urban transformation and to mimic the sail of a boat.
The world's first (self-described) seven-star hotel, the Burj certainly goes to extremes - which are often ridiculous for most travellers - to please its über-wealthy Dubai beach holiday clientele. Still, set nearly 900 feet out in the Persian Gulf on a man-made island, this sail-shaped icon has come to signify Dubai's tourism ascent since it opened in 1999. The hotel contains more than 20,000 square feet of real gold leaf.
Rosella Colella is a Dubai expert for key2holidays, an online tour operator specialising in Dubai beach holidays, as well as holidays in Australia, Cuba, the Caribbean, Europe, the Far East, the Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles, Egypt and Southern Africa. Key2holidays has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book your ideal holiday.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Best Food form Around the World
It's said that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. This idiom doesn't apply only to men. Place a well cooked, well presented meal that she didn't have to prepare, in front of a woman and you're half way to conquering her soul. Especially if an extraordinary dessert follows the meal, such as caramelised milk chocolate hazelnut tart or raspberry white chocolate coupe.
Each city in the world has restaurants that can be divided into three types: the dives, the family restaurants and the elegant dining rooms where eating is an experience to be savoured. It was only a matter of time before some idle souls declared themselves culinary experts, and earned reputations as food critics who could either make or break a restaurant. They are both feared and revered as they create lists of the top restaurants in the world and lists of the worst restaurants in the world. One of the most well known restaurant guides for international restaurants is the Zagat guide, also famous for its numerous citations in the book and movie version of American Psycho.
In New York one the best restaurants, described as an "in-vogue lounge", is The Rein Bar and Bistro. The décor is warm and sophisticated as well as pleasantly eclectic in its use of colour and texture. The restaurant is situated just left of the Garden City Hotel's main lobby. The cuisine is American and Continental. The Rein is open for breakfast, lunch and supper seven days a week. They provide nightly entertainment and a late menu for New York's night owls or workaholics.
The Rein's executive chef is classically trained Steven De Bruyn, who specialises in breakfasts ranging from smoked Norwegian salmon to thick challah French toast. His appetisers include buffalo chicken wings with blue cheese, apple and celery jicama as well as warm goat cheese tart with onions and walnuts, arugula salad and balsamic vinaigrette. Main meals vary from exotic guava barbecue chicken to ginger marinated grilled shrimp with mango-red pepper jam.
The Tamarind Restaurant was the first Indian restaurant to receive a coveted Michelin Star in 2000. To date it's the only Indian restaurant in the UK to have received a Star and to have held it for five years. They use only the freshest ingredients in creating their exotic Indian dishes. They are well known for their subtly attentive service, while their patrons never want for anything.
Rajesh Suri has been with the Tamarind since 1998 and is currently the General Manager. He is an expert on food and wine and is able to recommend the finest wines to accompany any meal. He is vastly experienced in the food industry and as been credited with helping the Tamarind to retain its Michelin Star for so long. Rajesh has won his fair share of awards, including Restaurant Personality of the Year for 2003, given by Best on Britain Awards, as well as Best Front of House Manager for 2001 and 2002.
In the heart of Rome, just two blocks from the Vatican, is the Hotel Atlante Star. The 6th floor of this hotel plays host to the magnificent Roof Garden Restaurant "Les Etoiles", which offers a 360 degree, panoramic view of the city. Seating is available indoors and outside to suit the changing seasons, but the view is equally as picturesque no matter where you happen to be seated.
The cuisine on offer at Les Etoiles is classical, traditional Italian fare combined with innovative and creative culinary ideas. All ingredients used in the restaurant are natural and fresh. The menu at the restaurant varies according to the seasons and what produce is available. The ingredients in the dishes are chosen for their contrasting textures or the way they balance delicate flavours. Some examples of this innovative approach to cooking include: artichokes stuffed with ricotta and pecorino cheese and Venetian style risotto with squid ink.
France as a country is legendary for its culinary skills. Its well-trained and talented chefs are in great demand all over the world. Paris is a city particularly blessed with culinary variety when it comes to fine dining. Shining through all the brilliance of its rivals, the legendary Le Meurice sparkles with centuries of 5-star luxury and Parisian confidence.
In February 2007 it was announced that the Head Chef of Le Meurice, Yannick Alleno, had been awarded three Michelin Stars. After his first six months of working at the hotel he was awarded two Michelin Stars, an honour seldom given after such a short period of time in one kitchen. Recently he was given the title of "espoir", which is a new Michelin category to distinguish chefs that are on their way to their third star, which is the chef's Holy Grail. At just 38 years old, Alleno is not only one of an elite group of chefs to have achieved three Michelin Stars, he is also one of the youngest to do so.
There are so many clever and often quoted adages regarding the eating of food being a joyous occasion; one to be celebrated and shared with loved ones; one to be lingered over and savoured. There aren't too many that involve popping a box meal in the microwave, plonking yourself in front of the TV to wolf it down, while your eyes glaze over and your brain falls asleep. You need not travel to Rome or Paris to enjoy a lovely meal at a restaurant. Any place where the service is good, the atmosphere is comfortable and the food melts in your mouth is going to be worth the visit. If your idea of a great place to eat out is somewhere where you can wear beach shorts, no shoes and the food comes wrapped in newspaper, lift your beer in the air because this toast is to you.
Recommended sites:
http://www.toprestaurants.com/ny/rein-bar&bistro.htm
http://www.toprestaurants.com/london/tamarind.htm
http://www.toprestaurants.com/rome/LesEtoiles.htm
http://www.lemeurice.com/restaurants_bars/rb_2.html
Each city in the world has restaurants that can be divided into three types: the dives, the family restaurants and the elegant dining rooms where eating is an experience to be savoured. It was only a matter of time before some idle souls declared themselves culinary experts, and earned reputations as food critics who could either make or break a restaurant. They are both feared and revered as they create lists of the top restaurants in the world and lists of the worst restaurants in the world. One of the most well known restaurant guides for international restaurants is the Zagat guide, also famous for its numerous citations in the book and movie version of American Psycho.
In New York one the best restaurants, described as an "in-vogue lounge", is The Rein Bar and Bistro. The décor is warm and sophisticated as well as pleasantly eclectic in its use of colour and texture. The restaurant is situated just left of the Garden City Hotel's main lobby. The cuisine is American and Continental. The Rein is open for breakfast, lunch and supper seven days a week. They provide nightly entertainment and a late menu for New York's night owls or workaholics.
The Rein's executive chef is classically trained Steven De Bruyn, who specialises in breakfasts ranging from smoked Norwegian salmon to thick challah French toast. His appetisers include buffalo chicken wings with blue cheese, apple and celery jicama as well as warm goat cheese tart with onions and walnuts, arugula salad and balsamic vinaigrette. Main meals vary from exotic guava barbecue chicken to ginger marinated grilled shrimp with mango-red pepper jam.
The Tamarind Restaurant was the first Indian restaurant to receive a coveted Michelin Star in 2000. To date it's the only Indian restaurant in the UK to have received a Star and to have held it for five years. They use only the freshest ingredients in creating their exotic Indian dishes. They are well known for their subtly attentive service, while their patrons never want for anything.
Rajesh Suri has been with the Tamarind since 1998 and is currently the General Manager. He is an expert on food and wine and is able to recommend the finest wines to accompany any meal. He is vastly experienced in the food industry and as been credited with helping the Tamarind to retain its Michelin Star for so long. Rajesh has won his fair share of awards, including Restaurant Personality of the Year for 2003, given by Best on Britain Awards, as well as Best Front of House Manager for 2001 and 2002.
In the heart of Rome, just two blocks from the Vatican, is the Hotel Atlante Star. The 6th floor of this hotel plays host to the magnificent Roof Garden Restaurant "Les Etoiles", which offers a 360 degree, panoramic view of the city. Seating is available indoors and outside to suit the changing seasons, but the view is equally as picturesque no matter where you happen to be seated.
The cuisine on offer at Les Etoiles is classical, traditional Italian fare combined with innovative and creative culinary ideas. All ingredients used in the restaurant are natural and fresh. The menu at the restaurant varies according to the seasons and what produce is available. The ingredients in the dishes are chosen for their contrasting textures or the way they balance delicate flavours. Some examples of this innovative approach to cooking include: artichokes stuffed with ricotta and pecorino cheese and Venetian style risotto with squid ink.
France as a country is legendary for its culinary skills. Its well-trained and talented chefs are in great demand all over the world. Paris is a city particularly blessed with culinary variety when it comes to fine dining. Shining through all the brilliance of its rivals, the legendary Le Meurice sparkles with centuries of 5-star luxury and Parisian confidence.
In February 2007 it was announced that the Head Chef of Le Meurice, Yannick Alleno, had been awarded three Michelin Stars. After his first six months of working at the hotel he was awarded two Michelin Stars, an honour seldom given after such a short period of time in one kitchen. Recently he was given the title of "espoir", which is a new Michelin category to distinguish chefs that are on their way to their third star, which is the chef's Holy Grail. At just 38 years old, Alleno is not only one of an elite group of chefs to have achieved three Michelin Stars, he is also one of the youngest to do so.
There are so many clever and often quoted adages regarding the eating of food being a joyous occasion; one to be celebrated and shared with loved ones; one to be lingered over and savoured. There aren't too many that involve popping a box meal in the microwave, plonking yourself in front of the TV to wolf it down, while your eyes glaze over and your brain falls asleep. You need not travel to Rome or Paris to enjoy a lovely meal at a restaurant. Any place where the service is good, the atmosphere is comfortable and the food melts in your mouth is going to be worth the visit. If your idea of a great place to eat out is somewhere where you can wear beach shorts, no shoes and the food comes wrapped in newspaper, lift your beer in the air because this toast is to you.
Recommended sites:
http://www.toprestaurants.com/ny/rein-bar&bistro.htm
http://www.toprestaurants.com/london/tamarind.htm
http://www.toprestaurants.com/rome/LesEtoiles.htm
http://www.lemeurice.com/restaurants_bars/rb_2.html
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Valentines Celebrations Across The Globe
No matter where in the world, love exists. Some celebrations are low-key while others are full-fledged feats. Let's look at some of these festivities.
NORTH AMERICA:
In both Canada and the United States, school-age children delight in exchanging Valentine cards with their friends. There are classroom parties with Valentine sweets and card exchanges. The students generally make fancy envelopes or boxes in which to deposit their cards. They also take great delight in creating homemade (school-made) Valentines out of red (pink, white) construction paper, other fancy papers, paper doilies (often available in a heart shape), etc. The pupils have as much fun in creating their cards as in receiving them! Teenagers may have dances or parties while everyone, from adult down, gives flowers, candy, or some other gift to their spouses or significant others. Valentine candy is generally packaged in heart-shaped boxes sometimes decorated with lace and such.
Mexicans celebrate Valentine's Day but the day goes by another name; "Dia de San Valentin" or "Dia del amor y la armistad" is a day of love and friendship.
EUROPE:
People living in Austria and Germany share with Americans the tradition of bestowing upon their wives presents of roses or chocolates.
In Denmark, Valentine's Day is celebrated with enthusiasm. Early Valentine cards were transparent and when held up to the light, a picture of a man handing a woman a present would be projected. Another popular gift is to give pressed white flowers known as Snowdrops (one source identifies Snowdrops as candy). A "gaekkebrev" or joking letter, sent by men, has a romantic verse in it but is not signed. Instead, the man signs his name with a number of dots that correlate with the number of letters in his name. If the object of his affection guesses his identity, she receives an Egg on Easter.
In England, Valentine's Day is celebrated in various ways. On Valentine's Day Eve, women used to practice rather strange customs. They would take their pillow and pin a bay leaf on each of the four corners and consume eggs where the removed yolks were replaced with salt! (My mouth puckers at the mere thought.) After doing this, they were confident they would dream of their future husbands. In another custom, women would write the names of their lovers on paper. These papers were put on clay balls which were dropped into water. Whichever paper surfaced first would bear the name of their future husband.
In the present, some unmarried women arise from bed before daybreak on Valentine's Day. They wait by the window, searching for a man to pass by. They feel the first man they see, or someone with a close resemblance to him, will become, within the year, their bridegroom.
Children in England sing special Valentine's songs and receive candy, fruit, or money. In some regions of England, people bake special Valentine's buns adorned with caraway seeds, plums, or raisins.
It is traditional to get engaged on Valentine's Day in Italy. Popular gifts are china baskets and cups that have been filled with Valentine's candies. Women in Italy practice the same fortune telling custom of watching for their future husbands as is done in England.
In Scotland, Valentine's Day is traditionally celebrated with a festival where unmarried males and females gather together. Each individual writes their name (or a fictitious one) on a piece of paper which is folded and then put into a hat, one for the women and a separate one for the men.
The ladies draw first and the process is repeated by the men. When the two drawn names do not match, the man is expected to pair up with the lady who had drawn his name. The man presents a gift to the lady on his paper. The women pin the name of their partner on their sleeves or over their hearts. Is this the origin of wearing one's heart on their sleeve?
In Spain, women give gifts to their husbands; men give flowers to their wives.
ASIA:
In China, Valentine's Day is not normally celebrated on February 14th. Rather, according to the Chinese calendar. it is celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. On this day, lovers crowd the Temple of Matchmaker to pray for love and happiness. Singles can also come to pray. One traditional practice involves girls putting a needle on the surface of the water when the star Vega can be found high in the sky. It is time then for the girl to search for a husband. Also, this day is set aside for girls to make any wish at all.
Modern China puts a new spin on this holiday when hotels give Valentine discounts for couples. Not only is the room rate discounted but also on this day the hotels will not ask and check for marriage certificates. However, any other day of the year Chinese law requires hotels to verify marriage certificates before allowing couples to check in.
In Israel, Valentine's Day is a popular time for marriage proposals to be made. Gifts are also exchanged.
In Japan, chocolates play an important role. Women give a box of chocolates ("Giri-choko") as a token of friendship or gratitude to her boss, colleagues, and male friends. Giri-choko" translates as "obligatory chocolate."
Going a step further, a woman can express her love for that special man in her life by giving small gifts plus a box of chocolates known as "Honmei-choko" or "prospective chocolate."
In a month's time, men who have received the gift of chocolate presents the women with a box of chocolates on White Day, March 14th. These chocolates are generally either white chocolate or the candy is wrapped in white boxes. Japanese men often give gifts of lingerie or jewelry to their special women.
In Korea, Valentine's Day is celebrated much the same as it is in Japan. However, men who were not recipients of chocolates celebrate together on April 14th, or Black Day, whereupon they eat black noodles called "Jajangmyun."
Thousands of couples celebrate Valentine's Day in the Philippines by gathering together for the world record of the most couples kissing at one time. This festivity is called Lovapalooza. That's a lot of chapped lips!
Taiwan observes two Valentine's Day celebrations, one on February 14th and the other on July 7th. On these days, it is traditional to exchange roses; the color and number of roses determine the message. For example, one rose is "only love," eleven roses mean "a favorite," "forever" is the message coming with ninety-nine roses, and one hundred and eight roses signify "marry me."
In Thailand, Valentine's Day is celebrated in unique ways. Among these ways is the joining of two elephants as the world's largest bride and groom. Also included is the world's largest mass-wedding and the world's largest underwater wedding.
Love is forever, wherever you look.
NORTH AMERICA:
In both Canada and the United States, school-age children delight in exchanging Valentine cards with their friends. There are classroom parties with Valentine sweets and card exchanges. The students generally make fancy envelopes or boxes in which to deposit their cards. They also take great delight in creating homemade (school-made) Valentines out of red (pink, white) construction paper, other fancy papers, paper doilies (often available in a heart shape), etc. The pupils have as much fun in creating their cards as in receiving them! Teenagers may have dances or parties while everyone, from adult down, gives flowers, candy, or some other gift to their spouses or significant others. Valentine candy is generally packaged in heart-shaped boxes sometimes decorated with lace and such.
Mexicans celebrate Valentine's Day but the day goes by another name; "Dia de San Valentin" or "Dia del amor y la armistad" is a day of love and friendship.
EUROPE:
People living in Austria and Germany share with Americans the tradition of bestowing upon their wives presents of roses or chocolates.
In Denmark, Valentine's Day is celebrated with enthusiasm. Early Valentine cards were transparent and when held up to the light, a picture of a man handing a woman a present would be projected. Another popular gift is to give pressed white flowers known as Snowdrops (one source identifies Snowdrops as candy). A "gaekkebrev" or joking letter, sent by men, has a romantic verse in it but is not signed. Instead, the man signs his name with a number of dots that correlate with the number of letters in his name. If the object of his affection guesses his identity, she receives an Egg on Easter.
In England, Valentine's Day is celebrated in various ways. On Valentine's Day Eve, women used to practice rather strange customs. They would take their pillow and pin a bay leaf on each of the four corners and consume eggs where the removed yolks were replaced with salt! (My mouth puckers at the mere thought.) After doing this, they were confident they would dream of their future husbands. In another custom, women would write the names of their lovers on paper. These papers were put on clay balls which were dropped into water. Whichever paper surfaced first would bear the name of their future husband.
In the present, some unmarried women arise from bed before daybreak on Valentine's Day. They wait by the window, searching for a man to pass by. They feel the first man they see, or someone with a close resemblance to him, will become, within the year, their bridegroom.
Children in England sing special Valentine's songs and receive candy, fruit, or money. In some regions of England, people bake special Valentine's buns adorned with caraway seeds, plums, or raisins.
It is traditional to get engaged on Valentine's Day in Italy. Popular gifts are china baskets and cups that have been filled with Valentine's candies. Women in Italy practice the same fortune telling custom of watching for their future husbands as is done in England.
In Scotland, Valentine's Day is traditionally celebrated with a festival where unmarried males and females gather together. Each individual writes their name (or a fictitious one) on a piece of paper which is folded and then put into a hat, one for the women and a separate one for the men.
The ladies draw first and the process is repeated by the men. When the two drawn names do not match, the man is expected to pair up with the lady who had drawn his name. The man presents a gift to the lady on his paper. The women pin the name of their partner on their sleeves or over their hearts. Is this the origin of wearing one's heart on their sleeve?
In Spain, women give gifts to their husbands; men give flowers to their wives.
ASIA:
In China, Valentine's Day is not normally celebrated on February 14th. Rather, according to the Chinese calendar. it is celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. On this day, lovers crowd the Temple of Matchmaker to pray for love and happiness. Singles can also come to pray. One traditional practice involves girls putting a needle on the surface of the water when the star Vega can be found high in the sky. It is time then for the girl to search for a husband. Also, this day is set aside for girls to make any wish at all.
Modern China puts a new spin on this holiday when hotels give Valentine discounts for couples. Not only is the room rate discounted but also on this day the hotels will not ask and check for marriage certificates. However, any other day of the year Chinese law requires hotels to verify marriage certificates before allowing couples to check in.
In Israel, Valentine's Day is a popular time for marriage proposals to be made. Gifts are also exchanged.
In Japan, chocolates play an important role. Women give a box of chocolates ("Giri-choko") as a token of friendship or gratitude to her boss, colleagues, and male friends. Giri-choko" translates as "obligatory chocolate."
Going a step further, a woman can express her love for that special man in her life by giving small gifts plus a box of chocolates known as "Honmei-choko" or "prospective chocolate."
In a month's time, men who have received the gift of chocolate presents the women with a box of chocolates on White Day, March 14th. These chocolates are generally either white chocolate or the candy is wrapped in white boxes. Japanese men often give gifts of lingerie or jewelry to their special women.
In Korea, Valentine's Day is celebrated much the same as it is in Japan. However, men who were not recipients of chocolates celebrate together on April 14th, or Black Day, whereupon they eat black noodles called "Jajangmyun."
Thousands of couples celebrate Valentine's Day in the Philippines by gathering together for the world record of the most couples kissing at one time. This festivity is called Lovapalooza. That's a lot of chapped lips!
Taiwan observes two Valentine's Day celebrations, one on February 14th and the other on July 7th. On these days, it is traditional to exchange roses; the color and number of roses determine the message. For example, one rose is "only love," eleven roses mean "a favorite," "forever" is the message coming with ninety-nine roses, and one hundred and eight roses signify "marry me."
In Thailand, Valentine's Day is celebrated in unique ways. Among these ways is the joining of two elephants as the world's largest bride and groom. Also included is the world's largest mass-wedding and the world's largest underwater wedding.
Love is forever, wherever you look.
Popular Sports From Around The World
All types of sports are popular globally, but what sports can we call THE most popular in the world? Some of the answers may surprise you.
It's no surprise that football, or what Americans call "soccer" is the world's most popular sport to play and to watch. An estimated 3.5 billion people either watch or play football. The World Cup is the global championship of the sport and this tournament is played every four years. The World Cup itself is one of the highest rated sports on television, with many countries tuning in en masse to watch their country's team play. Football is popular in all of the UK, Europe, Asia as well as South America. However, with so many other sports being popular, the Unites States still lags behind in their interest in "soccer".
Next, we have cricket. This sport which consists of a bat and a ball, has been around for hundreds of years and originated in England. The sport is popular in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, some African countries, some Caribbean countries and it is the most popular sport in the countries of India and Pakistan. An estimated 3 billion people watch or play cricket each year.
The next most popular sport is a sure surprise, and that is field hockey, with an estimated 2 billion players or watchers, mostly in Asian countries, European countries, Australia and around Africa. This sport tends to be played in high schools in the United States, usually by girls only.
Coming up next is tennis. Not so surprising, but there are an estimated 1 billion players and watchers of tennis around the world. Tennis tends to be popular in richer countries, including the United States, Asian countries, Australia and Europe. There are four main tournaments in tennis, called "Grand Slams" at which players from many countries play. The first is the Australian Open, then the French Open, Wimbledon and then the US Open in late August. The Grand Slam tournaments tend to get the most attention during the tennis season.
Next we have volleyball. Yet another surprise, with an estimated 900 million viewers or players around the world. Volleyball is popular in the United States, where the sport originated, as well as in Brazil, all over Europe, Russia, China and Japan. Volleyball is a popular high school sport in many countries due to it's team centered play and lack of specialized equipment requirements.
Also popular is table tennis, otherwise known as Ping Pong. This is another surprisingly popular sport around the world, with an estimated 900 million watchers or players. Table tennis originated in England as an after dinner activity for Victorians in the late 19th century. Table tennis as a competitive sport is popular in many countries but is especially popular in China, Korea and Singapore.
After these sports, we have a triumvirate of more mainstream American sports including baseball, golf, American football and basketball, with each sport attracting between 400 and 500 million players or watchers worldwide.
It's no surprise that football, or what Americans call "soccer" is the world's most popular sport to play and to watch. An estimated 3.5 billion people either watch or play football. The World Cup is the global championship of the sport and this tournament is played every four years. The World Cup itself is one of the highest rated sports on television, with many countries tuning in en masse to watch their country's team play. Football is popular in all of the UK, Europe, Asia as well as South America. However, with so many other sports being popular, the Unites States still lags behind in their interest in "soccer".
Next, we have cricket. This sport which consists of a bat and a ball, has been around for hundreds of years and originated in England. The sport is popular in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, some African countries, some Caribbean countries and it is the most popular sport in the countries of India and Pakistan. An estimated 3 billion people watch or play cricket each year.
The next most popular sport is a sure surprise, and that is field hockey, with an estimated 2 billion players or watchers, mostly in Asian countries, European countries, Australia and around Africa. This sport tends to be played in high schools in the United States, usually by girls only.
Coming up next is tennis. Not so surprising, but there are an estimated 1 billion players and watchers of tennis around the world. Tennis tends to be popular in richer countries, including the United States, Asian countries, Australia and Europe. There are four main tournaments in tennis, called "Grand Slams" at which players from many countries play. The first is the Australian Open, then the French Open, Wimbledon and then the US Open in late August. The Grand Slam tournaments tend to get the most attention during the tennis season.
Next we have volleyball. Yet another surprise, with an estimated 900 million viewers or players around the world. Volleyball is popular in the United States, where the sport originated, as well as in Brazil, all over Europe, Russia, China and Japan. Volleyball is a popular high school sport in many countries due to it's team centered play and lack of specialized equipment requirements.
Also popular is table tennis, otherwise known as Ping Pong. This is another surprisingly popular sport around the world, with an estimated 900 million watchers or players. Table tennis originated in England as an after dinner activity for Victorians in the late 19th century. Table tennis as a competitive sport is popular in many countries but is especially popular in China, Korea and Singapore.
After these sports, we have a triumvirate of more mainstream American sports including baseball, golf, American football and basketball, with each sport attracting between 400 and 500 million players or watchers worldwide.
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