The old Russian Aircraft Carrier converted into a Hotel

The year 2011 had belonged to the Chinese in multiple ways. Apart from making progress in their economy, they made their mark in the luxury lifestyle in many ways, and they seem to have started of 2012 on a similar note. Their latest revelation is the Russian Kiev class aircraft carrier hotel, which will be the first of its kind anywhere in the world. A gigantic ship, which was originally created for carrying fighter jets, has now been converted into a full-scale luxury hotel, with modern amenities, oriental themed decor, and plenty of luxury accommodation for its upcoming lot of guests.

Till a few years ago, the Russian aircraft carriers were known to be the pride of army’s fleet, when owned by the Russian Army. But Chinese creativity changed all of that, and transformed this war craft wonder into a luxury hotel that is now grabbing eye balls after revealed in the Tianjin municipality of North China. Historic research tells us, that the ship has been a part of the Binhai Aircraft Park project since 2004, after a Chinese company laid hands on it in 1996. It was initially used to display the variety of modern military equipment, until recently when it was transformed into a luxury accommodation establishment. The final opening will happen later in the month of January 2012, when it will open for bookings.

In terms of amenities, we have come to know that there are 148 rooms in all- 2 Presidential suites, 3 VIP guest rooms, and 137 standard rooms, apart from the dining and common areas, all done up with oriental artistry including the furniture which bear the traditional colors and patterns of art work in the region. Needless to say, the ornamentation is nothing short of exquisite, and whatever may be the pricing policy, would certainly manage to impress even the most discerning customers of the hotel. However, the only near comparison to the concept is the Cunard Liner QE2, but the Tianjin Aircraft Carrier Hotel just might be a step ahead. 

Grapes in a Volcanic Island

The island of Lanzarote (Lanzarote) refers to the Canary Islands (Spain). It is also called an "island volcanoes" - on a small island is about 60 wide and 15 km are about three hundred volcanoes. In autumn 1730 together with thirty craters began to erupt lava and ash. The eruption lasted for six years, and as a result of one-third of the island was covered with basalt and lifeless ash. This is a very negative impact on agriculture, Lanzarote, but did not stop the local growers, which in the end, successfully adapted to grow grapes right in a volcanic desert.

The main part of the vineyards of Lanzarote is situated in the valley of La Geria, which is significant for its covered by a thick layer of ash. Grape seedlings are planted in specially dug pits or trenches up to several meters wide. This is done first to make it easier to get to the roots to the topsoil, and secondly, to ensure the grapes with moisture. There are virtually no rainfall, irrigation is also not practical, the plants are fed with dew, which condenses on the walls of "funnels". Saturated soil with ash, in turn, tends to hold a long moisture.

In spite of such harsh conditions, this yield is up to 40 kg of grapes from the vines.

After 10 thousand years our descendants will wonder what it is like we are now wondering about the appointment of the figures on the Nazca Plateau, and other ancient structures.

The local wine industry produces about two million of w!ne per year. 

The island of Lanzarote is quite popular among tourists, as, indeed, the Canary Islands as a whole. Guided tours of the island include, among other things, visiting exotic vineyards and wine cellars. 

A bottle of good w!ne with unusual flavors costs about EUR 6.

Every year in the valley of La Geria held "Wine race» (Lanzarote Wine Run), which are involved in both locals and tourists alike. The winners of the race are awarded wine - a liter per kilogram of body weight.

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