REPOST: 12 of the world’s most spectacular Christmas trees

Thinking of where to make good use of the last few weeks of the holiday season? This CNN article gives a glimpse of some of the most amazing interpretations of the eternal Christmas symbol, the Christmas tree, around the world.

Twinkly lights and tinsel?

That’s so last Christmas.

Christmas trees don’t have to be traditional to look spectacular.

In fact, some of the most memorable ones this year are anything but.

How about a Christmas tree made from Lego?

Or macaroons?

Even the odder entrants in this selection of the world’s most amazing Christmas trees on public display tend to be big and bright.

And there are still plenty of sparkly stars to be found and photographed.

They’re just much bigger and much brighter than the ones on the tree in your living room.

1. Vilnius Christmas tree (Lithuania)

It’s big, it’s bright — and it’s not actually a tree but a 25-meter metal frame covered in fir tree branches. At least they’re not plastic. But they probably are flammable.
Image Source: CNN.com

The well-preserved old town in the Lithuanian capital looks like just the sort of place that needs a Christmas tree.

Now it’s got one — and it’s 25 meters tall.

It’s not so much a tree as a metal skeleton covered with fir tree branches.

Lithuanian fir tree branches, though — they’re not made in China.

2. Lego Christmas tree (Legoland Malaysia)

Built with 400,000 Lego blocks. Hey, did kids make this thing?
Image Source: CNN.com

Asia’s tallest Christmas tree is in Malaysia, but even more striking than its height is that it’s made from Lego.

The nine-meter tree at Legoland Malaysia is made from 400,000 blocks of the child’s toy.

More than 300 Lego baubles, including candles and slightly kinky multicolored chains, have been snapped on.

It’s not a tree, either?

C’mon — where’s your Christmas spirit?

3. Rockefeller Center Christmas tree (New York)

Mariah Carey, Leona Lewis and the Goo Goo Dolls performed at the “turning on” of this 12-ton tree, donated by a Connecticut family who found a clever way of getting rid of it.
Image Source: CNN.com

The unveiling of this 23-meter Norwegian spruce was a star-studded affair — Mariah Carey, Leona Lewis and the Goo Goo Dolls performed.

Weighing 12 tons, the tree is decorated with 45,000 LEDS and topped with a 3-meter-wide Swarovski crystal star.

The tree was donated to the Rockefeller Center by the Vargoshe family, who planted it in the gardens of their Connecticut home 20 years ago.

And eventually wanted to get rid of it.

4. Galeries Lafayette Christmas tree (Paris)

The world’s largest “in-store” Christmas tree was designed by Swatch. Batteries not included. Good luck getting it home.
Image Source: CNN.com

At 20-meters tall, the world’s highest in-store Christmas tree is an intricate, horology-themed affair standing in France’s chicest department store, Galeries Lafayette.

Celebrating its 30th birthday this year, Swiss watchmaker Swatch helped design the tree, including the toy village at its base that springs to life on the hour.

Batteries not included.

And try getting the thing home.

For the rest of the article, click here.

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Hawaii legalizes gay marriage, expects boost in tourism

Image Source: examiner.com

More couples will be able to enjoy a Hawaiian honeymoon, starting next month.

A new law, signed this week and which will officially take effect on December 2, will legalize gay marriage in the island of Hawaii. This makes Hawaii the 15th state to legalize gay unions, a far cry from when Massachusetts first granted the right in 2004.

Image Source: huffingtonpost.com

The law allows gay couples to live in the state.  It would also allow tourists from other states to marry there, a provision that may provide a large tourism boost as couples from other states make a visit in order to get married, and perhaps spend their honeymoon there.

Businesses are gearing up for the expected inflow of tourists come the new law’s passing into effectivity, just in time for the holidays and the accompanying peak tourism season. Hotels and resort chains such as Aqua Hospitality which have focused on the gay market for years and the Maui Sunseeker LGBT resort are coming up with new packages and promotions.  The Sheraton Waikiki Hotel said that it was preparing its onsite marriage license certificate office as well.

Image Source: news.com.au

A study from a University of Hawaii researcher estimates that the gay marriage law will be able to boost tourism by $217 million over the next two to three years, as Hawaii becomes a destination of choice for couples in other states, boosting the number of ceremonies, wedding receptions, and honeymoons all over Hawaii.  This spike is expected to level out after several years, as early trips lessen and the possibility of more US states legalizing gay marriage increases.

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Gallivanting around the Bahamas: A treasure odyssey

Image Source: the-bahamas.net

The Bahamas is comprised of 700 islands that stretch from the coast of Florida on the north-west as far as Haiti on the southeast.  It was Christopher Columbus who first stumbled upon the country’s stellar landscapes in 1492, at awe at what he called “baja mar” or shallow sea.  This feature, along with its close proximity to shipping ports, made it attractive to privateers, traders, and pirates, such as the infamous Blackbeard, Anne Bonney, and Calico Jack, who ruled the region’s clear waters from the 1600s to the 1700s.

The age of piracy might have ended but the islands are still littered with the wreckage of this notorious age.  It is believed that hulks of Spanish treasure ships carrying riches from the New World between 1500 to 1820 are buried in the Bahamas.  Sir Henry Morgan, an affluent privateer, is presumed to have buried his loot throughout the islands while British pirate William Catt is thought to have hidden his riches in the waters off Catt island.

Image Source: my-arianna.com

To date, travelers armed with metal detectors flock the islands for a chance to unearth treasures such as gold, coins, jewelry, and other valuable artifacts.  Some items were accidentally found by fishermen, divers, and professional hunters but most wrecks are often discovered after a long and thorough period of search.

For travelers who aren’t into treasure hunting, it’s good to know that each island has something unique to offer for every gallivanting adventurer.  The Bahamas are scattered like dabs of ecological oases designed to satisfy every sea-and-sand-based compulsion.  From cruising around the cacophonous vibe of Nassau, diving deep into the blue holes of the Andros, to a sailing escapade on the serene waters of Abacos,  each island is indeed a precious gem to trail.

Image Source: travelseelove.com

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