Latest news with #St.Paul'sCathedral
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sleep in the Clouds at Shangri-La The Shard, London
Sleep in the Clouds at Shangri-La The Shard, London originally appeared on L.A. Mag. The Shard building, designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano to represent, as its name suggests, a shard of glass, is more than an iconic landmark. As the tallest building in the United Kingdom — standing 1,016-feet tall — the eco-conscious high-rise shines brightly over the Thames and some of the city's most recognized landmarks, such as St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower Bridge. The behemoth is also home to Shangri-La The Shard, London, a five-star hotel that starts on the 34th floor and climbs up 18 stories to house its 202 rooms and suites, all with breathtaking vistas that can be taken in without leaving the luxury linens of the bed. In fact, there is little reason to leave the hotel at all if one is looking for unmatched luxe service and worldly, award-winning cuisine, especially after being greeted by General Manager Kurt Macher and his adorable little dog Rocky. Like many luxury properties, Shangri-La The Shard is leaning into not just being dog friendly, but encouraging the property to offer pet-passionate accommodations with Rocky acting as the unofficial diplomat for his fellow furry friends. The hotel's TING restaurant includes a renowned afternoon tea, and for those who don't suffer from vertigo, a visit to GONG — on the building's 52nd level, the highest hotel bar in Western Europe— is a must. But the real delight is the spa with an infinity pool that hovers over the entire city. This summer, the Shangri-La The Shard, London is offering an Eat, Play, Love package inspired by the bestselling book of a similar name by Elizabeth Gilbert, which became a hit movie starring Julia Roberts. You can Eat your way through the iconic Borough Market alongside an award-winning chef who will help handpick the finest seasonal ingredients - with a quick stop at the doorway of the building that served as the movie home of beloved character Bridget Jones - before returning to the hotel where the chef will prepare a personalized meal based on your choices. Or experience a high tea in the exquisite Hollywood star-worthy suite (rumor has it Beyonce posted up here) with delightful treats. Play came in the form of a private yacht experience along the Thames with bites and sips as we took in the sights, which included the headquarters for the legendary spy agency (Bond, James Bond) MI5 headquartered in the Thames Building and the neighborhoods built along the river. Love can certainly be found in the serene and scenic heights of the spa, where Elemis facials can be had in private rooms located high above London. Languishing in the warm waters is the epitome of romance, as are the bathtubs for two in many of the hotel's rooms. The city itself is spectacular, a walkable neighborhood and The Shard is in the center of it all. This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
India.com
5 days ago
- General
- India.com
10 Must-Know Facts That Make Kolkata City Unique
Kolkata bears its former name Calcutta as it positions itself as one of the culturally significant areas in India. The metropolis resides along the Hooghly River in West Bengal where it has become an essential part of modern India's development. Kolkata shows a special combination of historical elements with cultural diversity and modern development which extends from its colonial background through to its energetic cultural expression. The following ten noteworthy details provide essential information about Kolkata which stands as 'The City of Joy.' 1. The Cultural Capital of India People consider Kolkata to hold cultural capital status in India because of its deep artistic heritage in literature and art together with its important role in music and filmmaking. The city held Nobel laureates Rabindranath Tagore who received Literature and Amartya Sen who won Economics awards and filmmaker Satyajit Ray whose work found success worldwide. The city of Kolkata displays its everlasting passion for culture by hosting the festive Kolkata Book Fair together with its famous Durga Puja celebrations. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and his son Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay joined other literary masters to set Kolkata as an intellectual center. 2. A Colonial Legacy Job Charnock initiated Kolkata with the British East India Company during 1690 before it became the official capital of British India from 1690 to 1911. The historic phase brought forward the creation of Victoria Memorial in addition to St. Paul's Cathedral and Writers Building as a reminder of colonial architectural achievements. The engineering masterpiece of Howrah Bridge which finished without any nuts or bolts during 1943 represents a prominent historical monument of Kolkata. These architectural marvels continue to welcome visitors while preserving their historical significance which represents the long journey of Kolkata. 3. The Birthplace of Indian Nationalism During the Indian independence movement Kolkata served as an active force that contributed critically to the Indian battle. In 1885 the first session of Indian National Congress took place at this location under the direction of Allan Octavian Hume. Through the city leaders Subhas Chandra Bose and Netaji rose as pivotal figures who founded mass freedom movements against British rule. Notable parts of the Indian freedom movement were shaped by Kolkata residents Madan Mohan Malaviya who became a Jallianwala Bagh martyr and by revolutionary Khudiram Bose. 4. Home to the Oldest Operating Port in India The Kolkata Port Trust which formed in 1870 maintains operation of one of India's oldest working ports. The eastern Indian coast port connects eastern Indian regions to Bangladesh and Nepal and Bhutan by providing trade access. Throughout its more than 150-year history the port has continued operating actively to support both regional business growth and economic development. 5. Diverse Culinary Heritage Kolkata stands apart because of its exclusive food culture that incorporates flavors from Bengali as well as Mughal and Chinese and British cooking styles. Two standout traditional delicacies of Bengal are rasgulla and phuchka (also known as golgappa), together with mishti doi (yogurt sweetened with sugar). People of Kolkata love fish curries specially cooked with hilsa and other notable Bengali fish varieties. The Anglo-Indian population in Kolkata is active with traditional food choices including mutton chop and baked beans. 6. The Largest Flower Market in Asia The flower market at Nakshi Bazar ranks as Asia's largest such market and operates in the vicinity of the Howrah Bridge. Thousands of vendors appear each dawn to offer fresh floral products which come from local nearby villages. What people crave most about Nakshi Bazar is its selection of marigolds together with roses and orchids and jasmine flowers that serve local residents and ritual needs. The marketplace draws viewers through its vibrant atmosphere while demonstrating the regular activities of Kolkatans. 7. Pioneering Educational Institutions Many historic Indian educational institutions choose Kolkata as their headquarters while their origins stem from the colonial times. Since 1857 the University of Calcutta has operated as the inaugural South Asian institution dedicated to modern university education. Jadavpur University and Presidency University and the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM-C) jointly rank among the top universities in India and appear repeatedly in national university rankings. These educational institutions have generated numerous scholars together with scientists and leaders who have developed India's academic domain. 8. The Tram Network – A Nostalgic Ride The tram system located in Kolkata remains the only functional network within India thus making it a distinctive component of the urban transportation system. Indian citizens experienced emotions of nostalgia when British Raj established these tram services in 1873 because they offered environmentally-friendly transportation. The number of trams in use has decreased through the years yet initiatives strive to protect them as a part of Kolkata's historical legacy. Traveling by tram through the city lets people enjoy its vintage atmosphere. 9. A Hub for Hand-Pulled Rickshaws The operation of hand-pulled rickshaws exists only in specific regions of Kolkata that center on Esplanade and Sealdah. The human-operated transportation system remains a direct link to a previous period through time. Hand-drawn rickshaws continue to honor Kolkata's character through their continued operation while supplying income to disadvantaged employees. 10. Durga Puja: A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage During December 2021 UNESCO designated Durga Puja in Kolkata as one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. During September or October people celebrate five days of festivities to worship the goddess Durga in her triumph over bad forces. Annually millions of people visit structures among the throng of pandals that display beautiful decorations with idols honoring the deity. Durga Puja connects people socially and encourages creative artistry to become a vital organizational value in Kolkata's cultural heritage. Finak Thoughts Kolkata surpasses mere municipal status because it functions as a cultural repository that merges the passage of time with current progress and traditional practices with new ideas. This lively metropolis offers something unique to appeal to everyone including its colonial heritage alongside its celebration events and its intellectual heritage. These ten facts about Kolkata provide a deeper understanding that helps people recognize its worldwide appeal as a city of amazement.
