Tag Archives: International

The Most Stunning Venues from Past Summer Olympics

The Games of the XXXI Olympiad (aka the 2016 Summer Olympics) are set to begin in less than two weeks on August 5th. Although this year’s host city, Rio de Janeiro, has been plagued by controversy from the get-go, there are still plenty of eager sports fanatics that couldn’t be more excited to visit Brazil at this special time for the country. Rio will actually hold the distinction of being the first South American city to host the games.There is no denying the beauty of Rio, from its rich history, to the numerous beaches, and, of course, the people! But while Rio will no doubt have some impressive structures built for the Games (if its existing landmarks are any indication), it certainly has some large shoes to fill. Host cities are known to aim high and think big when selecting or building these mammoth monuments. Over the years, some designs have definitely stuck out more than others. From the architecturally impressive to the just plain beautiful, here are our picks for the top 20 venues from past Olympic games:

1. Panathenaic Stadium (Athens, Greece; 1896 & 2004)

By Badseed (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons 13 April 2009 Kallimarmaron stadium

Photo Credit: “The Panathinaiko Stadium (Kallimarmaron) stadium” by Badseed © 2009 (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons

2. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (Los Angeles, CA; 1932 & 1984)

Olympic Torch Tower of the Los Angeles Coliseum By unknown, U.S. Air Force [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AOlympic_Torch_Tower_of_the_Los_Angeles_Coliseum.jpg 28 July 1984

Photo Credit: “Olympic Torch Tower of the Los Angeles Coliseum” by unknown, U.S. Air Force © 1984 (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons

3. Olympiastadion (Berlin, Germany; 1936)

The Olympiastadion in 1936 Bundesarchiv, Bild 183-R82532 / CC-BY-SA 3.0 Bundesarchiv, Bild 183-R82532 / CC-BY-SA 3.0 [CC BY-SA 3.0 de (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/de/deed.en)], via Wikimedia Commons 1936

Photo Credit: “Bundesarchiv, Bild 183-R82532” by Hoffmann © 1936 (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons

4. Melbourne Cricket Ground (Melbourne, Australia; 1956)

AFL_Grand_Final_2010_on_the_Melbourne_Cricket_Ground

Photo Credit: “AFL Grand Final 2010 on the Melbourne Cricket Ground” by Alexander Sheko © 2010 (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons

5. Nippon Budokan (Tokyo, Japan; 1964)

Nippon Budokan Hall Main entrance Wiiii - Own work Nippon Budokan, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo Japan, designed by Mamoru Yamada in 1964. © 2010 By Wiiii (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ANippon_Budokan_2010.jpg

Photo Credit: “Nippon Budokan 2010” by Wiiii © 2010 (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons

6. Yoyogi National Gymnasium (Tokyo, Japan; 1964)

Yoyogi-National-First-Gymnasium

Photo Credit: “Yoyogi National First Gymnasium” by Rs1421 © 2010 (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons

7. Estadio Olímpico Universitario (Mexico City, Mexico; 1968)

Estadio_Olímpico_Universitario

Photo Credit: “Estadio Olímpico Universitario” by Ebidej © 2011 (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons

8. Palacio de los Deportes (Mexico City, Mexico; 1968)

Palacio_de_los_Deportes

Photo Credit: “Palacio de los Deportes” © 2006 (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons

9. National Auditorium (Mexico City, Mexico; 1968)

Ciudad_de_Mexico_-_1194_-_Auditorio_Nacional

Photo Credit: “Ciudad de Mexico – 1194 – Auditorio Nacional” by Pierre-Selim Huard © 2015 (CC BY 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons

AuditorioNacionalPorDentro

Photo Credit: “AuditorioNacionalPorDentro” by hmerinomx © 2010 (CC BY 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons

10. Olympic Stadium (Montréal, Canada; 1976) 

Biodome_de_Montreal

Photo Credit: “Biodome de Montreal” by storem © 2007 (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons

11. Estadio Olímpico Lluís Companys (Barcelona, Spain; 1992)

Estadi_Companys

Photo Credit: “Estadi Companys” by Canaan © 2014 (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons

12. Palau Sant Jordi (Barcelona, Spain; 1992)

Barcelona_Palau_San_Jordi_001

Photo Credit: “Barcelona Palau San Jordi 001” by German Ramos © 2000 (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons

13. Pavello Olimpic de Badalona (Barcelona, Spain; 1992) 

Olimpic_Badalona

Photo Credit: “Olimpic Badalona” by Ottobdn © 2007 (Public Domain) via Wikimedia Commons

14. Stadium Australia (Sydney, Australia; 2000)

Australia_Stadium.

Photo Credit: “Australia Stadium” by Adam.J.W.C. © 2009 (CC BY-SA 2.5) via Wikimedia Commons

15. Sydney Super Dome (Sydney, Australia; 2000)

Qudos_Bank_Arena_-_April_2016

Photo Credit: “Qudos Bank Arena – April 2016” by Philip Terry Graham © 2016 (CC0 1.0) via Wikimedia Commons

16. Athens Olympic Velodrome (Athens, Greece; 2004)

Olympic_stadium,Athens_25

Photo Credit: “Olympic Stadium, Athens 25” by Spyrosdrakopoulos © 2009 (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons

17. Olympic Stadium (Athens, Greece; 2004)

Olympic_stadium,Athens_19

Photo Credit: “Olympic Stadium, Athens 19” by Spyrosdrakopoulos © 2009 (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons

18. Peace and Friendship Stadium (Athens, Greece; 2004)

Peace_and_Friendship_stadium_2014

Photo Credit: “Peace and Friendship Stadium 2014” by M(e)ister Eiskalt © 2014 (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons

19. The Bird’s Nest (Beijing, China; 2008) 

Beijing_national_stadium

Photo Credit: “Beijing national stadium” by Peter23 © 2011 (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons

20. The Water Cube (Beijing, China; 2008)

国家游泳中心夜景

Photo Credit: “国家游泳中心夜景” by Charlie fong © 2009 (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons

What is your favorite venue from the past Summer Olympics? Will you be watching this year’s Rio Games? Let us know in the comments!

Top 5 Phone Apps for Realtors

Technology is a great resource for any professional today. For realtors, who are always on the go, what phone apps serve them best to make their jobs that much easier? Well, we’ve gathered 5 apps we suggest every realtor should have on their phones/tablets. Let us know if there is one you use the most:

1. Pro HDR

Screen Shot 2015-02-16 at 9.40.15 AM

View in iTunes store here

This app will allow you to take pictures of your properties, modify the lighting or little edits you can add to enhance the picture and make it a higher definition one.

2.  Storehouse

Screen Shot 2015-02-16 at 9.43.56 AM

View in iTunes store here

Imagine talking to a prospect buyer and pulling out a video and pictures with the virtual tour of a house right from your phone or tablet. This will make you look even more professional, but also one that’s eager and ready to get things done. Your clients will surely appreciate it.

3. Genius Scan

Screen Shot 2015-02-16 at 10.02.37 AM

View in iTunes store here.

 

Realtors, and agents are never in one single place. Odds are sometimes you might have to run back to the office to scan a document and end up losing time and gas. This app can scan your documents and turn them into a PDF or JPEG doc. Take a picture, and send it over through email as either format with no problem and no need to run to anywhere.

4. Waze

Screen Shot 2015-02-16 at 10.22.06 AM

View in iTunes store here.

 

Ever been stuck in traffic in a unfamiliar part of the city wishing you could know of a shortcut? Well, we’ve got one for you! Well, iTunes and Google has one, but we’re telling you this one is will make your life so much easier. This app will tell you the traffic updates  or road closures close to your location. Sounds like a perfect app for someone who’s always on the go!

5. Dashlane

Screen Shot 2015-02-16 at 10.27.28 AM

View in iTunes store here.

Realtors can have over 10 social media platforms. With all the names, addresses, information realtors receive in one day chances are you might forget passwords often. This app will solve that problem alone. Not only does it save your login information, but also receipts, payment methods, credit card information. Perfect app for a busy professional such as a realtor or agent.

 

Best Countries To Travel To These Holidays

 

Caught the “traveling bug”? We caught it too! We want to invite you to look at the five places we recommend you celebrate your holidays this Christmas. Maybe you’ve been to a couple of these, maybe we caught you at just the right time. Let us know either way!

 

AMSTERDAM

Do you believe in Santa Claus? Perfect, so do we! That’s why we’re recommending Amsterdam, where the Santa Claus, or Sinterklaas, legend remains strong. If you can, stay for New Years where Nieuwmarkt or Dam square is known for their fireworks and merry crowd.

 

LAPLAND, FINLAND

Those who live in the Midwest or anywhere that snows have at some point or other have learned to love snow. Waking up to those snowy days when we feel like doing nothing but staying in and snuggling next to a blanket. Waking up to these winter wonderlands is breathtaking, and if you feel like waking up to this every morning take a trip to Lapland, Finland, because it’s totally worth it.

 

MUNICH

Like big, tall, bright, Christmas trees? Take a trip to Munich, specifically Marienplatz where you’ll see hundred-foot-tall Christmas trees, and  two dozen Christmas markets. Sounds magical, doesn’t it?

 

PROVENCE, FRANCE

Imagine this: walking down a snowy busy road, Christmas music, trees, lights everywhere. Do you think you’d like that? Well, take a trip to Provence, France where you’ll feel like doing nothing but making snow angels and dance around, and break out in a musical. Please send a video if you do!

 

PUERTO RICO

Maybe snow isn’t your thing. Maybe you want to take a break from anything that resembles cold weather. That’s fine. We know the feeling. If that’s the case, then Puerto Rico is where you need to be this Christmas, maybe stay for New Year’s too! Because why not? Once in Puerto Rico take a walk in El Yunque rainforest and enjoy the nature and warm breeze. Then cool off next to the ocean at night. Be sure that wherever you go you’ll hear music, maybe a “Jingle Bells” set to a salsa beat. If you do —send videos, please!

 

So dear reader, this is where we say goodbye. But, before you leave us, tell us what your plans for these holidays will be? Traveling? where to? Feel free to tell us where you’ve visited before during the holidays! Safe travels!!

Oktoberfest! The Ultimate Fall Activity!

Beer lovers rejoice as 2014 marks the 181st year of Oktoberfest! This 16 day festival is the world’s largest fair and attracts over 6 million people from around the world. The locals call it “Wies’n” or the nickname for Theresienwiese, the fairgrounds where the festival is held. While this festival has been taking place annually since 1810, here at RNR we began to wonder…why is Oktoberfest celebrated in September?

History

Believe it or not, Oktoberfest isn’t completely misnamed because the original Oktoberfest was actually held in October (Oct. 12, 1810, to be exact). In 1810 the residents of Munich were invited to celebrate the marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig—the future King Ludwig I—and Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen. It featured a parade, dancing, horse races and of course lots of beer drinking. Needless to say, it was such a good time that the tradition stuck, and as time passed the length of the festival increased from one day to two weeks. Additionally, a decision was made to celebrate the festival earlier in order to avoid a snowy Oktoberfest. Thus, morphing it into the festival we know today.

The Modern Festival

While many may forget or not even know about the origin of Oktoberfest, today it is all about the beer and the food. This year, the festival kicks off on September 20th when the Mayor of Munich taps the first keg. After that, a steady stream of beer keeps flowing as nearly 7 million liters of beer are served- which is almost enough to fill three Olympic sized swimming pools! Yet steins usually run around 9-10 euros apiece, so drinking is not cheap. However, at the festival not any run of the mill brew can be served. The beer must meet Oktoberfest criteria (i.e. it must be brewed within the Munich city limits, have a minimum of 6%alcohol by volume and be fermented for a minimum of 30 days). Paulaner, Spaten, Hacker-Pschorr, Augustiner, Hofbräu and Löwenbräu are among the approved breweries that visitors can expect on site.

In addition to enjoying liters of golden lager, visitors can also enjoy traditional German fare such as Würstl (sausages) Brezen (pretzel) and Knödel (potato or bread dumplings). But wait! There is more to this festival than brats and brews! For example, the Riflemen’s parade features horses, cows, goats as well as people dressed in traditional Bavarian costumes is a highlight of the event. Plus there are concerts, dancing, games and a host of other family friendly activities.

Luckily for those of us who can’t make it to Munich to celebrate, smaller Oktoberfests happen all around the world. And don’t worry, if you are of German heritage or not, its okay to let loose. If you are looking for more fun, try this quiz on 15 Things You Didn’t Know About Oktoberfest.  In the meantime, Prost! or for you non-German speakers “Bottoms up!”

Highlights of a Visit to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Highlights of a Visit to Rio de Janeiro (via Finding the Universe)

As a big fan of killing two birds with one stone (figuratively), I am always pleased when travelling to a location coincides with something else I had wanted to do. Like visiting a friend or relative who happens to live there, or attend a conference…

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Dubai’s Dazzling New Year’s Celebrations

For the full original post, go to: Dubai’s Dazzling New Year’s celebrations lead to soaring room rates for tourists.

Dubai's incredible fireworks display. Photo credit: "Dubai NYE 2014" © 2014 by Gabriela Purri R. Gomes (CC BY 2.0)

Dubai’s incredible fireworks display. Photo credit: “Dubai NYE 2014” © 2014 by Gabriela Purri R. Gomes (CC BY 2.0)

Everyone knows about the spectacular New Year’s celebration held annually in Times Square, with its world-famous Ball drop and celebrity performers. Perhaps less known stateside, but still quite an epic international tourist attraction, is the dazzling fireworks display in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. Because of the sheer number of people who travel to the country just for the event, hotel rates skyrocket as high as the fireworks that are shot into the air. Read more here.