Emirates continues the expansion of its dedicated lounges with the opening of its second lounge in the Republic of China, at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, the 27th on its network.

The first guests were welcomed on 11th June, for the departure of EK303 bound for Dubai. The Lounge offers the ultimate in comfort, with seating for up to 165 customers and is located in the Concourse after security control on the 4th floor, lounge # 78.

Emirates' state-of-the-art lounges include comfortable seating, gourmet dining, entertainment and shower facilities as well as well-equipped business centres. A complimentary bar service completes the trademark Emirates experience.

By August 2010, Emirates will open its second dedicated lounge in India, at New Delhi, the Indira Gandhi International Airport, confirming our commitment to offer a network of dedicated lounges at strategic locations.

Emirates also offers dedicated lounges at Auckland, Bangkok, Beijing, Birmingham, Brisbane, Dubai (three), Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Kuala Lumpur, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester, Munich, Melbourne, Mumbai, New York - JFK, Paris - Charles de Gaulle, Perth, Singapore, Sydney and Zurich airports.

Turkey might be the world’s most contested country. Its landscape is dotted with battlegrounds, ruined castles and the palaces of great empires. This is the land where Alexander the Great slashed the Gordion Knot, where Achilles battled the Trojans in Homer’s Iliad, and where the Ottoman Empire fought battles that would shape the world. History buffs can immerse themselves in marvels and mementos stretching back to the dawn of civilisation.

Then again, if you want to simply unwind, spend an afternoon being pampered at ahamam, or let the warm waters off the Mediterranean coast lap at your toes. Adventure lovers can head east to Nemrut Daği National Park. Bon vivants need look no further than Istanbul, where the markets and bars are among the most stylish and atmospheric, and the mod Ottoman cuisine rates as the tastiest, in the world.

The country’s tumultuous history has left a deep legacy. People who’ve never had to suffer for an idea or fight for a patch of land can be overwhelmed by the passion of ordinary Turks for their country. But for ordinary Turks that passion finds its outlet, not in martial ardour, but in simple pleasures: family, food, music, football, and friendship. Turks have an inspiring ability to keep things in perspective, to get on with everyday life and to have a bloody good time in the process. Sharing their joy in the simple things is a highlight for every visitor.

Treat Turkey as that most quintessential of Turkish dishes, the meze, a table piled high with scrumptious treats. Throw away the menu, order a plate of everything and feast till you can’t go on. Afiyet olsun!