WILDLIFE TOURISM
Monday, December 31, 2007
Tapping the ‘green
There has been a spurt of media reports on tourism promotion in the country. Wildlife reserves and areas of outstanding natural beauty would be the obvious attractions. Though this enthusiasm is encouraging, certain issues have to be taken note of or else unregulated tourism will be another serious threat to the list of problems to our wildlife and their habitats.
In India, tourism to wildlife destinations in the garb of “eco-tourism” is already a popular concept. However, the term is by and large misused. In practice, it is used as just another “eco-sell” marketing tool. Wldlife tourism is carried out in an unsystematic and unscientific manner with no clearly laid out policies. For instance, carrying capacity is undefined for most of our protected areas, neither have there been scientific rules defined on visitor discipline. Enforcement of existing regulations has been very frail. Many of our natural wonders are seen as ideal locations to be unruly, play loud music, for gambling or as locations for recreational activities with little interest in experiencing natural environments.
Emphasis on conservation
Eco-tourism is defined as “Environmentally responsible travel to natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature, that promotes conservation, has a low visitor impact and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local peoples”. Mere use of the prefix “eco” does not lead to eco-tourism. Eco-tourism can be distinguished from other forms of tourism by its emphasis on conservation, education, traveller responsibility and active community participation.
In our country eco-tourism is largely unfamiliar and is restricted to washing linen in an environmentally friendly manner or building thatched huts as lodges. A luxurious wildlife resort in Rajasthan charging over US$ 1,000/guestnight does not even have a conservation policy, depicting poor corporate behaviour. Tourism also has undesirable side-effects. In many areas it has led to negative social and cultural impacts, conflicts between local communities and investors, and also increased living costs for locals.
There are very few examples where eco-tourism is carried out in its true meaning. In the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the forest department has set up tourism eco-development committees. One of the committees is run by local Mannan, Paliyan tribals and carry out wildlife, birdwatching walks, sharing the benefits among its members. This is real eco-tourism.
In Karnataka, places such as Bannerghatta Biological Park or Tavarekoppa Tiger Safaris attract far more visitors than Nagarahole National Park. For a sizable segment of visitors who want “quick” wildlife tourism, we should promote such safaris to educate people on wildlife and utilise the revenue generated to protect larger, more ecologically sensitive wildlife habitats where small-scale, low-impact tourism should take precedence.
Benefits for local communities
The State provides substantial publicity and subsidies to tourism entrepreneurs. However, there is always scope for betterment and we need novel ideas that can provide viable economic development alternatives for local communities with tourism promotion. In places like Nagarahole National Park, where forest dwelling communities have been resettled outside the park, support should be provided to develop their own low-key tourism activities such as guided walks in reserved forests outside the national park limits. People like hands-on activities. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts would be attracted to such innovative programs. Non-governmental organisations can help train tribals in communication and also support in running their programs.
In areas where agriculture is no longer profitable due to wildlife crop raiding, farmers adjacent to protected areas can form co-operatives and develop tourism activities in their land. Alternatively tourism companies can lease (not buy) farmland and carry out nature tourism in private lands. I am certain such tourism can bring in better revenue than agriculture and improve community attitudes towards wildlife.
Eco-tourism should promote conservation ethics and generate public awareness through accurate scientific information and not “story telling” which is the current trend. This needs trained, motivated education officers and attractively designed interpretation centres which is currently lacking both in the Government and private sector. Eco-tourism should motivate visitors to a more “active” contribution to wildlife conservation.
Nature tourism is growing at 10-12 per cent annually. With the neo-classical economic development bringing increased disposable income, advances in transportation, advanced information technology and corporatisation of this industry, low impact wildlife tourism has great potential; however it has to be well regulated. In its current form, it lacks focus, discipline and sensitivity to both wildlife conservation and local cultures. Wildlife landscapes should be more seen as outdoor educational classrooms rather than recreational locations. Well-implemented, scientific and environmentally sustainable wildlife tourism can bring in larger public support for conservation. Government and private entrepreneurs should solicit NGOs and academic institutions to provide technical and educational support. Monitoring sustainability, developing objective indicators, systematically tracking short-term and long-term tourism impacts through research that would help in developing appropriate policies and management guidelines, could all be the role of wildlife tourism researchers. Building awareness about the negative impacts of tourism among tourism entrepreneurs, guides, safari drivers has to be another key activity for NGOs. A nascent effort in this direction is taken up by Travel Operators for Tigers (TOFT), a non-profit joint venture of U.K.-based India-focused travel operators and Global Tiger Patrol through eco-labelling of wildlife resorts in six tiger reserves in north India.
Towarsds fair distribution
Is there a linkage between promoting tourism and wildlife conservation? Though the volume of park-based tourism has substantially increased, there is little direct linkage between the benefits reaped by tourism entrepreneurs and wildlife conservation. Tourism is an economic activity and it cannot be a one-sided transaction. There should be fair distribution of benefits for preservation of the attractions that are the source of tourist interest, which are wildlife in this case. Urgent steps have to be taken to encourage the tourism industry, including hotel and resort owners, restaurants, souvenir shops, travel agents and all others benefiting directly or indirectly from wildlife tourism, to contribute for conservation efforts through setting up a separate protected area conservation tax under the local forest department. This would also enhance the non-use value of protected areas.
Eco-tourism should provide genuine development opportunity for local communities and involve them in planning, development, operation and benefit sharing. Focus should be on optimising local economic benefits, developing leadership and skills of local communities for higher paid jobs rather than restricting them to jobs such as cooks, drivers, gardeners or cleaners. Though such jobs are certainly helpful, the ratio of revenue sharing is minimal. Eco-tourism should offer jobs that provide an alternative to agriculture, animal husbandry or other forms of land use that are causes of wildlife habitat degradation. However we need to be cautioned that over-dependence, unplanned tourism can be risky and can cause severe damage to ecological integrity.
source:http://www.hindu.com/mag/2007/12/30/stories/2007123050320700.htm
There has been a spurt of media reports on tourism promotion in the country. Wildlife reserves and areas of outstanding natural beauty would be the obvious attractions. Though this enthusiasm is encouraging, certain issues have to be taken note of or else unregulated tourism will be another serious threat to the list of problems to our wildlife and their habitats.
In India, tourism to wildlife destinations in the garb of “eco-tourism” is already a popular concept. However, the term is by and large misused. In practice, it is used as just another “eco-sell” marketing tool. Wldlife tourism is carried out in an unsystematic and unscientific manner with no clearly laid out policies. For instance, carrying capacity is undefined for most of our protected areas, neither have there been scientific rules defined on visitor discipline. Enforcement of existing regulations has been very frail. Many of our natural wonders are seen as ideal locations to be unruly, play loud music, for gambling or as locations for recreational activities with little interest in experiencing natural environments.
Emphasis on conservation
Eco-tourism is defined as “Environmentally responsible travel to natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature, that promotes conservation, has a low visitor impact and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local peoples”. Mere use of the prefix “eco” does not lead to eco-tourism. Eco-tourism can be distinguished from other forms of tourism by its emphasis on conservation, education, traveller responsibility and active community participation.
In our country eco-tourism is largely unfamiliar and is restricted to washing linen in an environmentally friendly manner or building thatched huts as lodges. A luxurious wildlife resort in Rajasthan charging over US$ 1,000/guestnight does not even have a conservation policy, depicting poor corporate behaviour. Tourism also has undesirable side-effects. In many areas it has led to negative social and cultural impacts, conflicts between local communities and investors, and also increased living costs for locals.
There are very few examples where eco-tourism is carried out in its true meaning. In the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the forest department has set up tourism eco-development committees. One of the committees is run by local Mannan, Paliyan tribals and carry out wildlife, birdwatching walks, sharing the benefits among its members. This is real eco-tourism.
In Karnataka, places such as Bannerghatta Biological Park or Tavarekoppa Tiger Safaris attract far more visitors than Nagarahole National Park. For a sizable segment of visitors who want “quick” wildlife tourism, we should promote such safaris to educate people on wildlife and utilise the revenue generated to protect larger, more ecologically sensitive wildlife habitats where small-scale, low-impact tourism should take precedence.
Benefits for local communities
The State provides substantial publicity and subsidies to tourism entrepreneurs. However, there is always scope for betterment and we need novel ideas that can provide viable economic development alternatives for local communities with tourism promotion. In places like Nagarahole National Park, where forest dwelling communities have been resettled outside the park, support should be provided to develop their own low-key tourism activities such as guided walks in reserved forests outside the national park limits. People like hands-on activities. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts would be attracted to such innovative programs. Non-governmental organisations can help train tribals in communication and also support in running their programs.
In areas where agriculture is no longer profitable due to wildlife crop raiding, farmers adjacent to protected areas can form co-operatives and develop tourism activities in their land. Alternatively tourism companies can lease (not buy) farmland and carry out nature tourism in private lands. I am certain such tourism can bring in better revenue than agriculture and improve community attitudes towards wildlife.
Eco-tourism should promote conservation ethics and generate public awareness through accurate scientific information and not “story telling” which is the current trend. This needs trained, motivated education officers and attractively designed interpretation centres which is currently lacking both in the Government and private sector. Eco-tourism should motivate visitors to a more “active” contribution to wildlife conservation.
Nature tourism is growing at 10-12 per cent annually. With the neo-classical economic development bringing increased disposable income, advances in transportation, advanced information technology and corporatisation of this industry, low impact wildlife tourism has great potential; however it has to be well regulated. In its current form, it lacks focus, discipline and sensitivity to both wildlife conservation and local cultures. Wildlife landscapes should be more seen as outdoor educational classrooms rather than recreational locations. Well-implemented, scientific and environmentally sustainable wildlife tourism can bring in larger public support for conservation. Government and private entrepreneurs should solicit NGOs and academic institutions to provide technical and educational support. Monitoring sustainability, developing objective indicators, systematically tracking short-term and long-term tourism impacts through research that would help in developing appropriate policies and management guidelines, could all be the role of wildlife tourism researchers. Building awareness about the negative impacts of tourism among tourism entrepreneurs, guides, safari drivers has to be another key activity for NGOs. A nascent effort in this direction is taken up by Travel Operators for Tigers (TOFT), a non-profit joint venture of U.K.-based India-focused travel operators and Global Tiger Patrol through eco-labelling of wildlife resorts in six tiger reserves in north India.
Towarsds fair distribution
Is there a linkage between promoting tourism and wildlife conservation? Though the volume of park-based tourism has substantially increased, there is little direct linkage between the benefits reaped by tourism entrepreneurs and wildlife conservation. Tourism is an economic activity and it cannot be a one-sided transaction. There should be fair distribution of benefits for preservation of the attractions that are the source of tourist interest, which are wildlife in this case. Urgent steps have to be taken to encourage the tourism industry, including hotel and resort owners, restaurants, souvenir shops, travel agents and all others benefiting directly or indirectly from wildlife tourism, to contribute for conservation efforts through setting up a separate protected area conservation tax under the local forest department. This would also enhance the non-use value of protected areas.
Eco-tourism should provide genuine development opportunity for local communities and involve them in planning, development, operation and benefit sharing. Focus should be on optimising local economic benefits, developing leadership and skills of local communities for higher paid jobs rather than restricting them to jobs such as cooks, drivers, gardeners or cleaners. Though such jobs are certainly helpful, the ratio of revenue sharing is minimal. Eco-tourism should offer jobs that provide an alternative to agriculture, animal husbandry or other forms of land use that are causes of wildlife habitat degradation. However we need to be cautioned that over-dependence, unplanned tourism can be risky and can cause severe damage to ecological integrity.
source:http://www.hindu.com/mag/2007/12/30/stories/2007123050320700.htm
Ngerupuk (Ogoh-Ogoh), Nyepi, and Ngembak Geni Sacred day
NgerupukNgerupuk held one day before Nyepi, at that time there will be a lot of Ogoh ogoh around all street in Bali. After walking around for some time the Ogoh ogoh will burned in the nearest cemetary. The ogoh-ogoh symbolize bad element that must be destroyed and bring back the good element to the environment. Besides at the street, the celebration also held in every Hindusm house in Bali. The
Holiday hotspots: where are we heading in 2008?
Forget glitz, crowds and over-development: the key holiday destinations in 2008 will be those remote corners of the globe that offer comfort, solitude and authenticity, writes Mark Jones.
Once upon a time, writing an article of predictions such as this would have been a straightforward task. Name-check some big openings, whisk around the atlas with a style thermometer naming what's hot, where's cool, where has gone tepid and who's been frozen out.
No longer. Now you can't look forward in the travel business without grappling with the Big Issues: global warming, geo-politics, China, international security. Many of these issues came together at the Bali conference this month - and what a choice of venue that was. Only a few years ago, nowhere better symbolised the innocence of modern multicultural travel: a place where young Australians flocked to get drunk and rich Britons fled to chill out. Now Bali - sadder, wiser, bombed, more wary Bali - will become shorthand for nothing less than the battle to save the planet.
Greener travel
The great hope for 2008 is that tourism, like other global industries, can find a way to be both green and profitable. At present, niche operators such as hotelier Campbell Gray (One Aldwych and Carlisle Bay, among others) can safely target the sliver of wealthy travellers who really do prefer a single perfect apple in an earthenware bowl to a huge basket of waxy fruit wrapped in cellophane. Still, a decisive shift is taking place and any hotel-owner who thinks that going green means putting a little card in the bathroom asking you whether you want your towels washed has spectacularly missed the point.
The World Tourism Organisation (WTO) says that tourism accounts for 10 per cent of global GDP. International tourism will triple in next 20 years and international arrivals are expected to rise from 700 million to 1.6 billion by the year 2020. That's a lot of people on the move burning a lot of fuel. But no sane environmental campaigner can simply set up camp outside Heathrow and tell us to stop flying.
More WTO figures: tourism employs over 250 million people. It is the main money-earner for a third of developing nations and the primary source of foreign-exchange earnings for the majority of the 49 least developed countries. So by all means choose Norfolk rather than The Gambia for your summer holiday if it eases your worries about air miles. But be aware that a tourism drought in these countries will be just as devastating as any other kind.
We will see more travellers opting for the so-called "gold standard" carbon offsetting schemes (too complicated to go into here, but it's about more than planting a few trees).
Where we'll be going
The indications are that we will be choosing our big holiday more thoughtfully, opting to keep it real and low-scale in Africa or Latin America. The success of Namibia and Botswana in limiting developments to a few high-quality lodges and responsible operators is encouraging others to follow suit. The coming year will be a landmark one in Zambia, where Abercrombie&Kent plans to open no fewer than seven new camps (four of them in 2008).
In Botswana, Colin Bell, the founder of Wilderness Safaris, has gone into partnership with Mark Read (the former head of WWF in South Africa) to create the Selinda Reserve (due to open in April). While in July, the celebrated Zambian guide Robin Pope is opening Pamulani in July, a new lodge on Lake Malawi, set inside a World Heritage Site.
South America will continue to supplant south-east Asia as the destination of choice for intrepid long-haulers and gap-yearlings. The Atacama Desert will get the boutique treatment with the new Tierra Atacama Hotel and Spa, while long-standing Latin American experts Cazenove+Loyd are beginning tailor-made hiking trips into the remote areas of the Torres Del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. They have also spotted that Machu Picchu is becoming overworn and are starting treks through remote Andean villages avoiding the tourist trail.
Even before regime change happens in Washington, the hawks are in flight. That makes the prospect of visiting Iran or Syria, say, much more palatable. In fact, as anyone who has travelled in those countries knows, it's hard to feel safer and less hassled anywhere in the world; and it will take huge increases in visitor numbers to make magical places like Isfahan, Persepolis, Palmyra and Aleppo feel crowded.
source:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/main.jhtml?xml=/travel/2007/12/31/et-hotspots2008-131.xml
Once upon a time, writing an article of predictions such as this would have been a straightforward task. Name-check some big openings, whisk around the atlas with a style thermometer naming what's hot, where's cool, where has gone tepid and who's been frozen out.
No longer. Now you can't look forward in the travel business without grappling with the Big Issues: global warming, geo-politics, China, international security. Many of these issues came together at the Bali conference this month - and what a choice of venue that was. Only a few years ago, nowhere better symbolised the innocence of modern multicultural travel: a place where young Australians flocked to get drunk and rich Britons fled to chill out. Now Bali - sadder, wiser, bombed, more wary Bali - will become shorthand for nothing less than the battle to save the planet.
Greener travel
The great hope for 2008 is that tourism, like other global industries, can find a way to be both green and profitable. At present, niche operators such as hotelier Campbell Gray (One Aldwych and Carlisle Bay, among others) can safely target the sliver of wealthy travellers who really do prefer a single perfect apple in an earthenware bowl to a huge basket of waxy fruit wrapped in cellophane. Still, a decisive shift is taking place and any hotel-owner who thinks that going green means putting a little card in the bathroom asking you whether you want your towels washed has spectacularly missed the point.
The World Tourism Organisation (WTO) says that tourism accounts for 10 per cent of global GDP. International tourism will triple in next 20 years and international arrivals are expected to rise from 700 million to 1.6 billion by the year 2020. That's a lot of people on the move burning a lot of fuel. But no sane environmental campaigner can simply set up camp outside Heathrow and tell us to stop flying.
More WTO figures: tourism employs over 250 million people. It is the main money-earner for a third of developing nations and the primary source of foreign-exchange earnings for the majority of the 49 least developed countries. So by all means choose Norfolk rather than The Gambia for your summer holiday if it eases your worries about air miles. But be aware that a tourism drought in these countries will be just as devastating as any other kind.
We will see more travellers opting for the so-called "gold standard" carbon offsetting schemes (too complicated to go into here, but it's about more than planting a few trees).
Where we'll be going
The indications are that we will be choosing our big holiday more thoughtfully, opting to keep it real and low-scale in Africa or Latin America. The success of Namibia and Botswana in limiting developments to a few high-quality lodges and responsible operators is encouraging others to follow suit. The coming year will be a landmark one in Zambia, where Abercrombie&Kent plans to open no fewer than seven new camps (four of them in 2008).
In Botswana, Colin Bell, the founder of Wilderness Safaris, has gone into partnership with Mark Read (the former head of WWF in South Africa) to create the Selinda Reserve (due to open in April). While in July, the celebrated Zambian guide Robin Pope is opening Pamulani in July, a new lodge on Lake Malawi, set inside a World Heritage Site.
South America will continue to supplant south-east Asia as the destination of choice for intrepid long-haulers and gap-yearlings. The Atacama Desert will get the boutique treatment with the new Tierra Atacama Hotel and Spa, while long-standing Latin American experts Cazenove+Loyd are beginning tailor-made hiking trips into the remote areas of the Torres Del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. They have also spotted that Machu Picchu is becoming overworn and are starting treks through remote Andean villages avoiding the tourist trail.
Even before regime change happens in Washington, the hawks are in flight. That makes the prospect of visiting Iran or Syria, say, much more palatable. In fact, as anyone who has travelled in those countries knows, it's hard to feel safer and less hassled anywhere in the world; and it will take huge increases in visitor numbers to make magical places like Isfahan, Persepolis, Palmyra and Aleppo feel crowded.
source:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/main.jhtml?xml=/travel/2007/12/31/et-hotspots2008-131.xml
The new "Ave" High Speed Train Arrives in Malaga
Sunday, December 30, 2007
The long awaited train " El Ave " has finally commenced its high speed service between Malaga and Madrid cutting travel times via rail to just two and a half hours.
RENFE the rail network providers in Spain have also promised refunds on fares if the service arrives between 15 to 30 minutes later than scheduled, if the delay ( which must be attributed to Renfe ) is more than one hour a full refund has been guaranteed by them.
Extra discounts of up to 50% are being offered if you book early either at any of the Renfe Stations or online. So if your Spanish is good and your feeling brave you can book online here.
Not only is the train mind blowingly fast its also extremely modern and comfortable.
This incredibly fast travel service will undoubtedly provide many positive possibilities for the residents of Malaga and surrounding areas. New business opportunities will inevitably be created as investors from the north open up new commercial ties with the Costa del Sol not to mention the increase in tourism which is epected. I am also sure that many people residing in the Malaga area may have never visited Spains capital due mainly being put off by the 5 to 7 hour travel time by car or the higher cost via air.
Madrid is a great place to spend a weekend as it offers everything an historic and vibrant city does, from superb monuments to places of great cultural interest to fine dining and an excellent and exciting nightlife.
Gary
Travel and Tourism Blogs
A great place to find interesting blogs on Spain is Technorati, one of the nets leading blog hosting web sites.
Search the Technorati Profile for blogs with similar interets as your own and if your a blog owner you can post your own site for maximum exposure.
Gary
Search the Technorati Profile for blogs with similar interets as your own and if your a blog owner you can post your own site for maximum exposure.
Gary
The Cunards Queen Victoria in Malaga
The majestic cuise liner the Queen Victoria recently visited Malaga on her second Spanish stage if its inaugural voyage. She is the third Cunard queen and as you would expect oozes luxury for all who will be lucky enough to sail on her.
The Queen "Vic" and the QE2 will be departing shortly for a a rare nautical meeting and celebration in New York.
The Port of Malaga has always been a major stop over for many a cruise liner, however due to the increased success of the cruising industry over recent years and the ever growing passenger numbers visiting g the capital of the Costa del Sol a new terminal is almost completed and should be fully functional by January 2008.
Gary
New link added: Probably Madrid
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Probably Madrid is the blog of a middle-aged British web designer who moved to Madrid in summer 2007 after 13 years in Dubai. I discovered this blog this evening as it has been added recently to the blogroll of another Spanish-based blogger (Leftbanker) that I now read regularly. Probably Madrid is written in a refreshing and sometimes quite witty manner - I don't think I ever visited his
New business model needed, vendor says
A San Diego gift shop operator has drawn the ire of cultural watchdogs after ousting island artisans from one of Hawaii's most popular tourist attractions.
Some fans of the Polynesian Cultural Center, which draws about 700,000 visitors each year, complain that many authentic crafts have disappeared from the center's gift shop on Oahu since San Diego-based Event Network took over retail operations last year.
“I tried to go Christmas shopping and couldn't find the local crafters that I normally find at PCC,” said Kathy Connors, a resident of Windward Oahu. “I'd say at least 90 percent of it is made in China or overseas. I'm originally from Hong Kong, and I just can't send Made-In-China Hawaiian gifts to friends in Hong Kong.”
Event Network, which operates gift shops in museums, aquariums and other attractions nationwide, acknowledged that the previous handful of local artisans and vendors who ran several center shops were let go when the company took over.
The center, located about one hour from Waikiki, is a top tourist destination. It consists of seven native villages that are designed to give visitors a glimpse of native Hawaiian and other South Pacific cultures.
But the perceived influx of look-alike crafts not produced on the islands has miffed cultural purists. The issue landed Event Network on the front page of The Honolulu Advertiser last week.
Advertisement
Larry Gilbert, president of Event Network, maintains that the center's gift shops and crafts remain “very authentic” to the cultures the center showcases. He said the shops source many of the same items from the displaced vendors as well as new ones.
“There are people who create crafts all over the Hawaiian and Polynesian islands, and there are many different people we buy from,” said Gilbert, whose company operates gift shops in 48 locations, including the San Diego Air &Space Museum in Balboa Park. “There isn't just one source of product. Our job is to bring together the best and most authentic and most interesting assortment possible. It is no different from any retail environment – sources change.”
The center does offer products made in Hawaii and the Pacific, including tapa cloth made in Hawaii and Fiji, according to Event Network. Other items are produced elsewhere to keep them affordable – for instance, the center's Hawaiian-style quilts are made in the Philippines.
Susan Kunz, director of PCC's retail stores for Event Network, said the company required a “different business model” when it took over operations for the center, according to the Advertiser article that ran Thursday.
“There were a lot of unhappy feelings. For some of these people that was their whole livelihood. So that's a tough thing,” Kunz said. “But it just becomes a different business model. You just have to adjust. It's a different way of doing business.”
Kunz told the newspaper that the challenge is maintaining a product balance that serves everyone from Saudi princes to everyday tourists. Because PCC is a major cultural attraction it needs a steady supply of quality products, she said.
“I need to find people who can supply me and who can keep me in product and who can deal with a company,” Kunz told the Advertiser. “We don't do cash on delivery, for example. And we're not a craft fair. We're not one-time buyers. So we deal with purchase orders. And we pay with a check after 30 days – that kind of thing.
“And some of that becomes very difficult for our local crafters because they're not used to it,” Kunz said.
Cultural watchdogs who are championing some of the local artisans said the “mainland” business model doesn't always work for one-of-a-kind items. Kona Hahn, a native Hawaiian whose family practiced the art of lauhala weaving, said a compromise should be found.
“We are trying to keep part of our heritage alive by doing the authentic things that were done generations ago,” Hahn said. “So many tourists make the PCC a destination. They've paid all this money to come to Hawaii and they want to bring home something made in Hawaii – not the Philippines.”
source:http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20071218-9999-1b18hawaii.html
New Year revellers not visiting Maoist land
Raipur, Dec 27 - With hills, caves and waterfalls, Bastar makes for a picturesque getaway, yet there has been a sharp drop in the number of New Year revellers in the region that was virtually the epicentre of Maoist violence in Chhattisgarh throughout 2007.
'New Year revellers, a majority of whom consists of families, are shying away from Bastar,' a top official in the tourism department told IANS.
Till Tuesday, around 5,200 people had booked hotels, motels and government guesthouses to usher in the New Year at various tourist spots in Chhattisgarh. Out of these, just about 18 percent (756 people) had booked at Bastar locations.
Last year about 8,000 people had gone to various tourist spots for New Year celebrations, of which 80 percent visited Bastar despite spiralling Maoist violence.
The revellers' reluctance this time to celebrate in Bastar is blamed on rising violence in the region, which includes the worst hit Dantewada and Bijaur districts.
Overall, about 95 percent of the Maoist violence in the state has been recorded in the Bastar region, which is spread over some 40,000 sq km in five districts. The violence has resulted in some 300 deaths, including 202 policemen, this year.
'They seem to be preferring the state's northern region's hill station Mainpat in Surguja district, the wildlife-rich forest location at Barnawapara in Mahasamund district and Achanakmar forest reserve in Bilaspur district.'
He, however, pointed out that tourist spots in Bastar have never seen any Maoist violence.
The Bastar region is home to ancient monuments, rare wildlife, waterfalls and rock paintings.
One of the places known for its natural beauty is Chitrakote, where the Indravati river abruptly drops 96 feet, resulting in a spectacular horseshoe waterfall often compared with the Niagara Falls.
Bastar also boasts of the Kailash and Kutumsar caves that are said to be three billion years old.
Left extremists have stepped up their activities in Bastar this month. They blew up a police station Dec 12, engineered a daring jailbreak Dec 16 from Dantewada prison in which 299 inmates, including nearly 100 Maoist cadres, escaped and killed 12 policemen Dec 20 in Konta block in Dantewada.
source:http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/164854.html
'New Year revellers, a majority of whom consists of families, are shying away from Bastar,' a top official in the tourism department told IANS.
Till Tuesday, around 5,200 people had booked hotels, motels and government guesthouses to usher in the New Year at various tourist spots in Chhattisgarh. Out of these, just about 18 percent (756 people) had booked at Bastar locations.
Last year about 8,000 people had gone to various tourist spots for New Year celebrations, of which 80 percent visited Bastar despite spiralling Maoist violence.
The revellers' reluctance this time to celebrate in Bastar is blamed on rising violence in the region, which includes the worst hit Dantewada and Bijaur districts.
Overall, about 95 percent of the Maoist violence in the state has been recorded in the Bastar region, which is spread over some 40,000 sq km in five districts. The violence has resulted in some 300 deaths, including 202 policemen, this year.
'They seem to be preferring the state's northern region's hill station Mainpat in Surguja district, the wildlife-rich forest location at Barnawapara in Mahasamund district and Achanakmar forest reserve in Bilaspur district.'
He, however, pointed out that tourist spots in Bastar have never seen any Maoist violence.
The Bastar region is home to ancient monuments, rare wildlife, waterfalls and rock paintings.
One of the places known for its natural beauty is Chitrakote, where the Indravati river abruptly drops 96 feet, resulting in a spectacular horseshoe waterfall often compared with the Niagara Falls.
Bastar also boasts of the Kailash and Kutumsar caves that are said to be three billion years old.
Left extremists have stepped up their activities in Bastar this month. They blew up a police station Dec 12, engineered a daring jailbreak Dec 16 from Dantewada prison in which 299 inmates, including nearly 100 Maoist cadres, escaped and killed 12 policemen Dec 20 in Konta block in Dantewada.
source:http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/164854.html
Bedugul Tourism Area
Monday, December 24, 2007
Bedugul is the name a small village, located on a high plateau in the center of the island, 18 km north of Denpasar and 1400 meters above sea level, is known for its excellent golf course. As it's location in the main road connecting the north and south of Bali. It is the perfect place to stop for a night on an island tour. Air cold and fog are the natural place. Bedugul also a center of
Bill signs off for Christmas tomorrow
I take this opportunity to wish everyone who passes this way the 'Compliments of the Season'. I shall be busy with entertaining until the middle of next week so may not get much chance to post more here before then. With my Very Best Wishes for a Joyous Christmas and a Peaceful, Happy and Prosperous 2008My homemade Christmas Cake with very Scottish seasonal trimmings Click here to see a
Parents must not smack their kids, says Spanish Parliament
Thursday, December 20, 2007
The Spanish congress has on Thursday altered the civil code in Spain by deleting the clause which permits parents to "reasonably and moderately correct" their children, thus ending parents' right to physically chastise them.
48 hours in New York for the holidays
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Got 48 hours to explore New York over the holidays? Reuters correspondents with local knowledge help visitors make the most of the shopping and holiday attractions on offer in the Big Apple.
FRIDAY
6 p.m. - Arriving in Manhattan for a weekend of holiday shopping or to do the sights, what better way to start than with a cocktail. The Campbell Apartment in Grand Central Terminal on 42nd Street at Lexington Ave is offering two new drinks for the holiday season -- The Sugarplum Martini and The Campbell Apartment Holiday Eggnog.
7 p.m. - Walk up Fifth Avenue to take in the holiday lights, including the Rockefeller Christmas Tree which is celebrating its 75th anniversary and draws about 500,000 people a day. Watch the ice skaters below and don't miss the spectacular window displays across the road at the upmarket Saks Fifth Avenue store.
8 p.m. - Try dinner at Tavern on The Green (www.tavernonthegreen) at Central Park West at 67th Street which prides itself on its festive atmosphere with a holiday dinner menu which ends with plum pudding.
10.30 p.m. - End the evening with a ride in a horse-drawn carriage around Central Park, pure magic on a snowy night.
SATURDAY
8 a.m. - With children in tow, a trip to Santaland at Macy's, the massive department store on 34th Street at Broadway, is a must. Wind your way through a wonderland of trains, talking trees and busy elves to the North Pole where you can have photos with Santa. A seasonal puppet show, "Moose Crossing," is in the store's Christmas department. There are fantastic display windows too.
Other stand-in Santas are available for photo opportunities at Bloomingdales on Third Ave at 59th Street, Saks Fifth Avenue at Fifth Ave and 50th Street, Manhattan Mall on 33rd Street at Sixth Ave, South Street Seaport at Pier 17, and the World Financial Center at Winter Garden on Vesey Street.
12 noon - Walk up to Times Square to join the crowds squeezing into Toys 'R Us which has a ferris wheel inside the store and three floors of toys. For a family lunch try Carmines (www.carminesnyc.com) at West 44th Street, an Italian eatery which serves family sized portions of various pastas.
2 p.m. - Time to shop, with New York full of tourist shoppers this time of year enjoying the strength of their currency to the dollar and spending it at designer discount stores like Century 21 (www.c21stores.com) at 22 Courtlandt Street, which is a haven for the truly committed shopper.
There are numerous holiday markets as well to enjoy:
- Bryant Park on Sixth Ave at 42nd Street has over 100 booths with this European-style holiday market one of the biggest in town with free ice-skating on the park's rink.
- Grand Central Holiday Fair in the Vanderbilt Hall has stalls and a kaleidoscopic light show in the main concourse
- Holiday Gift Shops at St. Bartholomew's Church on Park Avenue at 50th Street is a pretty market
- Holiday market at Union Square on 14th Street at Broadway where red and white tents have been put up for various stalls
- Holiday Market at Columbus Circle at Central Park South and Central Park West is an ideal location for foodies
6 p.m. - Aim for an early dinner then pick one off the list of holiday shows in New York.
8 p.m. - There is a show for everyone. From the traditional high-kicking Rockettes at Radio City Hall (www.radiocity.com), to the Nutcracker ballet at the New York State Theater, LincolnCenter (www.nycballet.com), to the more modern musical "The Grinch on Broadway." Other holiday productions include The Big Apple Circus and Cirque du Soleil's Wintuk, a new winter story about a boy's search for snow. Book in advance.
SUNDAY
9 a.m. - What better way to start the day than a trip to Central Park for a ride on the carousel, to see the polar bears and penguins in the zoo, and for a skate around the picturesque Wollman Rink (www.wollmanskatingrink.com). Go early as the rink is packed by noon.
12 noon - Grab a pretzel off a street stand for lunch and head down Fifth Avenue, making the upmarket toy store FAO Schwarz your first stop. Virtually every shore along Fifth Avenue has holiday windows to enjoy including Cartier, Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co., and Henri Bendel.
2.30 p.m. - St. Patrick's Cathedral on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 51st Street is worth a stop and break from the crowds, regardless of your denomination or religion. It is an architectural beauty and a nativity scene with life-sized statues adds to the holiday spirit.
4 p.m. - Finish off the weekend with the final holiday windows at department store Lord & Taylor at Fifth Ave at 38th St, which are usually the most traditional of them all.
Happy Holidays.
Source:http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/travel/story.html?id=af8fab9f-5989-4bee-a521-a78529b8f332&p=2
FRIDAY
6 p.m. - Arriving in Manhattan for a weekend of holiday shopping or to do the sights, what better way to start than with a cocktail. The Campbell Apartment in Grand Central Terminal on 42nd Street at Lexington Ave is offering two new drinks for the holiday season -- The Sugarplum Martini and The Campbell Apartment Holiday Eggnog.
7 p.m. - Walk up Fifth Avenue to take in the holiday lights, including the Rockefeller Christmas Tree which is celebrating its 75th anniversary and draws about 500,000 people a day. Watch the ice skaters below and don't miss the spectacular window displays across the road at the upmarket Saks Fifth Avenue store.
8 p.m. - Try dinner at Tavern on The Green (www.tavernonthegreen) at Central Park West at 67th Street which prides itself on its festive atmosphere with a holiday dinner menu which ends with plum pudding.
10.30 p.m. - End the evening with a ride in a horse-drawn carriage around Central Park, pure magic on a snowy night.
SATURDAY
8 a.m. - With children in tow, a trip to Santaland at Macy's, the massive department store on 34th Street at Broadway, is a must. Wind your way through a wonderland of trains, talking trees and busy elves to the North Pole where you can have photos with Santa. A seasonal puppet show, "Moose Crossing," is in the store's Christmas department. There are fantastic display windows too.
Other stand-in Santas are available for photo opportunities at Bloomingdales on Third Ave at 59th Street, Saks Fifth Avenue at Fifth Ave and 50th Street, Manhattan Mall on 33rd Street at Sixth Ave, South Street Seaport at Pier 17, and the World Financial Center at Winter Garden on Vesey Street.
12 noon - Walk up to Times Square to join the crowds squeezing into Toys 'R Us which has a ferris wheel inside the store and three floors of toys. For a family lunch try Carmines (www.carminesnyc.com) at West 44th Street, an Italian eatery which serves family sized portions of various pastas.
2 p.m. - Time to shop, with New York full of tourist shoppers this time of year enjoying the strength of their currency to the dollar and spending it at designer discount stores like Century 21 (www.c21stores.com) at 22 Courtlandt Street, which is a haven for the truly committed shopper.
There are numerous holiday markets as well to enjoy:
- Bryant Park on Sixth Ave at 42nd Street has over 100 booths with this European-style holiday market one of the biggest in town with free ice-skating on the park's rink.
- Grand Central Holiday Fair in the Vanderbilt Hall has stalls and a kaleidoscopic light show in the main concourse
- Holiday Gift Shops at St. Bartholomew's Church on Park Avenue at 50th Street is a pretty market
- Holiday market at Union Square on 14th Street at Broadway where red and white tents have been put up for various stalls
- Holiday Market at Columbus Circle at Central Park South and Central Park West is an ideal location for foodies
6 p.m. - Aim for an early dinner then pick one off the list of holiday shows in New York.
8 p.m. - There is a show for everyone. From the traditional high-kicking Rockettes at Radio City Hall (www.radiocity.com), to the Nutcracker ballet at the New York State Theater, LincolnCenter (www.nycballet.com), to the more modern musical "The Grinch on Broadway." Other holiday productions include The Big Apple Circus and Cirque du Soleil's Wintuk, a new winter story about a boy's search for snow. Book in advance.
SUNDAY
9 a.m. - What better way to start the day than a trip to Central Park for a ride on the carousel, to see the polar bears and penguins in the zoo, and for a skate around the picturesque Wollman Rink (www.wollmanskatingrink.com). Go early as the rink is packed by noon.
12 noon - Grab a pretzel off a street stand for lunch and head down Fifth Avenue, making the upmarket toy store FAO Schwarz your first stop. Virtually every shore along Fifth Avenue has holiday windows to enjoy including Cartier, Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co., and Henri Bendel.
2.30 p.m. - St. Patrick's Cathedral on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 51st Street is worth a stop and break from the crowds, regardless of your denomination or religion. It is an architectural beauty and a nativity scene with life-sized statues adds to the holiday spirit.
4 p.m. - Finish off the weekend with the final holiday windows at department store Lord & Taylor at Fifth Ave at 38th St, which are usually the most traditional of them all.
Happy Holidays.
Source:http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/travel/story.html?id=af8fab9f-5989-4bee-a521-a78529b8f332&p=2
Top 10 must-see tourist attractions in Tainan County
Indulge in a hot spring vacation
Guanzihling Hot Spring is one of four major hot spring areas in Taiwan, along with Peitou, Yangmingshan and Sihchongsi. Guanzihling Hot Spring includes alkalinity carbonate and other minerals, which make the local spring water look a bit murky and muddy. It is believed, however, to have a curative effect on various skin diseases.
Observe black-faced spoonbills
Starting in September each year, black-faced spoonbills fly in groups from northern Asia to spend the long, cold winter along the Zengwu River in Tainan County. The bird's name comes from their spoon-like black beak. In March, they return to the north to breed.
Experience the Tainan County Lantern Festival
During the Chinese New Year -- also known as the Spring Festival -- local governments hold lantern exhibitions throughout cities starting on the 15th day of the lunar calendar. In Tainan County, the coming lantern festival will be held in the "Solar City" district of the Southern Science-based Industrial Park, already dubbed, "The World's Most Brilliant Lantern Festival."
Visit the Tower with eight angles
The Ba-jao Lo -- or tower with eight angles -- was built in Yen shui Town in the Ching Dynasty. The wooden structure was designed by master carpenters from Fu Zhou, and later became the center of the borwn sugar trade in the region.
'Bai-Bai' at Nankunshen Daitianfu Temple
Built in 1662, Nankunshen Daitianfu is the oldest and largest Wangye temple in Taiwan. The religious edifice, made of wood, brick and Laojhensheh stones, is dedicated to the worship of Wufu Ciansuei, of the Li, Chih, Wu, Jhu, and Fan families. The outer walls of the temple are richly decorated with artwork depicting mythological animals, gods, historic figures and renowned military officers.
Legendary Yuan Shui firecracker ceremony
Also held during the Chinese New Year, the Yuanshui Fongpao -- Yuanshui firecracker ceremony -- takes place in Yuan Shui Township to commemorate the end of a cholera epidemic that hit the area in the 19th century. Local businesses thus called on "Guan The Holy Sovereign" to visit the town and end the epidemic by setting off firecrackers.
Ride through Hsiaolung Culture Park
Hsiaolung Culture Park, also known as Chiali Sugar Factory, includes a 13.8-hectare recreational area. The factory's red-brick main building was built in 1906 by Meiji Sugar Manufacturing Cooperation during the Japanese colonial era, and is surrounded by hudred-year-old trees. Trains from the sugar factory used to provide transportation for sugarcane and local residents, but nowadays only tourists enjoy the picturesque ride on a traditional coal-locomotive thorough the park.
Hiking the salt mountains
Located in Chiku town, Chiku Yunchang is the largest sun-dried field of sea salt in Taiwan, with a total area of 1,800 hectares. Today, Chiku Yunchang has become a famous scenic spot, where tourists can enjoy salt mountain hiking and bathing in a sea salt swimming pool.
Nap by Hsikou little Swiss
Hsikou little Swiss takes its name from a quiet, Swiss-like scene upstream from Coral Lake, which is surrounded by a forest of maple trees, bamboo, acajou and evergreens. Located by the lake, Hsikou camping ground offers a quiet and relaxing environment for the family in the heart of nature.
Meditate at Hsikang Cing-an Temple
The temple, located in Hsikang Town, is also called "Jinda Temple" because it is richly decorated in gold foil. The temple's vivid artistic representations of local deities show them posing in colorful postures. The main structure of the building dates back to the Ching Dynasty.
Source:http://www.chinapost.com.tw/supplement/2007/12/14/134925/Top-10.htm
Guanzihling Hot Spring is one of four major hot spring areas in Taiwan, along with Peitou, Yangmingshan and Sihchongsi. Guanzihling Hot Spring includes alkalinity carbonate and other minerals, which make the local spring water look a bit murky and muddy. It is believed, however, to have a curative effect on various skin diseases.
Observe black-faced spoonbills
Starting in September each year, black-faced spoonbills fly in groups from northern Asia to spend the long, cold winter along the Zengwu River in Tainan County. The bird's name comes from their spoon-like black beak. In March, they return to the north to breed.
Experience the Tainan County Lantern Festival
During the Chinese New Year -- also known as the Spring Festival -- local governments hold lantern exhibitions throughout cities starting on the 15th day of the lunar calendar. In Tainan County, the coming lantern festival will be held in the "Solar City" district of the Southern Science-based Industrial Park, already dubbed, "The World's Most Brilliant Lantern Festival."
Visit the Tower with eight angles
The Ba-jao Lo -- or tower with eight angles -- was built in Yen shui Town in the Ching Dynasty. The wooden structure was designed by master carpenters from Fu Zhou, and later became the center of the borwn sugar trade in the region.
'Bai-Bai' at Nankunshen Daitianfu Temple
Built in 1662, Nankunshen Daitianfu is the oldest and largest Wangye temple in Taiwan. The religious edifice, made of wood, brick and Laojhensheh stones, is dedicated to the worship of Wufu Ciansuei, of the Li, Chih, Wu, Jhu, and Fan families. The outer walls of the temple are richly decorated with artwork depicting mythological animals, gods, historic figures and renowned military officers.
Legendary Yuan Shui firecracker ceremony
Also held during the Chinese New Year, the Yuanshui Fongpao -- Yuanshui firecracker ceremony -- takes place in Yuan Shui Township to commemorate the end of a cholera epidemic that hit the area in the 19th century. Local businesses thus called on "Guan The Holy Sovereign" to visit the town and end the epidemic by setting off firecrackers.
Ride through Hsiaolung Culture Park
Hsiaolung Culture Park, also known as Chiali Sugar Factory, includes a 13.8-hectare recreational area. The factory's red-brick main building was built in 1906 by Meiji Sugar Manufacturing Cooperation during the Japanese colonial era, and is surrounded by hudred-year-old trees. Trains from the sugar factory used to provide transportation for sugarcane and local residents, but nowadays only tourists enjoy the picturesque ride on a traditional coal-locomotive thorough the park.
Hiking the salt mountains
Located in Chiku town, Chiku Yunchang is the largest sun-dried field of sea salt in Taiwan, with a total area of 1,800 hectares. Today, Chiku Yunchang has become a famous scenic spot, where tourists can enjoy salt mountain hiking and bathing in a sea salt swimming pool.
Nap by Hsikou little Swiss
Hsikou little Swiss takes its name from a quiet, Swiss-like scene upstream from Coral Lake, which is surrounded by a forest of maple trees, bamboo, acajou and evergreens. Located by the lake, Hsikou camping ground offers a quiet and relaxing environment for the family in the heart of nature.
Meditate at Hsikang Cing-an Temple
The temple, located in Hsikang Town, is also called "Jinda Temple" because it is richly decorated in gold foil. The temple's vivid artistic representations of local deities show them posing in colorful postures. The main structure of the building dates back to the Ching Dynasty.
Source:http://www.chinapost.com.tw/supplement/2007/12/14/134925/Top-10.htm
Tainan County blends culture and nature into top tourist attractions
Tainan County's top tourist attractions are a blend of local culture and nature, the county's first-magistrate said yesterday in an exclusive interview with The China Post, while noting the region has a lot to offer foreign visitors during the various festivals held year-round.
For instance, the Taiwan international orchid show, the Taiwan coffee festival, lantern festival, and bird-watching for "black-faced spoonbills," and the Yuan Shui firecracker ceremony, all top the list of Taiwan's most popular tourists attractions.
"It is a little bit painful if you don't wear appropriate protection," said Tainan County Magistrate Su Huan-Chih about the Yuan Shui firecracker festival, which he has taken part in for the past three years. Further, he strongly recommended wearing a safety helmet and appropriate clothing before participating in the event.
Hundred of thousands of people from all over the island go to Tainan County each year to join in the annual events held on the 15th day of the lunar calendar after the Chinese New Year. The Yuanshui Fongpao -- Yuanshui firecrackers Festival -- takes place in Yuan Shui Township to commemorate the end of a cholera epidemic in the 19th century. Other famous religious festivals held in Tainan County include the Sigong Shaowangchuan -- a ceremony to burn a Wangchuan boat, or the Pingpu Yeji -- a night festival.
Moreover, some theme exhibition halls such as the Chimei Museum, Donglonggong Culture Exhibition Hall, and Tainan Museum of History are places you wouldn't want to miss when you go to Tainan County, he said.
Su added that Tainan County has come a long way in Taiwan's history. During the Japanese colonial era, hot spring water was first used for treating skin ailments of wounded soldiers before it eventually evolved into its current health and leisure industry. Guanzihling Hot Spring is currently one of the four main hot spring areas in Taiwan, along with Peitou, Yangminshan, and Sihchongsi.
Because this "murky hot spring" is unique in Taiwan -- only Japan and Italy have the same kind of hot spring -- Tainan County has integrated spa treatments with various tourist sites and attractions, such as the Lingding Park or the Haohanpo Hiking Trials, and succeeded in attracting a new crowd to the region.
Source:http://www.chinapost.com.tw/supplement/2007/12/14/134923/Tainan-County.htm
For instance, the Taiwan international orchid show, the Taiwan coffee festival, lantern festival, and bird-watching for "black-faced spoonbills," and the Yuan Shui firecracker ceremony, all top the list of Taiwan's most popular tourists attractions.
"It is a little bit painful if you don't wear appropriate protection," said Tainan County Magistrate Su Huan-Chih about the Yuan Shui firecracker festival, which he has taken part in for the past three years. Further, he strongly recommended wearing a safety helmet and appropriate clothing before participating in the event.
Hundred of thousands of people from all over the island go to Tainan County each year to join in the annual events held on the 15th day of the lunar calendar after the Chinese New Year. The Yuanshui Fongpao -- Yuanshui firecrackers Festival -- takes place in Yuan Shui Township to commemorate the end of a cholera epidemic in the 19th century. Other famous religious festivals held in Tainan County include the Sigong Shaowangchuan -- a ceremony to burn a Wangchuan boat, or the Pingpu Yeji -- a night festival.
Moreover, some theme exhibition halls such as the Chimei Museum, Donglonggong Culture Exhibition Hall, and Tainan Museum of History are places you wouldn't want to miss when you go to Tainan County, he said.
Su added that Tainan County has come a long way in Taiwan's history. During the Japanese colonial era, hot spring water was first used for treating skin ailments of wounded soldiers before it eventually evolved into its current health and leisure industry. Guanzihling Hot Spring is currently one of the four main hot spring areas in Taiwan, along with Peitou, Yangminshan, and Sihchongsi.
Because this "murky hot spring" is unique in Taiwan -- only Japan and Italy have the same kind of hot spring -- Tainan County has integrated spa treatments with various tourist sites and attractions, such as the Lingding Park or the Haohanpo Hiking Trials, and succeeded in attracting a new crowd to the region.
Source:http://www.chinapost.com.tw/supplement/2007/12/14/134923/Tainan-County.htm
What makes Costa Brava such a popular tourist destination?
According to the INE statistics growth in the Catalonian tourist sector kept growing in 2007 with a 4,1% increase respect to the previous year. That maintains it to the second most visited area in Spain just after Baleares. Catalonia represents 21, 7% of foreign tourism in Spain and more precisely, it is Costa Brava that is the second most touristic region in Spain. Accommodation in Costa Brava is already in high demand and is still growing. That is why www.barcelonapoint.com has invested in offering both hotel and private holiday apartment accommodation.
The factors that make Costa Brava so appreciated by tourists are many. First come the geographic particularities of the area. Costa Brava is such a surprising diverse region, it offers a wide range of rugged mountains, cliffs, unique preserved beaches, bays and many famous harbors. It also has very particular interior cities and villages.
The climate is also one of the main attractive criteria that benefits to Costa Brava. The region has nearly year-round warm temperatures and sun-drenched beaches.
Then, Costa Brava’s history and culture is one of the richest and most interesting of Spain. The region is affluent in theatres, museums, castles and artistic historic places. It is without counting that Costa Brava has one of the best golf courses, beach activities facilities, shopping areas, restaurants, bars and nightlife.
Moreover, the proximity with Barcelona brings even more value to Costa Brava. Barcelona is possibly the most internationally famous, exciting and stunning city in Spain. This is why www.barcelonapoint.com has become an expert in both Barcelona and the Costa Brava.
Last but not least, Costa Brava lastly improved significantly its accessibility to the rest of Europe thanks to a huge amount of competition among low cost airlines that made it much easier and cheaper to travel to and from Spain.
Tourist industry in Costa Brava is then clearly growing up by taking advantage of Costa Brava popularity. Nevertheless, holiday trends are evolving, moving away from travel agent booking towards direct online holiday accommodation booking services.
Source:http://www.openpr.com/news/33877/What-makes-Costa-Brava-such-a-popular-tourist-destination.html
The factors that make Costa Brava so appreciated by tourists are many. First come the geographic particularities of the area. Costa Brava is such a surprising diverse region, it offers a wide range of rugged mountains, cliffs, unique preserved beaches, bays and many famous harbors. It also has very particular interior cities and villages.
The climate is also one of the main attractive criteria that benefits to Costa Brava. The region has nearly year-round warm temperatures and sun-drenched beaches.
Then, Costa Brava’s history and culture is one of the richest and most interesting of Spain. The region is affluent in theatres, museums, castles and artistic historic places. It is without counting that Costa Brava has one of the best golf courses, beach activities facilities, shopping areas, restaurants, bars and nightlife.
Moreover, the proximity with Barcelona brings even more value to Costa Brava. Barcelona is possibly the most internationally famous, exciting and stunning city in Spain. This is why www.barcelonapoint.com has become an expert in both Barcelona and the Costa Brava.
Last but not least, Costa Brava lastly improved significantly its accessibility to the rest of Europe thanks to a huge amount of competition among low cost airlines that made it much easier and cheaper to travel to and from Spain.
Tourist industry in Costa Brava is then clearly growing up by taking advantage of Costa Brava popularity. Nevertheless, holiday trends are evolving, moving away from travel agent booking towards direct online holiday accommodation booking services.
Source:http://www.openpr.com/news/33877/What-makes-Costa-Brava-such-a-popular-tourist-destination.html
Ozone Layer
"The ozone layer" refers to the ozone within stratosphere, where over 90% of the earth's ozone resides. Ozone is an irritating, corrosive, colorless gas with a smell something like burning electrical wiring. In fact, ozone is easily produced by any high-voltage electrical arc (spark plugs, Van de Graaff generators, Tesla coils, arc welders). Each molecule of ozone has three oxygen atoms and is produced when oxygen molecules (O2) are broken up by energetic electrons or high energy radiation.
Success for a joint anti-drug police operation in Murcia and Alicante provinces
Monday, December 17, 2007
A joint operation betweeen the Police Nacional in Murcia and Alicante has resulted in the break-up of an international network of drug traffickers with the seizure of 2,700 kilos of hash worth an estimated 19mio Euros, together with the arrest of nineteen people (2 Dutch, 16 Morcoccans and 1 Lithuanian). The drugs were being brought into Spain from Morocco and landed on the coastlines of Almería
Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest
Alas Kedaton Located in Kukuh Village, subdistrict of Marga, around 4 Km from Tabanan City. Inside the area there are a temple which have two interesting part. The first is there two entrance to the temple, from the west is the main Entrance to the temple, the other entrance are come from east, north and south side of the temple. The second interesting part is the Holiest ground located in more
Vignettes from married life in Spain
A couple of items I noticed in the Spanish press today:Vignette 1 ...A woman in Gines, Seville has been gaoled for four months (reduced from an original sentence of 9 months) for breaking Spain's gender violence laws by slapping her husband in front of their two daughters. The couple are in the process of separating and were having an argument about the custoidy of their children.Vignette 2 ...A
Penatahan Hotspring
Sunday, December 16, 2007
This hotspring located in Penatahan Village, Subdistrict of Penebel, Tabanan Regency, located about 34 km from Denpasar to the north. This hotspring have a great natural panorama, because surrounding by stepped traditional ricefield. This hotspring located on the right side of Yeh Ho river, the villager near the Hotspring call this hotspring as Yeh Panes. Depend on Health Department research,
Spanish Blog Links
Saturday, December 15, 2007
When I first started this blog at the beginning of October I had already been doing some research for a few months before that about blogs in Spain, so that when I launched the blog I was able to add a number of Spanish-based blogs immediately, mainly written in English, although one or two are in Spanish (or with links to parallel Spanish-language blogs). You can see these blogs in the left
Christmas Day
Friday, December 14, 2007
Christmas is a enjoyable religious holiday when Christians rejoice the birth of Jesus Christ. The Christmas chronicle comes from the Bible. An angel appeared to shepherd and told them that a Savior had been born to Mary and Joseph in a stable in Bethlehem. Three Judicious Men from the East (the Magi) followed a amazing star which led them to the baby Jesus to whom they paid homage and presented gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
To people all over the earth, Christmas is a flavor of giving and receiving presents. In some European countries, priest Christmas, or Saint Nicholas, comes into houses in the night and leaves gifts for the children. Saint Nicholas is represented as a kindheartedly man with a red cloak and long white beard. Another nature, the Norse God Odin, ride on a mysterious flying horse across the sky in the winter to prize people with gifts. These different myths passed across the ages to make the present day Santa Claus.
On December 24, Christmas Eve, Santa hitches his eight reindeer to a toboggan and loads it with presents. The reindeer drag him and his sleigh through the sky to deliver presents to children all around the earth, that is, if they had been good all year. Several American towns maintain the strength of Santa Claus.
Santa Claus exists only in our imagination. But he, Saint Nicholas, and father Christmas are feelings of giving. Christmas has been associated with gift giving since the Wise Men brought gifts to welcome the newborn Jesus Christ.In eagerness of Santa's visit, American children pay attention to their parents read "The Night previous to Christmas" before they go to bed on Christmas Eve
To people all over the earth, Christmas is a flavor of giving and receiving presents. In some European countries, priest Christmas, or Saint Nicholas, comes into houses in the night and leaves gifts for the children. Saint Nicholas is represented as a kindheartedly man with a red cloak and long white beard. Another nature, the Norse God Odin, ride on a mysterious flying horse across the sky in the winter to prize people with gifts. These different myths passed across the ages to make the present day Santa Claus.
On December 24, Christmas Eve, Santa hitches his eight reindeer to a toboggan and loads it with presents. The reindeer drag him and his sleigh through the sky to deliver presents to children all around the earth, that is, if they had been good all year. Several American towns maintain the strength of Santa Claus.
Santa Claus exists only in our imagination. But he, Saint Nicholas, and father Christmas are feelings of giving. Christmas has been associated with gift giving since the Wise Men brought gifts to welcome the newborn Jesus Christ.In eagerness of Santa's visit, American children pay attention to their parents read "The Night previous to Christmas" before they go to bed on Christmas Eve
Bali Temporary Tattoos and Contact Dermatitis
Thursday, December 13, 2007
What are the symptoms then ?The symptoms of contact dermatitis include : • itching• swelling• redness of the skin• raised skin area• blisters that may break open and ooze, crust, or scale, possibly causing an infection.It the cases of temporary tattoo with PPD contained-dye, the symptoms may range from mild reaction with a raised, itchy area where the tattoo pattern was, but may cause more severe
New template launched
I mentioned in my previous post that I was re-designing my blog template. I have just uploaded the new version and you should now be able to see it (you may need to to a 'hard refresh' of your browser, if you have visited recently).The new blog template is in three-column format with the main panel down the middle being where I write posts. The column on the left has links to other blogs,
Puputan Badung Monument
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Puputan badung located in the center of Denpasar and lot of people use this place as a cheap recreation destination. Every Saturday night in this place will full of people who celebrate the weekend. Lot of couple will seen in this place. In this place usually held a Balinese Gong perfomance every Saturday night. East side of the yard also located Jagatnatha Temple and Bali Museum and at the West
Accomodation and clubbing after dark Kuta and Seminyak Area
ACCOMODATION• KUTA BUNGALOWAddress : Benesari- legian St. Kuta, BaliPhone : (+62361) 754394-5www.kutabungalow.com• TAMAN SARI COTTAGESAddress : Legian Street Poppies Lane IIPhone : (+62361) 751892 /755558• LEGIAN VILLAGE HOTELJl. YudistiraPhone : (+62361) 751182• BALI MATAHARI HOTJl. Melasti, Lebak Bene-BaliPhone : (+62361) 763 70• ALL SEASONS HOTELJl. Padma UtaraPhone : (+62361) 767 688•
Restaurant, and Car or Motorcycle Rental In Kuta Area
RESTAURANT• BALCONY Restaurant & BarJl. Bene Sari 16, Legian , Kuta - BaliPh : ( +62361) 750 655• GEGER Beach CafeNusa Dua Selatan, Bali - IndonesiaPh : ( +62361) 746 3117• THE ORIENTALJl. Sri Rama Legian - BaliPH : ( +62361) 756 604• LAUTIMPIAN SURF BARJl. Benesari No. 77, Kuta-BaliPh : (+62361) 755 561• LA' WALON BUNGALOWSJl. Poppies Lane 1, Kuta-BaliPh : ( +62361) 757 234, 765896• YEYES'S
Another Winter Sunset over Fuengirola
Some of the most stunning sunsets in Europe or perhaps the world can be seen off the Spanish shores during the winter months. The sun is low in the sky and on fine, cool clear evenings you can see spectacularyl vivid colours light up the early evening skyline.
Gary
Bali Art Center (Taman Budaya Bali)
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Bali art center located in Jalan Nusa Indah, Denpasar. This place is the widest and the most complete place for Cultural attraction in Bali. Every year Bali Art Festival always held in this place. This place constructed by the Famous Bali Architect, which is Ida Bagus Tugur, he construct this place by combining the Temple Architecture and Kingdom Palace Architecture.This Art Center consist of 4
I haven't gone away ...
... although I don't blog here very regularly, specially when I'm not actually in Spain; I will be returning to Spain, however, in early February for about three months.Meantime posting here is more than usually sporadic because I am currently working on a major redesign of the template for this blog; I've got most of the major details worked out and have begun to load up the various link
Surf Equipment, School and Trip in Bali
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Surf Shop and Ding repair in Kuta Bali• Surf Travel OnlineSurf trip and Hardware center in BaliLA Walon Center 29-32Jl. Benesari Legian Kuta-BaliPhone : +62361 750550,Email : info@surftravelonline.com• Daiduk Surf Shop.Jalan Melasti Kuta-BaliPhone : +62361 751060• REDZ SURFBOARDSKuta Shop : Jl. Benesari 15xPh. +62361 763980Canggu Shop : Jl. Raya Canggu 18xPh/Fax : +62361
Royal Bali Wedding or Elephant Wedding in Bali
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Marriage is the one most important thing to do. A lot of people want to make this moment became very special and unforgetable as long as their life. There are many option to do this unforgetable moment such as celebrate it in your private villas, surrounding by nature, backgrounding by a beautiful beach and shore, married in the outer space or in the deep of the sea, or even such a traditional
Uses of Ginger
Thursday, December 6, 2007
There are array of uses suggested for ginger. A tea brewed from the is a folk medicine for colds. Ginger ale and ginger beer have been suggested as "stomach settlers" for generation in countries where the beverages are made and ginger water was commonly used to avoid heat cramps in the US. Ginger has also been historically used to take care of inflammation which some scientific studies support, though one arthritis trial showed ginger to be no better than a placebo or ibuprofen. Research on rats suggests that ginger may be valuable for treating diabetes.
Singsing waterfall Buleleng Regency
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
This waterfall located in banjar Labuhan Haji, Temukus Village, Distric of Banjar, around 3 kms from Lovina Beach and 13 km from Singaraja City, Regencies of Buleleng. The location of the waterfall is in the small hill and have a very great environment view. This is one thing which will improve the Tourism in this village, The villager also start to build parking area in this waterfall to make
Pura Gunung Kawi Temple Gianyar Regency
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Gunung Kawi Temple TampaksiringThis is one of the most exotic temple in Bali. Located in Tampak Siring area, where the 1st Indonesian President Sukarno Palace is located. The most famous thing from this temple is the temple that look like crafted in the mountain, also a great Springfield in the same location. this place can be found during the journey from Denpasar into Mount Batur, it's about 1
Totana mayor held without bail after marathon preliminary hearing
Monday, December 3, 2007
The mayor of Totana, José Martínez Andreo, is being held in custody without bail after a marathon preliminary court hearing over the weekend. Two others arrested at the same time have been released on bail of €20,000 each. The case relates to allegations of corruption in the granting of licences for property developments in the Totana area, involving the expropriation of 2.2mio sq m of farmland
Banyuwedang Hotspring Buleleng Regency
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Located in Pajarakan Village, Gerokgak District Buleleng Regency, it's about 60 kms from Singaraja, it's located near the West Bali National park. This beach area also near the Menjangan beach that usually used for Snorkeling or Diving Banyuwedang Hot spring come from the hot spring in the beach area, This hot spring is the largest hot spring in Bali. This hot spring contain a little of Sulfur,
Forget Phuket
Friday, November 30, 2007
You've seen the pictures of one of Thailand's main drawcards: shimmering blue water lapping along the shores of the white-sand beaches, limestone outcrops rising out of the ocean.
You may have even seen movies set around the picturesque islands. Think of The Beach, where Leonardo DiCaprio and friends discover their own island 'paradise'.
Then there's Ko Phing Kan, better known as James Bond Island since its feature role in The Man With The Golden Gun in the 1970s.
So where exactly are these postcard-perfect gems in Thailand?
It must be the tourist mecca of Phuket, right? Or Ko Samui?
Try Krabi.
"The crystal clear water and limestone and beautiful clear beaches ... for me personally I thought it was Phuket, because Thailand is always Phuket, Phuket, Phuket," says Edwardo Iswandl, a relatively recent inductee to Krabi's charms.
"But when we came here, they are all Krabi in fact. They are in the Krabi province."
Located about 800 kilometres south of the Thai capital of Bangkok, Krabi is probably best described as a younger version of Phuket.
It's Phuket 10 years ago - less commercial than its more well-known big brother.
It's a good way to be, particularly in these days of heightened environmental awareness, according to Sofitel Phokeethra Krabi Resort & Spa general manager Ove Sandstrom.
"I mean Krabi is now, it's fresh, this is really Thailand like it was in Phuket 10 to 15 years ago.
"I think they can keep it like this. Today you know you have global warming, people are becoming more and more conscious about the environment.
"So now the nature is the biggest attraction. If you want the nightlife, OK you go to Bangkok."
The local government, Sandstrom and Iswandl say, is keen to keep it that way.
"It's not exploited, because the local government had made it stricter than anywhere else," Sandstrom says. "It's the only region in Thailand where you're not allowed to exploit the beach."
Source:http://www.theage.com.au/news/thailand/forget-phuket/2007/11/29/1196037034302.html
You may have even seen movies set around the picturesque islands. Think of The Beach, where Leonardo DiCaprio and friends discover their own island 'paradise'.
Then there's Ko Phing Kan, better known as James Bond Island since its feature role in The Man With The Golden Gun in the 1970s.
So where exactly are these postcard-perfect gems in Thailand?
It must be the tourist mecca of Phuket, right? Or Ko Samui?
Try Krabi.
"The crystal clear water and limestone and beautiful clear beaches ... for me personally I thought it was Phuket, because Thailand is always Phuket, Phuket, Phuket," says Edwardo Iswandl, a relatively recent inductee to Krabi's charms.
"But when we came here, they are all Krabi in fact. They are in the Krabi province."
Located about 800 kilometres south of the Thai capital of Bangkok, Krabi is probably best described as a younger version of Phuket.
It's Phuket 10 years ago - less commercial than its more well-known big brother.
It's a good way to be, particularly in these days of heightened environmental awareness, according to Sofitel Phokeethra Krabi Resort & Spa general manager Ove Sandstrom.
"I mean Krabi is now, it's fresh, this is really Thailand like it was in Phuket 10 to 15 years ago.
"I think they can keep it like this. Today you know you have global warming, people are becoming more and more conscious about the environment.
"So now the nature is the biggest attraction. If you want the nightlife, OK you go to Bangkok."
The local government, Sandstrom and Iswandl say, is keen to keep it that way.
"It's not exploited, because the local government had made it stricter than anywhere else," Sandstrom says. "It's the only region in Thailand where you're not allowed to exploit the beach."
Source:http://www.theage.com.au/news/thailand/forget-phuket/2007/11/29/1196037034302.html
Go Biking on the Costa Blanca
If your ever visiting the Costa Blanca, specially the areas of Oliva, Tavernes ( La Safor ) then you might like to check out this beautiful part of Valencia on a Bike.
There´s a great family business in the area called "Bikes-on-call", capably run by Graham and Patsy who specialise in hiring bikes along with guided trips. Graham is a fully qualified instructor having obtained several coaching certificates.
They provide a convenient 7 day a week delivery and collect service from asl little as 10 Euros a day.
Enjoy mountain biking throughout the Spanish countryside, Orange groves, mountain ranges and along the coastal routes. Off-road mountain biking or something at a much more leisurely pace is all catered for at Bikes on Call.
You can contact them on (0034) 962 808592 or via their web site at http://www.bikes-on-call.com/.
Gary
Dreamland Beach Jimbaran
Thursday, November 29, 2007
This beach is an alternative beach in Bali besides Sanur Kuta and Nusa Dua. This beach have white shore with very beautiful cliff around it. This make Dreamland beach different from other Beach in Bali.For tourist who loved Surfing also able to test their skill here. Because this Beach also have good waves, maybe as good as Uluwatu waves and even better than the waves in Kuta. Dreamland Beach
Tamblingan and Buyan Lake
This two lake located in Sukasada Village, Buleleng Regency and located near of each other. It's about 21 km south of Singaraja City. We able to see the panorama directly from Asah Gobleg area. In the street side there are a lot of place to sit and relaxing while we watch the Lake. because this area located between of this two lake. For the people whi liked camping, in this area also have a
More on the corruption in Totana, Murcia
I wrote a couple of days ago about the six arrests in connection with alleged corruption in the granting of building licences for building projects in Totana and that more arrests were expected in coming days.Well, now we have more arrests; the present mayor of Totana, José Martínez Andreo of the PP (Partido Popular), the former national governing Party and the local chief of police have been
Egypt Attractions - Top 10 Tourist Attractions of Egypt
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Egypt is located in North Africa and is among the top most tourist destinations of the world. No other country comes even closer to Egypt when it comes to the number of magnificent monuments, activities and historical attractions. More than ninety percent of all Egyptian attractions are lined up along the river Nile. Many places can therefore visited by taking a cruise in the Nile river (besides road and air travel). Since it is a popular tourist destination Egypt offers extensive facilities for tourists.
Top 10 attractions of Egypt are:
1. PYRAMIDS: There are more than 80 pyramids in Egypt which were built mostly between 2600 BC and 1500 BC and all are situated close to the Nile river. After the ruler died (or other prominent royal figures like queens), their bodies were wrapped and preserved as a mummy, and placed in the Pyramid. The most popular pyramids are the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx: An estimated 20,000 to 30,000 workers built the Pyramids at Giza over 80 years. Giza also has the largest pyramid also known as "Great Pyramid" which rises an amazing 481 feet.
2. CAIRO: It is the capital of Egypt. Popular attractions of Cairo include:
a) Khan al-Khalili market: Khan al-Khalili is one of the largest markets in the world which attracts both local's and international tourists. This is a great place to but exotic perfume bottles, Arabic clothing and other souvenirs.
b) Egyptian Museum of Antiquities: It have over hundred thousand artifacts in 107 halls. The most popular attraction is the Tutankhamun Gallery.
c) Other attractions are Pyramids of Giza (mentioned above) and Old Cairo.
3. ABU SIMBEL: It was carved out of sandstone cliffs high above the River Nile. The most famous attraction are the four colossal 20m-high statues of Ramses II guarding the entrance. When the waters of Lake Nasser to rise, UNESCO relocated them to a high ground between 1964 and 1968.
4.KARNAK TEMPLES: It is a huge complex comprising of three main temples and many smaller ones, most famous among them is the Temple of Amun. It is estimated that they were built in a time span of 1300 years.
5: LUXOR TEMPLE: The modern town of Luxor is the site of the famous city of Thebes,( or the city of a hundred gates). A row of sphinxes line the entrance to Karnak Temple. The most famous section of these temples is a huge all called the Great Hypostyle Hall.
6: SIWA OASIS: The area is famous for its dates and olives, and is one of the most beautiful landscapes and springs in Egypt. It was the most inaccessible oasis until recently. It lies 60 feed below sea level.
7: NUBIAN MUSEUM OF ASWAN: It is designed to house the fantastic collection items unearthed from the archaeological excavations during the Nubia Campaign.
8. VALLEY OF THE KINGS: The Valley of the Kings is located on the West Bank of the River Nile in Thebes. There are 62 tombs in the valley. It has two components - the East Valley and the West Valley. It is the East Valley which most tourists visit and in which most of the tombs of the New Kingdom Pharaohs can be found.
9: ALEXANDRIA: Best places to see are - Pompey's Pillar,Bibliotheca Alexandria, Alexandria National Museum, King Farouk Palace and the Roman Amphitheater.
10: SHARM EL SHEIKH: Best places to see are - Sinai Mountain, Na'ama Bay,Tiran Island, Terrazzina Beach and White Lagoon.
Other attractions of Egypt include the White Desert, Hurghada and Felucca on the Nile.
SAFETY INFORMATION: There were some terrorist bombings reported in Egypt in last few years. Check travel.state.gov for additional information. Overall the crime rate in Egypt is low. Visitors should consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling. Egypt has high road fatalities rate so you should prefer not to drive yourself unless you feel comfortable.
Source:http://ezinearticles.com/
Top 10 attractions of Egypt are:
1. PYRAMIDS: There are more than 80 pyramids in Egypt which were built mostly between 2600 BC and 1500 BC and all are situated close to the Nile river. After the ruler died (or other prominent royal figures like queens), their bodies were wrapped and preserved as a mummy, and placed in the Pyramid. The most popular pyramids are the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx: An estimated 20,000 to 30,000 workers built the Pyramids at Giza over 80 years. Giza also has the largest pyramid also known as "Great Pyramid" which rises an amazing 481 feet.
2. CAIRO: It is the capital of Egypt. Popular attractions of Cairo include:
a) Khan al-Khalili market: Khan al-Khalili is one of the largest markets in the world which attracts both local's and international tourists. This is a great place to but exotic perfume bottles, Arabic clothing and other souvenirs.
b) Egyptian Museum of Antiquities: It have over hundred thousand artifacts in 107 halls. The most popular attraction is the Tutankhamun Gallery.
c) Other attractions are Pyramids of Giza (mentioned above) and Old Cairo.
3. ABU SIMBEL: It was carved out of sandstone cliffs high above the River Nile. The most famous attraction are the four colossal 20m-high statues of Ramses II guarding the entrance. When the waters of Lake Nasser to rise, UNESCO relocated them to a high ground between 1964 and 1968.
4.KARNAK TEMPLES: It is a huge complex comprising of three main temples and many smaller ones, most famous among them is the Temple of Amun. It is estimated that they were built in a time span of 1300 years.
5: LUXOR TEMPLE: The modern town of Luxor is the site of the famous city of Thebes,( or the city of a hundred gates). A row of sphinxes line the entrance to Karnak Temple. The most famous section of these temples is a huge all called the Great Hypostyle Hall.
6: SIWA OASIS: The area is famous for its dates and olives, and is one of the most beautiful landscapes and springs in Egypt. It was the most inaccessible oasis until recently. It lies 60 feed below sea level.
7: NUBIAN MUSEUM OF ASWAN: It is designed to house the fantastic collection items unearthed from the archaeological excavations during the Nubia Campaign.
8. VALLEY OF THE KINGS: The Valley of the Kings is located on the West Bank of the River Nile in Thebes. There are 62 tombs in the valley. It has two components - the East Valley and the West Valley. It is the East Valley which most tourists visit and in which most of the tombs of the New Kingdom Pharaohs can be found.
9: ALEXANDRIA: Best places to see are - Pompey's Pillar,Bibliotheca Alexandria, Alexandria National Museum, King Farouk Palace and the Roman Amphitheater.
10: SHARM EL SHEIKH: Best places to see are - Sinai Mountain, Na'ama Bay,Tiran Island, Terrazzina Beach and White Lagoon.
Other attractions of Egypt include the White Desert, Hurghada and Felucca on the Nile.
SAFETY INFORMATION: There were some terrorist bombings reported in Egypt in last few years. Check travel.state.gov for additional information. Overall the crime rate in Egypt is low. Visitors should consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling. Egypt has high road fatalities rate so you should prefer not to drive yourself unless you feel comfortable.
Source:http://ezinearticles.com/
The Banyan Tree
In India the Banyan Tree is consider as National tree. This huge tree overlooks over its neighbors and has the widest reaching roots of all known trees, easily covering several acres. It sends off new shoots from its roots, so that one tree is really a interweave of branches, roots, and trunks. The banyan tree restart and lives for an incredible length of time--thus it is thought of as the everlasting tree.
Its size and leafy shelter are valued in India as a place of relax and mirror image, not to mention defense from the hot sun! It is still the focus and gathering place for local councils and meetings. India has a long history of worship this tree; it figures importantly in many of the oldest stories of the nation.
Its size and leafy shelter are valued in India as a place of relax and mirror image, not to mention defense from the hot sun! It is still the focus and gathering place for local councils and meetings. India has a long history of worship this tree; it figures importantly in many of the oldest stories of the nation.
Competition Photos of Spain
The award winning marina in Benalmadena
The famous Calle Larios in central Malaga
One of the back streets located in the old quarter of Malaga
Malaga Cathedral - " La Manquita "
The Cathedral in Malaga is quite an impressive structure with its main tower being visible from all over Malaga. It is located in the old quarter in central Malaga near the old port area.
It was built between 1525 and 1782 on the site of a former mosque. Two towers where to be built originally however lack of funds meant that only one was completed giving rise to the its name of La Manquita , roughly translated meaning the one armed women.
The interior has influences of the Renaissance and baroque styles. The 17th century mahogany and cedar wood choir stalls where designed by Luis Ortiz. After his death Pedro de Mena completed them by carving 40 statues of the saints behind each stall who was one of Spain's most celebrated wood-carvers of the time and who had spent many years living in the city.
Adjacent to the the cathedral is the Iglesia del Sagrano which was founded in the 15th century on the site of a mosque. The church has an unusual rectangular shape, its Isabelline-Gothic portal is the only remaining part of the original structure which was rebuilt in 1714.
On a side note, the Cathedral is located in one of Malagas prettiest and historical areas. Close there a lots of old streets to explore, and in quite a few you will find some of the best tapas bars in all of Malaga. The area continues to go through quite a face lift over the post 5 years with many of the old properties being converted into fine little tapas bars, small restaurants and fun bars.
I would recommend the following eateries as must visits when in Malaga: Bar LoGueno, Las Chinitas, Bodega la Quitapeñas and the Rincon de Mata.
Best of all the local architecture has not suffered from this face lift, in fact it has benefited as local building laws mean that the facade of the old buildings remain intact.
Gary
Six detained in property corruption scandal, three in Murcia
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Amongst six people arrested yesterday in connection with alleged corruption in the granting of property licences in Totana, three were arrested in Murcia and the others elsewhere. It seems there are likely to be more arrests in Murcia in coming days.UPDATE: (Tuesday 27NOV07 12.30 GMT / 13.30 RST) The local political hierarchy in Totana reacts, as reported in the local Murcian press.
Benalmadena on the Costa del Sol
Benalmadena lies some 19 kms west of Malaga airport and the capital, and sits between Fuengirola and Torremolinos and now has a population of around 45.000. From most parts of Benalmedana you have fantastic views to sea and mountains which has encouraged a rapid growth in holiday homes and investors from around the world with the British citizens being the biggest buyers over the last 5 years.
During the summer months the population can grow up to 100.000 with visitors from all over the globe enjoying this hugely popular and vibrant tourist area.
For the full write up on the lovely resort of Benalmadena please visit the SpainGuides web site.
For the full write up on the lovely resort of Benalmadena please visit the SpainGuides web site.
Gary
Seminyak Paradiso Hotel Review
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Seminyak Paradiso Hotel:Seminyak Paradiso is situated in the beautiful landscape garden surrounding rooms set out in either alone the construction of two blocks of plants around the pool.Seminyak Paradiso Hotel Location:Combination of notable facilities and lovely Balinese hospitality for holidays unforgettable. It is only one step away from the famous white sand beach Seminyak. For all
Cheonggyecheon to get facelift
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Cheonggyecheon, the restored downtown stream that celebrated its second anniversary last month, is to undergo a facelift to attract more tourists by highlighting its history and culture.
The stream has become one of Seoul’s most popular tourist attractions since opening in October 2005 and has attracted more than 56 million visitors.
However, most visitors mainly stroll around the stream because Cheonggyecheon lacks facilities for cultural experiences beyond sightseeing.
To counter that, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has recently unveiled a project aimed at making the stream a center for tourism and culture in the city. It has called for the construction of a traditional Korean village, floating catwalk and other cultural facilities near the stream and spread throughout the capital by February next year.
City officials say that the project aims to draw more foreign visitors by establishing diverse cultural facilities based on Cheonggyecheon’s unique features and location.
One of the most distinctive features of the project is the planned restoration of some of the shacks, which lined the stream up until the 1970s to feature the everyday life of post-war Korea.
Shantytowns made of wooden planks covered the banks of Cheonggyecheon in the 1950s and 60s after the Korean War. Restored versions of the shabby dwellings will be displayed along with tools, such as carriers for water buckets and soft coal, a key source of home heating at the time.
Also, part of the project is "the cultural and digital Cheonggyecheon," the city said it will create a digital screen by Dec. 21, using Cheonggye waters for romantic events and a floating stage for entertainment.
People can also make romantic proposals by using the digital screen. They can run UCC images or text messages for their lovers on the so-called "wall of digital proposals" by making applications in advance.
When there are no proposal plans reserved, the huge digital screen will show artistic graphic images every night, made with water and multi-colored lasers.
In the block near the Dongdaemun fashion town, a runway stage with lighting facilities will be set up on the water. The floating catwalk and fountains will be used as a debut stage for aspiring young fashion designers and artists to showcase their works.
On another bridge near the Sewoon electronics arcade, an artsy lighting tower named "Sotdae" will rise to underscore the history of Korea`s electronics mecca in the 1970s and 1980s.
A creative studio will also open near the cluster of hardware stores alongside Cheonggyecheon to develop and showcase products of unique design and metallic processing technology.
A second-phase development plan will follow to make Cheonggyecheon a more captivating part of Seoul, according to city officials.
Source:http://www.kois.go.kr/News/News/NewsView.asp?serial_no=20071123022
Like it or hump it at tourist mecca
FROM my balcony at the Noosa Crest Resort, I cannot hope for a more spectacular view across Noosa, Laguna Bay and the Noosa River. It has been years since I visited this tourist mecca nestled between the crystalline waters of Noosa Sound and the national park.
Our double-storey villa has a distinct Mediterranean feel. It sports uneven terracotta tiles, wrought-iron railings and Tuscan-style pottery and furnishings.
I fold back the entire top-storey glass doors to draw in the view. Out on the private balcony are sun lounges and an extensive barbecue area. Not far away, a rooftop swimming pool, spa and sauna glitter.
It is the perfect spot to hole up for a weekend, but it's not to be. I have the family in tow, and this weekend is all about Noosa with kids.
We start our adventures at the end of Noosa Crest's private boardwalk, where stand-up paddle surfing is taking off. The traditional Hawaiian sport promotes balance, strength and fitness. Chris de Aboitiz and Grant Cunningham have the only surf school in Australia dedicated to it.
We join their free demo day, held on the second Sunday of every month from 7am to 9am at Noosa Lions Park. It's a family affair. Even the dogs are invited, catching a ride on the front of boards. My kids are eager to hit the water and, equipped with paddle, board and a little instruction, are off to discover the calm waterways, learning to manoeuvre, turn and control their craft.
I sense that our instructor Chris, who once worked on Waikiki Beach, could cut a mean wave. But he enjoys the tranquil ripples of the Noosa River. "Many surfers also enjoy this sport," he says. "It's great for cross-training, and it brings together core strength and balance."
There's also a delicate balance between exercise and the stomach, so after some excellent fun and fitness we head to Noosa's Hastings St, where fine food abounds.
The famous precinct is undergoing a $10 million makeover, due to be completed by July 2008, so we dig deep to see what we can find.
Sure enough, the chic and the hip are all still tucked into sidewalk cafes, sipping glasses of vino.
The Massimo ice cream and gelato shop fights for best treat among fresh juices and rich baked delights.
Noosa restaurateur Jim Berardo says few places in the world have the ability to offer both "paddock to plate" and "sea to plate".
"The amazing synergy between grower, fisherman, primary producer and chef has made Noosa Australia's leading regional culinary destination," he says.
The main road through nearby Noosaville is also lined with restaurants. Indeed, the new edition of Lonely Planet Australia gives Gusto's Riverfront Restaurant, Noosaville, the thumbs-up, saying: "It trumps Noosa's classy competition with effortless style, superior service and breezy water views."
We couldn't agree more as we dined on the likes of seared Hervey Bay scallops, Mooloolaba prawn and garlic ravioli and barbecued baby veal fillets. The service is top shelf, and my daughters giggle at the charming waiter who calls them "Madam".
Back in Hastings St, we park the car and hit the beach. There is also a line-up of holiday shopping to be explored -- hats and sunnies, a new surfboard, flowing resort wear and surfer-chic swimmers.
But the kids don't put up with this for long, eager for a camel ride along the quieter Noosa North Shore.
Dave and Lyn Madden have operated Camel Safaris since 1989, winding their camel trains through melaleuca-lined bushland and out on to the huge expanse of sand and ocean of 40 Mile Beach.
Our camel, Menindie, rolls his large rubbery lips and presents a set of yellow teeth. We jump on his back and stroke the coarse hair between his ears, but are rudely rewarded with a jerking from side to side as he gets up clumsily from his knobbly knees.
From here on it's smooth sailing. We set a leisurely pace through shady bushland and on to the beach, enjoying views of seashells, coloured sands and distant Noosa.
This area has so much to offer the family: koalas and scenic walks through Noosa National Park, surf and still water activities, boats to hire, ferries to catch, markets to explore, mountain bikes and kayaks to conquer.
By the end of it, you may be exhausted and sitting on your paddle, but you will be happily grubby: it's standard procedure to get dirty on a top-notch adventure.
Source:http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,22796393-17102,00.html
Stunning Sun Set on the Costa del Sol
Thursday, November 22, 2007
This stunning sunset was taken looking out over the bay of Fuengirola . Its only this time of year when the sun is lower on the horizon when you see such warm vibrant colours to photograph.
Gary
Mana Live in Costa Rica Tonight
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
The popular Latin American rock band, Mana, will be performing tonight at the Ricardo Saprissa Stadium in Tibas, North San Jose, Costa Rica, performing a variety of tracks off their new album “Amar Es Combatir” (To Live is to Fight).
Fehr Olvera, the lead singer, recently told a national newspaper the message behind the rock group’s new album stating that life to love is to fight because things in life should be accomplished through love. Life should not be a combat of violence, but a combat of feelings, illusions and soul.
The Mexican band has come to Costa Rica after having already performed at venues across the Europe and the United States as part of the world wide tour and they promise that this gig will be as entertaining as the rest.
Olvera said that he admired Costa Rica a great deal and respected it as one of the most progressive nations in Central America with less corruption and violence than the others.
Source:http://www.costaricaholiday.co.uk/blog/?p=280
Abraham Lincoln
The brave man of the familiar People. It had been an extended time coming. Terribly separated by the issue of slavery, thirty-one million American citizens were in 1860
Called upon to vote for 16th President of the United States. The Democratic Party meets at its National Party Convention in Charleston, South Carolina, in order to choose their candidate in favor of the presidency. Split over slavery, each section, Northern Democrats on the one hand and Southern Democrats on the other, presented its own conflicting proposal for the party platform.
In February 1860, Senator Jefferson Davis of Mississippi claimed that neither the Congress of the United States nor the territorial parliaments had the control to handle slavery.
Called upon to vote for 16th President of the United States. The Democratic Party meets at its National Party Convention in Charleston, South Carolina, in order to choose their candidate in favor of the presidency. Split over slavery, each section, Northern Democrats on the one hand and Southern Democrats on the other, presented its own conflicting proposal for the party platform.
In February 1860, Senator Jefferson Davis of Mississippi claimed that neither the Congress of the United States nor the territorial parliaments had the control to handle slavery.
Coronado Beach California
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Just over the bridge from San Diego is a small, tree-lined beach haven known as Coronado. The "island," as many locals call it, is really a peninsula connected to the mainland by a neck of land named the Silver Strand. Coronado is about a mile from downtown San Diego and is linked to the city by the Coronado-San Diego Bridge. Crown City, as it is called (Coronado means "crowned one" in Spanish), regards itself as a friendly, small town of wide leafy streets lined with Victorian homes and Californian bungalows ... and regards San Diego as somewhere else.
Along with the amicable, small-town atmosphere and near-perfect weather, Coronado proudly touts itself as a car-optional environment. The island is small enough to walk almost anywhere — it's only a mile from the San Diego Bay side of the peninsula to the ocean — and the Coronado 904 Shuttle (fare is $1) loops past most of the hot spots. There are also 15 miles (24 kilometers) of relatively flat paths fit for both cyclists and skaters and even more miles of bike routes along city streets.
The emblem of Coronado is the Hotel Del Coronado — a Victorian pleasure dome that instantly turned Coronado into a beach resort when it opened on the oceanfront in 1888. Other resorts followed, but today the military, not tourism, represents Coronado's largest industry. The North Island Naval Air Station, site of America's first military flying school, occupies the entire north half of Coronado, and Navy SEALs train at the Naval Amphibious Base on the south end of town.
For well over a century, Coronado's beaches have been its fortune. The main beach, Coronado Central Beach, stretches 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) behind the great houses along Ocean Boulevard. The morning crowd here includes the SEALs who run along the beach. Later in the day swimmers, bodysurfers, boogie boarders, sand sculptors, tide poolers and, from December through February, whale watchers all take to the sand and sea. North Beach attracts surfers in the morning, and at the extreme north is Dog Beach, where leashless canines can frolic in the surf.
Other beaches include Silver Strand State Beach along the road connecting Coronado to the mainland, where fire rings are provided and overnight RV camping is welcome. Coronado also offers less-crowded beaches. Glorietta Bay Beach is a grassy park and playground with a small sandy beach, and there is a vest-pocket patch of sand beside the wooden pier at the Ferry Landing Marketplace that's a good bet for a barren beach.
Source:http://travel.discovery.com/ideas/best-beaches/guides/coronado.html
Fewer tourists visit Britain
Friday, November 16, 2007
One million fewer tourists visited Britain during the three months to September, compared with the same period last year, as sky-high prices, poor airports and bad weather deterred people, official figures showed.
Overseas visitor numbers fell by 10 per cent to 9.25 million – the largest quarterly fall since the fall out of September 11, 2001, when American tourists numbers ground to a halt. This time, the weak dollar, rather than terrorism, is behind the fall in numbers.
Added to this, is Britain’s increasing reputation as an unexciting, troublesome destination, compared to more exotic places in Asia.
Elliott Frisby at VisitBritain, the Government-backed agency that promotes the country to tourists, said: “The exchange rate is seriously starting to bite for many North Americans. Visits from that region are predominantly driven by price, and many Americans are choosing to stay at home.”
Americans are the most important visitors to the UK as they tend to spend the most and stay the longest, frequently travelling outside London to the Lake district and other areas that are very reliant on the tourist dollar.
Tour operators and analysts also cite “Heathrow hassle” and the increase in air passenger duty as contributors to the fall, with this summer’s airport delays and dire weather all helping to persuade visitors to travel elsewhere.
The emergence of China, Turkey, India and other exciting locations competing for international visitors is another factor.
“Competition is hotting up and people want to go to new destinations that have got the 'brag factor’ – where you can take the photos and come back home and tell all your friends. Britain just doesn’t have that,” said Mr Frisby.
David Else, the author of Lonely Planet’s guide to Great Britain, said he was sad that tourist numbers had fallen after a resurgent few years.
“My view is that Britain is not boring at all. Yes, it is expensive compared to many other countries, but it is a great place and the tourist facilities have all improved enormously in recent years – the cafes, restaurants, attractions, the transport links. Everything is getting better.”
Source:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/main.jhtml?xml=/travel/2007/11/14/et-tourism-114.xml
Overseas visitor numbers fell by 10 per cent to 9.25 million – the largest quarterly fall since the fall out of September 11, 2001, when American tourists numbers ground to a halt. This time, the weak dollar, rather than terrorism, is behind the fall in numbers.
Added to this, is Britain’s increasing reputation as an unexciting, troublesome destination, compared to more exotic places in Asia.
Elliott Frisby at VisitBritain, the Government-backed agency that promotes the country to tourists, said: “The exchange rate is seriously starting to bite for many North Americans. Visits from that region are predominantly driven by price, and many Americans are choosing to stay at home.”
Americans are the most important visitors to the UK as they tend to spend the most and stay the longest, frequently travelling outside London to the Lake district and other areas that are very reliant on the tourist dollar.
Tour operators and analysts also cite “Heathrow hassle” and the increase in air passenger duty as contributors to the fall, with this summer’s airport delays and dire weather all helping to persuade visitors to travel elsewhere.
The emergence of China, Turkey, India and other exciting locations competing for international visitors is another factor.
“Competition is hotting up and people want to go to new destinations that have got the 'brag factor’ – where you can take the photos and come back home and tell all your friends. Britain just doesn’t have that,” said Mr Frisby.
David Else, the author of Lonely Planet’s guide to Great Britain, said he was sad that tourist numbers had fallen after a resurgent few years.
“My view is that Britain is not boring at all. Yes, it is expensive compared to many other countries, but it is a great place and the tourist facilities have all improved enormously in recent years – the cafes, restaurants, attractions, the transport links. Everything is getting better.”
Source:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/main.jhtml?xml=/travel/2007/11/14/et-tourism-114.xml
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