World Of Tourism

In Bali History, creating art was not seen as a real profession. Art was mainly created for temple decorations and religious festivals to honour the Hindu Gods. And actually, producing arts nowadays is still necessary to serve these Gods, but because of the growing tourism, works of art created in Bali are receiving more and more appreciation. The know-how and skill of creating Balinese art is

It will not be an understatement to say that people today, irrespective of their age, have learnt the fine art of multi-tasking between their professional, personal, and social lives. However at the end of the day, these individuals are so tired that they are not left with any time for themselves or their loved ones.

This is the reason why a break is necessary. It is important to change the daily routine and go in for a vacation to some exotic location. Taking a vacation allows an individual to get away from their work pressure and enjoy themselves, sans any worries.

Keep these factors in mind People take vacation depending upon their schedules and amount of time, which they can spare. A vacation could last for up to several months to a few days depending upon the feasibility and preferences. Some people may choose to go for exotic, international locations while some may prefer indigenous destinations for taking a vacation, depending upon their budget.

Planning the budget in advance is an extremely important part of taking a vacation. People need to determine well in advance what kind of a vacation can they afford and the duration of the time.

Bond with your kids on vacations Another important aspect of planning a vacation is to make special preparations, well in advance in case the individual is traveling with little kids. Taking a vacation with your kids can prove to be a great way to bond with the little ones while providing the kids a chance to enjoy themselves and discover the new places while they are still young and build memories, which can be cherished for life.

There are some special arrangements, which need to be made in case your little children are traveling along. Parents need to make sure that the place is safe for children and the climatic conditions are suitable as well.

Travel light In case, individuals choose an overseas destination for their vacation, they need to pay special attention to their luggage as well. It is not an easy task to carry around a large number of heavy suitcases during the trip. Having to tug along large cases of luggage throughout is probably the last thing that any individual would like to do while on a vacation trip.

Thus, it is better to pack in the required luggage sensibly. People should include only necessary luggage, such as clothes, shoes, camera, money et al in their luggage rather than carrying along half of the home's belongings with them while on the vacation.

Choose the perfect vacation destination It is also extremely important to choose the right kind of vacation destination. In case, an individual feels dizzy at great heights or becomes seasick easily, it would not be a wise idea to choose a trekking trip or a beach vacation respectively. The trick is to choose a location which is different from the current geographical situation and which can provide great fun and a relaxed atmosphere for vacation.

source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/how-to-plan-your-vacation-489775.html

In an effort to get travelers off the beaten path and support destinations in developing countries, a group called Ethical Traveler has published a list of the "10 best ethical destinations."

The organization said in a statement that many countries "are making noble attempts to preserve their natural assets, create a user-friendly infrastructure, and build an economy where their citizens share the benefits of tourist revenue. By bringing our commerce to such places we encourage their efforts, and inspire neighboring countries to support these values as well."

To create the list, Ethical Traveler looked at environmental protection, social welfare and human rights in the world's developing nations. The honorees on the Ethical Traveler's list, in alphabetical order, are Argentina, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Estonia, Namibia, Nicaragua, and South Africa.

The organization used various resources to make the determinations, including data collected by the Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy and Columbia University's Center for International Earth Science Information Network; progress made by countries in reducing infant mortality rates as measured by UNICEF; and reports on civil liberties and human rights from sources like Amnesty International and Freedom House.
source:http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2008-07-30-ethical-destinations_N.htm

A raft of 31 energy-saving measures has been proposed to Congress (i.e. Parliament) by Industry Minister Miguel Sebastian in announcing a 'Plan for Energy Efficiency and Savings' (Plan de Ahorro y Eficiencia Energética 2008-2011). The proposals are set to be adopted by the Council of Ministers on 1 August according to the linked report. Amongst the proposals will be the reduction of vehicle speed

I have posted lots more photos on the main spain in photos web site.

Gary

There is a new fun and exciting way to get around and explore the streets of Cadiz and its called the " Easy Glider ".





For guided tours and rental of the easy glider contact Eugenio Llanos on 615598733 or 651860898 or get more info via their web site at http://www.easy-gadir.com./


Have Fun

Gary

For couples who wish to enjoy an adventurous, nature-based honeymoon, Best Of The Kimberley has a range of options in their “HONEYMOON ADVENTURES IN THE NORTH WEST” flier.

From cruising the Kimberley coast, diving at Ningaloo Reef or exploring the rugged coastline from an exclusive bush retreat at Faraway Bay, the choices offer both the spectacle of the rugged landscape in the region as well as all the special comforts you need on a honeymoon to ensure that it is an exceptional experience.

We can also cater for those who prefer less adventure and desire a truly relaxed honeymoon; luxuriating by a resort pool, where sipping cocktails and a sunset walk along magnificent Cable Beach is as intrepid as you get!

All of our packages can be tailored to suit your special requirements, and of course and not only available to honeymooners!

SHARE AN ADVENTURE LIKE NO OTHER. Freecall 1800 450 850 (Australia only) or visit Best of the Kimberley

Kudos located at Dhyana Pura street seminyak, and located across the Q-Bar which is a same gay bar. Kudos most visited by Gays, lesbians, and lots of bisexual couple, and sometime heterosexual couple also visited this bar. Kudos is a high class bar equipped with six Hi-Definition Video Screen, with 15.000 watt sound system power, and Disc Jockeyfrom outside country, like DJ Jay Sample which came

Maybe some of you want to learn some basic Balinese Language before you visit Bali. This is some common greetings that daily used.Greeting :Hello = Om SwastiastuHow are you ? = Asapunapi Gatrane / Kenken kabare?Good Morning = rahajeng semengGood night = rahajeng wengiWhat is your name ? = Sira wastan jerone / Nyen adane?I Love You (man to woman) = Beli tresna kapining adiI Love You (woman to man

Tenerife is the top destination that Brits are jetting off to this summer, new research has revealed.

Cheapflights.co.uk analysed searches on its website for holidays between May 1st to June 30th 2008 and the Spanish island came top, reports Travel Weekly.

It was followed by sun-soaked Orlando, Florida, which thanks to the weak position of the dollar against the pound was 60 per cent more popular this year compared to the same period in 2007.

Other places popular with Brits included euro zones such as Alicante and Malaga, while further afield the charms of Bangkok and Dubai are still luring in holidaymakers.

The only Greek entry was Paphos (which came seventh) and fellow European destinations the Algarve and Turkey also slipped into the bottom half of the top ten.


In related news, those looking to cut costs in light of the recent credit crunch were advised this week that taking a caravan holiday might not only save them money but also reduce their carbon footprint.

source:http://news.holidayhypermarket.co.uk/Tenerife-is-Top-Holiday-Spot-This-Summer-18690396.html

Unemployment in Spain is up to 10.44 per cent in the second quarter of 2008, from 9.6 per cent in the first quarter, according to the Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas (INE) (National Statistics Institute) and is predicted by the Government to rise to 11 per cent in 2009. It had reached an historic low in 2007 of 7.95 per cent, but in the third quarter the rate began to rise, because of the

The EU is offering subsidies of around €4,080 per hectare for growers to grub-up their vines in the Murcia region, roughly 4,000 hectares are affected. However, whether certain lands affected by the worst levels of drought will be eligible for the subsidy is open to question because the EU sets a minimum production level of wine for land at 20 hectolitres per hectare for eligibility and whilst

Rio is a unique Brazilian Restaurant located in the center of fashionable Seminyak close to the famous Seminyak shopping street Jalan Legian and the Double Six Beach. There is no other restaurant to be found in Bali that can give a better and more pleasurable experience in the art of Brazilian cooking than us. Our Rio restaurant works with the popular churrasqueria concept where our waiters will

Aero India Exhibition was started in 1996 by the Ministry of Defence. Aero India is an event where, the latest products and technologies of the aviation industry are popularized and demonstrated, it helps the aviation and aerospace industry to promote and showcase their products and services. It is Asia's cardinal biennial air show held at Yelahanka Air Force base in Bangalore. The Aero India show comprises of displays and exhibits of military and civil aircrafts of key manufactures, vendors and suppliers. Multifarious aircrafts of Indian Air Force are also displayed.

Aero India Exhibition Chronicle

The last three editions revealed some of the most advanced technologies and aviation equipments.

The 4th edition:witnessed presence of 176 companies from 22 countries. The event was attended by about 50 delegations from the United States, Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Africa visited Bangalore for the event. The French delegation was led by the Prime Minister of France, Jean-Pierre Raffarin.

The 5th edition: pulled a paramount crowd of 380 exhibitors belonging to world's leading industries. The show included a total of 80 aircraft including Fighter jets, Light Combat Aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopters, Intermediate Jet Trainers (AJTs), Maritime Surveillance Aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) displayed their flying skills and capability.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy also displayed their various aircraft. There were 32 official military delegations and over 250,000 people who attended this show.The major attractions were the leading fighter, advanced jet trainers and unmanned aerial vehicles from Russia, US, France, Britain, Israeli and India. There were flying performances and static exhibitions of the Russian MiG-29K,Su-30MKI and Il-78 tanker; the American F-15 E, C-130J Super Hercules and P-3C Orion aircraft; the French vintage Mirage 2000 and Falcon 2000; the British Hawk 100, Jaguar and Sea Harriers, and the Indian Dhruv (Advanced Light Helicopter) and Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT). The event also included aerobatics performance by Sarang- the Indian Air Force's Advanced Light Helicopters. There were also views of Il-78 tanker and Mirage 2000 aircraft performing mid-air refueling and fighter trainers making formation in the clear blue sky.The 6th edition was yet again the centre of dazzling interest around the world and embraced visits by the myriad international delegations. The sizable attractions of the event were the astounding displays by the team of Indian Air Force and the helicopter formation display team. The attractions of the event were the MiG-35 and Lockheed-Martin F-16, as well as the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The Indian industrialist Ratan Tata too took to skies in an F-16. There were also displays by the Surya Kiran and Sarang teams, the Surya Kiran team consists of nine Indian pilots, and displayed actions such as flying as close as 3-5 mts at high speeds and exhibited numnerous formations like the arrow, diamond the hearts. The Sarang team displays maneuvers of Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).

'Aero India 2009' aerospace exhibition will be organised in Bangalore, India in February 2009. This year, with the formulation of the partnership between FICCI and Farnborough International Ltd, the show will have extensive business focus.

source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Aero-India-Exhibition---Aero-India-2009&id=1204896

I wrote a post here a few weeks ago about my experiences travelling between Belgium and Spain (and back) in early-mid 2008 and early-mid 2007, with details of fuel, toll motorway, hotel and other sundry costs (food, etc). Since then I have noticed quite a number of viewings of that post from people in various countries who are planning journeys of their own and I thought it might be useful to

A new one-day safari tour from Broome to Mount Anderson and Jarlmadangah Community has recently commenced. This unique tour traverses off the beaten track to traditional country around remote Mt Anderson and the Grant Ranges by a combination of four wheel drive and camel trekking.

The tour allows visitors to gain a unique insight into the history of the station and community life, visit exclusive rock-art sites, enjoy the granduer of the landscape, try traditional bush foods and medicines, as well as sharing in the stories told by traditional owners of the country and learn about local geology, land use, and history.

This tour takes you to places that are not open to the general public. There is an overnight tour also available where you can settle down to sleep in your swag in a ten thousand star hotel!

ant more information? Freecall 1800 450 850 (Australia only) or visit Best of the Kimberley.

TorTor is a cosy restaurant in trendy Seminyak Bali. We offer a delicious but affordable menu with monthly specials and the best satay in town. Our menu consists of traditional Indonesian cuisine but we also serve delicious Western dishes. Furthermore, we offer catering services in the neighbourhood areas. So, if you are having a party or special event, let us

Water from the Virgen del Milagro desalination plant near Mazarron, used by about 1,100 farmers in the area to irrigate the 3,500 hectares authorised by the association of water users, is set to see a sharp rise in price (the background to the development of this plant is detailed here - an English translation is here). Currently water is charged at €0.34/m3, but it will rise to €0.55/m3, an

JAIPUR: Bored with the staple holiday diet of Kerala’s placid backwaters and Goa’s beaches? How about a walk in the Chambal ravines with a dacoit for company?

You can soon plan such a holiday if the tourism department of the Rajasthan government clears a proposal to allow tourists to interact with former dacoits of the Chambal ravines.

The Dangs Area Development Board (DADB), a government body responsible for the improvement of the six districts that collectively comprise the Dangs region, has come up with the idea of a ‘dacoit trail’. The move is part of a strategy to develop the region into a tourist draw.

“We are asking the government to put the dacoit trail on the tourism circuit. This will be an added attraction for people coming to Rajasthan,” DADB chairman Krishna Chandra Pal told DNA.

Even the dacoits are gung-ho about the move. Autari Gurjar, the most dreaded of his time (till he surrendered in 2007), said he was fascinated by the idea. “If the tourists are ready to come here to interact with us, they are welcome.”

The Dang districts — Sawai Madhopur, Karauli, Bharatpur, Dholpur, Baran and Jhalawar—have historically been a hotbed of dacoits in the Chambal region.
While dreaded dacoits like Jagan Gurjar, who had recently expressed support for his community’s recent stir, are still active in the area, dozens have surrendered and live normal lives.

These include Roop Singh, Madho Singh, Bhanwar Singh and bandit queen Surjo.

The DADB is keen to add an exciting twist to holiday offers by packaging in retired dacoits. “The Dang area has the potential to become a major tourism destination as it offers lot of variety in terms of terrain, wildlife and culture.

But the area could never be developed as a tourist attraction because of its dacoit connection. Now we plan to turn the area’s notoriety into its USP,” says Pal, who is scion of the former rulers of Karauli.

Tour operators have already warmed up to the opportunity. “An encounter with dacoits will surely attract a lot of adventure tourists. But security of the visitors is an issue that will have to be addressed,” said tour operator Fateh Singh Rajawat who owns a five-star heritage hotel in the Dangs.

source:http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1173912

As they have for countless centuries, whales are currently migrating north along the Western Australian coastline to Camden Harbour where they will calve over the coming months before returning to southern waters later in the year.

The Boletín Oficial de la Región de Murcia published yesterday included details of new regulations passed last week in Murcia which will prohibit smoking in many bars throughout the Murcia region. The prohibition affects bars which exceed 100 sq m, of which there are thought to be about 200. Murcia is to employ 90 inspectors to enforce the new regulations. See an English-language report here. The

Singsing Waterfall

The part of tourism object of Buleleng part is Singsing waterfall. This waterfall is very beautiful and the right choice for people who like visiting tourism object with natural view. In the summer time the waterfall volume relatively decrease it causes by the land water which decrease in the summer. The road street that used to go to waterfall which is little bit steep up made it very pleasant for those who like trekking activity. The location is not far away from Lovina area, even it can be reach by footstep from lovina, make this situation visited by many tourists which is which generally come to Lovina tourism object. Not far from Singsing waterfall there is Dutch monument. This monument was build by the Dutch colonial government to memorize one of Dutch heroin the war of Banjar puputan in the 1868. In the year of 1956 this monument destroyed by Indonesian government because it symbolize the colonialism. But in the year of 1992 this monument was rebuild by the local government with purpose to symbolize the heroic of Banjar peoples that capable to defeat against the Dutch and shows that historical fact can not be vanished. The Singsing waterfall was located on Banjar Labuhan Haji, temukus village, Banjar area, 3 km from Lovona and 13 km from Singaraja. To go to this tourism object we can uses motor vehicle until Tigawarsa village. A road sign show the road that must be followed by footstep (at about 600 meters) to reach the first waterfall. To reach the second waterfall that location is higher than first waterfall, we must pass precipitous road. The public facilities in this location was build by local peoples such parking park, restaurant, café, and hotels. Many local and foreign tourists visit Singsing water fall cause by the calm atmosphere, peace and suited for freshness of bodies. The location of waterfall is located in the hill area it gives a different situation and enables the visitor see the Lovina beach in the north.

As an experiment traders are setting up stalls at Mazarron Country Club (MCC) on Wednesday mornings to sell local produce and other items. I believe last Wednesday was the first week, but because it was not given much advance notice was perhaps poorly-attended. However, the traders have returned today and were selling items such as chickens, vegetables and fruit, plus various non-food items such

Mazarron mayor Francisco Blaya has announced an increased campaign to combat the plagues of mosquitoes and other nuisances such as rats and cockroaches. The problems are particularly intense during the summer months and provoke complaints from tourists visiting the area. Mazarron Council apparently spends €107,000 a year to the company it has contracted to perform the eradication service. These

A Portuguese colony until 60s, Goa has a romantic confluence of cultures of the occident and the orient. Reminiscent of the times of Portuguese era, a host of churches and heritage houses are what Goa fascinates its visitors with. The small state on the shores o Arabian Sea has a rich and vibrant culture to cherish and relish for a lifetime.

Drawing hordes of travelers year round, Goa offers finest accommodation matching with international standards. Goan people are lovely and hospitable. With their warm, broad smiles and affectionate hospitality, you will be swept off your feet with the intimate atmosphere at Goa hotels.

Those who are lovers of sun, sand and the sea, will not disappoint at the Goan beaches. Situated on western coast of India, Goa is a tropical paradise. It claims some of the best beaches of Asia. Swaying palms, sun-kissed sands and blue sea - the combination is ultimate. Calangute, Anjuna, Bambolim, Vagator and many more, these beaches are paradise for the sea lovers. All types of activities including water sports, sunbathing and simply strolling along the beach at the spectacular sunset are top draw among the tourists.

With many hotels residing next to the beaches, the guest have additional privileges to enjoy such as overlooking the sparkling sea from the balconies and enjoying the refreshing ambience of the lush green locales. Some hotels have their own private walk-ways leading to beach. Strolling in the evening with your beloved through these walk-ways may be an ultimate experience you will relish with fond remembrance.

Goan culture is a beautiful mix of east and west. The confluence of cultures has its deep influence on Goan cuisine as well. The resorts and eateries on the beach side are gourmets paradise. A wide array of Indian, Goan, Chinese, European and Continental delights are whipped up by the experienced chefs. Whether you are vegetarian or non-vegetarian, the Goa resorts and hotels will satisfy your palettes.

Goa Hotels offer luxurious accommodation with state-of-the-art amenities. Swimming pools, spas and Ayurveda are available with most of the hotels. Sightseeing tours, adventure sports, water sports and musical nights are some of the features that these hotels have on offer. What's more, they come in a range of budget, which suit to every pocket and preference. No matter what hotel or resort you choose, the unforgettable stay with warmest hospitality is assured.

Goa is abuzz with activity in all seasons. Therefore, every season is a rush season in Goa. It is advisable to the travelers planning for Goa to make booking well in advance.

Goa is seen by global tourists as a most exciting destination of the world to be. Goa has everything that is a requisite of a good holiday. From its amazing beaches to spectacular landscapes and unique lifestyle, Goa will enthrall you. Come to spend your vacations in Goa and return with the sweet memories of a lifetime rendezvous.

source:http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/60846

There is lots to see in South Africa, but here are what I consider to be the most important or the most important. The following are in no particular order...

5) The Big Five
4) The Garden Route
3) The Drakensburg Mountains
2) Cape Town
1) The Wild Coas

The Big Five in Kruger National Park. There are also a number of other game parks, and they really do offer the same thing. Most of the parks you can enjoy nice accommodations and the Big Five, as well as many other of South Africa's native species.

The Garden Route is a wonderful way to spend a week...or two...or four. There are lots of beautiful stops and plenty of interesting things to see [and do] along the way. Many of the towns are nestled right along the ocean and many also have gorgeous national parks very close by.

The Drakensburg Mountains are a must if you can get yourself out to the north-eastern portion of the country. Absolutely breathtaking with its lush expansiveness and rather treacherous roads. Rumor has it that they were the inspiration for The Lord of the Rings setting...

The five major tourist attractions of Cape Town are Table Mountain, Robben Island, a Cape Peninsula tour, shark cage diving and a tour of the Winelands. Though, after a semester studying marine biology, I don't feel as though shark cage diving and teasing animals is quite an environmentally friendly practice...If you get the chance, try to also hit up the beautiful waterfront district, as well as the lively Long Street. Be aware, though, that Cape Town doesn't represent much of 'Africa,' as it is very European-influenced.

The Wild Coast is much like the Garden Route, but more preserved and less traveled, which defiantly appeals to someone like myself. Many native villages still exist relatively undisturbed along this coast and there the water is a bit a warmer to swim in.

Source:http://blog.mlive.com/spartan_abroad/2008/07/top_five_places_to_see_in_sout.html

Most people have heard about the famous Argyle 'champagne' and 'pink' diamonds, now imagine a guided tour of the mine that produces approx. 30 million carats of the little sparklers each year!

A fly/drive tour from Kununurra is available all year round to this fascinating site. No dawn departures - your guided tour departs mid morning followed by a tasty buffet lunch at the mine Village before your tour of the mine and plant.

After your 3-4 hr ground tour you will reboard your flight and continue onto the Bungle Bungle Range for a 20 minute flyover before returning to Kununurra over the majestic Lake Argyle, Carr Boyd Ranges and views of Lake Kununurra.

You will receive a diamond gift when you book this tour. Add this one to your itinerary too? Freecall 1800 450 850 or visit Best of the Kimberley

Bangkok in Thailand has been voted the world's best city in the latest Travel + Leisure magazine online poll.

It has moved up two places since last year's survey knocking last year's chart topper Florence, Italy, from its from the first place spot.

Nancy Novogrod, editor-in-chief at the magazine, claimed that adventurous destinations had topped the travel agenda among those readers that took part.

She said: "We're delighted to welcome so many new winners this year…"Nature, and adventure, were clearly a draw in the selections."

Meanwhile, the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador won best Island, while Singapore Airlines was voted travel airline top dog.

Deputy governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Surapol Sawetseranee, claimed that the prestigious recognition couldn't have come at a better time, right before the high season.

This could see an influx of tourists trying to book into the city's already busy hostels.

But although it was all change at the top in terms of best international city, New York maintained its status as the US's most popular city destination for the eighth year in a row.
source:http://www.hostelbookers.com/info/news/18679194

Gas tariffs wil be raised from today by 2.6 per cent for most domestic users and by 3 per cent for those with higher rates of consumption, whereas there will be a rise of 4 per cent for commercial users.This is the second tariff increase this year: in January rates increased 4.93 per cent for users wsith lower consumptipn levels and by 4.83 per cent for the bulk of users, with an overall average

Holland, a tiny monarchy in the Northwest side of Europe, is located between Germany, Belgium and the North Sea. Holland exudes a friendly attitude to visitors and is very famous for an exceptional deal apart from cheese, typical landscapes having blooming tulips and windmills. Holland is known formally as the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Despite the fact that the national language is Dutch, English is spoken widely by the people of Holland. Summer and spring are the most suitable time of the year to arrive here.
Holland offers something to everyone and holidaying in Holland will bring pleasure to the whole family. Tourists are promised unlimited amounts of entertainment and they will be astonished with the numerous zoos, nature parks and theme parks that guarantee a thrilling day out. However, for many, the reason behind traveling to this country is the world-class galleries and museums present here. Out of the 1,000 museums, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are the most favored ones. The venue of Keukenhof flower exhibition is an exciting place to get into during spring.
Holland possesses an exceptional transportation network. It is an outstanding nation to enjoy on bicycle or by foot. Major cities, like Rotterdam and Amsterdam, are great to explore with a bike. Taxis get you to any destination you desire and even advance booking of taxis is possible. So, what more you need.

Holland

Germany
Europe
Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam
Rotterdam
Amsterdam hotels
Holland, Netherlands, rotterdam netherlands

Exclusive package. Enjoy the best of both worlds! Spend some time relaxing in beautiful Broome and explore three of the Kimberley's best known landmarks - Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek and Geikie Gorge.

Package includes 5 nights accommodation at the Mangrove Hotel in Broome, 2 days/1 night Kimberley Gorges camping tour and Geikie Gorge Cruise, 1.5hr Harley Trike tour of Broome, half day Willie Creek Pearl Farm tour and sunset Pearl Lugger cruise. PLUS FREE 1 hour historic tour of the Pearl Luggers and 2 movie tickets to Sun Pictures. From $1299 per person. Contact Best Of The Kimberley on freecall 1800 450 850 for details (or visit the Best of the Kimberley website) and departure dates in August, September & October 2008.

Having Visited Costa Rica, I have compiled a list of the best locations to visit. This list is by no means comprehensive or complete, it is just a checklist of all the places I would visit when I go to Costa Rica.

Arenal Volcano
The Arenal Volcano area is one of Costa Rica's top attractions. Only 3 hours away from San Jos, in the town of La Fortuna, stands a majestic 1,633m volcano, known to be one of the most active in the world. Despite its constant activity, the volcano is very safe to visit as long as you stay within the safety perimeter.

In this area take advantage of the pristine natural surroundings! Go fishing, horseback riding; take a canopy tour, rafting or experience a tremendous canyon expedition. Whatever you decide, be sure to visit the relaxing hot springs in the area, the most famous being Tabacon and Baldi.

La Fortuna and Surroundings
Often simply referred to as La Fortuna, the town of La Fortuna de San Carlos is the gateway to the magnificent Arenal Volcano. A charming and quiet town, La Fortuna is easily accessible from the capital city San Jose, and offers some panoramic views of the spectacular Arenal, Costa's Rica's most active volcano. Sitting around 10 kilometers away from town and regularly spewing smoke and ash for some time now, the Volcan Arenal is the country's top rated tourist attraction and is indeed a sight to behold.

Over the last few years in particular, La Fortuna has become quite a bustling town. However, there are plenty of accommodations, hotels and resorts here to suit every budget. A must try when in La Fortuna are the amazing resort spas surrounding the volcano. On a clear day you can watch the volcano erupt and if you wait for nightfall, the Arenal puts on a brilliant show with bright red rocks tumbling down its sides. Beside the volcano, this town has other great tourist attractions like the La Catarata de la Fortuna, Tabacon Hot Springs, white water rafting, hiking excursions, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, canopy tours and Cao Negro Boat Tours are just some of the many activities that one can enjoy while you are here.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Most famous for being associated with the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve,the tiny community of Monteverde is a small village located near the entrance of the cloud forest. Monteverde was founded by the Quaker community that migrated from North America to Costa Rica in the 1950's. In town, which is actually Santa Elena, you'll find banks, drug store, a local hospital, book store, gas station, ATM machine, police station, post office, supermarkets, internet cafes, restaurants

As the weather here is quite chilly and misty, due to the village being high up in the Tilaran Mountain Range, you should bring some thick clothes and a light jacket to stay warm. When here, do remember to try out the delicious local cheeses, which are a treat to eat. If you are a bird watcher, this village offers some lovely bird watching opportunities, even though you are not in the cloud forest itself. However, if you prefer to do the more touristy thing, visit the local craft centers, the women's co-op center, the butterfly garden and the Hummingbird Gallery in town.
Dominical Beach
Located on Costa Rica's amazingly beautiful Central Pacific coastline, the small village of Dominical is a surfer's paradise where waves can reach over 10 feet high, a place rich in island biodiversity and amazing underwater flora and fauna. It is the perfect combination between the extensive golden coasts full of scenic beaches & luscious mountains.

Dominical is a 4 km long beach strip, with a few hotels, lodges, resorts and restaurants in the area. While swimming here is near impossible with the strong swells and rip tides, one can kayak off the coast or enjoy some diving or snorkeling opportunities in the area. Horseback tours can also be arranged to the nearby Nauyaca Waterfalls, or one can visit the Marino Ballena National Park, which is home to a number of marine mammals like turtles and whales that come here seasonally to mate and nest. If you like, you can take a short day trip to the lovely Cao Island just off the coast. This island is considered one of the best adventure diving spots in the world and is home to an impressive array of underwater marine life.

Tortuguero
Tortuguero National Park is one of Costa Rica's most biologically diverse wildlife areas. Featuring one of the most verdant landscapes in the country, the 26,156 hectare park was created with the main purpose of protecting the green sea turtle nesting area. Tortuguero owes its very wet tropical forest to the 5000 to 6000 millimeters of rain it receives per year. These climatic conditions are favorable to more than 400 tree species, around 2200 species of other plants and more than 400 birds, 60 amphibian and 30 fresh water fish species, as well as several endangered animals including tapirs, monkeys, ocelots, jaguars, manatees and sloths. Tortuguero is characterized by beautifully scenic canals, lagoons and rivers that may be toured by boat, canoe or kayak. In addition to the green turtle, three other sea turtle species nest on the park's beaches.

Malpais
Malpais is situated on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Also known as the Hawaii of Latin America, there are several beaches to swim, dive or snorkel though it's main attraction is it's unique conditions for surfing and it's pristine subtropical nature. Horseback riding, sportfishing, canopy tours, scuba, and nature tours make up some of the other popular activities nearby. Malpais is a community unlike any other in Costa Rica with a strong surf culture and a the laid-back atmosphere that maintains the type of earthy tourism that made Costa Rica famous.

MalPais boasts a great selection of places to stay and eat from camping on the beach to luxurious resorts and a wide range of activities. Without a doubt it's a very attractive place to relax and enjoy the golden rays of the Pacific sunset.

Turrialba Valley
With some stunning views of Costa Rica's rural countryside, Turrialba is a charming little town in the lush and beautiful Central Valley in Cartago province. Famous for being a white water rafting hotspot and base camp, this town lies 53 km east of the capital city San Jos and is an excellent place to tour the pre-Columbian ruins at Guayabo National Monument, or the rarely visited but lovely Parque Nacional Volcan Turrialba. A quiet town, Turrialba with its charming street corners and gorgeous surrounding sceneries is among the few places in Costa Rica with direct access to a volcano's crater. From the summit of the volcano, you can on a clear day, see the Irazu, Pos and Barva volcanoes in the distance Botanists and gardeners will want to pay a visit to the Center for Agronomy Research and Development (CATIE), which is located 5km (3 miles) southeast of Turrialba on the road to Siquirres. This center is one of the world's foremost facilities for research into tropical agriculture.
source:http://www.bestsyndication.com/?q=20080710_costa_rica.htm

When foreigners go to Japan, Tokyo tops their list of places to see. Seven of the 10 most-visited destinations in the country are in the capital, according to the Japan National Tourist Organization.

This makes it easy for visitors to check the top spots off their must-see lists without leaving Tokyo, a sprawling city encompassing nearly every important aspect of Japanese life (except nature; "man-made" is the buzzword here). To get to the other spots on the top-10 list, a quick shinkansen (bullet train) ride is all that's required, and that's an experience itself, as the trains run at speeds of about 200 miles per hour.

Whether you choose to stay inside Tokyo's city limits or leave them, however, the complete tourism experience in Japan involves an equal mix of modern and traditional--easy to accomplish in the city and beyond.

Wherever you go, you can expect the locals to be friendly due to a government tourism-promotion campaign, Yokoso Japan (Welcome to Japan), through which the Japanese government is aiming to increase the number of international visitors to 10 million by 2010 (the country had 6 million foreign tourists in 2007). The tourism agency has spent the last five years trying to convince foreigners that the famously closed society is welcoming.

Tokyo Sights
The No. 1 place tourists visit is Shinjuku, a massive, crowded skyscraper district within Tokyo. Built beginning in the '70s, Shinjuku keeps adding new and bigger towers, and its commuter rail station is the transit system's busiest, with nearly 2 million passengers a day.

Shinjuku has three main components: offices, shopping and nightlife. The shopping consists of a flotilla of chic department stores, mainly branches of the stores you'll find in Ginza or elsewhere. At night, many tourists head for Shinjuku's Park Hyatt, the hotel made famous in the film Lost in Translation, to have a drink at the penthouse New York Bar and take in the city-wide views. The Kabukicho district is also a popular hangout, thanks to its many bars and lounges.

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Tokyo's next most-visited area is the famous Ginza neighborhood, a shopping mecca that's home to the fanciest stores, Japanese and foreign alike. Weighing in at No. 4 on the most-visited list, Ginza is where you'll find all the luxury brands from around the world, many in custom-designed boutiques.

Shoppers throng the streets as they meander from Chanel to Mikimoto (for world-renowned pearls); you'll also find them stopping for lunch in the department store cafés. When you're done at Fendi and Gucci, follow their example and stop at the basement food halls in one of the department stores (every department store, all over town, has one). It's fun to pick up a picnic lunch from the myriad prepared-food vendors, but remember, it's considered rude to eat standing up in Japan.

Also on the top-destination list, within Tokyo are Shibuya and Harajuku, the twin centers of teen culture and the places to see what the hip kids are wearing these days. But there are also more traditional attractions that shouldn't be skipped, such as the museums, zoo and Asakusa, an old-style temple district.

Beyond The Busy Capital
When tourists leave Tokyo, they tend to go for the traditional cities often found on the covers of the guidebooks, Osaka and Kyoto, and with good reason. Former capital Kyoto, in particular, is known worldwide as one of the most beautiful places in Japan, and it's the place to absorb the maximum amount of architectural beauty, culture and history in the shortest amount of time. Some visitors pick Kyoto over Tokyo entirely, spending their visit among the ancient temples and serene Zen meditation gardens.

Osaka has its advantages as well, as it's home to Osaka Castle, one of the country's most famous attractions, rich in the country's history. About 40 minutes away is Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site built from the 14th to 17th centuries. Also check out nearby Kobe, location of the devastating 1995 earthquake--and also hometown of the famous beef.

A better bet, however, is to combine a visit to Kyoto and Osaka, as they're only about an hour apart by train. That will give you the best picture of urban Japan, both the old and the new.

source: http://www.forbes.com/travel/2008/07/03/japan-popular-attractions-summit08-forbeslife-cx_cs_0703travel.html

Wildlife tourism is slowly gaining popularity in kerala and many tourists, especially foreigners, are increasingly enthusiastic about spending time in the wild.

Many wildlife enthusiasts keep coming back for these special interest tours again and again. Though only five percent of the total tourists visiting Kerala are interested in wildlife tourism, their numbers are growing, say wildlife tour operators.

The tourists have six options to choose from, Silent Valley National Park, Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary, Thattekad Wildlife Sanctuary and Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR), CEO of Wild Kerala Tour company K G Pramod said.

With the help of local communities and forest department, the company has created a well-planned wilderness experience that introduces a small group of travellers to new environment with minimum impact on the environment, he told a news agency.

People of all age groups, especially in the 35 to70 age group take the tours, he said.

The bookings are made with the help of the forest department that in turn informs the local forest office and the local eco-development communities. The tribal youth and local communities were also involved, he said.

The Chimmony Sanctuary has incredible bird, butterfly and animal diversity and is considered to be one of Kerala's best stretches of deciduous forests. Eco guides from the indigenous Malaya community show the common medicinal herbs used by them. The tourists can feast their eyes on the floral diversity and take a dip in the crystal clear waters of mountain streams.

source:http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=451983&sid=LIF&ssid=8

Francisca Disla Pascual'la Paca'16 Janaury 1899 - 9 July 2008- Rest in Peace -I came across this story in laopiniondemurcia.es here, to mark the death at the ripe old age of 109 years of Francisca Disla Pascual, a resident of Yecla in the far north-east of Murcia region.Apparently she retained a prodigious memory and had enormous strength despite her small stature and slight build,

AUSTRALIA is the "must-visit" travel destination in the Asia-Pacific according to a new survey commissioned by Visa International.
More than 4500 people from nine Asia Pacific countries and territories were asked to name their top five travel destinations in the region.

Sixty-three per cent of those surveyed voted Australia as the place they most wanted to visit.

Australia was ranked first or second place for all source destinations, confirming its widespread appeal as a travel destination.

Visa general manager for Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Chris Clark said the survey is "good news for Australia's tourism industry."

"The diversity of Australia helps to make it a 'must see' holiday destination for our neighbours in Asia," he said.

"Australia offers a variety of unique experiences for younger and travellers alike."

source:http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23925472-17102,00.html

From the beginning of the next school term, sweet and snack machines are to be banned from schools in the Murcia region, a pioneering move for Spain. Apparently 30 per cent of children in Murcia are considered overweight and only 51 per cent of Murcians do physical activities, lower than the 61 per cent national average. Furthermore, 10 per cent of Murcia residents suffer from diabetes.I used to

EU finance ministries have unanimously approved the adoption of the Euro by Slovakia as its currency from 1 Janaury 2009 at the irrevocable fixed conversion rate of 30.126 Slovak Korunas for 1 Euro. See also the BBC report here.From January 2009 therefore, sixteen countries will have the Euro as their common currency: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy,

If we are starting to whet your appetite for a holiday in the Kununurra region, then consider spending some time at the famous El Questro Wilderness Park.

Here you are surrounded by one million acres of spectacular scenery and awe-inspiring landscapes. Located only 110kms by road from Kununurra, El Questro offers a diverse range of activities, dining options and accommodation amidst the rugged Cockburn Ranges.

Accommodation styles range from the exclusive El Questro Homestead, station township bungalow or the tented cabins at Emma Gorge. Adding a few days to explore or just relax in the thermal Zebedee Springs, El Questro is a must for any Kimberley itinerary!

El Questro operates from April to October each year.

Whether you self-drive in your own vehicle, hire vehicle or via transfers, we can add El Questro to your personalised itinerary.

Fore more information: Freecall 1800 450 850 within Australia or visit our website Best of the Kimberley

A 28 year old transexual from Jaén province has had his application to join the Spanish military turned doing owing to ... ahem ... the complete absence of his 'bits'. The examining doctors cited a regulation in justification (Resolution 542/3802/2007 of the Armed Forces Exclusion Code). Apparently his female breasts were removed last year and he awaits a full male genitalia transplant.Diversity

¡Felicitaciones!Rafael NadalThroughout the late afternoon until 9.30pm (British time) this evening I have been watching the 'battle' for supremacy this year at Wimbledon between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. After being 2 sets down to Nadal, Roger Federer of Switzerland succeeded in clawing his way back to parity with the Spaniard. In both the third and fourth sets he achieved this only as a

When foreigners go to Japan, Tokyo tops their list of places to see. Seven of the 10 most-visited destinations in the country are in the capital, according to the Japan National Tourist Organization.

This makes it easy for visitors to check the top spots off their must-see lists without leaving Tokyo, a sprawling city encompassing nearly every important aspect of Japanese life (except nature; "man-made" is the buzzword here). To get to the other spots on the top-10 list, a quick shinkansen (bullet train) ride is all that's required, and that's an experience itself, as the trains run at speeds of about 200 miles per hour.

Whether you choose to stay inside Tokyo's city limits or leave them, however, the complete tourism experience in Japan involves an equal mix of modern and traditional--easy to accomplish in the city and beyond.
In Pictures: Japan's 10 Most Popular Tourist Destinations

Wherever you go, you can expect the locals to be friendly due to a government tourism-promotion campaign, Yokoso Japan (Welcome to Japan), through which the Japanese government is aiming to increase the number of international visitors to 10 million by 2010 (the country had 6 million foreign tourists in 2007). The tourism agency has spent the last five years trying to convince foreigners that the famously closed society is welcoming.

Tokyo Sights
The No. 1 place tourists visit is Shinjuku, a massive, crowded skyscraper district within Tokyo. Built beginning in the '70s, Shinjuku keeps adding new and bigger towers, and its commuter rail station is the transit system's busiest, with nearly 2 million passengers a day.

Shinjuku has three main components: offices, shopping and nightlife. The shopping consists of a flotilla of chic department stores, mainly branches of the stores you'll find in Ginza or elsewhere. At night, many tourists head for Shinjuku's Park Hyatt, the hotel made famous in the film Lost in Translation, to have a drink at the penthouse New York Bar and take in the city-wide views. The Kabukicho district is also a popular hangout, thanks to its many bars and lounges.

Tokyo's next most-visited area is the famous Ginza neighborhood, a shopping mecca that's home to the fanciest stores, Japanese and foreign alike. Weighing in at No. 4 on the most-visited list, Ginza is where you'll find all the luxury brands from around the world, many in custom-designed boutiques.

Shoppers throng the streets as they meander from Chanel to Mikimoto (for world-renowned pearls); you'll also find them stopping for lunch in the department store cafés. When you're done at Fendi and Gucci, follow their example and stop at the basement food halls in one of the department stores (every department store, all over town, has one). It's fun to pick up a picnic lunch from the myriad prepared-food vendors, but remember, it's considered rude to eat standing up in Japan.

Also on the top-destination list, within Tokyo are Shibuya and Harajuku, the twin centers of teen culture and the places to see what the hip kids are wearing these days. But there are also more traditional attractions that shouldn't be skipped, such as the museums, zoo and Asakusa, an old-style temple district.

Beyond The Busy Capital
When tourists leave Tokyo, they tend to go for the traditional cities often found on the covers of the guidebooks, Osaka and Kyoto, and with good reason. Former capital Kyoto, in particular, is known worldwide as one of the most beautiful places in Japan, and it's the place to absorb the maximum amount of architectural beauty, culture and history in the shortest amount of time. Some visitors pick Kyoto over Tokyo entirely, spending their visit among the ancient temples and serene Zen meditation gardens.

Osaka has its advantages as well, as it's home to Osaka Castle, one of the country's most famous attractions, rich in the country's history. About 40 minutes away is Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site built from the 14th to 17th centuries. Also check out nearby Kobe, location of the devastating 1995 earthquake--and also hometown of the famous beef.

A better bet, however, is to combine a visit to Kyoto and Osaka, as they're only about an hour apart by train. That will give you the best picture of urban Japan, both the old and the new.
source:http://www.forbes.com/travel/2008/07/03/japan-popular-attractions-summit08-forbeslife-cx_cs_0703travel.html

Dubai is the world's leading leisure and business travel destinations, where tourists come for world-class dining, excellent shopping options and recreational activities, suiting each style and taste. It is the most exciting of the desert cities in UAE, the second largest emirate of UAE, offering a kaleidoscope of attractions for visitors.

The cosmopolitan city offers all the elements for a memorable and magical holiday right from sun, sand, surf, shopping and sightseeing. Though being a dynamic and truly modern city, it has not lost its touch with the cultural traditions established by the country’s nomads, fishermen, pearl divers, desert-dwellers and traders. A visit to the city will let you experience the huge expanses of the Arabian Desert, shop at age-old Souks or at the modern shopping malls, enjoy water sports or take a drive down the rocky mountain villages.

Dubai is the world's leading leisure and business travel destinations, where tourists come for world-class dining, excellent shopping options and recreational activities, suiting each style and taste. It is the most exciting of the desert cities in UAE, the second largest emirate of UAE, offering a kaleidoscope of attractions for visitors.

The cosmopolitan city offers all the elements for a memorable and magical holiday right from sun, sand, surf, shopping and sightseeing. Though being a dynamic and truly modern city, it has not lost its touch with the cultural traditions established by the country’s nomads, fishermen, pearl divers, desert-dwellers and traders. A visit to the city will let you experience the huge expanses of the Arabian Desert, shop at age-old Souks or at the modern shopping malls, enjoy water sports or take a drive down the rocky mountain villages.

source:http://www.bestsyndication.com/?q=20080630_bur_dubai_hotels.htm

Wildlife tourism is slowly gaining popularity in kerala and many tourists, especially foreigners, are increasingly enthusiastic about spending time in the wild.

Many wildlife enthusiasts keep coming back for these special interest tours again and again. Though only five percent of the total tourists visiting Kerala are interested in wildlife tourism, their numbers are growing, say wildlife tour operators.

The tourists have six options to choose from, Silent Valley National Park, Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary, Thattekad Wildlife Sanctuary and Periyar Tiger Reserve.

With the help of local communities and forest department, the company has created a well-planned wilderness experience that introduces a small group of travellers to new environment with minimum impact on the environment, he told a news agency.

People of all age groups, especially in the 35 to70 age group take the tours, he said.

The bookings are made with the help of the forest department that in turn informs the local forest office and the local eco-development communities. The tribal youth and local communities were also involved, he said.

The Chimmony Sanctuary has incredible bird, butterfly and animal diversity and is considered to be one of Kerala's best stretches of deciduous forests. Eco guides from the indigenous Malaya community show the common medicinal herbs used by them. The tourists can feast their eyes on the floral diversity and take a dip in the crystal clear waters of mountain streams.

Source:http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=451983&sid=LIF&ssid=8

When you have walked among the wildlife, birds, reptiles and raptors in the nature-like environment at the Denver Zoo. For many urban families and children it may be the closest they get to an experience in the natural outdoors. But it is a worthy substitute that should not be missed.

The Denver Zoo is not just a zoo. It is an environment that transports you from the metro urban population to a sitting that makes you feel you are truly in the outdoors, in the habitat of the wildlife you are witnessing.

The zoo is an educational classroom. It is a place to visit, a place teens and adults can volunteer. When you are there it absorbs you into the sense you are moving from the plains of South Africa to the rainforests of the Amazon to the world’s deserts, the rivers and lakes around the globe and the tundra and frozen artic circle. The realism of the animal and bird environments cast you into a kind of outdoors reality show. One forgets you are in the midst of a metropolitan city.

One of the good feelings you leave the Denver Zoo with is simply having consumed the beauty and presence of wildlife and unique bird species being conserved and protected. You feel equally good to witness wildlife existing in an amazingly realistic and natural environment.

There is an abundance of programs open to individuals, families and children that benefit the animals and birds.

The Adopt-an-Animal classroom program is an interactive learning experience for school students. The adult volunteer program and teen volunteer program for ages 13-17 bring wildlife and young people together. Families and youth can be updated monthly by registering for the Educator, a bulletin available to the public. The zoo sponsors a Scout night each year that offers merit badge points. The Wild at the Movies offers adults and youth a unique wildlife film festival comparable to the popular Discovery Channel. A Halloween Boo at the Zoo day is a fun kids program held annually. The popular Zoo Lights runs through December, featuring animated animal light sculptures. 2008 is the year of the frog and the Denver Zoo will host a Leapfrog Day. These are just some of the community wide zoo programs.

Parents and teachers have an equally exciting variety of educational programs as well. The Children’s Conservation Theater, overnight Bunk with the Beasts, environmental service-learning, Young Scientists, Science Workshops, Guided group tours and career programs are some of the wide ranging learning programs where the zoo partners with metro area school districts. And the popular outreach program staff takes the zoo on the road. Some of these programs have a cost, which are supported by scholarships.

The family and youth educational programs and the classroom and community outreach programs administered by the zoo staff can be explored in detail by calling Matt Herbert, Outreach Manager, or Jim Garcia at 303-376-4867. For general information, including group tours and outreach road programs available in metro communities, call 303-376-4888.

The Denver Zoo is one of the nation’s most extensive facilities housing a wide range of wildlife species. Don’t miss a day outdoors at the indoor world of the Denver Zoo.
source:http://www.metrowestfyi.com/story_display.php?sid=9632