World Of Tourism

I didn’t know until now that Bali is blessed with some internationally competitive beaches. Due to its natures of its volcano origin, most popular beaches in Bali are of black or gray sand with sandy waters with either no waves at all or strong currents, making it a strange experience when swimming there.
The only almost-white beaches I knew so far were Nusa Dua and Sanur, both either very shallow or with almost no waves and lots of dirt and old plastic bags in the water. Kuta/Legian is nice to swim at, but the sand is gray and you really have to watch out for rip-currents or waves that can drag you out to sea. Every few weeks tourists or locals alike drown here, most recently 3 Balinese school boys around 12-14 years of age.

Following on from my article yesterday about the results so far achieved by the 'Neighbourhood Concern Gardening Group' with its Sunday-evening litter- and weed-collection efforts, I have been contacted by Chris Gatenby. His partner Sandra is part of a group of neighbours which has collectively over the past approximately 18 months made great efforts to beautify an earth bank opposite their

New for 2009 is the 3 Day Bungle Bungle, Mitchell Plateau & Argyle Diamond Mine Guided Tour.

The vastness of the Kimberley is truly appreciated via a scenic flight and more so on an extended flight/tour that takes in the major iconic attractions plus comfortable accommodation!

This 3 day package takes you deep into the remote Kimberley from Kununurra to the Mitchell Plateau and Mitchell Falls, Lake Argyle, Ord River, Argyle Diamond Mine and the mysterious Bungle Bungle Range.

Spend 1 night in a safari tented cabin on the Mitchell Plateau. 3 Day package $2635 per person. Excl airfaires to/from Kununurra). Kununurra to Kununurra tour departs Sunday, Wednesday & Friday - May to September. Min 2 max 8 passengers.

Contact Best Of The Kimberley 1800 450 850 for full details and availability.

A group of residents at Mazarron Country Club have recently been discussing simple and enjoyable ways in which our environment could be made somewhat more pleasing, by beginning to tidy up some of the open spaces, where currently there is quite a lot of litter and rather ragged patches of mainly weeds. Last Sunday about 17 of us turned out to make a small but worthwhile beginning. Prior to

It seems thar police have discovered the gun, used to murder a pimp in Almería in 2006, in the jacuzzi of his home, along with another, whilst investigating money laundering activities arising from the exploitation of women in brothels in that area. The murdered man, Giuseppe D'Amico, was found handcuffed in a pool of blood in 2006 and was believed to be a member of the mafia clan 'Stabile de la

I break my quite lengthy period of blog-silence here to record that the first confirmed case of swine-fever ('swine-flu') has been reported in Almansa (Albacete); it is the first confirmed case in the European Union.Nineteen other possible cases of infection by the A/H1N1 virus are under investigation in Spain as follows: Catalonia (10), Andalucia (3), Castilla-La Mancha (2) and one each in

Europe is the center for a lot of things, art, culture, fashion but there's a certain decadence to all of this excess. Its not all serious, some of it is just for the fun of it. Sure a chocolatier might be very committed to his work but when a customer walks into a chocolate shop...its really about hedonism. You know, that uber fabulous feeling you get for spending half of your weeks grocery bill on champagne truffle and candied orange peel dipped in chocolate. Motor sports is another of these "non-essential-but-make-life-interesting" activities. Pretty cars with big engines racing around a track get men (and women) out of their beds just to see who wins. So you can imagine my surprise and delight when I discovered news of a chocolate powered racing car. It seems to be a fusion of the best of both worlds.

Its not all trivial though, it seems this is the worlds first environmentally friendly racing car and they say it'll be launched in May. Now, the point was to create an F3 car using only renewable and sustainable products. So get this...the steering wheel is made out of carrots, the seat out of soy beans and the body is constructed out of potatoes. Its clever but crazy huh?

Not as crazy, some might say, as the developers hoping that racing chiefs will change the rules and let them race next season. The creators are from Warwick University and have designed the car to run on bio diesel and plant-based lubricants. So the car can run on chocolate. Now if only they had designed the interior out of biscuits and marshmallows you could celebrate the end of a race with a little F3 choccie fondue. Which is about all they can do at the moment because the engine doesn't meet regulations due to its unusual source of fuel. I certainly hope this doesn't mean that there'll be a shortage of chocolate in years to come.

Inventors are also hoping that some of the design features will be adopted by the big boys in racing like McLaren and Daddy Ferrari. Remains to be seen. Never-the-less...here's to new inventions and daring to go where no one has gone before...it's a bit like Tourism Radio actually, minus the chocolate.

Hmmm? Wonder what the tyres are made out of...

While the earliest artifacts date to the Middle Neolithic era, there have been documented habitations in Attica from the Early Neolithic (6th millennium BC). There is little doubt that a Mycenaean megaron stood upon the hill during the late Bronze Age. Nothing of this megaron survives except, probably, a single limestone column-base and pieces of several sandstone steps. Soon after the palace was built a Cyclopean massive circuit wall was built, 760 meters long, up to 10 meters high, and ranging from 3.5 to 6 meters thick. This wall would serve as the main defense for the acropolis until the fifth century. The wall consisted of two parapets built with large stone blocks and cemented with an earth mortar called emplekton. The wall follows typical Mycenaean convention in that it followed the natural contour of the terrain and its gate was arranged obliquely, with a parapet and tower overhanging the incomers' right-hand side, thus facilitating defense. There were two lesser approaches up the hill on its north side, consisting of steep, narrow flights of steps cut in the rock. Homer is assumed to refer to this fortification when he mentions the "strong-built House of Erechtheus" (Odyssey 7.81). At some point before the thirteenth century an earthquake caused a fissure near the northeastern edge of the acropolis. This fissure extended some thirty five meters to a bed of soft marl in which a well was dug. An elaborate set of stairs was built and the well was used as a protected source of drinking water during some portion of the Mycenaean period, as it was invaluable in times of siege.

Machu Picchu was constructed around 1462, at the height of the Inca Empire. It was abandoned less than 100 years later. It is likely that most of its inhabitants were wiped out by smallpox before the Spanish conquistadores arrived in the area, and there is no record of their having known of the remote city. Hiram Bingham, the credited discoverer of the site, along with several others, originally hypothesized that the citadel was the traditional birthplace of the Inca of the "Virgins of the Suns".

Another theory maintains that Machu Picchu was an Inca "llacta", a settlement built to control the economy of these conquered regions. Yet another asserts that it may have been built as a prison for a select few who had committed heinous crimes against Inca society. Research conducted by scholars, such as John Rowe and Richard Burger, has convinced most archaeologists that rather than a defensive retreat, Machu Picchu was an estate of the Inca emperor, Pachacuti. In addition, Johan Reinhard presented evidence that the site was selected because of its position relative to sacred landscape features—such as its mountains, which are purported to be in alignment with key astronomical events that would have been important to the Incas.
Although the citadel is located only about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Cusco, the Inca capital, it was never found by the Spanish and consequently not plundered and destroyed, as was the case with many other Inca sites. Over the centuries, the surrounding jungle grew over much of the site, and few knew of its existence. On July 24, 1911, Machu Picchu was brought to the attention of scholars by Hiram Bingham, an American historian employed as a lecturer at Yale University. Bingham was led up to Machu Picchu by a local 11 year old Quechua boy named Pablito Alvarez. Bingham undertook archaeological studies and completed a survey of the area. Bingham coined the name "The Lost City of the Incas", which was the title of his first book.

Bingham had been searching for the city of Vilcapampa, the last Inca refuge and spot of resistance during the Spanish conquest of Peru. In 1911, after years of previous trips and explorations around the zone, he was led to the citadel by Quechuans. These people were living in Machu Picchu, in the original Inca infrastructure. Although most of the original inhabitants had died within a century of the city's construction, a small number of families survived so by the time the site was 'discovered' in 1911, people still were living on the site, and many mummies—mostly of women—were discovered as well. Bingham made several more trips and conducted excavations on the site through 1915, carrying off artifacts. He wrote a number of books and articles about the discovery of Machu Picchu in his lifetime.

Simone Waisbard, a long-time researcher of Cusco, claims that Enrique Palma, Gabino Sánchez, and Agustín Lizárraga left their names engraved on one of the rocks at Machu Picchu on July 14, 1901. This would mean that they 'discovered' it long before Bingham did in 1911. Likewise, in 1904, an engineer named Franklin supposedly spotted the ruins from a distant mountain. He told Thomas Payne, an English Christian missionary living in the region, about the site, Payne's family members claim. They also report that in 1906, Payne and another fellow missionary named Stuart E McNairn (1867–1956) climbed up to the ruins.

The site received significant publicity after the National Geographic Society devoted their entire April 1913 issue to Machu Picchu.

An area of 325.92 square kilometers surrounding Machu Picchu was declared a "Historical Sanctuary" of Peru in 1981. In addition to the ruins, this sanctuary area includes a large portion of adjoining region, rich with flora and fauna.

Machu Picchu was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1983 when it was described as "an absolute masterpiece of architecture and a unique testimony to the Inca civilization".

On July 7, 2007, Machu Picchu was voted as one of New Open World Corporation's New Seven Wonders of the World. The World Monuments Fund placed Machu Picchu on its 2008 Watch List of the 100 Most Endangered Sites in the world because of environmental degradation resulting from the impact of tourism, uncontrolled development in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes that included a poorly sited tram to ease visitor access, and the construction of a bridge across the Vilcanota River that is likely to bring even more tourists to the site in defiance of a court order and government protests against it.

Any vacations in Africa will not be complete without going on a safari to experience the wild animals and the peace and tranquillity of the bushveld.

But there are literally hundreds of national parks and wildlife areas in Africa that you can travel to. And some are definitely better than others when it comes to providing the potential for a great safari holiday.

In my experience, and in the general consensus of the wildlife tour industry and other sources such as the first hand accounts of safari trips in the travel diaries at African Safari Journals, here are the top five safari vacations in Africa:

1. Tanzania - Serengeti

During the annual migration, when the wildebeest and zebra pack up and leave their grazing areas to find fresher ones, the Serengeti is an astonishing place to be.

It's a very good safari vacations in Africa destination at other times of the year too but the migration has been ranked by many as one of the wonders of the natural world.

Hard to beat in the safari stakes.

2. Kenya - Masai Mara

If you want to see the big cats, this wildlife park is hard to beat. Lion, leopard and cheetah abound and they are relatively easy to spot because of the grassland vegetation which means you get unrestricted views for miles around.

Another big plus is the fact that going off-road is allowed as long as you are not making new trails of your own. This is one of the few vacations in Africa parks that still allows this and it is a big advantage because the animals will rarely oblige you and stay next to the major roads.

The only downside here is that because of it's popularity there are a lot of people around so if you want to spend time in isolation with nature this is not the place to go.

3. South Africa - Kruger National Park

For sheer variety of species no other place in Africa can come close to the Kruger Park. And because it is so large (larger than Wales) it has a number of different ecosystems that you can pass through in your search for animals and birds.

It is one of the best managed parks in Africa and the accommodation and infrastructure is superb.

4. Botswana - Selinda Reserve

Seasoned safari travellers rate this reserve in north Botswana extremely highly and they return to it again and again, drawn by the very high concentration of wildlife, high standard of accommodation, service and exclusivity.

5. Zambia - South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa is a diamond in the rough, just waiting for enough exposure to bring it to its rightful place at the crown of vacations in African wildlife destinations.

Ayurveda honeymoon tour packages are the latest craze among young tourists visiting Kerala. Honeymoon with Ayurveda packages receive tourists to a one of a kind travel experience, where they experience abundance and fullness of life.

Welcome to a land where the lifestyle of people is their best defense against diseases, a land so blissfully blessed by nature and a land where you can keep your peace of mind while staying away from mental turbulences, tensions and worries.

Newly weds or people looking to refill their life with youthfulness, and people keeping a youthful charm in their minds can come to Kerala to an Ayurveda honeymoon tour. Ayurvedic packages for honeymoon tour are so unique and new that it is not copied anywhere else.

Ayurveda package honeymoon tours mostly include a stay in a luxurious Ayurvedic cottage or in a luxurious houseboat, where the couple receives Ayurvedic healthy diet, medicated oil massage and directions for a healthy life. Visitors take home golden words of healthy, blissful living. Receive advice on everything from healthy lifestyle, food habits, daily yoga practice, meditation and requirement of keeping minds happy, fresh and lively.

Not many Ayurvedic resorts in Kerala offer specialized Ayurveda honeymoon tour programs. The resorts in Kerala that offer Ayurvedic honeymoon trips provide world class living environment, usually in a calm, serene location. Visitors to Kerala utilizing Ayurvedic honeymoon packages also closely watch preparation of healthy food.

Honeymoon Ayurveda packages also come with plenty of opportunity to explore serene backwaters, hill stations, beaches, cardamom hills, tea plantations, coffee plantations, wildlife, boating, trekking, and fishing among many lively locations and activities.

Ayurveda honeymoon packages are both thrilling experience and is the where you will be more dedicated to your health, happiness and enjoying life meaningfully. Ayurveda honeymoon packages can be rightly called holistic healthy Ayurveda yoga tour programs.

Come to Kerala, the land blessed so abundantly by God with blissful environment, and the science of life called Ayurveda. Come and take away all your heart can take and prepare to return to this land so often

Its the 23rd of April today and for many (in Catalonia particularly) that means either The Day of the Rose or The Day of the Book. Its a bit like St Valentine's Day that is celebrated on the 14th of February around the world. Traditionally, women would give their sweethearts a rose and men would exchange a book. Together, its a bit of a "performance art love poem." But the sentiment behind it was "a rose for love and a book forever." Similar to the way in which most people choose their partner, once the love fades and the rose dies, you'll have the reference book to know what you should be doing to keep on the inside of a relationship.

So it got me thinking about the great love stories that seem to have been forgotten and replaced with internet dating, text messages and best sellers/block busters that moderate our behaviour in order to tie down a mate. He's Just Not That Into You? Says who? Or more to the point, why don't they release a book like "He's into you, but he's using you and thats just how it is?" Oh for the first love again! When books and movies and the internet were titled True Believers (Nicholas Sparks), The Notebook and the internet was used to send sweet emails and google love surprises.

Maybe its not them, maybe its me. So to honour today...I'm going to find a love poem and believe it. I'll forget politics and religion and the corporate ladder and I will believe in an ancient, crazy little thing called love. Oh and books.

Just like relationships, even holidays evolve and in 1995 UNESCO declared the 23rd of April World Book and Copyright Day. So here's a thought, read a book today, a book about love even and kill two lovebirds with one stone. Not a big reader? Well then take yourself on a romantic walk or drive with Tourism Radio. They'll show you the way. Here's to romance...

Shark Bay is testimony to the wonders of the natural world. So significent is its natural beauty that it earned a prestigious World Heritage listing in 1991.

Shark Bay is well known for its beaches, turquoise waters and rust-red sand dunes. It is also renowned for its marine life, in particular the dolphins at Monkey Mia, where these amazing dolphins swim in the shallows of the beach where they come to be fed. Their visits to the beach are extremely reliable with an attendance record of 99.6%.

Four adult females dolphins and their offspring are fed up to 3 times daily (between 8am and 1pm). Be part of this amazing experience and stay at the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort just metres from the beach and spend time exploring what makes Shark Bay so special.

Accommodation choices suit families or couples - self-contained or motel style, from $222 per night (based on Garden Villa 1-3 persons). For more information contact Best Of The Kimberley on Freecall 1800 450 840.

Some might think we are living in the age of enlightenment. Personal growth is at the top of every one's list, its all Dr Phil and Oprah's Live Your Best Life reruns and books by Eckard Tolle. Regardless of your personal opinion, we are without argument living in the age of technology too. High speed Internet and social networks have replaced loneliness with the hope that we are in fact, never alone.

Revenge doesn't seem to fit into either of these categories, its an antiquated notion that we are to forget forgiveness and repay eyes with eyes and teeth with teeth. Optometry and dentistry have never had it so good. So, with the idea of revenge categorised with other acts of pre primary evolution its rare to come across a gem like I found today.

A woman in Malaga was arrested after posting an ad on the net promising sex from her ex boyfriends new girlfriend for free! Too good to be true? Yes, unfortunately. The new girlfriend started getting calls from hopefuls and before you could say "wow, that was nasty" the old girlfriend was caught, arrested and will be charged with something like Defamation of Character. So, she's not smart - this old girlfriend but she probably got a little thrill out of it. Lets hope it was enough to keep her warm at night in a cold, lonely jail cell. Seems that mathematically, this love triangle made the victim look like a square and the perpetrator and her plan decidedly pear shaped.

Here's my advice to anyone listening...don't do that. Maybe the new girlfriend isn't your choice for the man you used to love but here's the thing - if you're capable of that, how nice a girlfriend could you have been to start off with? OK, I'll cut her some slack, no one likes a judger but if you are hell bent on revenge, keep it old school.

That's bad advice I know. So don't take my word for it, tune into Tourism Radio and keep your eyes open for a brand new product coming end April...its going to rock.

One of my favourite things to do is divide my thinking time between serious thought and silly oddities. So the world is broke, politics do not evolve and religion remains rooted in both life and death. Its all very serious, sometimes sad, often shocking but now and then you get a little glimpse of the bizarre whether it be on YouTube or some other workplace distraction.

I have to admit, I have found my own little "bizarre" today and I found it in the news believe it or not. Apparently, a two headed lamb was born in La Rioja. The poor darling has two faces, four eyes, two of which are joined at the center of the head so technically, it could be considered a third eye. Isn't that a strange little bit of irony? On the bright side, his fleece was as white as snow. They don't know how long the little guy will last, he's being bottle fed and there are no plans to operate.

So that was my dose of reality for today. From what I can tell, the more bizarre, the more it starts to look just like the truth. Tune into Tourism Radio, just do it, its got the reality and the oddities you're looking for on your travels.

Collectively, the world is becoming friendlier to the Environment. Perhaps only because now we understand that its not the enemy, or the obstacle to vast amounts of money or even just a strange canvas were we are the focal point. That's right, now we know that Mother Earth owns us. So naturally we've had to look for solutions to try and preserve and restore the earth that we have left.

Interestingly enough, one of the main stressors on the environment is the construction industry. The cement thickens even more because one of the main social problems countries face around the world is sufficient and adequate housing. So this seems to be a game of chess between two very skilled players. Or maybe not. Newspapers have reported a bit of genius to come from a Spanish Architect. He has designed the "Green Box."

The industry has called Luis de Garrido's designs "groundbreaking" and has a myriad of benefits to it. Firstly, it takes only two weeks to assemble from prefabricated materials that integrate perfectly with the natural surroundings. Its also hardly uses any energy or generates any waste and maximises bio climatic design. How? By using geothermals and solar energy. Clever. There's no smoke and mirrors about this design, its the real deal, it works with nature to keep us warm in winter, and cool in summer. And its good for your wallet too...its half the price of a conventional house.

Oh? you don't believe me? Well there's an example of the magic green house being assembled in Barcelona right now a the International Construction Fair, Construmat 2009. The design will also be presented in New York next week where the world can decide if they want one as a house, an office, an apartment or museum. The possibilities are endless and renovations are no problem, the box can be expanded, reduced and changed whenever you want.

I suppose another feather in the cap for architect Luis de Garrido who was named Architect of the Year 2008 by the American Institute of Architects.

Hopefully we'll start seeing a new strain of the Green House effect - only this time it'll be Spanish and it'll be good for us!

Venture onto the famous Gibb River Road for this 2 day exploration of Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Fitzroy River and Geikie Gorge.

In the Napier Range, Geikie Gorge has been carved by nature over 350 million years and the best way to experience this natural wonder is on a 2 hour heritage cruise.

Explore the secret caves of Tunnel Creek and learn of the legendary Jandamarra, an Aboriginal freedom fighter who used the caves as a hideout in the 1880s.

Search for freshwater crocodiles at Windjana Gorge. Travel back to Broome through cattle country and enjoy a sunset over the Kimberley savannah.

Tour from $459 per Adult/twin share/camping option or $595 per Adult/twin share/motel room. Tour departs Broome Thursdays April-October. Call or visit the Best Of The Kimberley 1800 450 850 for details and availability.

So, I was looking for the biggest news stories in Spain today and came across this little gem, published by typicallyspanish.com. Spanish newspapers are doing it for themselves and instead of working from news feeds and all of that - they decided to headline what they really wanted to headline today. Love that. So below is a breakdown of what everyone thought was relevant, newsworthy, immediate and too delicious to not comment on.


Today's PúblicoAll the papers go their own ways today with a host of different front page storiesEl País leads with the headline that Obama has noted light signs of recovery of the economy. The paper reports that Washington has detected improvements in construction and consumer demand. Both Obama and the President of the Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke, have coincided in giving messages of ‘moderate optimism’

El Mundo headlines that the Prime Minister, Zapatero, is turning to the left, and counting on the support of the ERC, Catalan Republicans, IU, left wingers and the BNG, Galican nationalist to keep his minority government in power.The paper says that the laws on abortion and religious freedom have been promised to them this year, and Zapatero has underlined his policies against the crisis are based on ‘solidarity’ and ‘social commitments’.

El País notes that the Basque deputy, Eduardo Madina, has now risen to number two in the PSOE Socialist party in Congress. It comes as Ramón Jäuregui features on the candidate list for the European elections.Público leads with the future of the COPE radio presenter, Jiménez Losantos. The paper headlines ‘The preacher entrenches against the Bishops’. The radio network is owned by the Catholic Bishops in Spain who have finally indicated they want him off the morning slot following his frequent ranting, and several successful slander cases against him. The paper says he said on air yesterday that he is putting the matter in the hands of his lawyers, and is blaming Rajoy, Gallardón, the Crown, and Carndinal Cañizares – ‘who has gone to the Vatican to cry.’Losantos said ‘The Bishops don’t know what they want. Without me COPE will go and fry asparagus. If the owners want to risk the future of 900 families, that will be their decision’.

Ignacio Escolar has a piece in the Público paper today, entitled ‘The squatter in COPE’.El País says that the Government is planning a public television service, almost without advertising. The Prime Minister announced what he called a ‘drastic reduction’ in the amount of advertising.

El Mundo notes that the Basque Regional Police, Los Ertzainas, have complained that there are not enough of them to protect the members of the Basque Government, presided over by the Socialist Patxi López. The paper says he is demanding 1,200 Ertzainas work as bodyguards in the region as security is stepped up.

El Mundo has a large front page photo of the Mayor of Madrid, Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón, shaking hands with Miguel Sebastián, the man who was his opponent in the municipal elections in 2007, and who is now the Minister for Industry. The paper says it has taken just under two years for the two men to return to cordiality.El País notes that the prosecutors’ office wants to question the PP leader in Valencia, Francisco Camps, over his suits, allegedly obtained as part of backhanders for contracts. The paper also notes that the PP National Treasurer, Luis Bárcenas, is still under investigation also as part of the Gürtel case.

El Mundo reports that the leader of the Partido Popular, Mariano Rajoy, is to ask in Congress that the Minister for Defence, Carme Chacón, explain the allegations against the CNI, Spanish security service, and its director Alberto Saiz. It’s alleged he used the infrastructure of the department to go hunting and fishing in Mali, Senegal and Mexico.El País has a front page photo of Hawa Meint Cheik, the mother who has been charged for forcing her 14 year old daughter to marry a 40 year old man. The prosecutor in Cádiz wants her held in prison considering there is a risk of flight, while she has called for ‘respect of her traditions’.The woman who comes from Mauritania faces 17 years in prison.El Mundo continues with its allegations about the Madrid Train Bombings fugitive, Daoud Ouhnane.

The paper says today that he was identified at least two years before the Interior Minister said he was. The paper claims he was recognised in Algeria in 2006, and judge Del Olmo was informed at the time.El Mundo notes that the Government has pardoned the deaf and dumb mother from Jaén who hit her son.And the first gay domestic violence fatality is reported across the press. El Mundo says the man killed his ex husband in Adra, Almería and then committed suicide.In international stories:El Mundo report that the Vatican has vetoed Caroline Kennedy as being the United States ambassador, because of her defence of abortion.El País gives the story prominence also and says that Pope Ratzinger, in an open campaign against abortion worldwide, will not entertain an ambassador known for her progressive position on civil rights.

(ABC pdf not updated today)

There seems to be some controversy about where a statue of General Francisco Franco should be placed. Now for those of you who don't know, General Franco was considered the head of state by British and American leaders. He's also credited for being one of the reasons the army claimed victory during the Spanish Civil War.

The statue in question is of a young Franco, specifically to commemorate his role as Commander of the Legion in 1921 when he led his troops defending Melilla. Currently, the statue is at the entrance Melilla Port where the President of Melilla says it will stay for the time being. President Juan Jose Imbroda wants the Ministry of Defense to find the statue a new home. Whether it be a Military Museum or barracks, either way two things are certain...its not going anywhere until it finds a new location and it has to find a new location.

So here's the question...why does Francisco Franco need to move? Here's the rub...Franco was considered by many, Britain, France and America in particular, as a dictator, one that ruled with brutality and seeped in right wing politics. Now, the Law of Historical Memory that was passed in 2007 recognises and pays respects to those who lost their lives or otherwise during the Civil War. Part of the law also means that no symbols, statues or street names are to pay homage to leaders of the regime. General Franco is one such man that the new law says cannot be honoured. Either way, its got people talking about what really should be set in stone?

The city of Melilla doesn't agree and says that the statue was erected in 1975 for his role in defending the city - not to pledge their allegiance to the dictator. The President of Melilla was quoted as saying that he didn't think the placement of the statue broke the law, in particular the Law of Historical Memory.

And he seems to have a small following, in fact there have been appeals to replace statues that have been removed, sometimes following incorrect procedures. None of those appeals have been granted and divisions and sensitivity about the matter has been highlighted.

The easy way out? I'm not sure, do we ever choose the easy way out? Here's a little insight from Lew Wallace that might clear some things up (or even just put it into a perspective a little) "The monuments of the nations are all protests against nothingness after death; so are statues and inscriptions; so is history."

A place that seems to attract a lot of tourists is Vietnam, which is a country within Southeast Asia. Surrounding it are Laos, Cambodia, and China, which makes this country a wonderful place to visit. The history of this country is remarkable, as it holds a little bit of everything from colonization, war and rebellion. Vietnam travel for seniors is an excellent way to spend that vacation time and there are not many people who have visited Vietnam, that would disagree.

Being a place of such historical events, it is no wonder that people of all ages and cultures love to see Vietnam. But do not forget your visa, as you will not get in unless you have it and you will not leave the country either without that visa, so take extreme care of it. Remember, if planning your Vietnam travel for seniors trip ahead of time, you need around four to seven days to process your new visa. You are able to get one faster by applying for the express visa, but you will end up paying double the price.

Climates And Holidays

The different tourist attractions on the Vietnam travel for seniors trip, will offer a little bit of something for everyone, the climate of Vietnam will do just the same. If you are venturing into the southern portion, the year round weather is pretty stable at a hot and tropical temperature. As you venture on up to the northern parts of Vietnam, you will find that they have four seasons. When your Vietnam travel for seniors trip takes you into the central regions of Vietnam, there is a mixture of the southern and the northern climates and there is also a lot of rain in the summer, instead of the winter months.

Now as far as holidays are concerned, the Vietnamese New Year is by far the biggest holiday celebration. This celebration takes place between late January and March, by following the Chinese Unisolar calendar. During the three days of celebration, many people close up their shops to spend time with family, which means that this may not be the time that you want to plan your Vietnam travel for seniors trip for. If heading to the right location, during the right time of year, you are bound to have an amazing time and learn a lot about their culture.
source:http://seniortravelreviews.com/2009/04/vietnam-is-a-popular-place

We've all seen them. Those videos on YouTube that just make us laugh. Well now it's your turn!

Enter the Tourism Radio Be a DJ competition and you stand the chance to win a $100 Amazon.com gift voucher!

All you have to do is create a video clip between 30 seconds and 1 minute long telling the world why you think you should be a Tourism Radio DJ and upload the video to the Tourism Radio Group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4328053710

Here's the catch though.

We don't want any boring run of the mill videos. Give it to us in the most unique way you can possibly think of!

How will the winners be chosen?

By you and your friends for the most part. Once you've entered your video, invite all of your friends to come and vote for it by either clicking the 'Like' button below it or leaving a comment.

At the end of the competition we'll then take the Top 5 entries as voted by you and the Tourism Radio Judges will pick their favourite.

That favourite will be our Grand Winner.

Terms & Conditions:

The competition will run from 09 April – 11 May 2009.

Entry to the competition is restricted to one entry per person please. Multiple entries will be disqualified and perhaps taken outside to be flogged.

One vote per person please. Multiple votes will not be taken into consideration.

Automated entries, bulk entries or third party entries will be disqualified. Again, flogging may come into play.

The competition is restricted to residents of the planet Earth. If you’re from Mars you’ll just have to wait until we expand that far.

The final winner will be contacted via Facebook and published on the Tourism Radio Group Page.

The judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

The “Be a DJ” prize cannot be exchanged for cash or other material goods. We’re giving you fame here baby!

All entrants must be 18 and older. We hate to put a dampener on teen spirit but sometimes, it has to be done.

Holy Week in Spain is reaching its climax, what with Easter here in a few short days. History is being made, not because of Easter (that happens every year), but because today is historically the busiest day on Spanish roads. Traffic is at its peak, a phenomenon usually blamed on holiday makers but other speculation has pointed to the Easter Bunny himself.

Rumours are that the Easter Bunny has expanded his distribution and chocolate eggs have to be delivered! Carlito and his Chocolate Factory have been working overtime to make sure that Spanish children don't have to hunt too hard to ensure that the recession doesn't steal Easter too.

Golden handshakes, geese eggs and silver spoons aside...it seems that even if you weren't born with it - you can fake it. Also making Spanish news is a 22 year old Italian man (known only as DJ at this stage) has been caught in the business of money laundering. 2.8 million counterfeit euros were found in the man's pocession after police searched his vehicle in Barcelona. Looks like this DJ might, in fact, be putting another record on...criminal record that is.

So now the real question is...with the euro recently taking center stage as the worlds strongest economy, doesn't 2.8 million fake euros mean anything in pounds? Time will tell I suppose but either way, the countdown to Easter is finally here. Celebrations are imminent and for many Christians, this is one of the most holy holidays of the religious year.

So if you're on the road, make sure you have Tourism Radio with you and a secret stash of chocolate in case of emergencies. From all of us at Tourism Radio...be safe on the roads, try the churros and chocolate breakfast and Happy Easter!

(And remember - if a handsome Italian man approaches you telling tales of great wealth...make him show you an ATM receipt before he buys you a drink. )

In this 4 day package, spend time exploring Alice Springs (overnight stay), Kings Canyon guided walk, overnight at Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge, dine around the campfire and tour of Kings Creek cattle station.

Kings Canyon is a huge formation of ancient rocks. Its sheer walls rise 170m from Kings Creek, providing breathtaking views, across the canyon and down into its lush depths.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Central Australia offers visitors a truly unique cultural experience. World Heritage-listed not only for its natural significance, the park is also recognised for its Aboriginal heritage.

Visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, join a guided walk of Mutitjulu waterhole and Mala Walk. Enjoy a glass of wine while watching an Uluru Sunset. Take a guided walk into Walpa (Olga) Gorge.

Tour operates all year. From $1320 per person, twin share/standard. Call 1800 450 850 or visit the Best of the Kimberley for further information about this tour or other Central Australian tour packages.

When you think about it, what is 38 euros to see one of those bands that stand out in your mind, the soundtrack to melancholy, hindsight or just the good ole days? I'd say its both a small fee and a tidy sum to see the Pet Shop Boys live in Barcelona and Madrid in July. Apparently, the boys are in town to promote their new album, "Yes."

If you're like me, you'll head west to see the show. What could be better than reliving their four World Number Ones..."West End Girls," "Always on my Mind" and "Heart" and "Its a Sin." The group has staying power even if you're not dancing like its 1981 anymore. Truth be told, the Pet Shop Boys won a BRIT Award this year for an Outstanding Contribution to Music. That's no small feat. And you know what they say about men with big feat...

Seriously, if you're not burning up the dance floor than surely you're driving? Its part of the Mobility portion of the Life Programme. If you are, hire yourself a day with Tourism Radio, have a listen, take yourself on a tour and then pop the Pet Shop Boys new CD for the drive home.

So you heard it hear first...the Pet Shop Boys in Spain. How much is that doggy in the window you say? 38 euros. You don't know what to say? Say it like the boys and just say "Yes!"

Reports in the weekend papers predict that tourism is suffering in Spain because of the fall of the pound against the euro. The recession seems to be taking on a snowball effect in the UK and its expected to negatively impact British tourism by 25%.

Spain expects to see a half a million tourists less this year in the Costa Blanca area alone. Numbers like that have devastating effects of small tourists towns that rely mostly on a regular influx of tourists.

The exchange rate may vary but one constant remains...people still want to go on holiday. The recession has directed a number of prospective holiday makers to seek out cheaper alternatives and tailor make their holidays to perfectly suit their needs, minus the excess costs.

Hotels are hopeful, airlines are dropping their fares to remain competitive but...competition is tight. Tourism Radio focuses on giving self drive tourists the freedom to travel the way they want to and still experience the country as if their was a local sitting in the car with them telling them about the area they're in and about the landmarks and highlights as their car approaches them. It seems to be the most viable option seeing as though the drive from Britain to Spain is easy and accessible.

One thing is certain...the recession will bring about change. Changes in the way people travel, what destinations are deemed popular and what experiences tourists can now afford. The good news is that with Tourism Radio, a change is still as good as a holiday.

For a change, it wasn't the rain in Spain that stopped the Formulae 1 Grand Prix in its tracks but rather the Malaysian weather. Yesterday's Grand Prix was abandoned after a cloudburst and lightening halted was was set to be a very racy event.

Spaniard Fernando Alonso was happy with the decision to abandon the race. Alonso, coming in 11th was much further back than the third place he earned earlier in the race. He blamed his tyres, and quite frankly I believe him.

My advice to him leading up to the next F1 Grand Prix? Forget the tyres, drive with Tourism Radio. And whats more is that with branches in Spain, Northern Ireland, South Africa, Nambia, Hawaii and New Zealand - there's a lot more driving to be done than the track in Malaysia.

When a person is new to casinos and the world of gambling, he will surely ask the question, “Which is the best casino to gamble at?”. Of course, there will be several answers to this question. But what this person is really asking about is “How will I know that he is inside a good casino?”


Some experienced gambling players will jokingly answer that the best casinos are those that are open twenty-four hours a day seven days a week: A gambler's paradise that will never force them to go home because it is closing time already. But in reality, this is not the main characteristic that serious gambling players look for in a casino.


There are two important things that experienced gambling players look for in a casino. First, they look for the rules of the casino games that they plan to play. Each casino has its own variation of rules. For example, in Blackjack, some casinos allow splitting while others do not.


The second thing that gambling players look for is the house edge. This house edge is that certain percentage that translates to the winning probability of the owners of the casino. This implies that a high house edge means the greater probability for the house to win. A high house edge lets the house win most of the time. Of course, with a high house edge, the players lose most of the time.


With a low house edge, the players will have greater chances of winning. The house does not win all the time. A low house edge means that one of the players can take home the jackpot.


The pro gambler, obviously, will look for casinos that have a low house edge. A low house edge means that the house does not have a great advantage. Thus, casinos that offer moderate jackpot prizes and low house edge are preferred to casinos with staggering grand jackpots but high house edge. The latter group of casinos is just advertising the grand jackpots as baits, but winning these jackpot prizes is next to impossible.


As for online casinos, the same characteristics are demanded: player-friendly rules, and a low house edge. For new online casino players, you may want to check out Gambling Online Magazine, which conducts polls among their readers to find out the best online casino gambling sites. The past winners of the polls of the Gambling Online Magazine included Intercasino, the River Belle Casino, and The Sands.

When a person is new to casinos and the world of gambling, he will surely ask the question, “Which is the best casino to gamble at?”. Of course, there will be several answers to this question. But what this person is really asking about is “How will I know that he is inside a good casino?”


Some experienced gambling players will jokingly answer that the best casinos are those that are open twenty-four hours a day seven days a week: A gambler's paradise that will never force them to go home because it is closing time already. But in reality, this is not the main characteristic that serious gambling players look for in a casino.


There are two important things that experienced gambling players look for in a casino. First, they look for the rules of the casino games that they plan to play. Each casino has its own variation of rules. For example, in Blackjack, some casinos allow splitting while others do not.


The second thing that gambling players look for is the house edge. This house edge is that certain percentage that translates to the winning probability of the owners of the casino. This implies that a high house edge means the greater probability for the house to win. A high house edge lets the house win most of the time. Of course, with a high house edge, the players lose most of the time.


With a low house edge, the players will have greater chances of winning. The house does not win all the time. A low house edge means that one of the players can take home the jackpot.


The pro gambler, obviously, will look for casinos that have a low house edge. A low house edge means that the house does not have a great advantage. Thus, casinos that offer moderate jackpot prizes and low house edge are preferred to casinos with staggering grand jackpots but high house edge. The latter group of casinos is just advertising the grand jackpots as baits, but winning these jackpot prizes is next to impossible.


As for online casinos, the same characteristics are demanded: player-friendly rules, and a low house edge. For new online casino players, you may want to check out Gambling Online Magazine, which conducts polls among their readers to find out the best online casino gambling sites. The past winners of the polls of the Gambling Online Magazine included Intercasino, the River Belle Casino, and The Sands.

This morning I decided to take myself off to Cartagena to indulge in a little 'retail therapy'; basically I wanted to hit some clothes shops, not that I need anything really, I just felt like it. Partly this was a reaction to the craziness and duplicity of the decisions taken at the G20 summit in London yesterday; if these idiots are going to engineer to debauching of our currencies by inflating

Can you take your family out for a day in Sydney and not spend a cent? Pack your lunch and your comfortable shoes and make your way to Circular Quay. From there, the world is your oyster. You won’t believe how much fun you can have without spending money.

1. Circular Quay

Since first European settlement, the Quay has been at the centre of Sydney’s maritime life and its heart of transportation. Circular Quay is situated around Sydney Cove and is the hub of Sydney Harbour. It is a stepping-off point and booking area for most attractions based around the harbour. Every few minutes, ferries leave for destinations on the harbour including Taronga Park Zoo, Manly, Watsons Bay and Mosman.

Along the ferry terminals are a number of small outdoor cafes. It is a busy pedestrian precinct and a magnet for buskers of every description. Follow the walkways to the Opera House and Royal Botanic Gardens to the east or the historic Rocks area and Sydney Harbour Bridge to the west. On the east side of Circular Quay are its many restaurants and stylish boutiques, along with the large Dendy Cinema. On the western side of Circular Quay is the historic Rocks area with a number of quaint shopping arcades and pretty restaurants.

Circular Quay is at the foot of the central business district and the older, historic end of the city. Buses depart here for Bondi and the eastern suburbs.

A 10 minute walk from Circular Quay is Government House . . .

2. Government House

Macquarie Street


Sydney, NSW 2000


t. 02 9931 5222


f. 02 9931 5208

Free guided tours of Government House are conducted every ½ hour from 10:30am-3pm from Friday to Sunday. The grounds are open daily from 10am-4pm. If you are traveling in a group, bookings are advised.

Government House, located in the Domain and overlooking the Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney Opera House, was constructed between 1837 and 1845 and is the most sophisticated example of a Gothic Revival building in New South Wales. Don’t miss the outstanding collection of 19th and 20th century furnishings and decorations in the dining room, drawing room and ballroom. The upstairs rooms have been used as the private quarters for the Governor, Queen Elizabeth and other members of the Royal family and visiting heads of State.

Government House is within the Botanic Gardens . . .

3. The Royal Botanic Gardens

Mrs Macquaries Road


Sydney NSW 2000


t 02 6231 8111

The Royal Botanic gardens is open every day of the year (not including any areas assigned for private or ticketed events). Admission is free.

November-February: 7 am–8 pm


March & October: 7 am–6.30 pm


April & September: 7 am–6 pm


May & August: 7 am–5.30 pm


June & July: 7 am–5 pm

The Royal Botanic Gardens in the domain represent a 30 hectare oasis of “greenspace” in the centre of the city. Just a short walk around the harbour’s edge from the Sydney Opera House, the gardens occupy one of Sydney’s most spectacular positions. It is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful settings you will see anywhere. Enjoy a picnic lunch sitting on the grass, looking over the harbour, smell the roses, listen to the birds, get back to nature and view the outstanding collection of plants from Australia and overseas.

Enjoy a themed self-guided walk at your own pace or take advantage of the free guided walks. There is a free lunchtime tour departing at 1pm from the Palm Grove Centre every Monday-Friday (March to November). There are also free daily guided walks around the Botanic Gardens departing from the Visitor Information area at 10:30am. Enjoy the knowledge offered by the volunteer guides and gain an insight into the history and plants of these magnificent gardens.

While you are in the Domain, don’t miss the Art Gallery of NSW . . .

4. The Art Gallery of NSW

Art Gallery Road


The Domain, Sydney, NSW 2000


t 02 9225 1700


f 02 9221 6226


What’s On? Line 02 9225 1790


Australia-wide toll-free number 1800-NSW-ART (1800 679 278)

The Art Gallery of NSW is open every day from 10am-5pm with late closing every Wednesday – 9pm. Admission is free. (Charges apply to some exhibitions)

The Art Gallery is well over 100 years old and is the leading museum of art in New South Wales. It holds significant collections of Australian, European and Asian art, and presents nearly forty exhibitions annually.

Walk back to Circular Quay and follow your nose until you reach the Rocks . . .

5. The Rocks

Nestled between the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, The Rocks is Sydney’s most historic precinct. It is traditionally the home of the Aboriginal Cadigal people and is the site of the first British settlement in Australia. It was first settled as a penal colony in 1788. Convicts were put to work under the harshest conditions to erect public buildings and homes for government officials and free settlers. Cadmans Cottage is the oldest remaining building in Sydney and is a relic of this era. The Rocks eventually grew from an open-air gaol into a vibrant port community.

Call in to the Sydney Visitor Centre on the corner of Argyle and Playfair Streets and pick up the book “The Rocks Self-Guided Walking Tour” for just $1. The booklet lists 31 historic buildings and points of interest throughout The Rocks and guides you along a fascinating heritage walk. It provides one of the best morning (or afternoon) diversions you will get anywhere. Encounter a maze of narrow streets, laneways and interconnected sandstone cottages and terraces filled with shops, stalls, cafes, pubs and restaurants. Soak up the atmosphere and the tales of the days and characters of bygone eras – tales of shanghai’ed sailors, tough gangs and colourful lives.

There are approximately 33 galleries, museums and art institutions in the Rocks, many with free entry, including the Museum of Contemporary Art.

On weekends there is plenty of free entertainment with outdoor concerts and street theatre and great live bands in many of the pubs. The Rocks Markets are held every Saturday and Sunday at the northern end of George Street and as with any good markets, the enjoyment is as much in the atmosphere as the shopping.

There is a walkway from Cumberland in the Rocks leading to the Sydney Harbour Bridge . . .

6. The Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Australia's most well known and photographed landmarks. The general design for the Sydney Harbour Bridge were prepared by Dr JJC Bradfield after the end of World War 1 and the tender for an arch bridge was accepted. Construction started in 1924 from both sides of the harbour with cable support for the arches. The two arches met in 1930. It took 1400 men eight years to build the bridge at a cost of 4.2 million pounds. When it was opened in 1932, it was the longest single span steel arch bridge in the world. The main span is 503 metres, consisting of 52 800 tonnes of silicon based steel trusses. It is held together by approximately 6 million steel rivets.

Today it carries eight traffic lanes and two railroad lines. There is a pedestrian pathway on the eastern side of the bridge and a cycleway on the western side of the bridge.

Pylon Lookout, on the south side of the bridge, is well worth the small admission fee. Climb 200 steps to the very top of the Pylon, where you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the city of Sydney. Find out how they constructed the world's greatest arch bridge, relive the magic of the opening celebration and all the history or the bridge through three levels of exhibits. The Pylon Lookout is accessible via the Bridge road deck pedestrian pathway.

Can you take your family out for a day in Sydney and not spend a cent? Pack your lunch and your comfortable shoes and make your way to Circular Quay. From there, the world is your oyster. You won’t believe how much fun you can have without spending money.

1. Circular Quay

Since first European settlement, the Quay has been at the centre of Sydney’s maritime life and its heart of transportation. Circular Quay is situated around Sydney Cove and is the hub of Sydney Harbour. It is a stepping-off point and booking area for most attractions based around the harbour. Every few minutes, ferries leave for destinations on the harbour including Taronga Park Zoo, Manly, Watsons Bay and Mosman.

Along the ferry terminals are a number of small outdoor cafes. It is a busy pedestrian precinct and a magnet for buskers of every description. Follow the walkways to the Opera House and Royal Botanic Gardens to the east or the historic Rocks area and Sydney Harbour Bridge to the west. On the east side of Circular Quay are its many restaurants and stylish boutiques, along with the large Dendy Cinema. On the western side of Circular Quay is the historic Rocks area with a number of quaint shopping arcades and pretty restaurants.

Circular Quay is at the foot of the central business district and the older, historic end of the city. Buses depart here for Bondi and the eastern suburbs.

A 10 minute walk from Circular Quay is Government House . . .

2. Government House

Macquarie Street


Sydney, NSW 2000


t. 02 9931 5222


f. 02 9931 5208

Free guided tours of Government House are conducted every ½ hour from 10:30am-3pm from Friday to Sunday. The grounds are open daily from 10am-4pm. If you are traveling in a group, bookings are advised.

Government House, located in the Domain and overlooking the Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney Opera House, was constructed between 1837 and 1845 and is the most sophisticated example of a Gothic Revival building in New South Wales. Don’t miss the outstanding collection of 19th and 20th century furnishings and decorations in the dining room, drawing room and ballroom. The upstairs rooms have been used as the private quarters for the Governor, Queen Elizabeth and other members of the Royal family and visiting heads of State.

Government House is within the Botanic Gardens . . .

3. The Royal Botanic Gardens

Mrs Macquaries Road


Sydney NSW 2000


t 02 6231 8111

The Royal Botanic gardens is open every day of the year (not including any areas assigned for private or ticketed events). Admission is free.

November-February: 7 am–8 pm


March & October: 7 am–6.30 pm


April & September: 7 am–6 pm


May & August: 7 am–5.30 pm


June & July: 7 am–5 pm

The Royal Botanic Gardens in the domain represent a 30 hectare oasis of “greenspace” in the centre of the city. Just a short walk around the harbour’s edge from the Sydney Opera House, the gardens occupy one of Sydney’s most spectacular positions. It is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful settings you will see anywhere. Enjoy a picnic lunch sitting on the grass, looking over the harbour, smell the roses, listen to the birds, get back to nature and view the outstanding collection of plants from Australia and overseas.

Enjoy a themed self-guided walk at your own pace or take advantage of the free guided walks. There is a free lunchtime tour departing at 1pm from the Palm Grove Centre every Monday-Friday (March to November). There are also free daily guided walks around the Botanic Gardens departing from the Visitor Information area at 10:30am. Enjoy the knowledge offered by the volunteer guides and gain an insight into the history and plants of these magnificent gardens.

While you are in the Domain, don’t miss the Art Gallery of NSW . . .

4. The Art Gallery of NSW

Art Gallery Road


The Domain, Sydney, NSW 2000


t 02 9225 1700


f 02 9221 6226


What’s On? Line 02 9225 1790


Australia-wide toll-free number 1800-NSW-ART (1800 679 278)

The Art Gallery of NSW is open every day from 10am-5pm with late closing every Wednesday – 9pm. Admission is free. (Charges apply to some exhibitions)

The Art Gallery is well over 100 years old and is the leading museum of art in New South Wales. It holds significant collections of Australian, European and Asian art, and presents nearly forty exhibitions annually.

Walk back to Circular Quay and follow your nose until you reach the Rocks . . .

5. The Rocks

Nestled between the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, The Rocks is Sydney’s most historic precinct. It is traditionally the home of the Aboriginal Cadigal people and is the site of the first British settlement in Australia. It was first settled as a penal colony in 1788. Convicts were put to work under the harshest conditions to erect public buildings and homes for government officials and free settlers. Cadmans Cottage is the oldest remaining building in Sydney and is a relic of this era. The Rocks eventually grew from an open-air gaol into a vibrant port community.

Call in to the Sydney Visitor Centre on the corner of Argyle and Playfair Streets and pick up the book “The Rocks Self-Guided Walking Tour” for just $1. The booklet lists 31 historic buildings and points of interest throughout The Rocks and guides you along a fascinating heritage walk. It provides one of the best morning (or afternoon) diversions you will get anywhere. Encounter a maze of narrow streets, laneways and interconnected sandstone cottages and terraces filled with shops, stalls, cafes, pubs and restaurants. Soak up the atmosphere and the tales of the days and characters of bygone eras – tales of shanghai’ed sailors, tough gangs and colourful lives.

There are approximately 33 galleries, museums and art institutions in the Rocks, many with free entry, including the Museum of Contemporary Art.

On weekends there is plenty of free entertainment with outdoor concerts and street theatre and great live bands in many of the pubs. The Rocks Markets are held every Saturday and Sunday at the northern end of George Street and as with any good markets, the enjoyment is as much in the atmosphere as the shopping.

There is a walkway from Cumberland in the Rocks leading to the Sydney Harbour Bridge . . .

6. The Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Australia's most well known and photographed landmarks. The general design for the Sydney Harbour Bridge were prepared by Dr JJC Bradfield after the end of World War 1 and the tender for an arch bridge was accepted. Construction started in 1924 from both sides of the harbour with cable support for the arches. The two arches met in 1930. It took 1400 men eight years to build the bridge at a cost of 4.2 million pounds. When it was opened in 1932, it was the longest single span steel arch bridge in the world. The main span is 503 metres, consisting of 52 800 tonnes of silicon based steel trusses. It is held together by approximately 6 million steel rivets.

Today it carries eight traffic lanes and two railroad lines. There is a pedestrian pathway on the eastern side of the bridge and a cycleway on the western side of the bridge.

Pylon Lookout, on the south side of the bridge, is well worth the small admission fee. Climb 200 steps to the very top of the Pylon, where you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the city of Sydney. Find out how they constructed the world's greatest arch bridge, relive the magic of the opening celebration and all the history or the bridge through three levels of exhibits. The Pylon Lookout is accessible via the Bridge road deck pedestrian pathway.