BEAUTIFUL PLACES ON EARTH

Izmir - A Landmark By Itself

2010-05-20T20:52:00.003+08:00

Located along the coastline of the Aegean Sea, Izmir is Turkey’s third most populated city with close to 3.5 million residents. The majority of the population are of Turkish decent, yet there are a large number of foreign residents attracted to the climate, lifestyle and highly developed infrastructure.

Izmir has been a popular destination for many years, with a long history dating back to settlements in the 3rd century BC. Throughout the history of Izmir,
the city has attracted Italian, English, Dutch and French merchants as the port area acted as an important trade centre, especially during the 17th century. Izmir’s long multicultural history is also evident in the local cuisine, creating a fusion of influencing flavours.

The ideal position of the city’s port has continued activity to become the country’s second largest, following Istanbul. The Izmir port also contains a Free Zone that was established in 1990 as a joint venture with the US. US influences in the local area also extend to the city being one of the locations of a US Space Camp.

Developing from a predominantly merchant trade, agriculture and fishing area, Izmir has become one of Turkey’s most dynamic cities of educated professionals with an enviable lifestyle. The desirable Mediterranean climate has assisted with the city’s appeal, with mild winters and long summers averaging around 30C.

The preferable climate has created an ideal environment for a healthy outdoor lifestyle, with an extensive variety of cultural events scheduled throughout the year. Open air theatres, exhibitions, arts centres, concerts and festivals enable a varied range of options to entertain locals and visitors. Other options such as amusement parks, an open-air zoo and bird sanctuary appeal to all ages.

The attraction of living in Izmir is further enhanced by the excellent network of transportation connecting the city to the rest of Turkey and several major cities throughout Europe. The international airport has been upgraded to cope with the growing demand, and construction is underway to connect it with the local subway system.

Modern, rapid train services run regularly along the coastal areas connecting Izmir to Istanbul, along with buses. A large coach terminal has recently been completed on the outskirts of the city, creating additional transport options. The extensive and modern transport services in Izmir connect all of the city’s ten metropolitan districts, creating an ideal location for permanent living as well as an attractive holiday destination.

Few landmarks of Izmir’s past remain following the past conquests and re-constructions, along with the modern growth and expansion of the city. Previously existing as a walled city with three castles and a traditional bazaar area, these days only part of the city walls remain and one of the castles.

Standing in the surrounding hills, the one remaining castle of Izmir’s past acts as a prominent landmark of the city. Another famous landmark or more recent construction is the tall marble clock tower positioned on the edge of the harbour.

One of the more dramatic changes to the face of Izmir city in recent times was the result of a law passed in the mid 60s. Designed to replace the single story buildings of the city to larger 8 story apartment blocks for the rental benefit of landlords and building contractors, the local landscape changed dramatically.

The instant increase in capacity of residents converted the agricultural and fishing town into the city it has become today. Currently housing 6 universities and a variety of schools renowned throughout the country, Izmir combines the perfect blend of educated professionalism with a coastal resort relaxation.

St Petersburg - The Saint City

2010-05-20T07:49:00.000+08:00

It seems that everything in St Petersburg accentuates its poetic heritage when you look at the net of waterways with bridges. No wonder that in such atmosphere the city spawned many talented people who enriched the cultural life of the place. But any interesting phenomenon is many-sided and St Petersburg is not exclusion. Picturesque sights in addition to white nights and architectural splendor of the city have

experienced the powerful inflow of quite different culture: unofficial one. With right approach every person has a chance to get the full idea what is going on in cultural life of St Petersburg and choose non-standard travel routes.

Here are some spots which can be of interest to any inquisitive traveler who wants to get the complete picture of the city and its contemporary subculture.

The quintessence of underground culture found its place in St Petersburg when in the beginning of the last century creative literary personalities gathered in the café "The Stray Dog" (or "Brodyachaya Sobaka"). They felt rejected (as stray dogs) after they tried to introduce new rules to literary traditions. This place still offers shelter for artists, writers and poets who need support and encouragement.

This way it became a destination point for all those artistic personalities who feel astray in their activities. Located in the basement it fully conveys its underground spirit. Just like a century ago, when Anna Akhmatova, Nikolai Gumilev, Vladimir Mayakovsky used to come there, artistic groundbreakers can spend time in it and get rid of despair if something goes wrong. This artistic atmosphere works miracles. The readings still take place there, music is performed and acts are played.

One of the most remarkable spots of non-official cultural life in St Petersburg is the art-center "Pushkin Street 10". This is a squat, occupied by musicians and artists. The goal of independent centre they followed was accepted by many creative people and now it comprises a range of concert venues, art galleries, museums and clubs. This is a very popular place which is criticized for being crowdy, but this only proves the interest to non-official culture.

Just the same way alternative music is played in multiple clubs of St Petersburg. Russian rock is a unique phenomenon which has arisen as a protest against lack of freedom in the Soviet Union. It was rather risky at that time.

But this life-threatening risk was highly evaluated by the audience and groups, which ventured to express themselves at that time, entered the history of music. Rock culture flourished especially in St Petersburg and it gave boost to its development throughout the country. Grebenschikov, Tsoi, Shevchuk learned people not to copy the compositions of Western talented musicians but create Russian original music culture.

Rock club in 13 Rubinstein street was the first place which united people who believed in future of Russian rock. The club does not exist at that place any more, but there are plenty of clubs with alternative music. Experimental Sound Gallery, Griboyedov Club and other places are the most loved places, playing alternative music now.

All this adds some charm to this city, which is not seen at first glance. When one follows traditional routes, he will never see such places. But this side will by no means disappoint the traveler. Such unofficial spots will bring additional charm to the image of the city. Such places are not found in traditional guides but some agencies that offer private tours and accommodation are ready to assist in it.

They do not only offer luxurious apartments for rent in the center of the city, but organize individual tours during which it is possible to see unpolished city life. The one who prefers everything authentic and real will highly appreciate that chance.

Find out more exotic places in Malaysia and around the world from the friendly travel consultants at Tamimi Travel & Tours. It is also advisable to check and pre-book affordable accommodation to avoid disappointment.

Radius International Hotel - Tailored For Middle Market Travelers

2010-05-20T07:12:00.002+08:00

Radius International Hotel, a 3 star hotel is an International standard mid market hotel designed to provide today's travelers with comfortable accommodation, served by an extensive network of roads and public infrastructure, affording ease of accessibility for both business and pleasure. Radius Internation is ideal for its close proximity to the hip and happening Bintang Walk, which is within walking distance of the hotel. Bintang Walk or Bukit Bintang area is famous of its many shopping malls, eating outlets - Alor Street and entertainment spots.

It is also within 1km from many world-renowned tourist attractions such as Petronas Twin Towers, The Kuala Lumpur Tower, Merdeka Square, Chinatown and the famous Handicraft Centre at Central Market, all within easy reach. A truly Malaysian place to stay for both business and leisure travelers.

Easy access and within distance of less than 10 minutes to the business and financial district of Jalan Ampang, Jalan Sultan Ismail & Jalan Raja Chulan. Corporate buildings around such as ING, HSBC, Standard Chartered, MAS office which is within 5 minutes away.

Located centrally in Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle, Radius International Hotel Kuala Lumpur is just a short stroll away from the towering spires of the Petronas Twin Tower and top class shopping, the Suria KLCC. There are good roads and public infrastructure allowing easy access for both business and pleasure trips.

From Kuala Lumpur International Airport, it is 75 kilometres away and approximately 75 minutes by car. Follow the highway sign board of Kuala Lumpur city till reaching the end of highway with toll booth. Aftert paying at the toll, continue head down toward the city, and look for entry to Jalan Bukit Bintang. From here, keep right and turn to Tengkat Tong Shin road and the hotel is right at the end left of the junction.

Car parking:

Free parking for in house guest. Parking available at Level 2,3.4.

Child Policy:

No pets allowed. Children under the age of 12 stay free in parent room on existing bedding.

Hotel facilities:

· Banquet Facilities

· Bar / Lounge

· Business Centre

· Cafe

· Concierge

· Conference Facilities

· Currency Exchange Services

· Faxing Facilities

· Gift Shop

· Internet Access - High Speed

· Internet Access - Wireless

· Laundry Services

· Lift / Elevator

· Lobby

· Non-Smoking Rooms

· Parking Facilities

· Reception

· Restaurant

· Room Service

· Safe Deposit Box

· Sauna

· Secretarial Services

· Spa / Wellness Centre

· Steam Room

· Swimming Pool - Outdoor

· Tour Desk

Copenhagen - A Place You Must Visit

2010-05-19T18:48:00.002+08:00

Denmark is considered to be one of the world’s happiest countries, and Copenhagen, its capital is the best place to visit to experience the culture of the region. Here are 10 reasons why you must make a trip to Copenhagen.

1. Safety - Copenhagen is reputed to be one of the safest and cleanest cities in Europe. When you visit this city, you can be assured of a safe trip in a region with a low crime statistic.

2. City Centre- Copenhagen’s city centre is a perfect blend of the old and the new and is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Tourists will find many 17th and 18th century buildings existing alongside modern complexes, providing the region with a unique architectural atmosphere. The city centre is also the perfect place to have a meal, as it boasts many bakeries and cafes.

3. Tivoli Gardens – The Tivoli Gardens are one of the most famous tourist attractions in Copenhagen. The park is over 160 years old and is an icon of the city; it was also the inspiration place of many modern thinkers, including Walt Disney and Hans Christian Andersen.

4. Historical Past - The city of Copenhagen is steeped in history; having been the capital of Denmark since 1417, almost 300 years after it was founded, the city has many monuments and structures that bear witness to its long and rich past.

5. Mild Climate- Despite its northern location, Copenhagen enjoys a relatively mild climate, with the best weather occurring between April and September. Although February is the coldest month of the year, the weather is not as harsh as it is in other places across Europe.

6. Shopping - Copenhagen is world renowned shopping destination and Stroget, which is the city’s main shopping area, is the longest pedestrian shopping street in the continent. The city also boasts a number of department stores, boutiques and flagship stores.

7. Nightlife - Copenhagen’s nightlife has something to offer every one, whether they appreciate the theatre, concerts and plays or would prefer to go dancing in one of the city’s scintillating and sophisticated nightclubs.

8. Cuisine - Denmark has its own unique cuisine and is famous for its desserts and pastries and Copenhagen has an extensive array of eateries for both the budget traveller and the luxury tourist.

9. The Canals - The city is surrounded by water, and there are numerous canals that run through Copenhagen.

10. Public Transport - The city of Copenhagen has one of the best public transport systems in the world and tourists will be able to catch a bus, boat or train, to get to any destination in the city with ease.

Redang Island - Wonderland Under The Sea

2010-05-16T18:42:00.000+08:00

Located 45 kilometers off from Kuala Terengganu’s coast, Redang Island (Pulau Redang) is a beautiful island that has becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. Not only is the island the largest belonging to Terengganu, its contrasting white sands, green jungles, and blue waters creates a paradise that few visitors ever forget.

Because Pulau Redang is an island, one of its biggest draws is definitely the beaches. The island boasts two amazing beaches: the Pasir Panjang (known to tourists as the Long Beach) and Teluk Dalam Kecil. The former can be found on the eastern coast of the island; the latter is around a cove in the northeastern portion of Redang near the Berjaya Redang Beach Resort. This resort is a five-star hotel and is one of the most popular accommodations for travelers. Shuttles from the resort to the airport are available. Other than that resort, you can also choose Laguna Redang Island Resort to stay when in your vacation here. The Long Beach earns its name honestly thanks to its 800 meter length. Many resorts can also be found along these white sands and offer a beautiful view of the water: Redang Pelangi Resort & Redang Reef Resort.

Thanks to the Fisheries Act of 1985, the island and the other nine islands which make up this archipelago have been designated a marine park. For this reason, Redang offers visitors rare opportunities to see and interact with marine life in ways not usually available.

For example, you can see coral reefs and see black-tip sharks, hawksbill turtles, and giant clams on your excursions. You can even hand feed the fish if you choose to go snorkeling in the beautiful waters. Scuba diving is another great way to check out the marine life so diving boats are almost constantly journeying into the waters between the islands.

If you do decide to scuba dive, you’ll find more than marine life under the waves. You can also catch a glimpse of two famous shipwrecks dating back to World War II. Both the HMS Prince of Wales and the HMS Repulse were sunk by the Japanese off the coast and now divers can take a look at the underwater wreckage firsthand.

You can reach the Redang Island by airplane or by boat. Many visitors choose to fly directly to the island. An airstrip has been built on the island and is serviced by airplanes from Kuala Lumpur and from Singapore daily.

Another option is to arrive by boat after flying into Kuala Terengganu. The trip takes a little longer but prices are more affordable. Ferries and jet boats are available from Merang, the main jetty located 30 kilometers to the north of Kuala Terengganu. You can also take a ferry from Shahbandar Jetty between March and October. No matter how you reach the beauty of Redang Island, you probably won’t want to leave any time soon.

Istanbul - Experience The Traces Of Byzantium And Ottoman Life

2010-05-15T14:17:00.000+08:00

Christened as the world's hippest town and the City of the World's Desire, Istanbul is a spot having a wealth of Ottoman mosques and ancient buildings, galleries, restaurants, pubs, and clubs. It is a city of energy and development that has come a very long way from a feeling of despair.

The primary attraction and center for Byzantium life and Ottoman life in the past was the Hippodrome. Political dramas and chariot races took place here where the Byzantine emperor could've lost his throne from a riot that stemmed coming from these chariot races. For the
passionate shopper, the center will certainly be the Grand Bazaar. It is geographically the centre of Istanbul and has also been the business center for many centuries. It has more than four thousand stores and lanes upon lanes of dining establishments, workshops and mosques to see. An additional shopper's Mecca is the Kapali Carsi where traders are selling nearly anything from spices to carpets is plentiful.

One of several cities' distinctive landmarks is the Aqueduct of Valens. It's a limestone structure which rises over the active lanes of the Ataturk Bulvari. While on the topic of constructions, fantastic attractions to visit when in Istanbul are the Aya Sofia, the Galata Bridge, the Galata Tower, and the Mihrimah Sultan Camii among others. Often known as the Hagia Sofia in Greek, the Aya Sofia is essentially the most popular monument in Istanbul. It had been built on the site of Byzantinum's acropolis by Emperor Justinian. The view from the Galata Bridge and the Galata Tower is a sight to check out especially at sunset. The tower was created in 1348 and it is the tallest structure in Beyoglu.

The Mihrimah Sultan Camii is one of the numerous mosques that Istanbul has. In honor of the Magnificent's favorite daughter, this was created by Suleyman in 1560. It is well known for the stained-glass windows and big interior area. To be able to get educated about the background of Istanbul, one simply has to choose from the countless historic sites it is gifted with. There is the ruin of Anadolu Kavagi Kalesi that's a ancient castle constructed by the Byzantines which had 8 towers on its walls. A tour of the Dolmabahce Selamlik or the Topkapi Palace unwraps a world of insight on Istanbul.

The temperature is perfect and it is the ideal time to visit to Istanbul during the months of April to May (spring) and September to October (autumn). At this time, the skies are clear and the temperatures are milder compared to summer and winter time. The majority of the art festivals and music occasions happen in spring and autumn and the Formula 1 Grand Prix occurs in June. From July to August while the days are extremely hot, lots of Istanbul's head to the west and south and some businesses close during this particular time.

Modes of transportation in Istanbul are ferries, sea buses, trams, metros, metro buses, buses and taxis. The most popular way to travel in Istanbul is by ferry and boat too. All you need to travel around is a smart ticket which is a chip which you can buy credit for some Turkish liras.

Mesilau Nature Park - Discovery Of Flora & Fauna

2010-05-14T17:46:00.001+08:00

For a unique National Park Vacation in Borneo, you must make sure that you drop by at Mesilau Nature Park near Kundasang town, about 108 km or about 2.5-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, Malaysia Borneo. Mesilau Nature Park is located within the Kinabalu National Park area on the Pinosok

Plateau near Kundasang town. It is about 30 minutes by road away from Kinabalu National Park (about 108km from Kota Kinabalu). The stretch of the road from Kundasang to Mesilau Nature Park, which is about 2,000 metres above sea level, is extremely steep and winding but the road condition has improved immensely in recent times that the ride will be a breeze.

On the way, you will surely be captivated by the spectacular views of the Kundasang valley with terraced hill slopes planted with highlands vegetables, and parts of the scenic beauty of the Kundasang Mt. Kinabalu Golf Course, a challenging 18-hole golf course for avid golfers, undeniably, the highest golf course in South East Asia.

But once you get to Mesilau Nature Park, you will notice that the place is more natural and "virgin" than the now "commercialized" Kinabalu National Park. As the Park lies at the base of Mount Kinabalu, the mountain will look even more spectacular with a sheer wall of granite towering a few thousand meters from the virgin forest floor and ending in jagged peaks. This is the so-called breathtaking Mesilau Pinnacles.

Mesilau Nature Park is the starting point for the alternative and more challenging route up Mount Kinabalu. Trek the route up to a kilometres or two even if you are not planning to climb Mount Kinabalu. Since the Mesilau Summit Trail is relatively newer and less crowded than the old summit trail, your chance of encountering (tamed) wildlife is also brighter. One prominent feature of the route is the seemingly abundance of orchids (Rhododendrons) and pitcher plants.

But to experience the best of what Mesilau can offer, you will need to spend a night or two at the eco-friendly Mesilau Nature Resort, which is nestled amongst the trees at the foot of the mountain within the Park. The Resort itself is amazing since it was carefully planned and built to blend into its natural surrounding. The chalets are on slopes surrounded by trees with the full view of the Mesilau River flowing below. And for food, the Kedamaian Restaurant is famous for its piping hot steamboat, and barbecue dinners if you are staying overnight.

Mesilau will enchant you with its cool temperate climate (temperatures vary around 17-21 degree Celcius during the day and 10-15 degree Celcius at night) and serene surroundings as a truly amazing nature’s paradise. The world’s largest pitcher plant, the “Nepenthes Rajah”, is recorded to grow in abundance here. A guided nature walk around the Park is recommended and will leave you with lasting "natural" memories.

Mesilau Nature Park and its Resort is an ideal venue for relaxation or retreat. The bio-diversity of the flora and fauna found here makes Mesilau a haven for naturalists. It is one of the best location for a memorable National Park Vacation.

Cape Town - Historical Town

2010-05-14T10:16:00.000+08:00

As South Africa's oldest city, Cape Town features a host of beautiful old buildings, some of which have been in existence for hundreds of years. The architectural impact of city's early colonisers - the French, Dutch and British - is strongly felt throughout the city, as is the influence of the Malay people who were brought to the Cape as slaves.

Many of these historic buildings are still in use today, most of them serving as museums, monuments and galleries. They showcase Cape Town's intriguing and oft-chequered past, serving as fascinating relics of bygone eras. Some even still exist as homes, such as in the Bo-Kaap area, which has been the chief enclave of many Malay people since they were brought to the Cape by the Europeans.

Start your journey through the annals of Cape Town's history in the vibrant suburb of Bo-Kaap. This is city's oldest suburb, and certainly its most colourful. Then visit some of the Cape's most famous monuments, including castles, churches, dungeons and prisons, as well as the eclectic Long Street - one of Cape Town's oldest streets, yet still one of its hippest.

From Bo-Kaap to Betram House: Cape Town's most historic buildings Bo-Kaap, set against the slopes of Signal Hill, is home to a collection of tightly-packed cluster homes, brightly coloured and often featuring original Dutch and British architecture of the 1700s. The oldest building in the suburb is located at 71 Wale Street. This, today, is the Bo-Kaap Museum, and has been restored to reflect an authentic 19th century Muslim home: During apartheid, Bo-Kaap was classified as a Muslim region, and the suburb is still a primarily Muslim community.

From Bo-Kaap, travel into the centre of town - just a few minutes' walk from the cobbled streets of the old suburb - to discover a wealth of historic architecture. Most notable is the Castle of Good Hope, which was originally built under the auspices of Jan van Riebeeck during the latter 17th century, when the first settlers arrived in the Cape.

According to historians, construction on the castle - which was in fact a defensive fort - began just days after the Dutch settlers arrived in the Cape. Celebrated among sailors as the "Tavern of the Seas", it served as a replenishment station for the Dutch East India Company, as well as a fort to protect the company's lucrative advantage along the spice route. It's an awe-inspiring structure that, in the early years, housed governors and dignitaries, served as a centre for the military and a place of incarceration for prisoners.

Today, the Castle remains a centre for the military, but its eerie dungeons contain only shadows, and its majestic wings, the impressive William Fehr art collection. It's a monument that is at once fascinating and chilling, and it’s well worth a visit.

The centre of town is also the site of South Africa's oldest church, Groote Kerk, located within walking distance of the Castle of Good Hope. Taking pride of place in Adderley Street, this impressive cathedral was constructed in the 1800s, and more than 200 people - including several governors - are buried beneath its soapstone floors. The architecture is impressive, as is the church organ which, with almost 6,000 pipes, is the biggest in the southern hemisphere.

The Old Town House, built in the Dutch-Rococo style of the 18th century, is situated near to Groote Kerk, in the historic Greenmarket Square. The Old Town House originally served as the city hall, and today houses a world-class collection of Nederlandish art, as well as temporary exhibitions which are of interest to locals and visitors alike. The historic building, which was donated by Sir Max Michaelis in 1914, also features a beautiful tea garden, which is best enjoyed during the summer months.

Apart from these historic buildings, Cape Town's city centre features many other old buildings that reflect the diverse influences of Cape culture and architecture. Traverse vibrant Long Street to discover Victorian buildings of the 19th century, beautifully restored and housing antique shops, clothing boutiques, book shops, pavements cafes and backpackers' lodges. Also be sure to visit the museums and galleries located in the city's "museum mile", alongside the magnificent Company Gardens in Adderley Street.

Find out more exotic places in Malaysia and around the world from the friendly travel consultants at Tamimi Travel & Tours. Its also advisable to check and pre-book affordable accommodation to avoid disappointment.

Symbaoe - Beautiful Natures' Sculpture

2010-05-12T15:32:00.000+08:00

South-east of Masvingo, on an open wooded plain surrounded by hills, the ruined city of Great Zimbabwe tells of the mysterious historical presence of an advanced and ancient African civilisation. Known around the 16th century as Symbaoe (signifying "court"), the walled city was the centre of the Monomatapa empire, whose influence extended over much of southern Africa. The huge
Monomatapa empire included the present-day states of Zimbabwe (whose name originated from the city's modern name) and Mozambique.

The city consists of three archaeologically distinct groups of structures; the Hill Complex (or the Acropolis), the Valley Complex and the Great Enclosure. The walls in all three groups were constructed using dry-stone techniques, the granite stones having to be carefully shaped so as to fit together precisely.

Significant portions of Great Zimbabwe's structures, including impressively tall towers and walls, remain standing to this day. Great Zimbabwe itself covers nearly 18km2 and may have housed as many as 18 000 inhabitants at its peak.

Considerable and unresolved debate has ensued over the causes of Great Zimbabwe's arising, the ethnicity of its builders and inhabitants, and its subsequent abandonment and ruin. The civilisation's architecture was extremely advanced for its time, especially by comparison with contemporary neighbouring civilisations, and the city was probably central to the gold trade in the region.

It may have been abandoned when the gold trade was no longer lucrative, or destroyed in conquest. A World Heritage Site since 1986, the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe make a fascinating visit for anyone with half an interest in history. Do a bit of reading about it beforehand, though; the more you know, the more wonder and fascination you'll experience from a visit to this mysterious ruined city.

Along the boundary of Zambia and Zimbabwe, midway along its course to the Indian Ocean, the mighty Zambezi River falls 128 sheer metres to create the largest curtain of falling water on Earth. A full mile wide, the Victoria Falls are among the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, falling as they do into a jagging, slot-like ravine that allows you to view them face-on from the opposite bank.

The waterfall is called Mosi oa Tunya (the smoke that thunders) by the locals. Its spray is visible from 30km away, and you'll hear the thrilling and awe-inspiring rumble of the waterfall long before you reach the falls themselves.

In the rainy season (April and May) the Zambezi flows at a rate of up to 9 100m3/s. The Victoria Falls are an unbroken cascade of water, and the bottom of the ravine is obscured by a thick haze of spray and mist that's decorated by rainbows in the sunlight. At the height of the dry season just a few cataracts remain and you can see to the bottom of the jagged gorge. The Khoi people called the Cape Peninsula's flat-topped mountain Hoerikiwaggo - the mountain in the sea.

Victoria Falls offers many expeditions focused around the incredible natural wonder. You can don a raincoat for the spray and explore the waterfall's lush and beautiful surrounds, or you can take a canoe trip on the river upstream from the falls, a relatively placid expanse of water, home to hippopotami and crocodiles.

For the more adventurous, the Victoria Falls bungee jump was until recently the highest commercial jump in the world (the Bloukrans in South Africa is the current title-holder). Alternatively, you can fly a microlight over the falls, or go white-water rafting in the Batoka Gorge below the falls, braving the most thrilling commercially runnable rapids in the world.

Table Mountain

The Khoi people, who were the Cape Peninsula’s original inhabitants, called its flat-topped mountain Hoerikiwaggo - the mountain in the sea. Table Mountain is now the main attraction of the beautiful city of Cape Town, and the most famous icon (perhaps alongside Nelson Mandela) of South Africa worldwide.

Much more complex in shape than the famous front-on view implies, the mountain is actually part of a range that twists and buckles down the Cape Peninsula toward the dramatic Cape Point Nature Reserve. Numerous walks and trails crisscross the sides and top of the mountain, and a cable-car provides an easy ascent to the top, where the view of the peninsula and the city bowl is spectacular.

Table Mountain is rich in the unique vegetation of fynbos (literally fine bush), of which it has a staggering diversity. As many as 1 470 species can be found on the mountain, many of which are of the famous protea genus.

The mountain's most prevalent animals are rock hyraxes, or dassies, which look like bunny-sized brown guinea pigs and are, amazingly, closely related to the African elephant.

Gabala - Ancient City With Beautiful View

2010-05-10T20:42:00.000+08:00

It's not everyday that one stumbles upon a long-lost ancient city. Yet in 1959, an archeologist from Azerbaijan, S.M. Gaziyev, discovered the 2,500-year-old city of Gabala nestled in the mountains near the southern border. The city is located about 220 kilometers northwest from Baku, about a three hours' drive away. Gaziyev
determined that this site was the ancient regional capital that had been invaded again and again by military leaders such as Pompey (1st century), Tamurlane (14th century) and Nader Shah (18th century).

Today, you don't have to be an archeologist to visit the ruins of ancient Gabala. Pay a visit to the ancient city as well as to the History Museum in modern-day Gabala, and you'll get a good idea of what life was like in Azerbaijan during the 4th century B.C.

The remnants of ancient Gabala are found between Garachay (Black River) and Gochalanchay (Sheep-Taking River). The fortress walls were built with stone and brick, and are still visible. The town had two gates, on the northern and southern ends. It also had a curious kilometer-long earthen barrier and a large pit.

When Gaziyev's expedition unearthed the "craftsmen quarter" of ancient Gabala, they found huge pottery ovens, hearths, pottery, construction materials, large basins, water pipes and precious metals. They also found glassware and seals from Greece, Egypt, Syria, India and Rome, showing that Gabala was linked commercially with other parts of the world.

Another significant find was a treasury dating back to the 3rd century AD. Some of the silver coins found there have Alexander the Great's profile but most coins date to the Sasanid period and bear the name of Bahram Shah the 2nd (276-293).

The expedition also uncovered the remnant of a pir (religious place) which over the centuries had been used for Christian, pagan and Muslim worship. Nearby graves and catacombs show that in various periods the population practiced paganism, fire-worshipping, Christianity and Islam. This finding fits Gabala's profile as a multicultural city. As the ancient capital of Albania (not related to the European country of the same name), it was the home for people from many different tribes and nations, and therefore different religions.

From the top of the Kohmurad Mountain nearby, you'll have a vantage point to survey snowy Caucasian mountains and the roads that lead to Gabala from various directions. Other natural sights in the region include woods, orchards, mountain springs and canyons.

Kohmurad and the surrounding hills were once used as lookouts. If the city was in danger of being invaded, the person stationed at the lookout warned the population by sending up smoke if it was daytime or building a large fire if it was nighttime.

The modern town now known as Gabala (formerly called Gutgashen) took ancient Gabala's place as the regional center much later. Today most of the archeological findings from the ancient city are preserved in the History Museum in modern Gabala. Some of the artifacts are displayed at special exhibitions.

If you have extra time after visiting these sites, stop by the home museum of Ismayil bey Gutgashinlin, an 18th century Azeri writer. Another local landmark is a large Russian radar station that, oddly enough, still operates. This huge complex can be seen from the road quite a distance away. In the past, it was part of the Soviet Union's southern defense system.

Abel Tasman National Park - The Untouched Mother Nature

2010-05-09T15:56:00.001+08:00

Hiking, or ‘tramping’, is a popular activity in New Zealand. Beautiful beaches, snow capped peaks, and clear blue streams all can be found inside the country’s national park system. The Abel Tasman National Park, located on the remote northwest corner of the south island, is often missed by tourists. Private experience of walking the 32 mile (51km) coastal trail and seeing hardly anyone
except Mother Nature herself is indeed an amazing experience.

It should be noted that the coastal trail, while well-maintained, offers little in the way of facilities or mobile phone coverage. Walkers should be prepared with food and drink, proper footwear, cold/wet weather gear, and first aid supplies. You must also carry a map and research coastal tides prior to departure in order to complete the length of the route safely. Toward the north, which is the most common and easiest to link in with public transport; there are other combinations you might find more suitable.

Department of Conservation huts are the only accommodation available in most parts of the park; they must be booked well in advance, especially in summer, and they are minimally appointed so be sure to pack appropriately. They have showers and toilets but no hot water. The huts do have kitchens but without any gas/electric, cutlery, pans, or other necessities – you will need to bring it all with you. Sleeping arrangements are bunk beds; take a sleeping bag and a pillow.

Getting there is the first challenge. Most fly direct into Christchurch from Australia or Auckland. If you are travelling from Wellington there is a ferry service to Picton. From either Picton or Christchurch you will need to take a bus to Nelson – known as the ‘gateway to Abel Tasman’ – or to Mouteka, which lies near the edge of the park. Many people prefer Nelson as there is plenty of accommodation choice, reasonably priced supermarkets, and a few good restaurants. Many of the hostels in Nelson will rent out any essential provisions you may have forgotten.

Another bus will take you to the start of the route, a raised walkway in Marahau. Upon departing from here, the trail soon heads uphill and into forest, although the path remains steady and clear at all times. In no time at all, you will feel as if civilization has been left completely behind. The track is lined with various types of ferns, including the silver fern, a widely used symbol of New Zealand.

Your first decision point comes high along the path above a tidal estuary near Anchorage Bay and Torrent Bay. There are plenty of beaches to be explored further along, so unless you are spending the night here, the best is the high route where you can see more luscious greenery and find several suitable places to lunch. This direction turns decidedly inwards and upwards, offering wonderful vistas before heading downward into Bark Bay. After dropping off your gear at the hut, head straight for the beach. The golden sand and crystal blue waters never felt so good after a long day of walking.

Leaving Bark Bay, the route is at first quite steep, and then levels out. The water starts to become even clearer, the sand more golden, and the forests more green. As there are few kayakers beyond Bark Bay, your views are only interrupted by a seal or passing water taxi. Tonga Beach, with its golden-yellow sands, is a great lunch stop but this is a tidal crossing so be sure to plan ahead.

Further beyond, you will cross a chain-link suspension bridge – not for the light of heart, but it is the only way across. Awaroa is a natural stopping point due to the estuary and the plentiful accommodation. Huts are available here as well as the Awaroa Lodge, a luxury hotel complete with restaurant. Be sure to have a meal at the hotel, as the food is delicious and the bar is well-stocked, including Kiwi wines and beer. Awaroa’s white, pristine beach is covered with thousands of intricate and colorful seashells.

Leaving Awaroa requires good timing as this is the deepest of tidal crossings along the trail – the ground is covered with shells so do not go barefoot. Afterwards it is an easy trek to Totaranui, where you can buy yourself an ice cream in the caravan park or relax on the beach. There is also the option to spend the night here but I suggest continuing north to Whariwharangi where you can experience the exhilaration of reaching the end of the world – although it is just the end of the south island, as well as the end of the coastal trail.

Although you might not be in a rush to get back to civilization, it’s good to know your options. From Whariwharangi you can take the Abel Tasman inland trail, which is another 23 miles (37.5 km) back to Marahau. Otherwise you will need to head back to Totaranui for a water taxi or coach service back to Marahau and then any onward destination.

Find out more exotic places in Malaysia and around the world from the friendly travel consultants at Tamimi Travel & Tours. It is also advisable to check and pre-book an affordable accommodation to avoid disappointment.

Rwanda - Home To One Of The Largest Community Of Silverback Gorillas

2010-05-08T10:19:00.000+08:00

It is hard to believe looking out over the serene setting of Lake Kivu, eastern Rwanda that just fourteen years ago this was the setting for one of the bloodiest acts committed during the country's genocide.

The only sign of this turbulent past in the sleepy lakeside town of Kibuye is a hilltop church. There, a memorial marks the location of the massacre of more 5000 minority Tutusi
and moderate Hutu tribe peoples by their extremist Hutu neighbours.

Such was the scale of the massacres, more than one million people were reportedly killed, that reminders like this are never far away. But despite its turbulent recent history today Rwanda not only offers some of the best wildlife experiences on the continent, it is currently one of the safest countries in Africa to visit.

Visitor numbers are small, but the current government, which over the past decade has brought a degree of political and economic stability the envy of east Africa, realises that eco tourism is one of the country's greatest assets. It has set targets to attract 70,000 visitors by 2010 which is small scale compared to its neighbours Kenya and Tanzania with their vast game reserves. However, for a country so recently ravaged by conflict it is an ambitious but achievable goal.

The country's only international airport is in the capital, Kigali, a city of around a million people and the gateway for any visitor to Rwanda. It is typical of the rest of the country in attitude, friendly and relaxed with a hassle free stroll around the streets possible day or night. An undemanding place to spend a day or two, it's the ideal introduction before heading out to view the main reason for any trip to Rwanda, wildlife.

The country is home to one of the largest communities of Silverback Gorillas in the world and is perhaps one of the few places where it's is possible to view them in their natural habitat in safety. It is estimated there are around 700 left living in the wild and seeing such a severely endangered species in their own habitat remains one of the rarest of privileges for animal observers.

Amazingly, given the volatile political climate and a constant threat from poachers, gorilla numbers in the region have actually increased in numbers since 1990. Organised tours are available from several outlets in Kigali with a range of accommodation on offer around the Gorilla National Park in the north of the country.

All in all an organised two day trip costs in the region of £400 depending on the standard of accommodation and includes the price of a national park permit and the service of a guide. Tours guarantee to find a troupe after anything from a two to six hour trek followed by an unforgettable 40 minutes of close contact with up to 20 primates.

To avoid overexposure to human contact only 11,000 visitors a year are lucky enough to get permits to see Rwanda's gorillas, so tourism officials are now coming up with alternative attractions to try and tempt visitors. In the National Volcano Park treks can be arranged to view the golden monkeys, rare primates that had not been accessible to tourists until recently. The government also recently established Nyungwe National Park along the country's border with Burundi. The rich landscape is home to 13 types of primates, as well as 260 species of birds.

Rwanda is one of the smallest countries in Africa, just slightly bigger than Wales, so it is possible to get round all the main attraction in one visit. The roads infrastructure is relatively good by African standards and even the public transport system is manageable for the more adventurous, although a 4x4 is essential to get off the beaten track.

Using Kigali as a base it is never more than a few hours drive to any of the major attractions. Three hours east of the capital is the country's main game area, Akagera National Park, where day tours or overnight visits can be arranged from the city's dozen or so safari specialists. To the west Kibuye makes a tranquil destination for a relaxing couple of days and getting there takes in one the most spectacular mountain routes in all of Africa.

Given the country's bloody recent past a poignant finish to any trip is a visit to one of the genocide memorials dotted around the country. The Kigali Memorial Centre is the country's main focus of remembrance. It is situated two miles north of the city centre and is built on a mass grave of 250,000 of the victims of the genocide. The knowledgeable guides are all genocide survivors and will tell the story of how the genocide developed, its consequences and how the world did sat back and did nothing as part of a two hour tour.

Ntarama, an hour south of the city centre provides an even more brutal reminder of what happened to Rwanda back in 1994. More than 5000 people were killed in this church and the victims remain unburied, bones scattered undisturbed around. It's not for the fainthearted but says everything that needs to be said about the brutality humankind is capable of. Visitors to Rwanda will experience a country trying hard to shake off its past. The sensitive and sustainable way the country is developing its tourism offering gives visitors an unrivalled opportunity to experience some of the world's rarest species in their natural environment.

With one of the best climates, safest environments and fastest growing economies in Africa, the land of a thousand hills is unlikely to stay in the shadow of more established east African destinations for long.

Find out more exotic places in Malaysia and around the world from the friendly travel consultants at Tamimi Travel & Tours. It is also advisable to check and pre-book your accommodation to avoid disappointment.

Somme - Romantic View, Grave Memories All In One Place

2010-05-08T09:44:00.001+08:00

The Somme, in Picardy, is traditionally, the spiritual haunt for World War I tourism; a place where descendents of fallen soldiers go to find the graves of their father and grandfathers.

So entrenched is the Somme in its Great War provenance, that the region would be an unlikely destination for holiday-makers in search of fun and frolics.

Anyone driving through the Somme and in particular the towns of Peronne and Albert will see that the region is true to that perception and won't fail to notice the abundant roadside war graves that spring up around every bend. Or the superb museums such as the Historial Museum of the Great War and Somme Museum 1916 and Memorials such as the Lutyens designed Thiepval Memorial.

But all this deathly activity took place inland in the east of the Somme. Go west, however, towards the coast and the ambience of the region is by contrast, literally teeming with life. The wide expanse of soft sand coast stretches from the Baie de L’Authie to the magnificent Baie-de-Somme where visitors gallop on horses, cyclists hire sand bikes and enthusiasts fly their kites.

As the tide recedes the landscape looks raw and unkempt as the fauna and flora is revealed. Areas of sands and grass are uncovered and cooks head here to pick a crop or two of Astor Maritime (pigs ears) to jazz up their salads or a handful of Salicorne to pickle at home – when done they taste a little like pickled cucumber.

The nearby bayside resort of Le Crotoy is where Jules Verne was inspired to pen Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, where fishermen lay their nets for the night and when the tide is in on the south of the Bay at Hourdel, you get the magnificent vision of seals tantalisingly bobbing in and out of the water

The highlight of the region though is the bird sanctuary. Nestling on the fringes of the Bay on land reclaimed from the sea in 1973, are the 260 hectares of marshes, sand dunes, pine forests and meres of the Parc Ornithologique du Marquenterre. The landscape is so diverse it offers habitats for 360 species of birds and 24 different species of wildlife. Its location on the crossroads of the migrationary path makes it the perfect stop-off for thousands of birds including lapwings, little egrets and barnacle geese, oyster catchers and shell ducks.

The reserve is open all year round and each season attracts different species. We visited in April and saw white storks who return every year to the same nest to breed and warblers who flew in from South Africa to sing their hearts out in territorial brinkmanship and hopefully to attract a mate.

There are 14 viewing points and each with views of different birds in their habitats but they are placed at a distance to remain unobtrusive so a pair of binoculars is useful, though your guide will come equipped with a telescope. Otherwise you can rent them.

Viewing point number 1 has a view over the mating parades of a colony of black-tailed godwits and the Avocets (the emblem of the RSBP) whose long legs and long curved beaks give them the stature and tool to catch worms.

At number 13 you can see herons nest among 200 pairs of wading birds such as egrets hailing from Mauritania and Senegal. The sight of these elegant winged creatures fluttering over the great black pine tree tops is awesome. Spoonbills are there in the mix too looking funky with spiked hair and spoon shaped beaks.

You don’t have to be an avid bird watcher to enjoy the at-one-with-nature experience the park invokes and the almost meditative calm of watching wildlife wend its way unhindered, through the inevitable cycle of nesting and breeding until the wave of new migrants flies in.

Find out more exotic places in Malaysia and around the world from the friendly travel consultants at Tamimi Travel & tours. It is also advisable to check and pre-book your accommodation to avoid disappointment.

Bruges - Picturesque And Gastronomic Experience

2010-05-05T08:53:00.000+08:00

We all love to go off the beaten track sometimes, but if all you want is a short indulgent break, then make your way to the delightful city of Bruges and release your inner lip-smacking, camera-swinging, beer-swilling, sight-seeing, chip-guzzling, chocoholic tourist and…. relax.

Bruges is home to just
20,000 people yet over three million tourists swing by every year. July and August are the favoured months, but in May and June or September when the weather is temperate you can still enjoy that tourist vibe and walking around this compact city will be more of a saunter than a day at the dodgems.

Known locally as The Egg, because it is confined within a series of canals giving it an oval shape, Bruges was featured in the film In Bruges starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. But the city is far more appealing than this dark comedy suggests.

Traditionally, lovers flock here to rekindle their passions. Is it the maze of canals that shimmer as they flow beneath flowering arched stone bridges or the quaint cobbled streets and gabled roofs that overlook them? Or is it the horse drawn carriages or sumptuous architecture? Whatever the reason, this ancient city exudes romance from every nook and cranny.

And it is easy to get to, just a short hop across the Channel from Dover to Calais and a speedy hour and a half drive. Once there ditch the car (there’s an underground car park at under 't Zand, the market square), and embark upon a twenty minute canal boat trip for a narrated orientation tour.

Or relax in al fresco cafés that edge Markt Square (the main square) and enjoy the hypnotic clops of horses’ hooves and the regular quarterly chimes of the carillon from the square’s belfry as it plays out Green sleeves. If you have the energy, climb the tower’s 366 steps to see the bells close-up and enjoy the views from its top.

There’s nowhere to sit in the next square – Burg Square – but it does have the most striking architecture Bruges has to offer.

A flamboyant Gothic town hall with lacy white stonework nestles next to the old Public Record Office built in an exemplary Renaissance style, followed by the neo-classical former Court of Justice and opposite is the mystical looking Gothic/Renaissance Steeghere - the porched entrance to the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Its wooden door may be modest but it opens up to a vast, complex Basilica. Lighting is heart-poundingly dim save the flickering candles but it’s an apt ambience for its most precious relic – a Phial obtained in Jerusalem said to contain drops Jesus Christ’s blood.

If you crave a little culture, pop into the Groeninge art museum (12 Dijver), the best Bruges has to offer. Inside is an impressive display of Flemish art from the 15th century to the present day. Alternatively the nearby Gruuthusemuseum, (17 Dijver) a former medieval merchant’s house, has an interesting collection of tapestries and musical instruments.

Beer drinking is part of the social fabric of Belgium life and so it would be churlish not to visit Bruges’ last remaining working brewery, De Halve Maan (Walplein 26) where a fun 45 minute tour (5,5 euros) ends with a glass of the house beer. The bar extends into a vibrant al fresco beer garden made all the better when you find out that at 2 Euros a glass, this is the cheapest place in town to guzzle this hoppy nectar. You’ll find the brewery next to a canal and the lovely Begijnhof, a 760-year-old nunnery whose gardens you can loiter in for a while if the mood takes.

Twin this with a visit to one of Bruges’ most popular beer bars, Brugs Beertje (Kemelstraat). There are over three hundred beers including a variety of sickly sweet fruit beers and a selection from small Flemish breweries such as De Ranke XX Bitter or De Dolle’s strong, blond Arabier.

But let’s face it, most are not here for the beer, but for the sublime Belgian chocolates. Within walking distance there are a staggering 40 chocolateries with enticing shop windows choc-full of pralines, figurines, sweets and slabs.

What many people particularly enjoy is Dumon (Simon Stevinplein) that has a small café where you can enjoy a glass of white or dark hot chocolate, and The Chocolate Line (Simon Stevinplein) where chocolate is not only for eating and drinking… its for inhaling too…. Pop in and try it, its quite a buzz.

If you still have the stomach, then the Chocolate Museum, (Wijnzakstraat) offers an historical overview of this much-loved confection from its Mayan origins, to the Spanish conquistadores to the chocolate connoisseurs of today. Displays show utensils and imagery with narrative in English. The tour ends at the chocolate factory with a demonstration and samples to taste. To get there you pass a variety of ornate chocolate statues including an imposing larger-than-life chocolate statue of the US President, Barak Obama.

There is a chip museum but you would miss that in favour of buying the real things at a friterie. This is true Belgian street food, made with Mirabelle potatoes served in a cardboard carton, wooden fork and a dollop of mayo or ketchup to taste.

You can get any type of cuisine in Bruges but for a superb feast of Flemish food make a bee line for De Vlaamash Pot (the Flemish Pot) at Helmstraat 3-5. Plush red walls, ornate chairs, gold trimmings and chandeliers set the scene. Cheese croquettes, asparagus in a sublime butter and egg sauce, waterzoi (various white fish like cod and soul served together in a creamy soup) and local favourite Carbonnade a la Flamande (beef cooked in beer and brown sugar and served with chips) are all on the menu.

A word of warning though: Bruges is all about indulgence, so ditch the diet and prepare to dapple with debauchery, otherwise you will be missing out.

Find out more exotic places around the world from the travel consultants at Tamimi Travel & Tours.

Kazakhstan - The Little Understood Country

2010-05-04T14:56:00.003+08:00

For hundreds of years the nomads of Central Asia roamed over an enormous territory that stretched from the Caspian Sea to the Tien Shen mountains and as far south as Afghanistan. Fought over, at first by the three dzus or clans known in the West as the Great, Middle and Little Hordes, and then annexed by the Soviets, Kazakhstan
remained an enigma, its vast size - roughly that of western Europe - and inaccessibility put it beyond the reach of all but the most adventurous of travellers.

The Xanadu of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem was a ‘savage and enchanted’ land of sacred rivers, caves of ice and ‘twice five miles of fertile ground’. It is almost as if his words were written for Kazakhstan whose rivers and holy places were sacred to the pre-Islamic shamanistic society that once dwelt there. And 200 years after Coleridge wrote the opening lines, the country is itself opening up. Thousands of miles of plains, mountains and glaciers, stunning canyons and natural monuments shaped by the wind, ancient cave paintings and glyphs can still be seen - as can modern cities complete with entertainment centres and shopping malls, built from scratch in the middle of the steppe.

Astana, once a quiet trading post on the fringes of the silk route, for the past ten years it has been the country’s new capital and the population has exploded as people move to the city to work and study. In keeping with the feeling of other-worldliness that permeates the place, the glass has been tinted and giant doves, the size of cows have been printed onto the windows. At least the sky is always blue for the lucky conference goers who have to walk up through a lush ‘sky garden’ to reach the eyrie.

From October to April, the ground is almost entirely covered with deep snow. While this makes getting around Astana tricky enough - it is certainly not a city designed with pedestrians in mind - it is an excellent time of the year to visit. The River Ishim which runs through the centre of the city is frozen solid and plays host to a number of skiers, walkers.

There are also ice fishermen who huddle under home made plastic windbreaks which cover the entire body while they wait to catch tiny fry for bait. But the most fun with ice is surely that on offer at the free ice-sculpture park where adults and children alike take great pleasure in the massive sculptures, some of which are big enough to climb up and slide down. Night-time, when the sculptures are illuminated (like everything else in this city where the lights are always on) is the most popular time for families. It isn’t unusual to find groups of friends playing hide and seek among the exhibits and good naturedly helping each other on the slides.

Modern architecture buffs will find plenty of interest in Astana. A substantial part of the city is being rebuilt, at the president’s behest to provide space for a new capital worthy of a nation with a significant amount of oil reserves. But until Astana becomes less of a building site, the jewell in the crown will still be Almaty.

The country’s biggest city’s more human scale and its more varied architecture imbue it with a sense of reality that Astana seems determined to eschew. In the summer Almaty’s wide, leafy boulevards take on a European air. Cafes spring up and the streets buzz with people. But a winter visit can be tremendously rewarding for those prepared to wrap up well. Walking really is the best way to explore Almaty. Unlike Astana where someone clearly forgot to include pedestrians in the master plan, Almaty has pavements which one can still usually find in spite of the piles of snow dumped each morning at the roadside by the snow ploughs.

Kazakhs of course don’t seem to find it difficult to negotiate. Women in incredible floor length furs, skintight jeans and eight inch stiletto heels negotiate the huge piles of snow at the side of the road with barely a second glance. Public transport exists - for those who can master the bus system but this is still a city where anyone who can prefers to drive. Taxis are plentiful (except in the afternoon rush hour) but an informal system also operates and if you stick out a hand someone will almost certainly stop and invite you - for a price best negotiated at the roadside - to hop in.

When the Panfilov Park is covered with a thick layer of freshly fallen snow and icicles hang from the trees, the scene is of a winter wonderland. Not surprisingly, on Sundays it is a favourite destination for families. Parents haul children on traditional, home made sledges to feed the pigeons in the square in front of the Russian Orthodox cathedral.

Constructed entirely of wood, without a single nail, the church is a colourful confection of brightly painted domes topped with crosses that glint in the sunlight. If you are lucky, you might catch sight of a wedding party or a soberly dressed but smiling priest hurrying inside where the all enveloping warmth and the scent of candles is intoxicating. Weekends tend to be when families get together and another popular place for meeting is the Medeo skating rink. Only a short drive from the centre of Almaty, Medeo is a favoured hangout, especially for groups of young people and on a clear day, the location, overlooking the city affords spectacular views.

Kazakhs have a rich cultural heritage and the city’s museum is not to be missed. It is a vast building, with particularly good displays of ethnography and beautiful textiles from the country’s nomadic past including beautifully carved bowls and ladles for serving kumyss - the traditional drink of mare’s milk and chubut, fermented camel milk. A few of the displays have short English descriptions. If you fancy trying kumyss for yourself, the Green Market is the place to go. As its name suggests, it is the main source for fresh produce and is still very popular in spite of the supermarkets which have opened in the city in the last few years.

Here you can buy plump, juicy apricots and figs, delicious Korean salads (there’s been an established Korean community here since WWII) huge apples - the modern relative of the rare ‘variety’ that gave the city its name and, in a special section, pretty much any type of horsemeat, including kazy, a local equine sausage. The traditional Kazakh meal, besbarmek is eaten on special occasions such as Nourouz - the New Year celebration held in late March.

It can be hard to find at other times so if you are offered the chance to try it, don’t miss it (unless you are vegetarian) Non meat eaters may find Kazakhstan something of a challenge - this is a country where ‘meaty salads’ abound. But sometimes the most exquisite gastronomic pleasures are the ones you least expect, the most delicious shashlik - a gilled skewer of tender lamb with fresh warm bread and generous helpings of plov - the ubiquitous rice dish made with meat and raisins which can be a meal in itself. Almaty isn’t short of restaurants but finding them can, to the visitor used to brightly lit shop fronts, be hard to find.

It is definitely worth asking for recommendations as places change. But it is Kazakhstan’s endless steppe - and the biodiversity that flourishes there that that must be the highlight of a visit. Three hours from Almaty, the Charryn Canyon is an extraordinary depression that runs for almost 150 miles.

With the snow capped mountains that mark the border with China and the deep ochres and reds of the sandstone in the canyon it is one of the country’s most impressive sights. Here you can still find berkutchis - traditional falconers who still hunt with golden eagles. Near Sugat, a small aul on the way to Charryn, there is a tiny museum dedicated to falconry. The owner is a prize-winning berkut and can arrange demonstrations and hunting trips for enthusiasts.

It is impossible not to be inspired by the size and stark beauty of this little understood country - and its people who are warm and generous even when a language barrier makes everyday communication a little more challenging. It’s hard not to fall in love with Kazakhstan - you might even be inspired to try a little poetry yourself.

Find out more exotic places around the world from the travel consultants at Tamimi Travel & Tours.

Tunis - The Perfect Blend Of Phoenician, Roman, Arab, Turkish And French

2010-05-03T18:36:00.000+08:00

Think of a city break, and one thinks of Paris, Prague or Rome. Point your compass further south and the Tunisian Capital of Tunis comes sharply into focus. A chance to flirt with the continent of Africa is a mere 2.5 hours flying time from the UK, yet seems a world away from the traditional European offering and still within touching
distance of Italy. The countries location has been a focus for civilizations that have left their indelible mark on a country strewn with

relics from bygone eras. An overlapping of cultures, religions and history makes Tunis well worth a visit.

Tunis is recognizably Mediterranean in character, yet bound together by an Islamic thread and North African climate that hold a seductive charm and mysticism. A century of French colonial rule has created an alluring mix within this part of North Africa. Meandering along ‘Avenue de France’, with its’ tree-lined boulevard and pavement café’s set in view of the art deco façade of the ‘Theatre Municipal’, one could be forgiven for thinking they were in the South of France. Tunisian men wearing their red Chechiya caps, dark glasses and smoking fruit scented tobacco from their water pipes soon remind you that one has arrived in North Africa. At the far end of the Avenue beyond the ‘Porte de France’ arch are the winding alleyways of the medina and craft-filled souks leading toward the Ez-Zitoune Mosque at the walled cities core.

The medina, much talked and written about, is the heart of the old town. The origins of Tunis grew out from the warren of dark alleyways, markets, palaces and madrasas that along with the Ez-Zitoune Mosque, still remains the focal point of Tunis. And rightly so, as little has changed over the centuries within this UNESCO listed heritage. Each twist or turn reveals another surprise; glimpses of tiled courtyards hidden behind weathered wood studded doors or one of the medina's residences sympathetically transformed into a Dar hotel or romantic restaurant. If you can direct yourself out of the maze of winding paths of the medina, then the Tunis beyond has a diverse range of attractions that step even further back to the origins of Tunisia.

The Bardo Museum founded in 1882, has one of the world’s greatest collections of Roman Mosaics and is a great starting point to puzzle together many of the archaeological sites that can be visited across Tunisia. The museum was a former Beylical Palace, whose origins date to the 13th century, and the building alone is a masterpiece of Arabian style architecture with domed ceilings, cupolas and majestic galleries to peer over. From here the fashionable suburbs of Tunis are nearby and provide an elevated and alternative vision of the city.

A solitary column stands upon a plinth of stonework, head and shoulders above the rest of the stone masonry, which is strewn across a site that used to be the ‘Antonine Thermal Baths’. The granite column topped by a white capital was one of eight such columns used to support the vaulted roof of the ‘Frigidarium’ (cool pool). This historical site is part of the cities ‘Punic-Roman’ legacy dating back to 814BC in a suburb of Tunis called Carthage. Very few Punic remnants remain, giving a compelling insight into the great tussles for power between the Roman Empire and Carthaginians. The site once coveted by the Phoenicians & Romans is now overlooked by the Presidential Palace of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and close to the Roman amphitheatre used to this day for concerts.

Beyond the Presidential Palace further up the hill is the village of Sidi Bou Said, the ‘Monmatre’ of North Africa, Perched high above the city with a bohemian style and artistic soul. The white washed walls and signature blue studded doors resting under arabesque arches, are depicted on canvas within the many local galleries. Alongside Carthage are the chic resorts of Gammarth and La Marsa that boast some of the best fish restaurants in the city and views over the gulf of Tunis.

Phoenician, Roman, Arab, Turkish, French, and the native Berber people have all helped define the Tunis of today. The capital is not a dramatic culture shock for visitors, but just enough to feel you have stepped outside of Europe. Whilst many aspects of life is alien exotic and exciting, the French influence in language, architecture and society makes it easy for weekenders to assimilate quickly with the culture. Tunis has a very relaxed and open feel to it, almost unkempt in a refreshing and charming sense making a weekend date with this part of North Africa almost inevitable.

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Oberammergau - Small Town With Earthly Passion

2010-05-03T11:53:00.001+08:00

Just 62 miles to the south of Munich is the village of Oberammergau, set in the lush meadows and foothills of the Bavarian Alps. The village has grown up alongside the River Ammer and today is home to some 5,300 inhabitants.

It is a pretty village, with leafy parks and typical Bavarian houses
- their carved wooden balconies and gardens bright with summer flowers. Many of the buildings are noted for their very special
and ornately painted exteriors, some of them dating back to the 18th century. These Lüftlmalerei, or frescoes, are usually religious themes or scenes from fairytales.

Oberammergau is famous for its woodcarvers and its Passion Play, performed every 10 years in the purpose-built theatre. The Passion Play, based on the life of Christ, dates from the 17th Century. It was first performed in 1634, following a vow taken by the people of Oberammergau during an outbreak of bubonic plague, which killed 15,000 nearby Munich residents in 1634 – 1635 alone. The frightened population of Oberammergau prayed to be spared, taking a vow to be fulfilled not by a few but by the whole community. They vowed to do something in which everyone, rich and poor alike, would have a part: a Passion Play, the most sacred of all stories. They would present the story of Christ to the world every 10 years forevermore if the Lord would remove the plague from their people. The town was spared, and a tradition was born.

The play is now performed at the start of each decade. Since 1860 the German text has remained virtually unchanged. The production is done in native German, but an English translation is available.

Though the cast is huge — 1,700 parts — performers must be Oberammergau natives, or have lived there for 10 years, or been married to a native and lived there for at least 10 years.

Performers consider it an honor to participate and leave their businesses to do so. The men even start growing full beards a year out to look authentic. The play is performed in the Passion Play Theatre on an open stage, which incorporates the natural setting into the backdrop and seating for 4,780 spectators.

There are regular guided tours of the theatre. Also worth a visit are the Pilatushaus to see craftsmen at work and the museum with its fine examples of folk art and woodcarvings and unique collection of Hinterglasbildern - paintings on the back of glass.

The villagers are passionate about music and theatre; apart from folk groups, the village also boasts a brass band and orchestra as well as a choral and music society

Apart from being rich in art, culture and tradition, Oberammergau also has the friendliest of people and a great reputation for hospitality. Thousands of visitors flock to Oberammergau every 10 years to see the village's famous Passion Play.However, even when the Play is not being performed there is plenty to see and do in this pretty village and the surrounding Ammergau region.

Oberammergau is situated in Bavaria, in the south of Germany, near to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, famous for its winter sports attractions such as skiing or ski jumping, with the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain, and the Austrian border a few kilometres away. Close to Oberammergau are a number of enchanting lakes, like the Staffelsee or Kochelsee, set amidst the beautiful Bavarian scenery

There is also the church of Wies (Wieskirche) in Steingaden, declared a UNESCO World heritage Site in 1983. The former abbey of the Steingaden Premonstratensians was founded in the 12th century. The somewhat plain exterior of the church does not prepare the visitor for the splendour and magnificence of the rich and shimmering interior.

Also high on the list of places to visit are Ettal and Linderhof Palace and for sheer relaxation one of the region's spas.

Petaling Jaya -- Oddities That Never Fails To Amaze You

2010-05-02T23:20:00.000+08:00

Petaling Jaya, universally referred to as PJ, is a satellite city in the state of Selangor to the south of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It attained city status in 2006 on the auspicious day of June 20th. Founded only in 1954 as Malaysia's first planned town, PJ has become a busy commercial and residential hub in its own right with over 450,000 inhabitants. In the later years, further expansion to the north saw the rise of the posh Damansara area that gave birth to such housing estates as Bandar Utama, Kota Damansara, Damansara Perdana,
Bandar Sri Damansara and Damansara Impian.

The Kelana Jaya LRT Line (formerly PUTRA LRT) snakes from central Kuala Lumpur to the center of Petaling Jaya and is a good way of avoiding the traffic jams between the two, especially at rush hour. The KTM Commuter electric trains also have several stops in Petaling Jaya, albeit not as convenient as the LRT as it stops a slight distance away from the PJ State CBD.

For out-of-towners, specifically Singaporeans, the luxury Aeroline double-deck coach service stops at two PJ hubs, which are the Menara Axis in PJ State (opposite the Asia Jaya LRT) and One Utama. The buses run between Singapore, KL, and PJ on a daily basis. For further information, check out www.aeroline.com.my.

PJ is quite spread out and you pretty much need your own wheels to get around. Feeder bus services to LRT stations tend to be a little spotty, but most stations also have taxi queues. However, should you be staying in the major hotels (Hilton, Sunway Resort, Eastin, Crystal Crown, Royale Bintang, and Armada), all of them have shuttle bus services that take guests into KL City and PJ State as well as local landmarks such as Sunway Lagoon, One Utama, and The Curve Shopping Center.

Unlike other towns, there is actually nothing much to notice here, except for the occasional oddities here and there. However, the PJ City Council is compiling a guide on the attractions around the city in conjunction with the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year in 2007.

If you must take the public transport, try the Light Rail Transit (LRT) via the Kelana Jaya Line which covers major residential and commercial sections of this town, starting with stations (from KL City); Taman Jaya, Asia Jaya, Taman Paramount, Taman Bahagia and finally Kelana Jaya.

The best way to see this area is to take a leisurely drive during non-peak hours. Some of the major attractions around the Greater PJ area are listed below:

Kota Darul Ehsan Arch

This huge marble arch, the gateway into Petaling Jaya, was erected to mark the commemoration of the cession of Kuala Lumpur to the Federal Government to form the Federal Territory. Construction commenced in 1974 and the arch was officially opened in 1981. The arch is most spectacular at night when the lighting creates a "golden" illumination to highway motorists.

Wat Chetawan Temple

One of the main Thai Buddhist temples in the Klang Valley, the Chetawan can be seen in full glory either when driving on Jalan Gasing or traveling on the Kelana Jaya Line LRT. With a towering main prayer hall and surrounded by shrines, the temple has been around for more than 40 years, having started as a small temple in Jalan Raja Bot in 1957. The present temple was built in the early 1960s. Today, it is the main attraction for devotees and visitors alike because of its intricate design and statues within the temple grounds. The temple attracts huge numbers of devotees during Thai festivals like Songkran and Loy Krathong, as well as Wesak, and hosts Thai royal visitors during auspicious festivals.

MBPJ Tower

The headquarters of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and a prominent PJ landmark, the 27-storey building which cost RM50m was officiated by the late Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah on March 16, 1987. The building is unique in the sense that it stands in the middle of a pit-like "sunken plaza" and surrounded by shops as well as commercial areas.

Gasing Hill

Along the same road from the Chetawan Temple is the turnoff towards the Gasing Hill. The Hill, which is the only remaining forest reserve in PJ, covers approximately 100 acres where rare fauna and flora could be found. There are also trails, a viewing tower and resting area for nature lovers. From the top of Gasing Hill one gets breath-taking views of PJ and Kuala Lumpur. Over 100 species of birds are to be found in this green lung.

Taman Jaya

A spot for those in search of outdoor activities like jogging and cycling is Taman Jaya, a favourite recreational hub for residents with its shady trees and lake. It is a short walk away from the similarly-named LRT station as well as the Amcorp Mall and Dataran PJ Field.

Kelana Jaya Lake Park

One of the largest in PJ, with its 7 scenic lakes, this park was formerly a mining area that was rehabilitated in the 80s into what it is today. Other than a popular jogging track around the lakes, the Kelana Jaya Sports Complex is located nearby and it contains two Olympic-sized swimming pools as well as tennis and badminton courts. The modern MBPJ Stadium is also in the vicinity and it was one of the venues used for the KL 1998 Commonwealth Games.

LDP Cable-Stayed Bridge

The LDP (Damansara-Puchong Highway) Cable Stayed Bridge at Persekutuan Interchange crossing the Federal Highway is the first Cable Stayed Land Bridge in Malaysia. The bridge stands out as an aesthetically pleasing and unique design in a highway project in the country. The design and construction methods of the bridge allowed for the necessary traffic management required at the construction site (one of the busiest interchanges); a normal bridge design would have required for the removal of 2 traffic lanes to accommodate the construction of the piers.

Various Pasar Malam (Night Markets) can be found on the main streets in the suburbs around Petaling Jaya. It's the best way to get to know the 'true' Malaysian culture. There you can find fresh foods, quick snacks and it is also a popular target by the local triads to sell their contraband merchandise of anything under the sun. Let it be clothing, electronics, mobile phone accessories, pirated DVDs and Audio CDs etc. You get a very good bargain if you buy them in bulk or if you speak Malay or Cantonese.

But if it's air-con and fast food you want, PJ does have a few megamalls:

Amcorp Mall

Mall with lots of mini-anchor tenants including a three-screen cinema as well as Malaysia's best weekend flea market on the Lower Ground floor. Occupies the best location in PJ State as it is just 5 minutes walk from the Taman Jaya LRT Station (Kelana Jaya Line).

Digital Mall, Section 14

Located in the building previously occupied by Metrojaya, this colorful building with the mosaic-like facade, unique neon lights, and large TV screen opened its doors to PJ folk on August 9 as the city's first IT-lifestyle mall. The Digital Mall is located just across the street from Jaya SC.

Mutiara Damansara

A new commercial precinct that is home to Asia's largest IKEA store together with the adjoining IKANO Power Center. Other malls here include The Curve lifestyle and F&B mall as well as a large TESCO hypermarket and the Cineleisure Damansara Entertainment Complex. The precinct is served by an hourly free shuttle bus from Kelana Jaya LRT (at the entrance to IKANO Center).

One Utama (hourly free shuttle bus from LRT Kelana Jaya)

One of the largest and most popular malls in the entire Klang Valley, recently expanded with a brand new wing. Existing tenants Jusco, Marks & Spencer, and TGV Cinemas in the old block are now accompanied by those in the new wing such as U Parkson, MPH Megastore, Golden Screen Cinemas, Celebrity Fitness, and Giant Supermarket as well as Malaysia's largest rock-climbing gymnasium.

Eating is almost a national obsession with eateries available around the clock. Petaling Jaya is home to many restaurants and stalls serving all sorts of Asian and Western cuisine catering to almost all sorts of budgets.

Asian Food House, Damansara Utama. The sign unhelpfully proclaims that this restaurant specializes in "Asian food", but in reality it's mostly Taiwanese fare. The pork stew with rice (RM8.90) isn't bad.

Fatty Crab Restaurant, in Taman Megah. It's been over 30 years since Uncle Fatty set up his shop, but their famed sweet, sour and spicy crab still continues to draw the crowds. Roll up your sleeves and dig in, and figure on RM30/head with a few side dishes thrown in.

Mamak Restaurants, a veritable PJ institution, these 24-hour restaurants operated mainly by Indian-Muslims are popular amongst the young crowd for the live soccer broadcasts on weekends (and weekdays on occasion) as well as cheap food.

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Cadiz - The Oldest City In Europe With Marine Flavour

2010-05-02T19:29:00.000+08:00

Indeed, Cadiz (pronounced as “Cah-deeth”) exudes a certain mystic – attractive, fascinating and almost magical. This city is deemed the oldest city in Europe. Established some 3,000 years ago, it stands on a peninsula that juts into the Bay of Cadiz, on the southern tip of Spain. This port city is almost entirely surrounded by water.
Hence, the Phoenicians called it “Gadir”, meaning “enclosure”. It is connected to the mainland only by a thin strip of land.

It is thus no wonder that this city beats to the rhythm of the waves along its shores. With its promenades, seaport alleys and a zesty yet easy-going approach to life, it is a city with a distinctively marine flavor. This is a place where music, laughter and chatter constantly fills the sea air.

The city’s high and thick walls, gardens and towers provide a picturesque view as seen from the sea. Its honeycomb of narrow cobble-stoned streets, alleys and squares shows it to be a typical Andalusian city. There are highly fascinating historical and cultural monuments - churches, towers, museums - all close to the blue waters of the Bay of Cadiz.

Cadiz played host to a wide variety of civilizations and cultures – the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Visigoths, the Moors, and of course, the Spaniards. It even once became the capital of occupied Spain when French troops invaded the area. All these contributed to what Cadiz City is today.

Cadiz offers a highly interesting mixture of history, culture, architecture, and landscape. The Historical Quarter is particularly beautiful, with an old world charm. The different barrios (Spanish quarters) play a strong part in giving the Historical Quarter its distinctive personality and flavor. There is the El Populo district, which is originally an old medieval village, La Vina, a fishing district, and the Santa Maria quarter – which is where you will find flamenco singing at its best.

When exploring the Historical Quarter, be sure not to miss the Baroque Cathedral- a majestic structure with an impressive golden dome. There are museums with impressive art and archeological collections, such as the the Municipal History Museum, the Fine Arts Museum and the Archeological Museum. There are also churches, beaches and parks for you to explore.

The quaint and pretty plazas are perfect places to sit and relax, while sipping a nice hot cup of coffee. The squares have their own distinct style, such as the San Juan de Dios, the España, Mina, Consituction and Mentidero. These streets and plazas are lined by trees, said to be brought back by Columbus. All in all, Cadiz is a perfect place to meander along and discover the treasures it has to offer.

Cross the Puerta Tierra, the gateway of the remains of the city hall, and you enter into a more modern atmosphere. While the Old Quarter is formed by plazas and narrow streets, the newer area of the city has high rises and wider avenues.

Gaditanos, as the locals are called, are fun-loving. They love to party – and how! The Cadiz Carnival is probably one of the most exciting and colorful events in the region. People in bright costumes flock the streets. Singing, dancing and general revelry can be found everywhere.

Cadiz, Spain is a thoroughly enchanting city; even during these modern times, it has still managed to retain its sense of history, character and authenticity. Come to Cadiz, Spain and get to know this historic city, its sights, its sounds and its people.

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Baroque Cathedral

Puerta Tierra

Cathedral Square

Rift Valley - Feast For The Eyes

2010-05-02T12:17:00.001+08:00

Rift Valley is one of the wonders of the world, stretching from the Middle East, down through Africa, reaching as far as Mozambique. The staggering view, as you approach from Nairobi, Kenya is quite unbelievable. The ground suddenly disappears from under you to show the huge expanse of the great rift, stretching for thousands of miles in either direction. Whilst this stunning introduction to the Rift valley is amazing in itself, actually descending and exploring the Lakes area of the Rift in Kenya is a "not to be missed" opportunity.

The first lake approached is the beautiful, deep-green Naivasha. Whilst not a National park or Reserve itself, the Lake Naivasha Basin holds two small National Parks, both of which are well worth a visit. Naivasha of course is well worth a visit despite not being a National park! Excellent bird watching, a large population of hippo, good fishing and a wide range of superb hotels, camps and lodges make Lake Naivasha a favoured spot for weekend breaks.

The first Park in the area, the Mount Longonot National Park is based around a young volcano, which rises up to 2,776 metres. Created amongst the massive eruptions that formed the Rift itself, Longonot has beautiful V-shaped valleys and ridges covered in forest, which are a haven for a variety of birds and animals. With hiking, rock climbing, biking joining the more normal game viewing activities, this park is perfect for the more active visitor.

The second park is the Hell's Gate National Park. Famous for its natural hot geysers, eagle and vulture breeding grounds, obsidian deposits and extinct volcanoes, it is possible to walk, game drive, camp, cycle and rock climb within the park. Beautiful rock gorges and natural steam vents add to the beauty of this tiny, 68 square km. Park. Game to view includes hyrax, buffalo, giraffe, eland, hartebeest, lion and leopard. As with all of the Rift Valley Parks, Hell's Gate is also an ornithologist's dream. The cliffs of Hell's Gate are the breeding grounds for vultures, Verreaux Eagles, Auger Buzzards and thousands of swifts.

Heading further northwest, Lake Nakuru is the next stop. This world famous Park was created to protect its stunning flocks of lesser flamingo, which literally turn the lakeshore pink in colour. The park spans an attractive range of wooded and bush grassland around the lake, offering a wide range of eco-diversity. Notable game within the lake area is hippo and the diverse bird life. Both black and white rhino are now resident in the sanctuary and Rothschild giraffe, buffalo, impala, eland, warthog, Mountain Reedbuck, klipspringers and Black and White Colobus Monkeys are all plentiful. This park is world-renowned and is a beacon for ornithologists, scientists and wildlife filmmakers.

The next lake jewel scattered along the Rift Valley floor is Lake Bogoria. Most of this reserve is covered by the lake itself, which is a spectacular sight, reflecting searing blue skies and the rose pink of flamingo. With over 135 species of bird recorded, the area is of significant ornithological interest. As does Lake Nakuru, Bogoria waters grow rich blue-green algae, which seasonally attracts thousands of flamingos. The surrounding bushed grasslands are home to a number of animals, most notably the very rare Greater Kudu antelope.

The tiny Lake Kamnarok Reserve is the last stop on this circuit. Lake Kamnarok has a diverse landscape centred around a 4,000-foot deep valley with semi-tropical vegetation on the sides contrasting with the dry thorn bush at its base. Here you can find bush pigs, waterbuck, buffalo, elephant, pelicans and grebes.

As you travel through this small section of the entire Rift Valley with the rising Mau Escarpment on one side, and the Aberdare Mountains on the other, the lush, green forests of these mountain ranges frame the arid landscape of the Valley floor.

With a huge variety of landscapes, activities, accommodation and wildlife, the Rift Valley Lakes area is an excellent part of any safari holiday.

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Lake Naivasha

Mount Longonot National Park

Hell's Gate National Park

Lake Nakuru

Urumqi - Beautiful Pasture In The North Of China

2010-05-02T11:49:00.000+08:00

Located in northwest of China, Urumqi is the Capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Rigion. With an urban population of over 2.5 million people, Urumqi, whose name means "beautiful pasture" in the Mongolian language. It is by far the largest city on China's vast Western interior.

Situated near the northern route of the Silk Road, the momentous wash of religious influences here over the past
2,000 years; Shamanist, Buddhist and Islam have given the people here a sense of tolerance and hospitality. Further more, with its unique landscape and fascinating history, Urumqi, is really worth visiting.

Dating back to the 22nd year of Emperor Taizong's reign in Tang Dynasty( A.D 648), the Tang government set up the town of Luntai in the ancient town seat of Urabo, 10 kilometers from the southern suburb of present-day Ürümqi. Ancient Luntai Town was a seat of local government, and collected taxes from the caravans along the northern route of the Silk Road.

Little is heard of the region following the Tang Dynasty until the conquest of Dzungaria in 1755 under the Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. One writer, Wei Yuan, described the resulting desolation in what is now northern Xinjiang as: "an empty plain for a thousand li, with no trace of man." After 1759 state farms were established, "especially in the vicinity of Urumchi, where there was fertile, well-watered land and few people." It has been estimated that more than a million people were slaughtered, and it took generations for it to recover.

During the Qing Dynasty (1763) the Qianlong Emperor named the expanded town of Luntai "Dihua", meaning "to enlighten." In 1884, the Guangxu Emperor established Xinjiang as a Province, with Dihua as its capital.

Following the founding of the People's Republic of China, on February 1, 1954, the city was renamed Urumqi, meaning "beautiful pasture" in the Mongolian language of the Dzungar people.

Xinjiang is a large, sparsely populated area, spanning over 1.6 million sqiare km (comparable in size to Iran or Western Europe), which takes up about one sixth of the country's territory.

The outstanding sight is Mount Red (also called Red Hill or Tiger Head Hill) gets its name from its reddish brown color. The mountain spans 1.5 kilometers long from east to west at an altitude of 910 meters and a relative height of 400 meters. Its purple sandstone was formed in the Pangaea continental environment 250 million years ago.

The other is the Erdaoqiao Market is one of the best starting points for visitors sightseeing in Xinjiang. On the first floor under the Erdaoqiao Market is the Erdaoqiao Imported Commodity Street where one can buy genuine imported products from all around the world. The international market houses an eclectic mixture of goods such as woodcarvings from Russia, bronze ornaments made in Pakistan, silverware imported from the United Arab Emirates, perfumes out of India, and carpets from Turkey.

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Time Stands Still At Opeta Lake, Uganda

2010-05-02T09:37:00.000+08:00

In the Northeastern region of Uganda lies a large, remote, seldom visited lake: Lake Opeta. The lake was designated a national conservation area in 2006 due to its numerous bird species— including the globally endangered shoebill (balaeniceps rex).

Lilly pads stretch endlessly across the calm waters to the horizon. Rare birds soar past. The setting is extremely tranquil. A large crash of a tree branch
hitting the water breaks the peace. The lake is not only home to rare wildlife, but also to a local tribe of

Teso people. They fish the waters of the lake and live in basic grass huts on swampy floating islands. Living the same simple lives of their forefather’s, they have everything they need to survive. The fish are in high demand with the neighboring communities who often come to the lake shore to buy fish and trade items which cannot be grown on the islands such as flour and maize.

The fishermen rely on nothing from the outside world, they don’t use power, they don’t have mobile phones and they don’t have modern fishing equipment. They have lived, fished and traded this way comfortably for generations.

Getting to the Lake involves driving down dusty tracks, past previous insurgent’s camps, a 4 x4 is a necessity. In dry season the water is another 10 minute walk across the huge flood plains.

People from surrounding villages used to survive on the islands as well, escaping the killing sprees of the Karamajong Tribes in 2003. Violence and constant raiding became part of normal life in the region and peace has only been restored in recent years.

Seeing fishermen from a neighboring island plying their trade is quite a sight. They furiously beat the water with long sticks to attempt to get the fish to swim right into the nets which have been carefully setup close by. The method is tried and tested and has been passed on from one generation to the next.

There is another prolific fisherman on the lake competing for the fish. Strange looking, standing around 4ft with a huge wedge shaped face giving the appearance of something from prehistoric times. It is the shoebill. The shoebill, with one genus and species, has been placed within its own family and has traditionally been grouped with the storks and/or herons. It was first spotted in 1850 by Gould, who saw the creature along the banks of the upper White Nile and called it "the most extraordinary bird I have seen for many years".

This species wasn’t classified until the 19th century when skins were brought to Europe. However, the bird was familiar to both ancient Egyptians and Arabs, who refer to the bird as abu markub, which means one with a shoe. There are Egyptian images depicting the Shoebill as well.

Very few foreigners have visited these areas, so it will be a privilege to see the authentic culture of these friendly fishermen which has not been modernized at all. They enjoy a completely sustainable existence.

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Krakow - The Eastern European Version Of Boston

2010-05-01T21:13:00.001+08:00

Krakow is the Boston of Poland — a charming and vital city buzzing with history, college students, and tourists. Though not the capital, Krakow is the cultural and intellectual center of the country — and easily Poland's best destination.

At the center of the Old Town is the Main Market Square, one of Europe's most gasp-worthy public spaces, and a great place to enjoy a drink. Knowing this is one of Europe's least expensive countries. The square is vast and grand,
but still retains a folksy intimacy. It bustles with fragrant flower stalls, horse carriages carting tourists, and loitering teenagers.

Back in the 13th century, vendors came to this square to sell their wares. The Cloth Hall is where cloth-sellers had their market stalls. Today it's a one-stop shopping arcade for souvenirs, including traditional embroidery, woodcarvings, and jewelry (especially amber). On the upper level of the Cloth Hall, the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art (which should reopen this year after a lengthy renovation) displays great paintings by native artists.

St. Mary's Church — with its distinctive twin towers — has long been an icon of the city. Each midday crowds gather inside for a medieval moment as a nun swings open the church's much-adored altarpiece. In the late 1400s, Veit Stoss carved this exquisite Gothic polyptych — an altarpiece with pivoting panels. One of the most impressive medieval woodcarvings in existence, it depicts the death of the Virgin with emotion rare in Gothic art.

The Main Market Square may be the heart of Krakow, but Wawel Hill is in the hearts of the Polish people. The most visited sight in Poland, this is considered sacred ground, a symbol of Polish royalty and independence. Though a castle has stood here since the 11th century, the highlight is Wawel Cathedral, which houses the tombs of the country's greatest rulers and historic figures. It's the Westminster Abbey of Poland.

These days, 75 percent of Poland's people are practicing Catholics. But back in the 1930s, a quarter of Krakow's population was Jewish. The Kazimierz neighborhood, named for the 14th-century king who welcomed the Jews when other nations were deporting them, was once a thriving Jewish community. While few Jews still live here, the spirit of their tradition survives. Perhaps the best way to enjoy that is at a klezmer dinner concert, with traditional cuisine accompanied by Jewish music from 19th-century Poland.

Like so many other Jewish communities in Europe, Kazimierz was decimated during the Holocaust. The fragile remains of the community, historic exhibits, and synagogues provide a meditative look at how the town was walled in and its residents eventually shipped off to concentration camps. In the old Jewish cemeteries, fragments of headstones — broken under Nazi tank treads — now make up moving mosaic walls and Holocaust monuments. Across the river from Kazimierz, the former Jewish ghetto is where Oskar Schindler saved the lives of many of his Jewish workers. His factory is now a museum (due to open this year) that tells the heroic owner's story.

For a look at untouristy Krakow, a walk or bike ride around Planty Park is a treat. Centuries ago, Krakovians built a wall to protect their city. By the 19th century, it was no longer necessary, so locals tore down most of it, filled in the moat, and planted trees. Today, this delightful and people-friendly green belt stretches two and a half miles around the perimeter of Krakow's Old Town.

For a grittier experience, travel 20 minutes outside the city to the remarkable Wieliczka Salt Mine, a vast, thousand-foot-deep complex with nine levels and over 100 miles of tunnels. For centuries, generations of Wieliczka miners spent their daylight hours underground, rarely seeing the sun. Some of these proud miners carved sculptures out of the salt. You'll see legendary figures from the days of King Kazimierz, the famous astronomer Copernicus, and even the region's favorite son, Pope John Paul II. The mine's enormous underground church, carved in the early 20th century, is still used for Mass. Everything, from the altar to the grand chandelier, is hewn from this underworld of salt.

Whether burrowing through Krakow's countryside or skimming the city's sights, this is a place that’s fascinating and inspiring. Of all of the Eastern European cities boasting to be "the next Prague," Krakow is for real.

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South Labenon - Expected To Be A Tourist Spot And SCUDless

2010-05-01T20:57:00.000+08:00

Israeli claims that Hezbollah has obtained Scud missiles have revved up fears another war may break out soon. So it might not be the best time to try to turn the two nemeses' battlefield, south Lebanon, into a tourist destination.

But the south's rolling green hills, dotted with scenic olive and orange groves and watered with rivers, are seeing the construction of several new tourist sites near one of the most tense borders in the Middle East.

"This is my land, I was raised here, I have beautiful childhood memories here and Israel doesn't scare me," said Khalil Abdullah, the 56-year-old businessman behind the most ambitious project, the Wazzani Fortress resort.

Along the Wazzani River, which forms the border in this corner of southeast Lebanon, workers toil around the clock to finish the sprawling complex, built in the shape of a fort, along with windmills and stone arches. Among the $3 million project's plans are a restaurant where visitors can lunch while dipping their feet in the river, luxury chalets, a hotel and three swimming pools.

The area sits in the foothills of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, and Israeli soldiers often walk up to the other side of the river to gawk at the workers. Abdullah, said he's not worried about the possibility of a new war.

"They call me crazy, but I am simply fulfilling a dream of mine," said Abdullah, who recently returned to settle in Lebanon after 40 years working as a contractor in Africa.

South Lebanon, the country's Shiite heartland, was long torn by fighting during Israel's 18-year occupation, which ended in 2000. Then it was devastated in the 2006 summer war between Israel and the Shiite militant group Hezbollah. Thousands of U.N. peacekeepers and Lebanese army troops now patrol the area along with mine-clearing teams and Hezbollah operatives.

Earlier this month, the fears were hiked when Israel accused Syria of providing the Iranian-backed Hezbollah with Scud missiles, which have a far longer range and can carry a much bigger warhead than the rockets Hezbollah fired at Israel in the past. Syria has denied the accusation, as has Lebanon's Western-backed prime minister.

Despite the tensions, Lebanon has actually seen an unusually long stretch of peace and relative political stability in the past few years, which has brought an unprecedented tourism boom. In 2009, nearly 2 million tourists visited the country — a record that exceeds even the glamorous years before the 1975-90 civil war.

The main tourist playgrounds are focused on Beirut and on the mountains and beaches of the central part of Lebanon. There is far less infrastructure for visitors in the south, where development has long been neglected in general amid the turmoil.

Still, there are small infrastructure efforts and many Wazzani restaurants are getting a renovation before summer in hopes of visitors.

European and American citizens require special permits from the Lebanese army to travel to border areas. But investors in the south are hoping to draw visiting Arabs and Lebanese, including the many members of the Lebanese diaspora from around the world who frequently visit their ancestral land in the summer.

In fact, the border tensions could even be a draw, with some touting a visit to the south as a way to deliver a political message to Israel. In the border village of Maroun el-Rass, where some of the fiercest fighting between Hezbollah guerrillas and Israeli troops took place in 2006, up to 3,000 people now crowd a newly opened border park on weekends.

The $1.5 million Maroun el-Rass Park was a gift from Iran, which is believed to funnel weapons and millions of dollars in funding to Hezbollah, though Tehran denies arming the Shiite group. The park has barbecues, swings for children and a small mosque with an Iranian flag on its dome. Work is also under way for a basketball court and football pitch. The park will be officially opened on May 25, the Liberation Day holiday marking Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000.

Lebanese visitors pose with friends and family for pictures with the Israeli border communities of Avivim, Zarit and Baraam in the background.

"We are defying Israel with projects like these," said Moussa Nasrallah, the Lebanese engineer in charge of the park project. "The idea was to show that this area that was leveled and where Israeli tanks were once positioned is now a booming place."

Tourism Minister Fadi Abboud says the border resorts are a smart idea and encourages Arab tourists "to visit them like a pilgrimage."

"This is a form of civilian resistance, which is even more important than military resistance," he told The Associated Press. "Resistance can be in going to have lunch, dinner or just a drink along the border."

Petaling Street - The Best Place To Bargain

2010-05-01T16:42:00.001+08:00

What do T-shirts, tiger prawns and toys have in common? Nothing much, except they can all be found at a pasar malam (a Malay term for 'night market'), a bargain-hunter's paradise where you can find practically anything under the sun.

The Malaysian night market is based on a concept of open-air shopping where street vendors 'take over' a designated street to set up shop. The designated street, a normally busy one, is closed to traffic from the early evening to late at night, only to be transformed into a network of brightly-lit stalls for as far as the eye can see.

The cool Malaysian nights, with temperatures between 75-80(F (around 24(C) all year round, are perfect for outdoor shopping. Even the wetter monsoon months of May thru September and November thru February fail to dampen the spirit of the crowds as the vendors are quick to sprout large, colorful umbrellas offering shelter to their customers and their goods.

Perhaps the most famous pasar malam in Malaysia is at Petaling Street in the heart of downtown Kuala Lumpur, the capital city. Popular among bargain-hunting locals, it is also a tourist haven for its varied choice of souvenir T-shirts, imitation watches, electronics, bags, and shoes. It is open every night, and is especially crowded just before the major festive holidays such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya and Deepavali.

And while you're here, plan to savor the year-round variety of exotic local fruits such as the durian (notorious for its pungent smell which may put some people off, but mostly irresistible to the locals), papaya, pineapple, nangka (jackfruit), rambutan (a sweet fruit with a hairy red or yellow skin), mangosteen, ciku (pronounced 'chi-ku', a small sweet fruit with a pale brown skin), and starfruit, to name a few.

Equally colorful but perhaps less accessible to tourists are the night markets in the suburbs. These markets are held on a rotational basis at different suburbs on different nights of the week. You won't find the touristy items on sale here as these cater mainly to the locals' daily needs - from alarm clocks to zesty lime juice.

Each pasar malam comprises of a different combination of stalls, and new items are constantly being added on in line with current trends and market demand, so there's always something new and exciting to look forward to at each visit. From as early as 4pm, the suburb pasar malam is already abuzz with activity and color, and the traffic is starting to bottleneck around the designated street as vendors park their vans and mini-tricks indiscriminately to unload their wares, and shoppers try to beat each other to any available parking spot in the vicinity.

A two-lane street accommodating three rows of stalls can become a tight squeeze as the crowd thickens, so it's best to go early to beat the crowds and to secure the best and freshest choice of food. With fewer shoppers about, it is easier to make your way around the stalls and to take your time to browse.

By around 6pm, the market is in full swing as the first batches of office workers sweep in. It's now closer to dinner time and people are looking to fill an empty stomach. The weather being less sunny at this hour, it's a more popular time with Malaysians who typically try to beat the heat by staying out of the sun.

There is so much here you'll be spoilt for choice. For the office worker who needs to leave for work early and don't have time for the morning markets, the pasar malam holds the attraction of being a convenient stop on their way home from work where they can pick up their supply of fresh groceries.

For those intent on cooking up a storm in the kitchen, there is stall upon stall selling fresh seafood, poultry and meat products, a limitless variety of vegetables, and other raw ingredients. Dried and preserved items such as dried shrimp and ikan bilis (anchovies), mushrooms, salted eggs and century eggs are easily available here too.

For singles and those too busy or tired to cook after a long day at work, there is a large selection of ready-to-eat food - everything from fried chicken wings to a whole roasted duck to Chinese dumplings. It is possible to have an entire dinner-to-go neatly packaged in a Styrofoam box consisting of rice with an appetizing accompaniment of homemade dishes 'just like Mother used to make back home'.

Thirst-quenchers such as the ever-popular soy bean drink and sugar cane juice are a permanent feature here. For dessert, there is a list as diverse as tofufa (a soft white jelly made from soy bean curd eaten hot with syrup), swiss rolls and cakes, and red bean soup (a thick sweet soup made from boiling red beans).

Then there are the clothes stalls where you can find your weekend casuals such as shorts, T-shirts, pajamas, shoes, even socks at bargain prices. Of late, the selection has become increasingly trendy, offering fashionable wear at below shopping-mall prices.

If you're looking for household items such as kitchen utensils, plastic containers, mattresses, towels, baby cribs, even rocking horses, you can find a good selection here too. There is pet goldfish for your aquarium, and fresh flowers from the Cameron Highlands (located 1,829m above sea-level in the state of Pahang, 295km away from Kuala Lumpur) to spruce up your living room.

If you have friends living in Malaysia, I suggest you ask to be taken to a suburb pasar malam. It's less touristy but there's lots of exotic local delicacies you can sample, and probably even some useful items you won't find back home - all at bargain basement prices.

The pasar malam is, as I said earlier, a bargain-hunter's paradise. This means you do not merely pick up an item and pay for it, you first go through the process of bargaining. Here, the smart shopper doesn't take the price tag at face value but tries to get real value for their money.

Bargaining is a practice in this part of the world where you try to persuade the vendor to part with his ware at a price lower than what he's offering to sell you at. A good starting point would be to offer to pay 40-50% of the price quoted. Most times, the vendor will flatly refuse to accept your price at first, but will likely make you a counter-offer.

This is your cue to raise your price by 10% so that the price you are offering now is 30% of the original price quoted by the vendor. If he refuses, raise it by another 5 to 10%. Keep doing this until you reach the minimum amount you are willing to pay, above which you feel you won't be getting value for your money.

If the vendor refuses to sell at the lowest price you have offered, tell him you're not interested any more and start walking away. If the vendor is keen to close the sale, he will call after you and tell you he's willing to sell. If he lets you go, console yourself that there's probably another stall down the street that will agree to your price.

For someone unaccustomed to bargaining, it may initially seem like a real challenge for something as simple as buying an item you like. But believe me, it does get easier with practice. Some points to consider though:

For the best offer prices, it's a good idea to check out several stalls and do some comparison-shopping before you start bargaining.

Don't start bargaining on something unless you're genuinely interested in buying it. Otherwise, the hassle is not worth your time and effort, and you might very well end up buying something you don't really want.

Remember to keep that smile on as you bargain. Treat it as a game and have fun at it. Don't stress yourself out if you can't secure your best price. Be content that any price you pay will probably be less than what you'll be paying back home anyways.

Some things that you can't bargain on - ready-to-eat food items such as noodles, etc. Once you've mastered this intricate but interesting art form, you'll be walking happily away with the best bargains.

Some useful tips before you step out to the pasar malam:

Although tropical nights are fairly cool, the relative humidity can be quite high. The lights from the stalls also generate quite a bit of heat. So it's a good idea to wear light casuals such as shorts, T-shirts and a good pair of walking shoes.

During the rainy season, carry an umbrella. Malaysia is prone to convectional showers in the late afternoon and early evening. The rain usually comes and goes quickly, but can be pretty heavy.

As most travelers already know, you should always be careful with your travel documents and money especially in crowded places, the pasar malam included. So it's always a good idea to keep your wallets, pouches and other valuables out of reach of pickpockets.

The pasar malam is truly a feast for the eyes and the palate (not to mention what savings your pocket would enjoy!) on a tropical night out. The atmosphere is almost festive, and there's so much to see and buy and eat. So do make a point to check out Malaysia's bustling marketplaces - always different, always exciting - on your next visit.