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Malaysia Tourism - Appealing Tourists From All Over the World

2010-09-11T04:10:00.001-07:00

Malaysia is one of the most beautiful holidaying destinations in Asia. It is globally famous for its enchanting beaches, rich culture and heritage, world class hospitality, virgin flora and fauna, lively cities, cheerful and friendly people. All the exciting part of Malaysia Tourism attracts tourists, vacationer and holiday makers from all over the world. In this beautiful holidaying destination there are many exciting attraction which are unmatched to rest of the world.
Malaysia has several fascinating tourists’ attractions. The sheer mixture of tourism destinations is astounding and never fails to lure the tourists coming for holidays in this beautiful land. These include the high-tech city of Kuala Lumpur, tropical island of Langkawi, colonial hill stations of Genting and Cameron Highlands, numerous pristine beaches, National Parks, and the world's oldest tropical rainforests. Malaysia has the potential of catering to tourist of every hue and it truly lives up to its tag line of Malaysia Truly Asia.
Some of the Must Visit attraction of Malaysia
Kaula Lumpur
Famous for its high-tech wonder, Kuala Lumpur is the prime attraction of Malaysia tours and travels. This is the only global city which is blessed with the beauty of nature at the same time the colors of modernism. Come and explore both the fascinating sides of Kaula Lumpur, which will surly make your holiday memorable and beautiful.
Malacca
Situated 147 kms away from Kaula Lumpur, Malacca is a quite seaside city that offers tourists to explore and enjoy the cultural heritage. It is one such place in Malaysia where you can see the beautiful amalgamation of Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British Cultures. Backwater tour in this city is another fascinating attraction that provide tourist wonderful opportunity to enjoy the cruise at the same time take a close look of the ramparts and historical ruins. Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is one of the oldest temple in Malaysia which is must see and visit attraction of Malacca.
Georgetown
Located in the Penang Island it is one of the oldest British settlement in Malaysia. Having a charm and beauty of Chinese Culture, tour to George Town will take you 50 years back. The historic city is laden with several heart grabbing attractions like Chinese houses, temples, vegetable markets, trishaws, etc. All are awesomely beautiful which never fails lure tourist on their visit to historic town of Malaysia - Georgetown.
Beside these wonderful cities and their miraculous attraction there are many other tourists places which are must to visit on Malaysia holiday package. Above touring, tourists can also enjoy their life being the part of the lively celebrations of the Malayans. Their enthusiasm, sporty attitude and passion for celebration and parties showcase Malaysia’s complex past and progressive spirit.
Well you have lots of option to make your holidays in Malaysia a lifetime experience. Just come for once and it is sure you will love to visit this multi hued Malaysia time and again to explore its astounding culture, beauty and attractions.

Past is Present in Malaysia 51 Years After Independence

2010-09-11T04:09:00.001-07:00

In the run up to Merdeka Day (Independence Day) on August 31, an unmistakable atmosphere of excitement and pride is palpable across Malaysia. It will now be 51 years since the country has declared independence from the British Commonwealth, and anticipation is infectious as the country wraps up the first year of its golden age.
Formerly an agricultural country playing catch-up with its neighbors, Malaysia has flourished into a thriving hub of information technology. Malaysia is now among the most advanced countries in Asia and now bears the face of progress in the region.
In the face of progress, however, Malaysia has been able to keep many aspects of its ancient identity. And it is this achievement of preserve its Old Country heritage amid modernity that Malaysia will celebrate on August 31 as it commemorates the nation’s 51st Independence Day.
Deep-rooted industries, customs, and heritage sites in Malaysia stand side by side with progress and modern technology. Penang, an island-state on the northwest coast of the Strait of Malacca, is one such place in Malaysia where the heritage of the Old Country combines with the New World.
Penang, Malaysia, is a predominantly resort island north of the capital Kuala Lumpur. It is well-known for its pre-war buildings, myriad religious temples, shopping centers, and tropical promenades and quays. On July 27 this year its capital city of Georgetown was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city of Georgetown has likewise been voted into the Top 10 livable cities in the region by Asiaweek.
Because Georgetown is protected by UNESCO and is considered an architectural gem, rent controls are well in place so that acquiring land and property is difficult. Hotels and other accommodation providers usually cater to short-term and long-term visitors alike.
Penang hotels range from mid-size to five-star hotels and guests of budgets and itineraries can stay with relative ease in Georgetown, Penang. The Century Bay Service Suites in Georgetown, Penang, is one of the oft-visited hotels in the Malaysian resort island.
Like the city of Georgetown, Malaysia, Century Bay combines to serene effect the rustic atmosphere of the Old Country with the technology-driven ethos of the New World. Rooms are plush and come complete with modern amenities, all for the price of a mid-size city hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
Minutes away from Gurney Drive, Little India, Chinatown, and the Penang Airport, the hotel in Georgetown of Century Bay puts its guests near the festive flashpoints of the Merdeka Day celebrations.
Century Bay Service Suites
No. 5, Lintang Pantai Jerjak
11700 Georgetown
Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Tel. No.: +604-6591515
Fax No.: +604-6595115
Find more at http://www.centurybaysuites.com

Malaysian Travel Tricks

2010-09-11T04:06:00.001-07:00

By Mark Peoples
Nothing ruins a good trip than by unwittingly offending your host or the customs of the country. Travel agencies attest to this, because these are most of the mistakes their clients make when in another country. Statistics show that the bulk of these mistakes happens when a tourist or visitor is on a country in a different continent. Perhaps this is because of the expansive difference between the cultures of the continents. Western culture is radically different from the cultures of the East, especially in terms of religion. Predominantly, Muslim regions are more stringent with their customs, and even visitors are not exempt. If you are thinking about traveling to a Muslim country like Malaysia, there are several things you must remember to enjoy smooth Malaysia travel.
Keep in mind that Malaysian population is an integration of social groups, diverse cultures, and traditions. Generally, the different racial groups form a society, but still keep individual lifestyles and traditions. Malays predominate the total population and are still governed by strong decorum and the authority of the elders. The other Asian members of the society originally came to Malaysia to take up civil service positions but are now also among the professional classes. The Western European influence is visible but minimal. Therefore, as a Western traveler, don't expect to find that your ways will be accepted and understood by most of the locals. Malaysians are hospitable, but they would not change their customs to suit your needs. If you want a successful and hassle-free Malaysia travel, it is better to equip yourself with the knowledge about your host country and its traditions.
Malaysia travel requires that you speak to the locals. Unless you have the extra money for an interpreter, it is best that you learn a few basic and useful Malaysian phrases, and forms of address. You would not be only thought of as considerate but also as a respectful traveler. Locals will also be more helpful and accommodating if you can talk to them, no matter how poorly. A handshake seems to be a universal symbol for peace and goodwill, but unlike the Western handshake, Malays do theirs relaxed and gently as a sign of warmth and welcome. If you want to pay respect to a Malay elder, statue, or temple, simply touch your chest briefly. The way you dress is very important as Malays are very proper people. Don informal clothing bit don't be overly casual. Some shrines and temples won't allow visitors to enter if dressed too casually. Speaking of shrines, removing footwear before entering temples, shrines, and houses is a form of courtesy and respect. Despite the many social conventions, visitors can expect lavish hospitality from the locals. Unlike in western countries, giving tips is not practiced, so do not tip even taxi drivers. It may be interpreted as a sign of disrespect. Smoking is also deemed as rude; if you must smoke, go to designated smoking areas in your hotel but never do it on the streets.
Bear this in mind and practice them on your Malaysia travel. You can be guaranteed of a warm welcome and invitations to return from newfound local friends. With respect for others culture and the local residents, any travel will be surely glitch-free.
For more valuable information on Malaysian travel, please visit http://www.suaramalaysia.com

Culture of Malaysia

2010-09-11T03:35:00.001-07:00

Family life is of utmost importance and holds a strong place when it comes to the culture of Malaysia. The Malay culture is native to Malaysia. Malaysia also boasts of a rich cultural heritage. The culture of Malaysia sees a healthy mix of various tribes such as the Malay, the Chinese and even the Indians. The Malaysian culture has also witnessed heavy influences from the other cultures as well. Malaysia also offers you loads of things to do and beautiful sights to see and one can notice that the culture of Malaysia is as beautiful as this land. Here’s a look at the culture of Malaysia and factors associated with it.
Glimpses of the Culture of Malaysia:
Malaysian Culture: People
Malaysia is a country that is known for its rich and cultural heritage. Here, people strongly believe in respecting each other’s culture and religion. Here, one can find a good mix of Malay, Chinese and even Indian communities. The Malay people cover more than half of the population of Malaysia. As per the laws of the Malaysian Constitution, all Malays are basically Muslims and one can get a glimpse of the traditional Malay culture in the village areas.
The Malaysian culture also includes the Chinese and they were known to have adopted the Malaysian culture since the ancient days. With the practice of intermixed marriages there emerged a whole new group where the males were called as the babas and the females were known as the nyonyas. The Chinese therefore are the second largest group out here.
The Indians are the third largest group of people that form a major part of the Malaysian culture. The Indians had always visited Malaysia since the ancient days.
Thus we see how different races have formed a part of the culture of Malaysia. The unity in diversity can be seen in the celebration of various festivals by all races in Malaysia. Apart from this, there are also certain tribes that form the oldest inhabitants of Malaysia. This forms to be at least 5 percent of the total population.
Malaysian Culture: Lifestyle
The Malaysian culture shows a lot of modern influences that is seen in the western culture today. Today, we can see many influences even in the native families, which speak the English language and follow a modern culture of pubbing and are a party going lot. This does not mean that the Malaysians do not follow their customs and traditions. Today, young girls still use a piece of cloth that covers their head which is called as Tudung. Family values forms still have a strong foothold in the culture of Malaysia.
Malaysian Culture: Music
The Malaysian music has seen influences from the Indonesia, Portugal and even has influences from Thai forms and Chinese styles. The pop scene has seen many developments in Malaysia and the more traditional kind of music was popularized in the 1920s-1930s. Yet another genre, the Pop Yeh Yeh ruled the Malaysian music scenario in from the year 1965 to 1971. Malaysian bands were heavily influenced with bands such as Scorpians and Def Leppard before the mid 1980s.
Malaysian Culture: Art and Handicrafts
A lot of influences can be seen in Malaysian art. External influences have made their presence felt in music, dancing and even literature apart from art. The traditional handicrafts of Malaysia include the textiles which are woven by the Punan tribes, basketwork, woodcarvings, patterned mats etc. The decorative art that belonged to the Malaysian art also includes batik cloth, which is dyed by hand with the help of a special technique.
Read more about Batik Art Designs
Malaysian Culture: Cuisine
Rice is always the main food ingredient in Malaysian cuisine. Rice and noodles are a most favored combination. Malaysian cuisine also includes many dishes that use an array of seafood. One can even see an influence of the Indian cuisine such as naan, puris, idlis and even rotis that form a part of breakfast in the Malaysian cuisine.
Thus we can see that the Malay culture is really varied with influences from various other cultures as well. This is one place, which sees an equal amount of respect for all races and religion.
You might also be interested to read about Irish culture

Malaysia Tours - Attractions and Beauty to Relish for Lifetime

2010-09-11T03:19:00.001-07:00

Malaysia is one of the most preferred holiday destinations by tourists. Globally known for its rich culture, natural beauty, island sea and pristine beaches, Malaysia attractions are spell binding and sure to make the holidays a lifetime experience. In this celestial destination there are many bewitching attractions which are sure to make you spell bind.
Holiday in Malaysia is a lifetime experience. Every year a large number of tourists from all over the world come to this beautiful holidaying destination to enjoy their holidays in a delightful and memorable way. In this beautiful city there are many exotic attractions which are awesomely beautiful and charming. On your Malaysia tour packages you can explore the charming attractions of this beautiful holidaying destination which will surely leave you spell bind.
Here are some of the prime attraction which you can visit and explore the charm and beauty of the place.
Kuala Lumpur
The beauty and attraction of Kuala Lumpur is very interesting and fascinating. It can hardly be described but can be experience with lots of happiness and joy enclosing to your heart with memorable memories to cherish for lifetime. The only global city of Malaysia appears to be most happening and lively one which never fails to grab the attention of tourists coming for tour to Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur is blessed with colors of modernism along with rich heritage.
Penang
Popularly famous as "Pearl of Orient" Penang is a known for its warm beaches, scenic sea, lush greenery and tempting cuisines.
Perlis
Perlis is the smallest state in Malaysia, but grabs the attention of tourists quite in a large number. Its unspoilt natural beauty, verdant paddy fields, rustic rural lifestyle, etc give perils a heavenly look which never fails to grab the attention of tourists and leave them spell bind. It is also the must visit holidaying destination of Malaysia tours.
Sarawak
One of the largest states of Malaysia, Sarawak is better known as the land of fabled white rajas, the horn bill and orangutan. It is also the dream destination of tourists who lovers to add some adventurous memories and thrill in their holiday tours to Malaysia.
Beside these exciting and fascinating tourists destinations there are much more to see and enjoy in Malaysia. Come and explore the enchanting part of this beautiful holidaying destination of India and register memories to relish for life time.
Several Malaysia tour packages are made available the tour operators for a delightful and memorable tour in this exciting holidaying destination of Asia. Book one of your choices and enjoy the unmatched beauty and charm of Malaysia the land of rich culture and marvelous tourism attractions.

Malaysia Tourism - Appealing Tourists From All Over the World

2010-09-11T02:50:00.001-07:00

Germany Facts and Information

2010-09-11T02:39:00.001-07:00

Germany is located in Central Europe. The official name of the country is Federal Republic of Germany or Bundesrepublik Deutschland in German. To the north of Germany is located the North Sea, Denmark and the Baltic Sea, while to the south is Austria and Switzerland. To the east of Germany lie Poland and the Czech Republic, and on the west lie France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Belgium. It is the second largest economy in Europe and also the second most populated nation of Europe, with a population density of 230 per sq km. The capital of Germany is Berlin, but there are many administrative functions, which are still carried out from Bonn, that was the capital of former West Germany. These are the basic Germany facts and information, we will now read in detail about the history of Germany and facts and figures as well.
Germany Facts and History
The historical facts about Germany are rather interesting. The ancient German history can be traced back to Julius Caesar. He called the area on the other side of the Rhine as Germania. The country has undergone a number of wars and disintegration with different dynasties taking over the country. In the modern times, the history of Germany starts with first unification of Germany 1871, under the leadership of Prussia, but Austria was excluded from this federation, which also bought an end to the hegemony of Austria over Germany, that had started in the 15th century. Different alliances were formed and many were broken, due to expansion policies of the different rulers like Otto von Bismarck, Wilhelm II, and not to forget Adolf Hitler. The world wars were also a result of the same policies. After the World War II, the country was divided into two main parts, namely East Germany and West Germany. While East Germany was a communist country, called Demokratische Deutsche Republik (DDR), West Germany called Bundesrepublik Deutschland (BRD) was a capitalist country. After the collapse of the Berlin wall, the country was reunified and the communist economy was done away with.
Germany Facts and Figures
After reading a little about the history, we will turn towards the Germany facts and information.

Germany is divided into 16 states, known as Bundesländer. They are Baden-Wurttemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hesse, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thuringia.
The area of Germany is 137,847 sq miles. The population according to the 2008 census is 82.1 million.
It has been a member of the European Union since 1958.
The official language of the country is German, but the regional dialects are different than the standard German language. Languages like Danish and Sorbic are also spoken. Along the France border, French is also a common language.
Germany is located in the Central European time zone, which is one hour in advance of GMT, during the daylight savings time in the summer.
The currency currently used in the country is Euro. Before the introduction of the Euro, it was Deutsche Mark (DM), where 1 DM equals 100 Pfenning.
The government is divided into three arms, namely the Executive branch, legislative branch and judicial branch.
The head of the state is the President, while the head of the government is the Chancellor.
The President is elected for a period of five years, but he is eligible for re-election.
The cabinet is appointed by the President on the recommendations of the Chancellor.
Germany has approximately equal number of Protestants and Roman Catholics at 34%, while 4% of the population are Muslims. The remaining of the population are Jewish and other minorities.
The 3rd of October is a national holiday known as Unity Day or Tag der deutschen Einheit, since 1990.
The famous places in Germany include cities like, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt am Main, Essen, Dortmund, Hanover, Duisburg, etc. and not to forget black forest in Germany.
Germany has people from a number of other ethnicity. There are 91.5% Germans, 2.4% Turkish, 0.7% Italian, 0.4% Greek, 0.4% Polish and other 4.6%.
Germany is the only country, where Holocaust Denial is considered as a crime.
Germany enjoys a temperate climate. The winters are cloudy and wet, whereas the summers are mild and there can be occasional heat waves.
Football is the most popular sport in Germany. It is not a wonder, that the German Football Association is the largest association of its kind in the world.

I hope this article on Germany facts and information proves to be useful to you. If you plan to visit Germany, do not forget to savor famous German food. There are a number of dishes, which have been given to the world by Germany, like the blackforest cake. The summers are the best time to visit Germany, with numerous tourist attractions in Germany. Are you planning on a German vacation next summer?

Places to Visit in Spain

2010-09-11T02:38:00.001-07:00

Spain, a geographically and historically diverse country, is one of the most beautiful and breathtaking countries in the continent of Europe. Touring the country of Spain can be a unique and thrilling experience. Located on the Iberian peninsula in southwestern Europe, this country is surrounded by the Mediterranean sea and other seas on all the three sides. The cool, sparkling blue waters are surely alluring to the eyes. Visiting these exotic locales and tasting the authentic and delectable local cuisine is sure to be an unforgettable experience that will be etched in your memory. Due to constraint of space and time, I have only listed a few of the places to visit in Spain. But believe me, if you go to these places, you can get a taste of the entire country. So join me in touring some of the most beautiful and awesome places to visit in Spain.
Famous Places to Visit in Spain
Madrid
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a cornucopia of pleasure, catering to everyone's taste. This city of Spain is popular for its music culture with its discos, restaurants, bars, cafes etc. Also known as shopper's paradise, Madrid has no dearth of things to be purchased. You will find everything that you need at Plaza Mayor Square. With its beautiful museums, it is also a feast to an art lover. An ideal vacation destination for family and friends.
Malaga
A tourist's paradise with exotic holiday resorts, Malaga is the birth place of the famed painter Pablo Picasso. It is considered to be a Mecca for every artist or painter. This city is home to many museums and cathedrals, with their exquisite architectural works. The main landmark of the city, Alcazaba or the Arabic fortress, which is built on a hill has ruins of the Roman empire and also the amphitheater. This is one of the best places to visit in Spain with kids, since this city also has an aquarium which houses many rare species of marine life.
Barcelona
The second largest city in Spain, Barcelona has a spectacular history of culture and tradition. The city is a confluence for both art and nature lovers. Barcelona has a lot to offer for tourists like beaches, historical buildings, museums, etc. There are also some beautiful buildings that were designed by Gaudi, a famous architect. Historians would love to visit this place since it has a myriad of museums like the Archeology Museum of Catalonia, Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, Cosmocaixa science museum, the Maritime museum and even an Erotic museum. Visit Barcelona for an unique vacation and an altogether different experience. There are also many affordable hotels that suit everyone's budget.
Ibiza
Ibiza, with its sun kissed beaches and sparkling ocean waters is an appropriate place to chill out during a summer vacation. Ibiza is very popular for its vibrant nightlife. The center of attraction of this city is a beautiful cathedral that stands on the beach and from where you can get a panoramic view of the nearby islands and the deep blue sea. The island also rents out boat charters, which can be hired for a day and used for touring the entire coast. You can also rent some vacation homes on the beach and laze the entire day on hammock with a chilled beer in your hand and staring at the vast mass of water. So pack your bangs and sing as the Vengaboys did, 'We're going to Ibiza'.
Bilbao
One of the most economically active cities of Spain, Bilbao is famous for the Guggenheim museum., which has a gigantic structure shaped like a puppy. There are also other museums like the Fine Arts Museum that attracts hordes of tourists. Spend a different Christmas vacation at this Basque country for a unique experience with your family or friends.
Almeria
Located on the Mediterranean coast, Almeria is replete with beaches and many archaeological sites. You can take a closer look at the artistic beauty of the rock paintings. There are also many natural parks which have a wide variety of different species of flora and fauna. Tempt your taste buds with authentic seafood and vegetable dishes fresh from the fields. This is one of the excellent places to visit in Spain in summer because of its continental climate.
Granada
Popularly for its architectural beauty, Grenada is a heritage site of the world stamped by the UNESCO. Filled with beautiful palaces and Renaissance monuments, this is one of the best places to choose for an Europe vacation. Visiting the museums in Granada will make you travel back in history to the era of successful monarchs. There are also many marvelous landscapes that is sure to sweep you off your feet.
Valencia
The third largest city of the country, Valencia is perfect for a beach vacation. Valencia is famous for its orange orchards, which look awesome when all the trees are in full bloom. The beaches are pristine with its beautiful and soft white sand. There are also many adventurous sports activities like sailing, para-gliding and surfing that can enjoyed all the year round. You can also enjoy some of the local festivals celebrated in this city.
Lose yourself in this scenic and historical country to have one of the most memorable holidays in Spain. Hope you found this overview on places to visit in Spain informative. Have a blast!

Canada: Early Canadian History

2010-09-11T02:13:00.001-07:00

Canada, though often overshadowed by its famous neighbor to the south, has a rich and diverse history. Its role as an international peacekeeper is renowned and its culture is seen as a mosaic that accepts different peoples and world traditions to complement its own heritage. The establishment of territory by France, and then by England, instituted another cultural dynamic that is still being worked out to this day.
The modern history of Canada began in 1867 with the union of the British Provinces into a new confederation. For the most part, Canada has developed into its present form through a mostly peaceful constitutional and political process. Canadians are proud of their country's identity and contributions to the world. The Web is a good place to start researching these topics and discovering new things about the US’s great neighbor to the north.
Those interested in this vast and varied country will find an assortment of resources on the World Wide Web. Canadians are very proud of their heritage and are eager for the rest of the world to start paying attention to their accomplishments. Online you will find any number of specialty sites, museum links, archives and tourism guides. Many Canadian sites will let you choose between French and English versions.

Canada, Home To Large Roadside Attractions

2010-09-11T02:11:00.001-07:00

People who travel frequently throughout Canada are probably used to seeing interesting and odd items next to the road. Many of them are garish, many are perplexing, and many are amusing, but all of them have one thing in common—they’re all pretty big. And they’re scattered all across the country. Canadian Ed Solonyka has compiled an exhaustive collection of photographs of such attractions, and they’re all on display at his website, where they are indexed alphabetically so they’re easy to locate.
Solonyka’s website has garnered numerous awards, including The Great White North’s Page of Excellence, The Critical Mass Award, The Canuck’s Choice World Class Site Award, the Canada Travel Webring Award for Excellent Canadian Content, the Cool Canuck Site Award, the Purely Canadian Website Award, and the Canadian Advantage Web Award. The site has also been listed as a Yahoo Pick of the Week website, as well as being AutoGuide.net's Featured Site of the Week

The site is extremely visitor-friendly and unusually easy to navigate. Not only are the photos alphabetically indexed, there’s also a page that displays a map of Canada where you can simply click on a province or territory to display a page packed with thumbnail photos of the attractions in that province. Click on a thumbnail to see the larger image. If you prefer to search by category rather than location, you can go to the page that groups attractions by type, such as fruit, furniture, sports, reptiles, food, animals, clocks, transportation, intergalactic, snowmen, and insects, which are just a few of the many categories listed. The site also contains a huge separate collection of photos of air force and civilian aircraft found on pedestals across Canada, as well as photos of roadside attractions along the Trans-Canada Highway.
This website is the only place where you can go to see pictures of Ms. Claybelt the Cow, The World's Largest Dinosaur, Quilly Willy the Porcupine, the World's Largest Coke Can, the World's Largest Sundial, the World’s Largest Lobster, the Biggest Piggy Bank in the World, the Sign Post Forest, the World’s Largest Pirogue, the World's Largest Adirondack Chair, and the World’s Largest Bee—and that’s only the tip of the iceberg! If you want to take a virtual trip through Canada’s large roadside attractions without leaving the comfort of your own home, Ed Solonyka’s fantastic website is just a click away.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Toronto, A Clean, Safe, Cosmopolitan City

2010-09-11T02:07:00.001-07:00

Americans are notoriously indifferent to the cultural life offered by their neighbor to the north, so it's not surprising that Toronto, Ontario's capital, doesn't often leap to mind as a travel destination. However, Toronto's population of 4.3 million ensures a lively mix of ethnic backgrounds that contribute to its wonderfully diverse shops and restaurants. For instance, the city boasts three Chinatowns, each brimming with distinctive grocery stores and pharmacies as well as dim sum restaurants offering as many as 150 dishes on the menu.
Theater buffs in particular will adore Toronto, a city that ranks behind only London and Paris for sheer variety of plays. On almost any given night, it's possible to catch dramas, comedies, big name musicals, and even operas. Canada gained its prominence in the arts when former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau instituted government funding for national theater in the 1970s. This boost led to the formation of the Toronto Theatre Alliance, which has continued to support both mainstream and experimental plays, many shown in restored theaters like the Royal Alexandria and the Winter Garden.
Sure, kids like plays, but what they really love is running wild at amusement parks, frolicking in swimming pools, and participating in hands-on learning activities. Luckily for parents, they can do all three in Toronto. Water games and rides abound at Ontario Place and Paramount Canada's Wonderland, and if you've booked a room at the Delta Chelsea, your children can take advantage of the family-only pool to make as much noise as they want. Children will also love the exhibits at the Royal Ontario Museum, which encourage them to pet animals, examine specimens under microscopes, and even handle ancient Egyptian objects.

What’s Afoot in British Columbia?

2010-09-11T01:59:00.001-07:00

Five human feet have washed up on the shores of British Columbia over the past year, and a sixth was thought to be discovered this week. The most recent discovery turned out to be a hoax: animal bones had been placed inside a sock and shoe and wrapped in seaweed.
But the fake foot has brought attention to the weird problem facing Canadian forensic pathologists.
Over the past eleven months, four left feet and one right, all in tennis shoes, have come ashore along the Pacific coast area of the Canadian province.
British Columbia police have said no foul play is suspected, at least as to how the feet became disconnected from their ah, leg bones. They are investigating missing persons cases, to determine if any of the feet could belong to people thought to have drowned.
Three years ago, a plane crashed into the ocean near the beach where the feet have washed up. Four of the five men aboard have never been found. DNA comparisons are underway to determine if the feet belong to any of them.
With the currents the way they are, bodies can travel quite a distance before ending up washing ashore, say oceanographers.
But, you may be wondering (as I certainly was), why feet?
Forensic experts explain that a decomposing body deteriorates joints, and the ankle joint is particularly susceptible to becoming detached from the body during decomposition, a process called disarticulation.
In addition, an athletic shoe is naturally buoyant and would easily float to the surface of the water, as well as be carried further distances than other body parts.
That makes sense, but it’s still weird.
"It’s certainly very unusual," agreed Constable Annie Linteau with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).