Thailand Adventures
Thailand Adventures
by Spencer Neal
Wilderness Adventure - Thailand
Thailand has always held a special place in my heart. I first travelled there in 1991, a wide eyed kid wet behind the ears with a bucket shop one way ticket to Bangkok. My grand plans of a short beach break before heading down to the east coast of Australia joining the 1000's of Pommie pilgrims earning a right of passage didn't exactly go to plan. I left Thailand eleven months later to return home penniless, emancipated and full of great stories, which my friends soon got bored with.
I returned a few times mainly to Bangkok and Koh Samui happy to be back in the land of smiles but feeling slightly disappointed at all the changes. The old story of development being good for the locals but not good for my sense of adventure. That didn't deter me from joining the Imaginative Travellers Wilderness Adventure two years ago.
Arriving in Bangkok this time was different. I had a hotel booked so no lugging my pack in Bangkok's suffocating mixture of exhaust fumes, heat and humidity looking for a clean bed. I had a group to meet too, this was also good, eating Pad Thai on your own looking for a fellow traveller to strike a conversation with can be hard work. There were 10 of us, a mix of Poms, Aussies, a Canadian, an American and a South African. We all met for dinner and shortly after my first Thai beer I knew this would be a fun trip
Bangkok to me means food and shopping and the best place to find both is the Chata Chuk weekend market. I headed there with belly empty and wallet full destined to reverse the two. The market is huge, really huge, 35 acres of cheap goodies huge and sells everything from furniture to genuine fake designer clothes. The street food is fantastic but remember the Thai's like it hot. I left my shopping with the hotel to keep safe as I would be returning there once I finished the trip.
Off to Chiang Mai on the overnight train. I like travelling like this, sleeping while moving makes sense to me and the train is clean, functional, safe and fine. I think Chiang Mai is the perfect place to escape hectic Bangkok. It's a peaceful, happy place and that reflects in the locals. Sight seeing will take you to the Wat Pratat Doi Suthep temple - stunning and golden on a sunny day. The next stage of the trip was trekking in the surrounding jungle, I decided I needed a massage before we set off.
A trek in the hills of Northern Thailand is a chance to escape everyday life and clear your head. The going is not too difficult for someone with fairly good fitness although if it rains the mud can be tricky. I was enjoying my own head space when we arrived at the first village of wooden homes, pecking chickens and lots of smiles, basic but I couldn't think of anywhere else I would rather have been. Chan, our guide, was a local from a neighbouring village and before long he had us divided amongst our village hosts before the sun set and got too difficult for us city people to do anything without electric light. That night, with the noise of the surrounding jungle lying on a mattress roll on a bamboo floor, was maybe the most peaceful night's sleep I have ever had.
The next day's trek was shorter and we covered ground quicker, maybe we were getting used to the trekking but I think it was the excitement of the elephant ride to come that afternoon. Lunch was delicious but we were too busy watching the elephants wash in the river to notice. Elephants are brilliant creatures and being on one journeying deeper into the jungle is a fantastic experience.
The next morning Chan had us up early helping him and the village men build our rafts to take us down river to civilization. It is all part of the experience helping the guys and by helping I mean staying out of their way while they expertly craft our rafts. A serene float down to the nearest small town where our bus was waiting to take us to a hot shower and another massage.
We left Chiang Mai and headed back to Bangkok where we broke the journey up to the south with an over night stay in the city of angels.
I had heard a few good things about Khoa Sok national park, not too popular with tourists or backpackers alike due it not having a major bus stop. To get there you need to stop the bus by the 3rd banyan tree after 17th stream near the big hill and you will find a bakkie waiting to take you into the park. I'm glad we had a tour leader. The first night we slept with the birds in tree houses the second and third we stayed in raft houses on a man made dam. It is a truly beautiful area and a few of us spent the days swimming in waterfalls, flooded caves, kayaking and hiking and some of just sat back and took it all in.
How to finish this Thailand trip? On the beach of course. The islands around Krabi are what we visualize when we think of a Thai beach and they do not disappoint. The Thai's have a word called sabai, loosely translated it means an inner happiness and contentment. I woke one afternoon from a napping on the beach and understood exactly what sabai means.
Songkran Adventure: Thailand's New Year Water Festival - Part 2 of 2
Songkran Adventure: Thailand's New Year Water Festival - Part 2 of 2
by Doug Anderson
Friday
Since I was getting short of money, I decided to make a visit to an ATM the evening's project. I had noticed on a map earlier that Silom, one of the main streets of Bangkok, was apparently within walking distance of my new hotel, so decided to head that-a-way. I knew there would be lots of shops and restaurants and many ATMs there, and so I could stop for a Pepsi somewhere before heading back.
It's still Songkran, the Thai New Year Water Festival. I read in the Bangkok Post that the festival lasts different lengths of time in different parts of Thailand, varying from three days to five. Tonight was the last night of the Songkran celebrations in Bangkok.
Now at this point, someone should have taken me roughly by the shoulders and pushed me up against the wall, and slapped my face a few times to get my attention. "This. Is. The. Last. Night. Of. A. Five. Day. Water. Festival. Get it?"
Um, well no, not really. I mean, I read the words in the newspaper, but what they implied was lost in translation.
I knew there was a chance I might get wet, so I removed my wallet and didn't bother with my backpack. I took a business card with the hotel name and address, and my own business card with my name on it (in case someone found my body), my ATM card, and the little money I had (about $16). I took a look at the map, memorizing the streets in this area, then folded the map, and put it in my backpack, which I intentionally left behind. I find that, if you are going to explore a strange city at night, it's much more sa-nook (fun) without a map, and anyway, being a former Boy Scout, I have an infallible sense of direction.
I made my way out of the hotel, picked up a couple of rocks in case of dogs, and made my way to the main street, a couple of blocks away, where I discarded the rocks. They were unnecessary. The lane I wanted was directly across the street from where I was standing, right next to the Citibank headquarters, according to my map. But there were six lanes of traffic and a canal in between me and it, so I had to walk a couple of blocks to the nearest intersection, where I could take a pedestrian bridge across the road.
As I'm standing facing the narrow lane, deciding if I really want to do this at night, a tall foreigner with a German accent asked me if I spoke English. "Yes," I replied, "I'm from Canada."
"Do you know where one can eat in a restaurant without getting wet?"
Um, well, as far as I know, you can eat in any restaurant without getting wet. We seemed to be on different wavelengths, so he toddled off one way, and I toddled off down the lane.
Turning the corner, I saw a pickup truck ahead, filled with young people with buckets of water, stopped at the side of the road. Oh, oh, what to do, what to do? I stood in a doorway, hidden from view. A young woman came walking out of a side lane, and looked startled at seeing me hiding in a dark doorway. I pointed at the truck up the street and yelled "Songkran!" and she laughed and walked on. I had the thought that if a young woman was unafraid about walking down a dark lane alone at night, I, a former Boy Scout, could certainly make my way past the truck. So I stepped out, and just at that moment, the truck pulled away.
I walked down the lane, which twisted and curved around, and as I passed by an intersection, another truck came around the corner and I got squirted a couple of times. I walked on, and was about to walk past an apartment building when I heard someone laughing. Looking up, I saw four young men with a big bucket and some pots, so I quickly crossed the road and continued on. I made it to a main street without further incident, and continued walking towards Silom.
Or so I thought.
I was looking for Convent Road, which I knew would take me directly to Silom. I came to an intersection, and the sign said this was Convent Road, but it was not going the way I thought it should go. So, unlike most men, I asked for directions. A young woman came along, and I said "Ta-nohn Silom tee nai?" which means "Road Silom where?" which is how you ask a question in Thai. She pointed down the street, matching what the sign said. So my infallible sense of direction was pointing me 90 degrees off from where it should have pointed; it was pointing this-a-way and it should have been pointing that-a-way. Oh well, seems to me I never did get all my Scout merit badges.
I walked down Convent Road towards Silom, and passed through an area of 4 or 5 restaurants side by side. This is one of the great pleasures of Thailand. The sidewalk was crammed with tables, over 100 people, with barely any room to squeeze through. But the smells are incredible... all that Thai food, cooked right there on the street, just fantastic. I looked inside the restaurants, and they were all empty. Everyone was outside enjoying the atmosphere. I love the smells of Thai food.
I got to Silom finally and was amazed at all the people. There were thousands of people, covering the road. Silom has six lanes with a large median in the centre, which has huge pylons holding up the SkyTrain. There was a single lane of traffic, moving very slowly, mostly pickup trucks filled with people armed with water pistols and buckets and pots of water. The sidewalks and other lanes were filled with people doing the same thing. Loud rock music was playing from several directions.
Oh, now I understand. The last night of a five day water festival. Party time.
I was on the south side of Silom. Where I wanted to be was on the north side, which is where most of the restaurants are and where I knew there were a number of ATMs. The SkyTrain station was right above me, and 50 feet to the right of where I was standing, was a long stairway up to the station. The problem was, there were over a hundred people between me and the stairway, and they were all armed.
Oh well, in for a penny, in for a pound.
I slowly made my way through the crowd to the stairway, getting squirted a few times, but not too badly, considering.
I climbed the stairs and made my way down the stairs on the north side.
The crowd was thicker on the north side, and I found myself being pushed along by the people as they moved into a side lane en masse. OK, I had no particular destination in mind, so I just went along with the flow.
The lane was narrow, and there were hundreds of people. Along the sides were lots of young people armed with buckets of water, water pistols, and one guy had a hose, which he squirted on everyone. Within seconds, I was drenched. There was an incredible amount of noise, rock music, people laughing and squealing when they got splashed. I kept my hands on my pockets, protecting my money, as I was pushed and squeezed by people deeper and deeper into the lane.
I was squirted from the side, and the water went into my eyes. I had to put my hands on the side of my face to protect my eyes from all the water.
At one point, I happened to look up and saw, like a freeze frame, a bucketload of water coming at us, a meter above our heads. I ducked, and sure enough, my back was drenched. Then moments later, two more bucketloads hit me from the rear.
Just then, I heard some tall people yelling at each other, saying something like "This is stupid, how will we get out?" I couldn't see through my glasses, as they were steamed up and all wet, but they were obviously foreigners. The tallest one started bulling his way forward toward the main street, causing the people around me to lose their balance and squeeze even closer together. Now this is a dangerous situation; this is how people get crushed and trampled. Fortunately, it eased up as the crowd adjusted and the bulls made their way out of the lane.
The crush of people eased a little, and something very cold splashed my back. I turned around, and a young guy was scooping ice water out of a big cooler filled with Cokes. I yelled "Nam kaeng!" (ice) at him, and he laughed and said yes, and offered to throw a second bowl of ice water at me. I declined, so he changed his angle slightly and threw it at the back of a young girl who promptly squealed.
At one point, a young guy gave me a fierce hug and yelled "Happy New Year!" in my face from six inches away.
The crowd kept moving forward further into the lane, and I went with them. I knew there was a street parallel to Silom, so I thought I would just go to the end of the lane, and take a taxi home from there, and forget about the ATM for tonight. But as I went further, the crowd stopped moving and I discovered that this particular lane was a dead end. I stood there, looking back at 2000 people, wondering if I had the energy to do that again. Suddenly I got squirted again. I was standing next to a bar with an open door, so I quickly ducked in there and stood dripping in their entrance.
The bar was mostly empty, and loud rock music was playing. I squished and squelched over to the bar, and ordered a Coke, which she poured into a glass with ice, and brought it to me where I was standing at the bar.
I reached into my pockets for my money and discovered I had no money. Well, I still had some coins and my ATM card and a blob of pulp that in a previous life had been business cards, but the bills were gone. That guy who was hugging me was probably pinning my arms while his light-fingered friend was lifting my money. I never felt a thing.
I pulled out the coins I still had. The drink was 60 baht ($2) but all I had was 40 baht and a few cents. I pushed it at her, and then yelled "Kamoy!" (thief) and showed her I had no more money. She looked uncertain as to what to do, but then made a motion which clearly meant "Give me more money". I yelled "Kamoy" again, and went through my little pantomime again, then suddenly noticed that the loud rock music I was listening to was Spanish Techno-Rock. And the name of the bar was "Noriega's".
Expect the unexpected.
Here I am, standing dripping wet, listening to Spanish Techno-Rock, in a Spanish bar in Thailand, with no money, unable to pay for a drink. How weird is that?
There was a Spanish-looking guy, with a pony-tail, standing near the doorway. Four or five young guys came in, and he stopped them, and asked them in Thai what they wanted. They said they wanted to use the toilet, and he said okay, but he made them leave their guns on the counter. I'm thinking, this is just like a Western movie. The kids put their water pistols on the counter and made their way to the washroom at the back of the bar. After they left, I figured that was a good idea, maybe I could dry off a little, so I went back too, but there were no paper towels and no hand dryers. Sigh.
When I went back to the bar for my drink, I asked the Spanish-looking guy if he was the owner, Noriega. He said, yes, he was, and he had escaped from jail and had a facelift. He has probably told that joke a thousand times, but I laughed. He told me that his father was from Chile and had married a Thai woman, and that he, Noriega, was born in Thailand and spent all his life here. And he didn't speak Spanish, only Thai and English.
I told him a kamoy had taken my money, and that I didn't have enough to pay for the drink, and he said that was OK, then reached behind the bar for his wallet, and took out a 100 baht note (about $3) to give to me for a taxi home. I thanked him, declined, and told him I was walking distance away. He then showed me the back door, which led to a parking lot, and said that I could avoid the crush out front by going out that way.
So I did that, but the problem was, that lane lead back to Silom, where there were thousands of people. Sigh.
I stood there, watching the action, and planning my next move. I didn't want to get caught up in a crush again. As I was watching, a tall, skinny German-looking lady, maybe 65 years old, appeared in front of me and squealed and laughed. Someone had just squirted her in the back. She made her way across the lane in front of me, and someone squirted her again, and she squealed again, so then two more people squirted her.
There were stairs leading to the SkyTrain station, and right near them, an ATM. Only 200 people between me and them. Sigh.
I stepped out onto the sidewalk on Silom, and very shortly, a young man stepped directly in front of me holding a small plastic bowl half-filled with white goop, the flour slurry. He slopped some on both my cheeks and grinned at me; I reached into his bowl and smeared his face, too, and he said "Happy New Year!". I said "Happy New Year to you too!" and turned slightly and saw a young woman grinning at me. She slopped some goop on my face and I did the same to her, and we exchanged greetings, all of us grinning like maniacs, surrounded by noise and hustle-bustle.
And now I finally get it. The last night of a five day water festival. Happy New Year.
And I'm thinking about the silly ritual we practice in Western society where everyone wears a party hat and stands around drinking beer or wine until close to midnight, and then everyone counts down from 10 to 1, then kisses the person next to them, and then blows a loud horn. The Thai way is much more sa-nook.
To make a long story longer, I made it to the ATM, climbed the stairs to the station platform, bought a 30 cent ticket, rode one stop, and got off near my hotel. I then discovered two convenience stores that I hadn't known about, so I stopped and bought a few supplies. Yet another cultural difference: both stores sold milk by the litre, but neither sold large containers of orange juice, only small drinking boxes. But both stores had 8 or 10 kinds of green tea in litre bottles. I passed.
I walked two blocks to my lane, and stopped to pick up a couple of rocks to throw at the dogs, if necessary. It was necessary. As I approached the end of the lane, two dogs came bounding out, barking furiously. Why do they always have to be guard dogs? Why can't they be guard cats or guard canaries?
At home in the hotel, I was shocked when I looked in the mirror. My hair was plastered to my head, my face and neck were covered in flour, my shirt and shorts were dripping wet, and had many flour blotches. I could see my nipples and chest hair through the T-shirt. I was a walking wet T-shirt contest
Anyway, I'm a "glass is half full kind of guy", not a "glass is half empty guy". Taking stock of the situation, I had a neat adventure, accomplished my goal of getting money from an ATM, went down some roads I hadn't been before, enjoyed some wonderful smells, got plastered (literally), and discovered a couple of convenience stores conveniently located near my hotel. And all it cost me was $16.
Sa-nook.
Happy New Year.
Living In Orlando, The Sweet Spot Of Florida
Living In Orlando, The Sweet Spot Of Florida
by Alan LeStourgeon
Orlando Florida is known by some as the vacation capital of the world and it certainly is a great place to vacation with major these parks such as Universal Studios, Sea World, Islands Of Adventure and of course the mother of all theme parks, Walt Disney World. But not only is Orlando a great place to vacation, Orlando is a great place to live.
With a population of more than 200,000 people that call Orlando home, there are some top notch cultural, sporting, dining, entertainment and shopping experiences to really enjoy. You can take in the Orlando Museum Of Art, the Orlando Science Center, the Orlando Ballet, the Florida Film Festival, the Orlando Opera and more for the cultural side of your mind. The Orlando Museum Of Art is my favorite and features world class art exhibits from around the globe. It has been mentioned by Newsweek magazine as one of the top museums in the South.
Or if sporting events are your thing, come watch the UCF Golden Knights play this season's home football schedule at their new stadium known as Bright House Networks Stadium. The Orlando Magic play at Amway Arena in downtown Orlando if you are a basketball fan or if you can't get enough football, the Predators play arena football in the same stadium. Other large concert and entertainment events frequent the arena as well.
And if you want something to do at night then world famous Church Street in Downtown Orlando is the place to go. With venues such as music clubs, bars, comedy clubs, dance clubs and more, you are sure to find something to do to feed your nightlife needs.
Yes, Orlando is the vacation capital of the world, but just because you live here doesn't mean you can't participate in some of what brings millions of people here each year. International drive is bursting with fun, shopping, dining and attractions for everyone that enjoys a good time. Wet N Wild is a family fun water park good for hours of water bound entertainment. Several different water slides and thrill rides make for an enjoyable afternoon for all ages.
And the Orlando Convention Center along International Drive always has something going on. Whether it is a home show, a boat show, a car show or something else such as an educational seminar, the Orlando Convention Center has something for everyone. It is also the largest convention center and hotel complex in the world.
International Drive includes 5 of the top theme parks in Orlando including Sea World and Universal Studios, more than 30,000 hotel rooms, more than 450 stores, 3 major entertainment complexes and more than 150 different restaurants. You could spend a few days on International Drive alone and not see everything.
And if you are just moving to Orlando and need a place to live, there are nearly 300 apartment complexes and condo rentals available in the metro area to fit every budget. Some include great amenities such as clubhouses, free fitness and exercise centers, business centers with computers and internet access, beautiful swimming pools, racquetball courts and much more. And if you are in the market for a new home there are plenty being built and plenty for sale as Orlando Florida is one of the fastest growing areas in the south.
And you never have to worry about a place to work in Orlando since it is the great vacation escape, the resort and theme parks are always looking for people with many different skills. BellSouth, Lockheed Martin and Walt Disney World are major employers in Orlando with Disney World employing more than 50,000 people.
Yes, Orlando Florida is certainly one of the sweet spots of the southern United States. With everything there is to do here and great places to live and work, there isn't any reason for a single boring day in this Central Florida paradise.
10 Travel Adventures That Won't Break The Bank
by Steenie Harvey
Dreaming of taking a Big Trip in 2007? Finances a bit tight? Well, take a look at the following destinations.
Magic, thrills and adventure, yes. But for the budget-conscious globe-trotter, what's equally important is that these are places where your dollars will stretch a long, long way. As a travel writer, I'm lucky enough to have experienced all 10--but I'd love to revisit every single one as a vacationer.
Vietnam
Vietnam packs a lot into its borders. Highlights include misty Halong Bay with its fairytale seascapes of limestone outcrops and islands; the Mekong delta with its floating markets; the old Vietcong tunnels at Cu-Chi near Saigon--now officially known as Ho Chi Minh City. (Don't worry about getting stuck: one tunnel has been specially widened for westerners.) Backpacker beds are exceptionally cheap, but decent hotels often cost less than $40. A filling bowl of pho bo beef noodle soup or six seafood spring rolls is less than a dollar. In local hangouts, Saigon Export beer costs 40 cents a bottle.
For the ultimate traffic tale to tell the folks back home, head for Hanoi's old quarter. Any attempt to cross the road turns into a heart-racing adventure. Not only are you contending with psycho-cyclos (rickshaw bicycles), there are thousands of motorbikes and scooters whose riders regard a red traffic signal as a suggestion rather than an instruction. Best place to experience the utter chaos is from within a cyclo rickshaw.
Lithuania, Eastern Europe
The southernmost of the Baltic States, visitors usually couple Lithuania together with Latvia and Estonia. However, you can easily spend a week in Lithuania alone. Quirky cities like Vilnius and Kaunas are steeped in art, music and historical curiosities...mushroom-scented woods and farmers riding on haycarts...mysterious sites steeped in pagan traditions...the windswept sands of the Curonian Spit where you can beach-comb for amber.
Mid-June would be a great time to go. A national holiday in Lithuania, the old pagan festival of Rasos marks the summer solstice. It's an all-night affair with singing, dancing, bonfire-leaping, hunting for "magic" ferns, and floating garlands down rivers. Despite some serious alcoholic partying, most people manage to stay awake to greet the sunrise. As for prices, how about $2.54 for three potato pancakes with smoked salmon and sour cream and $1 for a glass of Svyturnys beer?
Granada, Nicaragua
From the laid-back colonial city of Granada, you can do a lot in a week in Nicaragua: tackle volcanoes...take Spanish lessons...visit Masaya craft market and also the villages where rocking chairs, hammocks, and pottery are made...explore the Selva Negra's cloud forests and coffee plantations...chat with expats in the beach surfing town of San Juan del Sur...go to colonial Leon, where you might get to meet indigenous Indians. Settling into a rocking chair with a cold Victoria beer is a pleasure that generally costs under $1 and spending more than $7 on a meal is difficult. The Alhambra Hotel on Granada's main square costs a mere $30 a night.
Goa, Southern India
India is beyond fascinating, beyond anything you'll ever experience elsewhere. The easiest introduction to this teeming country is the seaside state of Goa. Baking below a tropical canopy of banana, coconut and mango trees, this drowsy world of Arabian Sea beaches, backwaters, and spice-laden breezes is stamped with more than a few reminders of Old Portugal. You'll find sunrise yoga on the beach, full massages for $8, dolphin trips for about $6, and colorful hippie markets.
Including four beers, two people can eat in a beach shack for under $10. And if you want to cut your expenses to the bone, there's accommodation in simple beach chalets for as little as $8 a night.
Porto and Northern Portugal
Famed for its port wine lodges (yes, they do offer free samples), Porto is Portugal's second city. An historic Atlantic trading port, its warren of laundry-hung alleys plunges down to a waterfront of boats, nets and fish restaurants. Sheets of cod (bacalhau) hang outside grocery stores with original art nouveau tiled facades; the church of Sao Francisco has a gold leaf interior that would make King Midas salivate. Don't miss the Bolhau food market or the Torre dos Clerigos, Portugal's highest belfry tower. From the top, you'll get great views over the jumbled cityscape of churches, bridges and red-roofed houses.
By EU standards, the price of dining, accommodation, and public transport throughout the region is astounding. Trains and buses are an affordable way to make exploratory day-trips along the coast and into the interior of terraced vineyards and green river valleys. Don't miss Braga and the thousand-stepped stairway of Bom Jesus church. On holy days, some pilgrims tackle these steps on their knees.
Montenegro
After its split from Serbia, Montenegro is Europe's latest holiday hot spot--and also the world's newest independent nation. Along with three-course meals for $7 and rooms in private houses for $10, you'll find a land of craggy mountains with a switch-backed Adriatic coastline of bays, beaches and villages of pale gray stone. The sea sparkles like blue topaz and medieval walled towns with crumbling fortresses and palaces are often emblazoned with the winged lion emblem of the Venetian Republic.
Now paint in monasteries slotted into mountain crevices and fishing villages of red-tiled roofs and deep-green shutters. Roman mosaics...olive groves...water-lilied lakes...deep canyons and the mighty Boka Kotorska, Europe's southernmost fjord...the border town of Ulcinj with its minarets and tales of pirate slave-trading.
Austria
The Alps? There's no denying that Switzerland is one of the most scenically gorgeous countries on earth. But unless you're armed with an expense account, I can promise you that exploring its mountains, lakes and medieval towns will wreak havoc on your finances.
Winter or summer, neighboring Austria has just as much of the alpine wow factor...plus the city splendors of Vienna and Salzburg. And it's a lot less expensive than you may think. For example, in the Tyrolean village of Fendels, you could rent a furnished apartment for two in a chalet next spring for as little as 175 euro ($230) per week. Surrounded by hiking trails, Fendels village makes an excellent base--the Tyrolean Oberland is close to the borders of Switzerland and Italy. (Go to the Austrian Tourist Board's web site at http://www.tiscover.at and you'll find plenty more self-catering accommodation at similar prices.)
Penang, Malaysia
A melting-pot of Malay, Chinese and Indian culture, Malaysia offers up powder white beaches and virgin rainforest teeming with wildlife; the bustling capital of Kuala Lumpur and the historic port city of Malacca; inexpensive seafood and inexpensive spa pampering; sailing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, golf and island-hopping.
With a distinct Chinese flavor, one of Malaysia's star turns is Georgetown, capital of Penang island. You come across snake temples, arcaded shophouses and tiny workshops specializing in mahjong tiles and dice; kong-teik craftsmen who make funerary paper artifacts; fish getting dried like laundry in the open air. On the Weld Quay waterfront, around 2,000 fishing families live in rickety wooden dwellings on the Clan Quay jetties.
Chania, Crete
On the Greek island of Crete, Chania is one town that it would be criminal to miss. Crete's former capital, its history goes back 5,000 years. In the Old Town's skinny alleyways you'll find icon workshops...lyres hanging in dusty musical instrument repair-shops...bursts of white jasmine cascading from archways...cats snoozing on balconies...the unlikely sights of a pencil-thin minaret above church towers and a mosque squatting on the waterfront.
Strung with garlands of colored light-bulbs, Chania's old Venetian harbor at dusk truly is the stuff of romance. The water shimmers in waves of crimson, sapphire and emerald, the Venetian lighthouse sends out its beady wink, and stalls do a steady trade in pistachio nuts. Alleys that were afternoon-silent become thronged with locals taking the volta--the evening stroll. Even in July and August, you'll find studio apartments here for under $40 a night...plus you can eat well for $10.
Bohemia, the Czech Republic
Prague teems with tourists but few people realize what the rest of the Czech Republic offers. One of its regions is Bohemia, blessed with a spellbinding mosaic of castles, frescoed houses and Rapunzel-style turrets straight from a sword-and-sorcery tale. At Cesky Krumlov you can peer into a medieval bear pit complete with bears. Sedlec, a suburb of Kutna Hora has a chapel entirely decorated with human bones, right down to its chandelier.
Many towns have stoupas...lofty "plague pillars" adorned with chained devils. They commemorate deliverance from the plagues, which swept Europe during the Middle Ages. Then there's Karlovy Vary, the oldest of Bohemia's grand spa towns. With spa water bubbling up all over town which visitors can collect for free, it's a gorgeous place of baroque buildings in sugar-plum colors, flowery parks, and shops glittering with Bohemian crystal.
Cheap Means of Lodging - Alaska Vacation Rentals
Cheap Means of Lodging - Alaska Vacation Rentals
by Sylvestor Johnson
It is really very difficult to define the beauty of Alaska. A simple thought of spending vacation in Alaska creates excitement and thrills mind. Other than excitement, Alaska is related to polar bears, whales jumping high in the water, crystal glaciers and various other adventures. Alaska is just an awesome place for spending vacation. It is sure that one visit to Alaska will let you fall in love with it. There are lots many activities to do in Alaska such as glaciers hikes, sea kayaking, wildlife; fishing etc. Alaska is complete blend of excitement and adventure. And, if you really want to make it a life time experience then don't forget to accommodate in Alaska vacation rentals.
Today, Alaska vacation rentals are gaining popularity as they offer comfort at holidaying destination. There are certain features that easily can define Alaska vacation rentals, which are as follows:
*Privacy
*Comfort
*Cheap
Vacation rentals in Alaska are spacious and multi roomed. In other words, after having a tiring and adventurous day, you can relax either in living room or in your bed room or as you want. Vacation rentals embrace of all amenities present in home such as television, dryer etc. It has been observed that generally travelers feel deprived of home food while holidaying. But, fortunately, it doesn't happens while accommodating at Alaska vacation rental as it consist of fully furnished kitchen, in which anything can be cooked.
Traveler can also think of accommodating at Hotel or motel. It is true that hotel is also a good choice as it offers comfort. But along that it must be noted that they are expensive as compared to taking accommodation at vacation rentals. And, cost is regarded as a crucial criterion which is undertaken while deciding the place of accommodation.
Alaska vacation rentals are available in different sizes and location. They can be in a form of condo, bungalow, villa, apartment, cottage house etc. The cost or rent involved totally depends upon the location, size and the number of people accommodating at vacation rental. Thus, the traveler can chose the type as per his needs and budget.
Alaska is perfect holidaying destination for nature and adventure lovers. It is sure that Alaska will give you thousands of special moments which will make you're a trip an unforgettable holiday. And, you can treasure all your memorable moments by taking accommodation at Alaska vacation rentals.
Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations in-Demand These Days
by Esther M
The honeymoon is a very important part of a newlywed married couple's life. Both of them want to make the event memorable so it requires careful planning and considerable time to plan it.
There are many honeymoon themes available for couples like romantic honeymoon, dream, exotic, island, luxury, beach, mountain, tropical, adventure, winter, safari, and exclusive honeymoons. If you want to decide on the theme of your honeymoon, and to help you with that task, you can find the top ten list of honeymoon destinations here.
Before checking out the list, there are certain things to consider before choosing your honeymoon destination like -
- in planning for your honeymoon, make a listing of different places that both of you would want to visit, and the activities that you want to be involved in - the honeymoon budget - how long do you plan to spend on your honeymoon - get as much information of your chosen destination - shock each other with surprise plans
Every couple is excited for their upcoming honeymoon. And so they should choose a honeymoon destination that will suit their tastes and preference. Here is the list of top ten honeymoon destinations:
1. Bora Bora
If you want to add a captivating aura for your honeymoon, a Bora Bora vacation is the top-most choice. You can enjoy the crystalline seas and powdery beaches of this beautiful place. Spend quiet evenings together along the beach coast as you watch the moon and stars above. A couple nice places to visit would be the Bora Bora Le Meridien or the Bora Bora Bora Pearl Resort.
2. Mauritius
This magical place with the Mauritius weather,landed on the second place as a top honeymoon destination. Holiday Mauritius, in case you are going during the holidays, is also very popular. This place will truly enchant you and you're sure to get personal attention. Set on a turquoise sea, the island is considered an oasis of tranquility and peace.
3. Barbados
This is an island in the Caribbean that allures many honeymooners with their white beaches, quixotic atmosphere, and turquoise seas. The island boasts of its sophisticated and charming sandy shores that are alive with so many possibilities, so You will find much to do, such as a, Barbados shore excursion. You can enjoy the Barbados activity and picture taking. You're sure to wake up in a paradise, together with the tropic's rhythm.
4. Maldives
If you want to visit an impressive place that is secluded and calm, and is most ideal for honeymooners, this is the perfect love spot for you. Enjoy a Maldives honeymoon with the island sun and Other places like, some of the island Maldives royal, island Maldives Sun, where The Little Mermaid Dive Center is located, for instance, on Sun Island, Maldives. This is located 100 km from Male International Airport, on the uninhabited island Nalaguraidhoo.
5. Aruba
This place is also called the lover's paradise. The couple can enjoy their stay in this romantic place and receive champagne upon arrival. They will also receive a gift, as a souvenir that they've been to Aruba. These days, they also offer a promotional 'free night' on a return visit. If you are looking into an Aruba vacation package, they offer cruises to Aruba, there are beautiful locations such places as Palm Beach, and Aruba fishing, Aruba deepsea fishing, even an, Aruba wedding, if you like.
6. France
You can also find mountain slopes, beaches, cathedrals, monuments, and museums in France that caters to honeymooners. There are some great vacation packages for those seeking honeymoons in France, especially as it is considered a 'short break' to France. Another cool idea would be to go camping France, or make it a camping holiday in France, as it is your honeymoon.
7. Thailand
In this country, you can find sun-kissed waters and seas. Become one of the Thailand woman, or a Thailand man, or Thailand nude if only for a few days with your loved one. They also boast of their exquisite Thai cuisine and attracts many newly weds. Be Thailand sexy with a full moon party. Just watch out for tsunamis in this gorgeous country of Thailand, in the event that you fall into a deep, delicious sleep with your partner after all that fun and sex on the beach! Just playing.
8. Singapore
You can find a lot of botanic gardens and natural environment in this country, and you're sure to have an unforgettable honeymoon. For a great Singapore singapore vacation, Tiger Airway Singapore offers some affordable packages and airfare to those wishing to enbark on Singapore travell.
9. Seychelles
If you want a tropical honeymoon, this place could best suit you as a couple. They offer powdery, Seychelles beaches, and islands meant for lovers; it's a great place to experience romance like the waves that caress the shores at midnight. A seychelles honeymoon may be just the thing for you.
10. Italy
Many honeymoon couples are attracted to this beautiful country. You can find painters, paramours, poets, and potentates in this boot-shaped country. Its light, sumptuous, and dreamy landscapes are meant for romance. You can visit, como Italy lake, hotel in Italy venice, Italy Sorento,italy little maggianos, a fine restaurant known for their incredible cuisine, plus much more.
So there you have it, the top ten (10) honeymoon destination(s) top, preferred by many couples.
For more helpful Tips & Books on: Romantic travels, Weddings, and Honeymoon destinations, please visit: http://rivierabooks.2ya.com
