traveling articles

I certainly didn’t expect to enjoy the driving so much when I visited the Western Isles (the other name for the Outer Hebrides) in Scotland recently.

It certainly isn’t speed that makes the roads in the Outer Hebrides so exhilarating. In fact, for much of the time I didn’t get out of third gear…

The roads are often single track with passing places. And where they are single track, often there are rocky ditches either side of a surprisingly narrow track. If you are at all in doubt of the width of your car, don’t drive on the Outer Hebrides!

If the width of the roads wasn’t enough, there are other distractions to keep you busy. The first are sheep. There are several times as many sheep on the Outer Hebrides as there are people, and for some reason sheep enjoy standing around in the middle of the road. Lambs are particularly lively and you have to take care when passing.

The other distraction is the often jaw-dropping scenery. Sometimes it’s all too tempting to look at the view when you should be watching the road…

The roads themselves are often sinuous, snaking their way through rugged scenery. You can’t relax for a moment when you’re behind the wheel in the Outer Hebrides.

Fortunately there isn’t much other traffic. And while it’s always polite to wave to someone who pulls over to let you pass (and return their wave), you quickly find that everyone waves anyway – even where you don’t need to pull over. (One chap painting his fence even waved as we drove past.)

The combination of sinuous, single-track roads with awesome scenery populated by obstructive sheep and polite drivers makes driving in the Outer Hebrides such a pleasure.

My top tips for driving in the Outer Hebrides:

•Makes sure you have a car with a good third gear. You’ll send most of your time in third.

•The B8011 from Calanais to Uig Sands on Lewis is fantastic. The beach at Uig Sands is wonderful, but it’s worth going there for the drive alone.

•If you have a passenger with you, get them to help by spotting approaching cars. An extra pair of eyes can be invaluable.

And although I have now returned from the Outer Hebrides, I have found that I’ve brought a little of the islands with me: I’m much more patient and polite than I used to be behind the wheel – and that can only be a good thing.]]>

Mr. Al-Malik said Middle Eastern governments including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar had ordered as many as 300 aircraft for delivery in the next five years and Dubai Aerospace would order its first this year.

The Dubai Government at the weekend announced the formation of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise as a holding company with six operating subsidiaries.

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise will be chaired by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum, chairman of the Emirates airline group and president of the Dubai department of civil aviation.

Dubai’s ambitious foray into the aerospace industry will build on the presence the emirate has already established in the aviation sector through the development of Dubai international airport and the rapid expansion of Emirates into one of the world’s leading long-haul airlines.

The business concept here is to create a new hub for aviation, from the leasing and maintenance of planes to training personnel at a new university to operating other airports and even manufacturing aircraft. It clearly makes excellent business sense to lever off Emirates position as a major buyer of aircraft to promote the DAE to the aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus.

Aviation World - history, law, airplanes]]>

Dublin is now Europe’s first smoke free capital city! Since March 29th 2004, a smoking ban in the work place has been in force. The primary purpose of the prohibition is to afford protection to workers and the public who are exposed to harmful environmental tobacco smoke.

After going through an intricate detail of the Dublin’s Tourism Industry provided by the website, right from the overview about the city itself to the various facts and spots to visit, it makes one want to be there and experience the beautiful city himself. The site for the benefit of the admirers of the charismatic city has provided a pool of information

Already planning to visit the city!! Then there is again some more fruitful information for you. To be boarding in Dublin, you will have options of a Hotel or a room in a guesthouse. To be sure of where you are putting up and that you are putting up at the right place the website provides you with the kind of rating the Hotels and Guesthouses have and what standards of accommodation one can expect. The site then goes on to the kind of Music one can enjoy in the city. People say Music is universal and the same can be pictured in Dublin, which is deeply tied to its musical roots. The site provides information of the various dinner shows that take place in the city and how much one enjoys. These dinner shows are offered at a package price and the details of the same can be had from the site. The site has adequately covered the city’s rich culture and it also provides some information on various cultural and heritage sites like Dublin Castle, world-renowned National Wax Museum and the captivating Phoenix Park. Amongst the rich culture of the city, piece of art literary works are also the talk of the town in the city. A brief on the likes of James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, Ulysses etc van be had from the website.

As can be undoubtedly construed from the above, the website is very user friendly. There is absolutely no difficulty in surfing through the website and all the requisite information is just so much within your reach. There is no dearth of information on the site and almost all the queries you have about Dublin can be resolved by visiting the website. The appearance of the site is simple and good which adds to its beauty]]>

You can choose to have a pint of Guinness or a shot of whiskey in one of Dublin’s many pubs! The pubs of Dublin are not simply places in which to satisfy your thirst. They are theatres for storytelling, backdrops for romance, homes away from home, and keepers of the spirit of the city, in more ways than one. Take a step back in time and visit a selection of ancient and historic castles situated throughout the county of Dublin.

For all you shoppers out there, Dublin offers a magnificent collection of products from the customary to the more modern. Henry Street to O’ Connell Street and on to Grafton Street, is a must see place for anyone who claims they are a shopper and is easily explored on foot.

Take a tour of Dublin, or escape the hustle and bustle of the city and visit the countryside or costal villages. With the hop on and hop off tours you are bound away to the sites you want and can more time with some than others.

In case you did not know, Dublin is among the most important music cities in the world. Dublin is known for its nightlife. Dublin has one of Europe’s most exciting nightlife cultures. You can choose the traditional pubs with Irish music, or check out the hip and trendy bar and club scene.

Be sure to check out the playwrights and plentiful theatres, which have made Dublin famous. Do not worry about transportation if you’re out late at night in Dublin. The most quick and affordable way home, is the Nitelink (Dublin’s bus service).

Don’t be fooled into thinking that this is all too good to be true, because you too can have all this on your vacation or next trip to Dublin. Dublin is a lively city with a vibrant nightlife, a glimpse of an ancient civilization, a cultural feast, a musical odyssey, stunning scenery, and a spectacular coastline. Boy you are in for a treat. Dublin is all this and so much more. So come take a look for yourself, try an online virtual tour.]]>

With an incredibly large land mass, Russia is really many countries in one. In this article, we take a look at travel destinations in the Far East.

Vladivostok

A naval port city on the Pacific Ocean, Vladivostok has a passing resemblance to a run down San Francisco. Home to the Pacific Fleet of the Russian Navy, the city has lost a little of its luster as spending on the military has dried up. Like San Francisco, the city is built on the hills surrounding a harbor with the center of the city sporting a nice collection of architecture from the pre-communist era. The city is dotted with parks and scenic points overlooking both the harbor and Sea of Japan. Although the center of the city is very clean the surrounding suburbs have unbelievable industrial pollution problems. As the saying goes, “A nice place to visit, but you wouldn’t want to live there.”

Khabarovsk

The largest city in Eastern Russia, Khabarovsk is the headquarters of the Far Eastern Russian Military Command. The city is built on merge of two large rivers, the Amur and Ussuri. Vying with Vladivostok, the city is a major tourist hub for Asians flying into Russia and has a corresponding open atmosphere. Although Khabarovsk is primarily a military and industrial city, it is a good launching place to pursue inland activities such as fishing, exploring and hiking. The city is also an excellent location to pick up the Trans-Siberian Railway for the trek to the west.

Magadan

The town of Magadan is located in the far north of Russia on the Pacific Ocean. The town is very remote and can be classified as the stereotypical frozen Russian town in the middle of nowhere. So, why would anyone visit Magadan? The town has played a major role in the suppression of Russians throughout history.

Under Stalin’s rule, Magadan and the surrounding area was the final stop for many exiles. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of political prisoners and “undesirables” were sent to Magadan to be dispersed to labor camps mining for gold. Indeed, the only road to the town is known as the “road of bones” for the prisoners who died building it.

Today, a large memorial stands in Magadan in memory of the dead. Trips can also be arranged to visit the decrepit gulags and labor camps used so mercilessly by Stalin during the Red Terror. Ironically, the town has also gained a reputation with hunters and anglers as a launching point as game is plentiful in the area. Much like Auschwitz, a visit to Magadan serves to remind visitors of the evil man will visit upon his fellow man.

The cities and towns of Eastern Russia are nothing like those found in the west. Having lived in Russia for a year, however, I believe they are a better representation of the conditions in Russia as well as the soul of the country.
]]>

For a fine dining experience, Luciano’s, found at Port Lucaya Marketplace and Marina, should not be missed. In business for more than 20 years, this restaurant offers classical cuisine from both Europe and the island in a formal setting that is sure to make the evening a special one. The dishes are made of the freshest ingredients, with each plate cooked to order.

Diners can choose to start their meal with such luxuries as Beluga Molossol Caviar, Foie Gras, Oysters Rockefeller, or with such appetizers as Cassolette d’Escargots, Cocktail de Crevettes Rose, which are jumbo shrimp on a bed of lettuce with a specially created red sauce, or Coquilles St. Jacques Provencales, which are deep sea scallops sautיed with garlic butter and served with tomato concasse.

In addition to delicious house soups and creative salads, there are many delightful choices on the menu. Seafoods and pastas, fine meats, freshly prepared vegetable side dishes and a host of delectable, elegant desserts and fine after dinner coffee selections make for a dining experience to remember.

The Prop Club, in addition to being a sports bar and dance club, boasts of offering the biggest burger on the island. Portobellos offers a wealth of Italian dishes. The Corner Bistro and Bar, at Count Basie Square in Port Lucaya, offers a wide variety of foods, specializing in Asian and international cuisine. Open from 5:30pm to 11pm every day, except for Wednesdays, they offer daily specials. In addition to their dinner-sized entrees, they also offer pizza, sandwiches, soups and salads.

Club Carib Bahamas is a beach bar and restaurant that serves wonderful seafood appetizers, including fried calamari, shrimp scampi carib, and a variety of sandwiches, salads, and entrees, including a delicious mango jerk chicken. This place welcomes children, and has a children’s menu. There’s live calypso music on the weekends, making for an enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere.

The Ferry House Restaurant is one of the most upscale restaurants in the entire Bahamas. Found in the Port Lucaya area of Grand Bahama Island, it serves continental classic cuisine of the highest quality, as well as a sort of culinary fusion that brings together Caribbean flavors with a more globally influenced cuisine than typical of continental cuisine.

Because the freshest ingredients are used, the menu varies with what is in season. Food is cooked to order, and from start to finish, diners should expect to spend about two hours at their meal. The restaurant opens daily for lunch from noon until 2:30 pm and is open for dinner every day, except for Monday, for dinner between the hours of 6pm and 10pm. This is a truly unique culinary experience, and if at possible, should be included in your dining plans.

From formal to casual, there are many satisfying dining experiences to be had on Grand Bahama Island in the Bahamas. You’ll remember the food long after the tan has faded.]]>

Quito, Ecuador

I loved Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Centro Del Mundo, the hostel where I stayed the first few days, cost $4 per night, including breakfast. The walls had maps and all the information I needed on them. There were travelers from fourteen countries there during my stay.

I took a tour to the volcano Cotapaxi, and hiked up to the glaciers with three others, from Israel, France and England. I danced (Free Rum in the hostel on Friday nights), wandered the city streets, and took spanish lessons from a beautiful tutor. Ana was not only a great teacher, but soon became my tour guide and, eventually, my wife.

Riobamba, Ecuador

Riobamba is another beautiful mountain city. My hotel was $3 per night, this time in a private room with a TV. The manager had connections, and information on anything I wanted. He arranged for a guide to take me up Mount Chimborazo, which at 20,600 feet is the furthest point from the center of the Earth (due to the bulge at the equator). After climbing 4,000 feet of glaciers, I made it to the summit.

Banos, Ecuador

Back in Quito, I called Ana, and we made plans to go to Banos De Santa Agua, a town in central Ecuador, famous for its hotsprings. The bus was $3, a nice motel with cable T.V. cost $7 per night. The second day there, we ate out for breakfast, lunch and dinner, went to the hotsprings, bought souvenirs, went to a movie, went out drinking and dancing - and the entire day, including motel, cost $34!

In fact, the entire trip, including airfare, the fee for the guide on Chimborazo, and everything else, cost $1040. That was for four weeks. How I kept it so cheap is a subject for another article.

More Information on Ecuador

The mountain towns (Quito, Riobamba, Loja, Cuenca, Otavalo, Ibarra, Ambato, Latacunga) have wonderful climates. Highs are in the 60s to 70s fahrenheit year-round. Guayaquil and the coastal cities can be hot, but the temperature is moderated by the Humboldt Current, which brings cool water along the coast of South America.

If you like beaches, you have many options. In Salinas, for example, you can sit on a beautiful Pacific Ocean beach, while vendors bring you everything from beer to ice cream to chair rentals an music. For $20 you can rent a jet ski and have some fun in the waves.

The Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador, and tour information is available in all major cities (It’s cheaper to wait until you’re in Ecuador to book a tour).

Good meals can still be had for under two dollars in most cities, if you eat where the locals do. Hotels in most cities start at around $12 (less for a bed in a hostel). Cross-country travel by bus is cheaper and more comfortable than bus travel in the U.S.

The people of Ecuador are almost universally friendly, and speak one of the clearest, easiest to understand dialects of Spanish (A great place to learn). Ecuador is a safe, democratic republic, with a legal system similar to that of the U.S.]]>

The Grand Canyon lies in the southern state of Arizona. The nearest city to the gorge is Las Vegas to the west, but Flagstaff – 80 miles south – offers easiest access to the main tourist area, Grand Canyon Village.

The Colorado River, winding its way through the vast gorges shaped the Grand Canyon into the dramatic vision it is today. The rapids provide a grand challenge for the brave adventurers who tackle the river by boat, particularly the notorious Lava Falls Rapids.

Stretching from Lake Mead through to Lake Powell the Grand Canyon extends some 227 miles. The vast chasm broadens towards the horizon at up to 18 miles at its widest point. In some places the land drops 1 mile to the winding Colorado River. The colossal gorge offers no easy route to the opposite side; consequently an enduring journey of over 200 miles is obligatory.

It was not until 1540 – when Spanish adventurers came searching for gold – Europeans first visited the Grand Canyon. Native Indians – for thousands of years – had previously been the only people to witness this grand spectacle. Scientists believe that remains discovered in caves indicate the Grand Canyon was first inhabited over 4,000 years ago.

The Grand Canyon was made a national monument in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt who said “The ages have been at work on it and man can only mar it.” Many unique gorges combine to form the Grand Canyon National Park, visited by millions of tourists every year. Many descend on Grand Canyon Village seeking the glorious vistas the park offers.

The scale of the Grand Canyon is difficult to comprehend and can only be fully appreciated by experiencing it for yourself. Natural beauty is evident throughout the twists and turns of the many canyons that combine to produce nature’s work of art.

Despite its tourists, the sheer magnitude of the Grand Canyon offers many opportunities for complete solitude. To contemplate the panorama alone is an extraordinary experience. Away from the tourist hotspots the incredible vistas become hypnotic, establishing you in a trance as the scene unfolds before your very eyes.]]>

Half Moon Golf Club, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is known among tournament players throughout the world for its classic lines and challenging set up. Open and beautiful, one of the most challenging aspects of this golf course is the wind. Over 7,000 yards long, this course offers a good work out, in addition to a fine game.

Luxurious, enchanting, and uniquely challenging are apt descriptions of the White Witch Course, a recent addition to the famed Ritz Carlton Rose Hall Resort of Montego Bay, Jamaica. The course is named for the infamous Annee Palmer who is said to haunt the area, and rumored to have indulged in illicit relationships with the slaves she held and treated brutally during the 1800’s to run her huge sugar plantation, and also said to have murdered three husbands before turning up strangled herself.

This magnificent course was designed by Robert Von Hagge, Rick Baril and Mike Smelek, and has a slightly different style from the typical Caribbean golfing experience. While there are stunning ocean views to be had at 16 of the holes, they rest upon high ground, as the course wanders through strong hills and players are cooled by the unobstructed ocean breeze.

Three Palms Ocean Course, found at Wyndham Rose Hall, is renowned through Jamaica and well beyond the island for the amazing scenery that its 6798-yard course is built around. Golfers will play alongside of the family graveyard of Elizabeth Barrett Browning and the ruins of an aqueduct from the 18th century. There will be ocean side holes, canyons, waterfalls and gorges. This is a truly beautiful and historic course, and can only be an unforgettable golfing experience.

The Tryall Golf Course, at the Tryall Club in Montego Bay hosts the Johnny Walker World Championship and is a favorite playing spot of golfers all over the world. The 6,772-yard course extends from flowering forest to cool seaside, and includes mountain and ocean views that are simply spectacular. Fascinating relics of history along the course include an 18th century water wheel.

There are several other notable golf courses in Jamaica. These include the Manchester Club, one of the oldest facilities of its nature, which also makes available tennis and billiards, the rugged terrain of the Negril Hills Golf Club, which is known to be a challenging and exhilarating play. Breezes Golf and Beach Resort offers truly upscale play.

Whether you’re planning a vacation devoted to enjoying the very best courses that Jamaica has to offer or you are a casual golfer seeking fun greens for a day or two’s play, Jamaica is home to some of the finest golfing opportunities in the entire region.]]>

The histories of the countries with coastlines brushing the Med are intrinsically linked with this romantic Sea and today they are some of the most attractive and fascinating countries in the world in which to holiday. This article examines some of the main attractions of four of the favourite Mediterranean countries.

Turkey

Turkey is the country where east really does meet west and where European and Asian influences combine to create a vibrant and passionate mix. The Turkish people are sincerely welcoming of overseas visitors and charm growing numbers of tourists every year. These visitors are attracted by the stunning sandy beaches of the Med and the five star resorts, facilities and amenities offered all along the Turkish Riviera.

If you choose to holiday in Turkey you will be visiting a land where many ancient civilisations and cultures were born, where two of the seven wonders of the ancient world were found and where Cleopatra once holidayed and basked in the sumptuous sunshine. Turkey is a land of contrasts where thousands of years of history have been preserved, where brand new state of the art resort facilities can be enjoyed and where the mighty mountains reach right down into the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Greece

Greece and the Greek Islands like Crete and Corfu are blessed by the inimitable Mediterranean climate that provides long hot and balmy summer days and temperate, mild short winter months. Visiting Greece you will be charmed by the tiny fishing villages that have been little changed for the last hundreds of years and where you can dine in the evening on the day’s fresh catch whilst watching the sun setting into the sea.

Pristine whitewashed villages are scattered all along the Mediterranean coastline of Greece like pebbles and you can sail from island to island on a mini-Mediterranean cruise and take in the different sights, sounds and flavours offered on each Greek Island.

Spain

Once upon a time the beautiful Spanish coastline was also dotted with tiny fishing communities whose whole lives and histories revolved around the Mediterranean tides and treasures. Today the Spanish coastline to the south of the country is much changed and visitors can enjoy some fantastic five star resorts offering an array and abundance of nightlife, day time excitement and evening entertainment. The resorts on the Costa del Sol, Costa Calida and Costa Blanca are vibrant, beautiful and hugely popular.

For those in search of the old Spain just head north and take in the rugged and impressive Mediterranean coastlines along the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada which are dominated by magnificent cliffs, rocky coves and secret sandy beaches.

Cyprus

Last but not least is possibly the most stunning of all of the Mediterranean Islands – namely the island of Cyprus. It is not the Med’s largest island but it is the Med’s most famous and most popular and it offers visitors acres and acres of lush interior, miles and miles of sandy beaches and two incredible mountain ranges where you can ski in the morning before travelling down to the seaside to enjoy an afternoon swim and a barbeque beneath the setting sun.

The southern two thirds of Cyprus are inhabited by the friendly and lively Greek Cypriots, and the most popular resorts in Southern Cyprus include Ayia Napa and Paphos where the nightlife is world famous and where the daily activities on offer are plentiful.

Northern Cyprus faces the stunning Turkish coastline which is strikingly visible on clear days. The people of the North are probably some of the most friendly and genuinely hospitable people in the entire Mediterranean region and their main resort town is Kyrenia where you can take in the perfectly preserved ancient harbour and the wonders of the ancient castle and the old town before spending your afternoons and evenings lazily whiling away the time dining on beautiful and fresh local food and drinking the best Turkish wines.]]>