August 2006 Archives

Kenya is quite bursting with museums. And quaint ones. Whether it's the German Post Office showing trade relations and growth of Kenya through postal evidence or the Railway Museum exhibiting steam engines and the colorful history of railways in Kenya, you could spend hours discovering the past.

Unfortunately the Kenya National Museum is closed for renovation till July 2007. The museum is so very big and broken into so many sections that you could easily spend a day there. If you have only a few hours to spare then take a look at the guide book in the entry way and select your tour. For the moment the Snake Park and Botanical Gardens that are part of the museum are open to public.

Fort Jesus built by the Portuguese in 1593 is hailed as the best example of 16th century portuguese military architecture. The fort has a tumultous history, changing hands no less than 9 times... from Portuguese to Omani Arabs to being used as a British prison. Finally in 1958 the fort was declared a National Monument and in 1962 it opened its doors as a museum. The fort in itself is impressive besides showcasing archeological finds, artifacts from a shipwreck off MOmbasa and holding a rather fascinating sound and light show reliving the history of the building.

Lamu Museum is the former District commissioner's house, originally built for Queen Victoria's consul, Jack Haggard. This museum houses a rich collection of ethnographic material from the Swahili, Orma and Pokomo ethnic groups. You'll also see traditional Swahili craft such as the Siwa (side-blown horn), furniture and jewellery.
Other museums on the Lamu island are the Swahili House museum and the Lamu Fort Environment museum.

Another really fascinating place is the Karen Blixen museum, which is a farmhouse. Okay, I confess, I just love Out of Africa and this museum is the erstwhile house of the author. You can spend a quiet day here (event rentspace for a wedding reception!), view period furnishings in a genuine home setting, mull over photographs of the coffee house, Blixen's house in Mbagathi and even see Denys Finch Hatton's grave.

The National Archives is another place filled with artwork, handicrafts and is rich is historical documents and photographs.

Other museums of note are the Hyrax Hill Museum- home to material from major prehistoric materials, the Kitale museum, Narok Museum, Kisumu museum and more.

In Kenya theatre is a common form of social education. Plays tend to be local production of foreign plays, and there is a definite tendency towards broad comedy. Other than the National Theatre groups like the Phoenix Players and Redykyulass are very popular.

Music and dance in Kenya is a rich amalgamation of many tribes and ethnic groups. Songs sung after victorious lion hunts in the masai tribe are popular performed along with a leaping dance to show off their prowess. Sikuiti, Siwu and Nyatiti are popular instruments (i'm just showing off... those would be drums, flute and lyre respectively) belting out tunes to raise your soul. Musicians like Mighty King Kong, Joseph Ogidi Eric Wainaina are bringing the african beats blended with some western twangs to the international stage. Keep an ear out. In a place like Africa, everything's music if you pay attention.

Though kenyans don't have many art galleries, the country is a literal storehouse. From rock caves to paintings, intricate beadwork and beautifully fashioned adornments, water gourds, neck pillows, body paint... evrything is used as an expression of creativity. A discerning visitor will be surprised at the wealth of art outside of the four walls of a gallery.

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Tourist activities in Kenya are mostly wildlife oriented with some of the best national reserves and parks, opportunities for bird viewing, underwater life watching and camel and donkey safaris.

For an animal kingdom extravaganza, you want to see the wildebeest migration at the Masai Mara National Reserve. Nestled in the Great African Rift Valley, the reserve is home to not just the BIG 5- lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and cape buffaloes, but also to gazelles, zebras and million sof others spread over 1,500sq km. Another thing you might want to try at Masai Mara is hot air ballooning over the park. View wildlife as you drift in the sky.
It is also home to a large number of bird species owing to the Rift valley which is another popular destination.

The top spots in the Valley for bird viewing are the lakes of Bogoria, Baringo, Naivasha and Nakuru. Even if you're not interested in the winged ones, the Rift Valley is a spectacular natural phenomenon being home to glaciers, volcanoes, depressions and lakes. Conditions for hiking, trekking, rock climbing, mountain biking and more are ideal in the Rift Valley. The wildlife is not contained to birds here. You could see the rare Colobus monkey, black rhinos, reticulated giraffes, zebra mouse and other s besides the usual lions and leopards!... if lions and leopards canever be called 'usual'.

The Amboseli National Park is one of the best places for viewing wildlife in Africa. Despite its relatively small size as compared to other parks, Amboseli with its flat and dusty landscape with little vegetation is ideal for catching a glimpse of the large number of elephants (over 900), black rhinos, cheetahs, impalas, hippos, lions, etc. What makes this park even more alluring is the backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Amboseli has some splendid flora and fauna and affords you magnificent views of the snow capped Kilimajaro.

Another important park is the Tsavo National Park which is the largest in Kenya and the best administered. Other than the usual BIG 5 and the more, the park gives you varying topography from semi-deserts to savannah to mountain forests to acacia woodlands and palm thickets. Springs, rivers and lava flows make up other attractions.

And finally the Samburu Game Reserve which is home to over 300 species of birds. The park is renowned for its rare and endangered species of birds and wildlife. You'll also find the Samburu people who give the park its name, a colorful fascinating lot. You could also try a camel or donkey safari with the Samburu tribe.

Other than this, you could venture into Nairobi National Park just 8 kms out of the capital, the Kakamega Forest that offers a great selection of primates and up to 350 bird species and the Mount Kenya National Park known for its rich biodiversity and inspiring scenery.

You might want to trek up Mount Kenya. Other than the highest peaks of Batian and Nelion, climbing up the snow-capped heights doesn't require special equipment. You can get up 4985m to Point Lenana and enjoy views that go on and outstanding ecology. In fact Mount Kenya is an UNESCO World Heritage site with its 12 glaciers, waterfalls, cliffs, afro-alpine flora and simply because it is the world's largest free standing volcanic mountain.

For divers the marine parks of Malindi and Watumu is a popular destination. But though not as developed or easily accessible, the islands of Shimoni and Wasani are even better. Due to plankton in the water visibility might not always be good but you'll still glimpse many fish if not coral. If you're not a diver, just take a ride on a glass bottomed boat in Malindi.

When you're in the mood to just chill, the beaches in Kenya are like a haven. Pristine white sand, sparkling blue water and the mandatory coconut palms from an idyllic dream. Lamu has some of the best beaches especially as they are not plagued bu the seawood problem that afflicts some of the northern beaches. Many of the southern beaches also have the advantage of being shark free. On the mainland, one of the best beaches is Diani.

Explore Lamu island by catching a launch to it from the mainland. A showcase of sandy white beaches and sailing dhows, this fascinating island doesn't alllow motorized vehicles! The narrow streets are navigated by hand carts and donkeys. Founded in the 9th century, it is one of the few remaining Swahili towns. The many mosques and grand Arab houses with wooden carved doorways, a fortress that's open to public, a Hindu temple and two excellent museums are its attractions. Dhows have been a form of transportation since the 8th century. They are still widely in use to and fro the Lamu archipalego.Be sure to sail in one.

Shrouded in mystery the Gedi ruins , an Arab-Swahili town are like a reclaimed lost city. Gedi town situated in 45 acres of forest that has grown around and over it in the years it has been abandoned. Initially built in the 13th century and then rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries, it was left for ruin without apparent cause. The town built inside a walled area consists of palace, a main mosque with many smaller ones, private houses and three pillar tombs.

Lake Turkana is the largest desert lake in the world. The lake has over 40 species offish which attract many migratory birds. Two of its islands have been declared as national parks to protect their wildlife. Humanoid fossils 3 million years old were discovered in this region making Lake Turkana a prehistoric researh site. Two of the islands on the lake are volcanic and a flooded crater on another isalnd is home to large number of crocodiles. But what's fascinating to me is that the lake is subject to storms that disturb the algae to produce color changes in the water.
Lakes Victoria, Naivasha, Baringo and the Western highlands are other spots you might want to spend time on.

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My favorite buy from Kenya was the makonde, which are dark wood carvings so delicate that it looks like the artist just carefully scalpeled a layer of bark to make his piece. I got a lovely brown angel.
Another common souvenir are the local sarongs, kangas and kikois, made of cotton they bear bright colored prints representing different Swahili proverbs. Traditionally sold in pairs, one to wrap around the waist and the other to carry a baby on your back! One of the best place to buy the kikois is Lamu where the thick, striped fabric originated. With the utilitarian effect thrown in with a honest-to-goodness Swahili proverb, I think they make a neat memoir.
There are also dyed bags with strong leather straps, kiondos - woven sisal baskets, spears and shields (I don't think airport authorities will let you carry these back home), soapstone carvings and colorful beads and necklaces sold by young Kamba and Masai men on the coastal beaches. Masai beadwork is especally intricate and beautiful making patterns that usualy mean something traditionally.

The Shukka is a red blanket blended with black, blue or another color and most masai use it for warmth. Also, you can find musical instruments with ease in Kenya... a good drum, an African lyre and uniquely styled flute called the siwa.
There are markets all over the place. You could visit the Masai market held in Nairobi's city center on Tuesdays or visit the Bishara Street in Nairobi and Mombasa.
The gift shops in hotels are well stocked but you'll get the best bargains at the markets. Haggling is a way of life and considered a business skill. Let your expertise show and remember to set a reasonable value looking at the skill involved in the artefact.
Kenyan shops are open Monday to Saturday from 8.30am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 5.30pm.

Nightlife in Kenya is in the cities. Most hotels and tourist resorts in the major cities have discos or live bands each evening. There are also a few nightclubs to be found. Many cinema halls are scattered over Nairobi showing mainly British, European and Hollywood flicks. Theatre is a popular form of entertainment with the National Theatre and several small groups performing. The best known of these are the Phoenix Players.

The national food in Kenya is unarguably meat of every kind. Beef, chicken, lamb and pork are mouth-wateringly good as are the wide variety of tropical fruits. The local specialty is called nayma choma which is roasted goat's meat most often served with vegetable mash. The tough meat might take some getting used to. Some places even serve buffalo steaks marinated in local liqueurs and berries with honey and creme meandering over it.
Vegetarians don't need to worry though. Indian restaurants are easily available. Staple diet for kenyans does seem to be maize and beans. Doughnuts called mandazi are also popular.
Drinks include chai- tea boiled in milk and water, Tusker and White Cap- the locally brewed beers, Kenya Cane- spirit distilled from sugar cane and Kenya Gold- a coffe liqueur. Uki, a beer made with honey and changaa, a spirit distilled from maize are also found. Kenya is said to have some of the best coffee in the world.
The weather in Kenya is conducive to open air dining and Nairobi has quite a few cuisines on offer.
Restaurants in Kenya are not known to be the best, but you could find a consistent few that you must visit for a good meal.

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Kenya enjoys a tropical climate with plenty of sunshine all year round. Nights and mornings are usually cool and temperatures are varied given the geographical diversity with a hot and humid coast, temperate inland and very dry north and northeast.

Though main tourist season in Kenya is in the dry months of January-February and July-August with March to May experiencing long rains and October to December facing short rains, it really isn't that bad to go in the wet season either. In fact it can be a little adventurous to slide around in and out of mud in your car and of course quieter, less congested and much cheaper!

The hot and dry months of January and February see large congregations of bird life on the Rift Valley Lakes. Game gathers around water sources and is easier to spot.

June to September is the time to go if you're a wildlife freak... actually even if you're not. The spectacle of almost countless wildebeest, zebras, and other species migrating from Serengeti to Masai Mara is truly awesome. Nothing like seeing nature's raw power to make yourself feel the grandness of the world.

July and August are the best months for overall game viewing. And October to January have the clearest seas making these months the best time for snorkeling and diving.

Other than the usual holidays of Christmas, Easter, New Year's, Kenya also celebrates Eid-al-Fitr and Diwali, MUslim and Hindu festivals respectively.
The other national holidays are Moi Day (Oct.10) named after the president, Kenyatta Day (Oct.20) - a celebration in honor of all the heroes who died fighting for independence and Mandaraka Day (June 1), which is the anniversary of self-government.

The reason to watch out for these annual holidays is the Kenyan form of celebration - dancing. Traditional dances like masai and samburu are part of all celebrations with much hpynotic swaying, energetic leaping and precision movements. Dance competitions are held all over between various ethnic groups adding to the diversity of the celebrations.

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Getting around Kenya is fairly simple. There is a good network of around 250 domestic airports with flights that service the coast, major game parks and Western Kenya. It's a relatively cheap way to cover much ground and you should buy your tickets in advance. Another common air travel system are the chartered flights which usually charge a set rate regardless of the number of passangers. Charter companies offer individual and group charter in a range of aircraft and are particularly convenient if you want to get to a remote area.

Renting a vehicle in Kenya is easy but rather expensive. Estimate up to $80 a day for a Corolla and $150 perday for a 4 wheel drive. If you've got your own car you should get a free three month permit at the border as long as you have a valid passage for it. Certain routes in north-east Kenya require police permission, so be sure to check that out. Driving at night is not advisable.

Kenya also has plenty of scope for off road and mountain biking. But be alert on the main roads for unruly traffic and come with your own basic repair kits though competent bicycle fundis or mechanics can be found in most towns. One of the most popular cyclist destination is Hell's Gate National Park. If you're like me and start puffing after the first half hour of cycling then maybe you don't want to travel this way and just rent cycles for half-a-day to explore willy-nilly.

Within the large cities, taxis are widely available and convenient. So are the increasingly popular Auto-Rickshaw or Tuk-tuk. But since they are not metered, be sure to fix the price in advance. Get local advice for correct rates. An interesting mode are the cycle-rickshaws called 'border-borders' as they were the popular means of accessing the Ugandan border.

Though buses are known for speeding and are generally crowded, they are a cheap and convenient way to travel with services running within a city, between cities and even across the Kenyan border to Uganda,Tanzania and Ethiopia. There are regular morning buses leaving for major cities. Some of the safer and far more comfortable bus services are Easy Bus, Eldoret Express and Stallion Bus.

The most popular form of public transport is the Matatu. These mini-buses or Nissans are brightly painted, music blaring, often over-crowded but essential part of the Kenyan experience. They operate on set roues and compete with each other for passengers often resulting in a 'tout' (the man responsible for collecting fares inside a matatu) walking off with your luggage. Be firm and you'll find that striking up an easy relationship with a tout is invariably a valuable source of information. The tout is usually a young man dressed in the height of fashion, the bus driver will drive like a maniac and your fellow passengers are likely to be goat and chickens, and you have to shoutto be heard... don't miss it for the world. Keep your luggage in view, your hand on your heart and enjoy a ride on the matatu at least once.

Hitch hiking in Kenya is quite simple. Just stick your hand out with palm downwards to signify you want a free lift. Chances are you'll get one with a free lunch thrown in. Taking a lift from a local is fun. You get some local color and it's far more comfortable and fast. Though it is primarily safe, be sure to hitch hike in pairs and at a decent hour from a nice place on the highway. Now I probably sound like your mother.

Kenya's rail system is currently being privatized. The train system is comfortable, some of it luxurious but rather a slow way of getting around. The overnight Nairobi-Mombasa trip is the most popular with tourists. The passenger line runs between Mombasa-Nairobi and Nairobi-Kisumu. It is also possible to take a train to Kampala. The Uganda passenger train was discontinued years ago.
There is a special tourist train - a steam exxcursion which takes place every second saturday of the month. Book in advance since it only runs if there are enough passengers!

Sail down the East African coast in a dhow for a memorable travel experience. Board popular (and expensive) dhow cruises from Nyali opposite Mombasa island.

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It goes against the grain for me to suggest a rural retreat that's just so danged spiffy... but it's my bid for practicality. This country home is the perfect getaway from your hectic city life. With 2.5 acres of usable land, you could sow the seeds (heh heh) for your alternate retirement career right here! The acres are paddocked, manicured, fully fenced in and come with 2 large equipment sheds, water tanks and a natural freshwater pool! Isn't that nice?
The house itself is an ultra-modern affair with 4 bedrooms all with built-in wardrobes, study, large spa bath, gourmet style kitchen, formal lounge and dining, family room with bar and covered deck area looking over your land. Phew!
With all that, the swimming pool and garage goes without saying. Additions are - full insulation, crimesafe screen and fully ducted air-conditioning! This place is worth your $985,000.

A 4 bedroom rural home in Mount Tamborine region is up for sale for $549,000. It's been beautifully renovated with tropically landscaped 3 acres and is fully fenced in. What's exciting about this property is its potential for income with little investment. The land has 2 dams that irrigate the 3 large horticultural sheds and has been approved as a wholesale nursery with 30,000 plants on the books to be included in the sale. The house itself is air-conditioned with lovely bright red walls so you can never be in a bad mood, blue roof and windows with white frames in a stone facade.

The Cockatiel Homestead is ideal for a peaceful lifestyle just a short distance away from local shops, beaches and Currumbin Valley. Set amongst 1 acre of lawns and natural fauna, the home has 4 bedrooms with formaland informal living, ensuite and large deck for entertainment. I'm quite sold on the deck actually... with its wooden flooring and sun loungers, wooden balustrade and view, it's rather perfect for reading. Beyond the house, on the rolling land, there are separate farming workshops and enough space for a pool, tennis court or equestrian plans.

Plain bare land to do what you will with is available all over Gold Coast. Make your own country retreats if you don't find one in the place and style of your choice.
I have never found it easier to find a house perfect for me. There are just so many absolutely smashing sites to help you in your search, whether for townhouses or landed estates, apartment/units or country homes and by region. There's also a whole list of real estate agents to help you through your quest!

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Purlingbrook Lodge... I've just realized that maybe i'm not most practical advisor over homes. I mean... I get carried away by things like names that put me in the mind of babbling Tennyson poems or by the fact that the home has a history (thus my fascination with castles) or that it has a garden or... that it just feels right.
This property is all that. Available for $530,000, this townhouse spread over three levels has manicured gardens to be idly viewed as you relax on a covered deck reaching out from a cozy lounge with fireplace. The timber floors and powder room (!!) are quaint and the kitchen is a fully equipped delight. Three huge sized bedrooms on the second level and a third level with bar and billiard room is quite an addition to an attractive offer. What would clinch the deal for me though, are the rock pool and private botanical gardens complete with an all year round running creek!

A two bedroom townhouse with courtyard in Currumbin $255,000 or body corporate rent of $18 a week. Located within walking distance to the beach with the large living room leading out into the courtyard, this house has a very pleasant feel. With a seating area in the courtyard, a TV unit and foosball table (hmm), this two level compact home is a good investment opportunity.

A townhouse near Bond University and Market square comprises open living with resort facilities for a great holiday home. With four bedrooms ensuite, gym and double garage, this lovely two level home with porches and courtyard along a lovely ingorund pool with palms swaying is quite a find.

A recently renovated townhouse in Nerang is a superb investment opportunity if you're not in the mood to live there for good! Nerang is one of the more popular suburbs with easy access to all parts of Gold Coast. Just 20 kms fromany theme park, 14 kms from Surfer's Paradise, this 3 bedroom house is at present earning $240 per week. You can buy it for $210,000 and get a brand new kitchen, security gated complex, swimming pool and tennis courts for your money's worth!

A federation style townhouse in Southport with three double bedrooms (one of them ensuite), powder room and a modern, convennient kitchen is available for $334,000. Part of ten units in a security gated complex, it comes with a single lockup garage, huge courtyard for entertaining and sparkling pool. What I like about it is the space and light flowing into the living area with its cushy white couches.

Find more townhouses and land estates by browsing through the gazillion Gold Coast options.

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The Blue C beachside apartment in Coolangatta has been slashed from $619,000 to $599,000. It has 2 bedrooms and features an inground heated poo, gym, sauna, spa and barbeque area. The master bedroom has a walk through wardrobe and ensuite. Situated just beside the Kirra hill, you get lovely ocean views while being just a short walk away from the famous surf at Kirra and Snapper's Rock. Restaurants, public transport and shops are all nearby.

A riverfront apartment building in central Surfer's Paradise, ensconched in the curve of the river gives you city as well as Chevron island views. The apartments will have heated pool, gyms, in-house cinema and lounges as well as parklands and gardens. With 1 bedroom and so centrally located, they're for sale for $425,000.

A 2 bedroom apartment in Rainbow Bay overlooks the boat harbor and has been recently repainted so that is ready to go with not a penny to be spent on it. (other than the $379,000 to buy it, that is). Furnished with swimming pool and rare tandem car space, it's just a short walk from Rainbow Bay and the Coolangatta beaches.

Another 2 bedroom apartment at Mermaid Beach is a compact place, recently renovated with new blinds, tiles and a whole new kitchen. With it's beachside location, this ground floor aprtament is just a short walk from Nobby'd Beach shops and has a garage to go with it. You can buy it for $269,000.

An 18th floor apartment in an executive building is centrally located in Broadbeach. Close by are the Conrad Jupiter, Victoria Park and the Convention Center. That's certainly a great area! The fully furnished apartment gives you a great view of the ocean, the hinterland and the sky line. It comes along with 2 pools, gym, steam room, games room and barbeque area. Broadbeach is one of the quieter and more casually chic areas of Gold Coast and perfect for anyone who likes to set his own pace.

The Paradise Towers apartment is a 1 bedroom trendy home located in the center of Surfer's Paradise. Placed on the 9th level, it gives you a lovely view over the river and the city. Just a few minutes away from patrolled beaches, cafes and all kinds of entertainment, this fully furnished apartment is perfect for holiday renting or permanent living.

The thing with Gold Coast is that it seems to be a real destination for home hunters. There are so many, many, many to choose from - resort apartments to luxury apartments, units to apartments for every budget - and i'm defnitely not doing justice to the best out there.

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The Keep is a 7 bedroom villa situated at Point Lookout. With that fascinating smuggler-worthy location, The Keep is the highest place on the Point, giving you great views across the ocean, Moreton Island, offshore rock formations and the Glasshouse Mountains. The house comes with covered decks and the option of a nursery off the main bedroom. But what's really a USP is the whale-watching towers that can be reached from the main deck. The Keep is ideally located for watching the migrating whales from land. These observations towers serve as a great place to lounge over a breakfast or sunset even when there are no whales to be seen! The furnishing and fittings are virtually new and you'll find the Keep a very comfortable stay.

The Solaz self-contained villa at Mermaid Beach just south of Broadbeach is available for $3,200 to $4,500 per week with possibly higher rates during Christmas and holidays. Spread over three levels, the villa comes with a elevator and underground parking space. With oversized bedrooms, balconies overlooking the ocean, gourmet kitchen and a spectacular penthouse suite with spa bath and walk in wardrobe, this place is a steal. The living room flows out of the pool and you have a lounging room thrown in. There's even a wine cellar! (Which you can use for more mundane storage).

This one bedroom villa at Benowa is being rented out at $190 per week at the moment but is up for grabs from a discerning investor for $189,000. Besides the ensuite King's size room and a modern kitchen, you'll also get a private courtyard, a garage and salt water pool! Besides the pool, there is a heated sauna and spa, a mini gym and a barbeque. It's spacious, comfortable and centrally located... really a good investment.

The Runway Bay Villa is a single level 2 bedroom affair. The rooms are reallyspacious and carpeted with a two way bathroom. You can buy it for $199,000 and rent it out for about $230 per week. The villa is really pretty with it's warm red sloping roof, green trim and purple flowers. Besides the private courtyard at the back, there are landscpaed gardens with a swimming pool and barbeque area. 

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Shopping in Gold Coast is a exhaustingly fun experience... the kind where you come home in the evening with bags and bags, lighter of pocket, tired of feet and grinning idiotically over your purchases. Whether you're a elegant arcade shopper or a market stall enthusiast, shopping in GC is a trip.

For fashion labels selling directly at a big discount, venture into Harbor Town, where you'll also find opne air restuarants, cafes and the largest movie hall in GC.

The Pacific Fair and Australia Fair host an extravaganza of department stores and specialty shops.

Just 5 minutes from Surfers Paradise is the The Evergreen Lifestyle Centre which is a treasure chest overflowing with exotic/contemporary homewares, glassware, pottery, fine furniture, hand-painted ceramic tiles, gourmet deli and sculptured cakes! The Center is open daily from 9 to 5.

The Sanctuary Cove Marine Village harbor is a waterfront retail market where cruise boats meandering north from Surfers Paradise can get you for the very best of Australian designer labels and creative handicrafts.

A very popular facet of Gold Coast are its weekend markets. You can explore the wonderful world of art and craft markets, souvenirs, gifts, oddities, knicks and bracks at the many browse worthy country and beachfront markets.
The most popular of these is the humongous Carrara Market with over 500 unique stalls! You can find anything under the sun here.
Other markets are the Friday night market at Surfer's Paradise, first and thrid sunday af-fairs at Broadbeach, lat sunday at Burleigh Heads, saturday markets at Robina Town Center and second sunday markets at Coolangatta and Tambourine Mountain. These markets have about 200 stalls and you have to remember to throw bashfulness aside and bargain like crazy!

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A culinary feast of international cuisines is waiting around every corner on the Gold Coast for those with discerning palates. Fresh seafood and tropical fruits selected daily by the region's award-winning chefs. In fact Gold Coast is home to an astonishing number of award winning restaurants.
Seafood, Japanese, French, Italian, Australian, family restuarant, pubs, alacarte restaurants... whatever you're looking for, by cuisine or atmosphere, taste or budget... you'll find it here.
The gourmet center of GC is Tedder Avenue with the main restaurants lining up on either side of the road.
While Tedder avenue is rather cosmopolitan, you might get more variety and less dearer food at Surfer's Pradise and Broadbeach. The surf clubs dotting the coastline offer not just great views but great meals for under $15 a person.

I'm just going to list some of the award winning restuarants for the food aficionados.
Shogun Japanese Restaurant (best asian), Ristorante Fellini (italian of course), Cav's Steakhouse, George's Paragon Seafood, (all self-evident) and the best family establishment - Montego's. If you want to woo a lady... you could just take her to Venice, but failing that, you could dine her at Gold Coast Gondoloas.

But before you spoil yourself with the award winning stuff, mayeb you should eat out at simple old recommended joints.

If you've had you fill of scuba diving, rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping and the like for your entertainment and are yearning for some usual manufactured smoke filled-music pumping fun, then fret not, Gold Coast has a sizzling nightlife too!
Surfer's Paradise is the acknowledged party spot with pubs, bars, nightclubs galore, especially along Orchid and Cavill avenues.
If you're not one for music, you could relax at a cigar lounge, cabaret club or shoot some pool at a pub.
The Capitol Bar & Lounge has been the pioneer is lounging long before it hit New York. A melting pot of design, creativity and free spirits, it's a superb hangout.
If you want to watch a game or flutter on the live daily races, The Clock Tower is your place. Even without sports, there's always something brewing here.
The Base Cabaret restaurant is the winner of the People's Choice award and features 2 hours of dazzling live music and comedy.
The other highly recommended outings are the "Rhythm of the Night" at the Conrad Juipter and the casino at the same hotel.

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The art in Gold Coast is like a voyage... It's a discovery, a pleasant find you make as you go about your day.
You might be on your day trip to Mount Tambourine when you'll stumble upon the Gallery Walk with it's sculptures and pottery and woodworks or the Crafter's Gallery.
You might be taking a walk along the beautiful Curumbin Beach Ocean-Walkway and you'll get to see some really fascinating sculptures by 60 of the world's leading artists at the Swell Sculpture Festival.
Or you might wander in for a beer at the Hard Rock Cafe and find yourself looking through a collection of music memorabilia at rock n' rolls most famous museum in Queensland.

The Gold Coast War Museum has an array of memorabilia from the two world wars and the Vietnam War, including tanks, armoured vehicles, planes and posters.

The River Mill located on the Nerang-Beaudesert Rd, just before the Mt Tamborine turnoff is an historic mill built in 1910. It was Australia's first arrowroot mill and has been turned into a popular tourist attraction functioning as a museum, with the old machinery intact. There is a cafe and a small animal park where children can feed camels, donkeys, horses and deer.

Spread over 12 themed galleries, Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum, is a more "today" affair with its buzarre collection. For anyone who's ever played the Ripley's board game as a kid and been fascinated with the trivia, this is a must visit.

The Beudesert Museum showacases a Pioneer Homestead complete with farm implements and a buggy!
There are other collections of aborginal art, a race car museum of Dick Johnsson and even a wax museum for those who haven't made it to Tussaud's.

The Gold Coast City Art Gallery at Surfer's Paradise is one of Australia's most prolific public regional galleries.

Keep yourself willing and open at Gold Coast, cultural activities will beckon and you must plunge in. The Wintersun festival will offer you a taste of sun and wine; Tastes of Gold Coast will tease your palate; Music fests and stage plays at the Conrad Jupiter for the more artistically inclined; just let yourself go and savor every bite and sip and glance. Let the sheer enthusiasm of the people and place... the "aliveness", if you will, infest you!

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Some time ago I dreamt of a rainbow of gold and purple and red. When I woke up all I could remember of it was that it was beautiful and I wondered what made me clash such colors in my sleep. Frazer island is an enigma like that. Sand and rainforests go seemlessly together, freshwater lakes, dingos, creeks, the world's longest sand isalnd with rainbow beaches... that's Frazer island. The island is such a detination in itself that it even boasts a museum!

Lady Elliot Island is a must visit for taking in a sight of the Great Barrier Reef. This coral cay is one of the most popular destinations for reef diving and you can while away hours snorkeling and scuba diving with rainbow colored sea anemones, tropical fish, manta rays for company. There's 25 meters visability!
The island is also home to some 57 species of bird, nesting sea turtles and has one of the first lighthouses built in Australia for a landmark.

Sunshine Coast has pristine beaches and tranquil hinterland. You'll be greeted by glass house mountains and pineapple farms on your way to Noosa, a great place to do some window shopping. At Underwater World in Mooloolaba you mighteven get to touch a shark's egg! Sunshine Coast is a very populat holiday spot and you might want to take off from Gold Coast for a mere day to wallow in it.

Mount Tambourine is an enchanted escape with orchards and vineyards, 7 national parks, sub-tropical rainforests and a gorgeous view over Gold Coast! Whether you indulge in some wine tasting, view a craft show, hike around walking trails or tour through the wildlife sanctuary, Mt Tambourine will fill your day well. Infact you might find that you wnat to stay longer once you see how much there is to do once you get there. There are restaurants and galleries, fuschia farms and a fishing world as well as a heritage center.

Lamington National Park is a world heritage park with immense rainforests. The most exciting thing about a visit to the park is the treetop walkway where you get to walk 16 feet above the ground amid the trees! While there, also take some time to enjoy the Alpaca Barn which houses the unique Alpaca, bred by Inca Indians in the Andes. You can sit there and enjoy a tranquil view.

Of course, if you got to Gold Coast straight from your hometown, you might want to venture into Brisbane for a day. See the ever growing and young city, relax on the river, go trawl through the Cultural Centre, Museum or Treasury Casino. Visit South Bank Parklands, which is Australia's only inner city beach.

Besides this, drive your car to Cairns and hot air balloon, hitch a ferry to Moreton Bay and whale-watch. Talk to the locals and ferret out your own day trips (and let me know about them).

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The GC is known as Australia's capital for theme parks and with reason.
Movie World, Seaworld, Dreamworld, Snow World and Wet 'n' Wild Water world lead the band of theme parks. With terrifying rides and dolphin antics, Batman and Superman vying to be faster, there's never an opportunity to be without some absolutely voice-tearing fun.

But the man-made delights aside, the place I like most... so natural and simple in its magic, is the glow worm colony in Natural Arch Cave in Springbrook. I remember being fascinated even with just one glow worm as a child and following it around for as long as it was visible like I was mesmerized. Now just imagine the sheer beauty of seeing the largest glow worm colony, like so many emeralds sparkling out of reach.
Beyond the live green lanterns in the caves, Springbrook also boasts some of the prettiest waterfalls.
While at Springbrook, visit the plateau and gaze up at starry skies and hope to encunter some unique nocturnal wildlife.

Paradise Country is a recreation farm and function centre approximately 20-30 minutes' drive from Surfers Paradise. You get to experience real Australian farm life and a slice of outback adventure with tours including meeting koalas, emus and wallabies, milking cows, rounding-up sheep, watching the stock horse in action with the cattle, small animal feeding, testing your boomerang skills and cracking the whip and savouring delicious scones and billy tea.

Catch-A-Crab ia a multi-award winning tour in Tweed Heads that combines natural scenic beauty with Aussie style family fun. You get to catch the famous Queensland mud crabs, feed the pelicans, catch your own bait (yabbie pumping), go fishing or sit back and enjoy the scenery. Highlight of the day is gourmet dining on one of the most sought after seafood delicacies - freshly caught Queensland mudcrabs.

If you take a tour of the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary you get a peek into a wildlife reserve with the world's largest collection of Australian native wildlife. A visual spectacle of innureable brightly multi-coloured lorikeets which fly in to be hand-fed every day will meet you. The sanctuary also features a walk-through aviary and other native animals.

At the Superbee Honeyworld located right opposite Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary there are over a million live bees and 15 different honeys to taste for free! You can watch the honey being created right before your eyes along the bee walk. Entry is also free here.

Other than all this you must certainly hot air balloon in Cairns. In fact this particular item was long on my to-do-in-life list. And hot-air ballooning over the marvellous coast line with sparkling sand and rainforest open to your sight is an awesome experience.

Sail, oceanraft, parasail, windsurf or simply catch a cruise boat, pontoon boat to explore inland waterways at Southport Broadwater.

Cast an eye over the day trips, enetertainment and arts and culture section for still more to do in Gold Coast.

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Either you get to the Gold Coast airport at Coolangatta or you reach Brisbane from where it'll take you about an hour by road to get to Gold Coast.
Once there, the Surfside Busline runs 24 hour buses along the highway and can drop you off at all the main shopping malls, roads and theme parks. You can explore Gold Coast by buying a 24 hour $30 ticket and touring the spots at your leisure.
Gold Coast is one of the leading leisure boat destinations and ferries and water taxis connect islands and canal estates. You can hire jet skis, speedboats, houseboats, fishing charters, et al.
An unusual way to see the Coast is to be part of a tour on an amphibious vehicle called the Aqua Duck that gives you a tour of the streets and waterways at the same time.
Renting a car, cycle or a good old monster bike to ride with you is another way to see the Gold Coast.

Read through some good tips to getting to and around Gold Coast before you get there.

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The best season to go to Gold Coast is any season! It sounds trite I know, but with its sub-tropical climate, Gold Coast enjoys mild winters and lovely hot summers with about 287 sunny days a year!
With some of the most popular beaches, one of them actually called 'Surfer's Paradise'... GC really is a great place to go for surfing enthusiasts and experts. If you want to choose a particular surfing season or spot then you might worry about when you get to Gold Coast.

Another activity in Gold Coast that's season oriented is the humpback whale watching. In the months from June to October, the whales migrate between the Antarctic wilderness and the Great Barrier Reef and can be seen at Moreton bay.

The festive calendar at Gold Coast breezes through food, music, races, wine, films and of course, surfing.
The Gold Coast Film Fantastic and the In the Bin Film Festival are both held in September. One for fantasy films and the other for shorts.

The Big Day Out music festival held on the Gold Coast in January has bands start playing from 11am and going on late into the night (around 11.30pm). The festival features bands from all over the world and Australia. There are two main stages featuring the headlining acts, some smaller stages for local bands and the Boiler room, for DJ's and dance music. Don't miss this one if you enjoy live music.
Blues on Broadbeach is 5 days of the best in blues.

A la Carte in the Park and On the Beach are food and wine festivals where you get to sample food from the best restaurateurs, caterers and wine merchants.
Tastes of Gold Coast held in August on Surfer's Paradise is another food and wine festival in the same vein.

An interesting festival is the Medieval & Militaria festival with 2 days of laser skirmishes, tournaments, battles, military vehicles, militaria markets and history being re-enacted in general.

The Lexmark Indy 300 is held in October - from parties to some serious horse power.
The Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Racing Carnival is 18 days of parties, dinners and races with prizes worth a minimum of 100,000 AUD.
And the popular Australian Surf Life Saving Championship held towards the end of March.

Besides these, there are the golf tournaments and the performing art events, the innurable wine fests and the tasty food experiences... a whole host of events to look forward to whichever month you find yourself in Gold Coast.

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There have been restrictions of foreign ownership and on buying holiday homes in certian areas. Permissions are required to buy property from the local authority office. But since joining the European Union, Austrian rules will change to apply equally to EU and Austrian citizens.

When buying real estate in Austria, a deposit of 10 percent is usual though not mandatory and it will be returned if the deal falls through. A common solicitor can handle the deal for both parties and when purchase contracts are signed, the funds are deposited with a trustee till the completion.

The price of a studio apartment is about $75,000.
A small apartment can come for anything from $87,500.
Large apartments are priced at around $145,000.
Detached homes can be about $365,000.

The cost of living in Austria is high but the EU membership should start to reduce the cost of imported goods.
Ski resorts and sumer holiday homes in hiking regions are popular with buyers.

You can find your own ideal apartment, farmhouse, chalet, castle, villa or just a plain simple home by exploring all the possibilities.

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A medieval castle is for sale! Let me say it again - a medieval castle is for sale! I'm sorry, i'm just excited. Okay... down to the particulars. The castle (!!), I shall now be prosaic... has 60 rooms, has recently been reroofed and the plumbing, heating and phone systems have been upgraded. It has its own free spring water supply and is half surrounded by a nationally-protected public park. The castle itself is a national monument. With a host of noble names in its history, this 1268 castle rises out of the Innvalley, flanked by the Alps and has a baroque chapel, 6 storey tower and 12 guest suites. You can either use it for your really large family or turn it into a hotel (please don't!) or just keep it for your own happy power trip with your own little flag flying out of the top! And the cost of this kingdom - a mere $3,780,000.

A baroque castle with drawbridge consists of a main building and annexes with three separate apartments, a guest's wing, a villa, a gardening house and caretaker's house! There's even a pavillion for parties and stable with room for 5 horses. (A hotel I stayed in in India had very beautifully converted old stables into the nicest rooms... but that's for another time). Old marble, parquet and stone floors have been restored, 30 bedrooms and bathrooms with all the modern conveniences have been thought of. A library, a music room and a piano add sufficiently to the castle air. To top it off, it's just 10 minutes away from an 18 hole golf course designed by golf legend, Jack Nicklaus.

The Hann Chalet in Tirol has 5 bedrooms spread over three levels that can house 14 people. A large terrace with its own deck chairs gives you a lovely view of the mountains and the countryside. You have luxurious private grounds and gardens with a sunning area, swimming pool and children's playground in addition the game room within. Depending on the season, the weekly price differs from $1,795 to $3,036.

Look through more castles and chalets, manor homes and country houses before you start your dynasty.

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A cottage in Afritz has 4 bedrooms and can house up to 13 people. It's situated in the heart of the hiking area and right next door 16 km of different ski slopes and a ski school. The house has an indoor swimming pool and sauna. The garden comes with its own furniture, sand pit and barbeque. There's even a play area with table tennis!

A cosy holiday cottage with 2 bedrooms situated in Ried close to other cottages is furnished in much comfort while maintaining an outdoorsy look. It allows pets and has a balcony and terrace, a communal swimming pool and with ski slopes no more than 200m away you can even rent skiing equipment. The energy and electricity costs are covered in the rental.

Another cottage in the Danube Valley is a renovated farmhouse that gives you a peaceful view of the river. The property is the second oldest in the area, Vichtenstein, which is one of the prettiest holiday villages. The area is great for cross country skiing and boasts a ski lift in the village. With the local mountain and a 800 year old church, the cities of Passau and barokstad Schaeding within 20km distance, there are a few tourist spots worth visiting. The house has 3 bedrooms that can house 7 people and space for 2 pets.

The main attraction of this cottage in Untertilliach in the Tirol region for me is the simple fact that you don't get to be isolated in your own little world here - you live among the locals! Built in 1750, it has its own natural plot and mountain view. It can house up to 4 people and doesn't allow pets.

Make a choice of more holiday cottages in the Salzburg, Tirol, Karnten or other regions.

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A completely awesome penthouse in Vienna is available for $1,800,000. It's built over two floors with light flooding through the glass windows. While the apartment is hidden away from prying eyes on the street with patios that break up the glass front, it gives you a panoramic view over Vienna.

A series of one bedroom and studio apartments in Central Vienna are available for short or long term stays and are suited to house 1-5 people. Besides a fully furnished kitchen, the apartments have aliving and dining room, a bathroom and a separate toilet. All the apartments come with cable TV, telephone, fax, stereo, microwave, dishwasher, coffee nachine, etc. The apartments are for about 2540 USD to 3000 USD per month for 2 people with discounts for stays beyond 3 months.

A apartment in a farmhouse 20km from Salzburg offers you the the best of rural living. You can horse ride, take tractor rides, hike through beautiful trails, take care of your own chicken nest and hobby rooms with darts and Table Tennis and foosball for when it's raining. With a lake and flower-filled meadow close by, make use of the horse drawn carriage rides.
The apartments are one bedroom but can sleep upto 4 people.

A two bedroom apartment on the first floor of a house in Styria comes with independent kitchen, shower and toilet. It's just 3 km away from ski slopes ad is baby friendly with baby cots and highchairs available. You'll also get a private parking spot for your car an doutdoor furniture if you want to sit in the garden to smell the fresh air.

Refine your apartment search with region, number of bedrooms and facilities for the perfect Austrian match.

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The Hohe Schule is a self-catering 2 bedroom villa situated in Loosdorf. It's quite an exciting property, being part of an 16th century former school building as is built together with with a closely situated church and castle. It has a dining room, royal gardens, front yard and a hall which comes under monument care! It's just 60km away from Vienna and close to beuatuful mountain hikes, convents, vineyards. All this grandness can be yours for 296 to 610 euros per week.

A lovely 3 storey villa in Baden gives you breathtaking views of the town and the mountains. The villa has played home to famous guests like King Saud and Bryan Adams. (I wonder if he composed a suitably lilting song while staying there?!)
The villa is priced at a negotiable 3,300,000 euros and with features like an elevator tat can take elederly people from basement to roof, three terraces for enjoying the sun at different times of the day, a winter garden enclosed by glass (I have no clue why the words 'winter garden' always strike me as very pretty and hopeful), indoor swimming pool with sauna and more make it well worth the price!

Villa Marie on the outskirts of Vienna is nestled among woods with a glass verandah overlooking rolling hills. The 2 bedrooms can sleep up to 5 people and the kitchen comes fully equipped with grill, fridge, dish washer, et al. The garden comes with barbeque and garden chairs and teh house keeps you in touch with broadband, satellite, cable, DVD and radio. Getting to St. Stephen's square in Vienna will take you as less as 30 minutes so you can keep up with your sightseeing and cultural events while you cocoon yourself in greenery at the Villa Marie.

This villa with the unfortunately imaginative name of Obj. No. 2273 (like something out of an Ayn Rand book) is one hell of an impressive residence with wainscoting ad tapestry and rooms straight out of some regency set. The white facade looks over a nice big garden and there are lovely green plants in the verandah with a solarium and indoor pool to boot. Object number (amusing isn't it?) 2273 is on the block for 5,100,000 euros.

Villa Seeblick in Upper Austria is divided into three separate properties - the Lakeview Main House with 6 bedrooms, the Lakeview Studio with three bedrooms and the garden apartment with three bedrooms again. The villa in St. Georgen overlooks Lake Atter beyond a beautiful landscaped garden with chairs. All possible facilities and luxuries are available from central heating to saunas and jacuzzis, bicycles thoughtfully provided to open galleries and firplaces. It's a lovely place and just a km away from shops and restaurants with Salzburg and Linz no more than 50 km away.

The late 19th century Harruck villa has been recently renovated with modern conveniences while keepingin mind the grand flavor. Ten bedrooms spread over four floors inside a V -building with a tower at its center make for atmospheric living. Pine forests and meadows aside, you'll also have the free run of your own spa, tennis court, gym, wine cellar (hmm...), believe it or not... 25 rooms other than the bedrooms!!! (might as well have a wedding here) and magnificent views. It's priced surprisingly lower than other villas i've mentioned at 980,000 euros.

A 3 bedroom villa in the Styrian region with beautiful wood facade and red tiled roof decorated with green creepers and red leaves is available for rent. It has a one acre garden and is close to historical sites, vineyards, mountain trails (for which bicycles have been provided) and other acitivities.

There are many villas and luxury homes - choices and choices in the varied beautiful regions of Austria. This is just the beginning.

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Maybe one day i'll go to a place untouched by both man and God. And there, in a different corner of the world than mine i'll just sit around. But not today and not Austria. This country has definitely been touched by magic hands.

Schönbrunn is the Habsburgs' ornate summer palace. Its grounds contain the world's oldest and only baroque Tiergarten (zoo), Palmenhaus - a glasshouse full of tropical ferns - and Schmetterlinghaus (butterfly house).

Salzburg is known as the Rome of the North due to the sheer number of churches it possesses. At the heart of Salzburg's Altstadt runs the city's busiest thoroughfare, pedestrianized Getreidegasse, lined with boutiques with old world wrought-iron shop signs. Number nine is Mozart's birthplace - the baby-sized violin he used as a child is on display, along with other instruments of the time. Also visit the Mirabell Palace, the white fortress Hohensalzburg overlooking the city, Mozart's college of music where The Magic Flute was composed and the High Altar of Franziskanerkirsche.

The Viennese funeral fetishism saw the opening of the Zentralfriedhof in 1874 when having a beautiful corpse was something to aspire to. The Zentralfriedhof is one of the biggest and most impressive cemeteries in the world.

The Hohe Tauern National Park lies at the foot of Austria's highest mountains. It is one of the last great wilderness areas in Europe and has been immaculately preserved and showcases nature at its best. The flora and fauna in the park is abundant and varies according to altitude. If you go higher you're likely to get pastoral delights with mountain goats and sheep. The lower levels are home to a variety of birds and deer, ibex and chamois. Besides the charm of watching nature, the park also offers plenty of activities including more than 450km of ski and snowboard slopes and a vast network of nature trails.

The Eisriesenwelt Caves are the largest ice caves in the world. On a tour of the caves you will be given a carbide lamp to guide yourself though gigantic columns and towers, waterfalls and glaciers of ice. The cave remains frozen throughout the year so definitely put it on your itinerary.

The Swarovski Crystal Walk Visitor Center is a vision with its breathtaking crystal halls - dome, meditation enter, theatre, ice lane and more.

Take a drive up the Grossglockner Alpine Road famous of all alpine roads terminating at the highest mountain and the largest glacier in Austria, the 3798m high Grossglockner.

In Vienna alone, there is a plethora of sightseer delights. From the Belvedere Palaces nestled amid splendid gardens, a magnificent view of the city from the Danube Tower, the medieval castle Hofburg, the Ring Boulevard to the Vienna Opera House, the famous St.Stephen's Cathedral reflected in the glass facade of Haas House and the beautiful white horses of the Spanish ridinh school dancing in concert to military music - the city enchants and could well entrap. But discover the smaller towns and rural places too!

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The Museum of the Future in Linz is a stunning exhibition of the colloboration possible between art, technology and society.
Technological wizardry from the 21st century is spread out over 5 levels.

The Benedictine Abbey founded in 1074 by Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg is a highly regarded cultural and artistic centre as well as an internationally renowned baroque museum. The Abbey was destroyed by fire in 1865, but the largest ecclesiastical Baroque library in the world was untouched. It is  an architectural masterpiece, crammed with awesome paintings, rare manuscripts and early printed books. It also showcases beautiful ceiling paintings by B. Altomonte.

The Archaeological Museum located in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg which used to be the most important Roman town in the Alps and dates from about 6 AD. Today, the town is preserved and the Archaeological Museum of Carnuntinum contains original pieces of Roman jewellery, coins and arms. The Roman mysteries of Mithras and other oriental religions and cults are revealed by pictures of worship and other objects. The whole town is like a museum with two amphitheatres, Roman baths, temples and military camp.

Gurk Cathedral built in the 11th century is regarded as the most outstanding example of Romanesque architecture in Austria. The magnificent baroque altar is adorned by 72 statues and 82 angels’ heads. The fresco paintings date from the second half of the 13th century and visit the wondrous 100-pillared crypt located deep beneath the cathedral.

The fine palaces of Belvedere are home to the Österreichisches Galerie, which take you through the nation's art history - from Baroque pieces by painters such as Rottmayr to an astounding collection of works by Klimt, Schiele and Kokoschka.

The Mozart museum, the Leopold museum, the Jewish Theatre, and other galleries and multitude of musical events and the many other traditions over the year make Austria a completely exhilarating experience.

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Wherever you're staying in Austria, the other regions are all worth some serious exploring. The Alps to the Danube, hiking, skiing, galleries, monuments, mountains and lakes are spread across 9 federal provinces.
Vienna and the western provinces are traditionally more popular though the milder south is drawing its share of tourists.
The wooded hills of Burgenland where wine is cultivated, the passion play staged once in 5 years in St. Margarethen, an intensely rejuvenating spa experience or the silver mines and stud farms near Graz, these are all day long affairs.Whether you want to indulge in skiing, horse backriding or even if you're a glutton for more art and architecture, every little place in Austria has a wealth of beautiful churches and palaces. Plan your day out from your abode according to your preference for lounging or touring.
P.S: I'm personally fascinated by all the castles, the Seeschloss Orth in the middle of waves against a backdrop of mountains and trees, ordinary (?) castles tucked away in little country nooks, all so matter of factly grand.

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Skiing in the alpine slopes of Austria is a year round possibility. And if you don't like falling on your behind with embarrassing regularity, then you can always indulge in snowboarding, sledding, toboganning, ice skating and... hold your breath... ice golf!!

In summer, all you need are your hiking boots and you can just wander down any trail to find some of the most beautiful sights and green meadows and blue skies and red flowers along your way.

For more regular entertainment, The Prater is Vienna's most popular fun fair. The Prater ferris wheel gives you a classic view over Vienna. You can even play soccer in the Prater Stadium, be a part of harness racing, swim or lounge on the grass.

Nightclubs in Austria are thriving and great fun. Whether you dance away at Flex or become a part of the throng under an old pedestrian underpass recently converted into a club or an ex-porn cinema house madeover into a jazz club, and a gazillion other places to guzzle in some warmth or let the music do its work.

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Austrian Food is strongly meat based with an astonishing variety of desserts and cakes of renown. Tafelspitz is Austria's national food consisting mainly of boiled beef. The most popular dish is Wiener Schnitzel which is a fried cutlet, usually veal, covered in a coating of eggs and breadcrumbs. Then there is goulash, various types of smoked pork, dumplings and... mehlspeisen. That's the national term for cakes and puddings. Imagine this - you get 60 (!!) types of torte to be eaten with coffee, plum stew, cheese danish, dough filled with variety of fruits and a sprinkling of raisins and cinnamon - the ever popular strudel, pancakes... whew!
Most of the local wines are white with Riesling and Veltliner being recommended. Obstler is a strong, well-flavored drink distilled from fruits also widely drunk.
The best way to enjoy your wine is to spend a summer evening in a Heurige tavern. Marked by a pine bough over the door, with starlit picnic tables under grape arbors, this is certainly the way to drink.
To get a hold of these delicacies, find a restaurant in your town in Austria.
If you're in a particular mood, looking for vegetarian fare or a specific cuisine, make your search along those lines.

Winter sport equipment, high quality handbags, glassware and chinaware make up the best Austrain buys. I for one would also go for some typically Austrian products, like their wine or Almdudler - a herbal lemonade, or tell you that half the fun of shopping is in the atmosphere so be sure to visit the Christkindlmarkt, where you'll find some great local craft work at small stalls that'll sell you hot wine on a cold night.
If you're looking for style and substance Karntnerstrasse is like the Oxford Street in Vienna.
Another thing that's pretty to buy is an Austrian stamp. Be sure to collect a Sondermarken - stamp for a special occasion. An interesting souvenir from your trip.

A must visit is the Naschmarkt, a Viennese institution dating back to the 16th century. This fruit and vegetable market is worth a visit even if you're all stocked up in apples and oranges.
In the 19th century, Wienfluss, Vienna's second river, was roofed over and some dealers put up their stalls on top of this roof and that was the origin of the present market. You can sit at one of the coffee shops and stalls in this spectacular location surrounded by the hustle-bustle of fruit sellers and watch the lazy meandering river.
On Saturdays, you can get anything from junk to antiques to early birds at Vienna's major fleemarket.

Shops in Austria generally stay open from 8am to 6pm on weekdays and 12am to 5pm on Saturdays. In the tourist season, shops extend their weekday timings till about 9pm and stay open on weekends up till 6pm.

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Austria is a car lover's country but finding parking space in the cities might not be the easiest thing. Fortunately, it has a very good public transport system comprising train and bus routes that complement each other with many bus timings matched to suit arriving trains.
You can get to most places in the county using train or buses, though maybe certain rural spots might be too out of the way and you may need to rent a car or cycle.
What's convenient is that you can get yourself a travelcard covering all forms of public transport in a particular zone. You could get one for a day, week or month depending on your plan.
Trains are fast, clean, comfortable and punctual! The bus service fills any gaps left by the rail. A reason to assume that a bus in Austria can get you anywhere is that one kind of bus service in the country is run by the post office... and if a letter need to get to an out of way place... you certaily can!
Take a boat ride down the Danube or buy a 15 day special ticket that gets you on excursions on any scheduled boat.
Cycling in Austria is a delight with cycling lanes and routes marked in cities and in the countryside. You can rent a cycle at railroad stations for $18 a day or get it reduced to $11 a day by showing a railroad ticket to the point of rental.
Get details on getting around Austria and make your trip so much the smoother.

When to go to Austria quite depends on where you want to go. Vienna with its busy festival calender is a year round destination. As are the other urban areas. If you are going to the mountainous regions, you'll get two distinct tourists seasons - winter sports and summer hiking.
For warm weather, go between April and October but if want to ski and see the snow, make your trip fom November to April. Though keep in mind that away from the skiing ranges and areas, the rest of the country is quite wet and miserable during the snow.
Weather conditions vary only slightly across the country. Upper and Lower Austria can be quite foggy, the lowlands in the north and the east enjoy more continental weather and sudden thunder showers are possible througout the year at the higher altitudes.
Vienna pulls quite a crowd at Christmas time, New Years and Fasching, the ball season. January sees not only the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra launching the year and the carnival but also the 'Eistraum' - or Dream on Ice, with the square betweeen the Town Hall and the Burgtheatre being converted into a giant ice skating rink with music and kiosks. The Dream on Ice lasts till mid-march.
January also sees the Mozart Week in Salzburg.
The last night of the Carnival in February sees the Opera Ball. You may not need an invite like the grand balls in Venice but you do need a rather expensive ticket.
March is the month of spring festivals with the world's greatest composers ushering in blooms and greenery into the country.
May and June play host to the International Music Festival where you'll hear orchestras and see conductors known over the world. You could hear old masterpieces performed like they were meant to be. The same months also stage operas, musicals, theatre, damces performed by amateus and the internationally acclaimed at the Vienna Festival.
On June 20 is the Midsummer Night celebration with bonfires and and folklores mumbled over them.
The Salzburg Festival is held in July and is a must on your Vienna calender if you can manage it. Cultural performances galore with chambermusic,plays, concerts, operas, the essential Mozart opera are performed at various venues in Salzburg.
The Vienna International Film Festival is held throughout October showcasing the experimental and the best of European cinema.
Christmas time is great in Vienna specifically, with open air markets decked with holly and ribbons springing up with toys and trees and roasted chestnuts and... just a little bit of Christmas cheer.
Austria has a hectic events calender mostly tinkling with music. No wonder Sound of Music was set in this country. (If you haven't seen the film, please do.)

Sri Lanka is the country where Ravan from the Hindu Epic Ramayana hid away the abducted Queen, it's where Buddhism was rejuvenated and still lives. The country saw kingdoms and kings and gives homage to all. It has some of the loveliest beaches and people in a not- to- be- scoffed- at cheerful mood. (Certainly must be the effect of zen and the art of beach bumming).

When you visit Sri Lanka, take the time to see all and also the time to be lazy. It's a great feeling to hurtle through history on one day and forget even the present as you burrow in sand on the next.

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A modern European style bunglow built on a coconut plantation with 2 bedrooms leads directly the north west beaches of Sri Lanka. You could rent it for about US $120 per day or buy it for the negotiable price of US $400,000. It's furnished, pet friendly and equipped with appliances.

A 3 bedroom sea view house right on the road and near the calm, swimming friendly beaches in the south of Galle is on sale for US $130,000. With direct access to the road on one side and the beach on the other this is a great home for a vacation.

A 6 bedroom luxury home built as two units with separate entrances and separate electricity and water meters is available for the negotiable rate of US $200,000. The house has a dining room, living room, pantry and kitchen with fitted cupboards, parking space for 2 vehicles and practical conveniences like airconditioners, telephone lines, etc. It's just 5 minutes away from Colombo city.

A gracious Colonial planter's home 15 minutes away from Galle is available for US $576,950. Placed on top of a mountain, it's fully furnished with a lovely yard overlooking a landscaped garden and trees down the hillside. With all wooden furniture, crazy colorful paintings and the lovely garden and isolated view, it makes for an alluring choice.

An 8 bedroom, 3 storied home with office, laundry room, large kitchen and servants quarters is placed in the central location of Negombo. With cable TV and lounges, it's a great buy.

An ocean front home with wrap around verandahs, completely renovated with old cabinets and a tub near a window overlooking the garden, it's certainly a contrary house. High ceilings, lots of light and air... it really is inviting. Like a home.

Find more homes of any description, anywhere in Sri Lanka and book your place in a land filled with ancient myths, monkeys and happy peaceful people!

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Kalpitiya Split are 2 to 14 acres beach front plots available with developers planting coconut,banyan and ehella trees, Placed on a lovely west cost beach, you have the option of getting your own house built by the developers who are also trying to attract boutique hotel managers so that the headache of maintenance is off you.

Two beach front villas for US $450,000 in the South of Galle are up for sale. With one bedroom each and common kitchen, they're perfect for a family setup. Water, electricity and telephone line is available as is a lovely huge garden, view to the ocean, a little courtyard, red floor, wood and cane furniture for a warm, earthy feel to the house.

A stone facade lagoon house in Negombo with 3 bedrooms is up for grabs for US $160,000. With a seating arrangement at the end of the pier leading into the ocean, lovely huge wood and glass windows, tree filled garden and small terrace looking over the back garden, the house is a pleasant nap dream.

A 75 acre beach plot on Kalkudah beach is going for US $19,500 per acre or US $1,462,500 in total. Two of the neighboring properties have been sold to foreign investors as they offer a potentially huge return on investment.

The Purple Sand Beach house is built on 3.5 acres of land. With enough land to build a hotel or spa, I'd rather just renovate the colonial house and enjoy the soft, clean beach, swim, wind surf, snorkel and take the 20 minute drive to the nearest market town when the need strikes! And this peaceful dwelling for US $420,000.

A beachfront old house damaged by the tsunami on a coconut plantation is available for the low price of US $50,000.

For a lot of beach front land and homes, you can make a selection based on which coast of Sri Lanka suits you best - the sandy south or the rocky north, the popular west or the low priced east.

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Apartments named Summer Empire are in the process of being constructed in Sri Lanka. Expected completion is in December 2006 and you can book your place now. Tri-level, 3 bedroom apartments with marble flooring, security, TV, internet, gym, garden and swimming pool, this complex is available for booking both in Colombo and Kandy.

The Palace Hotel and Spa Apartments are expected to be open in Feb 2007. Situated grandly with a view to the Sigiriya rock fortress, between two plantations, near the elephant orphanage and surrounded by tranquil land, the Palace Hotel and Spaapartments are 80 in number. With no additional maintenance charges, in fact no additional costs at all, it's a great investment opportunity. With choices ranging from moat view, lake view, garden view to royal villa, the apartment is to be a re-creation of the Palace of Sigiriya. Considering that it is only new development allowed in the Sigiriya area, future returns on investment are expected to be high. Besides this it is a tax free investment for 5 years!

The Rustic Spaces sea front apartments are great investments. You can use them as your vaction home when you please and get rent out of them for the rest of the year when they are used as a hotel. Situated in the sandy south coast, the purchase price is $110,000 with full management services and no trouble over maintenance. Check out the investment return scenario.

The Synchro apartments are built over 5 floors with flats on the first 3 floors already sold out. Situated close to a bird sanctuary,lake and grove, the apartments are quiet with 2 bedrooms, living room, lounge and pantry. The rooftop can be used for recreational purposes and basic facilities are available to each apartment with airconditioners and architect designed furniture being optional.

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Sri Lankan villas situated close to the many beaches are aplenty...and lovely to boot.
La Menara is a luxury villa with 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, fully furnished with a swimming pool. If you rather plunge into salty natural waters, jus take a 30 minute walk to sandy palm-fringed beaches.
2 large covered terraces, separate staff quarters, laundry room, fully equipped kitchen and for the environmentally conscious... a solar powered heating system.
The house come attached with a guest bungalow. Both living quarters come with mosquitoe nets and tv/dvd players, stereos, two telephone lines and linen. In addition to a beautifully landscaped garden, you could also use extra land to construct tennis courts or additional bunglows. The villa and its land is priced at 325,000 euros.

This villa near the Hikkaduwa beach is brand new with 3 bedrooms and 2 acres of walled garden. As per your preference a chef, maid and chauffeur can be provided. Far away from tourist noises and commotion, it's an ideal home for a quiet self paced vacation. Close to Hikkaduwa you can indulge in snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing at your leisure.

Villa Kaeferstein, also in Hikkaduwa is a beautiful white coated, red roofed place with 4 bedrooms built in 1911. Fully furnished with an additional office room, it comes equipped with a dishwasher, TV, telephone, private garden and swimming pool. Lovely wood furniture and crystal chandeliers, colored glass windows give it a very colonial appeal. This property is available for 700 euros per week.

An absolutely stunning and humongous villa is situated in a picturesque valley near the Victoria Golf Course. Spread over three floors with 6 double bedroom, a spa terrace, roof garden and a separate two bedroom house on the property... this estate is well worth the US $450,000 of its price. All round views of the mountain ranges, garage space for 5 cars, domestic housing arrangements, larders, scullery, fitted kitchen, a patio from where you can see the sun rise all contrive to make it both beautiful and convenient. You'll need to book it fast!

Villas by Alangkara Resort Group are built on identified beachfront locations best for investment opportunities.
With an eye for comfort, modern conveniences and detail blended with the intrinsic attributes of nature, these villas are masterpieces in a premium lifestyle. Spacious, well lit, with different specifications - from one bedroom rooftop garden houses to ocean front villas priced from US $265,000, they are worth considering for your vacation home.

The Wallawwa residence is a 150 year old structure re built of solid timber. It's about 50 km from Kandy. The house is full of history with a military safe from World War II in the tree filled garden and instruments of punishment from the 18th century also in the house! With 3 bedroom sand 4 other rooms, a split level TV room leading out into a garden and verandahs circling the house, it's a beautifully old fashioned home. An inner garden surrounded by stone benches that could seat 30 people and a dining room with similar seating capacity,makes it a great house to spread out in.
Choose from more listings based on city preferences and find your luxury vacation villa.

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If you missed the August Kandy Perhara, don't fret... devil dancing and the famous kandyan shows are regularly performed at several venues. Just check your local newspapers for a listing.
Local theatres stage traditional plays and dance performances in addition to western productions.
Most hotels have nightclubs and you can catch the latest Hollywood release at the cinema halls.

Shopaholics will have a field or bazaar day in Sri Lanka. ( I have no clue why I said something so stupid).
Anyway... handicrafts at reasonable rates and famous Sri Lankan gems are musts. Blue sapphires, cats eyes, moostones, rubies as well as lovely silverware are available all over the island.
Handicrafts like batik wall hangings and saris, dolls, silver filigree work, art work in wood and clay with traditional figures like peacocks and deers carved and soft handlooms, silks and lacework in exuberant colors.
Ceremonial masks made of a light wood shaped like mythical beasts and swans and devils, coir and tea are the Sri Lanka specific buys.
Don't worry about finding shops... they're all over. Just polish your bargaining skills.

Food in Sri Lanka is traditionally rice and curry. But if you prefer to steer clear of the spicy food, then most hotels offer a mixed menu.
Sea food is delicious with varied fish and prawn dishes.
If you're English, you'll be visting tea heaven. Some of the world's best teas, well packaged and in numerous flavors. Tea estates in Kandy and Nuwara Eleiya will provide you with some fresh air and fresher tea!
Other drinks are the local toddy - a cider like drink from palm and coconut trees, and Arrack which is a more refined form of  toddy.
Traditional south indian food is also widely available. You could also try Hoppers, a thin and crispy pancake eaten with onion and chilly paste.
Restaurants like Wunderschoen and Aida in the Bentota area come highly recommended for authentic Sri Lankan and absoluetly smashing sea food.
Hotel Neptune in Beruwela is another good food spot. Local restaurants are also rather affordable and multi-cuisine.
Strangely enough, Chinese stalls are littered all over.

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If you can, try and attend the Kandy Perhara in August, this annual festival since the 15th century is one of the most colorful events in the Sri Lankan calendar.
For two weeks the city is steeped in traditional rituals, torch bearers, whip crackers, elephants lit up like temples and sihala music. A nightlong ceremony held to honor the God Kohomba has great attraction for a visitor with men and women dressed in silver belts, beaded breastplates, jangling anklets dancing to the beat of drummers. The festival culminates in a procession to the Tooth relic.

Another important festival, the Duruthu Perhara, held in Colombo in January marks Buddha's visit.
The National Day is celebrated with parades, dances and national games.
The Sri Lankan New Year  in March/April sees elephant races, coconut games and pillow fights(!!)
Vesak in May, is a sacred full-moon festival commemorating the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha.
The Hindu Vel festival (July/August) in Colombo, where the ceremonial chariot of Skanda, the God of War, is hauled between two temples; and the predominantly Hindu Kataragama festival (July/August) in Kataragama, where devotees put themselves through the whole gamut of ritual masochism.

The museums in Lanka are not really the greatest. They might be worth seeing but maybe not worth going to see. Lack of funds might be the reason with admission charges being rather cheap!
From the varied assortment of maritime museums in Galle, dutch period museums, the Ratnapura museum detailing the process of gem-mining, a museum dedicated to the life of past prime minister Bandaranaike, etc, worth dropping into are the National museums in Colombo, Kandy and the archeological museum in Anuradhapura.
The Colombo museum houses artefacts from all over the island and its culturalheritage. There is Puppetry and Children's section as well as a library with 5 lac books and ancient palm leaf manuscripts.
The Kandy museum building itself is of archeological significance. The collection within is from the Kandyan period.
Also of interest is the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum, which is built around the author's former residence and includes an extensive exhibition of all things folk that is very well interpreted.

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Be it ancient cities or wildlife preserves, beaches or fortresses, Sri Lanka has them all.

Colombo is the start and finsish of every trip to Sri lanka since it houses the only international airport. So spend some time getting to know the city. It's easy to find to find you way around it. There's a clock tower, a lighthouse, fort district, colonial buildings, Queen's House, a seafront expanse called the Galle Face Green, the Pettah bazaar filled with fruits, gems, scents and the Dehiwala zoo and national museum.

While the capital is charming, the rest of Sri Lanka has far more on offer. The ancient cities are well worth a day each of your time, so they've been covered in the Day Trips section.

The Sinharaja Rain Forest is a nature lover's delight. With tall trees joining together, there are still winding paths that you can walk through. There's a strong and happily twittering bird life - coucals, parakeets, spurfowls, junglefowls, barbets, hornbills, babblers, drongos - thrown in with squirrels and torque macaques, purple faced leaf monkeys and leopards!
Nature lovers can further venture into the Yala or Ruhuna National Park, Wilpattu National Park, Gal Oya National Park, Maduru Oya National Park, Uda Walawe National Park, Wasgamuwa National Park, Horton Plains National Park, and Bundala National Park. For ornithologists, the sanctuaries at Kumana, Wirawila, Bundala, and Kalametiya are all worth a visit. These are all lagoon locations in Sri Lanka's extreme southeastern coast.

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a must. A home for rescued, injured and abused elephants, Pinnawala now even has some babies. You can walk around the orphanage looking at the 70 odd elephants and even help in washing them as they play in the river in the afternoon.

At Rekawa on the south coast, you can be a part of a conservation program for marine turtles. Under the aegis of the rangers you can even watch the turtles lay eggs at nights.

Adams Peak is the destination of many a pilgrim, with legends abounding of a footprint belonging to Adam, Lord Budhha, Lord Shiva. Whichever footprint inspires you, if you're fit make the trek up for an awesome view of the rising sun. And to view a place where Sri Lankans believe butterflies go to die.

Walk across the eerie, silent Horton plains near Nuwara Eliya to see World's End - a 700 meter drop. Nuwara Eliya is a one-time hill sation that still etians its air of peace and elegance.

On the West Coast of Sri Lanka are the beaches of Negombo, Mount Lavinia, Beruwela, Bentota, Ambalangoda, Hikkaduwa, Galle and Weligama that are worth spending some time on.
Negombo is the beach closest to the airport and often the last stop tourists make on their way out. It's a narrow and long beach with many restaurants, reasonable prices and Sri Lanka's first beach resort.
Mt. Lavinia is one of the softest and calmest beaches alongside a windswept headland jutting into the Indian ocean. This beach has a slightly colonial feel.
Bentota is an ideal beach for water sports.
Ambalangoda has an ecological mangrove enironment and is home to devil dancing and mask making with various shops offering antique masks and souvenirs.
The Unawatuna Beach to the southeast of Galle is well protected and boasts a strong surfing, scuba diving and snorkeling scene. Similarly, Hikkaduwa is also an underwater delight... whether you rent a glass bottomed boator goggles and slippers, make sure you catch a glimpse of the famed coral gardens.

Along the north coast, one can visit Jaffna.

In the east coast, the prominent ones are Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Kalkudah, Nilaveli, and Arugam Bay.
Trincomalee is for the beach addict with its natural harbor and many fine beaches.
Arugam Bay is good for water sports and underwater photography. Its many ship wrecks are a lure for divers.
Batticola is famous for its 'singing' fish and picturesque lagoon.
Kalkudah on the way to Batticola is one the clearest and calmest beaches - perfect for bathing.

So with beaches and wildlife, history and lazy hillstations, make the most of your Sri Lankan vacation.

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If you're visting the cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla or Sigiriya, you could make day trips out of these.
Anuradhapura is a world heritage site and is the largest monsatic city in the world. Ruled over in its time by no less than 113 Kings, you must take a look at the Shri Maha Bodhi tree - the tree underw hich Buddha apparently got enlightenment in India. The Brazen Palace, the temples of Buddha, pleasure gardens, twin ponds, more palaces are all right here in Anuradhapura.

Polonnaruwa, a medieval city, was important even in the times of Anuradhpura since it strategically commanded all crossings over the Mahaveli River and was the first buffer against invading armies. The Parakrama Samudra is an irrigation tank covering an area of 5,940 acres justifying its name - Parakrama Sea. The summer and royal palaces of the Kings, a library museum with great acoustics, the baths where the ladies of the court washed, an unusual stepped pyramid form stupa, and lots more to spend a busy day.

Dambulla has the famous cave temple dating back to 1st century BC. The caves carved with a dripline to keep the interiors dry and painted with intricate designs of gods and goddesses and Lord Budhha and his disciples.

The Sigiriya rock fortress is an impressive 600 feet rock, almost inaccessible looming over jungles. In its day it was a courtly setting for pavillions and gardens and pools. The natural defences were further augmented with by moats and stone perimeter walls. Bricks were used to fashion the rock into the semblance of a lion of which only the paws remain. Sigiriya has lovely water gardens with pools and baths, boulder gardens, terrace gardens, an awesome mirror wall with nearly 1500 prose and poetry scribbled over it by ancient visitors, a palace on the summit and frescoes of "the cloud damsels" which are the highlight of Sigiriya.

Kandy is the last kingdom city of Sri Lanka which withstood European invaders for over 2 centuries. The Kandy lake is the focal point of a city brimming with people, narrow streets, old buildings, colorful markets and character. The high altitude makes Kandy a pleasant city to discover while walking. It houses the famous Buddhist relic - the tooth of Lord Buddha. There are botanical gardens and a wooden structure carved with mythical figures, temples with elaborate stone and woodwork.

Unpredictable storms are behind the founding of the Galle Fort. A Portuguese ship blown off course resulted in a small fort being built in Galle. This bit of history was completely destroyed by the Dutch in 1640 and we can only forgive them since they went on to build the 36-hectare fort in 1663 which is now a world heritage site. The You can also wander into the Dutch church which has a floor paved with gravestones and an organ from 1760 still on display.

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The only way to get to Sri Lanka is by air. Since there are no domestic passenger flights in Sri Lanka, their land transport system is what you'll have to get used to.
The bus system in Sri Lanka is prolific with Central Transport Board buses as well as private buses. You won't have to wait around long for one but getting a seat is not guaranteed... people often hang out of bus doors!! Forlong journeys, get a private airconditioned bus.
For travelling within a city, there are also auto-rickshaws. Fix a rate before you get in to avoid hassles. It's a convenient way to travel.
Trains in sri Lanka are slow, late and unpredictable - an adventure in itself! Having said that, they're a pretty way to explore the country. You can book a sleeper berth in the over night ones. The third class seats are dirt cheap but rather overcrowded. Second class is a good option though you won't get a sleeper berth here.
If you can ride, rent a motorbike, either in Hikkaduwa or Kandy. It's a great way to roam the island.
And if you're in a group, renting a car and driver is surprisingly cheap. You can arrange a flat fee inclusive of the driver's food and accomodation or you could always just rent a car to drive yourself. But that's rather expensive - as much as Rs.3500 to Rs.5500 a day including insurance, tax and the first 100km.

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The Sri Lankan island as a whole is a year round destination... but if you are visting a specific area you need to be prepared for the 2 monsoons and the contrary weather.
The Yala monsoon hits the south west and hilly parts of the country from May to August and November to April are the dry months. Some of the best beaches and tourist spots are on this part of the island and hence the dry months here are peak tourist season.
The north and east coast of Sri Lanka sees the Maha monsoon which pours down from October to January and keeps away from May to September.
october-Novemeber might also see thunderstorms all over the island.
It's best to plan your holiday according to when you want to be - where you want to be, though average temperatures are 27 degrees in Colombo and higher elevations going down to 16 degrees.

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Shopping in Majorca is usually possible from 9 till 9 with a wide range of shops to choose from. (Though in true indolent fashion, some might shut down for an afternoon siesta).

Whether small shops or large stores, Majorca is dotted with them, you cannot escape the souvenirs. Since you can't, pick up the simulated pearls associated with the island and espadrilles (which for some reason always conjures a very free-wheeling sexy image for me).
There'll also be stores selling embroidery, hand painted plates, baskets, ceramics and of course... sun-blocks!
A veritable tradition in Majorca are the markets offering local color with their fresh foods and fruits mixed in with tourist items. Held at weekly intervals or more in the tourist season, they are a charming place to spend the day.
The Placa Major sqaure often has market stalls surounded by restaurants and souvenir shops... but the most alluring part of this market is the small stage where musicians and other enetertainers regularly perform.

Food in Majorca is very specific to the region with special ensaimada pastries delicately presented in boxes, dried pepper strings, spicy sausages and olives prepared in a plethora of ways.
Wine from Majorca is acknowledged as the best in the region with a wine festival held every September.
Paella, though not a Majorcan dish is widely available.
Though fish is mostly imported, lobster, sardines and prawns are all freshly available. Sea Bass baked in rock salt is a Majorcan speciality.
Suasages and pork are the main food of the region. (I always feel bad for vegetarians.)
Breakfast in Spain is eaten twice (quite like the Hobbits) with a light one earlier in the day and a nice ham sandwich or traditional omelette around 11.
For a authentic Majocan lunch, which usually starts 1 onwards, visit a tapa for a very social meal. Tapa literally means 'lid' and comes from Carlos III asking for his drink to be covered with a plate of food. So tapas now serve snails, squid, mushrooms, cold potato omelettes, meatballs, baby eels, salads, olives and tortillas. Sigh.
Lunch can go on till 3pm after which it's siesta time.
Majorcan dinner is served after 9pm though some tourist restaurant might feed you earlier. Snackfood is available throughout the day.
Disover your own food and restaurants. I refuse to make myself hungry by reciting the delicious menu choices available like paella served with fish and crab or the codorniles emborrachados which are succulent partridges roasted in clay pots with wine and brandy or the...

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Majorca has an astounding number of festivals and events that are constantly being added to.

In February, a carnival parade with fancy dress and fireworks marks the beginning of Lent, with Palma having the most impressive fiesta.
April sees the Princess Sofia trophy which is one of the most important yachting regattas in the islands.
In May, the Festa de Nostra sanyora de la victoria holds mock battles in Soller to mark the raid by Turkish pirates in 1561.
The Corpus Christi, held in Pollenca in June, includes the 'Dance of the Eagles' in the main square of the town.
Fairs are held all over the island in June.
Valdemossa in July sees a feast and a procession of carts with bulls.
The Processio de la Beata honors Sant Catalina with floats and people dressing in folk costume. It's held on the first Sunday in September.
There are many more feasts and celebrations commemorating various saints and conquests of the island, locals dressing as horses, parades, dancing and fairs.
Don't worry about enjoying yourself in the local manner - there will always be some event for you to get involved in.

The Mallorca Museum near the Mallorca Cathedral, the largest in the Balearic islands and housed in the Palau Ayamans, a lofty residence, its main attractions are prehistoric artefacts, moorish ceramics, medieval and baroque paintings and pieces of ancient buildings that are no longer in existence.

The Museu d'Art Espanyol Contemporani is housed in an early 20th century Renaissance building. The museums exhibits include works by Salvador Dali, Joan Miro and Picasso's Head of a Woman. The museum is open MOnday to Friday 10am to 6.30pm and on Saturday's from 10am to 3.30pm.

The Municipal Museum contains large amounts of gothic art, archeological finds and some modern paintings.
There is also a museum dedicated to the famous Croaratian artist, Kristian Krekovic. Besides his paintings,there are also paintings and handicrafts from Spain and Latin America.

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Make the famously dangerous 20 km drive from Port de Pollenca to the wild north-east tip of Majorca. Go to Mirador des Colomer for unforgettable views of rocky islets, cliffs thrusting into the sea and pine trees that seem to pour out of rocks. When you reach the En Fumat mountain, you'll get a look at Majorca's most inaccessible beach.

Alcudia is a beautifully restored historic city built on a Roman settlement with Roman houses, narrow streets, ramparts and gaurded by thick walls and a gateway flanked by two towers and palm trees standing like sentries. The amphitheatre still stands and so does one of Majorca's oldest churches - the Orator de Santa Anna. Explore the Roman remains and then analyze them at the museum beside the parish church.

Valldemossa is a small town in the mountains and can't seem to escape its scandalous history as the place where Chopin came away to conduct his illicit affair.
The Royal Carthusian Monastery with its white arched corridors and cells (one of which was rented by Chopin), library and a fine art museum is the reason to visit. Each cell nowadays masquerades as a themed museum. Visit the phramacy where the smell of herbs wafts and the art museum where Picasso and Miro's works live.
Though the Chopin-Sand romance floundered after their visit so much so that Sand wrote a savage account of Majorca, the locals still cash in on that long ago stay.
Valldemossa is also the birthplace of the patron saint of Majorca, a peasant girl who became a nun and who now has a shrine dedicated to her.

Spend a day on visiting Soller and Lluc - abandon your car and take the vintage train to Soller through some of the most scenic bits of Majorca. Set in a valley between mountains and sea, the town is full of ice-cream and pastry shops and tapas. Besides the food, you could also visit the Natural Science and Municipal museums displaying fossils and antiques and the churh of Saint Bartemou with its arched tower and needle like spires.
Go about 32kms beyond Soller into Lluc, the most sacred site on the island, where a shepard boy found a statue ofthe Virgin in the cleft of a rock. When placed in a church, the statue kept returning to its cave until finally the locals built it a home right where it chose. Now encrusted with jewels and residing in chapel with the arms of every Majorcan town, La Moreneta (little dark one) is the destination of many a pilgrim. Daily concerts by the Es Blauets choir also take place in her honor.

Pollensa is one of the few towns untouched by tourism. It was built inland to protect it from pirate attacks and some of its medieval structure remains around the main square. The Church of Nostra Senyora dels Angels is austere without and dazzling within, especially lit by candles on a Sunday morn. A small 18th century monstaery and a small chapel reached by a long stone stairway shaded by cypress trees are other attractions at Pollensa.

Off the island of Majorca, take time to visit the second largest Balearic Island - Menorca. Quieter, relaxed and with many more beaches, Menorca is a great place to get away and relax. With rocky northern beaches and sandy coves sheltered by cliffs in the South, you have much choice on where you want to laze. Mao, the capital, is a walled city with impressive architecture and Ciutadella, the ancient capital is a far more charming and atmospheric town with winding streets, cathedrals and old buildings.

Of course the very popular island of Ibiza is also a short distance from Majorca. Known primarily as a party place, there is still much to see over there. Besides these, local tourist agents provide excursions in and around Majorca including sight-seeing trips, safaris, cruises, etc.

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If it's not enough to get golden on a sunny beach, Majorca has quite an impressive list of tourist attractions.
There are so many infact, that I'm going to have to be very matter of fact about them. So here goes:

Marineland - is one of the most popular stops in Majorca with performing sea lions,a parrot circus (!!), Europe's largest collection of sharks and the scene stealing dolphins! There are reptiles, crocodiles and aquariums but the crowd favorites are certainly the performing dolphins.

The Majorca Harbor Front is always humming with yachts, boats and people, you can take a pleasure cruise around the harbor or catch a ferry from here to the other islands.

Palma Bay is flanked by two villages. Gone are the days when you could spy an empty coastline with only the cathedral and castle standing out. Now it's a meeting place of the best and worst of Majorca and impossible to miss while you're on the isalnd. Visit it at midnight for peace and solitude and if you wander a bit beyond the pine woods of Magalluf you might find your own private cove!

The Palma Cathedral is a gothic landmark of the city, rising out of the sea.The cathedral was built over 400 years with Gaudi's wrought iron candelabra and Crown of Thorns as the latest addition of note, one of the largest window's, rose in color studded with over a 1000 stained glass pieces. In summer, the cathedral is open from 10 in the morning to 6 in the evening on weekdays and 10 to 2 on Saturdays. In winter, the timings are 10am to 3pm and shut on weekends.

Castell del Bellver situated atop a hill is the only Spanish castle that is completely round. It has been standing grandly for over 700 years mingling its contrasting styles and was the summer palace of the islands erstwhile royal family. With double moats, it has also served as a prison. Nowadays it also serves as the municipal museum with archeological artefacts and old coins. But true to its name, Castell del Bellver - meaning beautiful view, looks out over the city and the bay giving you a fantastic view. (Pretend to be King while you stand there... there's nothing like looking over an expanse of sea and lad to make you feel powerful! )

Palau del'Almudaina is the fortress palace that was built by the Moors and later homed the Kings of Majorca. Surrounded by moorish style gardens with fountains offering a grand view of the harbor, the fortress is mostly bare but for displays of exquisite Flemish Gobelin tapestries, antiques, art works and suits or armor. In summer, it's open from 10am to 6.30 pm on weekdays and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays. In winter, it's open from 10 to 2 and 4 to 6 on weekdays and is shut on weekends.

There are over 200 caves in Majorca, and if you have time to visit only one set, make it the caves in Arta. With stalagmites and stalactites plunging around, and a history which includes 2000 arabs hiding out in them, you can imagine the vastness of the caves. It is mysterious, creepy and full of a strange gloom magnified (or lessened) by the guided tours with special effects.
Visit the town of Arta too with its bleached rooftops spilling over the hillside protected by the shadow of a Moorish fortress. Tuesday is the town's market day and is a funday to visit.

Besides this you could visit the Castell d'Alaro, the many beaches, Banys Arabs - the medieval bathhouse and even Aquacity - a water amusement park with rides and slides!
There are a lot of other spots that are worth visiting in Majorca - and those I shall cover in the day trip section.. since you're going to need a whole day to soak in their beauty and story.

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Visit Mallorca between June and August for great weather, but be warned - the number of tourists is also at its highest during this season. The sun visits for as many as 11 hours and though the mountainous regions might see thicker clouds, summer storms are rare.
May to early June and Sepetember, October still have good weather and more value for money, though October sees the most rainfall.
November, Decemeber and January see fewer sunny days but since Majorca temperatures rarely fall below zero, it's always a great holiday destination - even in the apparent off season!

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You might get to Mallorca by flight, ferry or in your own car (you can't put a hire car on the ferry to Mallorca) but once there how do you get around?
Well... considering every place on the island is just three hours away from Palma, you get the picture on how convenient and fun it would be to have your own car. So if you didn't bring one along with you over the ferry, then you can rent one either in Palma or in Soller.
If not, youy could cycle around over scenic routes, catch the train lines to Inca or the tourist train to Soller. Palma is also the hub of a well connected bus system and the main ferry terminus.
I'd opt for the car so that you can order your own day and so that if you wander by a tucked away village or stumble upon a breathtaking lanndscape, you can just... stop!

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The variety of homes in Mallorca will spoil you for choice. From villas, apartments, beach homes, town houses to pretty and ever popular fincas, there's so much out there that it's practically impossible not to find something to suit you.

Looking through all these homes is almost an exercize in resisting temptation. Take your time though before you book your patch of sand under an olive tree.

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Fincas are the more traditional country homes in Mallorca - set away from the main ways, usually ranches or farms, these offer a different atmosphere to your holiday from the usual apartments. Though many fincas have now been converted into hotels, you can still find one for you very own.

The Finca Sa Cova is a typical ancient Mallorcan countryside dwelling. It is located in the Manacor Valley, just 17 kms from Porto Cristo. Divided into four apartments, it enjoys mild weather and has lovely views of the valley. All the apartments come with their own terrace and the swimming pool is accompanied by a barbeque. Sa Cova is part of documented history from right after the conquest of the island. A beautiful stone home with rock garden and plants, arched yellow ceilings, a huge courtyard that just invites sitting out and a sense of peace and calm, it's a perfect vacation spot.

The Finca Samira is just 10 minutes away from Palma. It has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen and dining-living room. You have a wonderful view of the bay and a lovely little pool for frolicking or not so heavy swimming in. With stone,wood and tiles dominating, the Finca gives an old world feel and is quite submerged in greenery. Charming peach walls, shuttered windows and light everwhere... it's pure relaxation just 15 minutes away from an airport!

Finca Sa Punta situated in Porto Petro is another typical Mallorcan country home with terraces, pool, parking and fruit trees! It has 3 bedrooms that can house 6 people comfortably. With joyous burnt orange walls, stone benches in the courtyard and lots of plants and trees, sitting just a kilometer away from a beach, this finca with weekly charges differing from month to month has a lot going for it.

Finca Son Fe de Dalt can house ten people and comes with a rental car and local representative! This very alluring finca set atop a hill amidst olive and carob trees looks over mountains and valleys on one side and the Pollensa Bay on the other. Isn't that enough to get you interested? Alright... it's spaciously built over 2 levels with 5 bedrooms, a dining room with TV and DVD player, covered terrace ad furnished with stone tiles, wood and cheerful blue-green upholstery. The swimming pool is on a higher level ensuring privacy and pretty blue and yellow flowers creep around the multi-colored pebbled walls.

The Finca Son Blat is made up of three houses newly built or completely renovated but keeping to the old Mallorcan style. Each of three houses is completely isolated from the other and comes with its own garden and swimming pool. The houses have 3 double bedrooms, huge open air porch, heating and air conditioning system,laundry room and all the basic electrical appliances.
Situated only 3 kms away from Porto Cristo, it's surrounded by almond and olive trees, pine forests and fig and carobs trees.
A remnant from its cattle grazing past!

You could even get personal help with finding a finca, find fincas in Andratx or for 4 or more people and many more with details and contacts.

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You can rent a 3 bedroom apartment overlooking the sea and mountains for upto 6 months in Alcudia which is one of the oldest and calmest parts of Mallorca. Surrounded by a city wall with tower worth looking at, it even has a bull ring and amphitheatre. The apartment is just 100m away from the beach and has been completely renovated with fully equipped kitchen, closets in each room, satellite TV, internet, washing machine... but you're in for sultry Mallorcan nights with no air conditioner.

This apartment in Puerto Soller has a lovely view of Soller Bay and is just 350 metres to the beach. It's compact enough but can sleep upto four people and even has a baby cot. It comes with a terrace decked out with chairs and umbrellas for sunbathing and is centrally heated as well as having air conditioning. The rates for the apartment are weekly depending on the month. The kitchen comes with fridge, microwave, dishwasher, etc and there is a shared utility room. The terrace has another dining table for a lovely sunset-watching meal.

A three bedroom apartment with fitted wardrobes, an extended dining and living room stretching out onto a balcony is just 2  minutes away from beaches in Cala d'Or. The apartment is prettily furnished with purple rug and orange table cloth, double glazed with couches made plush with red cushions; a flat screen TV, wall safe and off-road partking behind automatic gates are added conveniences. The apartment can be rented on a weekly basis with prices differing by month, but the good part is that you don't have to rent Saturday to Saturday - any day of the week is fine. An added incentive for you plaid loving guys - the nearest golf course is just 15 minutes away.

If you fancy having your say then apartments in Palma are under reconstruction at the moment and you can give in your preferences for number of bedrooms, etc. A neo-classical building can be your choice with many apartments to choose from. The ground floor flat is housed has its own private garden and patio, interior courtyard and garage space. The penthouse comes with large terraces. All apartments in the bulding will be sunny due to the interior light courtyard running through all stories of the house.

This centrally located apartment in Colonia Sant Jordi has 2 bedrooms and you can request the owner for a baby cot free of charge. The apartment is available for upto 6 months. The living and dining areas give access to the main terrace which has a beautiful view of the island Cabrera and teh sea and comes with lounging chairs. In addition, there is another terrace on top of the building which belongs exclusively to this apartment. The kitchen contains microwave, toaster, coffee maker and has utilities like washing machine, iron thrown in. The apartment also contains a private garden.

You can search for one, two or more bedroom apartments, find properties by place or glance through innumerable Palma properties all specfic to making your holiday home the best for you before you settle in.

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A really charming stone facade villa could be yours for 3,40,000 euros. It's fully furnished and equipped with garage, private swimming pool, three bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Comfy counches, stone terraces, light seeping through,cabinets, TV, oven, you could rent it too.

An absolutely ravishing villa in the city of Cala d'Or is available for a dropped price of 930000 euros. It has not only two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, storeroom, office, living room with fireplace (imagine the marshmallow type possibilities!) but also a guest apartment with separate entrance!! This villa also has a roof, sauna and barbeque set up with the most gorgeous view considering the property has direct access to the sea.
A dining room and living room huge enough to make you feel like you're practically touching the blue water outside, fully furnished and with such a luxurious feeling of contentment, you should snap it up now!

The Son Vida Villa reminds me of something straight out of a Cary Grant movie where he's illicitly using someone else's property as his own (or so we believe!) This property comes with a most fantastic vista choices - would you rather look at the Belver Castle or the cathedral of Palma? It's sheer elegance with panelled walls and fireplaces, pillars and winter gardens (makes me think of frosty white flowers and lamps in the twilight). To cap it all, there's not just a swimming poll but even a tennis court! A plethora of bedrooms and two living rooms, additional guest apartment, furnished, air conditioned - whatever the price is, if you have the money it's worth it!

The main attraction of the Son Serra de Marina villa is the well-kept garden. The palm trees really put you in the Mediterranean holiday mood if you're not in one already. The white facade with brown shutter windows cocoons 2 bedrooms, living room with fireplace, dining room and equipped kitchen. For sun bathing or just sea gazing there are open and covered terraces.

The villa in Puerto de Andratx overlooks the port of the city and the Bay of Marmacen. The house has ground floor rooms as well as lower level, lower ground level, staff areas and exterior attractions. Arched windows looking at the skies and seas, some looking out at a conservatory with retractable roof and screens, a TV room with access to covered terrace and swimming pool, 4 bedrooms and many more rooms at the different levels, this villa is the last word in comfort... well, luxury too.

Look at more villas to make your choice. Specify your criteria for the best match.

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Food in Alaska is not as expensive as it used to be, but it's still not the cheapest. You can cut costs and save up for a restaurant dinner by shopping at grocery stores, weekly farmer markets, eat at the smaller restaurants instead of the expensive tourist ones. And don't worry... there's Taco Bell, Burger KIngs, Subways, etc to be found in all the major towns.
You're in nature's arms... pick berries, catch fish and remember to purify the wild water!

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Most visitors are drawn to Alaska by its natural beauty and terrain of rugged mountains, untouched wilderness, fjords, lakes and impressive glaciers.
Considering the sheer size of the state, one 'touristy' thing you must do is take a tour by plane or helicopter.
Boat cruises are also popular in Alaska with wildlife lovers being the most prominent visitors. You can take a cruise through Prince William and Resurrection Bay and hopefully glimpse killer whales, seals, sea lions and porpoises.

Denali National Park is another favorite. The Denali Highway can be called the 'real Alaska' with no man made structure for as far as the eye can see and passing through some lovely Tundra and Taiga vegetation.
The Park is home to North America's tallest mountain range - McKinley. If you're lucky, it'll be a clear day and you'll see it. It's also visible from Fairbanks. You can easily spend three days in the park hiking, looking for wolves and bears, getting to know true blue Alaskan huskies and even driving up to the Portage glacier.
While you might want to visit Glacier Bay, Matanuska Glacier also comes highly recommended.
Glacier Bay boasts humpback and killer whales and the shoreline is abuzz with birds. Inland you could spot black-blue bears, moose, sitka and wolves! Besides this you get to see tidewater glaciers, fjords flanked by cliffs and plants taking over where glaciers retreat.
Matanuska Glacier starts its journey in the tallest mountain range of Chugach and covers a distant of 24 miles. It is gently sloping as compared to other glaciers and ends in a wooded valley.

Another park of interest is the Kenai Fjords National Park. This park too has an awesome glacier called the Exit glacier and is a bird lover's paradise with puffins, bald eagles, murres, cormorants seen everywhere.

While Anchorage is not very different from any other city with asphalt jungles, it does have wildlife right at its doorstep. You could easily find a moose in your backyard!
Fairbanks has museums, trans-Alaska oil pipeline and a past which includes a trading post for gold miners and a stopping place for warplanes to stopover during World War II.

Alaska is not so much a 'sight-seeing' place as an 'activity' place. You could explore the wilderness by dog sled in winter, take guided hikes through mountains and glaciers, and with 20 meters of snow each year, Alaska has some of the quietest and most unique slopes for a skiers pleasure.

Other than this - kayak, bird watch, look for bears in the wild, cruise, fish, raft... star gaze. Enjoy the peace and quiet.

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If you're in Alaska during the summer, you have quite a few options to get around.
State operated ferries can move both people and vehicles around localities.
Taxis and water taxis both operate with water taxis available for short trip hires as well for dropping off campers and kayakers.
Buses function within the cities and interstate buses wil ply you from Anchorage to Seward, Homer, Denali and Fairbanks.
If you have the stamina, cycle up the Alaskan highway into the state or get dropped off by ferry or buses at a chosen place and cycle where you please in Alaska. You'll find many bike shops for repairs and supplies. It's a lovely way to see the countryside.
Of course you can also rent cars, but you need to book them in advance since supply is limited. If you want to drive yourself off highways and into the Arctic Circle or other spots, you will have to rent a SUV in Fairbanks since most car rental places only give use of their vehicles on paved highways.

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Between mid-May to mid-September, you just can't go wrong visting Alaska. Peak season is mid -June to mid-August but the days are long and the weather gorgeous for most of these 4 months.

While mid-June to mid-July is considered the best time to visit keep in mind that if you care to avoid mosquitoes, then July end will suit you better.
If you want to hike in high country or the Arctic regions, the Tundra will only melt by late June.
For those looking for the colors of the Northern Lights, August-September is best.
September-October are the best times for some wilderness solitude but with shorter days and rainfall.
No one really recommends Alaska from November to March.
With Alaska coming back from the winter months, April-May is a luminiscent time to be there - everything sparkles, the sun shines and the nights are cool.
May-June are the best months for catching wildlife  (on camera please!) and see the snow-capped hills and wildflowers blooming.
July-august is the most popular time with fish biting, warmth flowing and lovely berries dotting the trees.

Since Alaskan weather isn't predictable, don't worry your head too much about picking the perfect time, just come in good cheer and enjoy your plans anyway!

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You can also live in apartments if you rather not rough it out.

Chugach South is one option - with one and two bedroom apartment choices and placed conveniently close to Anchorage, you can rent it for 7 months and upwards.
If you're looking for a home that's comfortable, convenient and gives value - look no furthe than the Terrace on the Lakes. with the option of renting either a studio apartment called Blue Winged Teal with a rent range of about $745 and one bedroom and two bedroom apartments for an additional 100 and 200 dollars respectively, this apartment complex is a lovely option giving the feel of a home.

While it is not exactly a home, the Black Bear Inn near Ketchikan, is one of the loveliest choices you can make. It is designed to afford you the most privacy. The best way to use it is in a huge group renting all or most of the inn. It can home 20 people and is perfect for family gatherings, wedding parties and other occasions. You'll even have a highspeed wireless internet connection!
A lot of Inns and Bed and breakfast options are also available to you for a hassle-free stay and especially also if you wish to move around in Alaska from one place to the next.

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A nice two storey home that can house a big family comfortably, this home close to Anchor Point is large and bright with an office nook, guest cabin, a lovely sun room and sit out. Just a few minutes from town, its relaxed and warm interiors will still make you feel like you're away from the hustle bustle.

Yet another lovely home, built fit for a multifamily vacation has 3 bedrooms and a storage shed in the fenced in backyard. With trees, a log exterior charmingly set off with a blue roof, this house, close to Anchorage is a great investment even for a single family.

Besides these you have loads to choose from - condos, vacant lands, mobile homes - all you need to do is refine your search with your criterion and find the perfect home.

This incredible chalet style home is situated right between Anchorage and Denali National Park. With 8 people able to live in it, you can have a gala time swimming, boating, hiking, ice fishing, skiing and even playing golf on a nearby course!
The house is fully equipped with more than the basic amenities - microwave, hair dryer, big screen TV, stereo, internet access, coffee maker, etc, as well as all kinds of recreational activities close by. Just the place to go with a gang of friends or like minded family members!

You can stay in a fancier art deco home if you like with Italian leather furniture. With three bedrooms and loft, it can house 8 people. The summer and winter rates for almost all rentals in Alaska differ. This one goes for $3000 a week in summer and $400 less in winter. You'll get great views of the BIg Lake and Mt. McKinley and the way the house is placed see some fabulous sunsets right on the water.
If you know exactly where you want to go in Alaska you could find yourself a home by searching by city.

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If you're going to stay in Alaska then make your first choice of home- cabins.
You'll find some really comfortable places, in fact one on Caribou island has a sauna, hot tub and is completely furnished right down to spoons!! It's a lovely getaway sitting beside a lake.
If the lake doesn't suit you, how about fishing right off the Kenai River? It's a fisherman's delight with grandfather rights, cleaning table and portable dock! If you want to laze and find shapes in the clouds while you wait for your line to tug, there's even a covered picnic area!
You could also buy about 5 acres of land near various water bodies and build your own retreat, making it just that... a place away from the crowds.
Now this is interesting... for anyone looking to make a permanent switch, the oldest charter business in Homer is for sale too!

Take a look at this cabin in the woods! In the Donkey Lake Area, this place has lots of bear and moose around which make sit a popular choice with hunters. With one bedroom and loft, it's great for a single family -an adventurous one. It's great terrian for snowmobiling. The cabin already has basic furniture, stove and generator. You could get to it boat!

You can have a choice of three cabins on the shores of Resurrection Bay with private beach access. One of the cabins has complete wheelchair access. With a view of the water and mountains with huge glass windows overlooking it, these cabins near Seward are too good to miss.

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I know Alaska has a lot to offer its tourists - beautiful tundra, red and gold leaves along the highways, majestic glaciers that you can almost touch the lip of, national parks, cruises, bears and wolves... and that is all very tempting. But what i'm going to camp in Alaska (in a comfortbale vacation home) for as long as it takes, is to see the Northern Lights.

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Shopping in Istanbul is enough to enchant anyone - even someone like me who hates window shopping. The winding roads of the bazaars leading one into another, vibrant colors, sounds and rich smells transport you straight to the middle pages of Scheherazade's tales.

The prices need to be bargained over and it's all a mater of skill how much (or how little) you pay. An old saying assures you that you can find anything in a Turkish bazaar. Be sure to test that theory and be pleasantly surprised.

From antiques to a throbbing garment industry (with quite a few fakes of good quality), silks, a wonder stone called Meerschaum, handmade carpets, leather apparel and even wood inlaid work, every piece you find in Istanbul is art.

Another thing that is exciting to me is the thought of finding and pouring over old books, maps and prints, smelling their old smell, feeling their yellowing pages, looking for lost secrets - Istanbul markets have a great selection.

You should definitely stop by the Grand Bazaar, the Egyptian market and the flea market in Beyazit Square and on a day that you feel like a lark, just a watcher, wander by a 'pazar' and enjoy the sights of a temporary market selling fresh fruits and vegetables. (and finding in the midst of them a fake Armani!)

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Unlike other Islamic cities, Istanbul offers you a pulsating nightlife. Despite the restrictions on drinking, the city is full of bars and hot spots offering you not only the local drink - Raki, but also beer, wine and sophisticated cocktails.

For some authentic Turkish entertainment you could head to Sultanahmet.
Take time while in Istanbul to visit Hayal Kahvesi, a restaurant cum bar cum disco where you can relax to the sounds of live jazz and rock.
Another place that is interesting is the Orient Hotel near the Grand Bazaar where along with delicious dinners you will get to watch folklore shows.

Foodwise, Itanbul is a gastronome's delight. Mostly big on seafood, you have a lot to choose from - pickled tuna fish, sun dried mackerel being the best starters and moving on to Red Mullet or Silverside with rocket as your fish salad.
Even with a small budget it is easy to find good food in the many districts of Istanbul.

The shore of the Bosphorous spoils you for choice with restaurants serving mouth-watering seafood lined up. A variety of kebab, meze and drinks are available.

If you would rather grab some fast food somewhere or some good old home food, then Beyoglu is the place for you. On the streets of Istiklal you will find cafes, bistros, pastry shops and eating joints that dish out regular European fare.

For food aimed at tourists, that is, less Turkish and more international fare - you could also venture in to Sultanahmet, but it is likely to be very expensive. However you could find a reasonable local place and if you do be sure to taste the Sulu Yemek and the Pilav which is rice.

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Istanbul has a fine abundance of monuments and archeological sites for history buffs to feast on. Besides these however the place is abounding with activities all through the year. Jazz Festivals, Yacht Exhibitions, an International Film Festival, exhibitions on the Hamam tradition of the Ottomon empire - which covers their baths and hairdressing, there is always something happening in Istanbul.

You can visit the Ataturk and Akatlar cutural centers for your fill of ballet and opera.
There are museums galore - toy museums, Military museum, Ayasofya which is now a museum. But you must visit the great Basilica cistern - the most visited cistern in the world. Even with cafes and lights and garish music, the cistern is still an overwhelming sight. With columns adorned with the heads of Medusa and stones brought in from other historical structures, do not miss the Basilica Cistern.

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There's a lot to do in Istanbul but more you should not miss outside of the city too. If I was to recommend just three day trips i'd make them Cappadocia, Ephesus and Bursa and throw in Troy just for the romance of it.
Ephesus has an appealing vintage charm and is one of the best preserved cities on the Mediterranean from the classical days of the Romans. Visit its ruins and the last house that the Virgin Mary apparently resided in.
Cappadocia is my personal favorite - with 36 discovered underground cities, fairy chimneys, hot air ballon rides over a terrain filled with natural wonders and beauty, the Byzantine churches of Gerome carved out of cliff with colorful frescoes, you might even feel like staying on longer than a mere day.
Bursa is called the 'green city' of Turkey with its diverse natural beauty and vivacious gardens and parks. Once the capital of the Ottomon empire, there is much to see from the Green Mosque to the Yesil tomb, visit the silk markets while you're there too. The 15th century Muradiye mosque might also interest you as will the mausoleums of Osman and Orhan. If you haven't yet explored the Turkish baths in Istanbul be sure to get one in Bursa.
Visit Troy if you're a mythology freak and would actually like to believe that the Iliad happened and that Helen, Achilles and Hector actually lived. Why not?There are other places you might travel to as the wind moves you. Do that.

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Travelling in Istanbul can be a big headache till you get used to it. The traffic jams over the bridge are infamous, the only thing going for them (if you're the silver lining kind of person), is that atleast you can indulge in some serious, uniterrupted Bosphorous gazing while stuck in one place.
By 2008, work is expected to be complete on a tunnel crossing the Bosphorous that will be partly underwater!
But to more information on travelling that can be useful to you now -
There are dirt cheap trams that provide swift transport to most tourist spots. Besides these you can get an Akbil (smart ticket) that will get you discounts on most public transport within the city.

From taksi's to Dolmus'(collective buses), private and public buses, a metro, tram, ship, motorboat, a ferry car or sea bus to take you to neighboring cities, there are loads of choices for travel in Istanbul and possibly the best way to go is with public trasport, sparing yourself the trouble of cussing while on holiday. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.

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Once upon a time in a city called Constantinople or was that Byzantine or Istanbul...?
That's right, Istanbul's sights are as diverse as its many names. From the Galata Tower - the first sight to hit you in the city to remnants of the Ottomon empire to churches that metamorphosed into mosques, palaces and bazaars, there is much to see in Istanbul.

The Blue Mosque, which is not really blue on the outside gets its name from the blue tiles inside. With 260 windows and 6 minarets it is an awesome experience, dazzling sights that pull your gaze skyward and once within shining light that streams in from the very same sky. With stained glass windows and the blue tiles unfolding, it's a rather mystical experience.
The history of the Ayasofya is as chequered as that of any human. The Ayasofya has been a church, a mosque and is now playing museum. With its changing history came the changes in architecture, and the structure boasts gold mosaics, minarets, beautiful portraits of kings bowing to Jesus and if the interiors weren't enough, there are manicured gardens, a fountain and tombs gracing the grounds.
The Dolmabahce Palace situated on the banks of the Bosphorous is a lavish symbol of the Ottomon empire. With over 200 rooms and 43 salons, it is a testament to some of the finest craftsmanship with porcelain sculptures, marble walls, crystal handrails and antique carpets.
The Galata Tower too has been many things - a communication tower, a prison, a sight for a spot of rope climbing! But its most interesting story is when Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi managed to fly from the tower to the Asian shore with wings attached to his arms!
The Topkapi Palace as opposed to the Dolmabahce palace is rather simple. With gardens, the oldest church of the roman empire and a beautiful baroque fountain as soon as you enter, it will offer you a wide variety of sights.
Other than this you might want to visit the Hippodrome, the Maiden's Tower and the Golden Horn. Turkey itself is dotted all over with sights worth travelling for from the Ephesus archeological remains to the Temple of Apollo and Lycian tombs.
Wander free here and you'll always find something worth looking at or end up somewhere worth being.

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The best time to visit Istanbul is in spring (April to June) or autumn (Sepetmeber & October). Winter in any other part of Turkey but Istanbul is not advisable getting seriously snowed in or rained out.
The two most important events in the Turkish calendar that you need to keep in mind while planning your trip are the Kurban Bayrami and Ramazan. Turkey has a 5 day public holiday for the former and this could seriously affect your plans.
Seasons which see the Formula 1 Grand Prix or the International Film Festival are quite full and may make  it difficult for you to find accommodation. Plan ahead!

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