Saturday, June 12, 2010

Gujarati girls in India are very professional travel guides

Gujarati girls in India are very professional travel guides. So don’t miss to select a Gujarati girl guide when you traveling in India.Gujarat is one the most popular and populating province or states in India, Gujarati is the local language there in government offices as ell as in schools and colleges. Gujarat is very rich in cotton production, that’s why Gujarat is also called the textile Manchester of India. Gujarat cotton varieties and ready made garments re exported into world wide cloth markets. However, due to those traditional garments factories there, some of the world’s best weaving cloths and bridal dress materials are still found there in Gujarat. Gujarat is also a popular beautiful tourist spot. Indian Gujarat I famous for its white sandy beaches, Hindu temples, historical buildings, lakes and natural jungles. Tours from all over the world who travel to India, must visit Gujarat states too because of its attracted traditions and simple living people. Gujarati student girls are also doing part time job as a travel guides to make some extra cash from foreigners ho visited there. These girls are mostly wear tight jeans with open neck T shirts. These beautiful Gujarati girls also attract visitors toward their attractive beauty and some girls got success to become life partners of these foreign travelers. Many Gujarati girls are now living in UK and other European countries who get married with these visitors. So if you have any plan to visit India don’t forget to visit Gujarat state to play your luck there with cut and hot Gujarati girls.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Make your Amazing tour to India Memorable.





India is mystic land and has so many things that make one of the most popular travel destinations among tourist from all over the world. It has something for every tourist and never fails to impress its visitors. The best part about India is its amazing diversity which can be seen in its culture, life style, dialects, states, geography, tradition, etc. During your India Tours you will have a lot of options for tourism and celebrating your holidays in more and more convenient ways. India has everything for you. Adventure, Culture, Monuments, Wildlife, Beaches, Forts & Palaces, Cultural Heritage, Excellent Accommodation, Deserts, Forests, Lush Green Landscapes, Hill Stations, Running Rivers, etc enough to deserve the attentions of backpackers, honeymooners and tourists from all over the world. Tours of India ensures you to provide better sightseeing, better accommodation and an everlasting pleasant memory. The states of India are known for their matchless charm. In fact, India has a lot of options to do and see. Rajasthan, Kerala, Jammu & Kashmir, Goa, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Delhi, etc are some major states of India in view of tourism. These are very popular as excellent holiday destinations among tourists from all over the world. One of the most predominant reasons to tour India is its rich cultural heritages. Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Rajasthan Monuments, Mysore Palace, Khajuraho Temples, Konark Temples, Varanasi Temples, Taj Mahal, HumayunĂ¢€™s Tomb, Red Fort, Cochin Fort, etc are some major cultural heritages of the country. Exploring these destinations ensures you to provide true essence of grand India tours. No any other country on earth evokes the human spirit as she does from magnificent mountain retreats to wildlife sanctuaries to medieval palaces and from mesmerizing peoples to tropical forests to unspoiled beaches. As you tour for leisure and absolute amusement, just make a tour to India. As you decide to have an India Travel, you will get the Himalayan ranges, the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean. And much, much more India is truly a destination of the ages. You can bring together all the Travel Information, with the grouping of tour from the sea to the hills, and to the deserts India is a very popular destination for tourists.

See the unique beauty of India

India travel offers to visitor a remarkable verity of experience and adventures, its hills, rivers, plateaus, plains, beaches, deltas and deserts, many luxurious hotels and resorts, picturesque nature sites, and the architectural wealth. The world famous attraction is Agra the city of Taj Mahal another region tourist love is the state Rajasthan for its forts and palace hotels. The state of Kerala is also high on the priority list. India, it shows you the religions of India, which is an important part of India. Travel around the country will bring to you this diversity in our costumes, cuisine, in our magnificent monuments, majestic forts, opulent palaces, pious temples & mosques.shrines are also one of the most popular tourist places in India. India has approximately 400-500 temples in India with excellent architecture & a story behind each temple. If you go and visit these temples in India, you will feel so holistic & nature impression which is unforgettable. Once in India you would privilege yourself for gathering knowledge as to different religious facts and importance of them in ushering in peace in your life.convenient vacation and a memorable trip to India with a reasonable cost, you're in the right place. Explore new horizons of tourism in India to meet your vacation expectations and fulfill your holiday dreams.



luxury-stay-rajasthan
if want to visit to India here is many luxury hotels for stay.Rajasthan is on of
them so enjoy the beautiful India.


Monday, June 7, 2010

Indian Wildlife Travel Guide Bindiya Rahul

Bindiya Rahul belongs to Jaipur. Bindiya is wildlife travel guide in Jaipur city. She has done so many courses and reseach on wildlife. Bindiya writes in her email that if you are a wildlife lover then travel to India can be really magnificent for you. India is considered as the magnet for wildlife lovers. India is one of the few places on earth, which has incredible wildlife. In India you will find different wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. There are about 70 national parks and 450 wildlife sanctuaries in India, which attract plenty of tourists all over the globe. Bindiya tells that in fact around the closing time of the monsoon season, the tourism for wildlife is on a high. India is also known as bird paradise as you can find approximately 1200 species of birds. Today, India offers immense opportunities for wildlife tourism. Although all the national parks have a good population of variety of species but some of the parks are famous for particular species such as Kaziranga for rhinos, Corbett and Ranthambore for tigers, Gir for asiatic lions, Periyar for elephants and Bharathpur and Kumarakom are popular bird sanctuaries of India.In the end Bindiya recommends that before planning to travel India, it is essential to hire a good India travel agent. He will plan the perfect itinerary for your trip to India by allowing you to visit the most happening places in India. You can yourself choose the India tour packages or can buy customized packages by including places according to your choice and preference. The rate of the package will depend upon your choice of places and trip duration. Well Bindiya what a profession you have and I wish to have a trip to Indian wildlife under the guidance of a really pretty guide like you.




Tabassom Zari A Travel Guide From New Zealand


Tabassom Zari is beautiful Iranian girl currently settled in New Zealand. Tabassom tells that she was settled in New Zealand five years ago with her complete family. After the completion of her post graduation Tabassom start her profession as a travel guide. And today she is going to tell about New Zealand. Tabassom says that New Zealand is becoming more and more popular as a tourist destination during the northern hemisphere winter so the summers in New Zealand are becoming more populated. If you really want to stay anywhere, when ever you want you will find 1st May until the end of September quiet, with great deals for accommodation, vehicles, and activities. The middle of this period is New Zealand’s winter with the ski areas around New Zealand open for business.Tabassom more tells New Zealand is a geographically breathtaking country with glacier carved mountains, lakes, beaches, thermal springs, sub tropical pools etc., and where you can enjoy everything from skiing to surfing, from fishing to mountain climbing

Kanamaruza Kabuki Theater Travel Guide

Built in Kotohira in 1835, Kanamaruza Theater is Japan’s oldest surviving, complete kabuki playhouse. From time to time, it still stages kabuki performances.When no shows are held, the theater is open to visitors who can explore Kanamaruza’s audience hall, stage, and dressing rooms. Be sure to check out the basement to see the workings of the human powered rotating stage and trapdoors used by actors to dramatically enter and exit performances.Uchiko-za, a similar historical kabuki theater, can be found in Uchiko in nearby Ehime Prefecture.




Audience area of Kanamaruza and Beneath the rotating stage


Takamatsu Shopping Arcades

Within Takamatsu’s city center is a long, covered shopping arcade, stretching from Takamatsu Castleto Ritsurin Koen. Made up of various stores, restaurants and two department stores, it is claimed to be the longest covered shopping arcade in Japan with a combined length of nearly 2.7 kilometers.The northern end of the shopping arcade near Takamatsu Castle and Mitsukoshi Department Store has recently been redeveloped into a large plaza and shopping center with upscale stores like Louis Vuitton and Coach. Lion Dori, a branch street running parallel to the main shopping street, contains mostly restaurants including those serving Sanuki Udon.

Bus Travel in Japan

There is an interesting way to visit in Japan through Bus.you can go any where through Bus in Japan on Rent.This is a good way of enjoyment.






Though transportation in Japan is largely defined by the country's extensive system of super-fast shinkansen, or bullet trains, one of the best ways to see the mountain villages and less trod rural areas is by booking a ticket on one of many easily available buses in Japan. Public transportation in Japan has, since the inauguration of the first shinkansen in 1964, been largely defined by the bullet and commuter train; but for travelers spending more than two weeks in Japan, and looking to visit areas like the Japan Alps or tour Hokkaido (Japan's northernmost island), a great way to explore the far reaches of the country is to combine train or plane travel with various buses in Japan. If you are planning to travel long distance, public transportation in Japan offers tourists and locals the option of taking a highway bus (kosoku bus). Though buses in Japan can't compete with the speed of an express train, they are usually 20 to 50 percent cheaper than the shinkansen. Japan is thoroughly covered by a network of buses, and every prefecture and larger city has at least one bus company. Remember, as with all public transportation in Japan, seat reservations are necessary on a long-distance Japan bus. Reservations can be made at major bus terminals, through travel agents, online, or, if you are traveling on one of the Japan Railways (JR) buses, at the ticket counters of JR railway stations. During holiday seasons transportation in Japan fills up quickly so reserve a seat early, but don't give up if the bus appears full, if there are any spaces left it is always possible to get a reservation on one of the buses in Japan just prior to departure. There are three basic ticket types for bus transportation in Japan: round trip, one way and multiple. Round trip Japan bus tickets are usually 10 percent cheaper than buying two, one way Japan bus tickets. Multiple tickets are 10 percent cheaper than single tickets and usually come in packets of four or five, and are a good idea if you plan on traveling throughout the country for a month or so. And while Japan Railways owns and operates a large number of the buses in Japan, a Japan Rail Pass is not valid on most highway buses. If venturing forth on a public bus seems a bit daunting, Japan travel also affords many opportunities for private bus tours. If you are looking forward to checking out the mountainous and beautiful Japan Alps, The Alpico Group offers daily service to Nagano Prefecture and almost all cities and towns in the Shinsu area. Another option for a guided Japan travel tour is the Orion Tour Company. This travel outfit offers discount bus fares with English Speaking guides to all the major sights on the central Honshu Island, as well as service to the ski areas of Hokkaido. Like the Alpico Group, information and reservations for the Orion Tour Company can be found online or through a travel agent. Though trains will always dominate Japan travel, buses provide both a means to access some of the countries more remote mountainous villages, as well as a way for first time visitors to the country to familiarize themselves with the landscape at sometimes half the cost of a high speed bullet train.






Saturday, June 5, 2010

Mesothelioma

                                                             Mesothelioma






 is a rare cancer of the tissue that lines your lungs, heart and other organs. This tissue is known as mesothelium. Mesothelioma usually begins in the lungs but it has been known to develop in the abdomen or other organs. The majority of people that get Mesothelioma have worked in an environment where they inhaled asbestos particles or have been exposed to asbestos dust or fibers. Mesothelioma can take as many as 20-50 years from the time of asbestos exposure to the time that you actually get the disease.




                                                   Types of Mesothelioma

There are 3 types of Mesothelioma; Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Pericardial Mesothelioma. Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common form of this disease. Pleural Mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs called the pleura. Peritoneal Mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen, which is the peritoneum. Pericardial Mesothelioma affects the lining of the heart, known as the Pericardium.

Diagnosing Mesothelioma can be difficult because it has symptoms, similar to other illnesses. To test for Mesothelioma, many times the person will need a physical exam, a chest x-ray and in most cases, lung function tests. Once diagnosed with Mesolthelioma, there are many treatments available. Some newer Mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy medications such as Alimta and Cisplatin. Both Alimta and Cisplatin are used when patients that have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma are unable to have surgery. However, the more conservative Mesothelioma treatments including chemotherapy, radiation and surgery are still very good options. In many cases, some people have chosen alternative therapies such as massage, acupuncture, medication and Yoga. Many people like these alternative methods because they are able to find peace and comfort while enduring this difficult disease. These alternative methods also provide a heightened sense of relaxation and they notice that their bodies release natural pain relievers, known as endorphins.

There are many Mesothelioma symptoms and symptoms differ depending on which type of Mesothelioma you have.

Pleural Mesothelioma symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Persistent cough

• Fever

• Night sweats

• Weight loss

Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain

• Abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen

• A mass in the abdomen

• Complications with bowel function

• Nausea

• Weight loss

• Anemia

Pericardial Mesothelioma symptoms include:

• Irregular heartbeats

• Chest pain cough

• Breathing difficulty

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Night sweats

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, FreeMedPrograms.com may be able to help. Pharmaceutical companies have developed patient assistance programs for those people that are unable to afford the rising cost of prescription medication. FreeMedPrograms.com has compiled these patient assistance programs in an easy to use, free website. At FreeMedPrograms.com, you will find an extensive list of medications including free Alimta. Alimta is the most commonly used FDA approved Mesothelioma medication.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Chinees beautiful Actress

Sun Li
Sun Li is the one beautiful and youngest chainees actress.He performed in about 50 engligh and chainees movies.





Xu Jing Lei
She is a beautiful chiness model.




Tuesday, June 1, 2010

MANZANILLO AIRPORT

The Manzanillo airport is one the most beautiful air port in the world.Here is a different varieties of Plans.Its situated near Braman Rivers of Kanya.

Copenhagen Hotel Pays Guests to Generate Electricity by Biking

                                                 Wonderfull way to generate electricity.







Scoring free stuff at nice hotels is a rare occurence (hello, $10 bag of mini-bar peanuts!), so when a classy establishment like the Crowne Plaza pays guests to embrace green energy, we get a little bit excited. The chain’s Copenhagen hotel offers guests free meals for pedaling stationary bicycles to power generators.Crowne Plaza’s stationary bicycles are hooked up to generators, which provide electricity for the hotel. Guests staying there can receive a $36 meal voucher if they produce 10 watt-hours of electricity, which typically takes about 15 minutes of pedaling. iPhones attached to the bikes’ handlebars display power generation as it’s occurring. Crowne Plaza execs hope the offer will lessen the hotel’s carbon footprint and incentivize fitness for guests.The fraction of the hotel’s energy generated by biking is probably pretty small, but the concept is quite novel. If all stationary bikes could be hooked up to generators like Crowne Plaza’s, think about how much carbon-free energy could be generated in places like gyms, hotels and college campuses

Shanghai Meiliyuan Hotel

The Shanghai Meiliyuan Hotel is located approximately six miles from the Shanghai Airport and approximately 25 miles from the Pu Dong Airport.

See different views of Hotel and Enjoy it.
Hotel Amazing Bed room.All facillities in these room availble.






                                                       Hotel building view from out side.





                          Hotel Main Gate.Here is a beautiful girl ready every time for your serve.



Drinking Water and Society








The course of world society in the twenty-first century is likely to be substantially influenced by a single resource: drinking water. The first and most obvious fact is that water is an absolute necessity. Without water, life—animal, plant, or human—cannot exist. Water comprises approximately 75 percent of the human body. Without adequate water, the body ceases to function. Depending on one's exertion level and weather conditions, the average adult should consume a minimum of eight 8-ounce glasses (or about 2 liters) of water daily. One might think that drinking water should not be a problem in the twenty-first century, but it can be. Several related factors define the challenges. First, quantities of water on planet Earth suitable for drinking are extremely limited. Less than 1 percent of all water on Earth is available as groundwater and surface water suitable for human uses such as drinking and cooking. The remainder is either salt water (97 percent) or is locked up in ice (just over 2 percent). Second, precipitation, which replenishes groundwater and surfacewater resources, does not fall evenly over the face of the Earth. Additionally, some times of the year are rainy, other times dry. Thus, water resources are bountiful at some times and in some places, but extremely sparse in others. Third, for more than a billion people in developing countries, water is scarce and frequently contaminated, thereby posing a health risk. In these parts of the world, contaminated drinking water along with primitive (or nonexistent) sanitation systems annually result in widespread illness and millions of deaths annually. The majority of the victims are children.

Waterfall at Iran

Beautiful view of Basra Iraq

Alharam Hotel in Dubai

Well come to Alharam Hotel Dubai.Enjoy your travel to Dubai and stay in this five star hotel.All these thing availabe which you want to Enjoy,So stay and Enjoy in the city of desirt.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Get Intimate With Asia: Travel To Korea

By: Frank Johnson

South Korea is one of the smaller nations in Asia, with a size comparable to the state of Indiana. What it lacks in size it makes up for in abundant culture, turbulent history, exquisite cuisine and a generous and welcoming society.

If you want to experience South Korea's rich culture, history, and cuisine, be sure to find discount airfare to Korea. cFares is a great place to find deals on wholesale travel to Korea. cFares offers amazing travel deals and discount airfare to Korea that just can't be found anywhere else. So if you looking to book a flight to Korea but want the best deal possible, check out cFares for discount airfare to Korea. Wholesale travel to Korea is the answer to finding the best travel deal.

A Little Background before You Travel to Korea

The Korean peninsula has been literally and figuratively stuck between a rock and a hard place, namely Japan and China, for most of its existence. The region was prosperous under the three kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla during the first four centuries AD until the Mongolians raided the land and built an empire. The 16th century brought the end of the Mongolian Empire and the beginning of a massive game of tug-of-war between China and Japan over the strategic landmass. After World War II Korea finally broke free from Japan, with the USSR managing the North and the United States occupying the South. Today the North and South are two sovereign nations separated by a demilitarized zone. South Korea is officially known as the Republic of Korea (ROK) and commonly referred to simply as Korea.

There's Still Soul in Seoul

Despite the fact that Seoul was largely burned to the ground during the Korean War (1950-53), the northern part of the capital city is still home to hundreds of spectacular palaces and shrines. The Chosun Dynasty's Gyeongbokgung Palace is a 5.4 million square foot landmark with a 500-year history and stands among the remaining four palaces in Seoul. Nearly an entire day is necessary to explore the regal palace in all its magnificence. The Jongmyo Royal Shrine is a perfect next stop, as it was where the Chosun Dynasty worshipped. On the first Sunday of May each year a traditional memorial ceremony is held at the Shrine with all the grandeur of the occasion 500 years past.

The southern part of Seoul is the commercial center of the city and boasts a fascinating blend of traditional and hyper-modern architecture. It is also home to World Cup Stadium, intricately weaving shopping streets and even an amusement park, Lotte World. Make sure to visit the city gates, and then venture beyond into the strikingly lush and green landscape to travel Korea more personally.

When to Travel to Korea

Korea has a temperate clime, which results in heavier rain in the summer months (July and August) and a drier winter. Winter is white and snowy all over Korea and the ski season from November to March is extremely popular. There are 13 ski resorts in South Korea alone! After a day on the slopes it is common to relax in one of the many spas with natural hot spring baths. Summer is extremely crowded and very wet in Korea. For milder weather it is best to travel Korea in the spring or fall.

Traveling to South Korea any time of year is sure to be an exciting and rewarding experience, regardless of the weather!

8 Tips for Rainforest World Music Festival Goers!

By: Krista Goon

If you're gearing up, like me, and getting ready for the upcoming Rainforest World Music Festival at the Sarawak Cultural Village (held on the second weekend of July annually), here are some handy tips to bear in mind if you're a first timer! This year it will be from 7 to 9 July.

1. Bring an umbrella or poncho
Good question. Why? Well, if you've ever lived in Kuching city, you would know that it rains almost every other day. And the rains here are not mere drizzles either. So if you want to stay dry and happy, bring a sturdy umbrella or wear a poncho. The weather may turn nasty at the last moment.

2. Go for light clothing
Well, I just said it was kind of rainy over in Kuching but when it gets hot, boy, does it get hot. When you're joining the afternoon music workshop sessions,
you tend to sweat because everyone's packing the longhouses and there's hardly any room to move. So wear cotton t-shirts and shorts.

3. Where to eat?
If you're a daytripper (means you just take a bus/van/taxi to the Sarawak Cultural Village for just the day and return to the city in the night), you won't worry about food. But what if you're staying in the hotels for the duration of the three days and worry about feeling peckish? If it is anything like last year, you'll have a variety of foods to choose from. Food stalls (with reasonable prices! Thank God) will be set up on the grounds of the Village and you'll be simply spoilt for choice. Plus the food actually tastes good...

4. Be an early bird
The open air concert starts at 7pm for the three whole nights but it's free seating folks so if you're good at tarrying, you may not find yourself a seat! Seats are plain old plastic chairs but as the evening wears on, I'm sure you'll readily dispose of the chair as you want to get up and dance! But still, come early say about 7pm if you want the best seats in the house.

5. Bring binos if you must
Unless you're seated right up front, or you're a media person, you won't be that close to the stage and you won't see much. The organisers have two huge screens by each side of the open air stage but you may want to see up close and personal. Short of craning your neck, bring along a pair of binoculars. You won't regret it.

6. Buy the CDs
The music artistes who perform usually bring along some CDs to sell at a CD booth near the entrance of the Village. If you can afford it, buy the CDs because you won't even see the artists the next year and the music will be lost to you. The best part is: you can buy the CD, and get the artistes to autograph them for you! Now you'll not only have a memento of the event, you'll also have the artistes' personal imprint! And don't wait until the last day to get the CDs - none will be left!

7. Check out the Village
By getting a pass to the Rainforest World Music Festival (which is held inside the famed Sarawak Cultural Village) entitles you to wander around the huge place, and soak up some native vibes. You even get to go to the auditorium for some comic relief when the Village's one hour performance extravaganza begins.

8. Don't stay in Kuching city
If you plan to be at the Festival three whole days, don't stay in Kuching city and travel the 45 minutes to the Village. It's not worth it. Get your travel agent to get any of the hotels in the vicinity of the Village - Holiday Inn Damai Lagoon, or any nearby hotels are the ones you should be staying in. From these hotels, it is just a 10-minute walk away. If you stay in Kuching city, you'll have to endure the 45-minute trip up the hill and another 45-minute trip down the hill by van/bus. Not fun at all because the party really begins at midnight. You don't want to leave when the party's just heating up, do you?

Malaysian Travel Tricks

By: M. Peoples

Nothing ruins a good trip than by unwittingly offending your host or the customs of the country. Travel agencies attest to this, because these are most of the mistakes their clients make when in another country. Statistics show that the bulk of these mistakes happens when a tourist or visitor is on a country in a different continent. Perhaps this is because of the expansive difference between the cultures of the continents. Western culture is radically different from the cultures of the East, especially in terms of religion. Predominantly, Muslim regions are more stringent with their customs, and even visitors are not exempt. If you are thinking about traveling to a Muslim country like Malaysia, there are several things you must remember to enjoy smooth Malaysia travel.

Keep in mind that Malaysian population is an integration of social groups, diverse cultures, and traditions. Generally, the different racial groups form a society, but still keep individual lifestyles and traditions. Malays predominate the total population and are still governed by strong decorum and the authority of the elders. The other Asian members of the society originally came to Malaysia to take up civil service positions but are now also among the professional classes. The Western European influence is visible but minimal. Therefore, as a Western traveler, don't expect to find that your ways will be accepted and understood by most of the locals. Malaysians are hospitable, but they would not change their customs to suit your needs. If you want a successful and hassle-free Malaysia travel, it is better to equip yourself with the knowledge about your host country and its traditions.

Malaysia travel requires that you speak to the locals. Unless you have the extra money for an interpreter, it is best that you learn a few basic and useful Malaysian phrases, and forms of address. You would not be only thought of as considerate but also as a respectful traveler. Locals will also be more helpful and accommodating if you can talk to them, no matter how poorly. A handshake seems to be a universal symbol for peace and goodwill, but unlike the Western handshake, Malays do theirs relaxed and gently as a sign of warmth and welcome. If you want to pay respect to a Malay elder, statue, or temple, simply touch your chest briefly. The way you dress is very important as Malays are very proper people. Don informal clothing bit don't be overly casual. Some shrines and temples won't allow visitors to enter if dressed too casually. Speaking of shrines, removing footwear before entering temples, shrines, and houses is a form of courtesy and respect. Despite the many social conventions, visitors can expect lavish hospitality from the locals. Unlike in western countries, giving tips is not practiced, so do not tip even taxi drivers. It may be interpreted as a sign of disrespect. Smoking is also deemed as rude; if you must smoke, go to designated smoking areas in your hotel but never do it on the streets.

The Pearl of Africa Glows Again

This is one of my favourite countries in all of Africa. The people of Uganda have survived the troubles of 1967-86 period and emerged standing upright and wearing a smile. In that short period, the country suffered under the caprice of two despicable despots. One was the indisputably insane Idi Amin and the other, the arguably insane Milton Obote.This is now history; a testament to the dignity and endurance of this people.

The transformation of the country in the period since normalcy returned is nothing short of astounding. And it shows in the faces of the people you meet. That the graceful beauties of Uganda have not received the recognition they deserve in international beauty pageants is for me incontrovertible proof that most of these events are really fixed.

Winston Churchill was so besotted by the country that he gave it the name that has endured: the 'Pearl of Africa'. His observations about Uganda remain true today.

Travellers to Uganda are drawn by its stunning landscape: green rolling hills, snow-capped mountains, rainforests, majestic rivers and massive lakes. There are also a number of outstanding national parks for your safari encounter with the wildlife for which Africa is renowned.

The country's edge as a worthwhile destination is further enhanced by its endowments for white water rafting and sport fishing. Tour operators have on offer a variety of Uganda safari and tour packages.

Thai Culture and Way of Thinking


By Randy Gaudet

Meeting and making friends with different people is an exciting part of travel anywhere.

In Northern Thailand, it helps to know a bit of the language and something about the protocol. To say "hello", say "Sawasdee Krup" for men and "Sawasdee Kha" for women.

To learn more Thai before you come, an excellent free teaching website can be found at Learning Thai. You will gain loads of respect from the Thai people if you learn some basics of the Thai language.

The Thais put a lot of emphasis on manners, so it's a good idea to learn to say "Thank you".

In Thai, it's "Kob Khun", followed by "Krup" or "Kha" for women.

The 'wai', made by placing your palms together in front of the upper chest, is the traditional Thai gesture of greeting or respect and the gesture is always appreciated.

The custom is that younger people 'wai' elders first, so let the children and persons you think are younger than you 'wai' before you 'wai' them.

Getting Around Chiang Mai


By Randy Gaudet

The best way to get around Chiangmai is by 'songthaew'.

These are covered pick-up trucks with two benches in the back; 'Songthaew' means 'two benches' in Thai.

You will see them everywhere and it's easy to get them to pick you up. All you need to do is to put your arm out and look at the driver and they will stop. Then tell the driver which street you want to go to and, if he is going that way, he will shake his head for 'yes'; if not, he will say "no" and go on.

Don't worry, there will be another one right behind him.

When the driver turns down the street you want, start looking for where you need to get off and press the switch located on the roof of the cab. The driver will pull over, let you out, and then you pay him. The fare should be 20 Thai baht or less (around 50 cents).

If you tell the driver the name of a hotel or establishment, he will think you want to hire him for a private trip and the price will be much more. Negotiate any price beforehand if you want to go to somewhere particular.

Hiking Trails From Kostenets


By Debbie Lockhart

At the end of the road, starts various hiking trails into the Rila Mountains; from the forestry building. One of them, a four-hour hike, leads to Belmeken; the sports complex.

To cool down, there is a fountain with two cold taps. It also has two warm taps that flow natural mineral water.

Along from here is the feature that makes the locals proud: the Kostenets waterfall. The sound of it flowing into the river is so peaceful and relaxing; the perfect place for a picnic.

Follow the river down a long and twisting road and you will be pleasantly surprised when you find the Lake restaurant, 'Ezeroto'. They serve great traditional Bulgarian cuisine such as the Shopska Salad.

After parking you immediately see a large, wood carved majestic bear towering above you. It is one of the many wooden sculptures hiding in the natural environment.

It is incredibly beautiful here and the wooden walkways allow you to explore and walk all the way around, to see the ducks swimming up and down on the lake.

Getting to Village Kostenets


By Debbie Lockhart

The roads to Kostenets are in fairly good condition. To get to Village Kostenets, you must travel through the Town of Kostenets; a bustling, thriving town, always full of activity and people.

On a warm day, it is perfect for passing away your free hours in one of the many new cafes.

The main attraction of this town, is the Saturday market: for clothes, household goods, fruit and vegetable stalls and a fairly amazing animal market; where you can find little piggies in the boot of a car, or baby ducks flapping about in a cardboard box.

While driving the 8kms between the Town and Village of Kostenets, magnificent mountains tower in front of your eyes. These are part of the Rila Mountain Range and the intensity of awe that they arouse is very hard to put to paper.

The first sign of your arrival is a locally crafted sign in the Cyrillic alphabet that stands at the right of the road. This village is easy to get around as it is constructed in a circle. The main road will lead you back to where you started.

Village Kostenets


By Debbie Lockhart.

The centre of the village is beautifully landscaped, with large trees lining the road and the central park filled with flowers. There are two cafes that are perfectly located to relax and watch the world go by.

There is also a quaint little fruit shop that will grind your coffee beans for you; the smell that fills the shop is simply divine.

Across the road there is an infamous 1 lev shop that sells pretty much everything and anything; you'll even find some Christmas decorations in there in during the month of July.




Kostenets Villa Zone

By Debbie Lockhart.

In the Villa Zone there is a little church, that is used by the villagers on weekends for special prayer. It sits on the perfect vantage point.

From here you can see all of the village and even the Kostenets Town in the distance. You are surrounded by mountains and the silence is only broken by whispering insects or calling birds.

Village Kostenets is one of the most idyllic and relaxing places in Bulgaria.

Why not visit a rural Bulgarian location for your next holiday? This is only one of the many rural villages that Bulgaria has to offer.