My heart pounded as the button pull gently tugged up the eastern side of the famous Rock of Gibraltar it was hard to imagine that this steep slope had once been home to Gibraltar’s large Water Catchment’s where work began in 1898. Were the large sheets of corrugated steel and concrete layers which allowed the rainwater to flow down this slope into a channel which in turn fed into a reservoir system deep inside the Rock still nestled beneath the snowy slope? By the end of its life the water catchment’s area had increased to an impressionable size of 34 acres which when one takes into consideration the size of Gibraltar 6.5 square kilometers is must have been impressive.

Sitting back on the not too comfortable button inching forward ever so slowly allowed time to take in the breathtaking views. High above loomed the highest point 426 meters which in skiing terms is not all that high BUT the scenery is second to none. It felt almost possible to reach out and touch the blue Mediterranean as it gently merged with the Atlantic it felt almost possible to bid the inhabitants of neighboring Spain a cheery “Hola” whilst at the same time bidding the inhabitants of Morocco “Ahlan”. What a truly unique corner of the world where three countries two seas and two continents meet.

Nestled way below the slope is the only hotel on the east side of the Rock The Caleta Hotel. Its unique shape rather like a ship was so apparent from this lofty vantage point.. It looked as if it offered a warm haven from the colds of the ski slope and would be perfect for the all too important sport of aprsski.

Chuckling to myself at the thought of one of the Rock’s famous inhabitants joining in the fun made the journey to the top more bearable. Would we catch a glimpse of the world renowned macaques also known as the “Barbary Ape”. After all besides humans they are the only primates that live freely in Europe. It is believed that the Barbary Macaques were first introduced to Gibraltar from North Africa by the Moors who occupied southern Iberia between 711 and 1492 others claim that they were a remnant of populations spread throughout southern Europe as far back as 5.5 million years ago. However they got there the thought of one of these tailless little creatures snow ploughing down the eastern rock was priceless. What did our “furry cousins” exist on during these winter months how much of the 530 species of flora on Gibraltar would be available or even suitable to them?

On reaching the top of the button pull I paused for a moment taking in the view from this “Pillar of Hercules” and to reflect on the area its past and the importance of this strategic location throughout history in terms of conflict. From as early as 711 AD the battles and sieges of Gibraltar by the Moors Spanish and British form an interesting part of the intricate tapestry of Gibraltar history.

One final check of the bindings poles at the ready and poised for the short steep run the sun reflecting off the pure white Gibraltar snow I was ready to go. A strange ringing sound filled the air was this the avalanche warning system unfortunately not.

7 a.m. and the alarm clock sounded once again. How could we possibly sustain a ski slope in this gentle Mediterranean climate so close to the sea where the winter weather is possibly better than a Scottish summer? Yet another dream based on my very wishful thinking that someone would see the potential of the defunct water catchment area as a ski slope if not with snow then dry!

About the writer:  To find out more about Gibraltar visit http://www.gibraltar.gov.uk. You can learn more about The Caleta Hotel at http://www.caletahotel.com.

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In 2003 the American Institute of Paranormal Psychology named Savannah America’s Most Haunted City. And Savannah is able to support the title. Ghosts apparitions or paranormal activities have been reported at many of Savannah’s inns restaurants private residences and of course cemeteries.

There are many magnificently restored buildings nestled around Savannah’s twentyone squares. Many of these buildings are stately homes supposedly still occupied by former owners. James Habersham has been known to roam around the Olde Pink House now a restaurant but formerly his home. Juliette Gordon Low the founder of the Girl Scouts was born and raised in Savannah. Her parents long deceased are said to still roam Juliette’s childhood home.

Savannah’s SorrelWeed House visited by The Atlantic Paranormal Society TAPS in 2005 as part of their SciFi Ghost Hunters Halloween special is supposedly haunted. The story goes that Mrs. Weed caught her husband in a compromising position with one of the Weed’s many slaves. Mrs. Weed very distraught ran back to her secondfloor bedroom. After a long argument with her husband she either threw herself or was thrown to her death from a second floor balcony. Soon after Mrs. Weed’s death the slave found with Mr. Weed was found hung in her slave quarters. Both women are said to be still roaming the grounds.

The HamptonLillibridge House was said to be so haunted that Jim Williams of “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” fame had an exorcism performed at this former boarding house. On countless occasions residents and passersby have heard the sound of jazz coming from inside the home.

The Kehoes were a very prominent family in Savannah as Mr. Kehoe owned the ironworks on the riverfront. The Kehoes built this fireproof alliron home and lived there with their 10 children. The Kehoe’s heirs sold the house in 1930 and the property changed hands many times to include use for 65 years as the Goette Funeral Home. It is now a beautiful bed and breakfast where many of its visitors report supernatural occurrences such as a woman screaming a nurse shushing visitors the Lady in White making appearances and several instances involving ghosts of children.

The list goes on and on!

So what is it about Savannah that makes it so attractive to ghosts and ghost stories? Many people start with the fact that Savannah is literally built on its dead. Savannah was the first city in Georgia founded in 1733. It was established in the same location as the Creek and Choctaw maintained their burial grounds.

As the colony began to grow and thrive it needed more room. Buildings were erected on the burial plots of the original colonists. Tombstones in cemeteries were moved to make room for sidewalks and roads. Places of worship were erected on the graves of slaves.

Second Savannah has a very violent history. Many bloody battles and skirmishes were fought in Savannah. One of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution the Siege of Savannah where about 1200 men lost their lives in one hour was fought in Savannah.

Also the city has been victim to many citywide fires at least two yellowfever epidemics and several hurricanes.

Third Savannah has been a major port city since the days of King Cotton so many a sailor has ventured through Savannah spinning a romantic tale or two.

Fourth Savannahians are proudly an eccentric bunch as were their ancestors which adds history and volume to the ghost stories. Take the

Lastly I blame the large amounts of Spanish moss hanging from the majestic oak trees. The blankets of moss look like ghostly shrouds and give the entire region an eerie look.

Whatever the reason the ghost stories are endless earning the Savannah the right to the title of America’s Most Haunted City.

About the writer:  Deb Bunting is an accountant who makes her home in Oklahoma City. She is an avid traveler with special interest in historical places. Visit her site at www.loveofsavannah.com.

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You are ready to plan a trip of a lifetime to Paris. Your accommodations are important. Maybe you have been to Paris more than once and have an idea of what you need in a hotel.

As soon as you know you will be traveling to Paris you should make hotel reservations. This is especially true if you will be traveling later in spring or during the summer or fall because these are very busy times in Paris.

Figure out what your budget for hotels is. The prices can really vary and you will want to make sure you are staying in a hotel that has what you are looking for. If you travel to Paris often you may not want all the amenitites that a first time visitor is counting on.

There are several ways to go about this if you plan to make the hotel reservations yourself. Calling is one way to get the information you need but sometimes the staff have a difficult time understanding English. Emailing works well and so does sending a fax because many times the staff can read English better than they can understand and speak it.

You should specify the date you will be arriving and how long you plan to stay. Give the number of people in your party. Explain whether you are looking for a single or a double room and also the type of room; standard deluxe or a suite. Give specifications for the size of bed and whether you are looking for a private or shared bathroom with a tub shower or both.

Find out if you will need a deposit and what the cancellation policy is.
It is always a good idea to confirm all arrangements and ask for a return email or fax with all the information.

When you arrive in Paris and get to your hotel you may discover that many aspects of the accommodations may vary in quality. Room and bath size as well as noise level and natural light can be different from room to room. If you are not satisfied with your accommodations you should ask to see another room.

Plan ahead and you will find a lovely place to stay in Paris.

About the writer:  Corina Clemence runs a luxury castle near Blois for up to 15 people perfect for visiting vineyards castles and relaxing with family and friends. http://www.loirechateau.com Rent castle France. Rent french castle Loire Valley.

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According to statistics it is the poorest country in the world and the press continually paints a negative picture of the country not least in 2005 when you would have been forgiven for thinking that locusts had destroyed the country’s entire food supply. This begs the question should one go at all? In my view taking your tourist dollar elsewhere is not the answer and indeed only exacerbates the problem. Moreover you would be missing out as economic statistics do not take into account the friendliness of its people in particular that of the Wodaabe who number among the last nomads of Africa.

The landscape the Wodaabe inhabit is a harsh one: in central Niger between the Sahara and the grasslands lies an immense steppe scattered with scrawny bushes and skeletal trees. For nine months of the year hardly a drop of rain falls. The days are torrid the nights sometimes freezing cold. And the harmattan the hot wind out of the desert blows up relentlessly filling the air with a sandy haze. Across this noman’s land the Wodaabe herd their cattle migrating north in the rainy season and south again in the dry months and leaving no trace of their travels as they go.

I went in search of the Wodaabe with photographer Steve Bloom. After a relentless day’s driving we veered off the road and in the warmth of the late afternoon sun we drove through rolling countryside of yellow and green grasses interspersed with acacia and wild dates. We were quite literally in the middle of nowhere and thus I was a little surprised when we suddenly stopped under a small nondescript acacia tree. My understanding had been that we were going to stay with a Wodaabe family for a couple of days in their camp. There was nobody or no camp within sight.

Somewhat bemused I got out of the 4×4 to stretch my tired and aching legs when a deep stentorian voice grunted a greeting behind me. I spun round. My jaw dropped in surprise. Standing in front of me was a giant of a man many inches taller than my six foot two with a most unusual yet eyecatching face. I was not sure what to expect but not a face like this. It felt unreal I had never before seen such curious features and I was quite simply mesmerised. Indeed I felt as though I had been momentarily transported into a Ryder Haggard novel.

Less striking but more beautiful faces of softer features emerged from the bush. All were unusual all captivating. I stared unashamedly at their bizarre beauty in particular at one who I Iater learn is called Youlandou meaning ‘late’ i.e. that he was born late after a difficult birth. I want to use the word effeminate to describe his features but there is nothing unmanly about him in fact his sword and well honed physique suggest otherwise.

I was saved by the setting sun. The fading light masked their faces and mine in darkness saving me from further embarrassment at my wideeyed incredulity.

But in the dark I am equally amazed. This time my surprise is not visual but oral. A short distance away from us the men break into song. They are not singing for our benefit but their own enjoyment. No instruments only their voices and the occasional rhythmic clapping. What is unexpected is the pitch of their voices. There is not the deep resonant bass of southern Africa but a higher contralto. They sing about universal topics: women and love. Young children scurry towards the singing and sit enthralled at the feet of the singers/dancers. I am amused by their lack of fear of the dark my daughter would not be so brave but then the Wodaabe children might well be equally fearful mutatis mutandis of the bright lights of our cities.

At dawn we rise to see the women who are less compelling and who wear their hair bunched up into an Afro quiff as opposed to the men whose hair is plaited and hangs down the side of the face milking cows pounding millet lighting fires beginning the day’s work. Young boys take the livestock out to pasture. The men ready themselves for the dance. With handheld mirrors they painstakingly apply their make up. They blacken lips rouge cheeks apply eyeliner. The dress rehearsal for the Gerewol festival in a few days time.

In the morning as the heat of the day began to rise I sat in the shade with some of the men. Tea boiled in a small blue enamel teapot over a small stove. “Ehey ehey” there is much lighthearted banter nodding of agreement and slapping of hands to reinforce a point. Voices are raised not in argument but playful good humour.

Youlandou pushes back the brim of his Fulani hat adorned with ostrich feathers to drink water from a small teapot. He scrubs his teeth with his index finger spits bares his teeth in front of a small handheld mirror satisfied he resumes his teamaking.

The tea boils and is poured from height into a small glass. It is first offered to me. It is sweet refreshingly so. I nod my thanks.

Spending time with these friendly jovial people I feel envious of Thesiger and his time with the Bedouin in the Arabian Sands. But then as another thorn pricks my feet I realise that I have become too accustomed to my creature comforts and soft in my ways. I haven’t the mental or physical toughness of Thesiger to live the hardy nomadic life for months; a few days with bottled water a tent and gas stove is all that I can manage in such heat.

About the writer:  Steppes Travel specialise in luxury holidays and tailor made holidays

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The Oklahoma City Stockyards called Stockyards City refer to a westernthemed district in Oklahoma City attracting visitors who wish to experience a cowboy town. It is also one of the worlds largest livestock markets and houses a wide range of businesses that sell farm and ranch needs and western wear catering to the needs of cowboys and cowgirls. Entertainment options and exquisite dining attract visitors who look for the Old West experience from all over the United States and the world to Stockyards City. Celebrating western heritage in a large scale is certainly unique and exclusive to the OKC Stockyards district.

The district is dominated by 20th century architecture and westernthemed stores. But its the events held here that offer a firsthand glimpse into life in the Old West. The weekly cattle auctions held from 8 AM on Monday and Tuesday are noisy and give you a clear picture of the way business is carried out in this part of the world. The annual events held in Stockyards City include the Longhorn Cattle Drive held each December the sidewalk sales held between Thanksgiving and Christmas parade and other westernthemed activities held as part of Cowboy Christmas and bullriding art amp; crafts and other events that form part of the Stockyards Stampede held each June.

One of the most popular restaurants in Oklahoma City the Cattlemens Steakhouse is located here. Some of the other popular stores here are Langstons offering western wear the oldest library in the Metro Library System The Wright Library National Saddlery Rodeo amp; Gift National Saddlery/Cross Bar Gallery and the Oklahoma Centennial Rodeo Opry that hosts a weekly talent showcase.

Visitors staying in OKC hotels are offered shuttle services to the popular tourist destinations in the city as well as the Oklahoma City Stockyards located southwest of Bricktown and downtown Oklahoma City.

About the writer:  The Oklahoma City Stockyards refer to a westernthemed district in Oklahoma City. Hotels of OKC The Bricktown Hotel and Convention Center is one of the finest hotels in Downtown Oklahoma City.

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According to the current estimates tourism represents 6.5 percent of the global workforce employing 112 million people throughout the world. It plays a major role in the global economy and represents a significant global gross national product GNP. Tourism is a highly fragmented industry with many different participants including tour operators the transport and hotel industry and of course the tourists themselves. At the start of the 90’s decade several trends were observed at the global level. According to the report of the World Tourism Organisation1990 Asia/Oceania was expected to receive more international tourists than any other region in the world. At the same time tourists were diversifying into highly specialised groups from among a broad range of activities. Increased interest in travel to natural and less disturbed areas due to a rapidly growing interest in environmental matters and nature was perceived as one of the trends. This was expected to result in an increased interest in Asia and tropical America areas which still contained large tracts of wilderness WWFUK 1992.

Although in India tourism has been a part of the country’s ethos for a long time it had predominantly been restricted to religious archeological and recreational sites. Nature tourism predominantly in the form of shooting and hunting trips has gradually given way to photographic and nature oriented tours. Today in the parks sanctuaries and unprotected wilderness of India nature based tourism has increased in scope and is understood to include nature trails trekking mountaineering rock climbing safaris adventure sports and bird watching in addition to photography expeditions. Most of these activities take place in forest and mountain terrain rich in wildlife and local ambience.

Such nature based tourism has either been species oriented or ecosystem oriented. Species oriented tourism in India has been confined to a few flagship species such as the tiger which draws tourists to parks that are its natural habitat; or the Siberian crane which is a major draw for tourists to the wellknown Keoladeo National Park. In fact most of India’s popular parks and sanctuaries are the natural habitat for one or another flagship species. The problem here is that if the flagship species is not sighted often enough tourist flow may stem. Its dependence on a single species thus makes species oriented tourism rather precarious.

About one sixth of all the human beings on Earth live in India the world’s most populous democracy. Its borders encompass a vast variety of peoples practicing most of the world’s major religions speaking scores of different languages and divided into thousands of socially exclusive castes. A civilized urban society has existed in India for well over 4000 years and there have been periods when its culture was as brilliant and creative as any in history. The country is also known by its ancient Hindi name Bharat.

India’s leaders have played a prominent role in world affairs since the country became independent in 1947. Nevertheless the standard of living of most of its citizens is low. The huge population strains the nation’s limited resources. Fertile cultivable land is scarce yet about two thirds of the people depend directly on agriculture for their livelihood. Many millions of Indians are inadequately nourished poorly housed and lacking in basic educational medical and sanitary services.

Although the modern nation of India encompasses the greater part of South Asia it is smaller than the Indian Empire formerly ruled by Britain. Burma now Myanmar a mainly Buddhist country lying to the east was administratively detached from India in 1937. Ten years later when Britain granted independence to the peoples of the Indian subcontinent two regions with Muslim majorities a large one in the northwest West Pakistan and a smaller one in the northeast East Pakistan were partitioned from the predominantly Hindu areas and became the separate nation of Pakistan. East Pakistan broke away from Pakistan in 1971 to form the independent nation of Bangladesh. Also bordering India on its long northern frontier are the People’s Republic of China and the relatively small kingdoms of Nepal and Bhutan. The island republic of Sri Lanka lies just off India’s southern tip. India’s capital is New Delhi.

To know more about “North and South India Tours” visit this site: http://www.airawat.com

About the writer:  Yogesh is author and designer of the guide area of http://www.airawat.com. The writer is focusing on tips about India Tourism.

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Lombok island is part of Nusa Tenggara Province one among 33 province in Indonesia.Lombok in local word has two meaning straight and chili.

The chili in this context is co notated with local cuisine. Some say that food in Lombok is spicy and has strong taste. The main food in Lombok is AYANM BAKAR TALIWANG in local word means grilled chicken and pelecing kangkung Or water spinach. Another meaning of Lombok is straight. This word is stressed to the local people to behave and having good manner and obey the rules applicable in their society.

As International tourist destination Lombok Island is situated at very strategicLocation. It is 2 hrs flight from Jakarta International airport and 45 minutes from Surabaya International Airport. Lombok is also easy to reach from Bali Island it is only 25 minutes by flight and 4 hours by regular ferry. From Padang Bay Sea port in Bali to Lembar harbour. An international direct flight is available from Singapore v.v and which takes 25 hrs.

Lombok Island has many things to offer. Nature culture and tradition. Adventure and leisure is wonderful. This island has breathtaking view of the mountain. The second highest volcano in Indonesia Rinjani 3726m is very famous

With its fantastic panorama. The Segara Anak lake is a mascot of this site.This lake is not only for tourist attraction but also still used by the locals to do annual sacred ceremony. The replica of this mount is symbolized by a temple built by Anak Agung a king from Bali Island in 1727.

Exploring under water panorama is other option for Lombok Island is surrounded by hundred of small island. It is very suitable for marine activities such as Snorkelling scuba diving and fishing. Coral colourful fish and sea turtle is a must to see. The coral and fish found in the small island especially in Gili Trawangan is very

spectacular. This view is only can be found in Cariban Sea and Gili Trawangan Lombok Island Indonesia.

Instead of Gili Trawangan there are some other small island in Lombok. These small islands are now being developed by the government for being other tourists destination in Indonesia. These islands such as Gili AirGili Meno and Gili Trawangan at north of lombok Island Gili Nanggu Gili Gede and Gili Kedis at south of Lombok Island.

To facilitate the visitors for accommodations in lombok island there are some hotels available at each resort. Senggigi Beach Resort is the central of tourists activities provides hotels room from non star hotel to five star hotel. Other facilities such as restaurants telecommunication service and public transport are also available.Except in Senggigi the Gili islands are ltle bit diferent.Insted of hotels and villa the Budget accommodations are available for touristswho will stay for long period.The prices of hotles budget in Giliare low but the room and the service is very good.Please come to Lombok Island where you can experience the wonderfull holiday and find your satisfaction till the endless of it.

Further information of Lombok please kindly visit our site at www.lombokaccommodations.com

Best regards

Ahmed

About the writer:  I am resident of KeralaIndia

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When you think of Africa its incredible wildlife you almost inevitably conjure up images of endless plains scattered with antelope huddling together under the deceptively disinterested gaze of the ‘king of the beasts’.

It may then surprise you to learn that Namibia is also home to more than half the world’s population of Cape Fur Seals. A population of approximately 1 million these intelligent and gentle creatures grace the cold Atlantic coastline of this desert dominated country.

They can be found almost anywhere along the 1200 km coastline but primarily are located in colonies dotted up and down the coast. The largest of these is the famous Cape Cross Seal colony where December’s breading season can see populations in excess of 100000!

Crammed onto the little beach a packed and noisy throng of barking mothers and lost crying pups fight against the constant roar of the ocean for attention this makes for a memorable if smelly stopover.

The females grow to about 90kg have a life expectancy of about 20 years while the males prior to breading pile on the pounds growing to an immense 350kg. Once on land the males will often not eat for up to 3 months as they use up their reserves of stored energy to defend their harem of females against rogue male impostors.

The energy needed to survive this fast requires them to eat up to 14 of their body weight per day in the period leading up to the breeding season. This results in a total estimated consumption of 900000 tonnes per year which is 300000 tonnes more than the whole Namibian fishing quota for the year.

This inevitably sets man against animal with annual culling still being a very contentious issue. Research though would indicate that only half of the seals diet is made up of commercially viable fish and their feeding has little to no effect on the bottom feeding fish stocks.

Still the Namibian Government has this year granted a quota of 86000 seals to be culled the majority of these being pups and the remainder being bulls killed for their genitals which are sold in the Far East as an aphrodisiac.

Last week my family I popped down to the coast to spend a little time learning more about these fascinating creatures. Our base was the resort town of Swakopmund staying in the comfortable and homely Sea Breeze Guest House but the real base for seal viewing is the port town of Walvis Bay located just 30km south of Swakopmund.

Besides being Namibia’s main deep sea port Walvis also offers a number of leisure based boating activities from catamarans to the very popular sea kayaking. We chose to travel with Mola Mola Coastal Safaris one of the oldest and most reputable operators at the coast.

We departed the yacht club at nine for a three and a half hour trip in search of the seals and dolphins and we were not to be disappointed. No sooner were we away from the quay side than we spotted an old friend of Wally’s our captain and vastly experienced guide for the day.

Sally the seal hopped aboard our shiny new motor launch with the ease of an acrobat and with
the aid of a sardine bribe let Wally talk us through her layers of waterproof fur whiskers and powerful flippers.

Our boat was soon joined by a school of Heavyside Dolphins indigenous to the west coast of Africa and they jumped and raced our boat fighting for space under the prow. We were also lucky enough to spot a group of Bottlenose Dolphins who also were good enough to put on a spectacular show of speed and athletic prowess.

Pelicans swooped over the boat eager to grab a fish on the wing from Wally’s outstretched hand seagulls whirled and a cheeky cormorant settled on the boat waiting patiently for breakfast.

All this feeding left us feeling rather peckish too so right on queue the fresh oysters snacks and champagne were served making for the perfect end to the perfect boat trip!

About the writer:  For more information about visiting Southern Africa please visit our website ATI Holidays Namibia Safaris Guided Tours Of South Africa and Botswana

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Portugal is increasingly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Travellers come from all over the globe to this thin rectangular strip of land that is met by the Atlantic Ocean. The peninsula however has a fascinating interior that is well worth the use of hire car touring at your own pace and leisure is strongly advisable.

The landscape in Portugal is varied and diverse ranging from fertile plains to barren mountainsides. As you tour the country in your hire car the chance to stop at the many historic villages is too good to miss and the warm friendly people will always make you feel welcome.

Portugal has a largely rural population that depend upon agriculture for their income. This agricultural way of life is visible at every stop in your hire car and becoming involved in the relaxed way of life is a necessity. With the incredible heat in Portugal there is little wonder that the inhabitants take regular breaks from their working lives to get out of the fierce sun and relax over a slow enjoyable lunch.

Of course much of Portugal has many well developed tourist areas by the coast. This is result of years of tourism efforts and cheap flights from other areas in Europe. If you do want to escape these tourist traps it is well worth the use of a hire car to head away from the crowds and exploring the country yourself. The best experiences are always away from tourist groups as getting your own spin on a culture is always infinitely more rewarding.

That is not to say you have to leave the coast in your hire car to find the real Portugal. There are numerous little fishing villages that offer a fascinating insight into Portuguese culture. The small fishing boats that fill the harbours are still evident and create picture perfect photo opportunities. Thankfully tourism has not yet reached a lot of these villages and the quaint way of life is still in existence.

When travelling the country in you hire car it is well worth visiting Lisbon as the capital and largest city in Portugal it offers a unique view of modern Portuguese life. Full of brilliant museums and architecture the city is evidence of Portugal’s rich heritage. A marked historical site is the Tower of Belem as the most outstanding image on the skyline it was the last thing the new age explorers would be able to see before embarking on their voyages of discovery.

The nightlife in Lisbon is lively and frenetic at times with a huge amount of bars and clubs a good time is guaranteed. The Portuguese head out a lot later than their European counterparts so do not expect the city’s nightspots to become lively until around eleven at night. Once the locals do come out however the city erupts with a party atmosphere that is hard to rival. A tip to tourists is to start your night out in the trendy upper town area before heading down to the dock area for late night activities.

As you tour in your hire car make sure to stop off at local eateries to sample the cuisine of the various regions. Coastal areas have a large amount of fish in their menus with shellfish often being a speciality. Inland however pork is an extremely popular meat although regional differences in menus are commonplace.

Overall using a hire car to tour the undiscovered Portugal is ultimately rewarding. It is easy to spend the whole time of your holiday lying on the fantastic beaches cooking yourself; exploration however should be a major consideration as there is a lot of Portugal that has yet to be spoiled by mass tourism. If you would like to pursue a unique experience this kind of tour is highly advisable and will allow you to say that you have seen the real Portugal.

About the writer:  Travel expert Thomas Pretty uses Budget’s car hire Portugal services regularly to sample all this unique country has to offer. To find out more please visit http://www.budget.co.uk/carhire/carhireportugal.htm

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Krabi is one of the most beautiful beach resorts in Thailand. It has clear waters and glorious sandy beaches framed by incredible limestone scenery. Less commercialised than other Thai resorts and amazing natural scenery mean Krabi is an ideal retreat however there are plenty of local bars and restaurants to enjoy when you are feeling sociable. As with all of the Thai resorts you can combine your holidays in Krabi with other destinations in Thailand.

During your holidays to Krabi you will see the landscape around Krabi featuring rubber tree plantations and mangrove swamps. Fossilized shells more than 60 million years old are found along the coast.

While on holidays to Krabi the beaches below steep cliffs are idyllic. Hat Nang is tucked into a bay but there are others even more spectacular stretching around Phang Nga bay. Hat Re Lai is surrounded by towering rocks and tapers off into a coral reef. In Holidays to Krabi Khao Phanom Bencha National Park culminates at 1397 m 4583 ft providing a watershed for Krabi province. It incorporates 80 coastal isles and is largely moist evergreen forest. The fauna includes wild pigs panthers black bears mouse deer langurs gibbons and hornbills. Just 350 m from the park headquarters Huai To waterfall is 70 to 80 m 230262 ft high and cascades over 11 levels into a clear pool. A 2km hike from the headquarters Khao Phueng cave has spectacular stalactites and stalagmites in interesting formations.

During your holidays to Krabi you will find Thai food can be so spicy that it’s tempting to gulp a glass of cold water to put out the fire. Resist that urge! A few mouthfuls of plain rice are much more effective. And say mai phet “not hot” when ordering if you want the cook to go easy on the chillies. There are many more subtle flavours that characterize Thai cuisine notably lemon grass coconut milk coriander garlic ginger and mint. In Holidays to Krabi the local seafood is a major attraction: hor mok pla is a fish curry with vegetables and coconut milk. Pla preow wan is fish in sweetandsour sauce. In most of the country boiled rice is the mainstay.

Like elsewhere shopping is enjoyable during your holidays in Krabi. Thai crafts and souvenirs fabrics and jewellery are among the world’s most attractive and appealing. Thai silk is justly famous but the quality of what you are offered varies. Pottery runs from the simplest pot to the most elegant figurines. Look for teak salad bowls and woodcarvings and lacquerware from miniature dishes to furniture.

You’ll be offered precious and semiprecious stones from amethysts to zircons rough or cut and polished but you either have to know the business or trust the merchant. On holidays to Krabi knowledge is also essential if you’re going to buy antiques for the counterfeits are convincing. And a very big complication: it’s forbidden to export genuine Thai antiquities without special permission.

About the writer:  You can find great information about holidays in Krabi from Global Travel Stourbridge.

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