Around Shitoushan
Not far from Shitoushan, down County Rd 124 Ep , is one of the most pleasant hot- spring resorts outside the Taipei area. East River Spa Garden tCS DongjiangWenquan 03-825 285 www.eastrlver.com.tw, Chinese only public baths unlimited time adult child NT350 150 H 9am-10pm is nestled in the bend of a fast flowing river in an area with no other development. The design makes use of traditional red bricks and lots of wood. It looks traditional, but there's no denying it's for urbanites who want...
Providing emotions since 1
Qu bec serves up four unique experiences, shaped by four breathtaking seasons and four distinct rhythms, moving across land, water and sky Intensely Urban, Sublimely Resortful, Passionately St. Lawrence, Exuberantly Wild. Choose, discover, explore, savor Qu bec To order your brochure and for information or reservations bonjourquebec.com
Jacobs Ruby Mine
269 DeForest Lane, Franklin, NC 28734 Cowee Valley is one of only two place in the world where sandy gravel will yield blood red rubies the other is the Mogok Valley in Burma. Open May through October, Monday through Saturday, from 9 am until 5 pm. Call for rates. s 828-524-7022. Gold City is more a miniature theme park than it is a mine. There's something here for the whole family. There's a chairlift rising more than 5,000 feet to an observation platform high on the mountain a gem store...
Oliwa Cathedral
Oliwa, a district to the northwest of Gdansk, was once the base of wealthy Cistercians, who built a cathedral and monastery here. The present cathedral, built in the 14th century in the Gothic style, replaced the original 13th-century Romanesque church that was destroyed by fire in 1350. While the exterior has survived without major alteration, the interior has been redecorated in the Baroque style. Its famous organ can be heard in recitals. The monastery buildings are now occupied by branches...
Juodkrante
Juodkrante has a few rather strange attractions and is a popular place to engage in one of Neringa's trademark activities buying and tasting freshly caught and smoked fish, which is sold from several wooden houses along the main road, Rezos gatve. Top of the strange sights list is the Ragani Kalnas Witches' Hill , a spooky sculpture trail through gorgeous forest with large, fairytale Lithuanian wooden carvings. Less than 1km south of Juodkrante is one of Neringa's must-see attractions a massive...
Clothing Panama Hats
Camiser a Canul 923-5661 Calle 62 btwn Calles 57 amp 59 8 30am-9pm Mon-Sat, 10am-1pm Sun A good place for guayaberas and huipiles. It has been in business for years, offers fixed prices and does custom tailoring. The Campeche town of B cal is the center of the hat-weaving trade see p222 , but you can buy good examples of the hatmaker's art in M rida. Prices range from a few dollars for a hat of basic quality to US 80 or more for top quality. The Casa de las Artesan as has only very low-quality...
The Abbey of Valvisciolo
In the land where the rules of history have ALWAYS BEEN DICTATED BY POWER AND FAITH, the Abbey of Valvisciolo has always been an important point of reference in monastic life. The uncertain origin of the Abbey's name is the first sign of its complex history. Valvisciola may derive from a simple naturalistic reference vallis lusciniae, nightingale valley, or possibly valley of the visciole, the wild cherries that grow in the area, at the foot of Monte Corvino. The first founding monks were Greek...
GETTING AROUND ToFrom the Airport
Tontouta international airport is 45km, or 45 minutes by car, northwest of Noumea. It is serviced by public and private buses and taxis. The cheapest way of getting to and from the airport is by the blue and white Carsud bus. At Tontouta, these buses wait outside the arrivals hall, to the left as you exit the building or at the bus stop on the main road 500m from the terminal. In Noumea, they depart from the corner of rue George Clemenceau and rue de la R publique. The journey takes lYi hours...
Greenwich Village
The West Village is great for browsing and gift shopping. Specialty book and record stores, antiques and craft shops, and gourmet food markets dominate. The Village isn't much of a destination for fashion hunters, with the exception of NYU territory 8th Street between Broadway and Sixth Avenue for trendy footwear and affordable fashions, and Broadway from 8th Street south to Houston, anchored by Urban Outfitters at 628 Broadway, between Bleecker and Houston Street amp 212 475-0009...
Any Way The Wind Blows
In Malti, the points of the compass are mostly named for the winds that blow from that direction. These are versions of the old Latin names used by Roman sailors. Xlokk is the Maltese equivalent of the Italian sirocco, both of which derive from the Arabic word sharg, meaning 'east.' The xlokk is a hot, humid and oppressive wind that blows from the southeast, usually in spring, bringing misty conditions to the island. It derives its heat from the Sahara and picks up its humidity passing over the...
The History Of Poland 1
Poland's borders have changed almost continuously with the course of history. The origins of the Polish nation go back to the 10th century, when Slav tribes living in the area of Gniezno united together under the Piast dynasty, which then ruled Poland until 1370. Mieszko I, the first historic prince of this line, converted to Christianity in 966, bringing his kingdom into Christian Europe. The Piast dynasty ruled Poland with variable fortune and embroiled the nation in domestic quarrels for 150...
Dispersed Camping In Kaibab National Forest
Park visitors can camp for free simply by driving out of the park and into the Kaibab National Forest . The Forest Service's rules are simple Camp at least a quarter mile from paved roads, campgrounds, and water, but never in meadows. No camping is allowed near Hull Cabin or Red Butte. Pack out your garbage, including used toilet paper, and remove any signs that you've been there. Bury human waste in holes 4 inches deep, 6 inches across, and at least 100 yards from water or creek beds....
Painting
The lack of any comprehensive archaeological record of ancient Greek painting has left art historians to largely rely on the painted decoration of terracotta pots as evidence of the development of this art. There are a few exceptions, such as the famous frescoes unearthed on Santorini and which are now housed in the National Archaeological Museum pi20 in Athens. These works were painted in fresco technique using yellow, blue, red and black pigments, with some details added after the plaster had...
Hiking Climbing Biking
Trekking Plan 28210 60861 www.tyding.gr Agia Marina In Agia Marina, 8km southwest of the old town, Trekking Plan offers hikes to the Agia Irini and Imbros gorges, and climbs of Mt Gingilos, as well as canyoning, rappelling, rock-climbing and kayaking and mountain-bike tours. Alpine Travel 28210 50939 6932 252 890 www .alpine.gr Boniali 11-19 Organises a range of eco-tourism, mountaineering and hiking programmes. EOS SS 28210 44647 www.eosha n ion .g r Tza n aka ki 90 S 8.30am-10pm The Hania...
Getting There Away Spz
All agencies running transport to Bafous-sam CFA800, one hour have their offices on Route de Bafoussam at the entrance to town, west of the town gate and about 3km from the market CFA100 in a shared taxi . Moungo Voyages and Butsis Voyage have a few daily direct departures to Yaounde CFA3000, five hours and Douala CFA4500, six hours otherwise you'll need to change vehicles in Bafoussam. Non-agency minibuses departs from the gare routi re near the market. Transport between Foumban and Kumbo...
Zamosc
Zamosc is one of the best-preserved Renaissance towns in Europe. It was one of the first to be planned and built from scratch according to Italian concepts of the ideal town. The moving force behind this project Detail from building, Zamosc was Jan Zamoyski 1541-1605 , chancellor and commander-inchief of the Crown, one of the most powerful and enlightened magnates of Poland's Golden Age, and the owner of Zamosc. Bernardo Mornando was the architect and work began in 1581, continuing for more...
MarchApril
Easter The most important religious holiday in Greece is Easter which most years fall at a different time to non-Orthodox Easter because the date is calculated using a different formula and calendar . On Palm Sunday the Sunday before Easter , worshippers return from church services with a cross woven of palm and myrtle. If you are in Crete at Easter you should endeavourto attend some of the Easterservices, which include a candle-lit procession through the streets on Good Friday evening and...
Ibahoopahkibcbk
03422 5 digits , 0342 6 digits pop 204,000 If the type of storefronts within its tranquil pedestrian precinct are any indication, reading, eating pizza and drinking coffee must be the favourite pastimes of the people of Ivano-Frankivsk. Although it's theoretically the traditional cultural and economic capital of the Carpathian region, there's litde to see and do. Nevertheless it's a spacious, relaxed and well-manicured city, and it works great as a jumping-off point for adventures into the...
Maspalomas
Maspalomas is best known for its magnificent sand dunes, protected as a nature reserve. Part of the original expanse was destroyed in a flurry of construction in the 1960s and 1970s many plant and animal species were lost at that time, but the authorities are working to reintroduce them. Today Maspalomas is one of the Canary Islands' largest resorts, butt it's still easy to find a peaceful spot in which to enjoy the sun away from the tourist crowds. Maspalomas's distinctive 19th-century...
Dassazoum
What makes Dassa Zoum , the 'city of 41 hills', so interesting are the awesome rock formations overshadowing the town's sleepy streets. Every August, Catholic pilgrims pay a visit to La Grotte cave , which is where the Virgin Mary is said to have to appeared. Behind the cave, a short walk leads to the thirteen shrines hidden among the rocks. There is an evenings-only Internet caf and a Bank of Africa in town, and plenty of cheap food stalls lining the main road. Auberge de Dassa Zoum S fax 22...
Rock Climbing
The long, south-facing gray limestone cliffs of Buoux, not far from Apt, are considered to be among the best and most difficult rock climbs in France - 100 m 328 feet high, they are classified 4 to 8c in the French system. They are also popular most experts suggest going in spring or autumn to avoid crowds. Notable limestone climbing sites near B douin at Combe Obscure and the four seasons sites in Les Dentelles, near Gigondas, are well-equipped, with instruction and guides available....
LUANG PRABANG PROVINCE Nong Khiaw Muang Ngoi
Nesded next to the looming limestone cliffs ofPhu NangNawn Sleeping Princess Mountain , Nong Khiaw is a quiet market town on the banks of the Nam Ou. The location is stunning, but most travellers only stop for a short break before catching a boat further north. Those who stay and explore the dramatic surrounds are rewarded with walks to nearby caves and Hmong villages. The friendly guesthouses, on both sides of the river, are markedly less busy than the bungalow huts of Muang Ngoi Neua. Nong...
Beaches
This is an unrivalled place to sunbathe, bordered by the dazzling dunes see pp18-19 . Don your snorkel and swim with the fish in the crystalline waters of the capital's 3-km 2-mile golden beach. A rocky reef known as La Barra, The Bar keeps the waves back, making this a superb place for families to swim. Further south, the reef ends and surfers take advantage of the breaks. If you prefer to Las Canteras stay dry, take a gentle stroll along the promenade, stopping in La Puntilla for a seafood...
food and drink
a selection of food and drink venues listed alphabetically by the nearest town Pontypool T 44 0 1495 763752 Pontypool T 44 0 1495 785216 The Forgehammer Inn Risca T 44 0 1633 613943 Maen Llwyd Inn Rudry T 44 0 29 2088 8505 The Carpenters Arms St llltyds T 44 0 1495 211182 Tom's Tavern Treforest T 44 0 1443 406666 Tafarn Ty Uchaf Blackwood T 44 0 1495 230240 Blaenavon T 44 0 1495 791044 Blaenavon T 44 0 1495 790251 Bell Capri Restaurant Caerphilly T 44 0 29 2086 9612 Greenmeadow Golf amp Country...
The Regional Parks of Monte Rufeno and Selva del Lamone
Massive volcanic eruptions have shaped this TERRITORY lakes and hills, gorges and mountains are evidence of a highly active geology. This is the Lazio section of Tuscia, one of the most beautiful areas in Italy, where the ancient volcanoes of Volsinio, Cimino and Sabatino created the lakes of Bolsena, Bracciano and Vico. The thermal springs of Tolfa were already famous in ancient Roman times, but lovely Caldara di Manziana, situated in a unique natural context that favours the presence of the...
Median Empire BC
The Median Empire started with Deioces's rule. He organized his realm into several provinces and created a strong army to stop the Assyrians. The military genius of his son and successor, Phraortes, helped the Medes defeat the Assyrians. After Phraortes, there was a short period of Scythian domination over the Medes until they were overthrown by Cyaxares, who induced Scythian kings to get so drunk that they were then easily slain. Cyaxares, the greatest king of the Medes, reorganized the army...
Ilha de Quirimba
Quirimba, just south of Ibo, is the most economically active island of the archipelago, with large coconut plantations, a sizeable sisal factory and an airstrip. While it is more bus-ding than Ibo, it is far less interesting from an architectural and historical perspective and not nearly as scenic as the littie patches of paradise further north. It is possible to walk between Quirimba and Ibo at low tide, but the route is through dense mangrove swamps, and you'll need a guide. Historically,...
Visa Extensions
Should the standard 90-day stay be insufficient, you can apply for an extension or even for residence a Carte de Sejour , but the latter is difficult to get and usually requires proof of employment. Go to the nearest police headquarters Pr fecture de Police with your passport, three photos and a letter from your embassy requesting a visa extension on your behalf. Applications can take hours or days, and different police Embassies for the following countries are in Rabat - see p462 for address...
elO Festivals
One of Mallorca's most unusual festivals, in honour of St Anthony, the patron saint of pets. For two days in January in Sa Pobla, pets are led through the town to be blessed outside the church. Elsewhere, dancers drive out costumed devils, Festa de Sant to ensure harmony during Jaume the coming year, and everyone circles bonfires and eats spicy pastries filled with spinach and marsh eels. 16 Jan Raima, Sa Pobla, Muro and elsewhere Setmana Santa Holy Week in the capital city is observed by a...
Ticket Agencies
1061 Budapest, Paulay Ede utca 31 322-0000, 322-0101 www.cultur-comfort.hu Mon-Fri 9 am-6 pm Broadway Ticket Office Rozsakert Shopping Centre II., Gabor ron utca 74-78 391-5923, 391-5924 www.broadwayjegyiroda.hu Mon-Fri 10 am-7 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm XIII., Hollan Erno utca 10 Jaszai Mari Square 340-4883, 320-4830 Mon-Fri 11 am-6 pm
Other Great Museums
Museu da Funda ao Calouste Gulbenkiai Hailed by art critics as one of the world's finest private art collections, this magnificent treasure trove was formed from a nucleus of art acquired by Calouste Gulbenkian, an oil magnate with an eye for art, who died in 1955 and willed his collection to the state. The modern museum was constructed on a former private estate that once belonged to the Count of Vilalva and opened in 1969. Allow at least 3 hours for a romp through this varied collection,...
The Bells of Rhymney Revisited
The Bells of Rhymney is perhaps the best known of all the songs to come from the Valleys. You've surely heard it. Written in 1957 by folk legend Pete Seeger, the bittersweet ballad was based on lyrics by local poet Idris Davies. It became a folk rock standard recorded by everyone from The Byrds to Cher. There's now a new version, with words by Patrick Jones, the Valleys' foremost young poet. It was commissioned by BBC Radio Wales and set to music by Mike Peters of The Alarm. Now is the time to...
Early Civilizations in Iran
Man's presence on the Iranian plateau during the Paleolithic and Mesolithic ages has not yet been properly studied. Life during the Neolithic period, however, is much better known. Considerable geological and natural evidence has proven that Iran was home to one of mankind's first major cultures, ahead of every other part of the world except Egypt, Mesopotamia, and India. Significant shifts in tool manufacture, settlement patterns, and subsis-tence methods, including domestica- S tion of plants...
Drinks
Delicious and refreshing fruit juices - lime, orange, watermelon, grapefruit, papaya and mango - are available throughout Belize. 'Seaweed shakes' sold by street vendors - a blend of condensed milk, a few spices and extract of Eucheuma isoforme, which grows underwater as a tangle of yellow branches - are claimed to have aphrodisiac and many other restorative properties. In recent years, Belize has started catering to coffee drinkers with its own homegrown beans. Although Belize lacks the high...
South To Haast
About 26km south of Fox Glacier, along SH6, the Copland Valley is the western end of the Copland Track three days one-way . Challenging and spectacular, the walk is usually tackled east to west starting from Mt Cook , but from SH6 you can still do a six- to seven-hour walk up Copland Valley to overnight at the Welcome Flat DOC Hut 15 , where thermal springs bubble. Backcountry Hut Passes don't apply here, but you can buy tickets at any West Coast DOC office or visitor information centre....
Whanganui River Road
Book the following places in advance - no-one's going to turn you away, but they appreciate a bit of warning There's no mobile-phone coverage along the road, and no petrol or shops. There are a couple of takeaway food vans in Pipiriki open during summer. From south to north, accommodation includes Rivertime Lodge Map p271 06-342 5595 www .rivertimelodge.co.nz Whanganui River Rd d self-catering incl breakfast 110 130 A rural idyll hills folding down towards the river and the intermittent...
Mae LaNa
Between Mae Hong Son and Pai, Rte 1095 winds through an area of forests, mountains, streams, Shan and hill-tribe villages and limestone caves. Some of Mae Hong Son's most beautiful scenery is within a day's walk of the Shan village of Mae La-Na 6km north of Rte 1095 via a half-sealed road , where you can stay overnight. From here you can trek to several nearby Red and Black Lahu villages and to a few caves within a 4km to 8km radius. It's possible to walk a 20km half-loop all the way from Mae...
CWarning LateNight Crime
Crime in Dublin and most specifically late-night crime has been on the ascent in recent years. What's most alarming about these aggressions are the random, senseless acts of violence that can occur on any street in Dublin after dark. These attacks are often booze-fueled and happen on streets that are perfectly safe during the day. Be especially on your guard in the areas around O'Connell Street and Grafton Street after pubs' closing time. Never walk back to your hotel alone after this hour....
Pouebo To Ouegoa
At Pouebo the landscape changes from steep mountainsides to rolling hills and plains. European history in New Caledonia begins in Balade, a small settlement north of Pouebo. Although there are few Europeans here today, Balade is where they first set foot in New Caledonia. It was here also that the French annexed New Caledonia. The RPN10 becomes the RPN7 at Balade and continues up the coast towards Ouegoa. On a grassy hill just above the road at Balade, 13km north of Pouebo's church, is the...
ithaki IAKH
Diminutive Ithaki is the diamond of the Io-nians. It is believed to be the mythical home of Homer's Odysseus, where his loyal wife Penelope patiently awaited his homecoming. This tranquil island is two large peninsulas -joined by a narrow isthmus - with sheer cliffs, precipitous mountainous passages and pockets of cypresses and olive groves. Nestled around this compact gem are beautiful fishing hamlets tastefully rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake and discreet pebbly coves. Monasteries and...
Khentii Xhthh
Khentii is Chinggis Khaan territory. The great man grew up here, established his empire on its grasslands and, from Delgerkhaan, launched his military machine to the heart of Asia. As a nomad empire the khaans left few physical reminders of their existence, but with a jeep, a copy of The Secret History of the Mongols and a GPS unit you could launch your own expedition to scour the land for clues to their past. So far researchers have identified more than 50 historical sites relating to Chinggis...
Elam BC
a brilliant ancient culture came into being on the Iranian territory - Elam, The Land of Gods. The origin of the Elamites is unclear. Their earliest kings reigned around 2700 BC. These early rulers were succeeded by the Awan Shustar dynasty, which was then replaced by a new ruling house, the Simash dynasty. About the middle of the 19th century BC, power in Elam passed to a new dynasty, that of Eparti. is the only three-dimensional example of worship in progress in the ancient Middle East now in...
Mongol Timurid and Turkman Rulers in Esfahan
When the Mongol hordes swept through Iran, a great battle was fought outside Esfahan in 1228, and the city was captured. At that time, Esfahan lost a significant part of its population, along with its importance as a first city of Iran. Its buildings, however, were spared, and the city continued to enjoy reasonable prosperity. Under Oljeitu, the Il-Khanid ruler, many great structures were built in the city. The Mongols' short rule in Esfahan was followed by that of the Injuid and Mo-zaffarid...
Afsharid and Zand Dynasties
After a disastrous but brief Afghan occupation, the country was united JB y under the power of Tahmasb Qoli, a chief of the Afshar tribe. He expelled the Afghans in the name of MS gj surviving Safavid members, but soon dethroned them and was him- jffi fajfe self crowned as Nader Shah. He iyjj _ ' jCjft chose Mashhad as his capital. If Nader's ultimate goal was to '' f ' his country by regaining its for- diamond was among the mer territories and wealth. He treasures brought by Nader 1 to Iran...
Horse Riding
Horses have long played an important part in Maltese life, and you can often see owners out exercising their favourite trotting horses. The quieter back roads offer enjoyable riding - instruction and horse hire can be organised through most major hotels. Riding schools in Malta include Bidnija Horse Riding School j 2141 0010 www. bldnijahorserlding.com Trlq il-Bdlewa, Mosta Golden Bay Horse Riding 2157 3360 Gtiajn Tuffieia See pi 15 for more details. Pandas Riding School 2134 2506 Triq Tobruk,...
Shopping
There are a few good souvenir shops along rr Luigj Gurakuqi between Sheshi Skenderbej and Sheshi Avni Rustemi, plus a couple more on rr Barrikadave, including a communist-relic tourist kiosk evocatively named Albsouvenir rr Barrikadave . Most of them sell the same things Albanian flags, carved wooden plates, beaten copper plates, pistols and knives not a great hit with airline security these days , as well as traditional textiles and some very funky T-shirts. Public market Pazari i Ri Sheshi...
Arab Conquest and the Early Iranian Islamic Dynasties c
The Muslim Arabs who toppled the Sasanid Empire were inspired by a new religion -Islam. Although the Koran, the holy book of the new religion, considered people equal regardless their race and social status, the conquerors, especially the Umayyads the Muslim rulers who succeeded Prophet Mohammad , tended to stress the primacy of Arabs. Despite this, the Iranians rapidly integrated into the new Islamic community. They began to contribute significantly to all branches of Islamic learning and to...
Meponda
This small, lakeside village is completely undeveloped and a possibility for a day trip from Lichinga. The tiny harbour to the south of the main road as you enter Meponda is the hub of activity, with the town centre and market nearby. About 1km north of here is a small beach, which is ideal for picnicking and watching the fish eagles. Local fishermen will take you out on the lake for about US 2 per hour. The only accommodation is at the very basic and not very appealing 0 Pomar das Laran-jeiras...
Famadihana
On the crest of a hill a grove of pine trees whispers gently. In the shade, trestle tables are spread with sticky sweetmeats and bowls of steaming rice. A band plays a rollicking, upbeat tune as the stone door of a family tomb is opened. Old ladies wait at the entrance, faces dignified under their straw hats. Middle-aged men are getting stuck into lethal homemade rum, dancing jerkily to the rhythms of the band. One by one the corpses are brought out of the tomb, wrapped in straw mats and danced...
Information
Book Exchange Map p196 862 8540 31 HeHalutz St Big selection of used books. Steimatzky Bookshop Map p196 866 4058 16 Herzl St Carmel Centre 130 HaNassi Ave Steimatzky also has branches at the Hof HaCarmel train station, among other places. EMERGENCY Ambulance I 101 Fire n02 Policed 100 28Jaffa Rd INTERNET ACCESS Internet Caf Map p196 I 838 4692 122 HaNassi Ave per hr 25NIS 9am-mldnlght Sat-Thu, 9am-5pm Frl At the top of the stairs at Gan Ha'em subway. Manilla Map p196 052 424 4445 31 Nordau St...