If you are brave enough to venture into this unknown, a feast of surprises await the senses. The scenery is the first to strike. The picture-postcard desert is home to an astonishing array of mountain landscapes, deep and rich forests, bursting and colourful coral reefs, endless date plantations and lush green wadis, plus of course miles and miles of undiscovered, untouched and truly breathtaking beaches.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of this fascinating region is its ascension from a 3rd world barren landscape to a series of prosperous, emerging nations in a little under 30 years.

The Peninsula is far from a large plateau of sand and sun. The cultural legacy of the great civilisations can be seen and felt everywhere in the ancient cities, temples and fortifications such as the Beit Sheikh Isa bin Ali on Bahrain’s Muharraq Island, or the Madain Saleh embedded in a rock face deep in the heart of the Saudi Arabian desert.

So what activities might one engage in? Truly world-class golf resorts such as the Montgomery in Dubai, thrilling ‘dune-bashing’ (4x4s driven expertly over dunes at high-speed), wildlife safaris such as watching green turtles invade a beach at dawn to lay their eggs, snorkelling and scuba diving some of the planets most breathtaking and undisturbed coral reefs, or perhaps mountain trekking or desert safaris, meeting the indigenous Bedouin people for a cup of steaming arabic coffee with dates along the way.

Technorati Tags: art, felt, travel

Naomi Campbell has also been in the news in the recent past campaigning for Kenya. She owns a tourist resort in Malindi where she visits every year. Although a lot of assurances have been given to tourists that Kenya has returned to normalcy, tourists have largely kept away, leaving a large workforce of people who rely on tourism jobless.

The virgin Atlantic boss seems to have a lot of fondness for Kenya. His airline flies to Kenya daily from Britain a commitment they retained even at the height of ethnic tensions in the country albeit at a loss. His company is also the official sponsor of Kenya’s sevens a side rugby team the most traveled and successful sporting team in Kenya.

The effects of the skirmishes earlier in the year continue to be felt in the country. The massive negative publicity that the country received in the first two months of this year led to many cancellations and rescheduling of arranged tours. Different approaches have been adopted to try and woo back the tourists in Kenya.

In late April, a group of international journalists were invited into the country to try and correct the image back in their countries. Another team of tour operators from Kenya’s source markets also toured Kenya, to see for themselves the situation on the ground. The efforts are yet to produce any tangible results with most tourist resorts remaining under utilized.

This prolonged shunning of the country by tourists could be the longest the sector has ever suffered. Interestingly, the greatest beneficiary of the crisis in Kenya was South Africa. The tourism giant finds itself in the same situation Kenya was earlier in the year with violence breaking out, pitting African foreigners against the locals. With an influx of Zimbabwe nationals walking into the South African territory, it has become an easy scape goat for the South Africans to blame them for all their woos.

This is the last thing the tourists want to see. With the world cup set to be held in the country in only two years time, it will be in the interest of not only South Africa but for the whole of Africa to contain the skirmishes within the shortest time possible. It is not encouraging to hear talk of a fully fledged civil war from down South.

The breaking out of violence in South Africa could have adverse effects in their well marketed tourism industry heading to the peak season. Like Kenya earlier in the year, camps are being set up for people whose property has been damaged or whose lives are in danger. These are situations that the two countries are not used to dealing with because they have enjoyed peace most of the time.

It is of utmost importance for South Africa to quell the violence fast to avoid a situation where skeptics who are of the view that Africa is insecure to host a big event like the world cup will have ground to argue their case. Whether or not the situation down south will work in Kenya’s favour waits to be seen.

Technorati Tags: art, daily, felt, month, profile, travel

Technorati Tags: art, felt, sign

Often called the Seven Islands, this group can be confusing to name and figure out, but once you’re here all that matters is the unreal scenery and array of ancient ruins and castles. If you really want to know, their names are Corfu, Ithaki, Kefallonia, Kythira, Lefkada and Zakynthos. They are steeped in an Italian culture due to the fact that Venice claimed ownership of the isles for about 400 years, meaning that everything from the architecture to the food retains a bit of boot-infused flavor.

Property rights have changed hands and earthquakes have shaken the islands, but today they stand proud as a popular and still lovely tourist destination. The island of Corfu is a fine place to start, and though parts of it are a bit trampled by cruisers and picture-snappers, the northeast is a little quieter. Check out the views, the wildflowers, the mountains and more and it will become to clear to see why the greatest of poets found inspiration in Corfu’s inherent charm.

For a spectacular beach, save some time to visit Myrtos on the north shores of Kefallonia. Limestone cliffs and Greece’s trademark blue seas and matching sapphire skies make it worth the trip; just beware of deep water and undertows. Shipwreck Beach gets lots of love from the postcard photographers, so you may have seen it before. That doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be placed on the itinerary, however, as this Zakynthos hotspot is worth braving possible crowds. Avoid the peak hours and check out the overlook for the best chance at success.

If there is time left in Keffalonia, don’t miss the museums. Archaeology and folklore buffs will be interested in the artifacts and legends that have survived over hundreds of years of tumult. True literary enthusiasts will also love the constantly felt connection to myth and narrative found throughout the Ionians – remember that in addition to its idyllic beaches Ithaka is known as the home of Odysseus. From Homer to Penelope, there are bits and pieces of classic Greek tales and the truths behind them around every corner.

The mild climate is dry and hot during the summer and sometimes rainy in the winter, having the positive effect of creating a lush environment (as opposed to other nearby islands that aren’t as green). Colorful villages add depth to the landscape, and authentic tavernas and cafes will keep bellies filled with traditional food and drink. Discos, theatre festivals, the International Odysseus Conference, wildflowers, scenic drives…You get the picture; all the elements of a fabulous holiday are here.

One more thing: experiencing all of these sights and sounds is best done from a comfortable place, and luckily there are dozens of vacation homes to satisfy this requirement. Mediterranean-style villas and secluded studio apartments capture the essence of this fragrant and warm-hearted destination, right down to the private terraces and charming kitchenettes. Everything needed to sleep, eat and exist contentedly alongside your traveling companions while making your way from one point of interest to the next comes as part of a rental property experience, and if the concept sounds unfamiliar or frightening, be assured that everyday people just like yourself are the ones who make the happiest renters.

If you’ve never gone Greek before it’s about that time, so make sure your passport is ready to go and start preparing for a trip to a nation of cultural pride, visual beauty and oh-so appealing Ionian Islands Vacation Rentals.

Technorati Tags: art, edit, felt, festivals, holiday, kitchen, photo, travel, trip, vacation

The San Dune Inn is one of those, even for addicted veterans of the area like myself, who visit here almost every week from the metropolitan area of Portland, some 100 miles away. While there’s a lovely little local nightlife hotspot called San Dune Tavern just stumbling distance away, the San Dune Inn – a very family-friendly motel – is one of those lurking surprises awaiting.

Not many lodging spots can claim to have a vast array of freebies like bikes, game equipment, popcorn and movies. But San Dune does. Stay at this charming, unassuming place just steps away from Manzanita’s main drag – Laneda Avenue – and you’ll find stuff for volleyball and other games suitable for the sand, as well as beach balls, bikes and simple sandcastle-making gear like buckets. It’s a kid’s dream come true.

At 41, and a kid at heart, all these playthings are a dream come true for me as well.

Perhaps what charmed me the most about this place upon my first few visits was the thick London accent of owner Brian and his down-to-Earth approach, as well as the kids’ stuff available for play. And then there was that really adorable dog: Buddy. This tiny little pup was so fluffy and soft he felt more like a stuffed animal. But he was the real deal, and loves greeting guests as they come in.

On this stay, Brian’s wife, Billie, hooked me up with a lovely little room on the westward end of the motel. From here, you could just barely hear the waves of Manzanita’s beaches in the middle of the night, lulling you to sleep. The room is immaculate, with a color theme of blue, coming complete with a coffee machine, VCR and TV, a blow dryer hooked into the wall, a small fridge and even a shower cap.

The San Dune Inn has 14 such cozy rooms, all of them with VCR’s, cable TV, the small fridge, microwave and access to all the cool freebie amenities for sand play, as well as free movies, games and even books. Six of the rooms feature full kitchens with separate living room and bedroom areas. Plus, the place is pet friendly – and there’s this nifty little barbecue area out back with a tent next to it.

For me, as the middle-aged kid with a surreal sense of exploration, I was interested in playing with the bikes. After a party at a friend’s house nearby, I took one for a joyride on the beach. I’m not sure zipping around at three in the morning is what the Hines had in mind for these, but I was filled with a load of childlike joy. It’s been perhaps 20 years since I rode one, and I discovered the old adage is true: you never forget how.

Subsequent visits found me reveling more in the slight kookiness of this place. Brian has quite a raucous sense of humor, and is great for a fun spot of conversation. I’ve gone on late, nocturnal bike rides with regularity now, thanks to Brian and Billie. Sometime in the last year, they acquired a somewhat wacky statue of a heron made from found junk. Intriguing, pretty and yet delightfully off-kilter.

I’ve also found myself going through their extensive library of flicks, taking in all the M. Night Shaliman movies they have.

In the end, I discover the San Dune is perfect for families with kids – or adults who act like kids. Next time, perhaps I’ll take the more grownup route, take a friend and we’ll stay in and enjoy one of their fairly large selection of movies. Or maybe we’ll both act like kids and play with the beach toys and bikes again. You’ll find it about a block away from Laneda, at 428 Dorcas Lane.

Technorati Tags: art, bikes, block, books, felt, house, kitchen, movies

The Malta hotels and holiday industry are major players in the island’s economy, and with unemployment already high, a further drop in the number of visitors next year could have a negative impact not just in tourism but for Malta as a whole.

Throughout the year the monthly statistics for the number of tourists visiting Malta have made depressing reading for the hotels in Malta, and the next twelve months will be pivotal as to whether the island can stay in the mainstream of holiday destinations, or be relegated to niche travel status.

The island was rife with rumours earlier in the year that a UK tour operator was going to withdraw the island from their 2007 brochures, and a survey in the island’s biggest market showed that Malta would be more expensive for British tourists than the Canary and Balearic Islands for equivalent holidays next year.

But more recent news has brought hope to the Malta holidays market that 2007 will see an arrest in the decline of visitor numbers seen this year, with MyTravel surprising the Malta holidays market by announcing an increase in the number of winter visitors it will be taking from the UK to Malta.

But the most positive news has come from low cost carrier RyanAir, who have started flights to Malta from London and Dublin.

Between announcing the Dublin and London routes and the maiden flight to Malta, Ryanair sold 30,000 tickets. And the new competition has spurred Air Malta, the island’s national airline, to make offers of its own. A successful campaign saw two tickets a minute being sold recently.

‘This is all good news,’ say Malta hotels and holidays guide http://www.yourmalta.com, ‘Earlier in the year it looked like there was only one way that the visitor figures for Malta were going for the future, and that was in a continuing downward spiral.’

At one stage earlier in the year there were real doubts cast upon whether the Malta Government would approve the new low cost flights at all. Air Malta is a major employer and some in the tourist sector felt that too much of a protectionist attitude was being taken at the expense of a possible upswing in new visitors.

‘Unfortunately,’ continue YourMalta, ‘The Malta Tourist Authority and The Malta government seem to to make life as difficult as possible for the island’s hotel owners and those involved in the holiday industry. A privately run company like Ryanair will achieve more and bring more money on to the island than the Tourist Authority can ever dream of. And Ryanair will probably make a profit out of it while the Tourist Authority is using taxpayers money. We’re just waiting for the first set of figures where tourism has risen, and for the Malta Tourist Authority to claim part or all of the credit. In reality if tourist figures do rise it’s despite the Tourist Authority, and not because of it’.

Travel To Malta

Speaking on a visit to Malta recently, Ryanair’s Chief Executive Michael O’Leary declared himself pleased with their new Luton route, and predicted that their Dublin route, due to start operating in February, would be even more successful. He believes that Ryanair could take some 85,000 visitors to the island in 2007.

‘If Ryanair do deliver 85,000 visitors to Malta in 2007 it will stop the perpetual decline in overall tourist numbers,’ say YourMalta, ‘It depends of course on whether a large number will be new visitors or simply those who would have visited Malta anyway. We believe the likelihood is that a good deal of the 85,000 will be new visitors who hadn’t considered a Malta holiday before. With Air Malta fighting back and having successful promotions too there is every reason to feel confident that 2007 will prove to be a good year for Malta tourism. Hopefully it will prove to be a turning point and not a delay in the downward spiral of the last few years’.

The real estate industry in Malta also produces a good deal of inward investment for the Malta economy, and increased visitor numbers often correlate to an increase in Malta property prices.

According to Tribune Properties, a UK based company who specialise in Malta property for sale, property inflation could be in double digits next year.

‘Malta property buyers from overseas start as tourists, and with new tourists arriving next year in increased numbers we do expect this to have some impact on the market overall. The Malta weather is always a plus point when potential buyers are considering where to buy a holiday home. But ease of access is a critical factor, and with the new flights at reduced prices it makes spending a few long weekends on Malta as well as the traditional week and fortnight holiday a realistic possibility for more people.’

Travel guide YourMalta do offer a cautionary note, urging the Malta authorities to invest in better roads and other infrastructure.

‘It’s important that holidaymakers want to return to the island in future years, and not just visit once – never to look at a holiday brochure and a map of Malta with good memories and return. The Malta hotels are on a par with the rest of Europe, but if they step outside to dangerous pavements, unclean beaches and a timeshare tout around every corner ready with a high pressure sales pitch they won’t return. Hopefully The Malta Tourist Authority will be doing as much as they can ensure a pleasant Malta holiday experience’.

Technorati Tags: art, Destinations, edit, felt, holiday, map, month, road, travel

Governor Mark Warner. He sang and played harmonica, while each of the bands that played during the evening came up on stage for an explosive finale that set the bar high for the number of functions to follow that weekend. Other highlights included the Official Louis Armstrong Society Jazz Band at Louisiana’s breakfast
function, with its fiery singer and talented band members all worthy of the name of their band; dinner and entertainment at the Virginia Science Museum and the many tours on Saturday showcasing the city of Richmond and its surrounding areas

ALABAMA

The Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel is promoting 2006 as “The Year of Outdoor Alabama.” The 2006 calendar of events has a special section devoted to the more than 140 outdoor events and festivals taking place in Alabama throughout the year. A separate brochure titled “100 Outdoor Adventures in Alabama”
lists great outdoor activities all over the state. Both are available at Alabama welcome centers or by contacting the Bureau. Mobile is getting back on its feet after Hurricane Katrina damaged many attractions and facilities throughout town. The Mobile Bay CVB encourages visitors to come and see how Katrina has impacted the town, as well as to witness the strength and perseverance of this community. The USS Alabama, which was closed for several months due to immense storm damage, reopened in January on the 41st anniversary of its original opening to the public. The Museum of Mobile will be opening this spring after extensive work to repair flood damage. The majority of the city is back up and running but support from the tourism community is still greatly needed and warmly appreciated.

FLORIDA

Construction is currently underway on the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, due to open later this year. The 6,000-square-foot facility will feature interactive exhibits depicting the region’s underwater and upland habitats, with special emphasis on the ecosystem of North America’s only living contiguous barrier coral reef. The
center will be located on Truman Annex overlooking the Key West waterfront. The TECO Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach will open its season in November with a new expanded boardwalk featuring more observation areas. The center has also installed a new live webcam and has opened the South Shore Café refreshment area. The center celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year.

GEORGIA

The brand new home of the World of Coca Cola will open summer 2007 on a twenty-acre site adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta. The facility houses the world’s largest collection of Coca Cola collectibles and memorabilia
and – of course – offers samples of Coca Cola products from around the globe. The famous beverage, which was first served ‘soda-fountain style’ at a small pharmacy near Underground Atlanta, is served over a billion times per day in over 200 countries around the world.

LOUISIANA

A full seven months after HurricaneKatrina, New Orleans is coming into their festival season with gusto and a great big helping of pride. After the wrap-up of the city’s 150th Mardi Gras this March, Steven Perry, President and CEO of the New Orleans Metro CVB had this to say: “Our industry guests were overwhelmed by the spirit of the city and its people. It was startlingly clear that although New Orleans still faces real challenges in some areas, the historic core of the city, the tourism areas, and the experience of coming to New Orleans is not only intact but thriving.
We planted the flag in the ground that announced to the world that New Orleans is open and ready to welcome visitors again in our own special style!”

Technorati Tags: art, felt, festivals, flag, house, month, travel

An American lady I know of mature years was so impressed after her journey through Tanzania she sold up her home in the Mid-West and headed into the wilds of Northern Tanzania. It took her three years to realise her dream and to make a permanent home in Tanzania; she has not regretted it.

We met one evening; I working for a Safari Company and had been sent to pick her up from Dar es Salaam Airport. She got as far a reclaiming her bags and then sat down refusing to move any further. Despite my frantic waving at her through the glass window beckoning her to venture through passport control, she stubbornly stayed put; she would not budge. We sent airport officials in to explain we were waiting for her but she chose not to understand. Eventually the officials allowed me to go through to claim her. Welcome to Tanzania I said; a silent steely glare was returned.

We promptly dumped our client in a city hotel for the night. The following morning we drove the six hours north to Pangani. The driver and I had not been to this area of Tanzania and as we reached the hot humid Swahili cost town named Tanga we had to stop and ask for directions. This did not impress our client and we drove to the 45km to the lodge along a very rough and dusty road in silence.

The hotel was called Argovia Lodge; as we arrived at the lodge the tropical heat a sea breeze seemed to melt our guest; it was all so tropical so beautiful. Our rooms were tents with double beds and wardrobes and even a bathroom en-suite with hot water; erected on raised wooden platforms with a viewing deck at the front of each tent. The views looked through the lush tropical gardens out onto the blue waters and white deserted sands around the bay. This was paradise – the last evening here we took a lazy cruise in a rather small motorboat down the wide lazy coconut palm lined Pangani River. We returned to the hotel by leaving the mouth of the river and crossing the bay; a storm was brewing; our small craft battled to cross the bay. Eventually we landed on the beach the hotel staff were there to greet us with towels and cocktails and the trauma of the crossing began to fade and soon became a tale of adventure in the hotel bar.

After three days of luxury on the coast we headed to the top of the Usambara Mountains. These African mountains are so different. Often they are likened to the Swiss Mountains with a generous pinch of African thrown into the mix. Grants Lodge was a small four bed-roomed farm and was charming. The food was out of this world cooked on a wood burning stove; the local people washing clothes in the river, cattle wandering, children chattering in this clean, quiet retreat. We felt close to the African culture without being intrusive, without having to rough it either.

The first day in the late afternoon we approached a table in the hotel garden, where drinks were waiting for us, a branch snapped in the tree above and wham onto the table it laded with a chameleon attached to the branch and a rather large snake attached to the chameleon. The waiter who was waiting beside the table screamed and ran away leaving one of the ladies from the kitchen to run out and beat the snake to death with a broom. It added to the adventure; a safe comfortable and very lazy adventure.

The following day we figuratively returned to five million B. C. on the primordial Bird Walk. This enchanting walk took us through the forest and eventually to wetlands where we spent an afternoon relaxing and watch birds along the grassy meadows of a small stream. We felt we had been transported back in time and was sure we noticed a pterodactyl streak overhead.

After two days here we headed toward the game parks. On leaving the Usambara if it is a Thursday or Sunday, the colourful and vibrant Lushoto market is a must stop. The market is chockablock with fruits and vegetables. There are 160 fruits, vegetables, and herbs, at this market; the mountains are famous for juicy plums, crunchy pears and purple avocados.

After a night in Arusha Town it was off to the Elephants and the Leopards in the Tarangire and the Lions of the Serenegeti. The whole experience took 12 days, it was not rushed and Tanzania, just a little, was reviled and experience to be cherished for the rest of our days.

Technorati Tags: art, block, felt, kitchen, river, road, trip

The Vienna International Center, also known as the UN City, is one of the four official locations of the United Nations, in addition to New York, Geneva and Nairobi. Multilingual guides from different countries inform you about the work of the United Nations and the many tasks of the organizations located here.

The creation of the UN City in the mid-1970s made Vienna the third seat of the United Nations after New York and Zurich. Popular wisdom held that this was an important part of Austria’s defense strategy during the Cold War: though Austria was officially neutral, it was believed that Warsaw Pact troops would be less likely to invade a city with a large international population.

To commemorate the “25 years Vienna International Centre” has staged an exhibition in the arcades of the Vienna City Hall which grants a general idea of the VICs origins and day-to-day business while providing information on resident organizations and Austria’s role within the United Nations. The exhibition was inaugurated on by Michael Häupl, the mayor of Vienna, and Antonio Costa, director general of the United Nations in Vienna. Michael Häupl in his address pointed out that the city’s international and cosmopolitan character was largely due to the existence of UN City. As a young man he had been proud to learn that Vienna had been awarded such an important landmark role and to this day he was proud to see how many UN institutions the city was hosting. Cooperation with the UN was good he stressed and he hoped that international staff at the UN City felt at home in Vienna.

The VIC which has been designed by Austrian architect Johann Staber, was built between 1973 and 1979 just north of the river Danube. In it six Y-shaped office towers surround a cylindrical conference building for a total floor area of 230,000 square meters. The highest tower stands 120 meters tall, having 28 floors. About 5,000 people work at the VIC, which also offers catering, banking, postal and shopping facilities. Larger conferences can be accommodated in the neighboring Austria Center Vienna a conference and exhibition centre with a capacity of 6000.The VIC is an extraterritorial area.

Complementing the ongoing Asbestos removal works in the VIC, a new conference building to be opened in 2008, is being constructed near the southern perimeter of the campus.

Drug Control and Crime Prevention are part of this as well as the peaceful utilization of space and aid for refugees. Special organizations deal with industrial development, the peaceful use of atomic energy and the embargo on nuclear testing.

Technorati Tags: art, felt, river, sign

Read more here: 
Preparing For the Holidays

Technorati Tags: bikes, changing-shells, China, Destinations, felt, flickr, holiday, resources