What to do and see in and around Prague

Prague Castle
Former residence of the Princes and Kings of Bohemia and now the seat of the President, Prague Castle is an intrinsic part of Prague and a wonderful place to explore, with its Crown Jewels, St. Vitus Cathedral and changing of the guards at the Castle gates. Any literary fans will also be interested to visit Golden Lane in the castle grounds where Franz Kafka once lived.

Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is a hive of activity day and night and is an important part of this vibrant city, not least because it is the main thoroughfare linking the Old Town with Mala Strana on the opposite side of the river. Lined with souvenir stands and talented artists and musicians this 13th century bridge always makes for an entertaining stroll.

Astronomical Clock
Pragues Astronomical Clock can be found on the side of the Old Town Hall. Dating back to the 15th century this magnificent time piece is easy to spot as typically a crowd gathers in front of it every hour on the hour in time for the procession of the Twelve Apostles, during which a small trap door opens and Christ leads the way ahead of his disciples.

Josefov Prague Ghetto
Pragues Jewish quarter is home to some of the cities most colourful and wonderful buildings such as the bright Jubilee Synagogue and the gothic style Old-New Synagogue dating back to the 13th century. It is also home to the New Jewish cemetery where Franz Kafka was buried.

Powder Tower
Dating back to 1475 Powder Tower is the gothic entrance to the Old Town. Once a gunpowder depot (hence the name), the Tower currently serves as a museum with displays on life in medieval Prague, the history of the city and the history of the tower itself.

St Nicholas Church
This baroque church dates back to 1735 and stands on the site of an earlier church. With its pure white frontage this beautiful building is an admirable asset to the Old Town Square and has an equally breathtaking interior with stunning frescos. It is no wonder that classical concerts are held in this majestic setting throughout the year.

Estates Theatre
Officially opened in 1783, this wonderful theatre exudes elegance and beauty inside and out and is famed as the setting for the premier of Mozarts Don Giovanni. Previously privately owned the theatre was brought by the Czech Estates in 1798, hence the name.

Wenceslas Square
Formerly the main Prague horse market, Wenceslas Square now serves as the main shopping street with the unofficial title of Pragues parade ground for times of national celebration or demonstration (as in the time of anti-communist uprisings). The square is presided over by a statue of St. Wenceslas astride his horse, Pragues national hero and the Good King Wenceslas of Christmas carol fame.

Museum Kampa
Pragues Museum Kampa houses the art collection of collectors Meda and Jan Mldek. The museum, a mill in the heart of the city, showcases Central European Modern Art including sculptures by Otto Gutfreund and paintings by Frantiek Kupka.

Petrin View Tower
Built in 1891 for the Jubilee Exhibition, the Petrin View Tower is a smaller version of the Eiffel Tower and stands at a height of 60m with 299 steps leading up to the top platform. The Tower was reopened in 2002 after a period of reconstruction, head to the top of Petrin View Tower for stunning views over Prague.

Old Town Square
This historic square is a popular tourist destination with sights such as the Astronomical clock and also serves as a popular meeting place. It is also the site of Pragues annual Christmas Market. In the centre of the square stands the Jan Hus Memorial erected in 1915 to mark 500 years since his death by burning due to his religious beliefs.

Planning a vacation? Well Romania is the place to beit is the most diverse country in terms of climate, terrain, flora and fauna; snow capped mountains and a sultry coastline- you can ski on snow or on water!

It is located in southeastern Europe. Romania is surrounded by Ukraine to the north, Hungary to its north west, Moldova to the north east and Bulgaria in the south. The famous river Danube flows through Romania from the northwest to the east into the equally famous black sea after forming a picturesque delta- the famous Danube delta!

Romanians are known to be very friendly and hospitable people. The national language is Romanian and others include Hungarian and German. Most Romanians can also communicate fluently in English.

How to get to Romania?
If you are in Europe you can get to Romania by train, road or a sea cruise!
If you are in another part of the world then the most convenient airline is the AUSTRIAN. For the flight details, you can either visit an international travel agent in your area or book your tickets online the latter is preferable if you want to move about and discover the place on your own and of course if you have done it on previous vacations to other places. You can opt for a tour package if you are not too sure of going on your own.

Places to stay once you are there:

Why not try the 4 Star Hotel Europa in Eforie Nord. Situated in a dramatic setting overlooking the bay in the scenic Efories Nord.

Or perhaps spend your holiday at the 3 Star Vox Maris Club Resort Hotel an ideal short haul summer destination. In Costinesti the Vox Maris is a self-contained club resort and is a perfect location to enjoy the Black Sea.

Or finally why not stay at the excellent value Raluca Hotel in the beautiful Black sea beach resort of Venus.

Places to Visit

Looking for leisure?
The beaches along the black sea coast of Romania are your best bet. Romania has a 225 miles stretch of the most beautiful pristine white sandy beaches dotted with hotels and natural spas. The lakes and rivers of the Danube delta are another place for leisure and for the romantic at heart!

For the history enthusiast
There are a number of ancient castles and fortresses and still intact medieval towns for the history buff to visit. The most famous castles are Peles castle, Bran castle, Corvinesti castle and the Royal Palace Bucharest. Among the best preserved medieval towns are Brasov, Sibiu and Sighisoara. One of Sighisoaras most famous attractions is the Clock Tower also known as Council Tower built in the 14th Century; another famous attraction is Vlad the Impaler or Dracula House. The painted monasteries are another very interesting must see place in Romania!

Looking for Natural Therapeutic Remedies?
Spas are said to have been started by the Romans and Romania is home to a third of Europes mineral and thermal springs. Romania’s main spas are located at Mangalia, Neptun, Eforie Nord, Covasna, Slanic Moldova, Vatra Dornei, Borsec, Sovata, Tusnad, Calimanesti, Govora, Herculane, Buzias and Baile Felix.

Activities:
Given Romanias diverse terrain, climate, flora, and fauna you can choose from a number of activities such as Bird watching, camping, cycling tours, fishing, golf, hiking, horseback riding, rafting, skiing.

Australia’s Northern Territory is a huge region, equivalent in size to France, Italy and Spain combined, where natural environments from deserts and rocky mountain ranges to mangroves and tropical forests abound. If you’re seeking a tour experience that allows an intimate connection with vast, unspoilt natural environments, the Northern Territory is definitely one of the premier destinations on the planet.

The contrasts and colours of the Northern Territory’s rich environment ebb and flow with the seasons, nowhere more evident than in the World Heritage National Parks of Uluru-Kata Tjuta (Ayers Rock) in Central Australia and Kakadu in the tropical north. The Northern Territory’s flora and fauna is as diverse as fleeting desert wildflowers and sumptuous lotus lilies, and tiny gecko lizards and giant saltwater crocodiles.

The indigenous people of the Northern Territory continue to hold a profoundly spiritual, unbroken connection to the land that reaches back tens of thousands of years, yet is still accessible today. Aboriginal people are becoming increasingly involved in the Northern Territory tourism industry, and now operate a range of authentic tour businesses that include activities ranging from desert walks in search of bush tucker to visits to ancient rock art galleries.

The Northern Territory is famous for its diverse, colourful characters. Uncomplicated, larger than life characters are easy to find in the Territory’s legendary outback pubs, cattle stations and country towns. At the same time, the Northern Territory today is also home to a diverse, multicultural mix of people all of whom are only too willing to share a yarn or two. It’s hard not to fall in love with Territorians’ open, down-to-earth, can-do attitude, whatever their background.

Kakadu National Park is located 250 kilometres east of Darwin. Plunging gorges, rugged escarpments, lush wetlands and cascading waterfalls abound in Kakadu, covering area the size of Wales or the US state of West Virginia. Renowned for the richness of its natural and cultural wonders, Kakadu has one of the highest concentrations in the world of publicly accessible Aboriginal rock art sites. Closer to Darwin are the unspoiled wetlands of Mary River National Park which is home to millions of birds, many crocodiles and plentiful fish including the mighty barramundi. The Litchfield National Park is located about 100 kilometres south of Darwin, and is home to an impressive array of natural wonders including waterfalls, rock pools and towering gorges.

Arnhem Land, to the east of Kakadu National Park, covers some 91,000 square kilometres and is home to many Aboriginal people, most of whom continue to speak their traditional languages and practice their traditional cultures. To visit Arnhem Land, a permit must be obtained from the Northern Land Council in Darwin. The stunning beauty and cultural significance of areas such as Oenpelli, Mt Borradaile, and the Cobourg and Gove peninsulas make a visit to Arnhem Land an unforgettable experience.

Uluru (Ayers Rock) rises from the surrounding desert in the red centre of Australia, and is undoubtedly Australia’s most recognisable natural icon. The famous sandstone monolith, which stands 348 metres high, is located about 440 kilometres south-west of Alice Springs in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. 40 kilometres to the west of Uluru is Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), a fantastic collection of red rock domes dateing back some 500 million years. Both Uluru and Kata Tjuta hold great cultural significance for the traditional Aboriginal landowners, who lead walking tours that explore the local flora and fauna, bush foods and Dreamtime legends of the area.

Watarrka National Park, which encompasses the spectacular Kings Canyon, is located 300 kilometres north-east of Uluru and 310 kilometres west of Alice Springs. Kings Canyon is an enormous gorge with 300-metre-high red sandstone walls, palm-filled crevices, walking tracks and stunning views across the Central Australian desert.

Overflowing with history, art and culture, Florence is a city thats very hard to do justice to in a single day. A visit to the Uffizi museum alone could easily eat a day or two into any itinerary.

If youre fortunate enough to visit Florence for the first time, but unfortunate enough to have only a single day to savour the delights of this city, you will need to ensure that you have a plan.

So allow me be your guide for the day and take you on a whistle stop tour of the sights and sounds of Florence. I cant promise you the Uffizi in a day, but hopefully at the end of the tour youll feel like youve seen the best of the city. Your only problem will be deciding when to come back for more!

The first thing youll need before you start your tour is a map of the city. The centre of Florence is pretty compact, so the best way to see it, without missing a thing is by foot. If you dont have a map or a guidebook and youre not the type that enjoys aimless wandering, make your first stop of the day one of the tourist offices where you can pick up a free map of Florence.

Starting off in the main Piazza, youll easily spot the famous Duomo, with its magnificent terracotta coloured cupola. If you are there early enough to avoid the crowds and feel you can face the 463 steps Id recommend starting your tour by climbing up into dome for a spectacular view of the city. The Duomo is probably the most distinctive feature of Florences skyline and is the result of years of work spanning six centuries.

Once youve taken in the view, catch your breath with a leisurely stroll around the streets surrounding the Duomo, and then take a walk to the nearby Piazza della Signoria. Here youll find a unique outdoor gallery of sculptures, including Neptunes Fountain and a copy of the famous Statue of David. Youll also find the Palazzo Vecchio (the Old Palace) here. This was built in the early 14th century and is still used today for its original purpose, as a Town Hall.

Just beside the Palazzo youll find the Uffizi museum, with its unrivalled collection of Renaissance art. If youre an art lover, you dont want to miss the Uffizi, but its not something that can be easily covered in a short 2-hour visit!

Alongside the Uffizi youll find the River Arno, with its many bridges. If you take a right turn youll arrive at the Ponte Vecchio, the famed bridge that houses a multitude of goldsmiths and jewellery shops, with its medieval workshops overhanging the bridge. The bridge itself was built in 1345 and is the only bridge on the Arno that wasnt destroyed in World War II.

Once youve crossed the bridge, youll arrive in the area called Oltrano, which literally means Over the Arno. Here youll find the Palazzo Pitti a large 16th century palace. The palace was originally home to the Medici family who ruled Florence almost continuously between 1434 and 1743 and it now houses several important museums and galleries.

You may want to finish your day by taking a relaxing stroll in the Boboli gardens, which can be accessed through the Palazzo Pitti. These gardens were laid out in 1550 for the Medici a year after they bought the Palazzo Pitti and were opened to the public in 1766. Many parts of the gardens give stunning vistas over Florence and make a welcome retreat after a day of walking round the city.

If you have the time, its worth returning to view the Ponte Vecchio at sunset, followed by a walk along the bridge after dusk, when the lights on the bridge reflect on the River Arno and everything seems almost magical.

Finally, dont forget to take a break from your sightseeing stop for lunch or a drink in a pavement caf, take some time to soak up the atmosphere and do a spot of people watching.

It is nearly impossible to comprehend the magnificently eclectic and robust concoction that has become today’s Grecian society without exploring the region first-hand.

The first traces of a city-state on Crete date back to the Neolithic Period, beginning in 6000 B.C. Minoan and Mycenaean Kingdoms were followed by the Dorian invasions and the Dark Ages. From 500 to 146 B.C., Greece enjoyed its most prosperous and well-known Classical and Hellenistic Periods during which Plato, Socrates and Democracy thrived and the Parthenon and Acropolis were built in Athens. Roman annexation followed and can be seen in the transitional art and architecture, along with the blending of mythologies. Greece was overrun by Byzantines and Turks throughout the modern era and a cultural revival and War of Independence in 1821 sparked the reunification and appreciation of Greek culture that is still miraculously thriving today.

Greece by Land…
Aside from major attractions like the Parthenon, Greece provides a plethora of other sites and activities unique to the nation’s cultural heritage. For a spiritual experience, visit the town of Meteora in the northern Thessaly region. These spectacular cliff-top monasteries were originally reached by curiously placed ladders and ropes. Today people can reach the sky-high pinnacles by climbing the etched stone stairs or by the growing popular sport of rock climbing. You can also get close to the gods, as the Greeks put it, by visiting the archeological wonder at Delphi, considered to be the center of the known world by Ancient Greeks. Nafplio, the former capital of Greece, is also a wondrous and enlightening adventure. Centuries of history decorate and surround the city. Close by is the ancient Mycenae civilization and the famous theater at Epidaurus.

Or by Sea…
There are nearly 1400 Greek islands to explore. Much of Grecian history is based upon the maritime and merchant centers of the seven island clusters. Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey venture through beaches and ports you can visit today. Crete and Santorini, with its volcanic caldera, are by far the most popular destinations. Make a stop on the notorious party island of Mykonos, part of the Cyclades Greek Islands, to party, dance and drink in a fashion that would make Dionysus proud. Relax in the lush greenery and white sand of the Ionian Islands, which emanate a more European feel. Every island region has something unique and intriguing to offer, so don’t be afraid to leave this part of your itinerary open for exploration!

Greece is bursting at the seams with history, culture, food and wine. Every corner of this ancient nation is abundant with once-in-a-lifetime escapades. This is a trip you do not need to structure too much to feel completely immersed in Greek life. Although, it is wise to remember that the summer months of July and August attract hoards of people making accommodations hard to come by and can also be uncomfortably hot. Enjoy a more pleasant and relaxed journey in May and June or at the end of the summer peak season.

For more information on travel to Greece and other regions in Europe, and discount airfare to Greece, visit www.cfares.com.

What Is The Correlation Of Free Trade And Holiday Making?

What is the correlation between free-trade, real estate prices and holiday making? Perhaps, the first one ignites the race for the rest two. This has been taking place in Dubai’s case for at least two decades now, and the lineage from free-trade to tourism is very apparent. Those likely to go on vacationing should therefore, learn about the various trade policies of the concerned region before making out their travel plans. Liberal governmental policies are bound to show up in the nature of hospitality that you might experience. If there are emerging signs of conflicts from within any administration, better keep off from visiting that place and move on elsewhere.

Duty free shopping and well-planned infrastructure were two main reasons why so many tourists started flocking on Dubai’s roads. Allowing freehold property ownership to the foreign nationals was another smart move, which transformed Dubai’s real estate market dramatically. Speaking with any of the real estate brokers running their operations from Dubai, supports these arguments. Additionally, tax exemption to the corporate world has also played a crucial role in the booming real estate values. Companies are granted 15 to 50 years of tax exemption on starting up their operations in one of Dubai’s free-trade zones. This financial paradise has ensured Dubai will continue to have a booming real estate market for many years to follow.

The level of foreign direct investment has begun growing rapidly in Dubai in the recent few years. According to some estimates, investments in the private equity market have already crossed the $1 billion mark. If this does not seem remarkable then you should note that it is expected to cross $2.5 billion by 2007. There has been a sudden turn around in the recent times and the companies looking forward to making the investments elsewhere have begun making the best out of Dubai’s tax exemptions.

The result is obvious. As more and more foreign companies arrive to do business in Dubai there will be an ever-increasing requirement of skilled work force. That means a further increase in the inflow of foreign nationals who will obviously need a place to stay on. In the final run, we conclude that the high demand for real estate combined with the recent changes permitting all these foreigners to own their property can only lead to a real estate explosion the likes of which the Middle East has never seen before. Already more than 30 percent of all the tower cranes in the world are engaged in Dubai. That, in itself, should give you an idea about the scale at which construction is proceeding in this world renowned city.

With the kind of luxurious life Dubai owns, the ever expanding world events taking place there, the highly competitive air fares that you might enjoy while being on its way, and the increasing number of landmarks like Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina and Dubai Palm Beach getting constructed day in, day out, the world is bound to keep visiting Dubai for many years to follow now.

Introduction:

Portsmouth is located on the south coast of the scenic county of Hampshire. The city has a long established historic naval presence. The city of Portsmouth was established in the year 1623, being a community that swears by its influence to world history. As well as being an important naval town, Portsmouth has a nostalgic feel with its cobblestone streets, horse drawn carriages, museums and famous historic buildings. Boasting over one hundred restaurants, antique shops and a huge music hall called the Portsmouth Music Hall. You will fall in love with the ambience that this historic city offers as well as the coastal aspect of the place.

Places of Interest:

A place of historic significance, you can explore Lord Nelsons flagship, HMS Victory and visit Queen Victorias battleship, HMS Warrior 1860. You could also have a look at Henry Vllls Mary Rose and retrace the history of the Royal Navy at the Royal Naval Museum. Other attractions include Charles Dickens birthplace, the D-Day Museum featuring the Overlord Embroidery, Southsea Castle, the Royal Marines Museum, and Portsmouth Cathedral.

Royal Marines Museum: This is a grand museum situated in a former officers’ mess with sweeping stairways, chandeliers and fine paintings. There are also beautiful grounds in which you can relax and enjoy a quiet picnic with your friends. The Exhibition gallery features a talking head of Hannah Snell, audiovisual shows, interactive games, and a collection of over 7,000 medals.

Eastney Beam Engine House Industrial Archaeology: This museum contains a pair of magnificent James Watt beam engines, stationed in their original high Victorian engine house of 1887. There are also a variety of other pumping engines on display here.

Natural History Museum: In this museum you can see the geology of the Portsmouth area and a full-size reconstruction of Dinosaur Iguanodon and other fossil remains. You can enter here through the Riverbank scene with a fresh water aquarium and have a look at the different kinds of fish on display. You can also see the Ice Age displays and early mammals and birds here.
The Spinnaker Tower: This is one wonder which is absolutely breath-taking.You can experience the stunning views from this unique 170m tower, visible from miles around. This is the newest landmark which is change the skyline of Portsmouth!

Aspex Gallery: Here, tourists can experience the most creative and contemporary visual arts; locally, nationally and internationally. There are programs of solo, grouped and themed exhibitions mostly centred on the work of younger or emerging artists.

The 1642 Living History Village, Historic Site, Gosport: This is a representational Hampshire village set in the year 1642. You could go back in time and experience this replica of how it used to be with timber and thatched buildings. Occupants dress and speak in 17th century style.

Things to do:

Portsmouth is also called the Waterfront city. It has a fantastic range of restaurants, bars and cafs to soothe your thirst and satisfy your taste buds. Of course, it will suit your budget too. As far as shops are concerned, the choice is huge.

Shopping: The Southsea, this major shopping complex has two department stores as well as a range of boutique shops. There are florists, diamond merchants and antique dealers; even interior decorators to cater to your every shopping need. Of course, the cafes, restaurants and bars are numerous too. There is Gunwharf Quays with 80 outlets that sell big brand names for a discount prices. It is open seven days a week. The City Centre is famous for its branded and trendy stores. The shopping precinct on Commercial Road, the indoor mall at Cascades, and the street markets on Thursday, Friday and Saturday are very popular and well worth a visit.

Eating and drinking: There are restaurants and small bistros that offer cuisine ranging from Indian to Italian, Turkish to Thai. If you want to meet with friends or enjoy your weekend, there is always a themed location to drink and socialize.

Special Events: Two of Portsmouth’s most renowned personalities have events to commemorate their lives in 2006. Brunel 200 Portsmouth will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who was born in Portsmouth on 9th of April 1806.The famous author Richard Lancelyn Green will be releasing his wonderful collection of Conan Doyle-related books, papers and assorted memorabilia in the later half of 2006.

Transport: Portsmouth has regular bus routes connecting the main visitor areas. In fact, a new pilot bus service for all you night owls has been inaugurated and is operational on Friday and Saturday nights. The Nightrunner will start services from South Parade Pier at 1.25am and 2.25 am and at Winston Churchill Avenue at 1.30am and 2.30am. There are currently 234 licensed taxis working in the city providing 24-hour service.

Food and Drink:

Indian Palace: Indian Palace in Gunwharf Quays is famous for authentic and traditional spicy and tasty Indian and moghlai dishes.

Arbuckles: This small and friendly restaurant is famous for chicken and vegetarian burgers. Booking is required.

A fistful of Tacos: This place at South Sea serves authentic sea food and vegeterian dishes as well.
Caf Citrus is a popular caf bar in Albert Road, Southsea. It is perfect for a romantic rendevous or a friendly get-together.

Hotels and Accomodation:

Whether you are looking for a short stay or a longer holiday, Portsmouth offers a comprehensive range of accommodation from small, private bed and breakfasts to the plusher four-star hotels. It is always better if you reserve your accommodation in advance. The tarrifs for hotels, accomodations and guest houses are generally quoted as per person, based on a couple sharing, and include VAT (17.5%). All prices for self-catering units are quoted as per unit per week inclusive of VAT (17.5%).

Inn Lodge Portsmouth
Royal Beach Hotel
Express by Holiday Inn Portsmouth
Tulip Inn Portsmouth
Beaufort Hotel
Best Western Queens Hotel
Seacrest Hotel

Entertainment:

The city of Portsmouth is abuzz with entertainment and activity around the clock. Catering for all diverse tastes such as comedy, film, football, live music, bowling, literature and arts. At Gunwharf Quays there is a bowling arena and a state of the art 12 screen cinema, with a further 9 screen cinema at Port Solent. The Kings Theatre Trust Limited at Albert Road, Portsmouth is famous for live music and theatrical events. No 6 Independent Cinema and Vue Cinemas are two of the 4 major cinema houses here.

All in all, Portsmouth is a city on the sea packed with a beautiful mix of history and heritage. Add to it the variety on offer with its bars and restaurants as well as a comprehensive program of events, you know that you have discovered the right city to spend your holiday or short stay. Being situated on the coast is a huge bonus too!.

There is little doubt that those who have visited the regions of the English Lake District and Cumbria will recall and recount with pleasure the images of the lakes, mountains and tarns which together are the fundamental components of this beautiful area.

There may also be some damp memories of a place with an above average rainfall. A phlegmatic Australian work colleague when caught in a particularly heavy shower during a visit some years ago concluded that it was wet as an otters pocket. This definition is certainly a strong contender for inclusion in all Lake District and Cumbria tourist information publications.

A well known feature of the region is one where rapidly changing weather conditions can transform a rainy day to one of clearing skies and sunshine within a short space of time, or vice-versa. This is especially so on the higher ground, and it is easy to visualize the difficulties experienced by the hill farmers and those workers, who, in earlier times, toiled all year round to collect the stone scattered on the fell-sides to use for building the dry stone walls which wind up and over seemingly impossibly steep gradients.

Areas of these fell-sides are the proving grounds in the traditional tests of skill and endurance by the men and women fell racers, and the dogs in the hound trailing contests.

Born in 1808, Will Ritson, a shepherd, wrestler, and latterly, landlord of the Wasdale Head Inn, was renowned as a highly entertaining raconteur of colourful tales. It is reported that even William Wordsworth and Thomas De Quincey on occasions, were to be found among an appreciative crowd of listeners.

He told of owning a dog, a cross between a trail hound and a golden eagle, capable of soaring over the dry stone walls and any other obstacle in its path. Credulous visitors from out of County were enthralled by his account of locally grown giant turnips, which, he said, were of such massive proportions, that villagers would spend weeks carving out edible portions before surrendering the remaining outer skins as shelters for the Herdwick sheep.

The end result of the popularity of Wills yarns has been the creation of the annual Biggest Liar in the World competition. The contest is held each year at the Bridge Inn, Santon, before an enthusiastic audience well nourished on a menu of tatie pie consisting of local mutton, black pudding, potatoes and red cabbage, washed down by some of the very fine and potent locally brewed ale. Be careful that tiger beef has not been an added ingredient!

There is no record of Will entering the World Gurning Championship held during the annual Egremont Crab Fair each September. Contestants stand on a stage with a horse collar placed over their head and shoulders. This unlikely adornment frames the attempts to contort their faces into distorted expressions. Winners of the most bizarre and grotesque faces are decided by the level of audience applause. It is believed that the Lake District in Cumbria is the only place in the world where such a contest is held. Visitors to our region may well hear a recalcitrant local child being reprimanded in terms of stop yer gurning.

Tradition is important to the town and village communities and many hours are spent in preparation for the village shows of the summer months featuring sheep-dog trials, sheep-shearing demonstrations, ferret racing (yes, ferret racing), livestock displays, side stalls, home-baked produce, and of course, Cumberland Wrestling.

Two very popular events are the Cumbria Steam Gathering of early traction engines, vintage/veteran buses, fire-engines, cars, motor-cycles and machinery, and the Westmorland County Show with emphasis on livestock, plus side-stalls offering a wide selection of wares including local products. Children are always well-catered for at all venues with an assortment of amusements both for the toddler and the older child.

This diverse blend of local events will add something extra to your visit and you will sense the local pride and be able to observe customs and timeless traditions which combine to make the Lake District and Cumbria so unique.

For men looking to get more out of life

I have 3 questions for you:
1. Have you ever wanted to retire to a sunny tropical climate?
2. Are you disenfranchised with the way things are going in your society and culture?
3. Do you long to become happy again?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may need to discover foreign lands. Those lands that completely break the norm and boundaries of your current culture.

I did just such a thing when I visited Thailand for the first time, and Ive been going back ever since. I fell in love with the country so much that I plan to retire there early, and spend the rest of my life as an expat.

Why do I want to do so, here are several reasons:
1.I love warm tropical climates
2.An abundance of single appreciative women
3.I need a country where my money can go a long way
4.I always wanted to live on the beach
5.It seems as though I no longer fit in

Finances

One of the main things to consider when planning such a move is finance. Although your dollars may go much further in Thailand, to under-finance your new life will be disastrous. You must look at the big picture. Once over there, your options to create income will be minimalso you must save! 10 to 20 grand is not going to do it for you.

Most Popular Areas for Expats In Thailand

Two of the most popular areas for expats in Thailand are Bangkok and Pattaya. Bangkok is an incredibly large city with all those goes along with a huge metropolis:
1.Shopping
2.Dining
3.Arts
4.Nightlife

Pattaya is a beach resort area huge into the nightlife. Pattaya first started out as an R and R spot for American soldiers during the Vietnam War and has been going strong ever since.

You dont have to limit yourself to these two areas, but first time expats are usually most comfortable in Bangkok or Pattaya due to the large expat communities.

Visa Runs

Once in Thailand, there is also the subject of remaining there legally. Most vacationers are granted a 30-day visa. When this is nearing an end, you must leave the country and re-enter so you are granted a new 30-day visa. This is a practice that will continue with your tenure in Thailand, unless you do the paperwork with the Thai government for a retirement visa.

Most expats choose to go on visa runs. In fact there are casinos built right on the Cambodian border for just this purpose.

If this sounds like a life you may be interested in, I caution you to read and research as much as you possibly can. You want to talk to as may expats as possible and get opinions on both sides.

Yours for more out of life,
Pattaya Joe

Germany has long been a mover and shaker of European history, creating waves in time for the rest of the continent to ride out. From Charlemagne and Otto von Bismarck to Nazism and the Cold War, Germany has become the epicenter of cutting-edge culture and music, and centuries of tradition and fine arts. The juxtaposition of medieval towns against ultra-modern industrialism is a fascinating reality to experience.

Thriving Urban Centers of Germany
The capital city of Berlin is by far the most dynamic and diverse metropolis for the German traveler. Despite reunification projects since the Wall came down in 1989, the city is still very much divided between the cosmopolitan chic of the West and the tattered Communist remains of the East. The Stasi Museum, located in East Berlin, is home to the former State Security Service. The intelligence body spied on and badgered citizens throughout the Communist era from this building. The Brandenburger Tor is a monumental building built in 1792 as one of the city’s 14 gates. The history of this landmark is tied directly with the enclosing of West Germany from the East as it was essentially barricaded in by the Berlin Wall.

In addition to the other popular urban destinations of Munich and Frankfurt, Aachen (also known as Aix-la-Chapelle) should not be missed on a German visit. It is considered the most international of cities in Germany, situated close to the Belgian and Netherlands borders. Many citizens and travelers enjoy regular access to both border nations. The main draw is the Aachen Dom (Aachen Cathedral), which is the oldest landmark in Germany. Emperor Charlemagne had the chapel constructed over 1200 years ago and Holy Roman Emperors were coroneted here for nearly 600 years. The cathedral is also alleged to possess Christ’s loincloth as part of its collection.

Fables and Fairytales
The German landscape is still comparable to your favorite fairytale or Robin Hood adventure. Castles in the sky preside over the rich green forests where Hansel and Gretel ventured to meet their witch. The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is famous for its intense evergreen canopy, vast outdoor activities and secluded get-a-ways. It also happens to be where Nobel Prize winner Hermann Hesse spent much of his life living and writing. The Maulbronn monastery, situated in the forest’s north end, is a UNESCO World Heritage sight that has been carefully preserved. The entire wooded expanse is dotted with medieval and farm towns and is fairly easy to navigate by train.

The notorious 19th century Bavarian king, Ludwig II (Ludwig Friedrich Wilhelm), left his personal legend all over the German countryside in the form of extravagantly ornate castles. Schloss Neuschwanstein is Ludwig’s (and Germany’s) most famous construction, particularly because he contracted a stage designer rather than an architect to do the job. Although the monstrosity was never actually finished, visitors may enjoy concerts in the castle’s centerpiece, Minstrel’s Hall, every September.

Along Germany’s southwest border, The Rhine Valley stretches as a monument to the country’s timeless culture and love affair with art, wine, food and beer. The Middle Rhine Valley (also a World Heritage sight) is the most popular segment, studded with medieval and gothic towns and wineries that hold their own festivals annually. Additionally, WWII has left its distinct mark throughout the region despite the incredible restoration efforts undertaken over the years.

Social revolutions, wars and a fair share of domestic turmoil combined with the legacy of the Holy Roman Empire and the split of the Protestant Church all make Germany unmistakably unique and internationally modern. Travel Germany and discover that it’s not all about the Beer Gardens!

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