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Gambier Islands - Mangareva

2008-03-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

Over one thousand miles southeast of Tahiti are the Gambier Islands.

The cradle of Catholicism during the nineteeth century following
the arrival of the first missionaries to the region, hundreds of stone
buildings from that era survive including churches, convents, schools,
and watch towers. Mangareva, the largest island of the region,
is home to most of the population and the center of the region's pearl industry.
The island's only small family pensions are located here in the town of Rikitea.

Raiatea & Taha'a

2008-03-20T06:10:00.000-07:00

Raiatea - The Sacred Island

Raiatea, meaning "faraway heaven" and "sky with soft light", was first named Havai'i after the homeland of the ancient Polynesians and is the most sacred island in the South Pacific.

This, the second largest Tahitian isle, was the center of religion and culture over 1000 years ago and still lends enchantment to ancient legends told to this day. The green-carpeted mountains covering the interior include the celebrated Mt. Temehani, a sort of Polynesian Mt. Olympus.

Where legends began and dreams are fulfilled.

Taha'a - The Vanilla Island

Taha'a, with the rich aroma of vanilla lingering heavily in the air, offers a glimpse of the traditional, tranquil life of the Tahitians. The flower-shaped island's simple beauty is charmed by soft mountain shapes and surrounded by tiny motu with bright sand beaches. In the fertile valleys cutting within the island, local farmers grow watermelon, vanilla, and copra.

With a heart-beat rhythm of life unique in the world.

Tiare Apetahi Flower
Upon Mt. Temehani on Raiatea lives a flower so rare it can be grown no place else on earth. Ancient legends spin a tragic romantic tale where the five petals of this white flower represent the hand of a common Tahitian girl who was in love with the son of a Tahitian king. Because she was not allowed to marry him, she died of a broken heart; the sound of which is re-created each dawn as the delicate petals open with a slight crackling sound.

Huahine

2008-03-20T06:07:00.000-07:00

Garden of Eden

Huahine, with its lush forests, untamed landscape, and quaint villages, is one of Polynesia's best-kept secrets.

A deep, crystal-clear lagoon surrounds the two islands while magnificent bays and white-sand beaches add drama and solitude to their virtues. Relatively unchanged by the modern world, Huahine's few residents welcome visitors with great kindness. The island's soil is rich and fertile, providing the farmers a bountiful harvest of vanilla, melons, and bananas.

The spell cast by Huahine will last a lifetime.

Huahine Coastline

Hermosa
This name bestowed by Captain Cook in 1769 means "beautiful" in Spanish. The name Huahine may come from the profile of a mountain which reveals the shape of a pregnant woman.

Mythology provides two legends for the creation of the two islands of Huahine: either the god Hiro cut the island in half with his canoe or a spear thrown in a contest among gods pierced Moorea's Mt. Mouaputa and then sailed 100 miles where it split Huahine in two!

Te Tiare Beach Resort Overwater Bungalows

Huahine Lagoon View

Tahitian Cultured Pearls

2008-03-12T17:43:00.000-07:00

The Purest Gem on Earth is Born Here

Perfection bestows perfection. The warm lagoon waters of the islands and atolls is Mother Nature's choice for the cultivation of the world's purest and most sought-after gem: the Tahitian Cultured Pearl.

The warm lagoons of many of the islands are among the most perfect
on earth because of the temperature, density, salinity, light,
and pure climate.
Commonly known as black pearls, Tahitian Cultured Pearls range widely
in pricing, size, shape and colors. From the darkest black to shimmering
shades of green, blue, bronze, aubergine, or even pink - these are truly
the jewels of the ocean.

Shopping for Pearls

This is the best place in the world to shop for pearls. With first-hand
expertise and an infinite selection from pearl shops, visitors quickly
discover that part of any vacation to Tahiti should include the purchase
of pearl keepsakes.

Every island has pearl experts who can show all price ranges, sizes,
and shapes as well as ideas for custom jewelry. Pearls can also be
bought individually for mounting by your home jeweler.
The warm lagoons of many of the islands are among the most perfect on earth because of the temperature, density, salinity, light, and pure climate. Commonly known as black pearls, Tahitian Cultured Pearls range widely in pricing, size, shape and colors. From the darkest black to shimmering shades of green, blue, bronze, aubergine, or even pink - these are truly the jewels of the ocean.

Shopping for Pearls

This is the best place in the world to shop for pearls. With first-hand expertise and an infinite selection from pearl shops, visitors quickly discover that part of any vacation to Tahiti should include the purchase of pearl keepsakes.

Every island has pearl experts who can show all price ranges, sizes, and shapes as well as ideas for custom jewelry. Pearls can also be bought individually for mounting by your home jeweler.

Alexander the Macedonian

2008-03-12T17:35:00.000-07:00

Alexander the Macedonian (356-323 BC), the king of Macedonia that conquered the Persian empire and annexed it to Macedonia, is considered one of the greatest military geniuses of all times. He is the first king to be called "the Great."

Alexander is supposed to have been fair skinned, with a ruddy tinge to his face and chest. Plutarch stated that he had a pleasing scent. Like all Macedonians, Alexander liked his liquor, but his fondness for wine also caused some of his outbursts of rage. Alexander liked drama, the flute and the lyre, poetry and hunting, but what he truly wanted in his life, was a glory and valor, rather than easy living and riches. He was not fond of athletic contests, according to Plutarch.

Alexander, born in Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia, was the son of Philip II, king of Macedonia, and of Olympia, a princess of Epirus. Philip and Olympia wanted nothing less than the best for their son, so when he was 13, his parents hired Aristotle to be his personal tutor. Alexander was trained together with other children of the nobility at Aristotles Nyphaeon. It is here that Alexander met Hephastion, his future best friend and alter ego. Aristotle gave Alexander a thorough training in rhetoric and literature and stimulated his interest in science, medicine, and philosophy, all of which became of the utmost importance for Alexander in his later life. The two later became estranged, due to their difference of opinion on the status of foreigners; Aristotle saw them as barbarians, while Alexander sought to unite Macedonians and foreigners.

In 340 BC, when Philip went to Byzantium to fight rebels, Alexander, a mere 16 years old, was left in charge of Macedonia as regent, with the power to rule in Philip's name in his absence. That Alexander was given such a position at such a young age indicates that he was already accomplished in battle. But Alexander never got along well with his father, although Philip was proud of Alexander for the Bucephalus incident. Alexander had always been closer to Olympia than toPhilip.Philip and Olympia also did not get along all that well, owing primarily to Olympia's non-Macedonian heritage.

The family essentially was split apart irreparably when Philip married a woman named Cleopatra, a Macedonian. At the wedding banquet, Cleopatra's father made a remark about Philip fathering a "legitimate" heir, i.e., one that was pure Macedonian. Alexander took exception and threw his cup at the man, and some sources say Alexander killed him. Enraged, Philip stood up and charged at Alexander, only to trip and fall on his face in his drunken stupor. Alexander, rather upset at the scene, is to have shouted:

"Here is the man who was making ready to cross from Europe to Asia, and who cannot even cross from one table to another without losing his balance."

When Philip divorced Olympia Alexander fled. Although allowed to return, he remained isolated until Philip was assassinated (some think that Olympia may have even had a role in Philip's murder), in the summer of 336 BC.

Olympia and Philip II

ALEXANDER ON THE MACEDONIAN THRONE
THE CRASH OF THE GREEK RESISTANCE

Alexander the Great ascended to the Macedonian throne when his father died. Once in power, he disposed quickly of all conspirators and domestic enemies by ordering their execution. Then he descended on Thessaly, where partisans of independence had gained ascendancy, and restored Macedonian rule. Before the end of the summer of 336 BC he had reestablished his position in Greece and was elected by a congress of states at Corinth.

But, Greek cities, like Athens and Thebes, which had pledged allegiance to Philip, were unsure if they wished to do the same for a twenty-year-old boy. Moreover, theHellenes considered Macedonian domination in the Greek states as an alien rule, imported from outside by the members of other tribes, the, as Plutarch says, allophyloi (Plutarchus, Vita Arati, 16). Likewise, northern barbarians that Philip had subdued were threatening to break away from Macedonia and wreak havoc in the north. Alexander's advisors suggested that he let Athens and Thebes go and to be gentle with the barbarians to prevent a revolt. However, in 335 BC, Alexander campaigned toward the Danube, to secure Macedonia's northern frontier. He carried out a successful campaign against the defecting Thracians, penetrating to the Danube River. Alexander marched quickly north and drove the rebelling barbarians beyond the Danube River and out of the way. On his return he crushed in a single week the threatening Illyrians.

On rumors of his death, a revolt broke out in Greece with the support of leading Athenians. Alexander marched south covering 240 miles in two weeks. Arrian related the story of how Alexander dealt with Thebes and Athens. There were rumors in these cities that Alexander had been killed, and that the time was right for them to separate themselves from Macedonia. Instead, in the fall of 335 BC, Alexander marched up to the gates of Thebes, and let them know that it was not too late for them to change their minds. The Thebans responded with a small contingent of soldiers, which Alexander repelled with archers and light infantrymen. The next day, Alexander's general, Perdiccas, attacked the gates. Perdiccas broke through and into the city, and Alexander moved the rest of his force in behind to prevent the Thebans from cutting Perdiccas off from the rest. The Macedonians then stormed the city, killing almost everyone in sight, women and children included. They plundered, sacked, burned and razed Thebes, as an example to the rest of Greece. Only the temples and the house of the poet Pindar were spared from distraction. Athens then quickly rethought its decision to abandon Alexander. Greece remained under Macedonian control.

THE BATTLES OF GRANICUS AND ISSUS

click here for full size map

Alexander began his war against Persia in the spring of 334 BC by crossing the Hellespont (modern Dardanelles) with an army of 35,000 Macedonians and 7,600 Greeks. He threw his spear from his ship to the coast and it stuck in the ground. He stepped onto the shore, pulled his weapon from the soil, and declared that the whole of Asia would be won by the spear. His chief officers, all Macedonians, included Antigonus, Ptolemy, and Seleucus.

The Macedonian army soon encountered the Persian army under King Darius III at the crossing of the river Granicus, near the ancient city of Troy. Alexander attacked an army of Persians and Greek hoplites (a heavily armed foot soldiers of ancient Greece) who distinguished themselves on the side of the Persians against the Macedonians. Alexander's forces defeated the enemy (totaling 40,000 men) and, according to tradition, lost only 110 men.

Then he turned northward to Gordion, home of the famous Gordian Knot. The legend behind the ancient knot was that the man who could untie it was destined to rule the entire world. Alexander simply slashed the knot with his sword and unraveled it.

Continuing to advance southward, in November of 333 BC, Alexander met Darius in battle for the second time at a mountain pass at Issus, in northeastern Syria. The size of Darius's army is unknown but although the Persian army greatly outnumbered the Macedonians, the narrow field of battle allowed Alexander to defeat the Persians. The Battle of Issus ended in a great victory for Alexander. Cut off from his base, Darius fled northward, abandoning his mother, wife, and children to Alexander, who treated them with the respect due to royalty.

In the next year, he marched down the Phoenician coast and received the surrenders of all of the major cities there except for Tyre. A seven-month siege of the city followed, and the Tyrians eventually surrendered to Alexander. Then he continued south into Egypt after he had secured the entire Aegean coast.

Macedonian Stonehenge in the village Kokino

2008-03-12T17:32:00.000-07:00

Macedonian Stonehenge in the village Kokino

by Kumanovo, in the region of Taticev Kamen the only megalithic observatory in the Balkans was discovered. The observatory is one of a kind. The locality is called Macedonian Stonehenge. This structure served to researches of the Sun and the Moon; it was built on Vulcan rocks, on a hill 1.013 meters above the sea level. It was confirmed that this location is from 1.815 B.C. The Kokino observatory was approximately built about 4.000 years ago.
read more about observatory in Kokino

The Monastery St. Triphun -Govrlevo

Has several smaller churches within its premises. It is located on a beautiful hill and has a central position. The monastery overviews the wonderful area on the south slopes of Vodno.

The monastery is visited by a large number of visitors and believers. At about 300 meters in the valley there is a Paleolithic settlement extending over 4 hectares of fertile soil. The locality is reminiscent of a large natural amphitheatre. It’s bordered with springs on both sides. The legends have it that they have remedial powers. One of the great tsars, Justinian the First, the great antic emperor, was cured in the springs. He was born in the antic Taorisum, modern Taor.

Golden Mask Alike the Trebenista One Excavated

30 September 2002 Sensational Finding at Samoil Fortress. This is an epochal discovery for the Macedonian, Balkan and European archaeology since it sheds additional scientific light to the widely famous Trebenista necropolis near Ohrid.

The tomb and all the items found in there date back to 5th B.C. pointing to the oldest burial within the Lichnidos necropolis...

Art & Culture / Churches and monasteries

2008-03-12T17:24:00.000-07:00

St. Panteleimon, Nerezi - near Skopje

The 12th century church of St. Panteleimon contemplates Macedonia’s capital city in untroubled serenity from the tiny village of Gorno Nerezi, high on the forested slopes of Mt. Vodno. Only a 15 minute drive from downtown Skopje, the church, which is one of the oldest and most important in Macedonia, was built and painted in 1164 under patronage of Byzantine prince Alexios Komnenos, whose name is immortalized in marble above the entrance to the church. It was dedicated to St. Panteleimon, the protector of health.

The monastery is most famous for its exceptional fresco paintings, which convey dramatic facial expression and emotions not commonly found in Byzantine art. In 1555 the main dome collapsed, but within a short time the monastery was renewed and repainted. Fragments of old frescoes were incorporated into the new ones. An example of a combination of a new and old painting is the fresco portrayal of The Communion of the Apostles. Among other well-known fresco themes are the Transfiguration, the Raising of Lazarus, the Birth of the Mother of God, the Presentation of the Mother of God to the Temple, The Entry into Jerusalem, and The Descent from the Cross.

The most impressive fresco in St Panteleimon, created under the influence of apocryphal religious literature, is The Lamentation of Christ. Art historians consider it a masterpiece, as it displays traits associated with renaissance art at a much earlier date than the blossoming of the Italian Renaissance.

The Church of St Spas - Skopje

The Church of St. Spas, situated in Skopje’s Old Town, is characterized by an unusual design: half of it was constructed underground, due to the 17th century edict of the Turkish Sultan that prohibited Christian structures from being higher than mosques. The church contains one of the most beautiful carved wooden iconostases in Macedonia, an early 19th century creation of the famous Mijak school of Macedonian wood carvers.

The founder of the Macedonian liberation movement of 1903 and its most prominent member, Goce Delcev, is buried in the courtyard of the church.

St Naum- Ohrid

The monastery of St Naum, set amidst lush verdure where the River Crn Drim tumbles into the lake, is a refuge of tranquility at the very corner of the Macedonian Republic. Situated 29 km (18 m) from the town of Ohrid, and only 1 kilometer (0.6 m) from the Albanian border, the monastery brings the Macedonian experience to a dramatic culmination.

As with most Byzantine churches, St. Naum was chosen primarily for its location – on a high, rocky outcropping over the lake, above deep forests and the life-giving springs of the Crn Drim. The monastic complex and church of St. Naum were built originally at the turn of the tenth century by the monk of the same name; Macedonians believe you can hear the saint’s heartbeat by pressing an ear to his stone coffin inside the church.

The monastery has been renewed and enlarged several times over the centuries. While most of its iconostases and frescoes date from the 16th and 17th centuries, earlier etchings in the Byzantine Greek vernacular also remain. But numerous orthographical mistakes indicate that they were written by Slavic-speaking local monks. Other inscriptions in the church make up some of the oldest epigraphic evidence of Slavic literacy.

The icons of St. Naum are among the best achievements of religious painting in the Balkans. They date from the first half of the 18th century. The wood-carved iconostasis itself was made in 1711 by an unknown artisan.

A final unusual element of St. Naum is located not on the inside of the church but on the outside: the preponderance of multi-colored peacocks strutting around and luxuriating in the grass.

St Sophia - Ohrid

A large church with compound foundations and a complex history, St Sophia is one of the most impressive medieval buildings in Ohrid. The church was the center of the Ohrid archiepiscopacy, which once had jurisdiction over the regions of the Danube, Thessalonica, and Albania.

Believed to have been built or rebuilt on the grounds of an early Christian basilica between the years 1035-1056, the church is one of the best representatives of Macedonian religious architecture.

During the time when Macedonia was part of the Ottoman Empire, the church was turned into a mosque and the frescoes were covered with plaster – thus luckily preserving them for future generations.

After World War II, the church was restored and the frescoes that date from the Byzantine period (11th -14th centuries) were revealed and cleaned.

Since its builders blessed it with wonderful acoustics, the church of St Sophia and its front yard are a main site for the annual Ohrid Summer Festival.

Plaosnik - Ohrid

Located in Ohrid’s old town, Plaosnik is an utterly unique phenomenon: it was recently reconstructed, with loving attention to detail, precisely in the style of a Byzantine church, right down to the red bricks and mortar.

An early Christian sacral building dating from the 5th century was discovered here, built over the remains of an older antique building whose cistern was found in the atrium of the newly built temple.

Today, Plaosnik is one of the most exhilarating Byzantine-style churches in Macedonia. Its floor is covered with mosaics of twenty wave-shaped tassel interspersed with the figures of flowers, birds and animals. The very fact of its reconstruction is evidence of the strong affection Macedonians still feel for their Byzantine heritage.

St. Joachim Osogovski – Kriva Palanka

The monastery of St. Joachim Osogovski, set amongst verdant green woods near the northeastern town of Kriva Palanka, was founded in the 12th century and rebuilt many times during the ensuing centuries. Its frescoes are especially characteristic of the 19th century. The monastery complex had always been an important cultural, religious, and educational center.

It consists of the church of St. Joachim Osogovski, a smaller church 14th century church dedicated to the Holy Mother of God, a three-story dormitory, a bell tower with a charnel house at the bottom, a passage building, guardhouse, new dormitories and a residency of the Head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church. Art colonies, scientific gatherings, and seminars are regularly organized in this complex.

St John Caneo - Ohrid

Just above a small fishing settlement, on a cliff rising up from Ohrid Lake, stands one of the most magnificent churches in all of Macedonia.

Built in the honor of St. John the Theologian, St. Kaneo with its sublime atmosphere and views of the placid lake below remains an inspiring place for spiritual contemplation.

The church, which was consecrated at the end of the 13th century, was built on a rectangular stone base. Its exterior is decorated with ceramic decorative sculptures and stone carvings.

Though the fresco painters are unknown, the fragments that have been preserved are of exceptional quality; The Communion of the Apostles and the portraits of St. Clement, St. Erasmus and Constantine Kavasilas especially stand out.

An extraordinarily unique construction, built as it is from a combination of Byzantine and Armenian architectural styles, St. Kaneo is indeed one of the most beautiful churches in Macedonia and in the whole Balkan region.

Markov Monastery - Skopje

Only 20 km (12 m) distant from the city, yet a world away in terms of atmosphere, Markov Monastery sits amidst flowering woods in the village of Markova Sushica. The construction of the church, dedicated to the martyr St Demetrius, began during the reign of King Volkashin (1346/47) but was painted and completed only some 30 years later. The church was built on a three-nave base with a vaulted dome on stone. Unlike many monasteries affected by Ottoman rule, Markov has retained its original structure and form.

The church has tremendous importance for Byzantine art, as it contains many examples of highly unique frescoes. Some seem to have arrived here out of the blue, as it were, while others of a known iconographic design underwent such dramatic stylistic changes that they came to form new iconographic entities in their own right.

During Byzantine times, the monastery had its own school and many manuscripts were written by the monks and priests. Among the most famous ones are the Prologue – a preface written by deacon Nikola (1370), and a letter (1362) by a monk known as Varlam.

The monastic complex today contains dormitories, dining room that are richly decorated with frescoes, a bell tower, an old mill, a wishing well full of cold spring water, and storerooms. The monastery still has an operating oven and a special stove for making rakija (a kind of brandy).

St Jovan Bigorski

St. Jovan Bigorski is a 19th century monastery standing on the slopes of Debar’s Mt. Bistra, above the banks of the River Radika. While relatively new, St. Jovan was constructed over the remains of an older church dating from 1021.

Built on a steep slope surrounded by dense woods and rocky hills, St Jovan is reminiscent of the cliff top monasteries of Mt. Athos in Greece.

Since the monastery is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the faithful believe that icons with his image are blessed with a miraculous healing power.

The monastery also has a small silver coffin containing alleged relics of St. John. The monastery complex includes a dining room and old monastic dormitory, a tower, a charnel house, and two fountains spilling over with fresh mountain water.

Church of St George - Staro Nagoricane

This ethereal 14th century church is richly decorated with frescoes, and was built on the site of a much older shrine. Serbian King Milutin refurbished it in 1313, and its haunting, otherworldly frescoes were painted from 1317-18 by Mihajlo and Eftihie, two of the greatest painters in the Byzantine Balkans. The Church of St. George serves as a vital link to Macedonia’s Byzantine past.

Art & Culture > Historical Sites

The Stone Bridge - Skopje

The Stone Bridge, dating back to the 15th century, is the most prominent landmark of Skopje; the bridge connects the old and the new parts of the city.

Although the guardhouse on the highest point of the bridge was damaged on several occasions, modern restoration is underway to bring the bridge closer to its original condition.

The Old Town - Skopje

Skopje’s Old Town (or Stara Charsija, as the locals call it) is located on the eastern bank of the River Vardar, opposite the modern city center. Today it is a vibrant quarter filled with winding streets of cobblestone and narrow archways, of centuries-old mosques and a Turkish bath.

Even before the arrival of the Ottomans, Stara Charsija had been the city’s commercial hub, with documented history dating it back to at least the 12th century. With its mix of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, and hundreds of little shops, it remains one of the biggest and the most colorful centers of its kind in Europe.

Here, age-old traditions are kept alive by goldsmiths, shoemakers, coppersmiths and other skilled craftspeople.

At the far end of the Old Town is the covered market (Bit Pazar), which originates in the Turkish period. Here everything from vegetables to textiles to bric-a-brac are bought and sold. Numerous tea rooms, pastry shops and exchange offices line the adjacent alleys.

Among the Old Town’s finest attractions are several Islamic buildings from the 15th century. The Daut Pasha Hamam, one of the largest Turkish baths in the Balkans dating from 1466, today hosts the National Art Gallery’s special collection. The Chifte Hamam, which once operated as a bath with separate rooms for women and men, also today serves as a gallery for contemporary art. The unique Kursumli Han is a former caravansaray, or inn, used by traders during the Turkish period. Finally, the ornate Mustafa Pasha Mosque, with its high minaret and impressive marble interior, stands as Skopje’s most important monument to the Turkish Islamic tradition.

The Old Town also features Christian churches, such as that dedicated to St. Spas, famous for its finely carved wooden iconostasis dating from 1824, and also the 19th century church of St. Dimitrije.

Skopje Fortress "Kale"

On a high cliff overlooking the River Vardar, Skopje’s fortress (dubbed ‘Kale’ from the Turkish) has kept a watchful eye on things for centuries.

As the highest point in Skopje, Kale has always been prized by local inhabitants. Long before the Turks created the extensive castle walls that survive today, settlements had existed here. The earliest traces of life date back to the Neolithic period and early Bronze Age, or some 4,000 years before Christ.

The present fortress was originally built by the Byzantines in the 6th century C.E., with stone walls some 121 meters (400 feet) long. According to archaeologists, the stone blocks used in this construction were taken from the destroyed city of Skupi nearby.

Due to its strategic location, the fortress was built, destroyed and rebuilt many times by different conquerors. After the 1963 earthquake, Kale’s circular, rectangular and square towers were conserved and restored.

Kale today is one of Skopje’s best sightseeing spots, offering a fantastic view of the city and proximity to the sites of the city’s Ottoman old town. It also hosts outdoor theatrical performances in summer.

Stobi

The ancient city of Stobi, lying in a fertile valley just a few minutes off the central north-south highway that connects Macedonia with Greece, was a vital trade route in its day. This crossroad of ancient civilizations has left a rich legacy of antique theaters, palace ruins, brightly-colored mosaics and religious relics for visitors today to enjoy.

As a city, Stobi is first mentioned in documents from the 2nd century B.C.E. However, archaeologists believe that the town had been inhabited from at least 400 years earlier. Stobi became a rich and prosperous city due to its location on the crossroads of important trade routes. It experienced its biggest period of growth from the 3rd-4th centuries C.E.

The archaeological site (located just 3 km or 1.8 miles from the Gradsko exit on Highway E-75) offers sweeping views of the central Macedonian plain and contains buildings such as the 2nd century amphitheatre, the Theodosia palace, and early Christian ruins with extensive and ornate mosaic floors.

Antique Theater – Ohrid

The builders of Ohrid’s ancient theater calculated carefully when they put the building in the very center of the elevated old town. The open theater has a perfect location, as the two hills (Gorni Saraj and Deboj) keep it protected from winds that could interfere with acoustics during performances.

Discovered by accident and later completely excavated, this four-thousand square meter monument to Antique Greco-Roman culture is today used during the Ohrid Summer Festival for performances of ancient tragedies and comedies. It offers a wonderful view of the lake and Mt. Galicica to the southeast.

Heraclea -Bitola

Famous for its dazzling mosaics, ancient theater and Roman baths, Heraclea is the most vividly preserved city from the Ancient Macedonian empire surviving in the country.

Founded in the 4^th century B.C.E. and conquered by the Romans two centuries later, it was built on the Via Egnatia and became one of the key stations on this trading route.

From the 4^th-6^th centuries C.E. Heraclea also had an Episcopal seat. The first excavations were done before the First World War, but only since then have the full glories of the ancient city been revealed. Beautiful Roman baths, the Episcopal church and baptistery, a Jewish temple, portico and a Roman theater now used for summer concerts and theater shows all survive in excellent condition.

Skupi

The archaeological site of the Antique Roman city of Skupi is located 3 km (1.8 m) north of Skopje, near the villages of Bardovci and Zlokukani. First mentioned in the year 3 B.C.E. and founded by the Dardanians, it quickly developed into an important regional center when the Romans made it the capital of their Dardanian Province.

With the creation of a Christian episcopacy a few centuries later, the city's economical and cultural importance grew yet again. A disastrous earthquake in 518 C.E. destroyed the city, but later a new town was built on top of the rubble, named Justiniana Prima after its founder, the famous Byzantine emperor Justinian.

Cocev Kamen (Tsote’s Stone), the village of Sopsko Rudare, in the Municipality of Kratovo

Cocev Kamen (Tsote’s Stone) is a unique site, which joins the grounds for sacrificial rituals, a temple, painted rock art and a prehistoric observatory.

A few years ago the Rock Art Research team of the World Academy of Rock Art has discovered the most imposing and significant cultural monument from the prehistory, in the village of Sopsko Rudare, in the Municipality of Kratovo.

There were two rows of rock seats engraved under the cave, which joined by the platform formed a theater. This is the first theatre of that kind discovered in the World. Gea Mater, a bone, has been discovered near the cave which tells us that the cave was used by the people in the Paleolithic. There was a smaller natural cave, above this cave until the Bronze Age, when the spiritual leaders of the population who inhabited the surroundings of “Tsotsev Kamen”, organized cave’ s warming for spirituals needs.

The rock is a fascinating location, resembles a site as if from fantasy films, full of secret meanings that incite the imagination.

The Mountains in Macedonia

2008-03-12T17:23:00.000-07:00

The mountains in Macedonia are divided according to the following criteria:Time of origin, the geological composition, the size and the geographical orientation, they are divided in two groups: Rhodope and Dinaric. Height: high, medium and low.In the first division, the Rhodope group is considered as older and embraces the larger part of the mountain regions in eastern Macedonia, while the Dinaric group is younger and divided in 3 subgroups: Vardar zone, which includes the mountains on the both sides of the river Vardar, right after the great curve of the river north-west of Skopje. Pelagonia massif, located on the west-southwest of the Vardar zone and eastern of the Shara zone. Shara zone, the highest one in Macedonia, is located in the most western part of the country, and stretches in north-south direction along the borders with Serbia and Montenegro, Albania and Greece.

According to the second division, the group of high mountains of altitude above 2000 meters includes: Korab 2764 (2864m), Shar Planina (2747m) Baba (2601m), Jakupica (2540m), Nidze (2521m), Deshat (2373m), Krchin (2341m), Galichica (2288m), Stogovo (2273m), Jablanica (2257 m), Osogovo (2252m), Kozhuf (2171m), Bistra (2163m), Raduka (2080m), Cheloica (2062m) and Belasica (2029m). Medium mountains between 1000 and 2000m height above see level include: Plakenska (1999m), Vlaina (1932m), Pesok (1917m) Ilinska (1909m), Suva Gora (1857m), Kozjak (1822m), Karaorman (1794m), Busheva (1788m), Ljuben (1764m), Plachkovica (1754m), Babuna (1746m), Maleshevska (1745m), Ograzden (1744m), Bilino (1703m), Baba Sach (1698m), Selechka (1663m), Bigla (1656m), Crna Gora (1651m), Skopska Crna Gora (1628m), Bezimena (Nameless) with the peak Chave (1557m), Golak (1538m), Bukovik (1528m), Krushevska (1524m), Dren (1511m), Bezimena (Nameless), south of Krushevo, with the peak Buka (1494m), Bezimena (Nameless), north-west of Bitola, with the peak Bel Kamen (1431m), Goten (1430m), Osoj (1401m), German (1387m), Beaz Tepe (1348m), Kozjak (1326m), Bezimena (Nameless) western from Demir Hisar (1318m), Malinska (1235m), Zheden (1264m), Suva Planina (1189m), Konechka/Serta (1159m), Klepa (1150m), Vodno (1066m), Vitachevo (1039m), Gradeshka (1002m).The group of low mountains, from 500 to 1000m altitude comprises of: Plavush (996m), Smrdesh (971m), Mangovica (874m), Gradishanska (861m).

The mountains in the Republic of Macedonia, by their shape are very different, ranging from mild round shape in the eastern part, to fully Alpine in the western part. Such diversity offers great possibilities for developing sports as alpinism, sport climbing, speleological, cannoning, paragliding, skiing, ski-climbing etc. On the slopes of some of the mountains, there are ski-centers, such as Popova Shapka on Shar Planina, Mavrovo (Bistra), Begova Cheshma (Baba), Krushevo (Krushevo Mountain), Oteshevo (Galichica) and other smaller centers, constantly developing.

Macedonia Lakes

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Lake Mavrovo

The largest artificial lake in Macedonia is part of Mavrovo National Park. Due to its elevation (over 1,000 meters, or 3,000 feet), this mountain lake sometimes freezes over in winter. Abundant with the famous trout, Lake Mavrovo also makes for an excellent swimming and boating spot in the summer months. An additional point of interest is the half-submerged church in the middle of the lake.

Lake Ohrid

Lake Ohrid is the largest and most beautiful of Macedonia’s three tectonic lakes. Its astonishingly clean, clear waters together with the serene stillness of its mountain setting have captivated visitors since prehistoric times. The lake is enormous, at some 30 kilometers (18 miles) long and up to 288 meters (945 feet) deep.

While the lake is fed by water from three rivers, most of Ohrid’s water comes from another lake- Prespa, on the other side of the Galicica Mountain. Being at a higher elevation, Prespa spills its water down to Ohrid through mountain springs, the most important being Ostrovo near the monastery of St Naum, and Biljana near Ohrid town.

With its unique flora and fauna characteristic of the tertiary period (2-4 million years ago), Ohrid is one of Europe’s great biological reserves. Most of the lake’s plant and animal species are endemic and unique to Ohrid. The most famous among these are two types of Ohrid Trout (letnica and belvica, in Macedonian). Other unique Ohrid creatures include two types of eel as well as the bleak, whose scales are used for making the well-known Ohrid pearl. This treasured jewel is produced according to a secret method passed down from generation to generation. Sport fishing attracts many passionate fishermen from Macedonia, Europe and the world.

In 1980 Lake Ohrid was proclaimed a place of world cultural and natural inheritance by UNESCO.

Lakes

Prespa Lake

The two Prespa Lakes – Golema (Great) and Mala (Small) are the only ones on the Balkan Peninsula to have islands. The five- Golum Grad, Mala Grad, Pirg, Agios Achillaeos and Vidrinec- are located in the three countries that share the lakes today, Macedonia, Albania and Greece. With its irregular coastline, plethora of bays, extraordinary cleanliness of water, pristine nature, and setting between three national parks, Prespa is truly a place one must visit.

With a surface area of 273 sq. km, Great Prespa Lake is the second largest in Macedonia after Ohrid. Between the two lies the Galicica Mountain, through which flows an underground stream named Zavir.

Through it, Lake Prespa supplies Lake Ohrid with water that comes out on the other side near the monastery of St. Naum and in the Biljana spring near Ohrid town.

The Prespa region is ecologically speaking the cleanest part of Macedonia, its nature seemingly untouched by human hands. The white pelican, black raven, heron and gull all congregate near the lake so abundant with fish, which include varieties such as trout, carp, red finned carp, chub, barbell, and others.

While the unpopulated island of Golem Grad is a protected nature reserve, it is also accessible to tourists. The island is characterized by its century-old juniper trees, as well as the abundance of endemic animal life. When the level of the water falls, old settlements from the 11th and 12th centuries become visible.

Lakes

Lake Dojran

According to an old legend, a Macedonian girl named Dojrana was accustomed to fetching water from special springs that had to be sealed following use. Yet at the very moment Dojrana was filling her jugs, she heard that her beloved had come back from the army, and forgot to seal the springs. Lake Dojran was, the legend says, the result of her unthinking euphoria.

Due to the Mediterranean climate of southern Macedonia and the proximity of the balmy Aegean not far to the south, vegetation starts blooming in the Dojran area in early spring and continues to do so until late autumn. And so though Lake Dojran is only 10 meters (30 feet) deep at its deepest point, it is brimming with life. Owing to the large quantity of weeds that grow in the lake and the large number of plankton on its surface, Dojran’s waters are considered to be very beneficial for treating rheumatism, skin diseases and respiratory diseases, and many tourists come for precisely this reason.

Characteristic of the lake are the fishing boats and the fishermen’s huts standing on stilts above the surface of the water. The method of fishing here is very original and very old, performed with the help of the cormorants, gulls and other birds that fly above the lake, directing the fish into the baskets where they are gathered in huge quantities.

The father of history himself, Herodotus, noted Dojran’s great richness in fish way back in the 5th century B.C.E. According to him, the lake was so teeming with fish that if you put an empty basket in the water at night, by morning it would be full. These days, the best known types of fish are red-finned carp, trout, perch, sheatfish, eel and claw-fish.

Mladost Lake

Some 7 km (4.2 m) from Veles, Mladost (meaning, ‘young’) artificial lake provides an ideal escape resort. Abundant with fish, hidden in the deep forests of central Macedonia, it is a blue gem waiting to be discovered by the wandering traveler.

Lakes

Lake Spilje - Debar

Debar’s Lake Spilje is the second-biggest artificial lake in the country, set in the solitude of Macedonia’s western forests. As it is rich with many species of fish, Lake Spilje is visited by passionate fishermen, and also makes for good boating.

Macedonia

2008-03-12T17:19:00.000-07:00

Exploring Macedonia

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Bitola - Introduction

Macedonia’s second city, Bitola is a grand old town that still bears the marks of its turn-of-the-century importance as a center for diplomacy – while also exemplifying the country’s time-honored cafe culture.

The many cafes lining the city’s pedestrian main street (the Sirok Sokak) provide endless see-and-be-seen opportunities for Bitola’s fashionable youth. The stately old architecture of Bitola hearkens back to more than a century ago when the town was a center for international diplomats to the Ottoman administration, supplanting Skopje and becoming known far and wide as the “city of the consuls.”

Even today, some of the faded elegance of that bygone time can be seen in the neoclassical facades of downtown buildings and the old gentlemen conversing in Bitola’s flowering park, all decked out in their finest Sunday suits and hats.

A city of 125,000 inhabitants, Bitola has all of the characteristics of modern life: cultural events, professional athletics, hotels and nightlife.

At the same time, its proud and patriotic people are committed to passing on the Macedonian cultural heritage. In addition to the famous Bitola Theater, the city has over 500 traditional songs dedicated to it.

Exploring Macedonia

2008-03-12T17:15:00.001-07:00

Ohrid - the city and the lake

Ohrid, immortal Ohrid – a kingdom of light and water, a repository of ancient ruins from Macedonia’s earlier kingdoms – is the sublime lakeside town that for many represents the culmination of the Macedonian experience.

Ohrid’s major attractions are all located within a remarkably concentrated and eminently walkable area, among and above the narrow streets of the Old Town, itself lined with restaurants and cafes perfectly suited for relaxing on cool summer evenings. Ohrid’s many café bars and nightclubs also make for vibrant nightlife.

As for the lake itself, it is so large and so deep that one might mistake it for a small sea. The full range of water sports, fishing and boating is available, and numerous churches alongside Ohrid’s lake shores make for fascinating side trips.

The wooded ridge above the lake’s eastern shore is largely taken up by Galicica National Park, a pristine wilderness area ideally suited for nature enthusiasts.

The uniqueness of Ohrid’s lake and historical architecture have been attested by UNESCO, which honored the town with an official designation as one of the few places on the cultural institution’s “World Inheritance” list.

Ohrid- History and Museums

Archaeological finds indicate that Ohrid is one of the oldest human settlements in all of Europe. The lake itself is over three million years old. Ohrid town is first mentioned in Greek documents from 353 B.C.E., when it was known as Lychnidos - or, “the city of light.” Only much later, in 879 C.E., was it renamed Ohrid. The name probably derives from the Macedonian phrase “Vo Hrid” – meaning roughly, “the town on the hill.”

Apart from its ancient theater (which is still in use today), the ancient Lychnidos boasted a classical agora, gymnasium, civil basilicas and temples to the gods of Greek Antiquity. Under Roman rule it developed more of the typical Roman architectural traits, and became an important transit point on the Via Egnatia trade route that bisected the Balkans.

The town as we know it today was built mostly between the 7th and 19th centuries. During the Byzantine period, Ohrid became a significant cultural and economic center, serving as an episcopal center of the Orthodox Church and as the site of the first Slavic university run by St. Clement and St. Naum at the end of the 9th century. At the beginning of the 11th century, Ohrid briefly became the capital of Macedonia’s greatest medieval ruler, Samuel, whose fortress still presides over the city today.

During Ottoman times, Ohrid remained the seat of the autocephalous Ohrid archiepiscopacy (until 1726). During its Byzantine apogee, the town was renowned for its 365 churches and monasteries. These, and a large number of sacral edifices, have been preserved and make up a large part of Ohrid’s rich medieval past.

Today, one of the city’s museums has a collection of more than 800 Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons, most of which were painted between the 11th and 14th centuries. Art historians count this collection as being one of the most important in the world, along with those of the Tretiakov Gallery in Moscow and Mt. Athos in Greece.

Exploring Macedonia

2008-03-12T17:07:00.000-07:00

Skopje - Introduction

In its 2,500 years of existence, Macedonia’s welcoming capital city has had many different incarnations. All of them – from Roman to Byzantine, from Ottoman to Yugoslav – have left indelible traces on the city, as is evidenced by Skopje’s varied architecture and its mix of cultures. Yet in addition to its strong historical associations, Skopje is also a forward-looking city offering an abundance of modern amenities and attractions.

Here one can find sleek modern hotels above cobblestoned Ottoman streets, stately neoclassical homes right around the corner from grand old Yugoslav-era buildings, chic cafes, shopping malls and brightly-colored new offices, red-bricked Byzantine churches and rounded Turkish mosques.

The concentrated complexity of Skopje today entices visitors, offering a great variety of things to see and do and constantly reminding of the city’s storied past. Chief among sights to see are the Stone Bridge crossing the River Vardar, the Ottoman-era Old Town (Stara Charshija), and the Kale Fortress walls. In the meandering narrow streets of Stara Charshija one feels the spirit of the old city, with its little shops, mosques with their ceramic tiled interiors, and the outdoor bazaar and hamam that survive from Turkish times. A short climb up to the Kale Fortress is well rewarded; from this hilltop where Skopje’s masters ruled for centuries one enjoys a commanding view of the city and its environs.

The world’s best cities all contain at least one secluded natural escape. Skopje has two – a long, tree-lined park along the river, and the forested hills of Mt. Vodno, which overlooks the city from the southwest and offers excellent hiking and wilderness serenity within walking distance of downtown Skopje. The summit of Mt. Vodno is also crowned by the enormous Millennium Cross that presides over the city. From here one gets even more magnificent views of Macedonia’s capital.

Macedonia’s capital offers something to satisfy all modern tastes and appetites. It features brand-new cinemas, hotels and restaurants, as well as shopping malls offering all of the latest fashions, and usually at lower prices than in Western countries. The city is a major regional center for concerts, theatrical performances, dance and sporting events, all of which frequently involve well-known stars from abroad, as well as the best in local talent.

Skopje also boasts reliable public transportation and taxis, as well as a plethora of modern internet cafes for keeping in touch with the folks back home. And it is also one of the safest cities in Europe. Hotels operating to the highest standards are centrally located, the water is eminently drinkable and the food hearty and nourishing, with all international tastes represented- in addition to the excellent local cuisine, of course!

Skopje - History of the city

Apart from being the capital of the modern Republic of Macedonia, Skopje has always been a center of power long coveted by various empires.

The city founded by the Dardanians in the 3rd century B.C.E. under the name of ‘Skupi’ was prized for its strategic location, in a long valley between two hills, situated on the banks of the River Vardar, a vital trade route. Under the Romans, Skopje was made administrative center of the Dardanian Province. The city’s prestige grew when the Orthodox Church made it an episcopal seat during the early Byzantine Empire.

The arrival of migrating Slavic tribes from the Carpathians in the 6th century C.E. changed both the city’s name and the composition of its people, as the descendants of the ancient Macedonians were assimilated by the Slavic newcomers.

Throughout the remaining Byzantine centuries, Skopje continued to be an important mercantile center, situated as it was at the crossroads of Balkan trade and communications routes. It was celebrated for its urban life and fortress, and renowned for having the most beautiful church in the region.

At the very end of the 14th century, Skopje and all of Macedonia fell under the sway of the Ottoman Turks. In the ensuing centuries, the look of the town changed with the construction of many mosques, Turkish baths, bridges and other buildings attesting to the new Oriental influence. Today, the Ottoman legacy remains visible in Skopje’s architecture and Islamic minority.

This latter tendency reached its apogee in 1963, when a disastrous earthquake leveled much of the regal old city.

After Macedonia was liberated from the Turks in the early 20th century, it became a republic of the Yugoslav Federation, with Skopje as the capital. At that time, the prosperous city boasted many ornate, Neoclassical buildings laid out harmoniously in a more or less Central European style. However, in 1963 a disastrous earthquake leveled much of the regal old city, and Skopje was reborn in the imaginative, futuristic style in vogue at the time. An international competition to redesign the city was won by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. His creations, such as the National Theater with its sloping roof of concrete, have shaped Skopje’s modern skyline. To this day, the clock on the remaining wall of the old railway station remains stuck at 5:17- the moment when the earthquake hit.

Today, Skopje is a modern city of almost one million, and Macedonia’s major political, economical, educational and cultural center. It continues to attract new residents, economic development, construction and refurbishment. Skopje is also increasingly becoming a vital regional route for international flight operators. Optimism regarding Skopje’s future prospects is proving infectious, as is evidenced by the upsurge of interest from major foreign investors. The city’s growth can only add to its long and illustrious history of culture and commerce.

Tahiti History and Culture

2008-03-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

Culture
The Tahitians of the modern era maintain their heritage and traditions of their Maohi ancestors.

Oral history recounts the adventures of gods and warriors in
colorful legends where javelin throwing was the sport of the gods,
surf riding was favored by the kings, and Aito strongmen
competed in outrigger canoe races and stone lifting as a show
of pure strength.

Marae
The open-air sanctuaries called marae were once the center
of power in ancient Polynesia. These large, stone structures,
akin to temples, hosted the important events of the times
including the worship of the gods, peace treaties, celebrations of war,
and the launch of voyages to colonize distant lands.

Heiva i Tahiti
In celebration of ancient traditions and competitions, the annual
Heiva festival has been the most important event in Tahiti for
the past 122 years. For visitors, there is no better place in the
world to be during July than surrounded by this pure display
of Polynesian festivity. Tahitians gather in Papeete from many
islands to display their crafts, compete in ancient sporting events,
and recreate traditional and elaborate dance performances.

Marae

Heiva i Tahiti
Tattoo
The word tattoo originated in Tahiti. The legend of Tohu,
the god of tattoo, describes painting all the oceans’ fish in
beautiful colors and patterns. In Polynesian culture,
tattoos have long been considered signs of beauty,
and in earlier times were ceremoniously applied when reaching adolescence.

Music and Dance
The beauty, drama, and power of today’s Tahitian
dance testify to its resilience in Polynesian culture.
In ancient times, dances were directly linked with
all aspects of life. One would dance for joy, to welcome a visitor,
to pray to a god, to challenge an enemy, and to seduce a mate.
Dance is still accompanied by traditional musical instruments
such as thunderous drums, conch shells, and harmonic nasal flutes.
Modern Tahitian music is enjoyable as well, with a sound that
often blends Polynesian rhythm and Western melody.

Handcrafts
The skills of the ancestors’ artistry are kept sacred and
passed on by both the “mamas,” the guardians of tradition
and the matriarchs of Tahitian society as well as by skilled
craftsmen. Items include weaving, quilting, wooden sculptures
and bowls, drums, tapa, carvings, and hand-dyed pareu.

Tahiti Handcraft

Tahiti Music and Dance

Canoes
Centuries before the Europeans concluded that the earth was round,
the great voyagers of Polynesia had already mastered the Pacific Ocean.
Aboard massive, double-hulled outrigger canoes called tipairua,
they navigated by stars and winds. Today, the canoe still plays
a role in everyday Tahitian life and is honored in colorful races
and festivals throughout the islands.

Flowers
Tropical flowers seem to be everywhere on the islands,
particularly in the hair of Tahitians. Hibiscus blossoms are
worn behind the ear or braided with palm fronds into floral crowns.
The Tiare Tahiti flower is used in leis for greeting arriving
visitors and returning family. Tradition holds that, if taken,
women and men wear a flower behind their left ear.

Tahiti Canoe

Tahiti Pareu

History
Around 4000 BC, a great migration began from Southeast Asia
across open ocean to settle the Pacific Islands. Many researchers
conclude that Tonga and Samoa were settled around 1300 BC
and from here colonization voyages were launched to the
Marquesas Islands in about 200 BC. Over the next several centuries,
great migrations to colonize all the Tahitian islands and virtually
the entire South Pacific took place.

This area of the Pacific ocean is now called the “Polynesian Triangle”
and includes Hawaii to the north, Easter Island to the southeast,
and New Zealand to the southwest. As a result of these migrations,
the native Hawaiians and the Maoris of New Zealand all originate
from common ancestors and speak a similar language collectively
known as Maohi.

Discover Tahiti

2008-03-12T16:43:00.000-07:00

If you were here you’d be you again…

Maeva! Welcome!

Tahiti – Moorea – Bora Bora – island names that evoke a wonderful state of mind, seducing honeymooners, romantics, adventurers, and vacationers looking for escape.

Le Meridien Tahiti

Here, around these South Seas isles, a romantic sunset sea
sends giant curls of turquoise breaking onto the colorful
reefs that protect the tranquil lagoons of warm,
bright-emerald waters and white coral-sand beaches.

Intercontinental Bora Bora

Sofitel Moorea Beach

Closer Than You Think

Easier to travel to than you might imagine,
Tahiti's Faa'a Airport is under 8 hours by air from
Los Angeles LAX airport, with daily nonstop flights
and starting in the summer of 2005 – 3 non-stop
flights a week from New York’s JFK airport.
As far south of the equator as Hawaii is north,
Tahiti is halfway between California and Australia,
on the same side of the International Date Line as
North America, and in the same time zone as
Hawaii - (only three hours behind California April-October
and two hours behind California November-March).

Intercontinental Rersorts

Intercontinental Resort

Speak Tahitian

2008-03-12T16:37:00.000-07:00

Learn a few useful words and phrases

Even though English is spoken and understood in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, learning a few Tahitian words and phrases is encouraged and appreciated.

It can also be helpful, but not mandatory, to brush up on a few basic French phrases as French and Tahitian are the official languages and both are commonly used.

The Tahitian alphabet contains only thirteen letters.
Vowels: a as in car, e as in may, i as in machine, o as in cold, and u as in salute.
Consonants: f,h,m,n,p,r,t,v pronounced as in English with the exceptions of the
h pronounced sh when preceded by i or followed by o and the r sometimes having a trill sound.

hello, good day, friendly greeting – ia orana
goodbye – nana
welcome – maeva
thank you – mauru'uru
no problem!, no worries! – aita pe'ape'a
how are you? – eaha te huru?
good! – maita'i
to your health, toast – manuia

house – fare
bank – fare moni
church – fare pure
post office – fare rata
hospital – fare ma’i
store – fare toa

doctor – taote
police – muto’i

man – tane
woman – vahine
child – tamarii

yes – e, oia
no – aita

small – iti
big, large – nui

islet in the lagoon – motu
ancient temple – marae
traditional quilts – tifaifai
traditional dance – tamurei
fenua – land
flower – tiare
ocean – moana
sun – mahana
moon – avae
star – fetia
earth oven – himaa
feast – tamaaraa

morning – poipoi
evening – ahiahi

Tahiti Inter-Island Travel

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Travel between Tahiti Islands

Travel to the neighboring islands is short, convenient, and easily arranged.

The domestic airlines, Air Tahiti and Air Moorea, are located at Tahiti Faa’a Airport.

Air Tahiti

Air Tahiti
As the major inter-island airline, Air Tahiti serves 40 islands with newer,
twin-engine, jet-prop aircraft. Flights to the neighboring islands depart from
Tahiti Faa’a Airport with frequent daily service between the most visited islands.

Air Moorea
Air Moorea is the quickest way to Moorea.
These shuttle flights of less than 10 minutes are considered
to be one of the shortest commercial flights in the world.
Air Moorea departs every 30- to 60-minutes from Tahiti Faa’a International
Airport and also serves the island of Tetiaroa.
The airline operates both scheduled flights
with reservations and shuttle flights for walk ups.
Air Moorea

Aremiti

Aremiti, Tahiti-Moorea-Tahiti
Between Tahiti and Moorea, Aremiti operates the
high-speed Aremiti Catamaran 4 which seats 495 passengers
for a 30-minute one-way crossing. For transport of autos and passengers,
the Aremiti Ferry crosses in
1 hour. Both have frequent daily schedules from the waterfront in
Papeete to Vaiare, Moorea.

Moorea Express, Tahiti-Moorea-Tahiti
Between Tahiti and Vaiare, Moorea, the Moorea Express catamaran seats
306 passengers for frequent 30-minute crossings and the Moorea Ferry
seats 300 passengers plus autos for 1 hour crossings.

Other Ferry Transportation
Other infrequent inter-island ferries are available but are not recommended
as a transportation option for visitors.

Tahiti Island

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Everything you want to know about the islands of Tahiti including Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Taha'a and the other exquisite islands of French Polynesia.

Search Tahiti vacation deals, plan your Bora Bora honeymoon, or find a local travel agent who can create the perfect trip to paradise. The Islands of Tahiti have something for every traveler - sugary white - sand beaches, vibrant marine life, rugged mountains, and colorful history.
Whether you want a private island picnic near Bora Bora or a canoe delivered breakfast in your overwater bungalow, Tahiti is the ultimate South Pacific island paradise. Let us be your portal into the magic of the Tahitian islands - we promise you'll want to come back.

Mauru'uru Roa!

Tahiti Spas

2008-02-24T16:19:00.000-08:00

Polynesian Spas - Designed by Mother Nature

All the natural ingredients for the world's perfect spa are here on Tahiti: Soothing lagoon waters; air scented of vanilla and flowers; tranquility of the quiet islands, and the scenic wonders that surround each spa.

Some call it a "spa within a spa" experience, one found nowhere else on earth. With the addition of spa facilities within the luxury resorts and cruise ships, Tahiti has quickly become one of the world's leading spa destinations.

Intercontinental Resorts

Advanced Search

You might also be interested in

Tahiti Spa Locations | Honeymoon and Romance in Tahiti and her islands

St Regis Resort Bora Bora

Most spas are open-air and located in garden areas facing the blue lagoons.

Intercontinental Resorts

Tahiti Treatments
Featuring the bounty of Polynesian oils, flowers, and plants grown in Tahiti, each spa has a full menu of treatments for individuals or for couples. Listed below is a sample of some of the most popular treatments.

- Fresh-flower Bath for two.
- Body wrap in fresh banana tree leaves
- Body scrub with sand and rice, grated coconuts or sea salt
- Body wash with vanilla
- Mask with fresh fruit and plants
- Flower Remedies & Aromatherapy
- Aromaspa Body Treatments
- Thalassotheraphy & Reflexology
- Heated-Stone Massage
- Rain Showers (photo at top: Hélène Spa)
- River Baths
- Full beauty care and facials

Intercontinental Resorts

Intercontinental Resorts

Tahiti Cruises

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Cruising among Tahiti
Intimate yet Luxurious. Uncrowded yet Dramatic.

Cruising is redefined in Tahitian waters where you embark on a voyage to explore these romantic and unspoiled isles of the South Pacific.

Haumana Cruise in Rangiroa Lagoon

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Bora Bora Cruise Deck

Haumana Cruise Kaya by Danee Hazama

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Tahiti Cruise Ships

Here, the ports-of-call are uncrowded and charming, the ships are smaller and luxurious, the neon-blue waters within the lagoons are calm, and the ocean journey between the bright-green islands is short.

Water Activities
Floating atop the water playground of the lagoons, each ship offers unending activities for couples and families. A sampling of daily activities include jetskiing, windsurfing, waterskiing, parasailing, canoeing, diving, shark feeding, and snorkeling. Or hop on a glass-bottom boat, explore a lagoon, or even charter your own catamaran or powerboat for the day.
Photo left and above: m/s Paul Gauguin

Shore-side Activities
Surrounded by lush-green peaks, each island welcomes exploration by 4x4 safari to dramatic overlooks, circle-island trips stopping off at fruit-tasting shops and historic sites, independent trips for shopping or walking through the villages, or guided hiking trips into the mountains for an overview of the land and ocean.

Unique Events
The Polynesian world abounds in sights, sounds, and experiences found nowhere else on earth and are easily discovered by cruise passengers. By day, live out your South Pacific fantasy when you anchor at a tiny motu for an afternoon of relaxation and fun. Or enjoy personalized tours of the historical and cultural sites hidden on each island. By night, enjoy the best Tahitian performers for elaborate and romantic displays of music and dance

Haumana Lagoon Lunch at Tikehau

Bora Bora Cruise

Bora Bora, The Romantic Island

2008-02-24T15:37:00.000-08:00

Bora Bora, with a lagoon resembling an artist's palette of blues and greens, is love at first sight.

Honeymooners and romantics from around the world have laid claim to Bora Bora where the castle-like Mount Otemanu pierces the sky. Lush tropical slopes and valleys blossom with hibiscus, while palm-covered motu circle the lagoon like a delicate necklace. Perfect white-sand beaches give way to emerald waters where impossibly colored fish animate the coral gardens.

Simply said, Bora Bora is the most beautiful island in the world.

Romance on Bora Bora

Truly, the most romantic island in the world. From the dramatic scenery to the privacy and amenities of the overwater bungalows, everything in Bora Bora equals a 10 on the romance scale.

Resorts have been welcoming couples for over 40 years and their special amenities have been fine tuned to perfection. From sunrise to sunset, each resort has designed their own blend of unique romantic experiences for their guests to choose from.
For the visitor, the colorful and majestic setting of Bora Bora offers unlimited possibilities.


Intercontinental Resort and Thalasso Spa Bora Bora                                                                                           Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa

- Enchantment from the turquoise lagoon with unending days of snorkeling and diving.

- Excitement above the waters by canoe, Boston Whaler, wave runner, parasail, and nightly sunset sails.

- Exploration of the panoramic overlooks found on a 4x4 safari.

- Discovery of the world-renowned shopping for original art, pearls, and handcrafts.


Outrigger Canoe on Bora Bora Beach                                                                                                                                                            Le Meridien Bora Bora


Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort                                                                                                                                                                               Tahitian Black Pearl Jewelry

Ten tips for New York tourists

2008-02-23T17:38:00.000-08:00

Don't be intimidated by the big crowds and bigger buildings. New York can be a friendly and manageable city for visitors if you heed some of this time-tested advice.

1. Don't be afraid to wander. Start spreading the news: New York is the safest big city in the United States. Gone are the days when people were warned not to venture into Alphabet City or the Lower East Side. Pretty much nowhere in Manhattan is off-limits – though it's still an urban area, so do use your common sense (for instance, you may not want to walk around at 3 a.m. by your lonesome). Most of Manhattan, with the exception of a few downtown neighborhoods like the West Village, the Lower East Side and Battery Park, is laid out on a grid system with very few hills, making it extremely easy to find your way around. In fact, a highlight of your trip will likely be strolling the streets gazing at the fascinating people, buildings and sights that pop up on every corner.

2. Take the 'A' (and the 'B' and the 'C'…) train. Though the New York subway system is ancient – the first underground line started running in 1904 – the trains are well-marked and surprisingly fast, often a better bet than cabs if you're trying to cross the city from east to west or vice versa, or traveling during the morning or evening rush hours. The subways do run 24 hours a day, but if you're alone, you may feel more comfortable taking a taxi after midnight, though you'll find many people still riding the rails. Try HopStop.com to figure out which subway line will help you reach your destination fastest, but keep in mind that there can be a lot of routes re-routed or closed for maintenance, especially on weekends, so also check the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's website for the latest subway route updates. Tip: The 7-day unlimited ride MetroCard is usually a good deal so you don't spend $2 on MetroCards each time you hop on the train.

3. Eat dinner early – or late. When New Yorkers eat out, they like to take their dinner between 8 and 10 p.m. If you want to eat at the same places they do, it's best to make a reservation in advance – at least a week ahead of time for most places and a full month ahead for perpetually booked favorites such as Daniel, Babbo and Le Bernardin – and to go for an evening between Sunday and Wednesday rather than the always-crowded Thursday through Saturday. But if you've left things till the last minute, try calling a day or two ahead and reserving a table either for before 7 p.m. or after 10:30 p.m., which exponentially increases your chances of getting seated, even at the hottest spots in town. Of course, this tactic won't work at the handful of trendy restaurants that don't take reservations in advance, like Momofuku, Boqueria and Bar Jamon. There, you'll have to queue up with the rest of the ravenous foodie masses.

4. The world on a menu. New York City houses so much diversity of cuisines that it's a shame to stick to tourist neighborhoods or chain restaurants you probably have at home. Travel to some of the city's ethnic enclaves to sample delicious, cheap and authentic fare. In Queens, an easy subway or cab ride from Manhattan, there's renowned Indian food in Jackson Heights (the area's Jackson Diner is regularly rated some of the best Indian food in NYC) and hard-to-find Egyptian cuisine in the "Little Cairo" neighborhood of Astoria. Astoria is also home to many old-time Greek restaurants, primarily situated on Broadway or Ditmars Blvd. You can have a more authentic Italian meal on Arthur Ave. in the Bronx than in the tourist-clogged streets of Manhattan's Little Italy, and it's hard to beat the soul food found in Harlem, including the famed, family-run Sylvia's. Consider expanding your boundaries with a guided neighborhood food tour, such as one offered by Savory Sojourns and run by Addie Tomei, mother of Marissa.

5. Scout out the smaller shops. It's nearly impossible to visit one of the fashion capitals of the world and not drop some dough on clothes, shoes and other goodies (unless you have a lot of willpower!). But don't just confine yourself to the shopping meccas of SoHo and Fifth Avenue, though each does have its own New York charm — SoHo for its beautiful 19th-century cast iron buildings and Fifth Avenue for its elegant department stores and proximity to Central Park. Head to the Lower East Side to check out intimate boutiques that feature local designers as well as trendy new and vintage pieces that you can't find anywhere else. You'll also find special shops sprinkled throughout the downtown neighborhoods of the West Village, the East Village and Nolita, as well as across the East River in artsy Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

6. Buy-buy Broadway. With the opening of Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein last year, the top price of a Broadway ticket reached $450 for the first time ever. Though this is an extreme case, it's difficult to find a seat at a popular Broadway show for less than $100 nowadays. A couple of options can save you money: Sign up for the free discount ticket listings at www.theatermania.com and www.playbill.com, which offer savings on advance ticket purchases for select Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. Or get in line at a TKTS Discount Booth on the day you want to see a performance to save up to 50% on a variety of plays. (Tip: The South St. Seaport location is usually a lot less busy than the Times Square one, and only there can you purchase tickets the day before for matinees.) That said, if there's a particular Broadway show you've set your heart on, buy tickets as far in advance as possible (and be prepared to spend top-dollar). If your show's sold out, check out the online ticket brokers such as www.stubhub.com or www.razorgator.com, where people sell extra seats or re-sell ones they won't be using.

7. Hear the music. It's tough to claim boredom in New York. Every night of the week you can listen to world-class musicians of all types in venues across the city, from classic settings like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Radio City Music Hall to gritty downtown (or, increasingly, Brooklyn) rock clubs to traditional jazz bars (though the era of the traditional smoky bar is over, since smoking was banned at bars and clubs in 2003). You can find indie rock events listed at www.ohmyrockness.com, classical music events at www.classicaldomain.com and jazz at www.gothamjazz.com. Best of all, some of these concerts are free of charge, especially in the summer months.

8. Pack your running shoes. On the weekends, Central Park closes to traffic and becomes a huge open-air running (and biking and inline skating) track. Enjoy the prime people-watching as you exercise, or opt for other scenic paths along Riverside Park on Manhattan's Upper West Side, along the Hudson River heading downtown to Battery Park, on a trail next to the East River, or across the Brooklyn Bridge. Though it's more comfortable to run in the spring or fall, you'll find many hardy New Yorkers braving the extreme heat and humidity of summer or the bitter chill of winter for their outdoor fitness fix.

9. Don't crowd yourself out. A lot of tourists (and relatives visiting local family members) who come to NYC can't get over how crowded the city is. The crazy secret about New York is that many locals can't stand crowds – which is why they stay away, at all costs, from Macy's anytime except weekday evenings, holiday store windows and Rockefeller Center between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and Times Square whenever humanly possible (except when they must venture over there to work or to catch a show). While you may want to see these iconic parts of New York City, consider planning your visit so that you're not hitting the big department stores, say, the week before Christmas – unless you think that braving hordes of pushy people is part of that old-fashioned New York City charm. (And it really isn't!)

10. Mind your city etiquette. Unfortunately, tourists have a reputation for doing a few things that drive New Yorkers crazy: taking up the entire sidewalk so that other walkers can't pass; coming to a complete stop at the top or in the middle of the subway stairs, thus blocking the way down; looking over a shoulder or down at a guidebook while ambling straight ahead, thus sideswiping people walking toward them. New Yorkers like to walk quickly with a purposeful strut and are often in (or appear to be in) a hurry. Respect their sense of purpose and be mindful of the space around you – and you'll win renewed respect for tourists from the world over! On the other hand, if you need directions or if you drop something on the subway or sidewalk, New Yorkers will be the first to run after you, offering their assistance. They really are nice folk, after all.

Source:http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/cityguides/newyork/2008-02-13-10-tourist-tips_N.htm?csp=34

Thrissur : The cultural capital of Kerala

2008-02-23T17:33:00.000-08:00

From ancient times, Thrissur district has played a significant part in the political history of south India. The early political history of the district is interlinked with that of the Cheras of the Sangam age, who ruled over vast portions of Kerala with their capital at Vanchi. The whole of the present Thrissur district was included in the early Chera Empire. The district can claim to have played a significant part in fostering the trade relations between Kerala and the outside world in the ancient and medieval period. It can also claim to have played an important part in fostering cultural relations and in laying the foundation of a cosmopolitan and composite culture in this part of the country. Kodungalloor which had the unique distinction of being the 'Premium Emporium India', also belongs to the signal honour or having first given shelter to all the three communities i.e. the Christians, the Jews and the Muslims which have contributed to the prosperity of Malabar.

Even as early as 1919 a committee of the Indian National Congress was functioning in Thrissur. In the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1921, several persons in Thrissur town and other places in the district took active part and courted arrest. Thrissur district can claim the honour of having been in the forefront of the countrywide movement for temple entry and abolition of untouchability. The famous Guruvayur Satyagraha is a memorable episode in the history of the National Movement. Serpent (naga) worship and ancestor worship, evidently non-Aryan practices, have been widely prevalent in the district. The temples here are centres of religious activity. The Vadakkunnathan Temple at Thrissur, Koodalmanikam temple at Irinjalakuda, the Kurumba Bhagavathi temple at Kodungalloor, the Sri Rama Temple at Triprayar, the Sri Krishna Temple at Guruvayoor are some of the reputed shrines. The prominent Gods and Goddesses worshipped are Vishnu, Siva, Bhagavathi, Siva, Bhagavathi, Subramonia and Sastha.

The famous Thrissur Pooram is an annual festival celebrated during April-May in the Vadakkumnathan temple here. During the festival idols of gods and goddesses from various temples are brought in all pomp and pageantry with the play of drums and musical instruments and pro-techniques to the Thekkinkadu Maidan. Lakhs of people attend the festival every year. An all India exhibition is also conducted every year during the Pooram under the combined auspices of the Thiruvampady and Paramekkavu Devaswoms in the temple premises.

Thrissur district has a long tradition in the field of fishing industry. If offers natural facilities for marine and inland fisheries. Its coastline is about 54 kms in length from Azhikode to Puthenkadappuram. About 95 per cent of the total catch is marketed within the district. The fishing industry thus makes a sizeable contribution to the wealth of the district, and is the main source of income of a large section of the people inhabiting the coastal area. A total area under forests in the district is 1006.72 sq kms. The forests of the district are mainly seen in the eastern portion of Talappilli, Thrissur and Mukundapuram taluks. They extend from the Shornoor River (Bharathapuzha) in the north to the Chalakudy River in the south.

Cheruthuruthy is famous as a seat of the Kerala Kalamandalam founded by the poet Sri Vallathol Narayana Menon, to encourage the study of the ancient arts of Kerala such as Kathakali and Mohiniattom. Presently the Kerala Kalamandalam is functioning at Vallathol Nagar, with its new building complex and Natyagraha. Kerala Kalamandalam was the first institutional step in the cultural history of Kerala to start training in classical performing arts, which were so far left to the patronage of provincial kings and landlords.

Kerala Sahitya Academy was established on August 15, 1956. It aims at the development of Malayalam language and literature and works in co-operation with the Kerala Sahitya Academy in New Delhi. There is a good library attached to the Academy consisting of two sections, the General Section & the Research Section. Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy is also located in Thrissur town and was established on April 12, 1938. Its aim is to foster and develop Kerala dance, drama and music and to promote through the cultural unity of Kerala. It works in close collaboration with the Kendra Sangeetha Nataka Academy in New Delhi for the enrichment of Indian culture. A regional theatre is constructed in Thrissur with all modern facilities. Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy, located here was established in 1962, the aim of the Academy is to promote sculpture, painting and visual arts.

How to Travel Like a Raja

2008-02-23T17:14:00.000-08:00

In the early 18th century, an ambitious nobleman, Rawat Lal Singh, stabbed his friend in the neck on orders of the local king. The king's reward for removing a rival was a fief here in the southwest corner of the state of Rajasthan, where the nobleman built a fort perched on a cliff above a river filled with crocodiles.
[Go to slideshow]

For centuries, the fort proved impregnable. Only in recent months have the gates swung open to a new era of invaders: tourists.

In September, two brothers who are descendants of the murderous nobleman began accepting guests in five restored rooms of the Bhainsrorgarh Fort. The 25-acre property is the latest example of how India's noble families are turning towering antiquities into boutique hotels.

Rajasthan's Department of Tourism estimates that 130 forts and palaces have been converted into so-called heritage hotels during the past decade or so. Many are owned by families, like the Singhs, who lost their powers to govern and tax their fiefs after India's independence in 1947 but held onto much of their property and the historical landmarks on them. In some cases, the crumbling castles reflect crumbling family fortunes -- and the hospitality business is a way to rejuvenate both.

The Indian government has nudged along the trend. In the early 1990s, it lifted a ban on India's erstwhile nobles transforming historic homes into commercial properties, according to Daleep Singh Rathore, assistant director in Rajasthan's Department of Tourism.

More recently, the government has extended loans to families hoping to open hotels in palaces and forts. The cash infusions have saved scores of forts and palaces that were falling apart, while helping to meet surging demand for high-end hotels among tourists and business travelers. While Mr. Rathore doesn't have details on how many have done so, he says there has been a substantial increase in recent years.
[Map promo]

Indeed, Rajasthan's heritage properties are drawing more tourists who want to break from the well-trodden Taj Mahal path. In 2006, Rajasthan ranked fourth among India's states and municipalities in total foreign visitors, nearly doubling to 1.2 million from 2003.

Big hotel groups have long seen the potential for business. One of the first was Neemrana Hotels, founded by a Frenchman, Francis Wacziarg. In 1986, Neemrana Hotels converted a 15th-century fort between New Delhi and Jaipur and opened it as a hotel, called the Neemrama Fort-Palace. Neemrana Hotels has since restored several other tottering properties, including one in the nearby village of Kesroli, called the Hill Fort Kesroli.

The Tata Group's Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces operates three palaces in Rajasthan, including the Taj Lake Palace, aptly named because it's on an island in the middle of Udaipur's Lake Pichola. India's wealthy Poddar family, which has been involved in several heritage projects, took more than a decade to restore the Devi Garh Palace outside of Udaipur.

To tap into the tourist flows, Hilton International and India's Oberoi Hotels & Resorts are among those that have built properties near Rajasthan's forts and palaces.

Like the Singhs, many royal families are inclined to hold onto their former fiefs rather than sell to a hotel group. As Hemendra Singh was growing up, he estimates his family rejected 100 or so written offers to sell or lease the Bhainsrorgarh Fort.
[Neemrana Fort-Palace Hotel]
Neemrana Fort-Palace Hotel

By venturing into the hotel business without established backers, though, Hemendra Singh and his brother Rajveer confront big challenges. Funding and staff training are merely two.

The fundamental challenge is how to turn a military fortress into a comfortable hotel. The fort -- which once housed hundreds of soldiers and included stables for 250 horses and three elephants -- was able to repulse the mightiest of attacks. The fort also had its own grainary and two separate wings in the main building for men and women. Yet it has stood up less well to Rajasthan's harsh desert climate and decades of neglect. Cracks have opened in now-abandoned rooms. Honey bees have taken over one of them.

Still, the two brothers -- with assistance from their wives and a dozen staff hired from the local village -- have managed to cater to high-end tourists. They charge about $365 a night for a room, all-you-can-eat royal cuisine included. Indoor plumbing, installed last year, has helped. So have touches like stained-glass windows in some of the spacious rooms. The main draw is sitting, dining and strolling around a fort hundreds of years old and hundreds of feet above the placid Chambal River, home to a crocodile sanctuary.

"This is my dream -- to put Bhainsrorgarh on the world map," says 35-year old Hemendra Singh. He grew up in the fort and is now marketing it from New Delhi, where he lives in a less palatial third-floor apartment. The brothers aim to open another 15 rooms in the fort in the next five years.
[ the Taj Lake Palace on Lake Pichola]
The Taj Lake Palace on Lake Pichola

Constraining the flow of tourists is the time it takes to reach Bhainsrorgarh. From India's capital, New Delhi, it's an 11-hour road journey or an overnight train to nearby Kota city.

An hour from Kota, after winding through narrow village lanes, the elder of the Singh brothers, 41-year old Rajveer, greets guests at Bhainsrorgarh Fort Hotel. He offers cool glasses of guava juice and wreaths of marigolds. Guests are escorted to rooms past mounted antelope heads, grainy photos of slain tigers and ancestor paintings.

The artwork features the family's notorious Rawat Lal Singh, whom the 19th-century British explorer and historian Lt. Col. James Tod called "a beacon in the annals of crime." In his three-volume history of Rajasthan, Lt. Col. Tod describes how the Singhs' forefather murdered the king's uncle, Nathji Maharaja. As one of his best friends, he was able to slip into the well-guarded chambers at midnight to slit the man's throat as he was bent in prayer.

According to the author, the last words the Maharaja uttered were: "What brings you here?"

The King of Udaipur elevated the Rawat Lal Singh family to the top tier of Rajasthani nobles, able to rule vast swaths of land, and granted it Bhainsrorgarh.
[Trident Hilton Jaipur near the Amber Fort]
Trident Hilton Jaipur near the Amber Fort

Work on Bhainsrorgarh Fort began in 1742, clearly with the worry of revenge in mind. The fort's short doorways force visitors to stoop when entering rooms, so sword-wielding hosts might more easily slice off the heads of unwanted guests.

Bhainsrorgarh's current host, Rajveer Singh, claims no hard feelings remain between the two families. Digging out his ancestor's 16th-century gold-plated dagger, fingering a blade still razor sharp, Mr. Singh says, "because of this dagger, we have this property."

But if the family still has the fort, being a royal isn't what it used to be. Instead of being waited upon, Mr. Singh spends his days hustling up and down stairs serving dishes that he and his wife help cook. The royal cuisine includes blackened chicken, mutton with gravy, freshly plucked okra and sweet shredded carrots for dessert.

Mr. Singh has also done away with the traditional attire of Rajasthani nobles -- colorful turbans and pointy shoes -- for jeans, leather loafers and a ranch-style canvas jacket. The wardrobe is more suitable to the Jeep drives he takes with guests through desert scrub brush to nearby villages.
source:http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120311052060172249.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

A trip to Cancun at Mexico

2008-02-18T16:01:00.000-08:00

One of the most exotic destinations is Cancun in Mexico

Calcun has transformed into a beautiful city with lots of places for sightseeing. The refreshing waters of the carribean sea, the wonderfull resorts and the warm smiles of the people there makes it a good holiday destination.

Labels: calcun, mexico

Lefkada island in Greece

2008-02-18T15:54:00.000-08:00

There are many reasons to visit Greece and one of them is certainly Lefkada. One of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea, Lefkada has to show only nature's beauty.

It is located in the western part of Greece and it's a province of Eptanisa (this word means "7 islands" in Greek).

It has many beautiful and isolated beaches to enjoy and explore. Some of them are Agiofili, Agios Nikitas, Egremni, Kathisma, Mikros Gialos, Mylos (Ag. Nikitas), Mylos (Gyra), Porto Katsiki and Vasiliki.

Egremni beach

Egremni beach

Kathisma beach

Porto Katsiki beach

Virtual beach in Japan

2008-02-18T15:49:00.000-08:00

If you ever want to go east and happen to be in Japan, don't forget to visit this virtual beach :

Labels: beach, Japan

Bora Bora Islands - What an experience

2008-02-18T15:42:00.000-08:00

Labels: bora bora, islands

An Insider Guide to Cancun and the Riviera Maya Mexico

2008-02-18T15:41:00.000-08:00

Living in Mexico was an adventurous fairytale; due to the variety of things to do, beauty of the country and the kindness of its residents. I am originally from Ohio but spent substantial time living in Mexico, studying the nature and history of this beautiful place. Here are some ideas and tips I learned from being there that may help you on your next trip to the Yucatan Peninsula.

Using the public bus system is infinitely cheaper than taking taxis everywhere. If you are looking for cheaper transportation to and from the airport, take the bus to downtown Playa del Carmen or Cancun. It is easy and the bus stations are centrally located in both cities. You can choose to ride an air-conditioned bus for a small amount more than the non air-conditioned bus. I would use either, whoever left soonest. There are bus schedules posted for local travel or throughout the country. The nicest buses when I was there were the plush tour buses for longer trips, called ADO. Really nice buses that cost more but are worth it.

If you need to make phone calls in Mexico, buy a phone card there and use them from any pay phone. They can be used to call internationally as well. The locals, many of which do not have phones in their homes, use them all the time. You can buy them in the Casas de Cambio (places where you can exchange your money into Mexican pesos). A note on exchanging your money, check around, to look for the best exchange rates as they may vary place to place.

Those who don't scuba can enjoy the beauty of the underwater coral gardens and scenery by snorkeling. Go to the scuba shops and inquire about what excursions they offer for snorkelers, or ask your resort's front desk if you can sign up for snorkeling tours there at the hotel. Wear sunscreen while doing this daytrip, don't expect a white t-shirt to protect you, because it won't. If you don't use sun protection, you will come back lobster-red, trust me.

A word about avoiding Turista (Montezuma's Revenge, the Tourist Trots). These very unpleasant bacterial infections happen, frequently, to travellers. To avoid spending most of your vacation in the bathroom recuperating, I suggest you don't eat raw fruit (unless it's already peeled), and don't drink drinks that have ice that isn't round, with a hole in it (purified water ice cubes). The large resorts' food is safe, as far as I have experienced. I've stayed in a few before moving to Mexico and never got sick by eating or drinking their food. Big resorts take precautions against contaminated foods and drink. But, out on the street, those bacteria free float into the food offered at taco stands (and I love those, by the way), and wherever fruit is sold. If you buy fruit, peel before eating it. If it isn't peelable, then forget it. Drink purified, bottled water at all times. If you go to day-long trips out in the heat, bring a gallon jug of water, you will need it.

Hire only qualified tour guides through reputable agencies (usually found through the hotels or your travel agent). Don't use freelance tour guides because I was told when living there that some will make information up as they go along. Independent tour guides will approach you at places like the ruins of Coba, Chichen Itza and Tulum, for example. Go with a tour group to these places. I liked the Apple tours, but there are many others that are good, too. Ask around to see who are most highly recommended. Chichen Itza is a big site, worthy of seeing, if you are going to choose a sight to see. The pyramid there, called El Castillo, is spectacular. I have been inside it (very, incredibly claustrophobic if you decide to brave it up the narrow stairway inside) and on top of it (steep stairs lead up to a few small rooms on the top, where nobility would perform rituals, etc.) Take a camera and stop at the nearby hotel for lunch if you have the chance. There was a show there where dancers in Mayan dress entertained us as our group ate there. It was a good break from the heat of sightseeing this ancient city. Word to the wise, bringing a family-size vat of sunscreen wouldn't be a bad idea. And as much water as possible. Walking around the site all day will dehydrate and bake you if you aren't careful.

Check out the cenotes (lakes of brackish water in the jungle), accessed by taking buses or taxi, along the Playa del Carmen-Tulum corridor. I liked going to the Cenote Azul or the Cenote Dos Ojos. Cenotes attract nature, and while visiting them, I saw a variety of fascinating flora and fauna from basilisk lizards to a diving duck. Cenotes are the entrance points to underwater caves, which are only safe to go to with certified dive experts. Underneath the Yucatan peninsula there are a large network of underground caves that expert divers like to explore. Do not attempt to dive these on your own, because it is dangerous. If you want to see what an underground cave is like, go nearby to the nature park of Xcaret, where there are underwater caves for the public to swim in.

Speaking of Xcaret, it is a must to visit if you love nature. It is full of educational activities and fun things to do for the whole family. Expect to spend an entire day there. There is swimming with dolphins, horseback riding, exploring an ancient Mayan village, seeing Mayan dancing shows, snorkeling in a large lagoon, all built into the jungles. It is a top-class place, and even has its own small zoo, butterfly garden and aviary. I know, I used to be the main illustrator for the park years ago. The restaurants are atmospheric and the food is good. Don't forget to see the Mayan musicians do their flying pole exhibition, which is done all day long. They start on top of a pole, and "fly" down, while playing their instruments, while hanging from ropes by their ankles. You won't see anything quite like it out of this region. Xcaret has a variety of natural history exhibits near their large gift shop. It is a "must" for all.

If you want a fun trip by boat, go to Playa Linda (in the Hotel Zone of Cancun) and hop a boat over to Isla Mujeres. Aqua Tours has a big, luxurious yacht that goes over there a few times a day. On the way to the island, you are served drinks, are entertained by the staff and get a great view of the Cancun coastline. Once at Isla Mujeres, you are taken on excursions to places like Tortugranja (a sea turtle farm, where they raise endangered sea turtles from small to large), or Hacienda Mundaca (a supposed former estate of an ex-pirate, who built it for his love interest, according to local legend). They offer snorkeling, too. It's a fun day trip, and the shopping is pretty good on the island, too.

Another interesting place to visit is Merida, the capital city of the state of Quintana Roo (where Cancun is located). It reminded me of Europe, with its lovely, large mansions,outdoor cafes and stately buildings. There, you will find the United States embassy, among others. If you need to replace a lost passport or talk to embassy officials, this is where you want to go. It is a very international place, worth the very long bus ride from Cancun.

Downtown Cancun has a few interesting places to shop. There are authentic food and crafts at Plaza 2000, or see Chedraui (a department/ grocery store), or Pelicano (another general merchandise store). I haven't been to Cancun since the devastating hurricane there, so check to see if these places are still in operation, if so, they are definitely worth going to. Take a bus or taxi to these places, to get a more "authentic" Mexican experience. Staying just in the Hotel Zone is fun, but not a slice of everyday Mexican life. Try some of the great food stands where the locals go. I love the chicken cooked on spits everywhere, called "Pollo Rojo" (red chicken) due to the spices used. It is to die for and incredibly cheap. If you see people on the street selling tamales, try them, they are excellent and really cheap. I could easily eat my way through Mexico by living on tamales (meat inside a corn-based "cake") and empanadas (meat turnovers) alone. If you buy bakery items in Mexico at the grocery stores, bear in mind that they use much less sugar than Americans are used to having, in their recipes. I like the Conchitas, breads shaped like shells. If you want sweets, buy the cakes sold under the brand name

"Bimbo" (yes, that is the name of it). It is a major bread and snack food producer in Mexico.

Enjoy your stay in the lovely Mayan Riviera. Walk the beaches and admire that stunningly turquoise water, it is truly paradise. Enjoy the hospitality of the friendly and helpful Mexican nationals. Remember to have fun, but remember, it is a foreign country, so obey their laws and be respectful of the differences in culture. If you go, you'll want to go back again and again. I know I did. The more you go, the more you know. Living in the Yucatan was an unforgettable experience, visiting there is too, so make it a memorable trip for yourself by seeing as much of it as you can. You won't be disappointed.
Source: ArticlesBase.com

About the Author: Carolyn McFann is a scientific and nature illustrator, who owns Two Purring Cats Design Studio, which can be seen at: http://www.cafepress.com/twopurringcats. Educated at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, Carolyn is a seasoned, well-traveled artist, writer and photographer. She has lived and worked in Cancun, Mexico, among other interesting professional assignments in other countries. Clients include nature parks, museums, scientists, corporations and private owners. She has been the subject of tv interviews, articles for newspapers and other popular media venues.

Venice in Dubai

2008-02-18T15:35:00.001-08:00

Beautiful pictures from the Dubai version of Venice! Enjoy :-)

Labels: dubai, holidays, travel, travelling, venice

A Taste Of The Cuisine Of Zanzibar And Tanzania

2008-02-18T15:31:00.000-08:00

A question often asked is, "what type of traditional food should we expect when we get to Zanzibar?" Below is a small selection of what you may be offered. These examples of local dishes are eaten by the local people of both Zanzibar and Tanzania.

The original inhabitants of the Zanzibar Islands were African fishermen, who lived in villages scattered throughout the fifty or so Islands that make up the archipelago of Zanzibar. They survived on a diet mainly consisting of fresh seafood gleaned from the warm waters of the Indian Ocean surrounding these islands.

The diet of the local people went through a fundamental change in the ninth century with the arrival of the Persian and Arab traders. These traders built settlements along the coast of Tanzania and on the Zanzibar islands. In time these settlers integrated themselves into the African societies and left a wonderful legacy with their food. These settlers brought coconut palms, mango trees, citrus fruits, rice and all the spices we now associate with Zanzibar. Spiced pilau rice, one of the island's most common and delicious dishes cooked with coconut, nuts, and spices, is of Arab origin.

Pilau rice is the most traditional dish in Zanzibar which I have eaten at weddings, funerals and holidays. Sometimes when I have ordered this dish at a local restaurant I am told the order must be placed by how many kilos of rice I wanted them to cook. This spicy rice comes in a giant copper hour-glass shaped pilau pan. The best way to enjoy this dish is to sit in a circle around a large platter piled high with pilau, remembering, always, to use the right hand, and eat communally from the pot. This togetherness makes the meal even more of a social occasion, since not only do you get to spend time with friends gossiping and eating, but no one has to wash up.

My favorite accompaniment with this dish is a salad of slice onions placed in a shallow dish and marinated, for at least one hour, in lime juice, sliced chilies and sugar. This is served with thinly sliced tomato and cucumber and topped with chopped, fresh coriander.

The stiff porridge made from maze flour has many names throughout Africa and here in Zanzibar it is named Ugali. The maze flour is cooked with water into a stiff porridge, which is hard work. This is a staple diet for many Tanzanian's. It is eaten with your right hand and squashed into a ball, then pushing your thumb into the middle of the ball you make a spoon of the ugali ball and eat it along with the food scooped into the hole. This is especially nice with Mchicha. (see below)

Another favorite dish is sorpotel. The first time I tried sorpotel the chef refused to tell me what it was until after I had eaten it. This is because it is a stew of beef tongue, heart, liver and pork. The meat was so tender it melted in my mouth. It has a spicy kick to it but also a complex flavor that is unique from any curry or masala. If you are ever in Zanzibar, be sure to stop in CHIT CHAT and order the Sorpotel

Chips-my-eye, [Chips ], is a traditional dish here in Tanzania. It is egg and chips, but not your north of England two fried eggs and a side order of chips. It is a chip omelet. Chips are placed into a shallow frying pan and as they sizzle away two beaten eggs are poured over the top. This is then cooked into a solid omelet, stuffed with chips, and very nice it is too. It is not so healthy but give it a try when you visit Tanzania. It is far nicer than it sounds.

Mchicha is the champagne of the many Tanzanian types of spinach. Some of them require a little longer to cook than the western varieties but they all have an excellent taste ranging from the very bitter to the sweet. Mchicha is one of the most popular spinaches and has small oval leaves and thin stems that are very good with Ugali.

Most hotels are now serving a selection of traditional dishes. However, if you find yourself on the coast of Tanzania or in Zanzibar - speak to the local people and see where they eat.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com

Hawaii - Wonderfull destination

2008-02-18T15:22:00.000-08:00

A friend has sent me an email full of pictures of Hawaii and suggested my next vacations should be there.. What do you suggest? :-)

Emerald Waters

Golf

Hanauma Bay, Oahu

Kaanapali Beach, Maui

Lanikai Shoreline, Oahu

Labels: Hawaii

HOW TO GET

2008-02-15T05:12:00.001-08:00

Entering Croatia

Most visitors to Croatia are usually from the neighbouring countries of Austria, Slovenia, Italy, Germany and so on, so they usually travel by car. From northern Europe, the easiest way to get to Croatia would be to drive to Munich and then enter Austria, down to Graz, cross into Slovenia, and then head for Croatia which is signposted as soon as you leave Maribor.

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BY CAR

Documents
When arriving in Croatia by car it is requested that you carry a valid driver's license, car registration card and your Green Card (proof of car insurance)

Speed and alcohol limits
Speed limit in settlements is 50 km/h and 80 km/h in out of settlements (unless stated differently). On highways a speed limit is 130 km/h.
The maximum permitted level of alcohol in the blood is 0‰.

Bridge and tunnel tolls
You have to pay tolls also on these roads: Ostrovica-Kupjak, Ucka Tunnel and Krk Bridge.

MAP OF MOTORWAYS

TOOL RATES

Petrol stations
Petrol stations are open from 7 am to 7 pm or 8 pm every day and during the summer until 10 pm

there are also petrol stations that are opened round the clock in the larger towns and on main international routes. All petrol stations sell: Eurosuper 95, Super 98, Normal and Euro Diesel

Taxi service
This service is available in all cities and tourist places

Rent-a-Car
This service is available in all cities, tourist resorts and airports

Foreign visitors do not normally require visas to enter Croatia - to check if you require a visa, visit the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' webpage. If you do need one, please contact the Croatian Embassy in your country for more information on how to obtain a visa.

BY PLANE

International airports
Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar and Osijek. Only smaller planes can land at the Brac and Losinj airports.

INFORMATION

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Geographical position:

Croatia extends from the foothills of the Julian Alps in the north-west and the Pannonian Plain in the east, over the Dinara mountain range in its central region, to the Adriatic coast in the south.
Area of Croatia is 56,542 km2, with an additional 31,067 km2 of territorial waters.

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Population in Croatia is 4.5 million.

Capital of Croatia is Zagreb (780 thousand inhabitants) - the administrative, cultural, academic and communication centre of the country).

Croatian coast has length of 5,835 km - including 4,058 km of island, islet and reef coastline. There is 1,185 islands in Croatia. The largest islands are Krk and Cres. There are 67 inhabited islands.

Climate in Croatia: Northern Croatia has a continental climate; Central Croatia has a semi-highland and highland climate, while the Croatian coast has a Mediterranean climate. Winter temperatures range from -1 to 30°C in the continental region, -5 to 0°C in the mountain region and 5 to 10°C in the coastal region. Summer temperatures range from 22 to 26°C in the continental region, 15 to 20°C in the mountain region and 26 to 30°C in the coastal region.

Population of Croatia - The majority of the population are Croats. National minorities include Serbs, Moslems, Slovenes, Italians, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, and others.

Official language in Croatia is Croatian language and Latin alphabet.

Religions in Croatia - The majority of the population are Roman Catholics, and in addition there are a number of those of Orthodox faith, as well as Muslims,and Christians of other denominations.

Currency in Croatia is Kuna (1 Kuna = 100 Lipa). There are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 Lipa coins, 1, 2, 5 and 25 Kuna coins and 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 Kuna banknotes.

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, post offices and at most tourist agencies, hotels and camping grounds. Banking hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays banks are open until 1 p.m. In the larger cities some banks are also open on Sundays.

Electricity in Croatia : Voltage of city power grid – 220V, frequency 50HZ

Water: Tap water is drinkable throughout Croatia.

The telephone code for Croatia is +385.

Time zone: GMT plus one hour in winter and GMT plus two in summer.

Travel documentation : Passport or some other internationally recognized identification document. Tourists may remain in Croatia for up to three months.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.mvp.hr/mvprh-www-eng/index.html

Customs regulations of the Republic of Croatia are in line with the standards of European Union countries. Foreign currency is freely brought in and taken out of the country (up to a value of 3.000 euros); up to a value of 15.000 kn for domestic currency. More expensive professional and technical equipment should be registered at the border. Dogs and cats, accompanied by their owner, need to have an International certificate from a registered veterinarian stating that at least 15 days and not more than six months have passed since their vaccination against rabies. Tax refund for goods purchased in Croatia over 500 kuna in value with a validated "Tax check" at departure from the country. Information: Republic of Croatia Customs Administration (tel 01 6102 333);
Web page for Croatia Custom office : www.carina.hr

Medical service:
There are hospitals and clinics in all larger cities and first aid clinics and pharmacies in all places. Foreign tourists do not pay for medical services if the Health Care Convention was signed between Croatia and the country they come from. Expenses of health services provided to persons coming from the countries with which the Health Care Convention was not signed are charged directly to users according to the price list. For patients whose lives are in danger, there is emergency transport by air(helicopter) or sea (speedboat).

There is a network of veterinary clinics and centre in Croatia.
Information: www.veterinarstvo.hr, e-mail: veterinarstvo@zg.tel.hr

Working hours:
Shops and department stores are open between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., or to 3 p.m. A smaller number of stores close between noon and 4 p.m. Many stores are also open on Sundays, especially in the summer, and a smaller number in the larger cities are open 24 hours a day. Public services and companies usually work from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

Post and Telecommunications:
Post Offices are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturdays until 1 p.m. There are Post Offices in the larger cities which are open until 10 p.m. in the summer. Postage stamps are sold in Post Offices and at newsstands.
Public telephones can be used only with phone cards, which can be purchased in Post Offices and at newsstands, in hotels and tourist complexes.

Fire prevention:
Ensure that you have done everything to prevent a fire!
Do not throw lit or flammable objects into the environment!
If you see a fire, please inform others in your proximity; report it immediately on the telephone number - 93; try to extinguish the fire till the fire-fighters arrive and in such a manner so as not to endanger yourself or others!
Take notice of signs forbidding the lighting of fires!
Take care that your parked vehicle does not obstruct accesses to the fire or roads!

Important telephone numbers:
International dialing prefix for Croatia: 385
Ambulance 94
Fire-service 93
Police 92
Assistance on the roads 987; 987@hak.hr
(If you are calling from outside of Croatia or using a mobile phone dial +3851 987)
General information 981
Information about local and district telephone numbers 988
Information about International telephone numbers 902
Weather forecast and road conditions 060 520 520
Croatia's auto club (HAK) 01 4640 800; www.hak.hr

Rent-a-car Croatia

Radio news in foreign languages during the tourist season:
On Program 2 of Croatian radio, along with the regular news in Croatian, the Croatian Auto Club (HAK) will give traffic reports in English, German and Italian along with nautical news a number of times throughout the day.
Other than on Program 2 of Croatian radio, alternating news and traffic reports will be emitted every full hour from the following studios: Program 3 of Bavarian radio, Program 3 of Austrian radio, RAI Uno, British Virgin radio and Chezch radio. Throughout the day nautical news will be emitted in English and Croatian.

HISTORY

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Slavic Croatian tribes settled in the area in the early 7th century (arriving from present day Poland), accepting Christianity in around 800 A.D., and soon establishing their own state ruled by princes or dukes. In 925, Croatia became a kingdom under the rule of King Tomislav. In 1102 the country formed a union with Hungary which lasted until 1918. After the end of the First World War, Croatia joined Serbia, and Yugoslavia (the land of South Slavs) was formed, until its demise in 1991. The first Yugoslavia (1918-1941) was ruled by the Serbian royal family, Karadjordjevic, which naturally favoured the Serbs and caused enormous resentment in Croatia. The country was invaded by Nazi Germany in April 1941, which gave Croatia independence under the fascist dictator Ante Pavelic. This regime was known for its harsh rule and for committing numerous atrocities, and therefore many Croats (over 200,000) actively joined the resistance movement under Tito which liberated the country in May 1945. (Winston Churchill was so impressed with the Croatian resistance that in 1944 he sent his son Randolph and the writer Evelyn Waugh to Croatia as his personal emissaries.) Croatia became one of the Yugoslav republics ruled by the communist government until 1991 when Croatia declared its independence, prompting Serbian invasion. Almost all Croats rose to defend their country under the leadership of its first president, the late Franjo Tudjman (who died in December 1999), and after five years the country was liberated.

Croatia Today
The country is now a parliamentary democracy. The last general elections were held in November 2003, in which the ruling socialist SPD (and its coalition partners) lost, forcing Prime Minister Ivica Racan to resign. HDZ (the Croatian Democratic Union), under the leadership of Ivo Sanader, polled most of the votes of the electorate although they did not get an overall majority. They joined in coalition with some smaller parties and formed a government.

The initial reaction in Croatia to the new government's first moves was positive: many like Sanader's assertive action in getting Croatia into NATO and the EU as soon as possible. Croatia will start negotiations to join the EU on March 17th 2005, and most experts predict that it will join in 2008.

In January 2005, presidential elections were held. The incumbent, President Stipe Mesic, was re-elected to another five year term. Presidential powers in Croatia are limited, but he is still influential in making domestic and foreign policy issues.

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CROATIA

2008-02-15T05:06:00.000-08:00

Saturday, March 24, 2007

All you nead to know...

Croatia is located in the heart of Europe on the beautiful Adriatic coast bordering Italy, Slovenia and Hungary.

Croatia is a country of more than 1,185 islands, islets and reefs, most uninhabited and preserved, perfect for eco-tourism. In 1999, Croatia won three international awards for the cleanest waters in the Mediterranean. Major cruise lines include Croatia in their itineraries. Among them are Costa, Cunard, Crystal, Hapagg Lloyd, Peter Deilmann, Princess, Radisson, Seabourn, Silversea, Swan Hellenic and Windstar.

Some of the best-known resort towns along the Dalmatian coast are Dubrovnik, Split, Porec and Trogir, all of them listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Northern Adriatic resort of Opatija, known for its long tradition in hospitality, was a popular destination among European nobility. The Millennium, a 5-star hotel, was recently opened there. Almost 10 percent of the country is protected as part of a national park or preserve. The best known National Park in Croatia, Plitvice Lakes, is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

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Beyond its natural beauty, Croatia has been a center of culture for thousands of years. Zagreb is the capital and a center of arts and culture with its numerous museums and galleries hosting world-renowned exhibits and festivals. The "Successful Meetings Magazine" listed Zagreb as one of the Top 10 international destinations for conventions and meetings, and Conde Nast Traveler also listed Zagreb as one of Europe's 10 "reborn cities". Besides its history and culture, Zagreb offers meeting and convention venues and accommodations in world-class hotels like the Sheraton, Opera, Esplanade, the Arcotel Allegra (set to open in June 2003) and others.

Getting to Croatia is simple, whether you travel by air, train, ship or car. All major US and European carriers connect with Croatia Airlines through European gateways. The Croatian ferry system connects the Adriatic islands to the mainland as well as to Italy. English is widely spoken. Numerous first-class and deluxe hotels as well as quaint bed and breakfast type accommodations are available. Some of the best places to stay are the new chic and exclusive "boutique" hotels opening up throughout Croatia. Various programs to Croatia include escorted tours, religious pilgrimages, eco-tourism packages, city and hotel packages, special-interest tours and adventure programs (hiking, biking, canoeing, ballooning, fishing, swimming).

Croatia is an ideal destination for lovers of sea and sunshine who want to avoid the crowds.

WORLD PRESS ABOUT CROATIA

"Those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and see Dubrovnik"

- Bernard Shaw -

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Diaries at the ready ...
July - Croatia: movies in Motovun
Relax in cobbled squares and watch the films projected on to the walls of this sumptuous 15th-century Croatian hill town (think Cinema Paradiso). Now in its ninth year, the festival (motovunfilmfestival.com) is a cross between Glastonbury and Sundance, attracting 50,000 visitors each year. After a few days watching films, you can hit the Istrian beaches 12 miles away. Ryanair flies Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday to Pula from Stansted. Festivalgoers can camp under the stars, for free, at the Motovun Eco-Camp...

Guardian Unlimited, Saturday January 6 2007 Compiled by Tim Bryan

Never heard of Istria? Well, you will! If you're traveling from Italy, be sure to stop in this bordering Croatian gem
Driving south from Trieste, Italy, the first corner of Croatia you encounter is the triangular peninsula called Istria. On my last trip, I never made it any farther. Now being touted as the “new Tuscany,” Istria has in fact long been noted for its beautiful Adriatic coast, lush forests, olive groves, vineyards and offshore islands. By Charles Leocha, Travel columnist, Aug. 3, 2006

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Instant weekend: Zagreb
The crowds haven’t invaded Croatia’s quirky capital yet — but it can only be a matter of time, says Richard Green
Why should I go? Because it’s a terrific little capital, with quirky sights, good food and a great outoorsy vibe. It feels like Budapest or Cracow did after they’d been spruced up, but before they were overrun by western brands and mass tourism. The crowds will surely come soon — direct flights have made it temptingly accessible — but go this year and you’ll have it to yourself"... The Sunday Times July 23, 2006

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..."So if you missed the golden age of the French Riviera, you've got a second chance. The Croatian Riviera has arrived, complete with four-figure hotel rooms and the stars who stay in them. Instead of quaint fishing boats, Dubrovnik's marina now fills ups with yachts of the my-helicopter-is-bigger-than-yours variety"... by Evan Rail published: July 9, 2006, New York Times

The well-known American magazine National Geographic Adventure conducted a survey among its journalists and editors and proclaimed Croatia top destination in the world for 2006. On the list of destinations that "must be visited in the next year", the editors and journalists of the magazine voted Croatia and Kornati Archipelago in first place, in front of Patagonia in Argentina and the Gobi Desert in Mongolia.

After the war, tourism in Croatia started to develop intensively, said National Geographic Adventure. Centuries old cities such as Hvar, Korcula and Dubrovnik are packed with young and rich people, earning Croatia the right to be called the new Riviera. The famous American actor Tom Cruise visited Dubrovnik last year on his yacht. The Croatians are already used to celebrities visiting Croatia, such as the British Prince William and the American actor of Croatian origin John Malkovich. Nevertherless, Croatia offers much more than just sun and sea. "With Croatia back on the tourism map, a whole new range of travel options has sprung up, from cultural and culinary tours among the walled cities of the coast to climbing adventures on limestone sea cliffs, to specialized, clothing-free "naturist" excursions", emphasized Adventure. National Geographic Adventure: Croatia - Destination of the Year 2006

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Croatia is awash with minute, barely populated islands but Lopud, one of the Elafiti islands, with its handful of bars, shops and restaurants and a couple of hotels, is one of the most charming. There are no cars on the island, hand-pulled wooden carts being the preferred form of transportation. Unusually for Croatia, Lopud has sandy beaches, the largest of which is Sunj,reached by boat or forest path. From The Observer, 19th February 2006

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Take a dash of Dubrovnik, a bit of Bled, a smidgeon of Split and an ounce of Opatija, and you have the pearl of the Adriatic -- Croatia. We've rounded up the latest deals to Europe's current "It" spot. fromFrommer's website, 14th February 2006

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Croatia is hottest place in 2005: Lonely Planet, the travel book publisher, has picked Croatia as the hottest destination for 2005. Each year Lonely Planet employees around the world are asked to vote for the hot, as in ‘have to go there!,’ travel destinations. Croatia soared to the top of this year’s poll after a fourth-place finish last year. The Lonely Planet says the country’s appeal is its unique combination of culture, history, cuisine, accessibility and affordability. As one staffer wrote, “This is Croatia’s year. It appeals to a wide range of travelers with its rich diversity of attractions. It has not yet been over-touristed, but it has developed an excellent tourism infrastructure – so that it suits both adventurous travelers and those who need a degree of comfort in their planning.”
Lonely Planet declares Croatia as destination No. 1 in world.