Travel-Trails

A bus ride 7 hours north of Salta and we were at the Bolivian border. A desert with cities on either side of the border. We walked over the border. It was as expected people running everywhere, people waiting everywhere and the one armed immigration official working at a steady pace, despite the massive queue, with his other arm occupied with a cigarette. We decided we didn't want to stay at the dodgy border town so we caught the train to Tupiza.

Tupiza is the 'Wild West' of Bolivia. There may as well be tumbleweeds rolling up the main street. The scenery surrounding could be out of 'Young Guns' or any Hollywood western movie, or equally a Guns 'n' Roses film clip with Slash shredding in front of a church with the red rocky mountains in the background. Being inspired we decided to take a horse ride for a couple of hours. 5 minutes out of town and it felt like we were completely alone. We rode/walked around for about 3 hours. This confirmed that I still don't know how to ride a horse and that neither does my backside.

The first week of our trip, my brother and I did a bit of traveling. We went into the state of Sikkim, which is situated in the Himalayas, bordered by Bhutan, China, Tibet, and Nepal. The trip was both relaxing and hectic. I needed the time to decompress after finishing school, but the non-stop travel (we left by overnight train the night we arrived to India and continued moving throughout the state every 2-3 days) left us a bit worn out.

The serene and quaint nature of Sikkim, however, gently lifted the stress off my shoulders. At first it was a bit foreign, as I forgot how it felt to DO NOTHING, but soon after, I was content spending my days looking at the Himalayas from deck of my hotel room.

The first leg of the trip, we went to Gangtok. There we did a bit of touring, but by the end of three days, we were quite tired. The first day, we saw Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok. View was particularly spectacular from Ganesh tok. I will post some images when the opportunity arises. We were able to the Kanchangega, the third highest mountain in the Himalayas from there. Gangtok was a busy town and Rishi found its mildly metropolis nature agreeable.

As such, when we went to remote Rabongla (where the nearest store was 20 km away), Rishi was not satisified. We spent two nights there. During the day, we did a bit of hiking about. The view from the hotel would have been spectacular, however, it was cloudy both days. Nonetheless, the seclusion from all was needed (there was not even cell phone signal!).

The final portion of our trip was in Pelling, where we spent 3 days. Despite its small size, Pelling is stratified vertically along a mountain slope, into three sections. This unique segmentation makes for a reasonable hike - especially because our hotel was in lower Pelling and all the sites were in upper Pelling. The hotel in Pellling was particularly nice and we spent a good amount of time simply lounging about. There was not a whole lot to do over three days, so I did what I haven't done in quite some time . . . watch TV!

The end of the trip, however, was a bit exciting. We nearly missed the train back to Kolkata! Since I cannot read Hindi, I kept asking persons regarding where the correct train was. Turns out there were two trains to Kolkata and everyone directed me to the wrong one. At the last minute, I overheard the correct train number and raced to the appropriate location. Because our seats were not confirmed, there was a bit of confusion in finding the correct one. At the end, I had to hop on a moving train, only to encounter that someone else was sitting in my seat . . .

The islands of Fiji are well known for its spectacular scenery and world class attraction for sea sports such as big game fishing, snorkeling, sailing and scuba diving.

Fiji is a favorite scuba diving location for many scuba divers from all over the world and its highlights include a fantastic variety of colorful soft corals, more than 1200 species of fish, 12 species of whales and dolphins.

There are also many scuba diving resorts in Fiji which cater to all kinds of budgets and divers. Alternatively divers can choose live aboard dive boats or if you are a tourist on vacation in Fiji do not know how to scuba dive, you can take up lessons there or simply go snorkeling off the pristine beaches.

The Fijian archipelago is encircled by a huge reef and therefore there are many shallow lagoons to swim, snorkel or frolick in. There are also thousands of scuba dive sites to choose from. Most dive locations are easy to get to with plenty of resorts offering scuba diving scattered around the Fijian islands.

The water temperature is just perfect for scuba diving with at its coldest at only 25C. On warmer days, it is about 30C. Water visibility in Fiji is excellent with superb visibility of up to 40m or 120ft is a norm rather than exception.

Mamanuca dive sites in Fiji is easily be accessible by boat from the Nadi Airport area on the main island of Viti Levu. Several resorts in the Nadi offer full diving facilities and there are numerous day packages for snorkeling and scuba diving. The diving landscape in Mamanucas consist of shallow lagoons with hollows and bommies and excellent marine life. There are some interesting caves to explore, especially in Sawa-i-Lau in the Yasawa Group.

If you are in Fiji for a scuba diving vacation, you must dive in the world famous Astrolabe Reef on Kadavu in the Southern Islands. This dive spot has excellent hard and soft corals and abundance marine life. There are more soft corals along the north and south coast with some interesting caves to explore. Majestic drop-off can be found on the western tip of Kadavu.

Another excellent dive spot is the Beqa Lagoon to the north of Kadavu boasts of beautiful soft corals, reef bommies and passages. This dive location is famous shark feeding activities with many species of sharks including hammerhead sharks.

The Rainbow Reef in Northern Islands is another world famous scuba diving destination. If you are diving in the Rainbow reef, you will enjoy diving the Great White Wall and advanced drift diving through channels.

These are just some of the many fabulous scuba diving sites in Fiji.

Once you have arrived in the Republic of Seychelles, an archipelago nation of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean about 1600km east from Africa, I am sure you will leave all the bad memories away and will be thrilled from the moment you will lay your eyes on the beautiful sights. You are not sure if what you're seeing is something made on a computer or if it's real.

For those that plan a honeymoon in Seychelles, you should know that the best time of the year is in July with a great weather, temperatures from 25C to 30C (77F to 86F) and outside of the cyclones' areas. You should also know that from November to May the chances to rain are pretty big, so make sure you choose your dates wisely.

If you haven't opted for a hotel from the beginning you should know that you can choose one of the rustic villas that will assure all your necessary comfort to make your stay great. Choose from the ones that are directly on the beach with a water view, or those that you can see on the small hills filled with luxuriant green palms.

Once settled at the hotel or villa, and after smooching enough, start with the Islands. Use a rented car ($70 a day), take the bus (3 rupee per ticket - $1=6.4 rupees) or if you want to make some trips between the islands use the catamaran for an extreme experience. The most important islands are Mahe, Praslim, Silhouette and La Digue, while the others are islands where nature seems to be untouched. Also, look for the islands guide (in English) that will sure help.

Another great place to visit is the Ste Anne Marine National Park which is formed from many smaller islands, just a few kilometers away from Mahe. Here you get to see the ornithological and marine reservation, you can go snorkeling to see lots of exotic fish with live colors can be found or pet the gigantic tortoise that you can only find here or in Galapagos. You may also choose the daily excursion to the three smaller islands Cerf, Round and Moyenne, that every tourism agency in the area offers.

This is another place you can go. I mean that's a must if you love plants and would love to peace your mind. Here you get to see the unique Coco de Mer palm that grows 25-34m tall. The fruit is called sea coconut, double coconut, coco feese or Seychelles nut, thanks to the dimensions 40-50cm in diameter. Visit it daily form 6am to 6pm.

Silhouette Island is 20km NW of Mahe and is the third largest island. It is surrounded completely by a coral barrier so imagine what snorkeling would be around these areas. It's also worth visiting the tropical forest that you usually need to walk to. The small mountain on the island is 620m high so imagine what the view is all about.

I am not sure how thrilled your loved one will be, but if you both share the same passion, fishing, it's worth taking some time and relax for one day. You know you can catch a barracuda?

I will cover food and hotels in depth in a future article. SO long for now and hope you have a great honeymoon, if not a honeymoon then just a great vacation.

If you really feel ambitious, you might enjoy a ride down the rivers of Honduras. A cheap holiday vacation in Honduras can be extremely adventurous when you plan your trip around the whitewater rafting experience. Imagine the off-season in Honduras finding new uncharted waters with more rapids than you could ever need. You plan a vacation that includes a guided tour or if you are experienced, you might try the waters yourself. There are so many uncharted waters in Honduras just waiting to be discovered. Can you imagine discovering the next best place to do some rapid shooting and sharing it with the natives?

Every year you will find people from everywhere planning a cheap holiday vacation to Honduras to do just that, find some new waters to have the adventure of a lifetime. Many times, rafters start in La Ceiba, which takes you on the tour of a lifetime through a beautiful gorge and some spectacular jungle areas. The Honduras holiday vacation is one of the best presents you could give to yourself. I f plan the trip during a holiday that is also an off-season time, you can find some cheap holiday packages that allows the entire family to go along.

The months of November and December are the best time to visit Honduras because the rainy season is done and the waters are ready to send you on a thrill you will not forget. The challenge of whitewater rafting as the waters rise and fall is incredible. You can look around at many different travel sites on the Internet to find the one that is the best as far as a cheap holiday deal. You will find that many include hotel accommodations, airfare and sometimes the rafting package as well.

You will find that a trip to Honduras is going to be less expensive than a trip to Walt Disney World. You do not have to spend money to enjoy the beautiful scenery while out on the river waters. It is all free and just waiting for you to come and enjoy. Look around and see when you should plan your cheap holiday to Honduras.

I recently read a magazine that had made a list of the ten calmest islands on Greece. Paxos, one of the Ionian Islands, came on the first place. I wasn't surprised. The island has around 2,300 inhabitants and is well known for its slow pace and peaceful atmosphere. Coming here is a pleasant change from the hectic tourist spots on other Greek islands. We travelled to Paxos by boat from Parga on the mainland, but boats also depart from Korfu 14 kilometers away.

When you approach Gaios, one of the three main villages, remember to keep your camera at hand as the boat enters the inlet and passes the islands of St Nicholas and Panayia. If I knew about the view I wouldn't have left my camera in our hotel room in Parga. In Gaios town, follow the narrow alleys and explore the local shops before stopping for a meal at one of the cozy taverns or coffee bars. And don't act surprised if you find yourself sitting next to some Hollywood star. Since the British actor Peter Bull moved to Paxos in the 60's, the island has attracted many British and American celebrities.

If you appreciate serene islands you will also love Antipaxos, 15 minutes by boat from Paxos. During the summer, boats depart frequently from Gaios, Lakka and Loggos. Board the earliest morning ferry from Gaios to make the most of the magnificent beaches Voutoumi and Vrika.

We returned to Parga in the evening, but if we hadn't already a booked hotel room we would definitely have stayed on Paxos. It's not an island you want to leave in the first place.

Had a great time and if only the weather would sort itself out in this Country of ours - Ireland would be the place to be for the hols!

Surprisingly the cost of eating out and entertainment is not so different now to the holiday resorts abroad so financially its not a problem.

Speaking of eating out, there are a few places I would like to bring your attention to if you plan on visiting Galway in the near future.

Returning from a trip to Spiddal we stopped off in Bearna Village at 'The Pins' restaurant for some dinner - and can I say it was a gourmet delight. The decor and layout of the restaurant was superb and comfortable too.

The staff were the highest class - they were attentive, efficient, and above all pleasant and good at their jobs. Well, what can I say about the food - it was the best. The ladies and gents were like a trip to the ritz (not that I went into the gents but got a report from the other half) Highly recommend this restaurant - we returned for a second meal on the last night of our holiday - its part of 'The Twelve Hotel' check it out www.thetwelvehotel.ie

Another place to tell you about is 'The Forge' Pub & Eatery in Moycullen - terrific service and food was excellent

It makes all the difference when the service is good.

It has been a while since I have done an Irish summer holiday and was surprised by the growth of some of small villiages - one of them being Cliften.

There is so much to do on an irish holiday that we have all forgotten this with our travels abroad, and walking in Galway City on a warm evening you could be anywhere with so many visitors and nationalities Dont forget there is no hassle with the airports and you can pack in whatever manner you like and just shove it in the boot without fear of getting charged extra at the check-in desk.

However one thing puzzles me in all of this - we travelled through a lot of towns and stopped for lunch in pubs and coffee shops and I wonder what the thinking is behind not bothering to put a fresh coat of paint on the premises for the tourist season - some places looked really shabby and you would think that if any money is to be made in the tourist trade in this county it would be in the summer season so why why would you not make your premises look its best to entice people in .

Thats all for now

Cambodia is a land on the mend. From 1977 through 1980, the Khmer Rouge ruled the country, fanatics bent on genocide. Millions were killed and the period was put to film in the movie, "The Killing Fields." Fortunately, those days are over and the country is becoming a tourist destination. Cambodia is a land of incredible contrast. Thick forest, mountains and pristine rivers compliment amazing white beaches. When you get down to it, however, travelers know Cambodia for two things, Angkor Wat and the nastiest roads around. But, let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia. The city is a combination of old French beauty and modern condominiums. The city is full of amazing Wats [Buddist monasteries], including Wat Ounalom, Wat Phnom and Wat Moha Montrei. Modern buildings surround these monasteries and it's difficult to avoid a feeling that the old ways are being lost.

Still, the vibrancy of the city is impressive considering the fact that it was completely abandoned for three years in the last 70s. During this period, the Khmer Rouge tried to return the Cambodian people to their agricultural heritage and evacuated all cities. The only exception, of course, is Tuol Sleng, a high school used to torture and kill "enemies of the state." Just beyond the city, one will also find the infamous killing fields where thousands upon thousands were put to death.

Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville is a small, sleepy village on the Southwest edge of Cambodia. Fairly undeveloped, the area is an oasis similar to the beaches of Thailand. The difference, however, is the lack of tourists. Depending on the time of year, the beaches can be more or less empty and privacy assured. Rooms run between $5 and $15 a night and come with private bathrooms. If you are looking to lounge professionally, Sihanoukville is a very good place to do it.

Angkor Wat
Stunning. There is no other word for the temples of Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a temple surrounded by hundreds of others. Each is unique and worth a look. The most famous are Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Phrom. Angkor Wat is in the best shape as well as the most known. The Bayon is impressive, but the constant mob of tourist makes it a pain to visit. Ta Phrom is amazing because it has been left to the jungle, which is to say trees and the structure have become one in many areas. If you have seen Tomb Raider with Angelina Jolie, you have seen Ta Phrom. Personally, I prefer Angkor Wat to the Pyramids in Egypt.

Roads From Hell

Cambodian roads are evil. There is simply no other way to put it. The country is hit by monsoons every year and is still recovering from the Khmer Rouge. This combination has resulted in roads with huge potholes, missing bridges and pretty much the worst elements of Dante's Hell. Avoid them if at all possible!

Wow! So much more to write and say about our journey. But I cannot get myself in the mood to write! Perhaps because there is so much I am not sure where to start. Hopefully some of the photos will speak for themselves. Tibet is one of the few places on the trip where I have been really amazed because it is so unusual and different yet also relaxed in taking it all in! The land is also just breathtaking and really contributes to the experience.

Rolling hills, yaks... tiny rural towns that look like the old West

Potala Palace here in Lhasa (were the Dalai Lama lived before exile) built over hundreds of years each Lama adding on since the 1600s... includes the tombs of all the previous Lamas- intricate gold and inlay... a maze of tiny rooms narrow passages and ladders. Pretty much vacant - has an empty lonely feel since Chinese ransacked and all the monks/Dalai Lama left...but then to have all the Tibetans prostratingm chanting and walking koras so devotely and in crowds around the outside.... yet they can't come in except as tourists to see. A bizarre concept.

Jokhar temple in the center of town - the most sacred site of pilgrimage... Dark ornate rooms...crammed with Tibetans carrying yak butter offerings... smoky from the candles...every inch adorned with gold statuary, fabric or mural/painting. Need more photos to better illutrate... everyone moving in clockwise roation from little chrine to shrine up the levels all the way to the roof... many many monks chanting in low tones... amazing atmosphere- felt really out of this world... Then in front of the temple all the Tibetans lying directly on the ground in worship...up and down chanting...it was hard to tiptoe through them to get back out.

Other notables.... quaint narrow streets to wander (in the old quarter- not the new Chinese neighborhoods- that said- has been nice to go there the modern grocery store and buy snacks and toiletries) Neat Muslim quarter ( talk about confusing...to be be Tibetan, Chinese?, AND muslim!)

YUMMYYUMMY food aplenty...and cheap! Yak dumplings. Fresh steamed buns.Szechuan (sp?) Chinese EVERYTHING. Yak yogurt. Snickers! Euro bakery with cinnamon rolls. Sweet milk tea (NO salty greasy yak butter tea for us)

Lovely just to wander around town. People watch....
Not doing Tibet or Lhasa any justice here in writing , just having writers block. Feeling too relaxed and happy to motivate? More in person as we are nearing the 2 week countdown!!! AAAAEEEEEIII! (Don't know if thats good or bad- I think both!)

Tomorrow we fly to Beijing for a fast 3 days of touristic sights... Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace, Tianamen (sp?) square...
Then we are on the Transiberian Rail from Beijing to Moscow (via Mongolia for 5 days.) SO may not be blogging for a awhile! Will write more as SOON as I can.

The Bahamas is a magical string of 700 islands in the middle of the Caribbean that has been a popular tourist destination for decades, says AMT American Express Travel. The Bahamas is a world-renowned travel destination with a rich history. In 1492, Christopher Columbus made his first landfall on the island of San Salvador in the eastern Bahamas. Columbus commented on the shallow water of the sea surrounding the islands, calling the water "baja mar". It is from these words that the name "Bahama" came. Since the Bahamas islands are located close to Florida they caught the attention of explorers, settlers, invaders and traders. Pirate History in the Bahamas One of the most interesting things about the Bahamas is its history with pirates. Black Beard, Calico Jack and Captain Henry Morgan himself were known visitors to the Bahamian islands. 1680 to 1731 was the golden age for Bahamian pirates. These islands made an ideal home base for pirates because of the numerous islands and islets. These were great places to hide their renegade ships and stolen treasure. The islands were also close to well-traveled trading routes, creating the perfect opportunity to plunder merchant ships. The battles fought between pirates, merchants and other authorities often caused may casualties, especially ships. These ships often sank off the coast of the Bahamas, laden with gold, silver, and other antiquities. Spanish galleons were easy prey for pirates. These ships carried stolen riches from the native peoples of South and Central America. Pirates would hide this treasure in the numerous limestone caves dotting the Bahamas or bury it somewhere on the miles of beaches. Rumors of treasure still hidden in the Bahamas exist today. Pirate William Catt is supposed to have buried loot on his namesake, Cat Island. Sir Henry Morgan, who preferred the island of Andros, is said to have buried treasure throughout the many islands. Where rumors may be false, the Bahamas certainly offers a mystique that encourages its visitors to indulge in opportunities for adventure and seclusion. American Express Vacations is beginning to offer special tours for travelers interested in highlighting famous pirate sites all over the islands of the Bahamas. Modern Day Fun, Rest and Relaxation The Bahamas of today is still full of adventure and excitement. The islands of the Bahamas are some of the most popular locations for travelers in the world. A big draw to most Caribbean tourists, the Bahamas cater to travelers on a moderate to high-end budget. American Express Travel offers a number of moderate and high-end accommodations that give the best value for your money. There are no accommodations such as hostels because the focus of the island is a luxury experience. But travel to the Bahamas is on most world traveler's to see list.