Slippery yet beautiful trails, high rivers and washed-out bridges offer a spectacular ambience of lush countryside. Captivating sounds of gamelan, the traditional Balinese musical instrument, provide a terrific "bonus" at the end of your day in the colorful mountainsides of Bali. So take your next holiday beyond the ordinary, beyond the beaches and sprawling night clubs, beyond shopping and themed resorts, beyond the trappings of modern life… and step into the mythical landscapes, rich with enthralling beauty and charming rituals.

Delightful Ubud Art Scene

High on the slopes, just around one hour drive from Denpasar, the capital of Bali, Ubud is not only a delightful mountain getaway but also the center of art and culture in Bali. Dozens of art galleries, workshops, boutiques and cute novelty shops, big or small, locally-owned or internationally-owned, adorn every bit of the main streets in Ubud. Just easily stroll down this trendy neighborhood and you're going to want to stop at every shop and every stall you pass!

What's more, artists from all over the world regularly exhibit their work here in Ubud. One of the most popular galleries that regularly show masterpieces from well-known artists is Puri Lempad. This is actually the family residence of Mr. I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, a celebrated painter and sculptor best known for his famous ink drawings of Balinese Hindu scenes. In this house, Mr. Lempad dedicates the spacious front foyer of his house as a gallery initially to display his family collections and also as a creative space for him to paint or sculpt. Lately, the gallery is often rented to conduct various public exhibitions and art events. What's more remarkable, Puri Lempad is always open because the family still lives there. So as long as you visit at reasonable times, you are always welcome here at the Lempad's house. With so many fancy galleries that cater to modern tastes, the Lempad's house continues to carry on a simple yet captivating art tradition as if nothing has changed!

Puri Lempad Bali

Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud, Bali

Phone: +62 (0) 361 - 975618

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Open daily from 8 AM to 5.30 PM, the Monkey Forest or Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana is a vast 8-hectare forest in the heart of Ubud, occupied by lots of adorable monkeys. An undemanding trail festooned with towering trees presents an easy 30-minute walk around this forest while listening to the calming sounds of nature and watching the monkeys playing blissfully among the green and flourishing branches along the trail. Bananas or rambutan can be bought at the entrance to feed the monkeys. A small reminder however, even though these monkeys are quite friendly, you should be careful when you are carrying a bag of bananas or other treats for them as they can be very insistent to get them from you. Also make sure that you don't wear any accessories, such as earrings, necklaces and bracelets. The monkeys love to get their hands on these!

Monkey Forest

Jl. Monkey Forest

Padangtegal, Ubud, Bali

Phone: + 62 (0) 361 - 971304

Email: info@balimonkey.com

www.balimonkey.com

Exotic Bird Park

Take the opportunity to use your arm or shoulder as a place for birds to land and rest their tired wings. At Bali Bird Park, this is the perfect place to do so. Enjoy around 1,000 vibrant multi-colored birds singing wildly and flying freely from branch to branch, and sometimes briefly land on your arm or shoulder. Located not very far from Ubud, an early morning visit to Bali Bird Park offers a chance to have breakfast in its open-air restaurant while being enlightened by songs of paradise performed personally by the birds. For families with young children, this is definitely the place you don't want to leave out of your itinerary. Open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM.

Bali Bird Park

Jl. Serma Cok Ngurah Gambir

Singapadu, Batubulan, Gianyar
Phone: +62 (0) 361 - 299352

The Spiritual Bedugul

Cold winds blow gently over the fertile land around still dark green waters of Lake Bratan. A Balinese temple, Pura Ulun Danu, soars arrogantly at its side, an architecture representing constant struggles to eternal enlightenment. Its "sister" lakes, the twin Lake Tamblingan and Lake Buyan, sit quietly in a nearby grassy landscape. In a striking combination of beautiful scenery and rich heritage, whether you choose an effortless walk around Lake Tamblingan or a 25-minute canoe trip across Lake Tamblingan to Lake Buyan or a more rigorous hike in the vicinity of Lake Bratan or a visit to the temple to silently chant a solemn prayer, an afternoon trip to the lavish countryside of Bedugul can turn into centuries-old spiritual voyage into the deepest soul you didn't know you had.

Harmonious Village Life of Penglipuran

Set in the midst of Bangli District, 45 Km from Denpasar, Penglipuran Village has become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Bali. The ancient village provides a time-capsule vision into the harmonious Bali before it became Bali as we know now. Bali Aga, as they call themselves, literally means Original Bali. This village consists of communities that still practice their old traditions and rituals, as practiced by their ancestors since long before teachings of Hinduism came to the island. Therefore, Penglipuran Village is the only village in Bali that does not recognize the caste system, the pattern of social classes in Hinduism.

All of the houses in the village are neatly structured on a leafy hillside and very clean, each with bright red brick fences around it. Every house also features a traditional kitchen surrounded by bamboo walls, which is separated from the main house, while most of the main houses now have adopted semi-modern styles. Your visit to the village will be warmly welcomed and you can even drop in to each of their houses. Explore the narrow ancient pathways and the down-to-earth characteristics of the people will charm you to death and you can't help falling in love with them. This is the true Bali!

Recommended Museums & Art Galleries

Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA)

Pengosekan, Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-976659

Email: info@armamuseum.com

www.armamuseum.com

Gaya Fusion Of Sense

Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-979253, 979252

Email: gaya@gayafusion.com

www.gayafusion.com

Museum Puri Lukisan

Jl. Raya Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-975136, 9711159

Email: museumpl@indo.net.id

www.museumpurilukisan.com

Neka Art Museum

Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-975074

Email: info@museumneka.com

www.museumneka.com

Puri Lempad Bali

Jl. Raya Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-975618

The Blanco Renaissance Museum

Campuan, Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-975502

Email: a-blanco@indo.net.id

www.blancobali.com

Marmaris:

Marmaris is one of the best touristic destinations on the Mediterranean Coast. It is located in Mugla. Tourism is the main source of income for the resident of Marmaris. Many young people go to Marmaris to work in tourism sector. They generally work in hotels.The population of Marmaris is actually 20000. However in summer season, it approaches to 400000. There are many shops, restaurants and bars in Marmaris. Marmaris also has a beautiful natural harbor which is used as Turkey's premier yachting port for Blue Voyage yacht cruises.

Bodrum:

Bodrum is another touristic city in Mugla Province. In ancient times it was known as Halicarnassus. Famous Turkish novelist, Cevat Sakir Kabaagacli, took the name of “fisherman of Halikarnas” from Bodrum. He had lived in Bodrum for many years before his death. Bodrum is one of the international centers of Turkey for tourism and yachting.Bodrum is rich with it's history. One of the seven wonders, Mausoleum of Mausolus, was in Bodrum in ancient times. Famous historian of ancient times Herodotus, famous Ottoman Admiral Turgut Reis, and Zeki Muren had lived in Bodrum for years.

There are many historical and sigthseeing places in Bodrum, such as Bodrum Castle, Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology and Turgut Reis. Due to the touristic activities in Bodrum, population of Bodrum increases from 33000 to 500000 in summer season.This means “money” for the people who lives there.

I met a chatter whose name is Ulrich in my favourite chat channel. She was very sweet and charming girl. I spoke with her for fifteen minutes. I was stunned when she told me that she lived in small village called Fucking.For a sudden, I thought that she was joking with me. She was serious and insisted on living there. I opened my Google Earth map and searched for Fucking. She was right.There has been a village called Fucking for more than 1400 years.

Fucking: A small village in Austria

Fucking is a small village in Upper Austria. The exact location is 33 kilometers north of Salzburg and near German border. It is in the municipality of Tarsdorf.

It takes it's name from a traveller whose name is Focko. As far as I know, Focko is the name of a man who travelled this village in the 6th century. Fucking means “the place of Focko's people”.

The most surprising thing in Fucking is the traffic signs at the entrance and exit of the village. Most of the people seeing this sign stop there and take the photo of it. However, this sign has been stolen many times.

Fucking is rich in oxygen and fresh air since it is situated in the forest region. Due to it's natural beauty, it is one of the beautiful picnic areas of Tarsdorf. Even though it is a very small village and it's population is only 93, it is one of the well-known villages in Austria as a natural result of media interest.

Would you like to go Fucking and be one of the Fuckers? So, this is your guide.

The symbolic elements which have significance for me would be mainly superstitious beliefs, like black cats, or certain elements of karma and various eastern philosophies, like respect for life and all of god's creatures.

I believe that the earth and all of its creatures are governed by a system of good and evil, karma to be exact. I believe that a man named Siddharta is god incarnate, and that he reached that level by becoming one with the universe, through good deeds, prayer, and total ego loss and a massive amount of self reflection.

1. My supernatural beings are all superseded by an all powerful god, but there are certain deities, such as Ram, Krishna, and various others that I still have a respect for. In my religion, Hinduism, there are hundreds of different gods.
2. The religious specialists in my religion are limited to a certain caste of people, called Brahmin's. Only they can perform religious rites and becoming members of the priesthood in India, at least traditionally.

Some supernatural abilities are people that claim to be able to create something out of nothing, basically making matter appear. Others are extreme resistance to pain, levitation and other miracles.

Some rituals include going to the Ganges river, a holy river in India, when you are born and when you die. Others include cremation upon death, and annual festivals, like Divalil, the festival of lights.

The pathway to ecstasy in my religion is complete and utter ego loss, which is akin to connecting to the greater universe, also, transcending human desires is very good.

Hinduism has a tradition that dates back thousands of years with many sculptures, art, monuments, writings and a plethora of other religious themed art.

Daily life is affected by the extreme nonviolence, not eating any meat, and having respect for certain sacred animals, like cows and monkeys

I believe in Hinduism mainly because I was born into it. I realize that had I been born an orthodox Jew, or into a Muslim family, I would probably practice that religion, but since my father is from India, and I am half Indian, I follow that tradition. For me, religion is more about retaining my culture and heritage in a different country, than an actual belief in Hindu symbols. That is not to say I do not believe in god, but I do take the majority of religious texts, Hindu or not, as mainly metaphorical, and not literally at all. I think Hinduism is a good choice for me because it allows a great amount of freedom, especially the sect which I belong to. There are very few extremely dogmatic rules in Hinduism, and mostly people are allowed to pick and choose which tenets they follow extremely well, and those that are ok to break sometimes. Nonviolence is very important, but it is not the be all and end all.

It is good that we practice it during peacetime, but looking at Indians history, they are not absolutely opposed to using force, it is a last resort though. I follow very few traditions, but I will outline the ones I do subscribe to. I try not to hurt living things unneedlessly, but I am an avid hunter, and I also have no problem eating meat. A few rituals that I am involved in are a holy festival of lights, called “Divali”, basically the Indian version of Christmas. We are given presents and have a huge party, in which we all get bags of different colored paint, and throw it on each other. It is meant to symbolize love of life, and the brilliant moments in which humanity shines.

Another tradition I took part in was the cremation of my grandfather, and the journey my father and I took to the heart of India, to the ganges river, in order to rest my grandfathers ashes in the holiest of all rivers. This was a very eye opening experience for me, and it was one of the first times I connected with my religious history in any meaningful way. I enjoyed going to India and going among my own people. Donating money to the poor is also a very big part of Hinduism, and I try to help those that are less fortunate than me as much as I can. I feel that as a hindu, I do practice the basic tenets of the religion, but I do not get caught up in the seedier aspects, which go against the basic premise of the religion, such as ethnic or sectarian violence, rigid adherence to a caste system, and the belief that only certain families may be born into religious positions.

All in all it works out well for me. I think that keeping my religion is essential to my well being as an Indian American, and not just an American. If I lose sight of my heritage and all the benefits it brings, I will have lost a part of my soul and disappointed my ancestors in a very bad way. Not only are there benefits like that, there is also a certain camaraderie and love of man that this brings, and it serves my interests as a human being well, in order to communicate with my fellow man. This has long reaching implications for not only my social health, but my economic health as well.

Nottingham Castle

If you have seen Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves then you have been misled in more ways than one. For one thing, you do not have to cross Hadrian's Wall to get from Nottingham to the south and, for another, the castle doesn't look the same as the film. The original castle was destroyed during the civil war and a ducal palace stands in its place. The castle contains a museum that has held prestigious collections. A few years ago it was the only place in Britain to hold a prominent collection of pre-Raphaelite art. The grounds are also worth a wander. After this it is just a short walk along the walls to

Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem Inn

The Trip is the oldest inn in the world. It is built right into the walls of the cliff the castle stands on. After a refreshing drink you can continue on to the Brewhouse Yard, which contains a museum of an authentically furnished house and school from various periods in Nottingham history. From here you can also pop to the Nottingham Lace Centre, as all are based in the same area. The Salutation Inn, also nearby, is a lovely spot to eat.

Shopping

Nottingham is the third best city in Britain for shopping. There are the shopping centres, Broadmarsh and Victoria, for high street shops. There are also the boutiques along the Hockley area. While in Hockley stop for a cup of tea at Lee Rosy's Tea Shop. A great selection of teas, smoothies, coffee, sandwiches and cakes surrounded by the work of local artists. Atmospheric and also very tasty!

Sherwood Forest

Sherwood Forest is a bus ride or a drive from the city. You can see the Major Oak, where Robin and his Merry Men spent their time hiding out. Interestingly, there is still a Sheriff of Nottingham. You will recognise his car from its NTV2 number plate, NTV1 belonging to the Mayor. Resist the urge to throw rotten fruit at his car, he's far nicer nowadays!

The Caves

Caves run under much of Nottingham. These were used for smuggling, for storage and other exciting subterranean activity. You can access the caves from the basement of the Trip, organised tours from the castle or from the entrance in the Broadmarsh shopping centre. No, really you can. The shopping centre entrance will be the most worthwhile tour, and while you are there you can head down the road to the Galleries of Justice, a museum of crime and punishment.

The Tales Of Robin Hood

This is more aimed at children, or the young at heart. You go on a cable car journey through “Sherwood Forest”. It is handily placed between Market Square and the Castle.

The World's Smallest Cinema

Rather cheekily placed across the road from the Arts Cinema, Broadway, is the Screen Room. This is officially the world's smallest cinema. It shows mostly indie films, and serves the best vegan cake around. It's in the Hockley area, so you can combine your trip with some shopping.

Music

There are endless music venues in Nottingham. There's the Arena for all your skating and large band needs, as well as the world famous Rock City, the Rescue Rooms, Stealth, Junktion 7, The Maze, The Theatre Royal, The Social… chances are you will find the sort of music you like.

Sports

For Soccer fans the Notts County and Nottingham Forest ground are handily placed next to Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. There is also the Tennis Centre and the National Water Sports Centre, for all you active types.

Enjoy your trip to Nottingham!