Cambodia/Phnom Penh

New York Hotel

This hotel is ideally located about 15 minutes away from the International Airport. It is also close to many of the local attractions for example the historical Central Market, Sorya Shopping Centre, Wat Phnom Penh Temple (most famous city landmark), National Museum and many other interesting sites.

Shared accommodations start from EUR 9.51 for Standard Twin, with breakfast included.

China/Beijing

Sitting on the City Walls Courtyard House

One distinct difference here is at the front gate, there is a zigzag alleyway that only can be accessed by foot or bicycle. No modern transport vehicle can pass through this alleyway. Experience the local neighbourhood as you see them living as though time has stood still. This hotel is closely located to the Forbidden City, HouHai tourist site and various Temples and the WangFuJing Shopping Centre.

Dorm (pax 8 beds) ensuite, prices start from EUR 7.30, unfortunately, breakfast is not included.

Hong Kong

Bishop Lei International House

This hotel is standing next to the Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, overlooking the spectacular Hong Kong Harbour. It is also close proximity to the Zoological and Botanical Gardens as well as to the commercial district of Hong Kong. Try using the Mid-Level Escalator, one of the many wonders of the Island.

Private twin sharing starts from EUR 19.50, unfortunately, breakfast is not included.

Indonesia/Kuta

Green Garden Beach Resort and Spa

This is a perfect location for couples looking for a romantic holiday, located next to a sandy beach with clear calm waters. All the shops and restaurants are withing walking distance. If you get the top-floor rooms, you get a beach view from your windows.

The spa is one of the best in Bali yet very reasonably priced. The open-air café is one of the most popular and romantic dining spots serving both Indonesian and Western cuisines at reasonable prices. This place is not suitable for children under 16 years as this place caters extensive spa facilities suitable for mature travellers.

Private 4-bed suites start from EUR 12.52, breakfast is included.

Japan/Hokkaido

Hotel Kawanami

This hotel is on the shore of Lake Toya with water sports such as wakeboarding, water skiing available. It is also near two active volcanoes (Showa-Shinzan and Usu). From the end of April until October 31, Toya-Onsen puts on a nightly fireworks show that you can see from the Rotemburo, which is a outdoor hot springs bath.

All accommodations start from EUR 23.31, unfortunately breakfast is not included.

Laos/Vangvieng

Babylon Guest House

This three story Guest House serves Lao Organic Foods as well as a western slection.

It is only a 20 yard walk to the local bars and shops. A nice place to enjoy excellent music and spectacular sunsets over the mountains.

Private 4-bed suite starts from EUR 2.54, unfortunately breakfast is not included.

Malaysia/Kuala Lumpur

Equator Hostel

This Hostel is suited for backpackers and independent travellers. It is within easy access to modern amenities like the Berjaya Times Square, Chinatown and Jalan Bukit Bintang.

Dorm room with 4 beds start from EUR 4.93, breakfast is included.

Myanmar/Yangon

Ocean Pearl Inn

This is located 30 minutes drive from the Airport. Closely located to the historic Botataung pagoda, Shwe Phone Pwint Pagoda, Yangon River and Yangon Trade Center. Night time brings the night life as well as the night market.

Private triple ensuite starts from EUR 4.44, breakfast is included.

Philippines/Manila

Casa Nicarosa Hotel

This hotel is located just 5 minutes walk to Manila's renowned Manila Bay's Sunset Strip and Baywalk to feel the ultimate artistic and gastronomic experience. It is close to the famour Mall of Asia, Intramuros Church, Zoo, golf courses and many more.

Standard Room of twin beds start from EUR 12.04, breakfast is included.

Singapore

1BandBSingapore

This B&B has a spectacular 180 degree view of Singapore's city skyline. It is situated within walking distance to Chinatown, the central business district. Orchard Road, the prime shopping area, and other tourist sites are easily accessible via the public transport. This B&B is next to the Malayan Railway Station with trains running daily to the major cities in Malaysia.

Accommodations start from EUR 14.01, breakfast is included.

South Korea/Seoul

B and B Morning Calm

This hotel has been featured in various local and abroad media shows for its outstanding B&B house in Korea, with a beautiful landscape garden. Within walking distance, there are more than 12 art museums, Personal Guide Cards written in English are available.

Private double sharing starts from EUR 30.29, breakfast is included.

Taiwan/Taipei

Eight Elephants Hostel

This hostel is the hangout of the local young people where they will mingle with the foreign crowd. It is the most condensed area for countless eateries, artistic cafes and bar and clubs.

Dorm with 7 beds, prices start from EUR 10.61, unfortunately breakfast is not included.

Thailand/Bangkok

Urban House

It is a new place, just recently opened its doors on February 2006. It is located on Saladaeng, Silom - the heart of Bangkok's business, tourist and entertainment district.

Accommodations start from EUR 9.88, breakfast is included.

Vietnam/Ho Chi Minh City

Bich Duyen Hotel

This hotel is the heart of the backpacker's area. Close proximity to the airport (20 minutes by taxi) make it very convenient for travellers. It is also a stone's throw away from Ben Thanh market and the biggest wholesaler in southern Vietnam and many other attractions.

Triple bed sharing per room starts from EUR 5.81, breakfast is included.

I hope you will enjoy yourselves here in South-East Asia for the coming holidays. See you around !

Every year, millions of tourists come to Turkey to see the natural beauties of my country. Most of these tourists are Russian, German and people coming from North Europan countries like Finland, Sweden and Norway. There are many historical and touristic places in Turkey but most of them are found in Aegean and Mediterranean region. Izmir, Antalya, Didim, Kusadasi, Marmaris, Fethiye, Bodrum and Ephesus are all great examples to these beauties. All of these places are located near the sea. Some of them have a historical background while some don't have. This article is about a small town Patara.

Patara is an ancient town in Mediterranean region. It is located in city of Kas which is one of the touristic cities of Antalya Province. According to the historians, Patara is the birth place of Saint Nicholas who is known as Noel Father in Turkish culture. Most of you know him as an old man who drives his deers and gives presents to the children in Noel nights. He lived all his life nearby Patara, in the town of Myra..

Patara was founded by Patarus. So, it is known with his name. Patarus was one of the sons of famous Greek commander Apollo. In the past, Dorians coming from city of Crete lived in this small town. It witnessed many wars of Greek and Egyptians. In 1. century B.C, it was joined to Roman Empire and Rhodians occupied the ancient Patara. It was joined to Pamphylia in the year of 43. According to the quotes in Bible, Paul of Tarsus and Luke changed their ships in Patara.

Patara has a small hill and a ruined temple on one side of the hill. Currently, It is under ruins. Every year, Europan and Turkish archaeologists come to Patara to search about ancient civilizations living in this region. Excavations are made.Most of those excavations are made on the hill and ruined temple nearby. Off-shore part of Patara is under sand. After the latest excavations, archaeologists announced that Patara has a main street and amphitheatre.

One day, if your steps take you away to Turkey, you should visit Patara. Sure that, you can find many interesting things which have not been discovered yet.

Yungas Road (Highway of death in Bolivia)

Yungas Road is one of the most dangerous roads of all world. It is placed in Bolivia, between La Paz and Coroico cities. Since this region is called as Yungas, naturally this road is named as Yungas Road.

This road is used by heavy trucks, buses and lorries. Naturally, if you go to there,you can see the wreckages of many lorries and buses. In last years, it is also preferred by cyclists and motorcyclists. ”Gravity Assisted Mountain Biking” is one of the extreme sports made by on this road. Every month, more than 200 people die on Yungas Road. Annual death toll is more than 3000.

Guoliang Tunnel Road (China)

Guoliang Road is one of the most well-known killer roads .It was built by the villagers living in Guoliang region. Total length of the road is almost 1200 meters. It is located in Taihang mountains in China. To finish complete road took 5 years of villagers. On the road, there are tunnels with 5 meters height and 4 meters width. This road is known as death machine.

Pasubio Road (Italy)

Pasubio Road was constructed in Vicenza, Northern Italy. Once upon a time, it was really a dead machine. Currently, it is only used for motorcycling activities.On the road, there are hairpin turns and tunnels. The existence of the roads twisting into tunnels and hairpin turns makes this road interesting.

Colombia's most important export crop is coffee beans. Its largest city is Santa Fe! de Bogota. More than 10% of the worlds species live in Colombia and its 40.3 million people that live there are of mixed Spanish indigenous and black origins.

History

Around the year 1500, the Spanish began settling in Colombia. This land was soon part of New Granada which also encompassed present day Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama. The Spanish rule grew in the late 1700s until 1810 when nationalists claimed independence, but true independence came in the year of 1819, when a man named Simo!n Bolivar assembled an army to defeat Spanish troops at the Battle of Boyaca! .

In the years from 1948 to 1957, civil war broke out between Conservatives and Liberals which led to a constitutional amendment requiring the presidency to alternate between the Liberal and Conservative Parties until the year 1974. The Medellin and Cali drug cartels and also various Guerrilla movements like M-19, F.A.R.., and E.L.N. began in the 1980s to cause unrest and violence. Some guerrilla factions eventually joined the democratic process in the 1990 presidential elections.

In 1990, Cesar Gaviria was elected president. He offered guerrilla groups the right to participate in constitutional conventions if they would disarm and renounce violence. Most of the groups accepted the offer, but some didn't. In the year of 1990, a national assembly was formed to rewrite the 1886 constitution, which then took effect on July 4, 1991. The elections in 1994 awarded Ernesto Samper Pizano of the Liberal party, a four year presidential term, but he was accused of receiving Campaign funds from the Cali drug cartel. Then in June 1996, Congress absolved Samper of wrong-doing. The scandal damaged the government's credibility, which contributed to an economic downfall, escalated violence among guerrillas, drug cartels, paramilitary anti-guerrilla groups and the military.

Thousands of people died from these groups' violence. Much of the kidnapping, killing, and extortion involved drug-related lands and money. In 1998, the government withdrew thousands of troops and police from the Southeast. Bombings and attacks by guerrilla groups continued. The government repealed F.A.R.C.'s safe haven. Now the violence continues to escalate and has now reached a level of all-out war

Food

Colombia n people eat 3 meals a day just like Americans. Their biggest meal is lunch. Breakfast is small and accompanied by coffee. Their lunch is always 2 or more courses, including a bowl of soup, a main dish of meat, fish or poultry, and sometimes dessert. Their preference is to eat with family, but in urban areas on weekdays, a family lunch is often difficult, so every city and town has a number of restaurants and cafeterias that specialize in serving the lunch meal.

Dinner patterns are the same as Americans. Their staple starches are rice, potatoes, corn plantains, and yucca. Meat is more common in the Highland areas. Fish is eaten more often on the coasts. Over the past decade, there has been a trend toward vegetarian food. There are not many vegetarian restaurants in the country, but they are growing.

Land

Colombia is located in the northwest corner of South America where the continents join the Isthmus of Panama. Their capital is Santa Fe! de Boyota! . Colombia has coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. It boarders five countries: Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, and Equador. Some islands in the Pacific and Caribbean are parts of Colombia's territory. Colombia can be divided into four distinct regions: the Andean highlands, the Carribean lowlands, the Pacific lowlands and the Eastern plains, separated by the parallel Mountain ranges, Cordillera Occidentas (western), Cordillera Central and Cordillera Oriental (eastern)

Climate

There are no distinct seasons in Colombia, but different elevations experience a variety of temperatures. Medellin, at 5000 feet above sea level averages 70"F. Bogota! (the Capital) at 8000 feet above sea level, averages 55"F. The coast is hot and humid. With such diversity in temperature, altitude, and rainfall, Colombia produces an incredible variety and abundance of vegetarian and animal life.

Recreation / Sports

Soccer has become Colombia's international sporting strength since it's team qualified for the finals of the World Cup Competition. The sport is followed with wild enthusiasm. Thousands of supporters who watch with groups of friends often crowd around the T.V. set to watch the games. Bars and restaurants are packed with fans of both sides. When a local national team has secured a victory, the streets are filled with a procession of cars and constant hooting of horns. You can take part of almost any out-door sport in Colombia. Facilities for most indoor sports are there for the people that can afford them.

Education

The children's school year starts in February and ends at the end of June. From the end of June to mid-July, there is a short vacation. Then students go back to school until mid-November, when the longest vacation of the year starts. Because of the same temperature all year-round, there is no need for summer vacation. The Colombian Constitution guarantees every child the right to an education. Many families prefer to send their child to a private school. Many of these are run by Catholic schools. Government has the authority over all schools. Children between 6 and 14 are expected to attend primary school. In the cities most do, but in the country side attendance is less often. Parents sometimes keep children out of school to support the family. Some students have to travel great distances because some families don't own cars. The students who do good in high school can attend Universities. The school hours depend on the climate. Colombian youngsters do study the same things that us North-Americans study.

Topkapi Palace

It's construction started in 1459 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II. Mehmet II is one of the important sultans of Ottoman Empire since he was the the conquerer of Istanbul. Topkapi Palace was the home and official residence of Ottoman Emperors from 1465 to 1863. The historical tissue of Topkapi Palace damaged because of big earthquakes and fires. Currently, Topkapi Palace is museum. It is under administration of Ministry of Culture and Tourism. When you visit Topkapi Palace Museum, you can see a large collection of Ottoman art and architecture, Ottoman miniatures, weapons, shields, armor and a display of Ottoman treasure and jewelry.

Dolmabahce Palace

It is located at the European side of Istanbul. After 1853, it was used as the official residence of Ottoman Emperors. It was also the administrative center of Ottoman Empire from 1853 to 1922. Dolmabahce palace is the first European style palace in Ottoman Empire history. It was built by Ottoman Sultan Abdulmecid II between 1842 and 1853. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder and the first president of Turkey Republic, spent his last years in this palace. Ataturk died in November 10, 1938 in Dolmabahce Palace.

Yildiz Palace

It was built in 1880 and used by the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II. Inside Yildiz Palace, there are apartments, pavilions, theatre, opera house, museum and a porcelain factory.

Beylerbeyi Palace

Unlike Dolmabahce, Topkapi and Yildiz palaces, Beylerbeyi Palace is located at the Assian side of Istanbul. It was built between 1861 and 1865 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz. It was designed in baroque style. It was mainly used as a place to entertain visiting heads of state. Sultan Abdulhamid II spent his last years of captivity in Beylerbeyi palace. He died in Beylerbeyi Palace in 1918.

Ciragan Palace

It is located between Besiktas and Ortakoy at the European side of Istanbul. It was built between 1863 and 1867 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz. It was designed by famous Armenian architect Nigogayos Balyan and constructed by his sons Hagop and Sarkis Balyan. In 1910, it was destroyed by a great fire. However, the ruined palace was restored in 1991. It was designed in Baroque style during restoration. Currently, it is used as a five-star hotel.

Sutlac

It is a good combination of rice and milk. It is a dessert enjoyed by many people from all over the world. However, it is mostly peculiar to Asian cuisine. The main ingredients of Sutlac are rice, milk or cream, spices (cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg), flavorings (pistachio, vanilla) and sweeteners like sugar, honey and fruits. It can be served either hot or cold. It was first prepared in Ottoman kitchen by the order of Ottoman Emperor.

Pismaniye

It was invented by Agop Efendi, who was an Armenian descent in 19th century. Therefore, it is peculiar to Ottoman Empire cuisine. It is known as “Turkish Cotton Candy”, which includes a combination of flour, sugar and pistachio. Pismaniye is a soft, light, and fluffy dessert. It is mostly served at festivals or after coming back from a long journey in Turkey.

Sekerpare

The main ingredients of Sekerpare are flour, eggs, butter, pistachio and sugar. Sekerpare is made as small pieces and the amount of sugar in Sekerpare is very high. So, when someone eats two or three pieces, it makes him feel full. It can be served either hot or cold. It reminds many people of Tulumba dessert.

The Premier RV Resort On The Gulf Coast, Beaumont, Texas

This was the nicest RV Park we had seen since leaving Florida. The park had drive thru sites and no unhitching of the car dolly. I would just pull in and undo the tie downs and back off the car. All the sites were cement drive thru pads. They had free WI-FI and the park was really nice.

I had installed a computer in the rig with a wireless card for this very reason, to be able to access wireless connections at the different parks.

I had mounted the computer under the dining room table with room to spare. I had cameras and scanner to record the trip of a live time connected to the computer. I would put together collages of the places we would stay and email to the family back home. They were looking forward to getting their email everyday.

Something like the above collage but more pictures and info. It was funny making them up for everyone I emailed.

We left the next day heading west across Texas. If you never been thru Texas, in the fat part, then you don't know what it is like trying to get out of Texas. The only thing I didn't like about the dolly towing I had to stop 50 miles down the road and make sure your tie downs didn't loosen up on you. Well, we will see you at the next stop, which will be in TEXAS.

This is a list of African mammals and I have not broken it down to different sub species, however I invite you to do a little more research into the ones you are interested in learning about.

Aardvark, African hare, African Wild Dog, Baboon, Bat, Bat-Eared Fox, Bongo, Bonobo, Buffalo, Bushbaby, Cheetah Chimpanzee, Colombus Monkey, DikDik, Duikar, Dwarf Mongoose, Eland, Elephant, Elephant Shrew, Genet, Gerenuk, Giraffe, Grant's Gazelle, Hedgehog, Hartbeest, Hippopotamus, Hyena, Hyrax, Impala, Jackal, Kob, Kudo, Leopard, Lion, Mountain Gorilla, Oryx, Pangolin, Porcupine, Ratel, Roan Antelope, Rhinoceros, Sable, Serval, Sitatunga, Spring Hare, Thomson's Gazelle, Topi, Vervet Monkey, Warthog, Waterbuck, Wildebeast, Burchell's Zebra, Gravy's Zebra.

I hope I have listed them all, and fortunately there are some organizations like the African Wildlife Foundation which are dedicated to preserving and saving species which are endangered.This is greatly needed as Africa has already lost many species, man is the greatest threat known to wildlife.

As the saying goes, "you don't know what you have until you lose it". Are we responsible for the Extinction of these African mammals?

Algerian Wild Ass, Atlas Bear, Blue Antelope, Bubal Hartebeest, Canary Island Giant Rat, Cape Serval, Cape Warthog, Lava Mouse, Madagascan Dwarf Hippo, Madagascan Pygmy Hippo, North African Aurochs, North African Elephant, North African Serval, Quagga, Red Gazelle, Robert's Lechwe.

Interestingly enough, the extinction of these mammals corresponds with the appearance of Human civilization, but there is no way to prove that humans are directly responsible.

Quesadillas

Quesadillas is the first Mexican food I have ever tasted. It is also the top of my favourite Mexican food. The ingredients of Quesadillas are chicken, potatoes, refried beans, sausage, ham, scrambled eggs, black pepper, salt, butter and mushroom. In some part of the Mexico, cheese is also added. Quesadillas is also a part of Mexican culture and tradition. If you live in Mexico or go to Mexico, you can easily find Quesadillas in every restaurants, stadiums and theaters.

Tortilla

Tortilla is made from finely ground maize or wheat flour. It is one of the symbols of Mexican kitchen. Tortilla is a kind of omelette which is made with layers of eggs and sliced potatoes. Tortilla is made not only in Mexico but also in Panama, USA, South America and Central America. Eggs and potatoes are main ingredients of Tortilla.

Gaspatcho

Gaspatcho is one of the popular Mexican soup. Unlike Quesadillas and Tortilla, Gaspatcho is served cold. The ingredients of Gaspatcho soup are tomatoes, green pepper, red pepper, cucumber, olive oil, bread, salt and vinegar.

Tacos

Tacos is one of the traditional Mexican food. Tacos is made from corn flour, meat, chicken and mince. All these ingredients are mixed in a special pot called Taco. Most of the time, Tacos is mixed with spice.

It is a country that has been blessed with many tourist attractions, its ministry of tourism was created in the 1970's to encourage investment in this sector. Tourist attractions include amongst others; wildlife parks, highlands, lakes, Mankon Fondom (kingdom) and museums.

Despite government's efforts over the past decade to boost the sector, its growth has been hampered by poor infrastructure and mis-administration. However, this has not deterred foreigners from visiting the country's attractions.

Tourists Climbing Mount Cameroon

One of the main sites that attracts many foreigners and nationals alike is "Mount Cameroon" also known as "Mount Fako". It is situated in Buea, in the Fako division of the South West province of the country.

It measures 4100 kilometres, the highest point in Central Africa and the second highest point in Africa after Mount Kilamanjaro in Kenya. The mountain rises from the coast through tropical rainforest to a bare summit which is cold, windy and occasionally brushed with snow.

The Mount Cameroon forests are under threat from uncontrolled forest exploitation and encroachment for agricultural production. A population of approximately 350,000 people live within its immediate vicinity, around half of this population live in the urban settlements of Limbe and Buea.

The Bakweri, Bomboko and Balundu people traditionally live on and around the mountain, together with the coastal Bimbia clans; the livelihoods of these people are directly or indirectly supplemented through the harvesting of the forests resources such as timber and non-timber products such as removing bark for medicines, gathering wild vegetables, collecting rattans for making furniture and hunting.

The mountain has erupted six times in the previous century, the latest recorded eruption was in March/ April 1999. During the eruption, the lava flow destroyed farmlands in localities found on the slope of the mountain such as Bakingili, Batoke and Upper farms.

In local folklore the God of the mountain is known as Efasah Moto, it's believed to be composed of two halves, i.e. man and stone; it is also believed that it takes care of people by providing them with water, shelter and food during their journey up and down the mountain. Visitors are allowed to harvest what they can consume while on the mountain but are not allowed to take away anything provided by Efasah Moto. Belief in the God provides an interesting cultural link to ecotourism and sustainable use of resources.

Apart from individuals or groups who go for excursions on the mountain, there is an annual international race that is organised by the Government known as the "Mount Cameroon Race of Hope". The initiative was started in 1995 by the company that brews Guinness.

The race usually brings together hundreds of athletes with scores of them coming from abroad. The starting point of the race is the Molyko Omnisport stadium and participants pass through upper farms, huts 1,2 & 3 before reaching the summit and returning back to the starting point. Participants are divided into male and female categories, they are then further sub-divided into professionals, youths, and amateurs.

The first winner of the male category usually takes just over four hours to complete the race while that for the female category usually takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes. Prize money is in the region of two thousand pounds.