When working on the Kibbutz in the 80s they would take the volunteers on camping trips to touristy sites around the country. This trip was to the fortress of Massada near the Dead Sea.  We camped beside the bus, so that we’d be ready to climb the mountain the next day. 

The morning sun cut a nice silhouette on the old fort

We climbed up to the ramparts of Massada thanks to the earthen ramp that the Romans would have used.  Actually this one was built by the mini-series producers but it workesd just as well.

By Israeli law at the time each group of twn people had to have an Israeli accompanying with a weapon, in this case an UZI sub-machine gun. There were 22 of us so her dad, the volunteer leader, had his captured Kalashnikov assault rifle as well.

Looking down from the summit of Massada one can see rebuilt for the mini-series, the square encampments where the Roman Legions bivouacked during the siege

Further South near our Kibbutz was the city of Be’ersheva, first settled by Abraham during the Patriarchal days of Genesis.  Abraham dug many wells in search of water when he was in the area, he found water here at the 7th well he dug.  ‘Be’er’ means ‘Well’ in Hebrew, and ‘Sheva’ means ‘Seven’.

A view of the plaque on the well.

Our Kibbutz, Nirim, is located near the border check point between Gaza and Israel. This is a trouble-plagued crossing today seen here back in simpler, more peaceful times.

On the Kibbutz we volunteers used to earn our keep by picking in the citrus and avocado orchards, while driving what we dubbed ‘Yellow Monsters’.

This is the road at the rear of our Kibbutz which runs along the fence with the Gaza strip. On Israel’s Independence Day we all congregated 18klm (10mi) at the site of the old Nirim and ran, walked, and rode back to a barbecue at the new site of Nirim.

On another camping trip through the Negev desert this time we saw many awe-inspiring natural rock formations.  This one shows 3 similar formations called Solomon’s Pillars

A close up shot of Sol’s Pillar

There were many beautiful and incredible rock formations. I call this one Mushroom Rock for obvious reasons.

It is amazing how wind and sand can erode rocks.

This is Yam Kinneret, or the Sea of Galilee

On our camping trip the Golan Heights, we stopped at Jalaboon and Dvorah Waterfalls that had crystal clear water. Swimmers who were brave enough climbed the cliff and jumped into the deep pools below.

There are some pretty big fish in that river too for all you fishermen out there! Oh! And don't forget about hunting. There are plenty of places for that also.

Fourth of July on the river is an annual celebration tradition for me and my sons. It's really the best place to watch the fireworks and it's free to go. We take a cooler sometimes with extra food and drinks for the all afternoon-evening event. When we get there early enough we head straight for the cherry limeade stand. They make it from scratch and it's very refreshing on a hot day.

Just up Heber Springs Road you can park your R.V. check out the country store then meander on down the highway to the car races that take place on the weekends.

Batesville is the second oldest city in the natural state of Arkansas. It was founded in 1812 and is the home of the Pioneers. We have two movie theaters,the firstWal-Mart superstore in the state, several hotels, fast food, Mexican, Chinese, and other restaurants like Western Sizzlin. If you are in north Arkansas and want to go to Little Rock, most generally you have to pass through Batesville. This is also true if you are south of us and want to go north, like to Branson, Missouri. We are in the middle of everything if you travel by interstate and major highways. There are also many scenic roads you can take if you have the time.

One thing this state has is a lot of beautiful scenery. I am at the point to where I'm trying to remember my camera whenever I go anywhere. It's just too beautiful to not take home.

Searcy is about an hour south and Little Rock is about another 30 minutes south. Little Rock was home to Bill Clinton when he was governor. Hope, Arkansas was his childhood home.When I keep traveling for about another 30 minutes or so then I'm in Hot Springs. All of these are great places to shop and have many sites to see.

Traveling north can take you to Hardy to shop antiques and Mountain Home to canoe down the Buffalo River. Closer by is Mountain View with dancing and music playing almost on every corner different parts of the year. Inviting you in are interesting little shops that are hard to resist. Check out the shops around the quaint courtyard that is a usual site for most Arkansas small towns. While you're still in town visit the Ozark Folk Center. People who work there dress and live as in the 'old days' making lye soap, brooms, cornhusk dolls, ice cream, and dulcimers; along with many more crafts plus! I'll post another shortly on the November calendar for Mt. View happenings.

Blanchard Springs and Caverns are a great place to check outwhen you leave Mountain View. The caves are what they call "living" and well worth the time to visit. If you go in the summer you can picnic and go swimming in the national park also. They have great hiking trails and camp grounds. I really enjoy our visits there.

There is so much more to this great state than I could write here. All I can say is you are officially invited to come, explore, and enjoy. Come to Batesville and I'll show you around sometime. I can get you a city map too. As some say around here "Ya'll come, ya hear!".

Be on the lookout for photos of Batesville in the coming days.

Myrtle Beach in November

When my friend asked me what I wanted to do for our 40th birthdays I replied, "I have a bet on a boxing match that I am going to watch."  Needless to say she was mortified, but kept her cool.  She quickly and excitedly replied, "Let's jump in my Lexus and drive down to Myrtle Beach.  I was perplexed.  The summer was over.  She knew I was not only a sun worshipper, but an ocean lover.  "What are you talking about?"  I reluctantly replied, "Let me think about it."  I did my research and realized although it was chilly in New York the weather in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina averaged around 65 degrees.  I wouldn't be sunbathing or swimming, but I could still frolic on the beach.  The crowds would be almost nonexistent and deserted shopping centers would allow us to be footloose.  I decided to go and I am glad I did.  We had a great time!

Traveling

The drive down was uneventful and pretty boring.  We left in the early morning hours on Thursday, November 14, 2007.  We beat all the traffic and the Lexus provided a more than primo ride.  Neither of us was too concerned or impressed with the scenery as we'd see it many times on separate occasions.  We made a pit stop in a small town called Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina off of I-95 to see some of my relatives and were back on the road again shortly thereafter.  As we got closer to South Carolina we began shedding layers of clothing.  I became more and more excited knowing we were getting closer to the warmth.  Finally, 11 hours later we were in Myrtle Beach.

Becoming Acquainted with the Beach

We stayed in a beautiful set of condos on the south end of the beach off Kings Highway.  As soon as we entered the room I made a beeline for the balcony.  I couldn't believe the scenery, a marvelous postcard backdrop.  The beach was vacant, the ocean was rough.  I was in my glory.  I immediately retired to the balcony in a chair to rest a bit before we hit the town, to find a place to stuff our faces.  I love seafood even more than I love the beach.  The forecast did call for rain later that evening and into the next morning, but we did not let that stop us.

Out on the Town

After we settled, we decided that since we had a full kitchen we would find the nearest grocery store and purchase some items to save some money.  We found a Food Lion grocery story in the area and picked up dinner for later that night and breakfast for the next couple days as we were sure we would want to sleep in every morning.  The food prices were considerably lower compared to what we were used to and we found ourselves buying food to lug back with us.  Consumers get further discounts with their Food Lion card, which you can get immediately upon filling out a short form.  "How cool," we thought.  We drove up and down Ocean Boulevard checking out the scene and realizing very quickly how nice it was to not have to deal with the traffic and crowds that normally seek refuge in Myrtle Beach during the summer months.  I was in Heaven.  I was also exhausted though.  The drive was relaxing, but very tiring.  We scoped out a couple souvenir shops we wanted to hit and a restaurant called the Crab House and then made our way back to the condo.  I needed to retreat and bask in the comfort of the ocean's abode.  As the sun made its departure, I lay on the couch watching the ocean disappear into the darkness and all that could be heard was the sound of the waves.  I had claimed my spot on the couch in front of the patio doors; although, we had two queen-sized beds and a full-sized bed.  I didn't want to miss the spectacular scenery showing.  We cooked some vittles, watched some television and I jumped on my laptop taking advantage of the serenity and finishing up a few chapters of my book.  Shortly, after I went to sleep on the couch.  I did not want to miss the sunrise.

The Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Sunrise

It was a magnificent specimen, the rising of the sun, as the ocean tickled its feet.  I took these spectacular pictures with my cell phone and used my webcam to record the sounds of the tides and waves calmly touch the shoreline to use for my morning meditation.  As marvelous as the scenery was in the daytime, it was equally as beautiful at night.  My only problem was neither my cell phone nor webcam were able to capture the million stars that graced the skies.  I have a high tech telescope that I left at home and I kicked myself a few times for forgetting it.  I had no idea!!!  I should not have been so hard on myself though; there wasn't enough room in the Lexus because we had bought so much food!

November 15, 2007: Rain, but Not a Total Bust

The following day it rained most of the day and my friend and I decided to take her mother-in-law up on her offer to check out a company called Wyndham Resorts to purchase some property on Myrtle Beach.  We sat through the presentation and found ourselves signing on the dotted line shortly thereafter.  I wanted more of what I had seen, the relaxation the peacefulness.  I was sold quickly and all I could think about was the many times I was going to frequent Myrtle Beach in the coming years.  My friend and I made a pact to go down at least once every other year, preferably on our birthdays.  We made our way back to the condo as we were not feeling the rain and decided to just stay indoors and relax.  After all that is what we truly came there for and we did plenty of it.

November 16, 2007: Fun in the Sun

My friend and I awoke to a similar marvelous sunrise and I was convinced that that particular sun couldn't be the same one that graced the New York sky.  It looked different, it was shaped different, it shone different, it felt different; it was just different.  I cooked fish and grits for my friend and I and we chowed down on the balcony under the morning sun.  I was content staying in the room for the remainder of our trip, but my friend was hell bent on getting out and spending some money.  I wanted to at least get out on the beach and build a sand castle or two, so I jumped into my sweatsuit and sneakers and headed for the shore.  It felt odd to not be donning my bikini, as one can imagine, but calming just the same.  My friend and I wrote messages in the sand to our kids; took pictures with our cell phones and sent them off.  It was a fine time to be turning 40.  Everywhere we went we let people know that we had just turned 40 and we not only got compliments, but also received some trinkets for free.

Shopping

My friend and I departed the beach.  I didn't go willingly; in fact I was kicking and screaming.  It was time to hit some shops and purchase some trinkets.  I had a long list of people I had to buy for and I managed to find everything I needed.  My friend bought me this wonderful lime green beach hat.  She's so expressive and thought it was the prettiest thing in the store and it was.  I was very appreciative to say the least.  We didn't do any big mall shopping; although we passed a few outlet stores on our quest to find the perfect souvenir shop.  We found that they basically all sold the same things and had the same prices, but we hit them all anyway.  Like most beach towns the surrounding areas are pretty much of the same, beach front restaurants, souvenir shops and night clubs; we just had them all to ourselves.  We did not frequent any of the night clubs as this was not our focus or reason for coming.  We would have come for Bike Week if we wanted that.  Instead, we opted to do what grown ups do and just relax, shop, enjoy the scenery and stuff our faces.

Eatery

There were many seafood restaurants to choose from and we had a very difficult time picking just one, but we finally decided on The Crab House.  We were not concerned with location (on the beach) or even price.  We wanted the catches to be fresh and the service to be excellent.  With the exception of another couple we were the only two people in there.  Again, I felt like I was in Heaven.  One waitress, all to ourselves and she was perfect.  Our meals consisted of a jumbo shrimp appetizer, a crab leg meal complete with baked potatoes and veggies and unlimited salad from the very fresh salad bar.  We ate with our crab bibs and took turns taking pictures of each other making literal pigs of ourselves.  It was a great time.

Reflection

We made our way back to our condo, stuffed and tired from the day's events and decided to take our grown up naps.  I fell asleep to the sounds of the ocean purring and rocking me to sleep like a lovely lullaby.  I fell asleep feeling the stress of the city leaving my body and allowing my dreams to finally materialize.  I had felt as though I had not dreamed so vividly in quite some time as I dreamt of living on the beach and being a beach bum.  This was not an unfamiliar dream, but one that had been repressed and all I had really needed was the ocean's sweet music.

Once we awoke we had to pack for our early trip back as we both had to get back to work.  We talked about our property that we had acquired and went over all the literature we had received.  We made advance plans for our return to Heaven and sealed our pact to come back at least once every two years.  I spent my last night out on the balcony reflecting and thought to myself, "I actually was going to turn her down."  I was so happy that I didn't as the night fell and the million stars came out to bid me a fair goodbye and I spoke out loud, "I will see you all again."

St. Kitts has the best hiking places. You can stay at the Rawlin Plantation Hotel and hike the cloud shrouded mountain called Mr. Liamuiga. It is a 3,792 foot volcano that has been dormant. It takes about two to three hours of hike to the summit. You can do this on your own or you have a guide. When you reach the summit, you will be able to see the green carpeted crater. There are also ropes that are available of you dare to go down the caldera wall for about a thousand foot.

Barbados is heaven for those who are into surfing because this place has the best waves in the Caribbean area. Every November, the annual Reef Classic Barbados is held at the Soup bowl in Barbados. There are also waves that are good for intermediate and beginners. You can stay at the Sea-U Guest House in Bathsheba. You can also hike from Bathsheba to Bath Beach along the old rail.

The Seychelles has the best scenic places you can get to with the use of a boat. The SY Sea star is a 138 foot schooner and has eight cabins, teak decks, gears for diving and snorkeling and mountain bikes. They offer and 11 day cruise of island hopping. Included in the island hoppings are the islands of Mahe, Praslin, Cousin and La Digue.

Vieques is located in Puerto Rico. There are mangrove line lagoons and empty beaches in this area. It is also a home for the endangered leather back turtles and brown pelicans. It is also a home for the red footed boobies that is just cruising on the waters and of course lots of giant fish like permits, snooks, tarpons and a lot more. Your activities in the island will include fishing, kayaking, and mountain biking.

Strawberry Springs

Located 7 miles from Steamboat Springs and nestled between Rocky Peak and Copper Ridge. The water from the springs usually trickles down the hillside at approximately 150 degrees before it enters the stream. The largest pool is kept at 104 Degrees while the smaller shelves of the cells are cooler due to geothermal venting.

Krause Springs

Krause Springs is located 34 miles from Austin, Texas and is known to be the most prevalent in the state. The springs are a compilation of two separate cells that overlook Cypress Creek. The lower levels are adorned with Cypress trees and waterfalls which made it a spiritual place by the Native Indians. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. "Two springs feed the 70' by 20' swimming pool at a rate of 70 gallons a minute at a temperature of about 70 degrees."

Crab Cooker Hot Springs

The beautiful Eastern Sierras viewed from Crab Cooker Hot Springs. This spring is among several located in this highly popular camping and backpacking area. It's quite shallow but big enough for several people and the scenery that surrounds the bathing hole is spectacular.

Wekiva Springs

One of my favorite places to call home; the Wekiva Springs is located in Longwood, Florida where the Timucuan Indians fished and hunted for years. These thermal springs are fed by five diverse sources, while the fish come directly from the springs into two large cells. "The thermal water flows at a rate of 130 liters per second with a daily capacity of 5,760 people." The temperature is usually kept around 72 Degrees which at times can feel like bathing in ice cubes. These healing waters contain calcium, sodium, magnesium, chlorine, and carbon dioxide which can cure neurological disorders, arthritis, and skin deficiencies.

Banjar Hot Springs

The Banjar is located in Bali and not too far down the road from the only Buddhist monastery in the area. These hot springs are marvelously landscaped with tropical plants. Being they are proven to help with ailments and spiritual clarity, local residents and tourists are urged to spend a couple hours a day relaxing to sooth the soul and clear the mind.

Onsen in Nachikatsuura

The Onsen Spring in Nachikatsuura, Japan located on the premises of the Nakanoshima Hotel on Nakanoshima Island. The island has six different hot springs with high sulfur content and this is just one of them. The spring is said to aid in the healing process of arthritis, female infertility, gout and rheumatism.

Chena Hot Springs

Chena Springs is located northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska near the Chena River State Recreation Area. The resort is using the first low-temperature binary geothermal plant built in Alaska to explore alternative energy sources.

The main attraction at Mammoth Hot Springs is the terraces. The Mammoth Hot springs are continuously changing. As cells grow, water is forced to flow in different directions and the constant changes create a living sculpture made from heat, water, limestone, and rock fractures. The colors are derived from natural living organisms attaching themselves to the side of the terraces.

The lists of the most attractive atolls below are the most ideal places for beach and nature lovers including divers. They will surely enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving among many other activities on these wonderful gifts of nature. (Photos courtesy of Wikipedia)

Aldabra Atoll: Seychelles

Aldabra atoll is considered the second largest atoll by dry land area with 155 km² and regarded as the largest raised coral atoll in the world. This beautiful paradise which is located in Seychelles in the Indian Ocean is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The atoll's islands nurture an array of both unique flora and fauna, as well as the world's largest population of 150,000 giant tortoises. Its lagoon boasts the most vibrant marine life of the entire archipelago.

Aitutaki Atoll: Cook Islands

Aitutaki Atoll is the second most visited island of the Cook Islands. It is traditionally known also as Araura, Ararau and Utataki. The barrier reef that forms the basis of Aitutaki is roughly the shape of an equilateral triangle with each side measuring 12 km in length. Aitutaki is famous for its turquoise central lagoon, uninhabited islands and palm-fringed beaches. Another advantage is that until now it has been spared by mass tourism. One Foot Island, which is part of the atoll, was awarded “Australasia's Leading Beach” at the World Travel Awards held in Sydney in June 2008.

Rapota and Moturakau Islands were the locations of the first series of the UK reality television program Shipwrecked in 2000. In 2001, Steve Fossett passed over just south of Aitutaki in the balloon Solo Spirit during his round-the-world trip. In 2006, the island was used as the location for the tribal council in Survivor: Cook Islands. Surrounding islands were used for tribal camps and crew locations. Then, not long afterwards, Shipwrecked returned again, with Shipwrecked: Battle of the Islands. This was filmed on the same islands as before. Aututaki has a population of approximately 2,000 only but has 8 Rugby teams.

Bikini Atoll: Marshall Island

An ideal place to explore of adventurer is the Bikini Atoll. Bikini Atoll is a ring of coral islets, forming parts of the Republic of the Marshall Islands in the west-central Pacific Ocean. It consists of 36 islets encircling a large lagoon with a land area of about 3 square mi (8 sq km). Bikini Island is well-known for being the subject of nuclear bomb tests, and because the bikini swimsuit was named after the island in 1946.

Only limited number of divers head for the lagoon at Bikini every year for an extensive tour of World War II naval vessels. Due to the dangers of the radioactivity and limited services in the area, divers are staying away from one of the most remarkable potential diving sites in the Pacific. The dive spot has become popular among divers in the last 10 years. The lagoon contains a larger amount of sealift than usual due to the lack of fishing, including sharks, increasing the fascination with the spot as a diver's adventure spot.

Orona Atoll: Kiribati

Another ideal place for adventurer is the Orona Atoll. Orona Atoll which is also known then as Hull Island is one of the Phoenix Islands in the Republic of Kiribati, an island nation in the Pacific Ocean. It is a narrow ribbon of land surrounding a sizable lagoon with depths of 15-20 meters. Numerous passages connect the lagoon to the surrounding ocean, only a couple of which will admit even a small boat. Total land area is 3.9 sq. km, and the maximum elevation is nine meters.

Although occupied at various times during the past, including as late as 2004, Orona is uninhabited today. An attempt was made to re-establish a settlement on Orona from 2001-04, but this appears to have failed. Orona, together with the other Phoenix Islands, was proclaimed in 2008 to be part of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area, the world's largest marine protected area. Orona contains evidence of prehistoric Polynesian inhabitation. An ancient stone marae stands on the eastern tip of the island, together with ruins of shelters, graves and other platforms.

The area is covered with towering coconut palms and the remainder of the atoll is covered with scrub forest, herbs and grasses. Feral cats, rats, pigs, and dogs exist on the island. Ducks and chickens were raised by the former inhabitants, but it is unknown whether any remain. Orona also boasts three species of lizards, Polynesian rats, land and hermit crabs, together with approximately fifty species of insects. Turtles are also known to use the island as a nesting area.

Tetiaroa Atoll: French Polynesia

One fabulous place you shouldn't miss is Tetiaroa. Tetiaroa, one of the Society Islands, is an atoll 59 km north of Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia on the island of Tahiti. Tetiaroa Atoll has a width of 7.3 km and is made up of 12 small islands called motus. The first thing you will notice is this island is not developed at all! Its peaceful pristine natural setting and absolute secluded charm are what attracted Marlon Brando to this atoll, and during his years of ownership here he did everything he could to keep it that way.

Best things to do in the area are; swimming, walking around and exploring the many tiny motus which comprise the area, snorkeling, scuba diving, and checking out Bird Island.

All these beautiful paradises are vying for a place in the search for the New 7 Wonders of the World. One thing is certain; visiting these places is 100% pollution-free.

Museums

Many museums have children areas where the kids can learn science, history, and anthropology. The prices are pretty inexpensive and unless you live in an extremely rural area, you can find a museum close to you. When I lived in Vernal, Utah, we used to visit a small museum filled with bones. We would visit this museum one or two times a year. The museum would change some of its exhibits about once a year.

Libraries

Many of the libraries across the nation are trying to get more customers for their services. You can find music, books, and computers. Many of the libraries hold free concerts. Also you can find pamphlets and other notices of festivals, rendezvous, etc in your area.

Community Centers/Swimming Pools

Another inexpensive center for swimming and other community offerings is at your community center. Many centers have indoor swimming pools where you can get swimming lessons for your little ones.

Hobbies

Summer is a great time to catch up on your hobbies. If you like to knit, crochet, or sew, shops like Michaels provide classes. The local newspaper print organizational meetings for hobbies such as politics, amateur radio, trains, and etc If you don't know where to find others who like your favorite hobby, you might go to a store that sells supplies. The owners/managers can help you find others with the same hobby.

Garage Sales

If you are into antique shopping or even looking at other people's junk, searching out garage sales is for you. The best time is early before anyone else has picked over the stuff. You can see other parts of your city and meet new people. Sometimes groups of people will get together to do jumble sales. For instance, the Lutheran Church in our area does a huge jumble sale in their parking lot every Saturday during the summer months.

Local Tourists

Be a tourist in your own city or town. For instance, I am thirty minutes from Lake Tahoe. We go up and walk along the beach, watch the birds, and collect fir cones. So look around you. What can you do in your area? Do you live near the ocean? Are you close to the capital building? Go see that tourist trap that you have never seen because you were to busy traveling somewhere else.

So even though it is going to be a rough travel year, take some time and enjoy where you are. At the very least, catch up on your T.V. shows. Sit in your backyard with a hammock and enjoy the birds. It will save you time, money, and stress.

What makes Batanes unique?

One of the most notable facts about Batanes is its claim to a zero crime rate. Violent crime is unheard of on the islands and even petty theft is a rare occurrence. Visitors who misplaced or lost personal items are told to visit the local radio station in Batanes so that an island-wide bulletin can be aired. Locals who have found items are also likely to drop them off at the station.

Batanes' Honesty Coffee Shop, believe it or not, there is no one minding the store. Instead, a clear plastic jar is left on the counter for customers to pay for their snacks and get their own change. It works under the honesty system. Softdrinks, instant coffee, candies, biscuits, noodles, chips and other snacks are available. This is one of the many things that make Batanes a unique place to visit.

Here are some other things that make Batanes unique among other tourist destinations in the world;

Batanes is a special place. Isolated from the rest of the country, it has evolved into a truly unique destination - unlike any other island in the Philippine archipelago. Batanes is absolutely pollution-free. No traffic jams. All you can see are beauty of nature.

Unique architecture of Ivatan houses made of thick lime and stone walls with cogon grass roof has made it a favorite attraction to visitors. They were built this way to endure typhoons that frequently hit the area.

Batanes is made up mostly of hills and mountains. Lush greenery tapers off to give way to stretches of sandy beaches and rocky shorelines.

Batanes is suitable to hardy, outdoor types who enjoy hiking over hills and vales, swimming and discovering a unique local culture, rather than indulging in material pleasures.

The people are different - a brave and skillful race of hardy, inscrutable survivors. They are notable for their honesty, industry and hospitability.

The topography coupled with its constant rainfall and strong winds have created a destination that is truly one-of-a-kind. The weather is different. In fact, the weather is the king.

The boats, the language, the crafts, and the wine (called palek-from sugarcane) - they are all different.

Aside from the festive town fiestas, free and natural beaches, trekking adventures, bird watching in October or fishing in summer, there are a lot of other local attractions worth visiting such as:

The undisturbed and unspoiled Sabtang Island, with its sandy beaches and rugged country trails make it a secret paradise.

Historic Churches in every town which were over 200 years old made of massive mixture of lime and stone.

Radar tukon in Basco rests on the hilltop overlooking a 360 degree view of the cliffs, hills and the seas around the island.

And the Interior road, a trail of unending countryside panoramic views, rock formations and rolling terrain

Other places of interest in Batanes include; House of Dakay (1887) a UNESCO heritage building; Mt. Iraya - A 1008-meter mountain on Batan Island; Mahatao View Deck; Burial Caves - Pre-historic burial caves in the town of Itbayat; Sumhao Wind Power Plant; Nakaboang Beach, Ark & Cave; Songsong Ruins; Beaches - Chadpidan Beach, White Beach; and Payaman - known as "Marlboro Country", a pasture overlooking farm fields & the Pacific Ocean.

The best time to visit Batanes is from February to July.

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.

Its average temperature remains in the 70 degree F level throughout the year and sunshine appears almost every day. Many tourists like to book for a Wailea beach front condo to enjoy the sunshine and the scenery of the beaches.

With its beautiful sand and shimmering water, the beaches in Maui are great places to enjoy the sunshine and swimming. In fact, the beach voted the best in the world is located right on Maui, which is Wailea Beach. Wailea Beach is one which tourists must see while on vacation in Hawaii.

Apart from watching the beautiful views of beaches and swimming in the water, you should include one more activity in your Hawaiian vacation: Taking in the luaus.

A luau is a traditional Hawaiian feast. Long time ago, it was a combination of big parties celebrating special occasions such as a king¡¦s birthday. visits from foreign nobles or to honor an important chieftain. These parties often lasted for three days featuring dancing, drinking, eating and singing. Now there are many commercial luaus to choose from, where you can be treated like a king yourself.

As far as I know, there are three kinds of Maui luaus. They are The Old Lahaina Luau, The Feast at Lele and The Ka anapali Beach Luau. All the luaus are enjoyable. Whatever luau you choose, you will have a good time.

If you are looking for a traditional Hawaiian experience, The Old Lahaina Luau is the way to go. Featuring only music and dance from Hawaii, this luau will take you on a tour of Hawaii from the times of mythology to the present. The goal of The Old Lahaina Luau is to provide the most authentic Hawaiian luau available on Maui.

For the honeymooning couple or any couple looking for a more private and romantic evening, consider the Feast at Lele. The feast is the only Maui luau offering table service for dinner. The approach here is much different from any other Maui luau. A premium bar is featured, and the food is served in courses, and offers some of the finest food you may eat during your entire vacation.

Families visiting Maui may find that the Ka anapali Beach Luau to be the perfect fit. In addition to the traditional luau buffet which serves kalua pork, mahi mahi, lomi lomi salmon, poi, island style chicken, sweet potato and much more, there is a children¡¦s buffet featuring comfort foods such as chicken fingers, hot dogs and pizza for the finicky eater.