1. Paris, France

   From the fabulous dance parties by the Seine to the wonders of coq-au-vin.
   
   Paris is something to behold, indeed. The incredibly well preserved architecture is a feast to the eyes, and the friendliness of the inhabitants (an eclectic mix of nationalities) will make you feel welcomed, no matter where you are. Insider tip: check out the spontaneous parties that catch on by the Seine, you're in for a treat. What to do first? Dine at a French cuisine restaurant. You'll thank me later.

2. Sibiu, Romania

   Experience both a medieval city and a capital of European Culture.
   
   Sibiu is one of the oldest, most well preserved cities in Europe. Located in Transylvania, the land of Dracula and the extra strong "palinca" (a local alcoholic beverage), Sibiu will be nothing short of a trip in a medieval Europe. Very well preserved architecture, street acts on every corner, troubadours and the traditional Romanian hospitality - these are all waiting for you. Imbue yourself with a truly cultural experience; you'll definitely have something to talk to your grandchildren about.

3. Halkidiki, Greece

   Golden sands of ancient time, and the sanctuary of an angry sea god.
   
   Have you ever wanted to visit ancient Greece ruins without the hassle of waiting in a long cue, or having it spoiled by tourists and, in the same time, sip some pina coladas on a luxurious Bahamas beach? If you answered yes, Halkidiki is the answer to your prayers. And if you answered no, you might want to reconsider. We're sure you just didn't know about Halkidiki. Let us tell you, the region consists of three peninsulas: Kassandra, Agio Oros and Sithonia. This is a mythical land, where sandy beaches stretch as far as the eye can see and evergreen trees grow on majestic mountains. A must see? The sanctuary of Poseidon, the ancient sea god, in Posidi. So get ready for a great tan and a leap into ancient history!

4. Berlin, Germany

   The pulsating heart of Middle Europe, ready to make you feel its love.
   
   If you're a woman of opposites, then you'll find Berlin to suit your tastes perfectly. Where else could you find such a fine mix of Nordic reserve and Southern joviality? The best beer in Europe is to be found here, and also the remnants of the worst conflict ever to plague mankind. We weren't kidding about opposites, you know. To get a feel for the real Berlin, you'd need a lifetime, so let's just skip to the interesting parts: the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, Berliner Rathaus, Berliner Dom, Alexanderplatz, Tiergarten, the beautiful museums and the incredible Zoo. Ask any berliner, and they'll point you in the right direction. They're such nice people, you know...

5. Amsterdam, Holland

   The Venice of hippies.
   
   Or rather it would have been, should hippies have gotten to it first. Amsterdam is mainly a tourist attraction. In absence of tourist, the city would have crumbled. You might get alarmed, what if that happens? Fear not, for it could never happen. Because Amsterdam is the most open-minded city in the world. It is so lax and so tolerant, that it will never fall short of tourists. You can stroll down his canals, you can visit his outrageous museums, you can even pay a visit to a coffee shop (please bear in mind that coffee shops do not actually serve coffee). No matter what you do, who you are or what your cultural particulars are, you'll feel at home in Amsterdam.

6. Sicily, Italy

   Not just the birthplace of the Mafia, but actually the world's first multicultural society.
   
   And why is that? Well, for starters, let's just say that it's the first thing anyone conquerers from Africa and the Middle East saw when they came after Europe. And guess what? They conquered. Sicily has been ruled by Asians and Africans, besides all the Europeans that thought they should start somewhere if they wanted to conquer. And that leaves Sicily as the most cosmopolitan European region. So if you want the best of Greek culture, Roman vestiges, Arab hot blood, Byzantine bishops and Norman coolness, Sicily is the place to visit. Starting with its architecture, which is a mix of all possible styles, and continuing with its food, which is, again, a mix of all possible cuisines. You'll come home feeling as if you just visited the whole world (plus you'll know the difference between Italians and Sicilians). Now that's worth a few entertaining dinner conversations.

So that settles it. These are our recommendations for a truly interesting summer. You can't go wrong with any of them, but we'll go ahead and add another mind-bending piece of information: you can grab them all! Yes, you've read well, since distances are so small in Europe, a very good plan can get you through all of them. That way, you'll get to experience the real Europe in just one trip. You'll admire its ancient, medieval and even recent history, you'll get to taste all the delicious food, you'll meet all of its people but, most of all, you'll relax and feel welcomed. Because Europe is all about that: peace and relaxation. And such is our wish for your summer vacation. So keep this in mind when you start planning for expensive, „exotic" vacations: you don't need that, you don't need the stress (both on your wallet and on your mind), you just need a little Europe in your life. Go on, have fun!

I remember when I lived in the Cayman Islands for three years, there was a turtle farm at West Bay. The farm's intention is to propagate more of the green sea turtles that used to be much more abundant in the tropical Caribbean waters. I remember when one of our neighbors, who owns a small café in Georgetown, brought us a container of stewed turtle. My wife and kids may have had some confusion over whether to try it. After tasting that delicious turtle stew, we were hooked on eating turtle.

If you do not live in a locale where unusual meats are available on a daily basis, you may need to order from the Internet. Of course, meat that you buy online is not fresh. It is frozen and shipped in dry ice or other preservative to your door. It is the next best thing to living where those animals are commonplace.

Unless you have extremely exotic tastes, you can most likely find unusual meats in the USA. Most of them are grown on farms for the expressed purpose of providing exotic meats for adventurous eaters in the United States. By going online, you can use a search engine to find bison steaks grown in the USA or venison, the flesh of deer, again grown in this country. Although you can't bring live alligators out of Florida as we used to do, there are merchants there who sell alligator meat, either as frozen patties resembling hamburgers or as steaks.

The meat from most endangered animals cannot be found on legitimate web sites for exotic meats of course. It should be sufficient to eat more numerous exotic animal products such as pheasants, ostrich or kangaroo. They are available online.

Situated mostly in the Himalayan mountains, it is famously described as the paradise on Earth, Jammu and Kashmir shares a border with the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to the south, Azad Kashmir to the west and the People's Republic of China to the north and east. Jammu and Kashmir is home to several valleys such as the Kashmir Valley, Tawi Valley, Chenab Valley, Poonch Valley, Sind Valley and Lidder Valley.

Kerala

Kerala is located at the southern part of the Indian peninsula. The tagline Kerala- God's Own Country has been widely used in Kerala's tourism promotions and soon became synonymous with the state. Its most known tourist attraction is the "backwaters" region, which comprises an extensive network of interlocking rivers, lakes, and canals that centre on Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Punnamada. There are many ancient temples and shrines to be visited in this beautiful place. The annual boat ride will give you a once in a life time experience.

Goa

Renowned for its sunny beaches, temples and world heritage architecture, Goa is visited by hundreds of thousands of international and domestic tourists each year. It is one of the most developed states of India. You will get to see a lot of Portugal architecture. You would find the best of the best accommodation in Goa, provided you trip is well planned. Adventure sports lovers would be in for a treat. The party scene is pretty wild over here and the spirits are much cheaper too. The Bom Jesus cathedral is another famous attraction in Goa.

Manali

One of the most beautiful Hill Station in India, near the northern end of the Kullu Valley. It was the home for the seven sages or the Saptarshi. It offers hot springs, spectacular religious shrines and temples, Tibetan Buddhist temples, and trekking and adventure sports in the surrounding mountains. It is here that you will find the best quality of dope in the world.

Rajasthan

To get a taste of the royal lifestyle, visit Rajasthan (literal meaning "Land of the Kings"). You will get to see the extremes of all the worlds. It has The Great Indian Desert; Forts with absolutely marvelous architecture; Food that would make you eat four times your appetite and a history that would leave you mesmerized. You would immediately fall in love with the local culture and their colorful dressing.

Taj Mahal

It is home of India's most visited site, the Taj Mahal is one of the 7 wonders of the modern world. It's rightly described as the epitome of love.

Varanasi

Hinduism's holiest city, Varanasi is described as the Holy city of India or the city of Temples. Here in Varanasi, every nook and corner has a legend and every road has a great story to recite. Get a taste of Uttar Pradesh, get a taste of real India.

Balut is one of my favorite exotic foods here in the Philippines because it gives you vitality as said by people. It looks bad but very good when you taste it. Smells and looks awful but just give it a try. It is rich in protein but not good for people who have hyper tension. The most yummy part is the chick and its juice. Recently balut price increase from 12 pesos to 13 pesos but still I will buy balut.

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 !

Adobong pusa or cat adobo

Do you know that even cats are eaten by people in the Philippines? They cook it in adobo style, sautéed with garlic, onion and laurel leaf seasoned with soy sauce and vinegar. This is a favorite appetizer during their drinking spree.

Adobo/ prito o litsong daga or adobo/ fried or roasted rat

Rats from the rice paddies are also eaten. They would skin them, cut the head, the tail, and the legs then all internal organs are removed. Actually these rodents are clean because they only feed on rice. Cooking is done the adobo way deep fried. It can also be roasted like chicken.

Kilawing bunog (raw young of a mudfish)

These are eaten raw spiced up with vinegar or citrus juice, pepper, and salt.

Kilawing bunog

Adobo o pritong palaka (adobo or fried frogs)

Frogs can be cooked in adobo style or deep fried. It's tastier than chicken. There are also some people in the Philippines that eat legs of bullfrogs cooked in the same manner.

deep fried frogs adobo style

Adobong ahas (snake adobo)

This is cooked in adobo style. Snake is commonly eaten in Asia because of its medicinal value. It's also a good aphrodisiac.

Snakes/ snake adobo

Adobong bayawak/itlog (monitor lizard meat/eggs)

It is sautéed in garlic and onion, ginger and laurel leaf with pepper, soy sauce, and vinegar or more popularly called adobo. This is perfect for “pulutan” (food appetizer while drinking wine or liquor). The eggs are usually cook by simply boiling it, it taste salty and delicious. Their eggs are considered exotic because it's rare and hard to find.

Lizard adobo / a lizard/ lizard's egg

Prito o sinangag na salagubang (fried beetle)

This is common among provinces where mango trees abound where beetles usually thrive. It's crunchy like its grasshopper counterpart.

A beetle fried beetle

Adobong paniki (bat adobo)

Cooked in adobo style or cooked in coconut milk.

A bat

Kilawing aso o kambing (Raw meat of goat or dog)

Raw meat spiced up with chopped onions, pepper and salt. Others would grill it medium rare first. A kilawing kambing (raw goat meat) become more bizarre when added up with fresh liquid extracted and drained from the stomach or intestine of the goat.

kilawing kambing

Sinangag o adobong susuhong/camaro/ararawan (adobo or fried mole crickets)

This is a kind of edible insect usually found in the rice fields before planting season. It is sautéed in garlic, onion, and olive oil or cooked by simply frying it.

A mole cricket / fried camaro/ dried adobo/

Sinangag o adobong tipaklong o balang (fried or adobo grasshopper or locust)

They are cooked just like the way mole crickets are cooked.

A grasshopper / Fried grasshopper / Adobo

Ginataang kuhol (Snail cooked in coconut milk)

There are varieties of snails being cooked and eaten in the Philippines. Only two are being shown here. Ginataang kuhol or suso is sautéed with garlic, onion, ginger and pepper plus coconut milk. There are also other ways of cooking these snails.

A Golden snail (kuhol)/ Ginatang Kuhol

This kind of snail (suso) is sautéed w/ fresh tomato. I cooked and photographed this one myself.

Papaitan (came from the Filipino root word, “pait” which means “bitter”)

This is consists mostly of goat or cow innards. This is sautéed in garlic and onions (ginger is optional). The bitter taste is from the bile or stocked produced from the stomach of the goat or cow. This is also a delicacy for us but exotic for others.

A pinapaitan

Dinuguan (dog meat or pork blood stew)

It is a common delicacy here in the Philippines like the balut. Yes, vampires and mortals alike may find this viand so tempting. It is a combination of pork/dog meat and innards stewed to perfection with pork blood (“dinuguan” means “bloodied”). It is best eaten with a puto (steamed rice cake). When it is cooked dried it is called tinumis or pinaputok. A variant of dinuguan cooked by the Ibanags in the Northern part of the country is what I considered exotic, the cooked dinuguan is added up with fresh blood before serving it. Bizarre isn't it?

Tinumis / Dinuguan w/ puto

Balut

This is a 2 to 3 week-old hatched duck egg (with embryo), which is hard- boiled. It can be spiced up with salt, vinegar w/ diced garlic and onion, and chili.

A balut

Jumping salad (Shrimps jumping salad)

It is called jumping salad because the shrimps are prepared alive and eaten alive. Spiced up with citrus juice or grated unripe mango, salt and msg. as easy as that.

Prito o ginisang tateg (fried/sautéed huge worms)

This one is what I consider the most bizarre of them all. These worms can be found on rotten trees or rotten stack of rice hays. They are usually cooked by deep frying it. It can also be sautéed with garlic, onion, tomato and pepper. I haven't tasted this one yet.

THE FORTRESS AQUAMARINE

This eighty carat aquamarine gem stone rests gently on a tiny sliver of chocolate that is shaped to look like the stilt fisherman that is incorporated into the restaurant’s logo. This dessert is served with handmade glass utensils which you cannot take away with you, but you can take away that gem stone. At a cool $14,500 you need to have something to put into your pocket.

BROWNIE EXTRAORDINAIRE FROM DESSERT EXPERIENCE, ATLANTIC CITY

This brownie comes with a St. Louis crystal atomiser filled with 1996 Quinto do Noval to be sprayed into the mouth between mouthfuls of the hazelnut coated brownie. This one sounds delicious but at $1000, perhaps I’d choose something else.

SULTAN’S GOLDEN CAKE, ISTANBUL

This dessert takes 72 hours to make and it is served at special occasions. It is full of figs, quince, apricot and pears which are marinated for two years in Jamaican Rum. The topping is shaved, caramelised , black truffles and 24 carat gold leaf. It is served on a silver cake box with a gold seal. This sounds amazing but at $1000 a time, most of us won’t get the opportunity to try it.

Personally speaking, I’d pay that for the second option here. I can almost taste that port washing down chocolate brownies. What a fantastic taste sensation it must be, but I’d need to have that $1000 to spare first, so maybe I’ll stick to brownies and a cup of coffee.

Mollejas (ARGENTINA)

This food from Argentina is made from the Thymus gland of young calves, and is served especially with lemons!

Reindeer Steak (CANADA)

How about trying out a little bit of reindeer meat from Canada, for a change, eh?

Nopales (MEXICO)

If you are in Mexico and want to eat something local but vegetarian, try out their special cactus salad.

Kim Chee (KOREA)

Want to go veggie in Korea too? Then just try out some of their fermented cabbage. It is very sour and actually tastes a lot like vinegar.

Ika Sashimi (JAPAN)

In Japan, besides eating the food, watch out for its preparation, because the live squid is normally kept in a tank underneath the table at restaurants. Upon the arrival of a customer, there is a special ceremonious “Squid Dance” performance by the waiters where the live squid is cut up in front of you, then taken for cooking.

PATATJE OORLOG (HOLLAND)

The English translation of this dish from Holland means “war chips”. They are fried potato chips served with mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, garlic sauce and peanut-butter. It apparently gets its name because a war breaks out in your stomach when you eat it!

FUFU (GHANA)

People in Ghana simply relish this local dish made up of beaten yam fried in groundnut oil, and eaten especially with peanut butter

So-called because it looks a little like an intra-uterine device - yes, the one used for contraception - this exotic street food is actually barbecued chicken intestines.

IUD is arguably the best-selling street food in the Philippines. Recently, though, a more popular name for it has been “isaw.”

Betamax:

This is curdled and dried chicken blood, cut into cubes and barbecued. It's called “betamax” because its shape and color makes it look like small Betamax tapes.

Helmet and Adidas:

Chicken head and chicken feet, respectively. Marinated and grilled or barbecued of course.

Walkman:

Barbecued pigs ears. Yes, the Philippines does love barbecues.

Day-Old:

Finally, something that's not grilled. This is more like fried chicken, but smaller - much smaller. “Day-old” refers to a day-old chick. That is what they fry, dip in vinegar, and munch. Yum!

Balut

Remember the Survivor challenges where the contestants have to eat a hard-boiled duck egg, except the “egg” inside the shell is already a half-formed duckling? That's Balut, a countrywide favorite.

To eat balut, first make a little hole at the rounded end of the shell, and suck out the “soup” that drips out. Then, peel the shell, eat the yolk like a regular hard-boiled egg, and finally, pop the whole chick inside your mouth. Chew - or drink a glass of water.

Dirty Ice Cream

Refers to locally made ice cream, nobody really knows - or cares - if it's dirty or not. The local kids thrive on it, anyway. It's usually available in three exotic flavors: Mango, Cheese and Purple Yam.