Pastelitos and Empanadas

These small but tasty stuffed pastries are filled with beef, chicken, cheese or other savory fillings and made with yucca flour or corn flour. The empanadas are deep fried and is simply a great tasting snack, worth every penny. Just beware that these are no where like the Taco Bell Empanadas found in the Americans - a cheap rip off from the real thing.

Tostones

These are fried plantains that have been cut and then fried. Afterwards, these are then flattened like pancakes and then fried again - making a tasty treat for someone that want to munch on something. These are very much like the fried plantains style found in India but beware of the oil levels as it may be unhealthy for you.

Coconut Water

These coconuts are made in large varieties, shapes, styles and colors but one thing is true, if you are tired from your day's activities, the heat or from simply running around, then nothing beats the power of coconut juice to refresh your weary soul. These are sold practically in every tropical nation in this world but more ripe coconuts have tastier juice and a ripe inside to eat with a spoon - an amazing tropical experience.

Chimichurris

This is the Dominican burger made from pork cuts in between a bun with your choice of sandwich ingredients. Simply tasting and quickly fills you up for an inexpensive amount. The funny name comes from the Argentinean sauce but this is the authentic traditional Dominican food - as close as you can get to the culture through food.

Quipes

This can be found on every street corner in the Dominican Republic, but basically it is made of wheat and your choice of stuffed meat. Kibbe is the real name of the food and it is a Middle Eastern delicacy found throughout Middle East, Israel, Dominican Republic, India and a few other nations. Various styles include toppings of nuts, mint, herbs and seeds. In various nations, you can find a more local style that has alternate meat or vegetable ingredients.

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When driving by Red Deer on Highway #2 you would not expect that it is cultured or has major public works of art. In fact you may think all Red Deer has to offer is fast food restaurants, gas stations, and RV sales lots. This is because Red Deer's city planners, to avoid downtown congestion, created an area called Gasoline Alley. This strip effectively keeps Highway traffic out of its' downtown area. However, if you take the time to venture into downtown Red Deer there is a thriving cultural community and the city has invested in public works of art.

What I refer to are the statues affectionately referred to as The Ghosts of Red Deer. These incredibly well detailed, life size, sculptures are scattered throughout down town Red Deer. All these ghosts are of real people, with a couple of exceptions, which are real animals. There are plaques explaining the stories behind the statues.

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The first Ghost I saw was an older gentleman sitting on a bench downtown, he had a briefcase and was remarkably well done, I admired the sculpture, but until I saw another, I had not realized that this was a special feature in the city. I soon discovered many more. I have not included a photo of this chap, you will have to discover him for yourself.

There are two sculptures that I was especially drawn to, one because of its magnificent size, attention to detail in an action pose, and the other because of the story behind it.

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The Ghost of a horse drawn fire wagon is truly impressive. The expression on the horses as well as the two human figures is very strong. No question about it, this is an intense moment caught in time. It is the largest Ghost Sculpture, complete with two frightened horses, one driver in the fire wagon, and a man who is trying to control the horses. A rein has broke and they are loosing control of the team, who typically are used to charging full speed to the fire.

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Francis the Pig is my other favorite. This little guy made an escape on route to the slaughter yard, he evaded capture for quite some time. During this time Francis made himself a town celebrity and earned this statue from his days on the run.

All in all, seeing these lovely works of art, in an unexpected location gave me quite an thrill. Red Deer is about one hour north of Calgary, and one and a half hours south of Edmonton, should you find yourself passing through Red Deer, I suggest you turn off the highway, and go into the downtown area and look for these ghosts yourself. Bring a camera.

This is the world's largest public square but is dotted with political offices instead of any pretty flowers or plants. This area serves as the final resting place for the communist chairman Mao Zedong. This square is famous for the 1989 pro-democracy demonstrations in China which ended in bloody civilian deaths at the arms of Chinese soldiers. In many regards, this is the center of Chinese political power and the birthplace of communist China. The long name for the square is Tian'an Men Guangchang or the Square of the Gate of Heavenly Peace. In this area, you can visit the numueros government offices, monuments and the Chinese National Museum.

The Forbidden City

The city of the emperors once reserved for only members of the imperial court now is open to visitors from near and far abroad - the largest and greatest of palaces complexes from the “old” China. Over 24 emperors issued their edicts from the halls of this grand monument for over 500 years and still serve as the symbolic center of the universe for the children of Han (China). The palace has since been converted to a “Palace Museum” and opened to the public since 1949. Another many things to see is the Imperial Garden and the hall of Supreme Harmony (the throne room). This collection of buildings takes all of its visitors back to ancient china and even see places where historic moments were made.

The Great Wall of China

Within 40 miles from Beijing, the Great Wall of China is the most famous and visible of China's cultural and ancient history. The wall was created by numerous rulers after the unification of China into one empire by Qin Shi Huangdi in 221 BC. Most hotels in the region offer tourists the visit to the Great Walls and to the Ming Tombs that house the dead emperors of China's forgotten era. You can visit the four sites that have been preserved from the damage that have occurred to the walls and check out the Great Wall Museum which shows the history of the area from the Neolithic time period. Overall, this trip is an adventurers and a archeologists wet dream.

The Lama Temple

One of Beijing's most attractice places of worship is the Buddhist Lama Temple. It is made up of five different sections or halls, where each section or hall is taller than the pervious. Thus walking through the temple represents walking from earth into the heavens. The temple was originally the home of Yongzheng who became the Qing Emperor in 1722. There are many sites to visit including the Hall of the Wheel of Dharma, which shows the statue of Tsongkhapa who is the founder of Yellow Hat Sect of Buddhism led by the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama of Tibet. The temple has gone through extreme persecution at the hands of the Chinese authorities but slowly it is coming back. Now over 70 monks serve in the temple which was built to house over 1500 monks.

Hou Hai

The area is the cental hub for the city life in Beijing and the shopping center. Hou Hai has traditionally been the home to nobles and the wealthy in aristocratic China and most of the houses here offer a glimpse back in time. Many of the lakside restaurants, bars and vafes offer attratice views and waterfront terraces for visitors. There are many activities to do including Boating, Skating, and a cheap Rickshaw tour of the entire city. During the day time, it is perfect to visit the area to shop, visit the historic landmarks and homes. But at night, it is a romantic sight to behold. Candles are lit and floated into the waters while you enjoy your romantic dinner at the waterfront glimmering in the night's beauty. Hou Hai really captures the essence of modern China trapped within its past.

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.

San Francisco View of Diamond Star D40

Things to Do:

• Tour the City on the Downtown Loop. An open topped bus.
• Yosemite National Park tour: California's original gold country.
• San Francisco Bay cruise from Fisherman's Wharf.

Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong, Showing the Island, Kowloon and Out Lying Islands

This is said to be the busiest harbor in the world.

While You're Here:

• Victoria Peak. Use the tram to see the whole of Hong Kong. Amazing view.
• Take a look at the world's tallest, seated outdoor Buddha on Lantau Island.
• Visit the Avenue of the Stars in tis Hollywood of the East.

Berlin Showing the Route of the Old Berlin Wall Which Was for Many Years a Symbol of Division and Oppression

Other Things to See:

• Brandenburg Gate constructed 1888- 1891
• Pariser Platz: Build in 1734 this one of the oldest squares in the city.
• Take a boat trip and see the sites. More bridges than Venice.

London, England, Showing Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs

Other Sites to See:

• London Bridge.
• Buckingham Palace.
• St. Paul's Cathedral.

Paris, France: La Place De Trocadero Viewed from the Eiffel Tower

Sites to See:

• Arc de Triomph.
• Champs Elysees.
• Notre Dame Cathedral.

Tokyo, Japan: Night time view

Sites to See:

• Mount Fuji.
• Yasukuni Jinga shrine war memorial.
• Tokyo Disney.

If you like history, don't forget to go to the underground museum right underneath the arch. It's a must see! Admission is free!

Don't miss the Budweiser brewery.It is awesome! Take a tour and get free beer at the end! They take you through the process of making beer and you'll see the horses that are in the beer commercials. Then, it ends with some beer in a very fancy lounge! Now you go back to the visitor center and buy merchandise!!!

The City Museum is the former national shoe building. It bills itself as an "eclectic mixture of children's playground, fun house, surrealistic pavilion, and architectural marvel." Visitors are encouraged to feel, touch, climb on, and play in the various exhibits. Over 600,000 visitors visited the museum in 2005.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louise is an amazing church that is so perfectly designed. It is truly a site to see.

Fly into Auckland. Take a ferry out to Rangitoto Island, a volcano only seven hundred years old. Look back at the skyline of Auckland and reflect that every large mountain you see is an old volcano. You are in one of the worlds ex hot spots! On the way back, stop off in laid back Devonport and meander around for an hour or two, hop on the ferry again back to Auckland. A day in the sun and it might have done something for your jet lag.

Next destination, Rotorua. You have left an ex hot spot, now you are in the middle of where the center of the earth meets the surface. Bubbling hot mud pools, geysers sprouting from anywhere and a smell that will stick in your memory for some time. Rotorua is an excellent place to take in some of the indigenous Maori culture.

Now it is Rotorua to Queenstown. There are direct flights which is important with the days ticking by. Hopefully the weather is fine because you will see the whole of New Zealand from the air. Rolling pasture, green upon green, more volcanoes, craggy ranges covered in dark green bush, Cook Straight that separates the North from the South Island, the fine fingers of the Marlborough Sounds, the snow capped spine of the South Island, the Southern Alps, the Pacific Ocean on one side, the Tasman sea on the other.

Forget any ride you may have had in Disneyland, the flight into Queenstown is a beauty. Stunning scenery that you could put your hand out the window and touch, literally. The flight path usually follows a valley into the airport, so beware of a few sudden although planned turns.

In Queenstown take the Gondola up to the Heights, maybe Parasail down. Walk around the lake, take a jet boat ride, horse trek in the mountains. There is something for everyone. Fly out of New Zealand from Christchurch. There are plenty of flights from Queenstown to the Garden City. In Christchurch walk around. It is a beautiful languid city, more English the England.

You have now seen the abridged New Zealand. Phew! So much fun with your clothes on.

The park is the brain child of Universal Orlando Resort, and will feature Hogwarts School in its entire splendor, along with surrounding locales like the forest and the town of Hogsmeade, complete with its colorful and fascinating little stores. Knowing how attention to detail was so important in all the Potter movies, this park is sure to please wizarding enthusiasts of all ages. Their creative team will surely pull out all the stops to re-create Harry's magnificent world of wonder to make the experience as lifelike as possible. There will be rides, activities and attractions that will give us a glimpse into J.K. Rowling's unbelievably creative mind.

Sets from Harry Potter movies past and future will be included in the park's layout. This park will help to appease Americans' hunger for anything Harry. The frenzy caused by both Rowling's movies and books has caused adults and children alike to become devoted followers of Harry, his friends and the faculty at Hogwarts. The world needs more fantasy, that isn't steeped in our everyday real-life problems. It is fun to get lost in the fantasy of a magical world unlike our own. Where else will you see owls deliver mail, or fire-breathing dragons in true-to-life detail?

This new theme park is going to be a huge hit. It may even spark new fans, as well. For those of us who aren't able to visit the real sets in the United Kingdom, Florida will be the perfect locale. Since Orlando has a variety of top attractions like Disney World and others, it is a fitting place for Harry's new home away from home.

The U.S. owes Britain and J.K. Rowling a big "thank you" for allowing us to be able to soon experience the world of Harry Potter here at home. Who knows, this park may the first of many others. After all, the whole world has fallen for Harry Potter with a vengeance. Welcome, Hogwarts School, to Florida. We will make sure to make you feel right at home by coming to class as soon as you open your doors.

Step aboard a traditionally decorated dhor (cabin cruiser boat) for an evening of fine oriental dining as you drift between the banks of Dubai's most beautiful most beautiful architectural landmarks.

As you dine in romance and comfort, your dhor guide will point out landmarks located along the creek such as the towering National Bank of Dubai, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Sheikh Saeed's expansive home and the charming Heritage Village.

The highlight of the moonlit dhor tour is the personalized onboard entertainment. You and your cabin-mates will be treated to a special show of traditional Arabic music and be serenaded by an authentic belly dancer as your drift through one of the most architecturally rich nations in the East.

Your evening meal includes a buffet dinner of either continental or oriental cuisine. You may also choose between soft drinks, traditional coffee, alcoholic beverages and mineral water.

The tour is approximately two hours long, from 8:30pm to 10:30pm. Rates are US $49 (Dhr. 180) for adults and US $27 (Dhs. 100) for children. Your cruise will pick you up to escort you to the creek between 7:00pm and 8:00.

Honeymooners and event planners: if you're looking for a special, private evening, you are invited to rent either half or the entire vessel for your group. The rate to rent the entire vessel is US $547 (Drs. 2,000) and to rent half of the vessel is US $231 (Dhs. 850).

There's simply no better or more personal way to acquaint yourself with Dubai than the moonlit dhor Dubai creek tour. Feel free to contact us for more information or fill out the form below to book your excursion today.

Explore Dubai's World-Famous Desert by Dune Buggy

Dubai is celebrated around the world its rich and mountainous desert landscapes. Spend an afternoon exploring the orange sands in your very own Quad Bike Dune Buggy.

Duny Buggying in the Dubai desert is one of every Dubai visitor's most memorable treats. Take off with your travel mates for 20-30 minutes of exploration. Along the way, you may encounter travelers on camels, desert towns and opportunities for sand boarding.

All participants are required to undertake a brief lesson in operating their Quad bike dune buggies. You will also be required to wear your helmet at all times.

Sign up now to experience the adventure, landscape and originality that has made Dubai world-famous and greatly celebrated.

Pamper Yourself with a Cold Scented Towel Upon Arrival in Dubai

You've traveled far to reach our desert paradise. Why not pamper yourself with a cold scented towel on your ride to your destination from the airport? We soak your soft towel in the finest Eastern scents, blended to both awaken and relax you at the end of your journey. You're in Dubai; you're in paradise!

Explore Dubai City with a Personalized Tour

Let an experienced guide share the magnificent city of Dubai with you and your travel-mates. On this special half-day excursion, we will begin our journey in Jumeira, Dubai's most picturesque and traditionally residential region.

We will invite you to explore the world-renowned Jumeira Mosque before wondering around the expansive Sheikh Saeed House. You'll have a rare opportunity to walk through the grounds that the ruling family once called home.

Pack your cameras for a scenic drive through Al Bastakiya, where we will end up at the enchanting museum located within the walls of the Al Fahidi Fort. Next, we'll board the Abra (water taxi) for a trip across the Dubai creek to the celebrated spice souk. We'll take some time to shop in the Gold souk - the most famous Dubai landmark.

Finally, our excursion will end at the market, where you'll be invited to wonder amongst the fresh fish, fruit and vegetable stands. Bring your appetite - all mouth-water products are fresh and homegrown or caught.