'Let's get a move on it,' yells the coach driver. "Get out of the way and let the paying customers on." Other passengers rush by until Shawn, my newly wed husband scurries frantically across the road while freeing the straps of a scantily loaded camping bag off my back. The bus conductor holds out his hand and demands thirty five rupees for an hours drive aboard his vehicle en route Murree via Islamabad. His Weather worn face and piercing glare makes me wonder since when transport had become so inexpensive. As if reading my thoughts, he immediately demands another thirty five rupees to accommodate both me and my better half in his wooden slated, barred windowed, decorative coach.

As our means of transportation soared rapidly away from the hustled norm of Pakistan's capital to high mountainous peaks of Murree, We leisurely engross in the surrounding lush forestry portraying huge pine trees. The scenery reflected every travelers delight and inviting valley's swarmed with natural springs at an altitude of 2,240 Meters (7,400 feet) nurtured a sense of adventure and free will opposing my mayhem packed customary urban life.

Upon arrival in the rural city, we were caught up with hawkers competing between themselves and targeting us as potential customers seeking lodging. Tanned, toiling and weather beaten citizenry earned their means of living as shepherds, horse and cattle breeders and within busy market places sold jewelery, medicines, clothes, artifacts, air fares and decorations. Many also ran general stores, banks, churches and schools besides offering tourists rides to attractive sight-seeing places.

Best visited in April- May and September- October, Murree displayed the best of nature with white clouds graciously engulfing mountain crests and towering over green valleys below.

We booked a two-bedroom at the economical President Hills hotel, checked for hot water supply and operational heaters and after unpacking, headed towards a restaurant below to relish on famous local fast food burgers, Shammi kebabs and omelets.

After a hearty brunch, we inquired for camera batteries from a local shopkeeper and were suggested Mall Road as a famous market place above Murree hill tops, between Kashmir and Pindi Point. We decided to hike uphill and paused at a miniature roadside eatery sheltered beside a steel sheeted hut to buy 2 plates full of a locally preferred Chana Chaat. Just as we had begun to enjoy the spicy aromatic savory, a tremendous thunderous blast above our heads made our spines quiver. Our shocked facade brought a smile to the roadside hawker as he coyly informed us that a huge horse chestnut had fallen from a surrounding tree on the steel sheeted hut below which we stood.

At Mall Road, we were greeted by a variety of shops, book stores, souvenir kiosks, internet cafes, pharmacies, banks, post offices and cinemas. Renowned Pakistani restaurants crowded either sides of a lengthy narrow street and the enclosure evoked the British Raj, with its Christian churches, cemetery, spacious bungalows, clubs, cricket grounds and colonial-style hotels. The heart of the bazaar continued further along Kashmir Road and Massey Gate. Numerous routes departed outwards and either followed the contours of the ridge or descended to the principal road. After some necessary purchases, we headed back to our abode to doze away our aching weary limbs.

Awakening to a chirpy cold morning, we freshened up and hastily threw on our garbs to visit Pindi point, a famous tourist spot for riding chair-lifts passing down 1.5 km into the wadis. Upon arrival, our minicab driver bellowed to the chair-lift operator who was none the less pleased to welcome us. Chair lifts from Pindi Point travel from Bansara Gali (below Murree) to Pindi Point or to the top of Patriata Hill (on the road to Karor). Both rides cost approximately rupees fifty and take half an hour with a change from open chair-lift to the enclosed bubble in the middle. Once air bourne, strong fragrance from huge blue pine trees inflated the ambience and breath-taking views with crossroads and vast landscapes enthralled our observance. At our descent we were greeted with shopping kiosks and a children's play area apart from another astounding view of the lush Patriata Hills.

My interest in the eminent Convent of Jesus and Mary failed to seize. We planned to visit it as our last quest but primarily revisited Mall Road to purchase customary souvenirs for our loved ones. After purchases, we once again embarked uphill to discover the extraordinary beauty of the Convent of Jesus and Mary. We swiftly snapped some spell-bounding pictures of the convent and rushed back to the hotel to pack our bags.

Murree is a writer's muse, a city packed with undiscovered and wild adventures. Our journey had been eventful and our overall budget, amazingly inexpensive.

Recalling our hiking in the wilderness when we had painstakingly etched our names on a downwards sloping chestnut tree trunk, we hastly promised to return in winter and unravel our name imprints from the same truck. Our next visit however amidst the winter's snow, would portray a different picturesque of Murree altogether. An adventure not to missed.

Streets are lined with busy kiosks, architectural landscapes, gothic century cathedrals, and opera theatres. The Armenian and Orthodox churches manifest the cities ambience and depict a potently evolving history. No doubt the city is officially included to the UNESCO List of World Monuments of Architecture. Lvov has always been a significant educational portal housing the famous Ivan Franko National University where I learnt to speak, read and write Russian from amiable tutors.

Lvov has one small welcoming international airport (UKLL/LWO) located a mere 6Km from the Cities hub. I personally recommend taking the Railway as it has all the comforts of traveling, tourists die for. I recall a modestly priced journey from Lvov to the Ukraine's Capital Kiev. I was immediately impressed by their railway cabins, which were amply stacked with soaps and towels, fresh smelling, scrupulously white and cozy pillows, blankets mattresses. An attendant checked on us every 2 hours to offer tea, biscuits and other local desserts.

The most comfortable hotels are located in the heart of the city and tourists are offered cheaper initiatives such as renting an apartment. The "Downtown Lvov Apartments" are only meters away from theatres, cathedrals, museums, restaurants cafes and shops. A lot of ancient fortification and religious buildings are situated around the city- Olesko castle and Pidgirtsi castle. Not far from the city itself there are balneology centers in Truskavets, Morshyn and Skhidnytsia and ski-centers in Slavsko and Tysovets. The cities inhabitants are friendly and warm towards tourists and often invite Polish tourists as till date the city houses Polish architecture. Tourists are advised to buy mineral water and speak in Russian, Ukrainian, German or even English dialect.

The market place is havoc with fresh supplies arriving from the suburbs and rural plantations in the day time. Women are often seen employed as compared to men who would rather play dominoes within the city's central square. Ukrainian women are well known throughout the world for the arduous jobs and active spirit. You will see them tediously working in restaurants, medical centers, kiosks, bars, postal houses, hostels, messes and universities. Streets are also lined with young talented artists who make paintings out of charcoal and sketch portraits for passer-bys.

A famous club known as "Split" is one of the most privileged and prestigious entertainment zones consisting of casinos, restaurants, pubs and show-bars. Busses, railways, Tramps and Taxis run throughout the day and a tramp is the most convenient and cheapest mode of transport within the city preferred by university students and employees.

A personal favorite local starter is the Russian salad and "Smitana", a drink made of rich curd-pure in quality and excellent in taste. The salad is served in various Restaurants such as "Kapriz" and "Darwin" and the "Smitana" can be purchased locally from Kiosks or the Market place. I have till date not relished upon the original salad elsewhere. Many restaurants within the city offer smoking, non-smoking areas, special family room for larger families and a warm but busy ambience.

The climate in Ukraine is temperate continental, mainly characterized by plentiful precipitation and cloudiness in winter and fall where winters are usually long and cold. Summers are short but can be pretty hot. In winter the kiosks close by 5pm as it becomes really dark and the streets become deserted. At this time it is advisable not to venture off alone and to take a taxi while traveling within the city. My overall stay for 6 months in the city only warned me about staying out doors at nights as it can be dangerous for tourists and students to wander off alone. The cities inhabitants usually retire to bed early and begin the day as soon as the cock crows. Being a winter-bird myself, I would travel to this city often during December and January. Summer-birds are advised to wear carry minimal clothing as it can become very hot and sweaty during summer. The city has forestry reserves and various natural resorts; you will be thrilled by the beauty and natural forestry throughout the city.

Before you go do not forget to learn some basics in Russian language. Some phrases like "Thank you", translated as "Cpaciba", "Excuse me", translated as "Pajalysta", "Do you speak English?" translated as "we gavariti pa angleesski?", and a handy Phrase book will help you move about the city more conveniently. Till then "La re vedere" (translated as good-bye).

After a four hour journey by train from Belfast, I arrived at Leenan station to be met by the resorts taxi driver, beware taxi price extra, taxi driver could talk for Ireland. A pleasant albeit "chatty" 40 minute drive later saw me at my destination. And what a destination!

The countryside surrounded by lakes, hills, rivers and inlets alone lifted my weary spirits! I was checked in by friendly helpful staff, shown to a comfortable room where a 3 course dinner was served to me. The wide choice of food was fantastic. Not at all the healthy salads I had secretly feared.

The Spa consists of 10 treatment rooms, a magnificent Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, where you can relax on an indoor sun lounger facing directly onto the breathtaking hillside, while waiting to be called for pre-booked treatments. The therapists are of all different nationalities and very professional. The Balneotherapy (Seaweed Bath, Remineralising Detox Bath, Essential Oil Hydrotherapy Bath, Toxic Relief Oil Bath) is to die for, the massages, heaven.

Word of warning for those there mainly for the indulge rather than the invigorate, watch out for Kenneth the yoga instructor. He'll have you signed up and in the lotus position before you can say "What"s for lunch?'

Lunch didn't disappoint me neither did breakfast or any meal, the menu is five star, the waiting staff terrific which, as I was travelling alone, helped put me at ease. Although my two day break was out of season in October, there were many other visitors, fellow singletons, couples and even the odd hen night, with the bustling nightlife of Galway less than an hour away, what better way to re-tox after your detox?! Although maybe detox is slightly mis-leading, as the Delphi has a fully stocked late opening bar, where most gather after dinner.

All 22 rooms have private bathrooms, are centrally heated, have direct dial telephones, hair dryer, hot drink making facilities, robe and slippers, and either a window balcony or patio with stunning views of the mountains. Suites with a loft bedroom and downstairs living room are also available for larger parties.

With inclusive packages for two days starting at around 520 euros, not including lunch, the Delphi doesn't come cheap, but is an experience that disregards monetary value, just remember to book treatments in advance and steer clear of Kenneth, if like me, yoga ain't your cup of tea!

Heading west out of the city, it's not long before you reach the basic facilities offered at Jumeirah's public beach and, further west still, the Jumeirah Beach Park, where landscaped areas of grass, barbeque pits and lifeguards are part of the scenery. Continuing westward, those looking for a bit of seclusion can, for a small fee, enter the private beaches allocated to the hotels that line the Gulf Coast.

More water based fun is found at Wild Wadi Water Park near the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, where rides such as the Summit Surge and Rushdown Ravine provide as many thrills for adults as for kids. For less hair-raising activities, there are quiet spots complete with loungers, and wave pools and shallow paddling areas in which little ones can splash about.
Thought the sand and water may provide opportunities for fun, it is often suggested that it's the shopping that ignites Dubai's resident's competitive streak. So completely dedicated is the emirate to its national obsession that it celebrates the glory of retail with an annual 45 day festival at the beginning of each year. Tourists may initially balk at the idea of gigantic shiny malls that are the norm here; but once you experience the summer heat, which is intense, no longer will the air-conditioned shopping centers seem quite so unappealing.

There are about 50 malls in the city and new ones spring up constantly. Worth including in any itinerary is the elegant Wafi City Mall, whose Egyptian exterior house 200 plus shops, a huge fitness center and spa, two swimming pools, an indoor climbing wall, tennis and squash courts a long with the shops. Meanwhile the incredible new Ibn Buttuta coast a staggering 379 shops and restaurants, which are divided into six themed shopping courts built in the style of 14th Century China, India, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia and Andalucia.

For a taste of the real Dubai, head for the traditional souks. Deciding which to visit isn't easy, but for something authentically local, the Deira Gold Souk offers glittering goods that are priced by weight, and the window displays never fail to dazzle. The Deira Spice Souk is the most commonly visited, not only for its pungent powders but also for the wonderful souvenirs of saffron, frankincense and rosewater.

Part of the sport of shopping in Dubai is bartering, especially in the souks. The rule of thumb is to halve the price you've given and go up or down with the seller from there. If you keep your cool, discounts of 20 to 50 per cent are possible.

Ever more astonishing sights and activities are planned for Dubai, include the aptly named "The World"-a series of artificial islands shaped like a map of the globe. If you've ever fantasized about owning your own private island, prices range between 15 and 45 million US dollars.

There are few things you should remember before visiting Dubai. The temperatures can be intense, especially between May and October. Visitors not used to this kind of intense heat should be careful of dehydration and sunstroke. Dubai is a Muslim country, therefore skimpy clothes can cause offense. Beachwear is fine for the beach, but cover up as soon as you leave. Topless sunbathing is completely forbidden.

The Holy Month of Ramadan starts 10 days earlier each year than the last. In 2007 it began in mid-September. Practicing Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset before flocking to feast at the hotels' Ramadan tents. In daylight hours during the festival even visitors must not drink, eat or smoke in public. Some hotels, however, have a room set aside in which non-Muslims can dine.

As you walk down the street you'll notice all of the art stores. There are so many of them I haven't seen, and I've been about ten times. Anyway, there's this one store that my mom always go to get stuff. It has all of this funky, hand-made, jewelry that she really likes. She and my grandma could spend three hours in that store if I didn't beg them to leave.

There's another place that shows off other peoples artwork that coast a lot. It's more of an art-show than a store. There's some really cool stuff there and it would be pretty cool to be able to make something so beautiful like that.