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Boracay Island is paradise Philippines located off the northwest corner of the island of Panay, and belongs to the Western Visayas island-group, or Region 6, of the Philippines. The island is approximately seven kilometers long, dog-bone shaped with the narrowest spot being less than one kilometer wide, and has a total land area of 10.32 square kilometers.
South-facing Cagban Beach is located across a small strait from the jetty port at Caticlan on Panay island, and the Cagban jetty port serves as Boracay's main entry and exit point during most of the year. When wind and sea conditions dictate, east-facing Tambisaan Beach serves as an alternative entry and exit point.

Palawan, Philippines

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When Chinese explorer Chao Ju-Kua stumbled upon Palawan in 1225, he dubbed the 270-mile-long (435-kilometer-long) island the "land of beautiful harbors" where "lofty ridges and cliffs rise as steeply as the walls of a house." Today, one of these beautiful harbors-Bacuit Bay-is home to El Nido Resort's Lagen lodge, an environmentally friendly property situated on a sculpted island inside the bay. The resort's 18 cottages rest on stilts right next to El Nido's marine sanctuary, where towering limestone cliffs jut from the shimmering surface and unspoiled coral reefs lie just below it. In a single day, guests can scuba dive, kayak, rock climb, and trek-returning just in time to witness a Gauguin-inspired sunset from their cottage's private balcony. Rather take it easy? Just spend your day relaxing on the beach. You certainly won't miss the sunset that way.

The Big Island of Hawaii

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Ever dream of the perfect Hawaiian Island vacation? The Big Island of Hawaii is a tropical paradise that offers hundreds of miles of unique coastline, volcanic black, green gemstone and powdery white beaches, incredible Kona Coast oceanfront resorts, lush jungles, obsidian lava fields, humpback whales wintering and a multitude of fun Hawaiian adventures…from thrills to true bliss.

Sydney, Australia

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Sydney is Australia's largest city with a population of almost 4 million, and is the primary port of entry for international visitors. Most recently renowned as host city of the 2000 Olympic Games, Sydney is also the business and tourism hub of the nation, and is increasingly a major centre within the Asia-Pacific region. Blessed with a wonderful setting on Sydney Harbor, and a benign climate, Sydney is a great tourist's city. Although not the first point at which Europeans landed in Australia, it was the first permanent European settlement, and is Australia's oldest established city.

Today, Sydney is recognized as one of the "lifestyle" capitols of the world; it's melting pot of cultures has given the city a multitude of international restaurants and eateries to choose from; the compatible all year round warm weather; the spectacular harbor views, makes Sydney the ideal city for outdoor bars and cafes which can be found all over the city; this could also be the reason for the friendly outgoing and open attitude of "Sydneysiders" - instantly recognizable by visitors.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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Myrtle Beach might be the most desirable vacation spot on the entire East Coast. Located at the center of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of dreamy beaches that attracts millions of tourists every year, Myrtle Beach is the largest resort community in that famed stretch and home to activities that can satisfy any vacation desire. Between its amazing beaches, a wide range of recreational possibilities and primo shopping opportunities, this primary vacation hub on the shores of the South Atlantic is one of the top stretches of oceanfront the country has to offer.

Phan Thiet, Vietnam

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Vietnam's Most Beautiful Beach and Bay City. The capital of Khanh Hoa Province, Nha Trang has a full-time population that stands at about 200,000 people, but it far exceeds that with the heavy local and international tourist influx, especially in the summer months. While it's not a particularly charming town, its surf isn't bad and the beach is a breathtaking setting, with views of the more than 20 surrounding islands. There are a few very nice places to stay, and dining is about good fresh seafood.

Phuket, Thailand

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Thailand is the real vacation destination everything is there for you to have a good time. Just choose the right Thailand vacation package or do appropriate Thailand vacation deal and a good time is almost for sure. This can be a Thailand beach vacation, maybe in Phuket with a boat vacation on the sea around or a vibrant nightlife vacation. A Chiang Mai vacation or Kanchanaburi vacation could easily be turned into a adventure vacation with challenging river rafting, hiking and trekking in the mountain jungle. Or maybe Thailand culture tour vacation to Sukhothai, Ayutthaya Thailand and plenty of other places, there plenty of Thailand attractions. A very attractive vacation deal in Thailand is scuba vacation in the Andaman Sea and in the gulf of Thailand.

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

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

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

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

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

Yungas Road (Highway of death in Bolivia)

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

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

Guoliang Tunnel Road (China)

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

Pasubio Road (Italy)

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

I decided to head to this little place on Main Bazaar for breakfast called Sonu, where I eat a tasty, onion masala dosa and again only used my hands as a result of severe paranoia over the rag, utensil incident.

I decide to head down to the train station just because I get a very real feeling of India and the Indian way of life there just observing all the happenings. Observations I make are the fact that it is probably the dirtiest place I have seen I my life. Rats and mice scurrying around; rubbish strewn everywhere (especially beetle nut packets); and all of these orange spit stains, which I eventually work out to be the leftovers of the beetle nut.

Some men on the opposite platform from me are taking a wizz onto the tracks below and exposing themselves to everyone including a group of kids who are crouched down there eating lunch.

The porters I find extremely amusing because they are jumping, literally, at every train that pulls in, to carry people's bags. They are all trying to be the first onto the train so that they can be of service to the best clients, and so boarding the train before it stops is a prerequisite. I identify these porters by the coats they are wearing which are a bright red. The fact that even with the competition for the service amongst them, they seem to be good friends and watch out for each other.

I wander the bazaar on the way back to my hotel taking note of the colour that surrounds me and how good the fruit looks that piles the sidewalks; delicious red apples, bright yellow bananas, and juicy, round oranges. Of course, they are washed in the local water and doused regularly to make them appealing for the many potential shoppers, so I'm not buying any.

Being a teacher, I organize a tour of St Columba's School where I have arranged to meet the Christian Brothers and take a tour. I take an auto-rickshaw there and again my adrenaline is pumping as we race by the many thousands of people all going somewhere and having something to do. The school is a middle class, Catholic school, but amongst the shambolic look of Old Delhi, it looks extremely well off. I learn from one of the Brothers that the school is used as a shelter for lepers during the night where they receive a meal and a safe place to sleep. I get to meet a few of them but unfortunately their English is very limited (plus they are extremely shy and reluctant to talk). I am not at all bothered by their deformities and am happy to see that something is being done to help.

I make my way to Sam's Rooftop Restaurant for dinner again and am wondering when, or if, my belt of food poisoning is going to kick in.

I have been subtly asked today, many times, and by a number of people, if I would like to buy some hashish. These people seem to slink out of the shadows at opportune times and ask in a whisper, “you like to smoke?” When I say no, they don't bother me as other traders do because I think they are a little worried about the big, beige dressed policemen who wield big sticks, arresting them.

Apart from a cold which I have contracted from the pollution in the last 24 hours, I have had a great day and am looking to forward to tomorrow and more of what India has to offer.

To be continued…

Topkapi Palace

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

Dolmabahce Palace

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

Yildiz Palace

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

Beylerbeyi Palace

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

Ciragan Palace

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

Sutlac

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

Pismaniye

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

Sekerpare

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

This stories about people, the many different peoples who live on the islands of the Indonesian archipelago. It offers a composite stories of the many different environments and cultural backgrounds that co-exist here, as well as the underlying traditions that bind these differing cultures together.

These common traditions are based on simplicity, belief in the Good, tolerance, and respect for others. Most important is an all-pervading spiritual sensitivity, and a strong belief in God. Many different religions exist side by side in Indonesia, and most people participate in at least one.

The stories aims at giving the reader an understanding of the country and people as they are today, with their long traditions in tenuous balance with the demands and intrusions of the modern world.

Although their ethnological characteristic will not change in foreseeable future, attitudes, behavior and way of life are likely to be greatly influenced by the tide of western-style modernization sweeping the country.

No-one can predict what effect this modernization will have on peoples with a traditional culture strongly rooted in rural, agricultural society, but certain changers in living patterns are already visible.

Thirty years from now this stories may tell only the Indonesia of the “Good Old Days”.

The state of Texas is located roughly 30 degrees north latitude, just north of the tropics and just south of the middle latitudes. Which means Texas is in the middle of warm moist air surging north from the tropics and cool dry flowing from the plains; perfect ingredients for severe weather, which often comes quickly and sometimes with very little warning.

I've lived in Texas all my life, so I'm accustomed to the crazy weather we receive. I wanted to share some photos of my beautiful state with you.

This is a picture of our beautiful beaches at Corpus Christi.

Here is a thunderstorm brewing, it's beautiful and scary at the same time.

A flash flood, which can occur before you have time to react.

Another shot of the flash flood. Very fast and very deadly.

As the caption reads, this the famous Jarrell tornado that destroyed so many lives in the spring of 1997.

Beautiful Blue Bonnets that come after the rains in the spring. Our Texas flower!

Beautiful sunset over Lake Travis, in Austin, Texas.

Quesadillas

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

Tortilla

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

Gaspatcho

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

Tacos

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

There were five of us from our family on this trip. Our son had joined us as had my parents. They had decided to forgo the pleasures of shopping though my Mum did put in an order for sandals. Since she and I take the same size shoe that would be no problem. So Steve and I set off.

Past the Chinese equivalent of the fast foods where the aroma was a heady mix of Asian spices, cooking smells and body odor - not offensive just noticeable. And around the corner. This place was definitely open for business.

There was the inevitable distraction of baby clothes. Our first grandchild was about to be born so she was at the top of our shopping list. Cute dresses (the pink corduroy dress with the white lace blouse was absolutely adorable), and pretty silk pants and tops were the most difficult to ignore.

But attention had to be paid to what had become the main purpose of this shopping trip - the sandals. The first five shops did not have the style we wanted but the sixth one came up trumps. They had the right style in the right size in a nice color. And so the negotiations started.

- “200 yuan.”

This was clearly way over priced. From our previous observations and conversations with others we were expecting to pay 70 yuan.

- “Oh No,” with much shaking of the head, “too much, too much - 20 yuan.”

- “No No,” arms moving randomly at great speed finally pointing to the object under discussion. “This quality see see,” attempting to demonstrate his point. “Quality - 150 yuan.”

- “No No much too much,” this time I added waving hands to the head shaking routine. “50 yuan”

- “Okay, okay, for you special price 100 yuan.”

- “70 yuan,” delivered with a no nonsense voice.

- “90 yuan”.

- “70 yuan,” delivered with the same no nonsense voice. We have reached our limit. And he knows it.

- “Okay, 70 yuan.”

Cheerfully he places our purchase into a plastic bag and we hand over the money. With smiles all round we depart his shop and head back the the hotel.

Mum is pleased with her new walking sandals, so much so that Dad decides he would like a pair too. So it is back to the market place with Dad in tow. We head back to the same shop and find a pair that fit.

- “200 yuan.”

- “No way. The last pair cost us 70 yuan. We want the same price.”

He smiled. “Okay, 70 yuan.”

Sandals safely secured in a plastic bag, Dad decides a pair of shorts and a shirt would be a good idea. With the help of a lovely Chinese lady we purchase these items. Somewhere in the midst of all this activity I decide I too want a pair of shorts.

Using gestures rather than words I managed to convey that I wanted a pair of shorts for me. Our lovely lady produced a pair that I instantly knew were too small.

- “Bigger, bigger,” with arms trying desperately to convey my message.

But this is to no avail as she continues to hold out the same pair of shorts. Further entreaties on my part to get a bigger pair are wasted as she indicates she wants me to try these on over the top of my trousers right there in the street. Seeing no way out I agree, stepping into the shorts as she holds them out for me.

By this time we have attracted a large audience. I am laughing as are the twenty or so locals who have gathered to watch our very earnest sales lady try to pull the shorts up over my derrière. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts she too sees the humor in the situation.

- “Ah,” she giggles. “Bigger, bigger.”

- “Yes bigger bigger”, I laugh.

A quick flurry into a pile of garments produces a bigger pair of shorts that fit perfectly. The price negotiation was quick and the sale completed with ease.

Saying goodbye to the crowd that had now nearly doubled in size, we headed back to the hotel. Wow did we have a story to tell our fellow travelers.