411 Travelzine

Istanbul, Turkey – Where Two Continents Meet

Lori Guretzki — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 17:12:42 +0000

Istanbul, situated along the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, is the only city in the world bridging two continents, Europe and Asia; it is as old as civilization itself and as modern as carrying cell phones.

My husband and I were very excited about vacationing in Istanbul. We flew with Lufthansa Airlines from Vancouver, B.C., stopping in Frankfurt, Germany to change planes and approximately 15 hours later, we were there.

The entrance requirement for Turkey was a Passport with an expiry date one month past our exit date, and a Visitor's Visa. The Visa can be purchased at the Ataturk Airport upon arriving in Istanbul. The cost is $45.00 U.S. per person.

We were met at the airport by the Bell Hop from The Hotel Zurich, the hotel we had booked over the Internet. We became friends with the hotel's general manager, Mr. Turan islam, exchanging e-mail messages until we had agreed to $50.00 U.S. per night. The rate included a full breakfast daily, all the services in the hotel and transportation from the airport to the hotel. The Bell Hop had arrived in a taxi to pick us up.

Riding along in the back of the taxi, we were somewhat apprehensive as to what we should expect next, we were at the mercy of the Turks. We couldn't speak the language and we weren't familiar with the currency or their customs. Well, we didn't need to worry; we were greeted with the very best in hospitality. A fruit bowl, a bottle of wine, an ample supply of bottled water and juice, and a hand written note from the general manager were all waiting for us upon arrival.

We were delighted with our room. We were on the 6th floor, a large room with huge windows that allowed us an unobstructed view of the Sea of Marmara and a large modern bathroom; hand soap, face cloths and tissues were not included. We were only steps from the hotel's pool, exercise room and the stairway to the Dining Room.

I was relieved to see that female tourists were not expected to cover their heads with the traditional scarf called basortusu, or wear the traditional long baggy trousers called salvar.

Finding our way around Istanbul was easy (a map helps if you remember to take one); transportation by taxi, bus or Tram was efficient and inexpensive and a life saver in the heat. Tickets for the Tram could be purchased at the kiosks located on street corners everywhere adjacent to the Tram stops. Istanbul's only train travelled only around the outside of the city. It was clean but old and slow. We rode the train once and met an English speaking doctor who was born in Toronto and has lived and worked in Istanbul for the last ten years.

We found ourselves lost many times so we would ask anyone on the street for directions; with a little sign language we always got the information we needed. I would recommend that upon venturing out, you take the card from your room with the hotel's name and address on it.

Public washrooms were not plentiful. When we did find one, a Turkish gentleman would be sitting outside the doorway for the equivalent of 25 cents he would give me two squares of toilet paper, that resembled sand paper. A good idea is to carry your own tissue.

I can't say enough about shopping in Istanbul. The Grand Covered Bazaar has over 4000 shops, selling everything from Turkish rugs to leather goods, beautifully embroidered linens and fine jewelry. It was not unusual to see a shop selling tourist trinkets located next to a shop selling fine silk fabrics. We wondered for hours up and down the many lanes and alleyways and still didn't see it all.

When we tired of shopping in the Bazaar, there were shops, boutiques and kiosks leading to the Bazaar and down every street. This was a shopper's paradise. It was rare to see women working in the shops though; men dominate the market place even in shops where only women's undergarments were sold.

The Turks are masters at bargaining so be prepared. Don't pay the price marked on the item or you will have insulted the shopkeeper. If we left home thinking the last thing we needed was a Turkish rug, think again. We would be invited into a shop, offered a cup of sweet apple tea, or black coffee served in a cute little demitasse cup, and the bargaining would begin. Don't be surprised if you go home with a rug, we did.

Also worth visiting was the Spice Market. Before entering the huge partially covered areas, the smell of cinnamon, mint and thyme greeted us at the door. Upon entering, I was hypnotized by the beautiful brilliant reds, oranges and yellows of every spice and herb imaginable. They were displayed in large jute sacks neatly stacked on the floor at the entrance to each little shop or in glass containers on shelves that lined the walls of the shops. The aroma of coffee beans, bulk tea and fresh baked goods made our mouths water. Be sure to purchase Saffron and pure Vanilla while you are there, the prices were reasonable and makes for wonderful gifts for family and friends back home.

There are many tours available in Istanbul and they offer English speaking guides. She Tours picked us up at our hotel and brought us back at no extra cost. The first stop on our tour was the beautiful Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asiatic shore of the Bosphorus Strait. It was the summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans, built in 1865 and is now a Museum for the public. As we entered the Palace, we were given plastic boots to cover our shoes, our purses were searched and we went through a metal detector before starting our tour. Continuing on, we crossed The Bosphorus Toll Bridge linking Europe and Asia and then stopped at Camlica Hill, the highest point in Istanbul. The view of the city was breathtaking. This tour lasted five hours, cost $30.00 U.S. each and was well worth the money. She Tours offer many tours, one to fit every interest and time schedule. The larger hotels are happy to arrange the tours for you.

We didn't need a tour guide to visit The Museum of Haghia Sophia or 'Divine Wisdom” that was built in the 6th century or, The Blue Mosque named for the blue tiles covering its interior walls and built in the 17th century. The Blue Mosque is the only mosque in the world with six minarets and is the most beautiful and grand mosque in Istanbul.

We also visited The Beyazit Mosque the oldest mosque in Istanbul; the entrance fee was $2.00 U.S. per person however we found out later it should have been free admission. This mosque was the only one where we had to remove our shoes, and I was given a scarf to cover my hair. The scarf smelled musty and wasn't terribly clean.

The Turks are purists in their culinary tastes so food wasn't smothered in sauces and very little herbs or spices were used in the dishes we tried. The seafood was local and tasted fresh and was usually served with boiled rice; it was very tasty. A favorite meal of the locals was a Kebap; a large roll of mutton or beef cooked slowly on a vertical skewer in front of a heating element. When we ordered a Kebap, we could watch as it was shaved from the roll and served on an open bun. We didn't need anything with it, it was very tasty all by itself.

The evening meals could be compared to an evening of entertainment. We were wined and dined for hours in air conditioned restaurants or outside on the patios and we would leave full and feeling like we had made new friends.

Breakfast was not a popular meal in Istanbul. If your hotel doesn't offer it, be prepared, restaurants don't open for business until late in the morning. We were fortunate to be staying in a hotel that offered a large variety of fresh breakfast items every morning; items like sweet buns, yogurt, cereal, hot soups and scrambled or boiled eggs. Their morning drink was the ever popular Tang orange juice.

The water in Istanbul was safe to drink but not wanting to take chances, we purchased our own bottled water very cheap (5 liters for the equivalent of 90 cents).

Every evening we would watch from our hotel window as vendors pushed their carts up and down the streets, offering stuffed mussels, meatballs made from barley, and pancakes filled with raw meat, as well as other carts loaded with every kind of fresh garden vegetable and locally picked nuts. And, not to be overlooked, Istanbul does have a MacDonald's Restaurant for those who want to try Turkish hamburgers, french-fries and ice cream.

We never found a Laundromat anywhere in the city. With the use of sign language and lots of laughter, the maid in our hotel understood that we needed to do some laundry. She took it with her and brought it back the next day, ironed and hanging on hangars or folded very neatly. We used the service twice and the cost was $100.00 U.S. I would recommend purchasing clean clothes as you need them; Turkish made clothing was very inexpensive to buy, and fun to shop for.

Istanbul is the largest city in the Republic of Turkey. It has a population of more than nine million people and can have as many as eight million tourists visiting at one time. It's main religion is Muslim; five times during the day and night, at precise times, we would hear the call to prayer from the various mosques. In the beginning, especially when we were awakened in the night, we would hear wailing echoing through the city, however after a few days and after we knew where the sounds were coming from, we became accustomed to it and actually listened for it.

The currency is the Turkish Lire. There were many banks in Istanbul; the most popular being the Yapi Kredi Bank where we could exchange our money or if the banks were closed, we had no problem using the many ATMs situated around the city.

Tipping was not the norm but just like at home, when we were given good service, we felt they had earned a tip. In our hotel, by the time we were leaving for home, we had trained the staff to accept our tips; they had definitely earned them.

This holiday was an amazing experience. I have barely touched on the many interesting places we visited. It wasn't necessary to know the history, the language, customs or currency before embarking on this trip to Istanbul. We were made to feel welcome by everyone and the language barrier, only a minor inconvenience. I would be amiss if I didn't mention that at times there was the odd hint of terrorism but nothing that affected us in any way nor would it stop us from returning to Istanbul.

As we were loading our luggage into the taxi to take us back to the Atutark Airport for our journey home, the staff on duty and the ones not working at The Hotel Zurich that evening came out to bid us a fond farewell and safe trip. Has that ever happened in any other country? I know we have never experienced it, and it was such a wonderful feeling to know we were accepted, respected and considered their friends.

If you are looking for an exotic holiday destination, with friendly, hospitable people, an ideal climate and beautiful scenery or if you want to explore a city filled with Ancient sites and ruins mixed with increasing modernization, or how about just a fabulous shopping holiday well, Istanbul is the destination for you.

Lori Guretzkilives in Abbotsford, B.C. with her husband of 23 years. She works in the office of a large high school in Abbotsford and has a home based business called Lori's Canine Creations that she started 4 years ago. She also shares the love of traveling with her husband and together they have visited such places as Peru, Singapore, Malaysia, Aruba, West Indies and many, many more.

Lori's latest accomplishment is her book, The Reluctant Traveller, an amusing and entertaining day by day diary of the trials and tribulations of holidaying in Peru, South America, a country she new nothing about. Her book is in the process of being published and will be available soon through the Internet. Lori's husband is also a recent published author.

Lori's future plans include retiring from her full time job within 2 years; continuing with Lori's Canine Creation and traveling with her husband.

LoriGuretzki@shaw.ca

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Miami Italian Restaurants to Check Out

Samantha Ferguson — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 23:37:16 +0000

Cioppino Restaurant, located in the Ritz Carlton on Key Biscayne, features authentic Tuscan style cuisine. Chef Carlos Sernaglia, originally from Caracas, incorporates his Italian roots of Liguria and Piedmont into his style of cooking. The outdoor terrace of this Miami Italian restaurant offers views of the ocean. If you already have plans for lunch and dinner, Cioppino Restaurant serves an exquisite brunch on Sundays.

Cioppino's Menu: If you want to get a good feeling for the Tuscan style cuisine, try the Zuppa di Verdura alla Toscana, which is an appetizer soup, or the Carpaccio di Manzo. For the second course, our recommendation is the 14 oz. Veal Chop with sautéed spinach and balsamic sauce or the Costata d Abbacchio, which is a baby rack of lamb with a side of rosemary potatoes and spinach.

Escopazzo Restaurant, located on South Beach, is owned by Chef Pino Bodoni. Chef Bodoni can be seen intermingling with patrons at his family fun restaurant. It is always a pleasure to eat at Escopazzo when it is known that the owner/chef takes so much pride in his work, importing the majority of his products and keeping on hand over 170 cases of wines from Italy. If you ever wondered who owns a restaurant or where is the mystifying chef that magically combines an array of ingredients to make something so delectable, you will not have this problem at Escopazzo Restaurant in Miami.

Escopazzo's Menu: When you dine at this fine Italian restaurant in Miami, make sure to try the New Zealand Mussels, which is served "with a ragout of baby artichokes, garlic, lemon essence and mint over crispy polenta sticks", or the Carpaccio di Pesce, which consists of a swordfish loin and big eye tuna. For pasta lovers, there is a pumpkin and amaretto filled ravioli, which is a unique combination that arouses the taste buds. The Quail Filled Ravioli with asparagus is our favorite pasta. We recommend the Pepper Crusted Boneless Ribeye for steak lovers as it is tenderly prepared.

Anacapri Restaurant, located in Pinecrest, is a fine Italian restaurant that serves excellent food at great prices. Anacapri also doubles as an authentic Italian market where you can find your imported Italian products without having to jump on a plane. Anacapri has a second location in Coral Gables on Miracle Mile.

Anacapri's Menu: Anacapri keeps its menu simple. For $8.00, you can get the Mozzarella Anacapri appetizer, which is fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, basil, and sundried tomatoes. Unlike some of the more expensive Italian restaurants in Miami Beach, the Veal Pizzaiola or Piccata is moderately priced at $20. If you are in the mood for seafood, Snapper Francese, Marechiara, or Della Casa are always delicious.

Trattoria Sole is a relatively inexpensive Italian restaurant in South Miami. This local spot can get busy so a reservation is recommended. If you are in the mood for outdoor dining, this restaurant it is worth the wait.

Trattoria Sole's Menu: Skipping straight to the dessert menu, the Coconut Flan is one reason to try Trattoria Sole. Other reasons to try this Italian restaurant include their wide selection of pastas, seafood entrees, and veal dishes.

Peppy's in the Gables is a cornerstone of Italian eateries in Miami. Serving Miami restaurant Patrons for over 14 years, Peppy's is surely doing something right. This restaurant is not the most chic of restaurants, but it is surely one of the more savory Italian restaurants.

Peppy's in the Gables Menu: If you are a fan of homemade bruschetta served with fresh tomatoes and scallions, Peppy's is for you. If you are not a bruchetta fan, you simply cannot turn away their plump mussels in a tarragon broth. Peppy's has a large selection of entrees; it may be difficult to decide on just one. I would recommend sharing some of their dishes such as the Veal Marsala ($17.95) and Scampi ($19.50) with others at your table, in order to taste what this Miami restaurant has to offer.

Samantha Ferguson is the co-founder of http://www.restaurantplace.com, which is a free restaurant guide featuring restaurant menus for consumers to view when making dining decisions. To get more information on Miami Italian Restaurants or to view Miami Restaurant Menus, visit restaurantplace.com.

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Inns and Bed and Breakfasts – Are They For Everybody?

Cliff Calderwood — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 19:09:18 +0000

Inns are a delightful alternative to hotels and resorts. They can be just the right ticket for your vacation, providing you understand how they work and function.

Are they for everybody?

No, they're not. But here's the answers to some basic questions to determine if it's the type of accommodation that'll work for you…

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INNS AND BED AND BREAKFASTS?

Let's start by clearing up any confusion on the differences between inns and bed and breakfasts. And it's not so much in the name as how they advertise themselves.

Firstly, there's no difference in accommodation. The charm of a bed and breakfast can be every bit as good as the personality of an inn. The difference is the prepared meals. A bed and breakfast is just that… expect a bed and a breakfast, but you're on your own for dinner. But at inns, they're set-up to provide dinner as well, although it's usually an option, and not included in the quoted price. The listing will be very clear if dinner is offered. But assume its just bed and breakfast if nothing is mentioned.

In many areas of the world inns and bed and breakfasts are also called guesthouses.

ARE THEY RIGHT FOR MY KIDS?

When an inn says kids are welcome, then you'd better believe they really mean they're kid friendly. Now there's nothing wrong with that (I have three myself), but don't expect too much peace and quiet and solitude.

You'll find a number of listings that put age restriction on children. For example they'll say something like: 12 or older, or above 6-years old. They're not being mean. It's just these places are also catering to a single or couple looking for a chance to unwind and free of noise and high activity. If you've got high-action kids then bed and breakfasts may not be ideal for your family.

WHAT SERVICE CAN I EXPECT?

Staying in inns is very different than staying at a hotel. You shouldn't expect a country inn to be like a Sheraton, with hordes of staff at your beck and call, and soundproof walls. Also, having a party and playing loud music after 11:00pm won't win you any brownie points with your host or the other guests.

Remember... the innkeeper or host is there to provide you, and other guests, with a unique experience in unique surroundings, but to do that they'll need your understanding.

WHAT'S THE USUAL CHECK-IN TIME?

Your host will go out of their way to greet you when you check-in. Usually when you reserve you'll be told when their normal check-in period is. But most can accommodate you arrivals outside those hours.

But you need to let them know if you'll be late so they can arrange for you to get into the house (yes, the doors are locked after a certain hour), and to your room. It's one thing to show up at midnight at your hotel - they're staffed round the clock - but it's entirely another matter to roll-in after 11:00pm at an inn, and expect your host to get out of bed and greet you smiling.

CAN YOU NEGOTIATE PRICE?

You bet you can!

Just like hotels the room rate for inns is negotiable. The main difference is unlike a hotel, the person on the other end of a phone is usually the owner of the bed and breakfast, and they can make the decision on the spot. All you have to do is ask in a nice way.

Just remember the innkeeper may only have a few rooms to begin with anyway, and if your haggling over the last room then don't be offended if it's no dice on a price reduction. But on the other hand one room of a four-room inn without a paying guest reduces a host's profit by 25%. So it's always worth asking for a reduction!

HOW MUCH CAN YOU REALLY SAVE?

Off-peak travel will save you a bundle.

Most inns can book their weekend's months in advance. But filling the rooms during the week, particularly off-season, is much more difficult. You'll get the best deals for bed and breakfasts traveling mid-week and out of season. Now contrast this with hotels that have the opposite problem, because they cater to the mid-week business traveler, but can't get people in rooms at the weekends.

I love staying in inns. They have a lot going for them. Inns are usually very affordable, offer tons more variety than a bland hotel room, and are a great way to meet fellow travelers or vacationers. You'll find web sites devoted to inn and bed and breakfast listings now - so crank up Yahoo or Google and get searching… and saving!

Cliff Calderwood is the owner and contributing writer of www.new-england-vacations-guide.com . You can read other vacation articles and get a free travel report at his New England vacations guide site.

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Nova Scotia attracts Hollywood, Expatriates and Travelers

Phillip Townsend — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:20:24 +0000

Few places in the world evoke as much romance as Nova Scotia. Canada's fabled Maritime Province is almost completely surrounded by water, just east of Maine in the North Atlantic. It is here that some say Viking explorer Leif Erikson was the first European to land on North American soil, some 500 years before Columbus. Following the Civil War, Georgia Governor Charles J. Jenkins lived in exile in Nova Scotia, and Scottish inventor Alexander Graham Bell spent summers at his Cape Breton Island home and research lab, from 1885 until his death in 1922. More recently, The Scarlet Letter, starring Demi Moore and Robert DuVall was filmed here, as were scenes of the blockbuster Titanic.

Many tourists set out for Nova Scotia dreaming of its postcard-like scenery and storied past steeped in Scottish, Celtic and Acadian history. Some people who come to this unassuming outpost are drawn to Nova Scotia as much for what it lacks as for what it has: No crowds or traffic jams, friendly people, fresh seafood, and a slower pace.

In fact, there are two Nova Scotias. One is filled with those who, taking advantage of the province's proximity to New England and its low prices, come in the morning and leave with the evening tide. The other is a picturesque getaway, an escape attracting the likes of Demi Moore and Jack Nicholson and countless Americans, Europeans and Canadians seeking peace and privacy. Many rent or own vacation homes, while some have become year-round residents.

Most visitors arrive in Nova Scotia by air in Halifax or fast ferry from Bar Harbor, Maine. From a distant aerial view, the province, which is about the size of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont combined, resembles a lobster in silhouette, with the majestic Cape Breton Island forming its claws, and the southwestern corner forming the crustacean's tail. Imagine New England 100 years ago, and you get a good sense of Nova Scotia today. It feels more like the British isles than part of Eastern Canada. Its craggy coastline dotted with lighthouses and lush highlands is breathtaking and forbidding, and the foggy New England air gives it the veil of storybook fantasy.

As one nears the shore, hues of cerulean and turquoise emanate from the water. Seabirds glide over stunning 19th Century buildings that line the waterfront, behind traditional fishing boats bobbing in the bay. You feel as though you've stepped back in time and Nova Scotia begins to look real, but no less stunning.

The area's seafaring heritage is thick in the atmosphere of Yarmouth, where the ferry arrives in Nova Scotia. A working seaport, it is home to 8,000 souls, many of whom earn their living in the lumber and fishing industries, much as their ancestors did engaging in lucrative trade with the West Indies. This overlooked village is more than a place for the ferry to dock. Its Main Street bustles with activity, as locals frequent its many shops, eateries and other establishments.

But the center of the action is Halifax, the capital, which is linked to Yarmouth by a regular bus service. With a population of just over 350,000 in the metropolitan area, Halifax is the world's second largest natural harbor (after Sydney, Australia). The fascinating mix of big-city amenities and small-town charm along with food, live entertainment, nightlife and the hospitality of Haligonians make it a unique gem of North America.

Tourists and locals alike wind up in Halifax's pub district. On any given night of the week, you'll find every type of music from rock and Blues to classic and Celtic. The food is best from the sea--steamed lobsters or creamy chowders--and when you tire of lobster (is that possible?), ask for planked salmon, Acadian rappie pie or oatcakes, all mouthwatering local delicacies. The music and the food goes best with the many locally produced wines, and beers you'll find on tap at the pubs, but be sure and try Keith's India Pale Ale, a homegrown Nova Scotian favorite.

Halifax aside, Nova Scotia is best appreciated outside of the city, where it can seduce you through its sheer natural beauty. The environment that has attracted centuries of explorers and adventurers remains an integral part of the province's life and culture. It has everything a lover of the great outdoors could yearn for: golfing, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, white-water rafting, scuba diving and surfing. Cape Breton Island's idyllic Bras d'Or Lake (pronounced "bra door"), thousands of offshore islands and hidden coves harbor generations of stories, mysteries and sunken ships.

Nowhere is the tourist board's touted "Canada's Ocean Playground" label more fitting than on the South Shore, home to the villages of Lunenburg, Mahone Bay and Chester. There are more yachts, country clubs and luxury homes here than anywhere else in Nova Scotia, which is why some refer to the area as "The Atlantic Riviera" or "Canadian Gold Coast."

Some visitors feel Nova Scotia is best in the spring, when the dazzling colors of nature awaken after the winter sleep. Most others say this land of simple pleasures can be equally enjoyed anytime of year. One thing is for certain. With its stunningly beautiful landscapes and laid-back pace, the most difficult thing about planning a trip to Nova Scotia is deciding what to do: Can you picture yourself lounging on a golden sand beach, exploring quaint seaside towns, sampling urban nightlife or buying of building your own affordable hideaway and putting down roots? No matter what you decide, Nova Scotia, is paradise, found at last.

GETTING THERE

Major airlines fly into Halifax International Airport; www.hiaa.ca. Airfares vary based on season and city or origin.

The Cat operates a ferry service ($48-$58 per person; 2 hours and 45 minutes) that leaves daily, mid May through October, from Bar Harbor, Maine; 207-288-3395, (888) 249-72455, www.catferry.com.

Campbell's Shuttle Service provides transportation between Yarmouth and Halifax ($40 one-way, $72 round-trip), offering door-to-door service from anywhere. (800) 742-6101.

WHERE TO STAY

The Churchill Mansion Country Inn, R.R. #2, Yarmouth, (902) 649-2818, (888) 453-5565, www.churchillmansion.com, is in conveniently located in Yarmouth close to the Ferry Terminal, and has a special Cat package. Double rooms $55-$112. A 5-star accommodation in the Halifax area is the Sterns Mansion Bed & Breakfast, 17 tulip Street in Dartmouth; (800) 565-3885, www.sternsmansion.com; rooms $72-$240 depending upon season.

WHERE TO EAT

A charming eatery with a view of Yarmouth Harbor, The Colony Restaurant at the Rodd Colony Harbour Inn, across from the ferry terminal, is a local landmark known for its Hot Lobster Sandwich and steaks. Dinner for two, with wine, about $50. (902) 742-9194 or (800) 565-RODD (7633).

The Old Triangle, whose owners believe in providing "food for the body, drink for the spirit and music for the soul," received the Best Pub Food Award (2005) from The Coast, Halifax's weekly culture, arts and entertainment newspaper. Entrees $7. 5136 Prince, Halifax. (902) 492-4900

FOR MORE INFORMATION Details about living or retiring in Nova Scotia are available at: www.thegloballife.net.

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Denia Spain And Its Enchantments

Rob Carlton — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:44:53 +0000

Denia, on the Costa Blanca of Spain has always been strategically located on the skirt of the Montgo hills, dominated by a castle which was once an Arab fortress, right on the Mediterranean Sea. Dianium was its first name given to it by the Romans owing to the fact that there was a temple nearby which had been dedicated to Diana.

The Greeks seem to be the first tourists in 6 B.C. and staying for a while because of its climate, very similar to that of Greece, giving it the name of Hemeroscopeion. But the Arabs were the ones who stayed the longest and who really populated the area, converting it in the capital of the region of the Caliph of Cordoba.

After the expulsion of the Moors, this city suffered terribly both economically and in population. But it made its comeback with the production and exportation of raisins, mainly to England. But unfortunately this has decreased considerably both in Denia as well as in Javea. But a city does not die out that easily and it has made itself into an important tourist area.

Dianium, better known as Denia

Denia still has conserved its old quarters and neighbourhoods such as Les Roques found at the bottom of the castle, The Baix la Mar (near the sea) located in the fishermen's neighbourhood or the Cross Square ( Plaza de la Creu) where you can rest for awhile to have a snack, lunch or dinner while you glance at the Mediterranean Sea.

Along the Cervantes Promenade you can find terraced cafeterias or restaurantes where it is very typical to eat 'tapas' or small portions of seafood, ham or different omelettes and refresh your dry mouth with cold Spanish beer or delicious wines. You can even try typical dishes from other cities or surrounding towns like Torrevieja, Altea, Murcia and Calpe.

Back to the old quarters where the Mayor and Loreto streets are, you will see pretty neo-classical buildings which belong to the upper Valencian class people. The Town Hall dates to the 17th century and the Saint Mary Assumption Church on Vila Vella street goes back to the 16th century.

There are also two museums- The Archaeological Museum which has a great number of remains of all the different cultures which invaded the area. The Ethnological Museum on Cavallers Street no. 1 deals with the times when the raisin business was at its best.

Fun in the Sun in Denia

Some of the most popular areas of this big town is its beaches and coves. Heading toward the south to a rocky coastal area called Les Rotes, there is a group of small coves where scuba-diving and fishing fans hang out. To the north of the town, the there are sandy beaches like Els Palmars or las Marinas and not very deep waters- ideal for family outings.

Other than the well known Fallas and the Moor and Christian parade, Denia has a very original feast honouring its patron saint ( Santisima Sangre ) the first 15 days in July called 'Bulls into the water'. Where else can you become a bullfighter overnight? Denia like many other coastal towns can give you full satisfaction with all your holidays needs.

Robert Carlton released a lot of articles for www.alicante-spain.com a website on the spanish Costa Blanca and Alicante region. Amongst his works he is publishing about topics from Denia www.alicante-spain.com/denia.html to local spanish cuisine and travel tips.

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Choosing Your Vacation Walking Shoes

Peter Shannon — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:04:37 +0000

Carefully chosen walking shoes will make a world of difference on your vacation. Your feet are as unique as your personality so just any old shoes won't do.

Here are some tips to help you choose the right walking shoes for you.

Find an athletic store that has qualified people who can evaluate your walking gait. They can then point you toward a shoe that will match your style.

Your feet will swell on a walk. So pick a walking shoe that is about a size bigger than you usually would buy. Or, if possible, try on your shoes after a long walk.

Fit your shoes while wearing the same socks that you will be wearing on your vacation.

Consider the type of walking you will be doing. Hiking boots are good for poorly maintained trails, off trail or cross country hikes. But they are heavy and stiff. Stick with walking or running shoes for walks on paved or maintained trails.

Make sure there is room at the toes and the sides. Even a small amount of rubbing will produce blisters.

Cushioned shoes provide comfort and are great for non rugged walking surfaces. They usually have a little less support.

Lightweight is important when you are walking all day. You can afford to give up a little support for light weight when you are walking on pavement or maintained trails.

Avoid flared soles and heels that are more than an inch higher than the sole in front. These types of shoes are not good for a walker's gait.

You want a flexible shoe that will twist and bend at the ball of the foot.

If you have wide or narrow feet make sure that you get a shoe that is sized for you. Don't settle for a standard width shoe. You will regret it.

The success of your vacation can depend on having a comfortable pair of shoes to walk in. Take the time to find the right one. It is worth it.

The author of this article, Peter Shannon, is the owner of the website www.1001-vacation-ideas.com. Here you will find a large collection of vacation and getaway ideas for travelers searchable by theme and location.

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Cruising Cozumel Mexico

Clint Leung — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 08:40:42 +0000

The island of Cozumel is only 12 miles (19 km) off the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula's east coast and 44 miles (71 km) south of Cancun. For years, Cozumel was a quiet, sleepy island that didn't get many visitors until Jacques Cousteau did a documentary on it after discovering the world class scuba diving at the Palancar Reefs nearby.

Since 1961, Cozumel has been known as one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world. In fact for decades since that time, the only tourists visiting the island have been primarily scuba divers. Mainstream tourists went to the resort intensive Cancun in the mainland instead.

However, Cozumel became a regular cruise ship port of call in recent years and today it is one of the busiest with two separate terminals. It is common to have five or even six different cruise ships at port on any given day. I've been to Cozumel twice, the first time staying several days on a scuba diving vacation and the second time for a day via cruise ship (also scuba dived during my second visit).

As a result of the cruise ship boom, there has been lots of retail development along the main waterfront road of Avenida Rafael Melgar in the island's only town of San Miguel de Cozumel. There are countless jewelry and t-shirt shops most with staff standing in the entrances enticing visitors to enter their stores. Both silver and liquor can be good bargains here. There are also some nice Mexican crafts shops too. The one problem that we found was that after about 4 jewelry shops, they all started to look the same. It was almost a retail overload.

For those who came for a wilder time, there are some bars such as Carlos 'n' Charlie. The town's main outdoor square, Plaza del Sol, is just opposite the main ferry dock to the mainland. There are usually street vendors and artists in the Plaza as well local entertainment during some evenings. The artists do some amazing artwork with spray paints and their prices are very reasonable. San Miguel's main tourist area can be very busy during the day when the cruise ship passengers are in town but since most ships depart at dinnertime, the evenings are actually very quiet. The only tourists left at night tend to be the scuba divers staying in Cozumel.

Most of the hotels and resorts are south of San Miguel and not within walking distance. However, there are numerous white taxicabs that are readily available. The larger and more luxurious resorts tend to be even further south of town along the southwestern shores. This is actually not surprising since most of the best scuba diving sites are southwest of the island.

An easy way to see the 33 mile (53 km) by 9 mile (14 km) island is by renting a scooter or a 4x4. I once rented a scooter and zigzagged along most of San Miguel's streets to see the neighborhoods. Then I went on the main road leaving town and went south.

After passing by the larger resorts and going around the southern tip of the island, I found the beaches along the southeastern shores. The shores near San Miguel along the crowded west coast are not known for beaches but the southeast part here have some really spectacular ones. Even better is that there is very little traffic here so the beaches are pretty quiet. Sometimes people can park their scooters and enjoy a beach all for themselves. There are a few stops with refreshments and more souvenirs at prices even better than in San Miguel. Travel north and there is a road about halfway up the island that takes you back to San Miguel on the town's east side. My scooter tour of the island took just over 2 hours and cost $25 US for the rental.

Cozumel has several ancient Mayan ruins but they are not nearly as large or spectacular as the ones on the mainland. After seeing some photos of them in advance of my trip, I didn't even bother to see the ruins.

Cozumel is a nice port of call for cruise ships as there are many shopping opportunities. Passengers who scuba dive or snorkel can easily book directly with the many dive shops in San Miguel without going through their cruise ships which will cost much more. For cruise ship tourists who do not intend to do any water sports and have some time after shopping, rent a scooter or 4x4 to tour the island -- also a nice way to spend the last day of a scuba dive vacation in Cozumel.

Clint Leung is owner of Free Spirit Gallery www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca , an online gallery specializing in Inuit Eskimo and Northwest Native American art including carvings, sculpture and prints. Also numerous information resource articles with photos of authentic Inuit art and Native American Indian art.

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Best Authentic Creperies of Paris

Chloe — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 04:13:30 +0000

When eating crepes, do as the Parisians do.

It’s tempting to grab a crepe from the first crepe stand you see, whether it’s in the alleyways of St-Michel, or a plaza by Notre-Dame, or in the shadows of Sacre Coeur Cathedral. Indeed, many of the street vendors do produce decent crepes, and you will find that some are better than others. If you’re a “guide book tourist” and are happy with that, then don’t bother reading any further.

However, if you want to experience French crepes like a Parisian, make your first stop the rue du Montparnasse.

The Montparnasse neighborhood, sitting between the 6th and 14th arrondisements, has several noteworthy landmarks. It boasts the Tour Montparnasse, with a view that rivals the Eiffel Tower. It was an arts and culture center during the 1920s when Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and those of the so-called “lost generation” spent their nights partying at the cafes there. And it continues to house artists, galleries, and gourmet restaurants its many winding, unassuming boulevards.

But my favorite street is rue du Montparnasse. This is not to be confused with Boulevard Montparnasse, which is the major boulevard that brings traffic and travelers towards the magnetic Tour Montparnasse.

Rue du Montparnasse is a diamond in the rough, a local treasure amid a hubbub of Parisian life. The block of rue du Montparnasse between Boulevard de Montparnasse and Boulevard Edgar Quinet contains doorway after doorway after doorway of crepe restaurants, each doorway offering a glimpse of local Parisians enjoying the finest crepes Paris has to offer.

You see, of the major train stations in Paris, the Gare Montparnasse (located across from the Tour Montparnasse) was historically the gateway to the West, connecting Paris to western provinces such as Bretagne, the region of the crepe’s origin. As westerners arrived in Paris from this region, they set up shop right in Montparnasse. Restaurant owners and shopkeepers easily imported their authentic ingredients straight from Bretagne, and recreated the delicacies of their home region.

And now, although the period of migration is over, we can still enjoy the remains. I’m not referring to the crepe stands that litter the city and pander thin, weak crepes to the tourists who expect nothing better. I’m talking about the row of marvelous creperies that inhabit rue du Montparnasse – the home of Paris’ best full-service crepe restaurants.

When you find the street, you’ll notice that you have a multitude of options to choose from. My host mother claimed that Creperie Josselin is the official best creperie in the city, but other locals will disagree. On any given weekend, almost every creperie on the block is packed with Parisians who laugh at the silly tourists who don’t know any better than to munch the street vendors’ fares.

Try an authentic, gourmet, Montparnasse crepe – and you’ll know what I mean. The savory crepes are called “gallettes” and are a slightly different recipe from the sweet crepes. The batter, made with buckwheat flour, is meant to complement salty, heartier crepe fillings, such as cheese, ham, spinach, or tomatoes. The dessert crepes are lighter, sweeter, and filled with chocolate sauce, honey, sugar, and almost any delicious combination you can imagine.

Don’t forget to order a carafe of the house cider. Hard apple cider, another specialty from Bretagne, is almost a requirement for a complete crepe meal. Some of the creperies on rue du Montparnasse make their own cider in-house, but others serve bottled brands imported from Bretagne. Either way, it’s a wonderful and refreshing way to wash down a spinach, cheese and egg crepe, and a beautiful end to a long day of exploring the gems of Paris.

Chloe Jenkins is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles. You can read more of Chloe’s thoughts at her blog, Chloe’s Constant Comments.

Horseback Riding – a Great Way to See the World

Adrienne Heald — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 04:30:58 +0000

Consider savoring a new way of making an entrance into that picturesque Provence village. Leave the trains, cars and tour buses to others. What really elicits a warm welcome from locals abroad is arriving in town on horseback.

"Anywhere in the world - Iceland, Tierra del Fuego; France, India - local people greet riders in an overwhelmingly open and friendly way; there's an instant rapport,” says Bayard Fox, the founder of Equitours, the oldest and largest riding vacation company in the United States.

"Horses aren't just a great passport to some of the most beautiful spots in the world, they are a passport to the hearts of people everywhere.”

Fox, who, with his wife, Mel, has spent the better part of twenty-five years taking Americans to every part of the globe on equestrian vacations, is no stranger to chilly foreign relations. A former CIA operative from the Cold War era, he's spent years living in Paris, riding with nomadic tribes in Iran, and posing as a big game hunter in Central Africa, all to gather information for the U.S. during the 50s and 60s. His knowledge of foreign cultures is enormous; and his experience has been invaluable in carefully choosing the world's best riding tours in places that highlight natural beauty, cultural interests, and riders' safety.

Combining his love of world travel and horses satisfies Fox's craving for the romance, excitement, and color of exotic locales. It is a passion he loves sharing with others, especially as a way of counteracting some of the preconceived notions and misperceptions foreigners have about Americans and Americans have about the world.

"Sometimes, I feel like I'm a missionary to show people the advantages of traveling on horseback,” says Fox.

"Riders are not limited to the roads and can see parts of a country that most tourists never dream of. They have time to look at the country they traverse and it is easy for them to talk with people along the way.”

"It's incredibly gratifying to show the people in the places we travel to that Americans are curious, open, generous, adventurous people,” he adds.

Indeed, although Equitours draws diverse groups of people from all walks of life, even all levels of riding skills, which the company takes special care to match to the appropriate riding vacation, they all share the willingness to truly explore. Whether its galloping after zebra in Kenya, touring castles in France, or exploring the Pelion Coast of Greece, the common denominator is a love of adventure and an openness to new experiences. For the impression they leave about Americans in the people they meet along the way, Bayard considers them true American ambassadors.

Adrienne Heald is a freelance writer who extensively covers the fields of travel and leisure, health & fitness, and public policy. She is based in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

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A Great Motorcycle Ride in Mexico

Daniel Levy — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:25:52 +0000

A great motorcycle ride in Mexico to cities and places named World Heritage sites by Unesco, through a splendid protected natural area and ending in a surrealistic garden by artist Sir Edward James. Just keep reading...

The ride starts in Queretaro City at 5,970 ft above sea level.

Queretaro is a colonial city founded more than 500 years ago and named a World Heritage site by Unesco in 1996. It's located in the center of the country two hours North Mexico City. Nowadays it has become one of the most dynamic cities in Mexico due to the surrounding industrial parks where many international companies are located.

The first stop is just 45 minutes away: "La Peña de Bernal" (The "Rock of Bernal"). We are talking about the third biggest rock in the world and the highest in Mexico. At its feet a quaint little town were you can stop for a soda, lunch or spend the night. You can also find nice little souvenirs. Whatever you decide to do, this place is a must.

If you like rock climbing, you are in the right place too!

The road to Bernal doesn't present any major challenge, most of the road is straight with just a few extended curves... but just after passing Bernal it starts to get fun!

Surrounded by an arid landscape due the high content of lime in the soil, you start with a very interesting section of twisties, one after another, up and down, a technical road between the mountains for about 30 miles. The landscape changes a bit as you advance and a few miles later you are in the middle of a semidesert.

After this twisty section you then continue on a straight part of the road. A few more miles down the route and you find a military checkpoint... Don't worry about it, they are normally courteous people just looking for arm and drug smugglers.

After the control point the curves and the fun start again. As you get to "Peña Blanca" ("White Rock" in English) - by the way if you need gas, this is the place to stop and fill it up - you start climbing the mountains twist after twist.

I love this part: most of the ride you can clearly see three or four turns in front of you, and as it is a low traffic road, you can enjoy yourself taking the best lines (always keeping it in the safe side if you know what I mean!).

After climbing for a while you notice how things start to change and suddenly what were rocks, sand and cactus are now pine trees. It's beautiful.. You feel the change of temperature and then you reach "La Puerta del Cielo" (The Door of Heavens") the highest point in this ride.

We are now at about 9200 feet above sea level... The turns continue but now you are going downhill. Remember to adjust your riding to that fact. Unfortunately I have seen more than one forgetting about it that and paying the consequences.

As you start descending you ride through a small town called Pinal the Amoles... descend, turn turn, descend turn turn, descend turn turn... I love it! About 10 miles after Pinal de Amoles, the weather starts to change again and gets warmer. The vegetation also suffers a sudden transformation.

You keep devouring the road and you cannot help but getting marveled of the landscape around you... Just remember to keep your eyes on the road! Turn, turn... You are in the middle of the Sierra Gorda protected area and home of multiple plants and animals.

You continue descending till you reach Jalpan de Serra the most important town in the Sierra Gorda and place where Father Junipero Serra built one of his most important missions in the area before heading north to build the Missions in California. These missions were also named World Heritage by the Unesco in 2003.

In Jalpan you can find a couple of simple but nice hotels and some restaurants. Another possibility to spend the night is to ride a few more miles west to a place called Conca where you 'll find a hotel with Spa to relax from the day's ride and get ready for the rest of the trip.

After Jalpan our next stop and final destination is Xilitla, so you head north-east till you reach the state of San Luis Potosi.

A few miles after crossing the state limits in the middle of the mountains, at about 3,300 ft asl, in a rain forest of incredible vegetation you get to Xilitla.

This town was chosen by Sir Edward James, a surrealistic British artist - also noble and rich -, to spend the rest of his life. It is in this place he built a huge garden, a private zoo and a meditation place in the middle of the jungle. Its very difficult to describe it with words... Maybe the photos in this site can help: http://www.junglegossip.com/.

In Xilitla you can stay in the Castillo "The Castle" the house of former Sir Edward James' right hand and friend: Plutarco Gastelum. This exclusive Bed and Breakfast is unique in its kind and you can see, feel and breath the influence of the artist everywhere.

Another possibility to spend the night is to ride a bit more to the north and stay in Ciudad Valles an important city of San Luis Potosi state where you will find all kind of hotels and restaurants, night life etc.

My recommendation... stay at the Castillo, forget about your ride and enjoy for a whole day this Mexican Shangri La.

After spending the whole day in Xilitla prepare for a long ride back to Queretaro. For this one I like to leave early in the morning and keep, if possible, a fast pace. Turn, turn...

We are talking about many miles and literally hundreds of twisties... Once my wife counted them... She stopped when she was at the 500th and we hadn't arrived back to Queretaro City yet!

It's so fun that the time flies and suddenly you realize it's all over and you would like to turn around and do it again...

You know the feeling right?

Another possibility from Xilitla is to head to the famous Huasteca Potosina a zone of exuberant rivers, waterfalls and springs... But that area deserves a whole article by itself. I will be writing it in the future.

If you liked the trip I described and want more information about great motorcycle rides in Mexico and/or to contact me for any other issue please visit my site at www.japanese-motorcycles-only.com.

Enjoy the ride!

Daniel Levy

P.S. Below you will find a few facts about this ride.

Facts about the ride:

Difficulty: Intermediate-Advanced
Recommended time to enjoy the trip: 3-4 days
Total length of the ride: about 600 miles.
Checkpoints:
Queretaro-Bernal
Bernal-Military Checkpoint
Military Checkpoint-Pinal de Amoles
Pinal de Amoles-Jalpan de Serra
Jalpan de Serra-Xilitla

Weather: normally clear and dry with the exception of the rainy season from July to September where you can find some heavy rain.

Recommended Map: Guia Roji Mexico Tourist Road Atlas. You can find it at Amazon.

Daniel Levy is the owner and contributing writer of www.Japanese-Motorcycles-Only.com. He loves motorcycles and Web development. For more great info visit http://www.japanese-motorcycles-only.com.

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