New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Life in the Big Easy
French Quarter, New Orleans. The city’s heart beat is raging. It is pre-Mardi Gras and everyone is in high gear. Mind you, ‘low gear’ simply does not exist in New Orleans. Arriving on a Saturday afternoon is like plunging yourself into the deep end of a very deep pool that swirls its way to a magical world. There is no choice except to join in. We head straight to Bourbon Street of course. With ‘go cup’ in hand, the wanderer’s way of drinking, we simply dive into the infectious atmosphere. Main dress code, beads. If you don’t have tacky plastic beads around your neck you’re just not ‘flashy’ enough, literally speaking.
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Last Updated on Monday, 06 April 2009 13:41
Memphis, Tennessee, USA, Capital of the Blues and Soul
Arriving in Memphis for the 25th International Blues Challenge we hit the ground running. This is our first stop on a twelve day road trip through the southern states of Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana. We start with three days of music, music and more when hundreds of musicians from around the world converge on Memphis to play, defining and redefining the sounds that released the slaves from their burdens and the songs that have inspired centuries of music worldwide. All around Beale Street the clubs are shakin’. The Blues Challenge has begun and will keep a firm grip on the city for the coming three nights.
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Last Updated on Monday, 06 April 2009 13:11
It’s Stampede time in the Wild West, Calgary, Canada
Boom town Calgary, Alberta and the stampede is on! It seems like everyone joins in for the 10 day event, the whole town is a sea of cowboy hats, boots and blue jeans. There is a casual feel in the air and we've arrived just in time to catch the last day of rodeo mania when all the final competitions take place; chuck wagon races, broncos and bucking bull riding, calf roping and more. Ah, if I was 20 years old again I would be in 'cowgirl' heaven. There is something very attractive about a strong, macho cowboy in leather chaps, spurs and a cowboy hat ready to knock his brains around and risk his limbs on wildly bucking bronco.
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Last Updated on Monday, 06 April 2009 13:07
The Highlands of Kerala, South India
As the early morning sun streaks light across a sea of green, plantation workers ready themselves for a blistering hot day collecting the leaves that will be your morning 'pot of tea'. Covered in burlap and plastic aprons the workers chop away filling their bags to make the daily quota of 40 kilos. Women are dressed in every colour of the rainbow in celebration. Villagers from all corners have come to honour and care for the temple of Shiva, one of the most cherished and protected Gods in the Hindu religion. Devoted followers give prayer to their beloved Shiva, cleansing themselves for the coming year.
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Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 00:42
Cochin, Capital of the South Indian Spice Trade.
Arriving in Cochin, South India, is a step back in time. The city, now known as Kochi, has found its way charmingly into the present with a natural sense of preserving the past. The romance is definitely in the past and it goes way back. The streets are filled with a fusion of cultures, from the inter-tangled back alley shops of Jew Town, through Portuguese, Dutch and British influenced architecture. Just before sunrise and around sunset, the fishing nets come into action. Dozens of fishermen climb the teak and bamboo poles and pull the ropes in an age old tradition. This choreographed performance offers the best in outdoor theatre! |
Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 00:41
Sailing the Mediterranean Coast of Turkey in a Gulet
Crystal clear waters and deserted beaches treat you to some of the most spectacular views where mountains meet sea and history is packed into every cove and tiny bay. The gullet, a traditional Turkish sailing vessel, will guide you back in time crossing through the waters where sunken cities hide beneath the waters and ancient Lycian ruins nestle amongst the rocky cliffs. Snorkelers and divers enjoy meters of visibility Canyons forge through the cliffs into the sea while gliders float through the sky fro Mt. Babadag. Opportunities to explore, in the air, on land or in the sea are endless.
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Last Updated on Friday, 03 April 2009 20:42
Glasgow, The Green Hollow of Scotland
Popularly referred to as 'Glesca', by Glaswegians themselves, and romantically referred to as 'the dear green place', Glasgow is Scotland's largest city, located on the River Clyde. As a foreigner the thick Glaswegian accent may be a 'wee' bit difficult to understand, but the spirit and soul of these mid-western Scottish folk will win your heart. A strong history, traditional culture and rich Scottish cuisine abound. Whether it is lazing about the city�s new trendy riverbank area, pub crawling or taking in the ever popular music scene, the Glaswegians and their fair city keep you smiling.
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Last Updated on Friday, 03 April 2009 20:44
The Mountains and Alpine Meadows of South Tirol, Italy
If the days of kings, knights, bishops and ladies of the court fascinate you, then South Tirol is the perfect destination with medieval castles dotting the hillsides almost every kilometre. Along with countless lakes and rivers, mountains and alpine meadows, swimming, biking and hiking, St. Tirol offers everything the remotest of outdoor adventurers could dream of. But then we haven't even touched upon the traditional foods and wine all reaped from the acres of vineyards, apple orchards and the hearty souls that tend to them, keeping the happy and healthy spirit of South Tirol alive.
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Last Updated on Friday, 03 April 2009 20:47
Calabria: Discovering the Big Toe of Italy
Squeezed in between the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas lay the mountains of Pollino National Park in Calabria. Overlooked by the tourist masses and with less archaeological sites then Tuscany or Sicily, Calabria offers peaceful treasures that are only now becoming apparent to tourists. This is the heart of the Mezzogiorno, a region where the summer sun scorches the earth and sizzles the pavement. In contrast, springtime brings green mountains, fields filled with colourful wild flowers, and pebble beaches stretching along the coastline under the cliffs, all of which is generally free of tourists.
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Last Updated on Friday, 03 April 2009 20:49
Finding Peace in Bangkok, Thailand
Hidden away in the chaos of Bangkok lays the Arun Residence, a recently renovated historic Sino-Portuguese river house nestled alongside the vibrant life of the Chao Praya River and set against an exotic vista of seventeenth century classic Thai architecture. Perched on the rooftop bar with a glass of Australian chardonnay in hand, one can thoroughly enjoy the transition of day into night. Across the river, above Wat Arun temple, we watch the sky turn salmon pink, then crimson red, finally dissolving into a purple haze. The rich history and mystical magic of Bangkok unfolds before our eyes.
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 09:53
Singing Rocks of Silence, Meteora, Greece
Even though not everyone is to rise before the morning sun, the ancient bells from the monasteries of Meteora, Greece, continue to echo amongst the rocks, calling to prayer those who give themselves to an age old commitment of religious following. But the bells also ring throughout the day for those who come to stroll through the villages, wander through hillside forests or tackle the stone steps up to visit these historic places of worship. For the truly adventurous, others come to scale a vertical cliff or two with some of the world's best climbers who flock to Meteora for international competition.
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Last Updated on Friday, 03 April 2009 20:37
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Driving South through the Mississippi Delta, USA
The Deep South is a mixture of personality, hospitality and a whole lot of music which lives in the soul of all southerners. The back streets of Clarksdale, home of the Mississippi Delta blues, where the juke joints continue to attract some of the best musicians from around the globe, there is a deep centred rhythm that flows generously through the heart and soul of the South. From sharecroppers’ shacks on the Tallahatchie Flats to the manor houses of Natchez, the legacy of the past will always remain, yet a new era is securely in hand. The Mississippi Delta is very much alive.
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Last Updated on Monday, 06 April 2009 13:39
A roadtrip through Canada's Wild West, Alberta and BC
O.K. We all know that Canada is big. Actually the largest country in the world, logistically speaking. So where do we begin? We are actually only tackling
the south west and that is already enough. Having researched the region we know that the western lifestyle are definitely a part of this picture so we will
start with rounding up the cattle, then 'Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo-Jump' to Blackfoot Crossing sleeping in a tepee and a 'Chicken Dance' then just follow the
flow. It is wide open country followed by the majestic Rocky Mountains. We pass through old western towns and watch bears
hugging each other.
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Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 15:24
A taste of the Abruzzo mountains of Italy
A blanket of misty cloud has settled in the valley just as the sun is preparing to bring a new day. We have just passed L'aquila, next to the medieval village of Assergi where we have discovered a camping paradise. High on the mountain near Campo Imperatore we have Mother Nature at her best! The hills are a sea of green. Pine and birch trees surround. Little has interfered or disturbed this gracious view. Here we dismiss chaos and daily schedules. Only the whispering ears from ancient villages and mountain pastures lay await for us to explore. Our route will lead through the Gran Sasso, Abruzzo and Maiella National Parks |
Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 10:13
The beach and the backwaters of Kerala, South India
Slowly meandering along the rivers, lakes, lagoons and small canals in a traditional Kettuvallom (houseboat) brings you close to village life, local tradition and culture. More important though is the absolute, utter true sense of romance you feel. From private air conditioned quarters, to a personal staff of three, to some of the most delicately delicious food, there is no other place to be! A heron breaks the early morning stillness as a dugout canoe with two fishermen, glides across the water at a determined yet unhurried pace. Bird's singing, fish jumping, silence and serenity are the backwater experience. |
Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 00:43
Bangaram, The paradise of the Lakshadweep atol, India
Our pilot from Kingfisher Airlines circles around the tiny air strip on Agatti Island, one of the 39 atolls which make up Lakshadweep. From above we sense immediately that we have found our secret paradise. The idea was to find that true getaway; no televisions, no telephones, no internet or power boats and totally forget rows upon rows of beach chairs with sun tanning beach babies. On Bangaram you find an island that has set itself apart from the rest of the world. Here you disappear. The sand crabs might notice you but for the rest, you are alone in peaceful paradise.
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Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 00:42
Cruising the Mediterranean on the Voyager of the Seas
I never thought a cruise ship would be my kind of vacation. However, at first sight of the enormity of the ship I plan to spend 10 days on, I am stunned. Once onboard, cabin found and all safety checks completed, it is time to explore and see what cruising is all about. This could take a long time though! Between the number of decks and passageways, shops, restaurants and even street names to follow, it feels more like being in a huge foreign city for the first time! From fancy and formal 'Love Boat' evenings on board, to exploring every new port enroute, the options seem endless.
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Last Updated on Friday, 03 April 2009 20:40
Travel the Ancient Trails of Trentino, Italy
From a historical point of view, the Valsugana is one of the most important valleys in Trentino. The Roman road, once Europe's main road, led through the valley connecting the Adriatic with Augsburg. The western part close to Trento is an intensive tourist area. In the late 19th century the Levico Therme baths were established and became popular with the upper classes. Lake Caldonazzo is further statement to the regions historical past. It is no wonder that this breathtaking land of saw-toothed ridges, alpine meadows and immaculate medieval towns is a favourite vacation spot for many Italians.
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Last Updated on Friday, 03 April 2009 20:46
Intrigue and Passion, the Magic of Sicily, Italy
It has been an often used cliche: 'one cannot put a spade into the Italian soil without unearthing something historical'. In Sicily this counts almost literally. Throughout the centuries, Sicily has been the place where different cultures met, mingled, and collided; from the Arabs to the Romans via the Greeks then followed by the Normans. Today, many archaeological sites and impressive ancient temples are the silent witnesses to this rich history. Sicily means intrigue, passion and a long lived traditional culture. Add this to a surround of crystal clear turquoise waters and what could be more inviting?
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Last Updated on Friday, 03 April 2009 20:49
Stepping Back in Time, Ayuthaya, Thailand
Disappear into the ancient world of Siamese dynasties, a period during which no less than 33 kings ruled Ayuthaya, once capital of Thailand. Merchants from around the world flocked to the city, claiming it to be the most illustrious and prosperous city they had ever seen and the magnificence of the Ayuthaya Court as incomparable. But this prosperity also brought others whose jealousy and greed drove them to conquer. It was in 1767 that Burmese invaders destroyed the city and many of its artefacts. Today this historical treasure stands proud, speaking without words, of its rich cultural heritage.
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 09:54
Koh Mook Island, Pearl of the Andaman Sea, Thailand
Landing directly at the beach of Sivalai Resort on the island of Koh Mook, all of the local villagers have been watching the plane touchdown, delivering special guests from afar. Fresh pineapple and guava juice goes hand in hand with the warm welcome by the reception committee. What look like tiny reed huts from the air turn out to be the top in private luxury wooden bungalows, situated directly on the beach. White sandy shores encircle the island, shifting their way back and forth with the tides. There are no sounds except for the birds and the waves. This is a true island paradise.
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 09:51
Eagles Fly High over Berchtesgadener Land, Germany
The sound of a trumpet echoes over the lake. The farmers and local villagers begin to celebrate the beginning of spring, preparing to herd the cattle to the upper alms. Everyone in the village, young and old, are decked out in their best finery; traditional dirndls for the women, lederhosen for the men and most important, flower adornments for the cows that will lead the procession up into the mountains. On the border between Austria and Germany, this unique part of Europe is packed with history and adventure, from Hitler's 'Eagles Nest' to some of the best low and high alpine hiking in the Alps.
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Last Updated on Friday, 03 April 2009 20:36
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