Lets Travel

The Kruger National Park- South Africa

2009-06-21T03:02:00.000-07:00

The Kruger National Park is one of the most well known South Africa travel destinations. It is one of Africa's top safari destinations, and the Kruger National Park offers visitors the iconic African safari - a spectacular production rich in lion prides, elephant herds and thousands of other animals, played out against shifting backdrops of savannah, forest, river and mountain.

Visitors arrive from all over the world for a taste of a Kruger Park safari experience - a South Africa travel holiday characterised by untouched wilderness, a huge concentration and variety of wildlife, Kruger Park accommodation. The accommodation ranges from self-catering to absolute exclusive luxury that rivals (and often surpasses) the world's best hotels.

General Kruger National Park Information
The Kruger National Park is the jewel of South Africa's safari destinations. The park stretches some 400km from north to south along Mozambique's eastern border, making it the largest game reserve in South Africa.

Kruger National Park Map As one of the world's iconic game reserves, the Kruger National Park boasts the highest number of mammal species (147 species) of any game park in all Africa. These animals are found in a variety of extremely different ecosystems.

Kruger National Park Wildlife
Whether it's the lions that roared in your bedtime stories or the cartoon elephants that flew across your childhood movie screens, the Kruger National Park is home to everyone's favourite animals...for real.

The combined wilderness areas of the Kruger Private Reserves are also home to abundant wildlife and birdlife.

Technically, there are larger populations of wildlife within the boundaries of the Kruger National Park, but as most of the private reserves are unfenced, the animals have access in and out of the park proper.

The Kruger National Park is filled with a wide variety of wildlife, with nearly 150 species of mammals that are commonly sighted by the park's visitors.
Private Game Parks of the Kruger National Park
Visitors are often confused by the terminology used to describe the Kruger National Park and its neighbouring areas.

The Kruger National Park is basically the area that falls under the control of the South African government, with its clearly defined borders and fences and an extensive network of tarred and dirt roads. Along the park's western border, a large number of privately owned reserves have been established.

Although technically not part of the park, most of these private reserves share an unfenced border with the Kruger PArk, allowing free movement of animals in and out of the territories. These reserves are tailored to offer their guests a superb safari experience with accommodation that's the last word in luxury.

Nias

2009-06-16T03:19:00.000-07:00

One of Indonesia's most exotic destinations, Nias Island combines a great surfing break, the most beautiful of beaches and a culture older than history.

Nias has the size of but outside of the months of June and July it is a quiet place and great to relax. The most important places on the island are Gunung Sitoli in the north, and Teluk Dalam in the south. Teluk Dalam is close to Lagundri/Sorake which has the best beaches and surfing. Lagundri/Sorake is called the CITY SURF by tourist who ever visit Nias Island.

After the movement of Nias people from Gomo to others place, they were going to make a new settlement at the new area, and it might be close to their origin. One of the places they have reached is Teluk Dalam at the South of Nias Island. In the time of inventing the new life style and the growing population, the people of Nias made the community of life more advanced and more organized. Such as they built a village ruled by the land lord, the houses bigger, the construction stronger, more finely, and the new rules.

Looking For Honeymooning on A Cruise Ship

2009-06-10T21:49:00.000-07:00

very Year, 100’s of thousands of people make the decision to get married. If you are planning on getting wed, then you and your future spouse will most likely plan to go away afterwards. When it is time to pick out a honeymoon location, there are numbers of alternatives to choose from.

Honeymoons are often seen as vacations. In a way, a family vacation and a honeymoon are quite akin, except for the romantic aspect and the absence of youngsters. A honeymoon is meant to be happy, exciting, memorable and secluded. Instead of vacationing with the whole family, a honeymoon often only involves the bride and groom.

As mentioned, when it comes to planning your honeymoon, there are a number of selections. Numerous honeymooners plan honeymoons for popular beaches, ski resorts, or for some other secluded location. Did you know that you can also have a honeymoon aboard a cruise liner? cruise liners have become progressively popular, but Numerous individuals still do not know them as ideal vacation options.

One of the reasons why cruise liners are rarely thought about when selecting a vacation destination, let alone to go away afterwards, is because of their price. There is no doubt about it, this character of honeymoon can be costly, but you should never let the cost cause you to shrink from enjoying the ideal honeymoon along with the wedding of your dreams. If the price is too high, you may need to try getting discount rate cruise ship tickets.

Even if you may need to pay a high price for the cruise of your dreams, it is likely that you will still receive a good deal. Despite the higher price for the tickets, still make it a point to look at the facilities which are accessible onboard and at the cruise’s length. Ticket prices will rise in accordance to more services that are available and to longer cruise duration. If you spend some time at figuring out all of the services that are included with the cruises and the monetary value for overnight accommodations, you will see that cruises are not really that expensive in comparison.

Also, be advised that you may want to take the inherent romantic attraction of each destination under consideration as you examine the cruise ship locations. Since knowing that your honeymoon is expected to be one of the most romantic and relaxing times, you will want to select an environment that helps to promote the atmosphere. cruise liner destinations are found throughout the World. Some popular destinations include Alaska, Hawaii, The Bahamas, The Caribbean and Mexico. For finding the perfect honeymoon cruise, you are encouraged to select a cruise that offers stops at the locations you have chosen.

In addition to taking cruise liner locations into consideration, you are also encouraged to study the type of cruise that you wish to set sail on. Many cruise lines have ships that they use to target specific groups of people. These cruises frequently have cruises designed for adventurous lovers, entire families or couples, and as a couple, you should be welcome on any cruise.You may want to avoid cruises directed at for family vacations, if you are looking for a secluded, romantic or cozy setting.

Before you book your honeymoon on a certain cruise liner, it may be a good idea to examine what you want and need out of your trip. In doing this you will be enabled to select the ideal cruise ship for you and your new partner.
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Underwater Amazon

2009-06-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Jeremy Wade explains why Manaus fishmarket is an ‘accidental temple to biodiversity’

In the geographical centre of the Amazon stands an ornate structure of wrought iron, fabricated in Europe a century ago and reputedly designed by Eiffel. Inside, early each morning, down either side of a long hallway, crowds of people inspect weird and wonderful creatures which, although abundant in Amazonia, are not normally seen outside this building.

We are in the fish market at Manaus, accidental temple to biodiversity, and as such well worth a non-shopping visit - where the peculiar forms and lifestyles of the species on view give a graphic insight into the nature of the Amazonian ecosystem.

Take the bulky black-and-green fish looking rather like our European carp - until you notice the crushing plates set in muscle-packed jaws. Much prized for its firm, tasty flesh, the tambaqui feeds almost exclusively on the seeds of trees that, half the time, are nowhere near water. It pulls off this unlikely feat thanks to an unlikely feature of Amazon geography: the annual flooding of huge areas of forest - to a depth of ten metres or more. So abundant is this seasonal feast that during the rest of the year, when it is confined to the river channels, the tambaqui lives on its fat reserves. Fish bought from the market between August and December will have empty stomachs.

Another species on view that makes the most of this season ticket into the forest is the aruanã and again the clues are in its design: a long body with a paddle-like tail for propulsion, ruler-straight back for a stealthy approach just below the surface, big eyes set high on the head, and a huge lower jaw that opens like a drawbridge. Also known as the ‘water monkey’, the aruanã specialises in surface-to-air attacks on insects minding their own business up trees. It can grab prey from branches a metre above the water. Most aruanã are caught in nets, but any spotted with puncture wounds will have been shot by sharp-eyed bow-fishermen.

There are also fish here that exploit the less obvious opportunities provided by low water. Laid out on a slab in a corner are huge fillets looking like two-metre-long kippers. This is the meat of the pirarucu, one of the world’s largest freshwater fish, sometimes weighing as much as 150 kilos (3OOlb). When the water level falls, in the Amazonian ‘summer’, some backwater lakes become very shallow and deoxygenated, and the fish in them become torpid. But not this giant predator. It is able to absorb oxygen from air gulped at the surface, and so remains active while the smaller fish it feeds on are sluggish and vulnerable.

Unfortunately for the pirarucu, however, its habit of periodically surfacing, then burping a trail of bubbles, makes it vulnerable to fishermen, who hunt it with thick-cord nets and harpoons. Add to this the market’s (unaccountable) taste for salted, as opposed to fresh, pirarucu, and the result has been a wholesale onslaught. In recent years numbers have declined to the point where it is a protected species. But for many riverside dwellers, selling salted pirarucu meat is one of very few ways to earn some cash, so they still find their way to market.

In fact, such is the city’s demand for food - a million-plus inhabitants and growing - that many of the fish on view will have come, packed in ice, from tributaries and lakes a week’s journey, or more, away by boat. Manaus has become the centre of a food web that reaches right into the region’s furthest extremities. Despite the Amazon’s vastness, therefore, harvesting fish stocks sustainably is becoming a matter of some urgency - not just for humans but also those others with a vested gastronomic interest: dolphins, caimans, otters, many species of birds, the odd jaguar...

And not just predators. Scavengers also have a stake. Looking once more round the market hall - at the bright colours, striking patterns, armour-plated bodies, tentacles, teeth - we are suddenly aware of an absence. The Amazon’s most famous fish is not here. This is nothing to do with declining stocks, however. Although good eating, if somewhat bony, the piranha is not really a commercial species: normally it is eaten only by the riverside dwellers.

The most interesting way to see piranhas is to catch your own. Pay a visit to a backwater lake when the water is low and the fish are concentrated. No special tackle is needed: Just a short piece of line, a hook, and some cut fish or meat. A cane pole is an optional extra. To stop fish severing the line, local people make their own long-shanked hooks from 5-8cm (2-3in) of stiff wire bent at one end.

Unhooking requires careful handling and concentration - their dentition really is formidable. Despite the tales, however, they are not normally a threat to swimmers - although there are rare ‘hungry’ lakes around, and anybody with a bleeding cut shouldn’t swim anywhere.

A more exciting method of rod-and-line fishing is casting artificial lures that mimic small fish. This can tempt red-bellied piranhas weighing close to a kilo (2lbs) and black piranhas potentially twice that size. Often other predators get in on the act, too: notably tucunaré. (the ‘peacock bass’), toothy traíra, and sometimes aruanã. Lumps of fish offered on the riverbed will pick up bottom-feeding catfish such as the red-tailed pirarara or the zebra-striped surubim - if a stingray doesn’t get there first (a fish that poses a much more real threat to paddlers than piranha). There’s even a chance, hard to believe 1500km (900 miles) from the sea, of a shark snaffling the bait. Local fishermen still take them, and sawfish, very occasionally on their catfish-lines - moth-eaten stuffed specimens can be seen hanging in the Casa Dragão fishing-tackle shop near the market.

Even without sharks, though, visitors to Amazonia have the opportunity to marvel at more fish species in a couple of days than during a lifetime in Britain - perhaps dozens (from a total of some 3,000) of different variations on the fish theme, some of them hard to believe. Biodiversity ceases to be just a word, a dry and distant academic concept. In the Amazon’s fish it can be spectacularly seen.

Jeremy Wade is a freelance writer who has covered aspects of Amazonia for the Sunday Telegraph and BBC Wildlife magazine.

Ubud Monkey Forest

2009-06-05T02:26:00.000-07:00

Ubud Monkey Forest
Ubud Monkey Forest is a small rain forest dwelt by some group of monkeys and other tropical animals. It is strategically located in the hearth of Ubud Village, precisely located in the region of Padang Tegal Village, Ubud Sub district and Gianyar Regency. Monkey Forests in Balinese language called Wanara Wana are spread out in the island and Ubud Monkey Forest itself own very important function of the continuity the monkey habitat in Bali. Meanwhile the local community own important role to keep this forest naturally in order to all wild animals able to live smoothly.

Ubud Monkey Forest, Ubud Village, Bali
Monkey Forest Condition
Ubud Monkey Forest, Place of interest in BaliUbud Monkey Forest is dwelt by 200 monkeys, pertained to long tail inclusive macaques or macaca fascicularis group which owns the wide disseminating area. Among the amount monkeys living in this forest, there are 23 adult male, 79 adult female and 98 still baby. All the monkeys in this forest consisted of three groups, dwell certain area and use the certain place and certain time. However, it also happened that entire group can use the forest and whenever two groups are existing at same place and time, they will fight each other. These monkeys are believed as Gods Guard of Dalem Agung Temple, The Hindu Temple exist in the middle of forest. There are three Holy Temples in this monkey forest and those are existing surround the forest and it is estimated built in the middle of 14 century, in the early governance of Gelgel dynasty. Dalem Agung Temple is located in northwest from the forest represent the existence of most important temples. Beside of two others, that are Permandian Temple, in Westside from this forest and Prajapati Temple which is located in south-east side where the place of Dewa Siwa (Siwa God), one of the Khayangan Temple in Padang Tegal Village.
How to Locate Ubud Monkey Forest?

It is very easy to find this place since it is located in the hearth of Ubud Village and it is just about 1 hour drive from Denpasar Town. This monkey forest is close to other places of interest in Ubud like Ubud Palace, Ubud Art Market, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Painting Museum and Gua Gajah.

Komodo National Park

2009-05-31T02:22:00.000-07:00

Komodo National Park is a World Heritage site situated in the straits between Sumba and Flores and consists of the three larger islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller ones. Because of its unique geology, the islands have developed equally unique wildlife. With dragons on land and a utopia underwater, you will find an array of dive sites and hiking trails to suit every level of experience.

From pristine corals, mantas, sharks, turtles, dolphins, dugong and giant pelagics to tiny pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs and frog fish, you'll find the diversity of marine life inspiring if not mind boggling. The islands feature a dramatic wild savannah landscape with patches of forest especially on the southern hills of Komodo and Rinca. White and red sand beaches, blue lagoons teeming with fish and some of the most spectacular underwater scenery in the world entice divers and guests from around the world.

The underwater topography is as varied as the marine life it homes. Dive sites vary from gentle coral slopes to sheer cliff walls, channels, flat bottoms, pinnacles, caves, swim-throughs and a host of hard and soft corals. From the Flores Sea in the north, the warm waters gradually become cooler as you travel southwards into the Indian Ocean.

Komodo boasts countless beautiful deserted beaches, hiking trails, great wildlife, shallow reefs for snorkeling and lagoons for water-skiing. Perfect for divers to take their family on a holiday, as there is something to be discovered for everyone.

Climate information
Dry season:
Rainy season:
Air temperature:
Water temperature:
Best time to dive:
Other interesting info:
April - November
December - March
27 - 32C
25 - 30C. Warmest in the north and coolest in the south
Year round with best weather April - November
Dive conditions vary with the tides, throughout the day. Therefore it is important to dive with the tide tables to hit every site at the optimal time.

Southern waters: Generally provide better visibility from December through April. Lower visibility in the dry season - in the south - is due to oceanic up-welling and plankton richness, which makes this area very rich in marine life, especially invertebrates. An underwater photographers dream! Highest temperatures in the south are during the rainy season.

Northern waters: Generally provide better visibility year round. Water temperature is usually higher. Fish are abundant everywhere but the rocks and reefs in 'current' areas provide the best chances for spotting the bigger fish, especially the sharks and pelagics.

How to get there
Flights: Bali to Labuan Bajo on the mainland of Flores (daily), and
Bali to Bima in Sumbawa at the other side of the Park (daily).

From one of these entry points you will be transferred to The Seven Seas for an itinerary that visits all the best sites in the Park.

Attractive alternatives:
Board The Seven Seas in Benoa Harbour, Bali, and sail to Komodo National Park in 2 days.
You get to enjoy the beautiful landscape of Lombok, Sumbawa and Sangean Volcano. Delight in some excellent dives on the way and don't forget to catch a tuna at Sangean! This cruise is also offered in reverse direction, from Komodo to Bali.

Refreshing Maninjau Lake

2009-05-16T21:52:00.000-07:00

Maninjau Lake West Sumatra, is one of the most splendid lakes in Indonesia. This volcanic lake is situated more or less 461 meters above sea level. This lake, 100 m2 in size with the maximum depth of 500 meters, is associated with a legend. It is said that from the local folklore called "Bujang Sembilan" (roughly translates as "Nine Young Men"), one of these men died by plunging himself to the crater. The crater then expanded, forming a lake.

Maninjau Lake has a five-starred resort located on the top of a hill. With pleasant, inspiring sceneries, staying around Maninjau Lake will be a dazzling experience for you.

Maninjau Village is located near the lake. Buya HAMKA, one of the most notable novelists in Indonesia, was born here. HAMKA wrote the phenomenal Tenggelamnya Kapal Van der Wijk. Another famous person born here is Rangkayo Rasuna Said, one of Indonesia's national hero. Her name is immortalized as one of the protocol roads in Jakarta.

Getting There

Located only 35 kilometers away from Bukittinggi, you can visit this site by using a car or a public transportation.

Where to Stay

You can stay at various inns and hotels in Bukittinggi, or at Maninjau Resort, which is closer.

Moving Around

From where you stay, you can use a private car or public transportation to view the magnificent scenery.

Dining Guide

You can eat at several nearby restaurants or hotels. Bear in mind that West Sumatran food tends to be spicy.

Souvenir Tips

You can buy traditional Minangese crafts within the area or in Bukittinggi. Various songket (hand-woven cloth), slippers, shoes, bags, money pouches made of songket, and other unique items are also available. You can also buy traditional West Sumatran snack such as cassava chips coated with chili sauce.

Other Things to See or Do

Simple water recreations can be done in the lake. Unfortunately, since the locals consider swimsuits improper, you shouldn't swim in this lake. You can swim in the resort or in other hotels. If you stay at the resort, you can also use the fitness center and jogging track.

Travel Tips

* Respect the locals--dress casually yet not revealingly.
* Stay in Maninjau Resort to spend a memorable night in this fantastic place.

Ijen Plateau- Home-Grown Sulfur

2009-05-16T21:02:00.000-07:00

Ijen plateau or known as "Kawah Ijen" is highly recommended to mountain buffs and hikers. The Plateau was at one time a huge active crater, 134 sq km in area. Today, Ijen is a quiet but active volcano, and the landscape is dominated by the volcanic cones of Ijen (2,368 asl) and Merapi (2,800 asl) on the northeastern edge of the Plateau, and Raung (3,332 asl) on the southwest corner.
The magnificent turquoise sulfur lake of Kawah Ijen lies at 2148 m above sea level and is surrounded by the volcanos sheer crater walls. The vent is a source of sulfur and collectors work here, making the trek up to the crater and down to the lake every day. Sulfur collectors hike up in the morning and return around 1 pm when the clouds roll in. They carry shoulder basket of pure sulfur from a quarry on the lakes edge under the shadow of the sheer walls of the crater. The mineral at Kawah Ijen is purer and is worth commercial exploitation despite the horrendous labor involved: Javas homegrown sulfur is a natural source of sulfuric acid, in great demand in the oil-refining business and in the production of fertilizers.

Getting There

The Ijen Plateau can be reached through Bondowoso from either the northern or the southern coast. It is closer to Banyuwangi, but the road is very steep and badly deteriorated. A 4 WD is essential, although difficult to hire in Banyuwangi and outrageously expensive. Most people walk the last 8 km along the road to Pos Paltuding (the PHPA Post, the starting point or the trek to the crater).

Where to Stay

You can choose your places of stay at Bondowoso or Banyuwangi. There's a few type of accommodation with varied price and facilities.

Moving Around

You can take a walk for about 1-1 1/2 hour to the crater rim.

Dining Guide

Before start trekking, hiking or climbing, be sure that you have already eaten, or you can bring some food and drink from your places.of stay. Otherwise, you can buy some food and non alcoholic drink on the nearest supermarkets for your supply during your activities on mountain.

Souvenir Tips

The sulphur diggers will approach you for playing a guide and sell some nice sulphur statues for 5.000 till 10.000 Rp (probably their day-income).

Other Things to See or Do

At the rim itself you have a nice view on the lake. You can walk around the rim or go immediately left so you can walk down to the lake for about 40 minutes.

Travel Tips

*The walk starts at Pal Tuding. Its a basic camp where you can stay overnight. There is a block with showers and toilets
*At night it can be pretty cold up there,(it is suggested that you carry a sleeping bag). Take your own picnic, since the food you can buy at the parking lot isn't up to much.
* The walk up to the crater rim takes 60-90 minutes. It's pretty steep. Halfway is a small post where the sulphurworkers take a break. A cup of tea is available here.
* The path is just one-way so there is no need for any guidance.
* An absolute must is a handkerchief to put in front of your mouth and nose to avoid inhalation of the sulphur gases.
* If you buy some souvenirs like statues, they are very breakable so tape them in with toilet paper and take precious care of it.

See Seoul's ancient sights for less

2009-05-14T01:46:00.000-07:00

SEOUL - With the South Korean currency, called the won, down against the dollar, now's the time to wander the grounds of 600-year-old palaces, meditate in Buddhist temples and trawl cafes and markets in the labyrinthine capital city, Seoul.

Getting around: Seoul, home to nearly a quarter of South Korea's people and one of the world's most densely populated cities, has eight subway lines, hundreds of buses covering every corner and affordable cabs.

From Incheon International Airport, city shuttle buses reach Seoul for about $7 (9,000 won). Korean Air offers a more comfy door-to-door service to major hotels for $10 (14,000 won). A taxi to the city center runs $38-$45 (50,000-60,000 won).

The subway is fast and cheap. Fares start at 70 cents (900 won). The $1.10 (1,500-won) T-Money Card also works on buses and in many cabs. When taking cabs, look for silver or white taxis, which start the meter at $1.50 (1,900 won). (A fare increase is slated for June). "Luxury" black cabs are more expensive.

Cheap stays: Staying in a traditional Korean house is the best way to live the history of Seoul. The narrow, winding alleyways of Bukchon, one of the last surviving old-style areas of the capital, is full of guesthouses built in the traditional, U-shaped "hanok" style with graceful, swooping eaves and intimate courtyards.

Anguk Culture House is a charming hanok near the Insadong antiques district. Book early; it only has five rooms, all with en suite bathrooms and Western-style beds. Twin rooms cost $53 (70,000 won) and doubles $60 (80,000), only slightly more than hostels. Other hanok options: Tea Guest House, singles $38 (50,000 won) and doubles $60 (80,000 won) or the Seoul Guesthouse with twin rooms, $38 (50,000 won) and a shaggy dog that according to Korean folklore will chase away evil spirits.

Or live like a Buddhist monk with a temple stay. The Bongeunsa and Hwagyesa temples offer 24-hour packages of activities including ceremonial services, meditation, tea ceremonies, communal work on temple grounds, arts and crafts and authentic Buddhist meals. Beware: Lights out at 9:30 p.m. and wake up calls come at a bracing 3:30 a.m. Prices are $23-38 (30,000-50,000 won). Reserve at least a week in advance.

For hostels, the modern Hongdae Guesthouse in the student district is also in the heart of Seoul's community of young designers, with a myriad of small cafes and an affordable Saturday art market. Dormitory beds are $16-$18 (21,000-24,000 won). In the city center, try Seoul Backpackers or its sister guesthouse, Banana Backpackers with doubles at $34-38 (45,000-50,000 won) and dormitory beds at $15 (20,000 won).

Jet-lagged on arrival? Nab a nap at one of Seoul's "jjimjilbang" bathhouses. After paying the entrance fee, you get your own loungewear and access to baths, saunas, therapy rooms and relaxation area where perfect strangers catnap side by side or in individual booths. Sauna areas are men/women only but relaxation areas are usually co-ed. "Jjimjilbang" are open 24 hours, but go during the week as they can get family-style noisy on weekends.

The Hurest Well Being Club Spa offers city views from its upper floors in the downtown Myeongdong shopping area; entrance fee $4.50-$7.50 (6,000-10,000 won). The Riverside Spa Land is popular, with a salt room, clay room, charcoal room and oxygen room. The Seoul Leisure Sports Club offers a swimming pool and golf range. The Korean Tourism Organization has an excellent introduction to the "jjimjilbang" experience.

Cheap eats: Eating cheap in Seoul means spice, rice and plenty of everything. Seoulites like to eat out, filling thousands of mom-and-pop places that give good local color and value.

See the amazing images sent by msnbc.com readers and submit your own for next week!
If you're new to Korean food, start at Lotte Department store's self-serve food court, where traditional dishes, from dolsot bibimbap (rice and vegetables cooked in stone bowls) to naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) are on mouthwatering display. Note the number of the dish you want, pay at the central ticket booth, and watch for your number on the digital display.

The alleyways of the antiques district of Insadong are packed with tourist-friendly restaurants featuring traditional fare for less than $6 (8,000 won) for a set meal of soondubu chigae (spicy tofu stew) with rice, bulgogi (marinated beef) or dduk mandu guk (dumplings and rice cake in beef broth), and side dishes, including Korea's most famous condiment, kimchi, fermented and pickled vegetables. Wash it down with traditional liquor, milky makgeolli or tart dongdongju.

Ssamziegil Market in Insadong has cheap, chic restaurants like the healthy Dubu Ma-eul, or "Tofu Village," and the elegant Oh Mok Theh for hearty seafood pancakes.

Travel to Brisbane, Australia

2009-05-12T02:43:00.000-07:00

Cutting dramatically through lush coastal plains, the Brisbane River coils like a snake around the cosmopolitan chic of Queensland's unique sub-tropical capital. Developed as a penal colony in 1824, the city spent years in the shadow of its southern neighbors. However, following the Commonwealth Games and Expo in the 1980s, investment skyrocketed, cementing Brisbane's future as a place of wealth, beauty and excitement.

Brisbane's architecture is a mix of the modern and the old with impressive Renaissance style and timber Queenslander dwellings sharing a berth with the modern giants. Despite being close to the ocean, this is very much a river city, and the footpaths and waterways are a delightful way to explore this majestic metropolis.

Central Business District

Dominated by the impressive City Hall , Brisbane's business center is a remarkable dichotomy of style. Unlike other Australian cities, the life of the central area does not fade with the sunset. Bars and clubs swell with numbers, attracting large crowds with entertainment each night. The spectacular Conrad Treasury Casino looms proudly over the river, whilst Queen Street Mall 's garnished modern decor greets shoppers, diners and people-watchers with open arms. Built in 1828, the Old Windmill and Observatory are some of Brisbane's oldest buildings and Parliament House , built to French Renaissance style in 1868, is a classic example of the city's historical prowess.

South Bank Parklands

If you cannot go to the beach, then the beach must come to you. The South Bank is a true wonder of ambitious modern design. With a large swimming area and sandy beach, escaping from the city is means a 30-second ferry ride. The nearly 40 acres of parkland include some of Brisbane's finest restaurants and cafes, and its own rainforest boardwalk. The popular South Bank Markets are held on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays. The atrium snakes its way through the Parklands from the Queensland Cultural Centre, which houses the Performing Arts Complex , Queensland Museum , Queensland Art Gallery and State Library .

Riverside District

Mirroring the diversity of the South Bank , this city side complex is dissected by a lazy walkway, curving its way past the City Botanical Gardens , and hugging the foreshore with its traditional timber jetties and visiting touring yachts. Eagle Street Pier is the wining and dining area, while the Riverside Centre hosts a huge Sunday Craft Market . Standing proud among its modern neighbors, Customs House is a glorious building, providing a timely reminder of the area's vibrant heritage.

Fortitude Valley & Chinatown

Depart the river at the engaging New Farm Park, and the walk toward Fortitude Valley could take you an age if you choose to wine, dine and shop your way through the broad spectrum of styles. In Brisbane's vibrant Chinatown , a bewildering selection of Asian cuisine swamps the senses with local shopkeepers contributing to the enchantment of this true Asian hideaway.

The Valley offers similar diversity but does it with a brash energetic style for fun loving, nightlife seekers. Originally unfortunate enough to be considered a bad area, this is now Brisbane's alternative Mecca. For a one location night out, Dooley's Hotel has become a cult favorite.

Kangaroo Point & Woolloongabba

The elder statesman of Brisbane suburbs, Kangaroo Point , is the place to gaze in awe at the city's dramatic views. Cast in the shadow of the imposing Story Bridge , the Point's impressive sandstone cliffs dominate the foreshore. With the area transforming into a dynamic residential enclave, the demand for cafes and restaurants has grown rapidly. Kangaroo Point rivals South Bank in style as it strives to become the south side's new home for fine dining.

The Gabba (Woolloongabba), gateway to the Gold Coast and southeast, has earned an international reputation as the location of the Brisbane Cricket Ground , home of the Brisbane Lions Football Team .

Milton, Paddington & Rosalie

These west side suburbs offer a change of pace from the frantic energy of the Valley. In Milton, Park Road 's mock Eiffel Tower calls the discerning visitor to the city's most fashionable pavement cafe precinct. Rosalie Village, nestled in the western hills, conjures up visions of a small European community, with fine dining or relaxed, inexpensive fare available al fresco throughout the year. For the eccentric or exotic, Paddington's Latrobe Street has a selection of hidden gem restaurants, galleries and boutiques encased in colorful Queenslander cottages.

Around the Bay

Within an hour's drive of Brisbane's downtown, the wonders of Moreton Bay provide the day-tripper with unequaled delights. Before leaving the mainland, a visit to the charming Manly Harbour is a must. A mix of the new and traditional, this is the East Coast's largest pleasure boat marina, and home to good food and shopping.

A short trip ferry trip to Moreton Island reveals a realm of sand dunes (the world's highest coastal dunes), dolphins and four-wheel drive adventures. Whether you choose to stay at the plush Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort or just camp along the beach, Moreton Island is a kaleidoscope of natural wonder.

North Stradbroke Island (Straddie to the locals), a stone's throw from the mainland, is a Queensland treasure, providing an escape to paradise without the long trip. Within the National Park, Tortoise Lagoon and the 'Window' Blue Lake are spectacular.

With a bridge connecting Bribie Island with the mainland, this is the most accessible destination to see the fauna-rich waters of the Bay without getting your feet wet. Diving, fishing and relaxing are the order of the day on this lively, well-populated island, and a visit to the wonderful Abbey Museum is essential.

Brisbane's self-promotion as Australia's "most livable city" may have been used before, but it is absolutely true. Spending time wandering Brisbane's districts will bring you to the realization that this city is Australia's true capital of leisure, jaunty style and good living.

Canada: Nunavut Bird

2009-05-08T21:58:00.001-07:00

Birding opportunities abound in Nunavut, in our Bird Sanctuaries and our Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Beginning in June, millions of birds arrive in Nunavut. Our rugged cliffs and tundra – unspoiled and undisturbed for millennia – provide true sanctuary to huge populations, as many as 50,000 nesting birds in one location.

Nunavut has 11 Bird Sanctuaries:

* Akimiski Island
* Harry Gibbons
* Boatswain Bay
* Nannah Bay
* Bylot Island
* McConnell River
* Dewey Soper
* Prince Leopold Island
* East Bay
* Queen Maud Gulf
* Seymour Island

A good guide and a little planning ensures guaranteed encounters with snowy owls, sandhill cranes, gyrfalcons (including the white phase), jaegers, loons, plovers and more.

Bird Habitat

No matter what region you visit, you will find birds – lots of birds – in almost every area of Nunavut. The tundra is spectacular in its summer splendor. Arctic flowers roar with colour as stunning as any jungle.

Undiscovered bird bonanzas await. Seek assistance from outfitters, airline personnel, travel agents, lodge owners, who have the inside information to direct you.

For instance, Akpatok Island is home to an incredible population of Thick-Billed Murres and on Coburg Island you’ll discover 500,000 seabirds living in a local colony 6 kilometres long.

With unspoiled bird habitat everywhere, Nunavut is one of the best birding destinations in the world.

2009-05-05T21:39:00.000-07:00

Explore Tibet

Explore TibetTibet Autonomous Region lies in the southwest of China and in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It is bounded to the north by Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Qinghai Province, to the east by Sichuan Province, to the southeast by Yunnan Province, to the south and west by these countries: Burma, India, Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal. The region covers an area of around 1.22 million km2, which accounts for 12.8% of the total of China.

With an average altitude of above 4,000 meters, Tibet Autonomous Region has very complex topography and falls into three geographic parts: the west, the south and the east. The west part, known as the North-Tibet Plateau, lies between Kunlun Mountain and Kangdese Mountain, and Tonglha Mountain and Nyainqentanglha Mountain. This part takes up 2/3 of the total area of Tibet. The south part of Tibet consists of valleys and lies between Kangdese Mountains and Himalayas. The east part is mainly made up of canyons and is marked by a gradual decline in altitude intercepted by small ranges called Henduan Ranges.

Basic Datas:
Official Name: Xizang Zizhiqu
Short form: Xizang
Int'l long form: Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR)
Int'l short form: Tibet
Etymological: the name Tibet is derived from the Sanskrit word Trivistapa which means "heaven." Tibetans called their homeland Bod.

People:
Population: 2.62 million
Ethnic Groups: primarily ethnic Tibetans; Menba, Lhoba, Mongols, Hui and a growing number of Han Chinese.
Religions: Tibetan Buddhism, Animism.
Culture: Wedding, Funeral
Languages: Tibetan, Chinese.
Festivals: Tibetan New Year, Shoton Festival, Bathing Festival..
Natural resources: Forests, wildlife, mineral resources, uranium (world's largest uranium reserve), hydro-, geothermal energy.
Agriculture products: Livestock and livestock products.
Industries: Mining, wool spinning, carpets, forestry, food processing, printing, building materials and machinery, tourism.
Currency: Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)

Introducing Tibet

2009-05-01T21:08:00.000-07:00

Tibet: the Land of Snows, the roof of the world. For centuries this mysterious Buddhist kingdom, locked away in its mountain fastness of the Himalaya, has exercised a unique hold on the imagination of the West. For explorers, imperialists and traders it was a forbidden land of treasure and riches. Dreamers on a spiritual quest have long whispered of a lost Shangri-la, steeped in magic and mystery. When the doors were finally flung open in the mid-1980s, Tibet lay in ruins. Between 1950 and 1970, the Chinese wrested control of the plateau, drove the Tibetans’ spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, and some 100, 000 of Tibet’s finest into exile and systematically dismantled most of the Tibetan cultural and historical heritage, all in the name of revolution. For a while images of the Buddha were replaced by icons of Chairman Mao. Today, Tibetan pilgrims across the country are once again mumbling mantras and swinging their prayer wheels in temples that are heavy with the thick intoxicating aroma of juniper incense and yak butter. Monasteries have been restored across the country, along with limited religious freedoms. A walk around Lhasa’s lively Barkhor pilgrimage circuit is proof enough that the efforts of the communist Chinese to build a brave new (roof of the) world have foundered on the remarkable and inspiring faith of the Tibetan people.

For travellers, Tibet is without doubt one of the most remarkable places to visit in Asia. It offers fabulous monastery sights, breathtaking high-altitude treks, stunning views of the world’s highest mountains and one of the most likeable peoples you will ever meet. There's Gyantse, in the Nyang-chu Valley, famed for the largest chörten (stupa) in Tibet, and hiking in Yarlung Valley, widely considered the cradle of Tibetan civilization. Base yourself in Tsetang and marvel at the monkey cave in Gangpo Ri or walk the monastery kora (pilgrim path). Your trip will take you past glittering mountain turquoise lakes and over high passes draped with prayer flags. Find a quiet spot in a prayer hall full of chanting monks, hike past the ruins of remote hermitages or make an epic overland trip along some of the world’s wildest roads. The scope for adventure is limitless.

For many people, Tibet is a uniquely spiritual place. Those moments of peace, fleeting and precious, when everything seems to be in its proper place, seem to come more frequently in Tibet, whether inspired by the devotion apparent in the face of a pilgrim or the dwarfing scale of a beautiful landscape. Tibet can truly claim to be on a higher plain.

This remarkable place is changing fast. Investment and tourism are flooding into the region, inspired by a new train line from China, and GDP is rising even faster than the train tracks to Lhasa. Unfortunately the modernisation is coming first and foremost on China’s terms. China’s current wave of tourists has been dubbed the ‘second invasion’, with a slew of new hotels, restaurants and bars set up and run by Chinese for Chinese. Once the remote preserve of hardy backpackers, it is now local Chinese tourists who dominate the queues for the Potala and Jokhang. Lhasa is booming and even small towns across the plateau are being modernised and rebuilt. With every passing month Tibet looks less and less like itself.

The myths and propaganda that have grown up around Tibet can be so enticing, so pervasive and so entrenched that it’s hard to see the place through balanced eyes. The reality is that Tibet is no fragile Shangri-la but a resilient land underpinned by a unique culture and faith. But you are never far from the reality of politics here. For anyone who travels with their eyes open, a visit to Tibet will be memorable and fascinating, but also a sobering experience. It’s a place that’s likely to change the way you see the world and that will remain with you for years to come. And that’s surely the definition of the very best kind of travel.
lonelyplanet.com

Palau Jungle River Boat Cruise

2009-04-27T01:59:00.001-07:00

On July 2nd, the Palau Visitors Authority Management and associates went on a tour on one of Palau’s newest attraction, the Jungle River Boat Cruise. Located in Ngchesar State, the Jungle River Boat Cruise is one of Palau’s Eco-friendly tours giving clients an ideal way to relax and see nature firsthand. The River Boat Cruise is the brainchild of Mr. Billy Takamine, who is a native of Ngchesar State. The River Boat Cruise takes about one hour back and forth on an all-aluminum boat that can carry up to 40 passengers at a time, depending on the tides of the river. The tour starts at the main dock and goes upstream coming out to the ocean that is approximately 5 miles long with 2.5 mile each way.

Six PVA Associates and two interns from University of Guam and Xavier High School were very impressed by the tour and the beauty that garden along the path to the boat dock. During the tour, they got a chance to see the crocodiles, a total of three who swam by the boat as soon it approached upstream. According to the boat operator, the crocodiles are a little bit of celebrities to their adventurous guests. The River Boat Cruise facilities include a gift shop, two “summer houses” resembling Palauan bais’ with colorful paintings which is used for resting area and in the future for entertainment and basket weaving demonstrations. They offer several packages to clients that include barbeque set lunches with entertainment, basket weavings and Babeldaob tour.

“These are the kind of ecotourism developments that we want to encourage throughout Babeldaob, well versed tour guides that guide you through the tour showcasing history, culture and nature,” said Darin De Leon, PVA Managing Director. The PVA Management and Associates thanked Mr. Billy Takamine and the Jungle River Boat Cruise Company for graciously hosting this tour by presenting to him a Certificate of Appreciation for their generous support.

Okavango Delta Safari Reserves - Botswana

2009-04-25T02:21:00.000-07:00

The Okavango River rises in the highlands of Angola and flows southeast into the Kalahari, where it spreads out into a delta formation. The Okavango River delta, or 'Okavango Delta' as it's usually known, is one of Africa's top safari areas. It covers over 15,000km² with a lush water-wilderness of papyrus swamps, shallow reed-beds and floodplains, dotted with islands and laced with a network of channels. A safari to the Okavango Delta' is one of Africa's top big game safaris – and the Okavango Delta is also a wonderful place to relax.

An Okavango Delta safari may not be your first idea of a safari – but gliding silently in a mokoro (a dugout canoe), you'll watch wildlife at eye level. It might take your guide's keen eyes to spot the terrapins basking on floating logs, or a fish eagle just perching, watching and waiting. Often it's the smaller things in the Okavango Delta that catch your eye, like the tropical fish that flash through the Delta's clear waters or the iridescent malachite kingfishers that dive for them; sometimes it's larger animals - red lechwe wading through the river's shallows, or elephants on the islands - whilst all around water-lilies bloom and birds call.

Why safari in the Okavango Delta's private reserves?

Protecting the Okavango Delta's amazing delta environment is the Moremi Wildlife Reserve and, around that, a network of excellent private 'safari reserves', or 'concessions'. Most of these Delta reserves contain a couple of small, private safari camps. Guests arrive at these by air, and they offer great safari activities. In contrast to the public game parks, these private reserves have four main advantages:

a) The guides are allowed to drive off-road whilst on safari when searching for and following game.
b) The guides can conduct night-drives on safari, allowing you to see the nocturnal animals – for example, leopard are more frequently seen around dusk and at night.
c) Some reserves offer walking safaris in the Okavango Delta; these are not allowed in the national park.
d) These private safari reserve are private: you'll see few other people on safari here; this is a real luxury in such a pristine area!

Where to safari in the Okavango Delta's private reserves?

There are two excellent maps of the Okavango Delta on this site: an amazing interactive Satellite map, with links marking all the camps; and a reference map showing all the reserves and their boundaries.

You can navigate using the links on the satellite map, but meanwhile looking 'clockwise' around the Okavango Delta, the main reserves here, and their safari camps and lodges, are:

Sandibe / Chitabe Reserve (NG31)

On the south side of the Okavango Delta, this reserve has three camps and is effectively split into two halves: Sandibe Reserve has just one lodge, Sandibe Safari Lodge, on the north side – which offers a good mix of game and deep-water activities. To the south the adjacent Chitabe Reserve you'll find Chitabe Camp, and the smaller Chitabe Ledibe and also the adventurous Chitabe Walking Trail. Chitabe is a very good area for dry-land safaris.

Stanley's and Baines' Reserve (NG32)

To the south of Chitabe and Moremi Game Reserve, this large reserve has two main camps: Stanley's Camp and its smaller, smarter sibling, Baines' Camp. It's game is probably more variable than Chitabe, but it is the base for the amazing and sensitive elephant experience with Doug Groves – which is worth coming here for. Visit this from either camp, though best book it in advance!

Santantadibe Reserve (NG17)

This small, private safari area is central to the Okavango, and not well known at all because there are no permanent safari camps or lodges here. Historically, this reserve is a bit of an anomaly: it's the private safari area of one of Maun's oldest safari families. Here we often send traveller on safari to the exclusive mobile Santantadibe Camp. It offers a very personal Okavango Delta safari with a top safari guide – especially good for families and small groups.

Abu Reserve (NG26)

In the southwest of the Delta, Abu Reserve is famous for its elephant-back safaris which are based out of the expensive Abu Camp. Also in this reserve you'll find the exclusive Elephant Villa, and the new Seba Camp – both of which are very good for families or small groups traveling together. The game here doesn't match the east of the Okavango Delta, or the safari areas of the Kwando Linyanti, during the dry season, but if fine during the wetter months between about January and April.

Nxabega / Kanana Reserve (NG27A)

West of Chief's Island, and bordering Moremi Game Reserve, this area includes the well-run Nxabega Safari Camp, Shinde's watery sister-camp, Kanana and, in a very picturesque corner of the Delta, the delightful Pom Pom Camp. Those who want some 'out there' adventure, consider a two-night three-day trip on the Kanana mokoro trail. Again, this reserve isn't a top game area during the dry season, but we do find that it is often excellent when more water is around, at the start of the year.

Jao Reserve (NG25)

Further north, and also on the west side of the delta, are several camps in the picturesque Jao Reserve. The three on the east side offer superb water activities, including the palatial Jao Camp, the classic Kwetsani Camp and the smaller Jacana Camp. On the drier (western) side of the reserve, Tubu Tree Camp is a lovely small camp, which concentrates on dry-land 4WD safaris.

Duba Plains Reserve (NG23)

On the northern side of the Delta, Duba Plains Reserve has just one super little camp: Duba Plains Camp. This lovely reserve largely consists of vast grassy plains – of rich, nutritious grass – which attracts large herds of buffalo, amongst other game species. Safaris to Duba are known for the battles between lion and buffalo. Stop here for 3-4 nights if you can, to see the spectacle at its best, and book ahead.

Vumbura Reserve (NG22)

East of Duba is the excellent Vumbura Reserve; for safaris in the Okavango Delta, it's one of the best and most scenic of the Okavango Deltas safari reserves. Like Duba Plains Reserve, this is a top-notch area for safari in the dry season. Then it comes close to rivaling its southern neighbour, Mombo, for the quality and diversity of its game. These are several camps here: Little Vumbura has been a first-rate, favourite camp for many years, meanwhile the newer, and substantially more costly, Vumbura Plains camps is probably the Delta's only truly minimalist, modern safari camp.

Mapula Reserve (NG12)

In the far north of the Okavango Delta, north of Duba Plains and Vumbura, the Mapula reserve straddles the Okavango's famous fence. In this area, this is widely broken down and there is excellent game on both sides of it. Here you find the relatively new Mapula Lodge. It's not currently well-known, but is a very interesting lodge which has the strong involvement of the local community here, and we've visited it.

Shinde Reserve (NG21)

East of Vumbura, Shinde Reserve deserves more recognition. The game is also plentiful and varied during the dry season, and the water activities have access to some very picturesque deep-water lagoons. Here Shinde Camp is a old-school camp and nearby is the Okavango Delta's best camp for walking safaris: Footsteps Walking Trails.

Kwara Reserve (NG20)

Slightly further east, the vast Kwara Reserve has excellent big game and two small camps: Kwara Camp and its newer, slightly smaller, sister-camp: Little Kwara. Both offer enthusiastically-guided Okavango safaris, using 4WDs and boats. Like Shinde, they're also close enough to visit the vast heronry at Gcodikwe Lagoon.

Safaris in the Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta's ecosystem is amongst the richest and most diverse in Africa. It's been effectively protected for years, and with wildlife tourism now thriving here, this looks set to continue – witness the success, and expansion, of the programme to re-introduce black and white rhino to the area over the last few years.

Flora of the Okavango Delta

Over 1,000 species of plants are recognised in the Okavango Delta, yet large tracts of the drier parts of it are dominated by one tree: Mopane. These cover many areas with rich but badly-drained soils, often in beautiful, tall 'cathedral' Mopane woodlands – named after their gracefully arching branches, which resemble a Gothic cathedral. You'll often find large areas in the Okavango River Delta where there are virtually no other species of trees represented.

Beside the area's many rivers you'll find extensive floodplains, and stretches of classic riverine (or 'riparian') forests which contain wide range of species of bushes and trees. Open areas dotted with camelthorn trees follow the sandy beds of ancient watercourses, joined by silver terminalias, wild seringas and Kalahari apple-leaf threes.

Wildlife in the Okavango Delta

With the reintroduction of rhino, you can see all the 'big five' here on a safari to the Okavango Delta, and a lot more besides.

Elephant and buffalo occur here year-round in large numbers, and you're likely to see blue wildebeest, Burchell's zebra, impala, kudu, tsessebe, red lechwe, waterbuck, reedbuck, giraffe, common duiker, bushbuck, steenbok, warthog, baboon and vervet monkey throughout the Okavango Delta. Eland, sable and roan antelope also range across the region – but are less common, as they are elsewhere in Africa. The deep-water and papyrus areas of the Delta have thriving populations of sitatunga, which live deep in the swamps.

Lion, leopard, cheetah and spotted hyena all have thriving populations here. The Okavnago Delta is central to wild dog, which range widely across most of Northern Botswana – and they're easiest to find on the north and East sides of the Delta.

Both black-backed and side-striped jackal occur – though the former are more common. Brown hyena probably occur, but relatively rarely, and probably only in drier areas where there are lower densities of the other large predators. Similarly, bat-eared fox are found here, though not so commonly as in Botswana's drier areas. There is a wide variety of mongeese found here, including the slender, banded, dwarf, large grey, water and Selous' mongoose. Meanwhile in the water, spotted-necked and Cape clawless otters are often seen, though they seldom hang around to allow visitors a good view!

Serval, aardwolf, caracal and aardvark are found throughout the Okavango Delta, though due to their largely nocturnal habits, they are only occasionally seen. Pangolins are also found here, and seem as if they might be slightly less rare than in other areas of their range!

Up until 2001, rhino had been exterminated from here by poaching. Then in October 2001 the first white rhino were reintroduced into the Mombo Reserve, within Moremi Game Reserve. They're now free to roam, and have done so widely. They're also breeding, and Botswana is well on its way to having a nucleus of successfully breeding rhinos.

Birdlife in the Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta has over 400 bird species, a great variety of which are patchily distributed in association with particular habitats. Though visiting any area, the sheer number of different species represented here will strike you as amazing.

Although no birds that are truly endemic to Botswana, the Okavango Delta is hugely important to many species, including a number rarities worthy of noting here. First on the Okavango's list of 'specialties' is the slaty egret – which can be found in shallow, reedy back-waters and pans. Aside from the Okavango River's delta, this rare egret is only resident in quieter corners of the Chobe and Linyanti areas, and the Bangweulu Wetlands in Zambia.

Easier to spot are magnificent wattled cranes, which can be seen easily in the Delta. They're usually seen in pairs or small groups, wandering about shallow floodplains or wet grasslands, searching for fish, small amphibians and reptiles.

For keen birdwatchers, other Okavango Delta specials here include coppery-tailed coucal, brown firefinch, Bradfield's hornbill, lesser jacana, pink-throated longclaw and the tiny chirping cisticola.

Indonesia: A glance about WALI SONGO (the nine saint in Islam)

2009-04-25T02:16:00.000-07:00

Even though the Muslim public from abroad are no doubt to have been long enough to visit Indonesia archipelago, but it has just in 15-16 century, Islamic Religion stick its influence to Javanese tradisional culture. The missionaries’ Muslim start increased their activity in Java in the beginning of 14 century, in parallel with the collapse starting of the biggest Hindu Kingdom in Java island, MOJOPAHIT. Begin from north coastal area towns in Java Island, such as GRESIK and SURABAYA, Islam religion started to disseminate swiftly and its influence in such a way until it was formed an Islam state that focusing in DEMAK, a north coastal area town in Central Java. Twenty-five years then, MOJOPAHIT Kingdom is really collapsed and the influence of the Islam empire strength in Demak increasingly wide towards West. This thing is not get out of the role of the Saints, a real charismatic Islam carrier and had an effect, who taught Islamic Religion to all of Java Island. Because their charisma and influences, hence Java public give title to those Saints as ‘SUNAN’, their name became Legend and even their grave is often visited by public Moslem for have a pilgrimage.

According to the traditional and belief of Java Moslem public, there is nine Saints who standing in Islam propagated in Java, so that they are recognized as ‘WALI SONGO’ (the Nine saint of Islam). Wali Songo with their heritage, what amount to nine, spread over all north coastal area of Java Island from Surabaya until Banten.

WALI SONGO & their grave locations

Lokasi
1.Syeh Maulana Malik Ibrahim Gresik
2.Sunan Ampel (Raden rachmat ) Surabaya
3.Sunan Giri (Raden Paku) Gresik
4.Sunan Bonang (Raden Machdum Ibrahim) Tuban
5.Sunan Drajat (Raden Qosim) Paciran - Lamongan
6.Sunan Kudus (]a'far Shodiq) Kudus
7.Sunan Kalijaga (Raden Mas Sa'id) Kadilangu - Demak
8.Sunan Muria (Raden Umar Said) Colo Mt. Muris - Kudus
9.Sunan Gunung Jati (Syarif Hidayatullah) Mt. Sembung - Cirebon

The Saints grave were made in such a manner so it impress holy, looked to be drew, beautiful with its architecture so that it is very attractive for all visitor who have pilgrimage

Halong Bay, Vietnam

2009-04-18T00:08:00.000-07:00

Halong kayaking

Just got back from Halong Bay this afternoon and it was absolutely breathtakingly beautiful--even more than I expected. We left at around 8am from the hostel and were picked up by Active travel Vietnam _ the tour company that we'd booked with. We picked up 6 others, a Scottish couple living in Malaysia and a pair of couples from Spain. We then departed for Halong Bay, about a 3 and 1/2 hour drive. We also then met our tour guide Ngoan, a slim young woman who spoke pretty good English. She was no Wasa though! She briefed us on Hanoi and Halong Bay history and then told us about where to go in Hanoi to find good dog and cat meat. (We weren't too interested). And she told us about how Vietnamese people like to string up live cobras from trees, skin them, and then drink their blood while it's still hot from the dangling end, like some kind of bizarre tribal beer bong. Yummy.

About halfway through the trip and after a much needed nap, we stopped for a break at a place that sold local handicrafts made by handicapped children. I bought a very cool picture done in embroidery of a Vietnamese woman carrying some mangos on those balancy things that Blake carried in the infamous pineapple fiasco. I talked the price down from $68 to $58 which was fair especially because as the 4 foot tall salesman kept reminding me 'made by handicap' children'. no word if the kids get any of the profit though.

After the break we piled back into the van and about an hour later we arrived in Halong Bay City. We jumped out and headed straight to our boat, the Halong Bay Dream and man was it ever. It was soooo nice. A new boat with space for 14 and just beautiful on the inside. Lauren and I shared a room with two big windows (for a boat) and Blake got his own room since there were just 9 of us total. After we set down our belongings, we headed up to the main deck to the open dining area for our seafood lunch. And it was incredible. They just kept bringing out dish after dish! We had the freshed squid salad, huge shrimp, lovely vegetables, rice, noodles, a whole grilled fish, fruit... the food just didn't stop coming!

Fully stuffed to the gills, we slathered on some sunscreen, threw on our bathing suits and went up to the top deck. By then we were really getting out into the bay amidst the nearly 2000 islands there and it was incredibly beautiful. The islands are all made out of limestone from decayed oysters, clams, etc from the past 350 million years that grew to form a mountain range because of the pacific rim tetonic plates shifting. Eventually the mountain range was eroded by the water and the islands formed. Now they are all protected by Unesco which is fortunate because the only one that can be inhabited is the national park on Cat Ba island. Just beautiful!

Sunset on Indochina Sails

After sunning ourselves we then docked briefly to visit the Amazing Cave which is the biggest of the 8 or so caves that have been discovered so far in Halong Bay. And it really was amazing. Especially interesting though were the trashcans inside in the shape of dolphins and penguins which gave the weird sensation that we were at an amusement park of sorts.

From the cave, we moved onward to an island with a lookout pagoda at the very top. One 10 minute very vertical climb later we were super sweaty but enjoying the wonderful view. Blake showed me how to do a stitch assist too on my camera so I think I should be able to join several of the photos together to make a nice panoramic. Next, we returned to the boat and then jumped off from the top of the boat into the water. I was quite scared at first seeing as I'd really never done a high dive before, but it was worth it and then it was great! And the water was wonderful, just warm enough to be enjoyable but not so warm that you feel like the person next to you just 'relieved' themselves in the water.

After the swim we towelled off and then were fed another enormous and delicious seafood dinner. Dinner was followed by a great conversation with the Scottish couple that had been living in Malaysia the past 2 years, a little bit of World Cup viewing, and then Blake and I laying out on the top deck to look at the stars. It was the perfect day and we didn't go to sleep until after midnight when we pried ourselves away from the night sky.

The next morning, Blake woke me up early to have a look at the sunrise, but at 5:15 am it was already up. So we went back to bed and then got back up in time for a 7am breakfast (also way too much food). Breakfast was followed by kayaking which was incredibly fun. We paddled around for about an hour and a half, with 2 people in each kayak. Lauren and I paddled together, and with her excellent instruction I eventually got the hang of it. It was difficult though because even though the water was pretty calm, the current was really strong. We all paddled together into these beautiful lagoons by Cat Ba island which was just such a peaceful experience (aside from the aching arms) that made me feel like we were in the movie "the beach" (which I am appropriately reading at the moment).

After kayaking, Lauren and I had another swim, then it was time to pack our bags... but not without yet another inordinately huge seafood meal that we could hardly finish! It really was the perfect get away. And amazingly enough, it only costs $2000 to rent out the boat per week, including food. So I'm thinking, grab a group of 14 and come back sometime in the future for some R&R.

Well I'm back in Hanoi though, wearing my new Halong Bay pearl necklace (they do a lot of pearls there) and getting very excited about tomorrow's trips to Hanoi's museums and then the following day at China beach between Da Nang and Hoi An! It's going to be great!

Source: SMU

Kalalau Valley

2009-04-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

I really hate it when people ask "what is your favorite _______?"

Chances are that my answer will vary from day to day, based on the previous day's experience or how well I slept last night. Favorite song? Today it's "We Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who (Keith Moon's drum work was beyond amazing!) But a random pick by my iPod or 15 second blurb on NPR might create another ear tick in my head for something by Jimmy Buffet or Carole King. Does that make me fickle? I hope not.

So with that nod to baby boomer nostalgia finished, I will say that for the past four years I have had a consistent answer for "what is your favorite/most beautiful spot on Earth?" The Kalalau Valley… hands down! I probably reminisce about the view there at least once a day… no kidding! And that is no slight to a thousand other places that I've visited and fallen in love with like the Hanalei Valley (also on Kauai), Piccadilly Circus in London, the Gateway Arch in my hometown of St. Louis, the view of Rome and the Vatican from the rooftop of the Hilton Caravaggio just to name a few. And I still have a long list of places yet to see that might (maybe) challenge Kalalau for resonance within my soul (I have high hopes for seeing Iguazu Falls in South America or the Pyramids of Egypt some day).

There are two ways to best appreciate Kalalau while getting an overall feel for its immense beauty, from the overlook above and from the sea. You can't go wrong either way, but I'd have to give the edge to the overlook. There is something about being able to look down across this fantastic valley and then out to sea where you can get a hint of the Earth's curvature. The word awesome was invented for sights such as this.

To get there, follow Waimea Canyon Drive (Highway 550) all the way to the end of the road to the Pu'u o Kila Lookout. No matter what the makeup of your group is (elderly, young, vigorous or handicapped), a simple drive to this lookout will reward everyone. There is a nice switchback ramp from the parking lot to the overlook point that makes it wheelchair accessible.

If the weather is right, you can enjoy the view for hours. If it's not right (and there is no way to predict that), then for gosh sakes, just be patient! The clouds roll in and out as if by whim.

We first saw Kalalau on an absolutely perfect day in September of 2004. The sky was crystal clear, the sea was brilliant blue and the valley was an unbelievably verdant green. I think I might have just sat there and stared for hours! Two years later, after prepping our companion couple for weeks about this fantastic place, we drove up Canyon Drive (stopping at various places to enjoy Waimea Canyon and its unique beauty) until less than half a mile from the lookout we discovered we were within clouds and mist! One of my more spectacular hypes, shot to smithereens! Thinking back, we should have just lingered there for an hour. Things might have changed (and probably would have).

This last time (in May '08) we were more patient. We already planned to do a little hiking down the Pihea Trail, as long as things were at least semi-dry, which they were. The clouds were just low and at first, any view of the huge valley below was impossible. "Just wait!", some other folks suggested. The clouds were visibly moving, so we tarried a while. Sure enough, they moved out to sea and Kalalau was laid before us in all her green glory!

The Pihea Trail is what I'd call a good compromise hiking trail. For the idle strollers that prefer something more akin to a shopping mall degree of difficulty, it's easy enough that they might stumble through the first quarter mile or so of this 1 mile trek to the overlook on the other side of the valley, before saying "okay… it's beautiful, but I'd rather wait in the car." The more committed hikers can press on, with what is probably an easy to moderate degree of difficulty. While there are a couple of places that will have you walking across a little bog or two on a boardwalk, there are others where you'll find yourself grabbing for a tree root to pull you up a short rise. Take note of the tree root, chances are that it's practically polished by thousands of other people that have grabbed it in the very same place.

It's one mile out to the opposite overlook (reachable only on foot), and one mile back. And if you have more time and more desire for adventure, there is a branch off that will take you another 3 or 4 miles too.

Now, for the serious hikers and campers, there are the various segments that reach the valley from Ha'ena State Park at the northwest end of Kuhio Highway at Ke'e Beach (another mystical place that I like. Here, you can take the Kalalau Trail for a vigorous 2 mile introductory day trip, or a full bore exploration of its 11 mile length that will take you a full day just to get to the end of the trail at Kalalau Beach (no road here, only trail or boat access). If you're going to do that, be prepared with good hiking shoes, food, water and camping gear. You won't make it in and out without spending the night! Oh, and if you're going to do that, get a permit from the Hawaii State Parks office. The cost is $10 per person, per night.

This is the Na Pali coast in all of its glory and contradictions. You can motor to a spectacular and very accessible overlook, or you can shoulder up the back pack and do some serious hiking. We saw some hikers from our snorkeling boat, and trust me, it doesn't look easy.

There's considerable anecdotal evidence that a number of people make their homes in the Kalalau. Be aware that they aren't supposed to be there, so the likelihood of you being a welcome visitor should you stray far enough from the trail to encounter them is about as remote as the location itself. Just stay to the trail, respect the land and the sea and you'll be rewarded!

Trust me, as far as I'm concerned, this is the most beautiful place on Earth... at least the most beautiful place that I've been to so far, as of May 2008... wink, wink.

Morocco tours: a beautiful place

2009-04-17T23:57:00.000-07:00

Morocco is a country situated in African continent with Rabat as capital city. Morocco coastal region touches Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Spain and Algeria are two important neighboring countries of Morocco. Tourist visit Morocco to experience the splendid beauty of the country. World's most famous desert namely Sahara desert is also spread in the Morocco region. Morocco is controlled by the political government but King of morocco still enjoys the tremendous powers and has political and social influence over the residents.

Following is the description of the Morocco tour:

People of Morocco are cultured and you can feel the sense of their hospitality for the tourists. They follow the traditions existing from ages and show very friendly behavior to others. You can find people dancing and playing music instruments usually at night after the whole day work.
You can travel in the Sahara desert and can enjoy the ride on camels. But the season of your traveling is very important. You cannot travel in desert in the summer heat. If you are interested in seeing oasis then Sahara desert is the right place. Marrakech is an oasis which is inhabited by the local people of Morocco and made it a vibrant city. Magnificent palaces and museums are center of attraction for the travelers.
You can book your flight tickets and can reach in the developed cities of Morocco. Casablanca is the largest city of Morocco occupying the major area and the center for tourist attraction. You can rest in the luxury hotels with quality food facilities for travelers. Evening in Marrakech is most beautiful time to spend where you can see the sunset. Sunset of Marrakech is popular all over the world.
Villages in Morocco are really exciting to watch. Tourists like to plan their visit in the beautiful villages of Morocco. The life of the people in villages is different from the city life and you can even capture the authentic beauty.
If you are beach lovers then you have the opportunity to visit the beaches which are not like he other crowded beaches of the world. You can enjoy fishing and also boating by hiring the boats from the village people. Ourzazate is the renowned place where you can find the spectacular natural beauty. Often film makers visit the place to arrange shooting for the movies.

Even UNESCO has declared the parts of Morocco as a world heritage place. You can contact travel agents to arrange your fabulous tour to Morocco.

Batubulan Village

2009-04-17T02:24:00.000-07:00

Batubulan is an artistic countryside in west part of Gianyar regency. The identity and image as an art village, Batubulan has been famous in Indonesia and all over the world which has been built based on an artistic blessing dance of Barong (Barong and Keris dance). Barong Dance is daily performed at five different stages in this countryside, like Puseh Temple Stage, Tegal Tamu Stage, Denjalan Stage, Sahadewa Stage and Sila Budaya Stage. The fascination of this Tourism Cultural Object is from variety of quality artistic potency. Batubulan Village is covering the dance art, artistic of Kerawitan, artistic of idol and article art.

Batubulan Village

The beginning of Batubulan Village is an agrarian village which is sustained by carves the ledge stone. Relying on artistic potential, strategic location and open village network by local, national, and global, then this village grows as tourist destination which is popular with Tourism Cultural Object. Entire Bali Tour Packages to Middle of Bali or east part Bali are started from Batubulan Village . Batubulan Bus Station is strategically located as node communications to seven towns in Bali those are Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, Bangli, Klungkung, Karangasem, and Singaraja. Batubulan is the opener relationship to reach the network entire of Bali Island . This village is located 8 KM from Denpasar town and it is consisted of three custom countryside, those are: Desa Adat Tegal Tamu, Desa Adat Jero Kuta and Desa Adat Delod Tukad. It is coming within 16 Banjar demographically, this village is pertained by an overpopulated village with the amount of the year resident 2003 equal to 11.333 people by 2.775 family. The name of Batubulan is etymologically taken from two word that are: Batu and Bulan (moon stone). Pre-eminent tourism sites and especial fascination of Batubulan Village in map of Bali Tourism are Barong Dance and stone carving art. This Tourist destination is become more famous because sustained by tourism fascination non-stopped expand and immeasurable. As a tourism object and stone carving business area, Batubulan village is visited by tourist of foreign countries and domestic since in the morning time until evening time. At 09:00-10:30 am daily, Barong Dance is held while at 18:00-19:00 pm, the Kecak Dance or Bali Night performances are executed.

Place of Interest Uluwatu Temple

2009-04-17T02:15:00.000-07:00

Bali Travel Information, Bali Temple, Uluwatu Temple is one of Sad Kahyangan in Bali (six big group of Bali Temple ), located in Pecatu Village region, Subdistrict of South Kuta, Badung Regency, about 25 Km southerly part of Denpasar town. The temple located the above coral reef sordid to sea about 80 meters from sea level. When seen from direction way, hence its Uluwatu Temple location located in Southwest from Bali island. In eastside of this temple there is Kekeran Forrest (interdict forest) own the temple which is occupied by a lot of monkey and other animal. Name Uluwatu come from word ulu meaning head or tip of and watu meaning stone. Therefore Uluwatu Temple mean the temple built in tip of coral reef.

Uluwatu Temple in Story

In the right and left of building or pelinggih Ida Bagus Ratu Jurit in complex of Uluwatu Temple, there are two stone mangers it's for looking like a boat. When both of it united hence it's for similar to sarcophagus, that is stone case result of megalithic era culture. Here there is archaeology omission coming from 16 century that is arch or winged entrance gate. Winged entrance gate represent the scarce archaeology omission. Winged entrance gate Uluwatu Temple (a period of its making) can be compared with the same one located in mosque complex in Sendangduwur Village, Lamongan, East Java, where the period of its making is relevant with the year candrasengkala found at this inscription. Candrasengkala found in the mosque is written with the wording gunaning salira tirta hayu meaning year 1483 Saka or 1561 Masehi.

If sarcophagus which is there are in Dalem Jurit complex represent the artifact (artifact which is true come from the inscription that the artifact which is not removed from other inscription), hence Uluwatu Temple represent the place sanctified by since era of culture megalithic (About 500 S.M).

In papyrus of Usana Bali mentioned that Mpu Kuturan (Saint teaching Hinduism in Bali) a lot of built the temple in Bali for example Uluwatu Temple. In papyrus Dwijendra Tatwa elaborated by that Mpu Kuturan twice pay a visit to this temple:

The first visit when he conducts the Tirtha Yatra that is journey visit the holy places. At arrival in Uluwatu his heart jolted, heard a soul whisper that place good to worshiping God. When it is the time for, he chose this place as a place for ngeluwur ree of soul /dead leave without body to return to origin (moksa). Pursuant to the consideration then he set mind to build the Parhayangan or extend the building of Uluwatu Temple which there have previously. When Mpu Kuturan extend the building of Uluwatu Temple, he build hostel as residence and then the ex- the hostel built temple by local society named the Gong Hill Temple (Pura Bukit Gong). The building of Parhyangan in Uluwatu Temple is done by Mpu Kuturan in the early 16 century after he lifted to become the Purohita (priest of king adviser) from king of Dalem Waturenggong commander in the year 1460-1552 .
Second visit done when Mpu Kuturan will reach the nature Moksa. OnTuesday of Kliwon Medangsya (Balinese Calendar) witnessed by a fisherman, his name Ki Pasek Nambangan, he looked to be like flash only in the form of very very bright light step into the space called ngeluwur.

Implicit at papyrus Padma Bhuwana that Uluwatu Temple which lay in direction of Southwest functioning to worship the Rudra God, one of the god in nine god which called Dewata Nawa Sanga. Rudra God represent to exist the Deity Siwa as Pemralina or return to provenance. In this papyrus also mention that Gate Uluwatu represent the Kahyangan World worshiped by entire/all Hindu people. Nowadays this temple are visited by many people from all over the world because it has beautiful panorama in partucular at the sunset time make the people wish to return so that Uluwatu is one of Bali Tourism Destination, Places to visit in Bali, Place to see in Bali and places of interest in Bali.

India Travel: Most Demanding Tourist Place of South Asia

2009-03-01T10:31:00.000-08:00

India is one of the most demanding tourist destinations in Asia. India is a celebration of life that has been going on now for almost 5,000 years. It is mysterious, colorful, exotic, and always memorable. Travel to India shows, in spite of various diversities and changes, a unique and picturesque picture of the country.

A country is best known by its culture and civilization. India has a unique culture and civilization – one of the oldest and greatest civilizations of the world. India is a big package of culture and legend that never fails to captivate the imagination of the visitors.

India is truly a land of monuments. India has numerous historical monuments which have endured the centuries in all their intricate splendour. In whatever part of the country one moves, one finds numerous structures of temples, mosques, canopies, and secular structures like tanks, step-wells and bridges scattered all over the region which show different culture of the country during India tour.

Travel India to experience the awesome magnificence of the monuments of India. During Rajasthan tours one can marvels at many magnificient monuments of Rajasthan. The cities of Rajasthan are also very popular travel destination among both abroad as well as domestic tourists. Jaipur ( pink city) - the capital of Rajasthan, Udaipur - the city of lakes or the romantic city, Jodhapur - the blue city, Jaisalmer – the golden city are some of important cities of Rajasthan that Rajasthan City Guide covers.

Golden triangle tour is a most famous tourist attraction in India. The main cities of Golden Triangle Tours are Delhi (the capital of India), Jaipur (the capital of Rajasthan, India also known as the Pink City) and Agra (famous for its splendid Taj Mahal).

Apart from contemporary cities and ancient monuments, travel to India also offers a lot of variety to the visitors such as resorts, lush tropical jungles teeming with wildlife, vast Indo Gangetic Plains, mighty Himalaya and the long coastline embellished with golden beaches.

Goa is the best Indian resort and it is famous for its lovely beaches. During Goa tours one can experience Goa’s golden beaches, resorts, intricate architecture and independent culture.

Kerala is also famous for its lovely beaches, resorts, ayurveda and spa resorts, and natural beauty. Popularly called God’s own country, Kerala with its palms, sand and ocean is a perfect destination for beach vacations and appeals foreign tourists to travel to India.

For adventure sports lover India has Himalayan ranges. Himachal Tours may be more exciting for the adventure sports lover tourists. During Himachal tours one can enjoy the trekking in the foothills of the Himalayas or can enjoy other sports.

Wildlife in India is also very fascinating. During India tour tourists can enjoy of safari into 55 national parks teeming with wildlife to catch glimpse of the tiger. The most fascinating wildlife tour in India is Rajasthan wildlife tour. There is Ranthobhore National Park in Rajasthan which draws thousands of tourists eager for a glimpse of the tiger. Keoladeo Ghana brings bird-watchers to Rajasthan, India each year.

Some of other must-sees in India which appeal foreign tourists to travel to India are following.
Gateway of India and Haji Ali at Mumbai, the Charminar at Hyderabad, Kashmir with its beautiful valleys & gardens, the rustic beauty of Rajasthan, Uttaranchal, Shimla, Manali, Ooty and many more. These are the few places that you should not miss on your next travel to India.

Nepal

2009-02-28T11:53:00.000-08:00

Nepal is landlocked by Bhutan in the east, Tibet in the north east, China in the north and India in the south, east and west. Nepal is one of the major tourist destinations in Asia. Touristplacesinindia.com offers information on various aspects of Nepal tourism. The splendid beauty of the Himalayas attracts tourists from all over the world. Tourism of Nepal is a beautiful blend of culture, heritage, architecture and adventure.

Nepal has a glorious history of 11000 years. The first settlement of civilizations were confined to the fertile Katmandu valleys, where, now lies the present capital of Nepal. Though Nepal kept expanding and flourishing under the Gopalas, the Kiratis and the Licchavis, it was under the reign of the Malla Kings that Nepal assumed the present dimensions.

With the backdrop of the Himalayas, Nepal is the abode of eight of the ten highest mountains of the world. The country provides ample scope for trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing, hiking, water rafting and wild life watching.

The major tourist attractions in Nepal are Mount Everest, Nyatapola Temple, Krishna Mandir and Durbar Square. Most of them are included in the tour packages of Nepal. Touristplacesinindia.com offers you information on the various museums in Nepal, namely Natural history museum, Bronze and brass museum, the national museum and National art gallery.

Nepal tourism offers you some excellent wild life tour packages of Nepal. The major wildlife sanctuaries in Nepal are Chitwan national park, Rara national park, Sagarmatha national park and Makalu Barun national park.

Nepal is well connected to its neighboring countries. India is connected by railway links to Nepal. There is one international airport in Nepal catering to flights from all major cities of the world.

Being a major tourist site, Nepal provides world class accommodation facilities. There are a number of hotels in Nepal offering a wide variety of accommodation. You have the options of 5 star, 4 star, 3 star, budget hotels as well as lodges and inns to choose from. Usually, all major tour packages of Nepal include accommodation facilities.

Nepal tourism offers a wide range of touring options. Other than sightseeing, you can go trekking, mountaineering, water rafting and rock climbing. There are tailor made tour packages for you to choose from. Some of the packages offered are Nagarkot tour packages, Katmandu tour Packages, Pokhara tour packages, wild life tours, Chitwan tour packages, rafting packages and Dulikhet tour packages.

Touristplacesinindia.com offers you information on Nepal as well as the major tourist sites in India.

Travel to Blue Mountains

2009-02-15T00:04:00.000-08:00

This splendid natural habitat has been Sydney's wilderness getaway for years. The magnificent scenery, excellent bush-walks, numerous gum trees, gorges, outdoor activities and great eating joint make Blue Mountains an ideal tourist destination in the New South Wales region of Australia offering comfy and rugged stay to your liking.If you also wish to hear the ringing of unfamiliar bird song rising from the valley, to smell the subtle scent of eucalyptus and sassafras or to simply just sit quietly and watch the slide behind the horizon at dusk, join us on Travel to Blue Mountains.

The Blue Mountains, part of the Great Dividing Range, were initially an impenetrable barrier to white expansion from Sydney and after 25 years of struggle saw a successful crossing made by the Europeans. Just an hour and half drive from the glittering city of Sydney, Blue Mountains is the favored escape route for most of the people in the continent. Australia's most accessible wilderness, the region is a declared World Heritage Site with loads of people thronging the place all the year round. The Blue haze, which gave the Blue Mountains their name, is a result of the ultrafine oily mist given off by eucalyptus.

The Blue Mountains National Park has some truly fantastic scenery, excellent bushwalks and all the gorges, gum trees and cliff you could possibly imagine to find at one place.The foothills begin 65 km inland from Sydney and the mountains rise up to 1100m. So whether you want to take a break from the monotony of your strenuous life or simply want to experience an enthralling adventurous trekking vacation, Blue Mountains is the place to be. To enjoy a rejuvenating holiday join us on Travel to Blue Mountains.

Destination: Australia

2009-02-03T00:23:00.000-08:00

Australia has some of the most beautiful and lively cities and tourist attractions in the world. These sites not only play host to descending tourists and curious travelers, they also shield the raw beauty of unexplored regions and unique fests from the rest of the world. Australia has always been a wonderful tourist destination. Right now, all roads seem to lead to Australia as thousands of tourists flock this wonderful country to revel in the variety of wonders it offers. Nowhere else can you find such a wide range of tourist attractions that are sure to take you breath away. From the ultra modern cities of Sydney and Melbourne to the desert region inhabited by the aboriginal tribes, Australia has it all. In fact, there are so many tourist attractions to see and visit in Australia that it is practically impossible to cover all of them in a short stay. It is not a very easy task to list all of Australia's tourist attractions in one go. However, we will go ahead and list some of the most important tourist attractions of Australia. The most important nature made tourist attraction in Australia is the Great Barrier Reef that is one of the biggest draws in Australia. Besides, the Rainforests, the Gold Coast and the Ayers Rock are some other tourist attractions in Australia that occupy the pride of place. However it doesn't mean that that the other tourist attractions in Australia have been discounted. Each and every attraction of Australia speaks of its culture, history and it past struggles. If we go on to speak of the man made tourist attractions of Australia, we have the magnificent Sydney Opera House, which is by far the most famous symbol of modern Australia. Besides, there is the Harbor Bridge, the Parliament House, the Royal Australian Mint and so on. Australia is home to a number of exotic animal and bird species and therefore it is not surprising to see such a huge number of national parks in Australia. Some of them are the Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and so on. Australia also has its own share of botanical gardens, amusement parks and water parks.

Australia's coastline is home to a great number of beaches and bays that offer some of the best water sporting facilities. You could also relax and see the world go by as the waves crash against the turf. Other tourist attractions in Australia also include the many museums and galleries that abound in history and knowledge. Lastly, a number of events and festivals dot the Australian festival calendar. A window to the real Australia, attending or being a part of some of these festivals is a must for every visitor. Australia is indeed a mix of fun, pleasure, relaxation and knowledge. There is so much to see and do in this amazing country that visitors are really spoilt for choice. The Australia where the trees were not a part of 'landscaping design'. Where the only things colouring the water were fish. Where it was harder to find a noisy spot than a quiet one. It can still be found in Western Australia - unspoilt beaches, amazing scenery, big blue skies and friendly faces. In Western Australia you can dive with the world's largest fish - the whale shark, walk amongst the tree tops of ancient trees, sleep under a canopy of stars in the desert, or explore the gorges and wilderness areas. The tourist's spots in western Australia are:

Australia's Coral Coast

Australia's Golden Outback

Australia's North West

Australia's South West

and Experience Perth

Trio of Royal Caribbean Ships to Sail from Four Northeast U.S. Ports in 2010

2009-01-27T01:30:00.000-08:00

Three Royal Caribbean Ships will sail five- to 13-night itineraries to Bermuda, the Caribbean, and Canada/New England in 2010.
Bermuda
From the pastel pink beaches of Bermuda, to the balmy breezes and crystalline waters of the Caribbean, to Canada and New England's palate of multi-colored fall foliage, Royal Caribbean International's 2010 sailings from the Northeast will offer a wide array of itineraries suited to virtually any vacationer. Explorer of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas will sail from Baltimore; Boston; Norfolk, Va.; and Cape Liberty in Bayonne, N.J. In total, the ships will offer 84 sailings – 16 more than last year – on 14 itineraries, calling at 22 ports on five- to nine-night cruises. Bookings for cruises opened March 26.

Enchantment of the Seas' debut in the Northeast will mark the cruise line's first year-round deployment in the Maryland port. The 2,252-guest Enchantment of Seas will replace the 1,950-guest Grandeur of the Seas and increase Royal Caribbean's capacity in the region by 302 berths, comprising an additional 36 balcony and 87 oceanview staterooms. The ship also will offer more family-friendly onboard amenities, including expanded youth programming spaces, and Royal Caribbean's signature steakhouse, Chops Grille.

Enchantment of the Seas' initial Baltimore deployment will include a five-night Bermuda and nine-night Eastern Caribbean roundtrip itinerary in the summer and autumn seasons. The ship will first sail the same itineraries in May and June from the Port of Norfolk, exclusively offering Bermuda cruises from the Virginian port. The winter and spring season itineraries will be announced at a later date.

Explorer of the Seas will continue its year-round service from Cape Liberty in April 2010. The ship's fourth consecutive year of service in the New York metropolitan area will feature a five-night Bermuda cruise and two alternating nine-night "Bermuda and Caribbean" and "Bermuda and Bahamas" itineraries.In addition, Explorer of the Seas' season will kick off with a special 13-night Southern Caribbean sailing departing March 28.

Both Explorer of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas' short Bermuda cruises will feature a two-day call at Kings Wharf, from where guests can explore the island's pink beaches, quaint shops and night life at their leisure. Guests on Explorer of the Seas' Bermuda and Bahamas itineraries will enjoy a day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island paradise in the Bahamas, while guests on Enchantment of the Seas' Eastern Caribbean itinerary will call at Labadee, the cruise line's private beach destination on the northern coast of Haiti.

Royal Caribbean also will return to Canada and New England in autumn 2010 with convenient sailings from Baltimore, Boston, and Cape Liberty, offering 14 itineraries ranging from seven to nine nights, including ports of call at Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine; and Canada's Saint John, New Brunswick, and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Jewel of the Seas will sail seven-night roundtrip voyages from Boston, while Explorer of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas will each offer four nine-night cruises from Cape Liberty and Baltimore, respectively. Enchantment of the Seas also will offer a special eight-night roundtrip itinerary on June 18, which will add extended port time in Halifax and Bar Harbor.

Guests will have a multitude of shore excursion options designed to provide guests one-of-kind experiences. They can test the trade winds on Labadee's Dragon's Breath Flight Line, the longest flight line in the world over water, zipping over the bay at speeds of up to 50 miles an hour. In Bermuda, travelers can snorkel at night, viewing sea creatures rarely seen during the day. During a call in Bar Harbor, guests can embark on a bike tour that crisscrosses some of the most scenic areas of Acadia National Park.

Voyager-class Explorer of the Seas boasts innovative onboard amenities, such as a full-size basketball court, in-line skating track, ice-skating rink, and the Royal Promenade, a boulevard that spans nearly the length of the ship, lined with shops, restaurants, bars and lounges. Jewel of the Seas features a 10-story glass Centrum, glass elevators facing the sea and the highest percentage of outside staterooms of any Royal Caribbean ship. Onboard every Royal Caribbean ship, guests enjoy award-winning Broadway-style musical revues from Royal Caribbean Productions, top-rated Adventure Ocean and teen programming, and Royal Caribbean's renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service from every staff and crew member.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 20 ships currently in service and three under construction. The line also offers cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, South America and New Zealand. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. For travel professionals, go to www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056.

Bermuda Photo/Linda Garrison

travel to Argentina

2009-01-12T01:42:00.000-08:00

Argentina, one of the world's most exciting countries, is located on the eastern side of the southern tip of South America. The name of Argentina is derived from a Latin word argentums, which means silver. The origin of the name Argentina can be traced back to the first Spanish conquerors who made the voyages to the Rio de la Plata. Argentina became the official name of the country in 1860. since then it has been the Republic of Argentina.

The area of Argentina is around 3, 761, 274 sq. km. The north-south extension of the country is 3, 800 km. With a large area, Argentina is blessed with a great assortment of landscapes and climates. Covering the one-third area of Argentina is the Pampas, which is one of the major fertile plains in the world. It has a moderate and moist climate.

A conglomeration of discrete features and regions is the country of Argentina. To the south is Patagonia, which is an immense plateau, surrounded from the west by the southern end of the Andes range. In the south, Patagonia is covered with jungles, glaciers and lakes. It has a frosty and damp climate. Going towards the center of Argentina comes the region of Andes. It possesses the highest peak in the America. The Cuyo region of Argentina, famous in the local language as 'the desert country' has now become transformed into a fertile and prolific area.

In the Northwest region, the Andean mountains, the desert plateau of the Funa, the valleys, the gorges, the multicolored hills and the picturesque villages come together to endow the area with vigorous and contrasting physical and cultural features. Pampa Hills are in the central region of Argentina; it is an untamed area of hills, waterfalls and escarps swap with several plains and valleys with a pleasant climate.

Chaco, is a huge forested plain dressed up with marshland and lakes in Argentina. While to the northeast, is the Mesopotamia region, grouped together with the Paraná and Uruguay River.

The capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, offers the tourists a culture that has a unique South American flair and also the affluence of Europe. Buenos Aires is extremely cosmopolitan. Moreover, it has an added advantage of being at a very little distance from the breathtaking waterfalls and spectacular mountain scenery.

Argentina is also the perfect place for tango dance lovers to get to find out each and every aspect of Argentinean culture. As, about the Argentina is the place of birth for the dance of Tango. It also offers you a great variety of sports to adventure lovers. Skiers can enjoy summer skiing in the beautiful region of Bariloche for a memorable skiing vacation in Argentina. Mountaineers can take pleasure in the brave endeavours at the lap of some of the world's greatest mountains in Argentina.

Argentina offers the tourists a wide array of natural wonders and cultural fascinations. It has everything to show; from forests, desolate tracts and mountains to glaciers and waterfalls. Argentina is a beautiful land attired with gorgeous scenery and refined inhabitants. Take a tour of this unforgettable land of with the perfect tour itineraries of Travour.com.

Travour.com offers you a great number of special tours and itineraries to Argentina. The feature of this tour to Argentina is that it shows you all the wonders and famous sights of Argentina, and at the same time caters to your and your family's particular likes, dislikes and safety.

Place to see in Netherland

2009-01-05T08:41:00.000-08:00

Looking for flights to Netherlands? We will help you book your holiday in Netherlands or business trip dates. While traveling to Netherlands with Travour, you can find the best hotels in Netherlands. We will make your tours to Netherlands a memorable experience.

Travour.com offers you tours and trips to the beautiful destinations of Netherlands. The trip can be trimmed or added as per your wishes. Read on to know about the most famous destinations of Netherlands. You can also use the Map of Europe to see the geographical location of Netherlands and its regions.
Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the most happening cities in all of the Europe. It is immensely beautiful, trendy and easy going; there is so much to do, so much to see. There are many pubs, variety of delicious food and welcoming people. A tour to Amsterdam brings a lot of fun and a lot of memorable experiences. The tourist attraction of Amsterdam is the charming architecture, which dates back to the ancient period of 17th century.

The center area of Amsterdam has a shape like a horseshoe. It is surrounded by four famous canals, which are named as the Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht. These are the best places to see. A tour to Amsterdam on foot or bicycle is also an excellent idea. One of the best places to experience a relaxing afternoon is the Vondelpark. It is a great park, located just in the center and is thus very lively. There are also a few fashionable places in the park where you can relax and sip your beer. One of such places is the Blauwe Theehuis.

Amsterdam, which was originally built on the shores of Zuiderzee, the saltwater, is today bordered by the freshwater of Ijsselmeer. The city's beautiful gabled houses are also wonderful to look at.
Hoge Veluwe

Hoge Veluwe is the largest national park of Netherlands. It is also home to the magnificent Kröller-Müller Museum. The park is quite big, covering the area of 5500 hectares. It attracts tourists being the bizarre blend of forests and woods, irregular sands and moors, which together provide a sense of sensational isolation you can fix your date here with interesting animals like, red deer, wild boar and mouflon, the Mediterranean sheep. The Kröller-Müller Museum has many works by Van Gogh, and also collections of Picasso and Mondrian's work.
Rotterdam

This is the large and modern port city of Netherlands. It is an important city which was destroyed by the Germans in the World War II. But the city revived amazingly from that disaster and today Rotterdam stands out as the most modern city in Netherlands. The city has tourists' attractions of high rising towers and many other company buildings in the center. Rotterdam once became the art playground for many architects who wanted to decorate it with their skills. Rotterdam has a happening night life.

Thalia lounge is the place with a groovy club atmosphere, while De Doelen is a wonderful venue for classical music. Euromast Space Tower, which is 605ft/184m tall is the most famous in Rotterdam. It almost epitomizes the city. You have an excellent view of the whole Rotterdamand also its surrounding industrial harbour from this tower.

The harbour of Rotterdam, which is amongst the busiest in the world, is also worth a visit. The Museums also amuse tourists with their collection of painting, sculpture and design at the Boymans-van-Beuningen Museum.

Amsterdam - a Popular Place

2008-12-26T02:28:00.000-08:00

Amsterdam is an attractive, tourist friendly destination. In part, Amsterdam’s popularity comes from a centrally located airport that provides easy air and train connections to other major European cities. Equally important, Amsterdam is a haven for good food, good fun and a cultural environment that attracts younger travelers from all over the world. This is a city with an edge to it. It mixes the old with the new, Calvinism with the sexual revolution, conservatism with laissez-faire and yet it retains a practicality that is the hallmark of Dutch society.

For most visitors Amsterdam is their only stop in the Netherlands as they continue on to Paris or Copenhagen without a look at the rest of this interesting country. Many "through" travelers take the opportunity to visit Amsterdam because of its festive atmosphere (it is one of the few towns in Europe where hotel prices are higher on the weekends than during the week). The town is full of good nightclubs, excellent beer, and if you have a desire to use marijuana, you can do it legally. If so inclined, buy your weed in a "coffee shop", as they are licensed for the transactions and are reputed to have good quality product.

Amsterdam has numerous tourist attractions and attempting to see all of them all could while away your time and money. Most of the attractions are of minor importance and some are uninteresting. Others are tacky, unusual (like the Sex Museum and the Erotic Museum (think Red Light District)), or extremely touristy. However none of this seems to keeps the crowds from visiting. In our recounting of the best places to visit in Amsterdam, we focus on just seven of the city’s many attractions including two that are “must sees” - the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum!

If you want to see Amsterdam, but just have a few hours between flights, take the train from the Airport to the Centraal Train Station where you can catch a taxi to the Van Gogh Museum. From there, walk back to the Masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum. Next hop a taxi to the Anne Frank Huis. You will end your day close to the Centraal Station where you can catch the train back to Schiphol. If you have some more time, take a canal cruise or wander to the Dam and then through the Red Light District to catch some of the local color on your way to the Centraal Station. You won't see all of the city, but you will see some of its treasures. (Look below for descriptions of these attractions).

Unfortunately, several of the city's top attractions are undergoing renovations during 2009. Always check locally for the most up-to-date information. We provide the address of the official websites of all the major attractions to help you keep current.

If you are not in a rush to get to some other place in Europe, Amsterdam is best seen by walking, riding the streetcars and the occasional use of a canal boat. A leisurely stroll reveals more about the heart and soul of this city than you can experience any other way. If you are short on time, take public transportation.

We have created a new street map of Amsterdam showing the locations of the Best Places to visit in Amsterdam. It is based on Google Maps and can be viewed as a map, satellite image or a hybrid of the two. Click the "hybrid button" on the map, select the Dam, zoom in close and you can see images of people milling around.

Stop in the transport ticket office next to the Information Center (just across from the Centraal Train Station) and buy a Nationale Strippenkaart with 15 strips/tickets for approximately six and a half Euros. You can also buy a Strippenkaart from the bus or tram driver, at a slightly greater expense. See this official site for more information on the Strip ticket. (GVB is the public transport company of Amsterdam.)

* Each strip of the Strippenkaart represents a zone in the transportation system. Each journey costs a base strip and an additional strip for each zone you will travel.
o Have the strips validated on the streetcar or bus, either by the conductor (just tell them where you are going) or use one of the yellow colored ticket validating machines.
o If you use the self-validating option, there will be a map posted in the vehicle that will show you destinations by zone, allowing you determine the appropriate number of strips. Add the number of strips to one base strip and fold the ticket for validation at that number of strips below the last validation (it's easier to let the conductor help you with this task).
* Most of tourist Amsterdam is found in one zone (ticket validations last one hour) which would require two strips (the zone and the base strip).
* The Strippenkaart is usually the most economical way to travel in the city and the tickets can be used on buses or trams throughout the country, if you do not use them up touring Amsterdam.

Amsterdam has a number of good restaurants.

* If you like steak, try one of the many Argentinean steak houses (steak in pepper sauce is a popular entree).
* One of the Amsterdamers' favorite cuisines is the Indonesian Ristafel (rice table) and a number of fantastic Indonesian restaurants can be found in the city.
* If you have a taste for Falafel, Amsterdam has some of the best this side of the Middle East. We recommend the Maoz shops. They are small and crowded, but worth the wait.

There is no shortage of hotels in Amsterdam. Pricing can be higher on weekends.

* Major hotels are clustered around the Dam, the Centraal Train Station and the Museumplein. Smaller independent hotels can be found along many of the city's canals.

When you tire of the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam, you might want to take a walk in the Vondelpark at the edge of the tourist area of the city.

Finally, bring or buy an Umbrella; rain seems to be common in Amsterdam regardless of the season.

Wind River buy makes Intel a software company

2004-06-05T02:11:00.000-07:00

Thousands of Intel employees already work on software, but with Intel's agreement to acquire Wind River Systems, the chipmaker is moving software from an indirect supporting role to a significant and direct revenue stream.

Intel's primary business is developing, manufacturing, and selling microprocessors, but software has gradually been rising in prominence. Starting years ago from only basic ingredients such as programming utilities, Intel has been gradually expanding its software work, for example by pushing the Moblin mobile Linux project and bulking up its Software and Services Group through a spending spree for smaller companies such as videogame physics engine maker Havok.

But Intel's agreement to acquire embedded computing specialist Wind River for $884 million in cash, announced Thursday and expected to close this summer, is on an entirely different scale. Wind River offers multiple operating systems and developer tools designed to be embedded in a multitude of products such as cars, printers, networking equipment, and phones. It's got a solid list of customers including Sony, Verizon, Boeing, and BMW; employs more than 1,600 people; and reported revenue of $359.7 million for its fiscal year that ended in January.

"It was a natural marriage," John Bruggeman, Wind River's chief marketing officer, said of the acquisition agreement. "You had a software leader looking to scale, and you had a bigger company looking to build a software franchise."

The proposed acquisition stops short of making Intel a head-on competitor with one of its biggest allies, Microsoft, because Wind River's operating system--a version of open-source Linux and its proprietary VxWorks--aren't aimed at PCs. But just as the arrival of Linux helped limit Windows' growth on servers, Intel's acquisition of Wind River could hurt Microsoft's ambitions for products such as Windows Mobile and Windows Embedded. Wind River supports not just Moblin but also Google's Linux-based Android operating system for mobile phones.

Microsoft isn't the only partner whose turf Intel would be edging onto with Wind River. Apple, which uses Intel chips in desktop and laptop computers, has its own iPhone business to promote.

Spending spree
Clearly, Intel hopes to benefit from software skills and products. Among its acquisitions in recent years are Neoptica for visual computing, OpenedHand for Linux user interface expertise, Swiftfoot Graphics for graphical rendering technology, Sarvega for XML processing, Elbrus/Unipro for Java and compiler tools, and Offset for visual computing. The general trend: Intel wants to supply its customers with more than just pieces of complicated silicon.

"We think this acquisition of Wind River is, potentially, a first step in Intel diversifying its business model towards that of IBM, a company that sells hardware, chips, software, and services worldwide," wrote Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Group analysts Craig Berger and Robert Pikover in a research note Thursday. "If Intel is beginning to diversify its business away from just semiconductors, we would expect a host of similar software- or services-related acquisitions in coming years."

Wind River's brand will live on at Intel, but the acquisition will mark the end of the independent history of an embedded computing player that's survived tough times and many market changes since its 1981 founding. Investors weren't sentimental, though: the company's stock jumped from about $8 per share to more than $11.50 in trading Thursday.

"We expect minimal changes to the business functions and organizational structure since we'll be a wholly owned subsidiary maintaining our current business model, brand, and product portfolio," but there will be some layoffs from redundancies, Wind River spokesman Bryan Thomas said.

Intel's name could give Wind River more clout in its own business transformation toward Linux. After a period of fighting Linux, the company has been trying in more recent years to embrace it, and it currently accounts for about 20 percent of the company's revenue compared to 80 percent for the VxWorks "legacy" business, Bruggeman said. Intel has for years been a serious Linux supporter, and the combination of the companies would bring more heft to the work.

"If you get on flight today or tomorrow, it's very, very likely the navigation system, landing sytem, autopilot system...is based on our software. If you're driving a car, our software was used in the car or the robot that produced that car."
--John Bruggeman, chief marketing officer, Wind River
Atom power
It's not all about software, of course.

Intel is best known for selling CPUs under brand names such as Pentium, Xeon, and Core, but it's also trying to get its newer Atom processor family to catch on in embedded computing. Today, that market is dominated by ARM and PowerPC chips, and Wind River not only has a long list of potential customers, but also programming tools that could help them use Atom.

In a May meeting, Doug Davis, general manager of Intel's Embedded and Communications Group, said that embedded computing is a multibillion-dollar growth opportunity.

"This will let us do it a lot faster if we can get the software expertise along with the Atom processor to hit some of these markets," said Intel spokesman Bill Kircos. "Everything is becoming more computerlike and more Internet-savvy. That's the growth we're trying to aim for."

Here, Wind River's customer base will come in handy.

"Any phone call made any time anywhere to any place crosses our software somewhere along the route," Bruggeman said. "If you get on flight today or tomorrow, it's very, very likely the navigation system, landing sytem, autopilot system...is based on our software. If you're driving a car, our software was used in the car or the robot that produced that car."

No promise of success
Of course, Intel's power and technology doesn't guarantee success in entering new markets. The company largely withdrew from an attempt expand into communications and networking technology, for example, and it sold an embedded computing processor family, XScale, in 2006.

What makes Atom different from XScale is that Atom uses the x86 instruction set found in Intel's core product lines. That means much of the software and software technology from the PC market carries over to embedded computing. Intel hopes to spread x86 from high-end servers to mobile phones, but for the latter category must reckon with chips using ARM's architecture that are built by Motorola, Qualcomm, Samsung, and others.

Right now, Atom is the challenger to the ARM and PowerPC incumbent chip families in embedded computing, Bruggeman said, and Wind River as a part of Intel won't drop its existing work with those other chip families.

"This move was about creating a software franchise in the embedded and mobile space. If you're going to create a franchise in this space, you have to support multiple architectures," Bruggeman said, noting that Wind River will report not to a hardware executive but to Renee James, general manager of Intel's Software and Services Group.

"Intel's traditional embedded business (based on legacy Pentium processors) already generates more than $1 billion in annual revenues. Further, Intel said it has 300 embedded design wins and 1500 design engagements with the eight Atom-based embedded SOCs it has under development," Berger and Pikover wrote.

But that doesn't guarantee Intel success, they said. Intel's embedded computing strategy is "somewhat of a 'show-me' story given the firm's many largely unsuccessful attempts at growing various chip businesses outside of its core processor and chipset markets."

Adding a serious software portfolio, though, dramatically changes Intel's approach to embedded computing. Not only does Intel get a new revenue stream, new expertise, new customers, and new sales and support staff, it gets an opportunity for much fuller relationships with customers. Selling a company a chip is one thing, but selling them a chip, an operating system, and the developer tools to make a product work requires much closer and deeper ties.

Intel is betting on Moore's Law carrying computing to many, many more devices. It's not clear what share of Intel's PC and server dominance will carry over to an embedded computing market fragmented among many players and do-it-yourselfers. But with Wind River in house, Intel is in a much stronger position lead a wave of consolidation.