BON DIA PORTUGAL

BON DIA PORTUGAL

Portugal, separated from the rest of Europe by mountain range, Serra da Estela and stretching to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, is a country of history, architecture, amazing scenery, cork tree plantations and wonderful souvenirs made out of cork.

Cork is a pride of Portugal. Shoes, bags, accessories, jewelry, umbrellas, even hats are made out of cork. Portugal manufactures quality footwear made out of leather and cork to combat markets swamped with cheap imitations. Cork tree plantations cover a large portion of Portuguese landscape together with almond, fig and olive tree plantations.

Lisbon, the capital, is a monument to history with famous towers and gates on the Belem Riverfront and the sculpture commemorating Henry the Navigator. Back in the 15th century, the Age of Great Discoveries, it was the playground of marine explorers and the starting point of their journeys into the unknown. 

Christopher Columbus departed from here back in 1492 on his discovery passage.

Coimbra was the ancient capital of Portugal between 12^th and 13^th century. Its University was build in 1290. The University of Coimbra is one of the oldest academic institutions in Europe. 

Now Coimbra offers archaeological structures of the Roman Era, aqueduct, architecture and churches.

Batalha, the ancient grounds of wars, one of them the famous battle of 1385 between the Portuguese and the Spanish, can be proud of its monastery Mosterio de Batalha.

Fatima is a well known pilgrimage site. Many visitors come to the Sanctuary of Fatima to worship and pray. It is a moving experience to partake in the positive atmosphere of believers celebrating appearance of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children in 1917 in Fatima.

Sintra is the picture of architecture of the rich who built their summer residences in this scenic countryside. The palaces add historical value to scenic countryside. Sintra with its Pena and Sintra National

Palace has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cascais used to be a fishing village until discovered and made a vacation destination by the kings in 1870. It still is a holiday destination with its sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean.

In spite of being occupied from the early days by the Romans, then Muslim Moors, Visigoths and Spanish it became an independent country and expanded to Africa and Asia in the Age of Exploration. 

Portugal is a remarkable country that managed to preserve its culture, cuisine and art.

A Fado concert is a spiritual experience. The song & music dating back to early 1800s expresses loss and longing, puts one into a melancholic but appreciative mood. Many songs are devoted to love of this beautiful country or its wonderful cities and towns.

Stylish Portugal invites visitors to experience its history and culture, scenic Atlantic coast, grandiose architecture and delicious cuisine.

BONJOUR NIECE

BONJOUR NIECE

JEWEL of the FRENCH RIVIERA

 Niece is a jewel of the French Mediterranean Coast, Cote d'Azur. It has been discovered by European and British aristocracy in the 1800s as a holiday destination due to its impressive scenery and mild Mediterranean climate.

It is rare to find crystal clear water in a big city. However, the clean, small pebble beaches of Niece invite for relaxation and a swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

wSwimming and relaxing on the beach represents only one of many attractions of Niece. A gentle hike to the top of the hill and the old town offers scenic views over the bay Baie des Anges and the city.

TThe capital of French Rivera, Nice is called Niece la Belle and it lives up to its name, it is a beautiful city. 

The waterfront and Promenade de Anglais is the place to watch colorful sunsets and strolling along find a bar or restaurant to sample exquisite wines and excellent French cuisine.

 Nice is a charming city, scenic destination and a treasure of culinary delights.

                                                                      

MILANO BELLA ITALIA

MILANO

BELLA ITALIA

Milan is a good example of Italy at its best. It is a modern city, where EXPO 2015 is taking place, but it is also full of history, architecture, monuments and parks. A perfect mix of new and old. The ever present ruins and ancient architecture remind of the grandiose Roman Empire, while Palazzo Lombardia with Torre Unicredit and Torre Diamante are an ultimate modern contrast.

Milan is not only attractive due to the sights one can visit, like Il Duomo and La Scala, churches, cathedrals and basilicas, Leonardo Da Vinci's Monument, La Galeria, The Sforza Castle and many more.

 

The building of Il Duomo commenced in late 1300s and lasted for close to 600 years, the Gothic architecture becoming Neo-Gothic with time. It is a masterpiece of detail and sculpture.

Arch of Peace in Sempione Park built in early 1800s on the remnants of Roman Walls is part of the historic center of Milan.

Milan dictates fashion like Paris and London. In fact its fashion houses are recognized world wide and probably even more popular. Just a stroll through the narrow streets of fashon shops is an enjoyable experience until one has a look at the price tags. The ultimate delight is Milano Moda Week, Fashion Week of spectacular shows promoting Italian Fashion to the world.

And, of course, delicious Italian cuisine is available at every corner. Milan invites connoisseurs and is the playground to wine tasting. The wine making industry enhances not only the landscape of wine growing region but also makes Italy famous for its well known beverages. Italian cuisine accompanied by a choice of wines is a delicious memory of the visit to Milan.

MERHABA ISTANBUL

MERHABA ISTANBUL

Turkey is a fascinating country. Istanbul, where West meets East over the Bosphorus, is the prelude to fascination with Turkey.

Istanbul, the city of mosques, palaces, bazaars, restaurants, waterways and parks, can be proud of its history and architecture.  

Sultanahmet, the old town, is a marvel of history at every step. Topkapi Palace through which walls Ottoman soldiers entered Istanbul, known back in 1453 as Constantinople, and changed Byzantium into Ottoman Empire, was a royal residence for over 600 years. Now is a museum holding royal jewels, riches and treasures on display. Panorama 1453 History Museum illustrates the conquest of Constantinople.

Sultanahmet is also the location of Hagia Sophia, blue tiled Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the mid 500s, fountains and obelisks.

Crossing of Galata Bridge on the junction of Bosphorus and Golden Horn, brings one to a steep ascent through narrow medieval streets to Galata Tower built in 1348. It is a replica of old Galata Tower destroyed by the Crusaders in 1204. Built from medieval stone, Galata Tower still dominates the skyline of Istanbul today.

Dolmabahce Palace is relatively new comparing to many ancient treasures of Istanbul. It dates from mid 1800, was and administrative center of Ottoman Empire and a residence of Sultans and Caliphs till early 1900s.

Even after Turkey became a Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk lived there. The Clock Tower is guarding entry to Dolmabahce Palace.

Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest markets in the world, is a competition to any shopping mall and offers many oriental goods and delicious food, Turkish Delight being a “finger licking” true sweet delight. Leather accessories, jewelry,shoes, clothes and souvenirs are on display glistening with color and sparkling gold.

Istanbul with its unique cuisine is the joy not only for history and architecture lovers. The tastes of its culinary delights are an additional attraction.

PULAU TIOMAN MALAYSIA

PULAU TIOMAN

MALAYSIA

Pulau Tioman is a prelude to fabulous islands of the East Coast of Malaysian Peninsula. It is surrounded by crystal clear waters of South China Sea and coral reefs that create a Marine Park around the island as well as many small islands surrounding Tioman. Snorkeling and diving are the best spend moments on the island. The variety of marine life is amazing. Pulau Tulai has a variety of marine life and reefs. Sandy beaches and warm waters invite for a swim. The wildlife is everywhere, monkeys, monitor lizards, squirrels and a multitude of birds.

The island has limited roads so walking or bike riding are popular. Boats are used as transport to more remote parts of the island. They depart from Teluk Tekek the administration center of the island. Kampung Tekek has numerous duty free shops. Yes, Pulau Tioman is a duty free paradise.

There are also hiking tracks through the rain-forest, jungle and mountains, via waterfalls offering a refreshing swim, to the other side of the island, Juara Beach. A number of secluded resorts can be reached by boat or jungle walk.

Pulau Tioman can be accessed by ferry from Mercing, mainland Malaysia or by air from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. It is worth not just a visit but an extended stay would be rewarding.

PULAU SIBU MALAYSIA

PULAU SIBU

MALAYSIA

Pulau Sibu is an awesome island in general but absolutely fabulous for at least six months in a year, during South West monsoon. It is located on the eastern side of Malaysian Peninsula, mere 70 miles north of Singapore. Thus it is a popular weekend destination for Singaporeans.

It also gets many international visitors that come to enjoy its absolute beauty, jungle walks, diving and snorkeling.

Local village is quite scenic and the people friendly. There are a number of resorts on Pulau Sibu all within a pleasant beach and jungle walk. Well, some rock climbing is also involved.

Pulau Sibu is only a short boat trip away from Malaysian mainland and it has great views of nearby islands. The south China Sea is calm and cayaking around the island is a popular activity. Just a shame about the weather becoming rough during the North East monsoon. Time to enjoy Pulau Sinu is from May to October. 

Coral reef and fish are plentiful, surreal underwater experience. The sunsets are spectacular.

Pulau Sibu is one of the treasures of East Malaysia. 

PULAU PINANG MALAYSIA

PULAU PINANG

MALAYSIA

Pulau Pinang or Peneng Island has been the center of trade water roads since the 15^th century. Many seafarers have visited Pulau Pinang during their voyages but it is not until 1786, when Francis Light landed on the island, that its modern history begins. The development was quick and much of the old architecture is preserved till today. There is a mixture of styles and cultures, Chinese being predominant and old British colonial still in force, followed by Malaysian.

The skyline of Pulau Pinang is impressive, so is the city itself, full of history and yet unspoiled beauty of nature.  

Pulau Pinang has 2 bridges now. They make access easier and less traffic congested. There is still a ferry access which is the most relaxed trip to the island from Peninsula Malaysia.

Pulau Pinang preserves the culture and cuisine of its multiracial society. 

Exploration of culinary delights is a favorite pastime of many visitors. Shopping is on par with Paris or London.

A night “on town” will never disappoint in George Town or anywhere in Penang and its beach resorts.  

AO NANG BAY PCTURESQUE THAILAND

Ao Nang is one of the most scenic bays in the vicinity of Krabi and Krabi is a town on Krabi River and a starting point for boat trips to numerous islands of Phang Nga Bay.

Krabi is attracting more and more visitors. Leisurely pace of this town full of temples and attractions is a great place to acclimatize and learn about Thailand, its people and customs.

Tiger Cave Temple is most famous and frequently visited by locals and visitors. The climb of 1260 steps can be challenging to some but the reward is astonishing view of 360 degrees.

Ao Nang is the closest Bay to Krabi, full of colorful rocks, grottoes and golden beaches. 

The shapes and colors of rocks and caves are astonishing. The scenery is unique.

Ao Nang Bay is scenic and inviting, an awesome experience.

RANONG ISTHMUS OF KRA THAILAND

Ranong is a quiet town on River Chan leading to the Isthmus of Kra which separates Thailand from Myanmar. There were ambitions plans to build a canal like Panama or Suez Canals to allow for a quick ship passage to the Gulf of Thailand.

 There is only a 50 kilometer stretch of land that could easily be converted into a canal and save some 1600 nautical miles for ships and boats undertaking a passage through Malacca Strait and around Singapore to get to the Gulf of Thailand and Bangkok.

The project never took off and Ranong is still a quiet town. It offers a ferry service across River Chan to Kawthoung, Myanmar.

Ranong is also a starting point to island hopping and diving.

Ko Phayam is one of the less touristy islands of golden beaches fringed with palms. 

The resorts are less upmarket and friendly, food delicious. Cross island walking is pleasant and biking across is popular as well. A walk to the Buddhist Temple is rewarding. 

Ranong is also a gateway to Surin National Park, islands, reefs, rain forest and wildlife. The Surins are true echo paradise, an absolute must to see and experience.