CHIANG MAI the CITY of a THOUSAND TEMPLES THAILAND

 

CHIANG MAI

the CITY

of a

THOUSAND TEMPLES

THAILAND

Chiang Mai translates as New City. However, its history dates back to 1200s

when King Mengrai moved the capital of his Kingdom to Chiang Mai.

Occupied by Burma in 1500s, when King Bayinnaung commenced a 220 years

of regency, it was not until 1930s that Chiang Mai became part of the United

Kingdom of Thailand.

The Three Kings Monument is the mark of Chiang Mai's history. Chiang Mais

walled Old City is surrounded by a moat indicating city's turbulent past.

 

 

The magnitude of monasteries and temples Wats is the main landmark of

Chiang Mai.

ELLIOTT HEADS QUEENSLAND CENTRAL COAST

 

ELLIOTT HEADS

QUEENSLAND CENTRAL COAST

Elliott Heads is fast becoming a beach resort. Together with Innes Park and Coral Cove the development is at high speed. Reverview is well hidden further up the Elliott river and quiet. There are a few boats, a boat ramp; fishing of a jetty and shoreline is good.

Elliott Heads Beach is a popular promenade, beach walk a real pleasure, swimming is great as well.

Watching fish trapped in rock pools at low tide is interesting. Swimming of the bech is great. Elliott Heads Caravan Park is popular. Many campervans stop briefly on the way North seeking warmer weather but many just stay put and enjoy the best beach on the Central Cost of Queensland.

Elliot Heads has its specific warm climate and well protected waters by K'Gari.

DARWIN ARAFURA SEA PEARL JEWEL OF AUSTRALIA

 

DARWIN

ARAFURA SEA PEARL

JEWEL OF AUSTRALIA

Darwin, a remote, tropical paradise on the banks of Arafura Sea, often called Arafura Pearl. It is the capital of the Australian Northern Territory.

The Parliament House is a definite landmark. The Northern Territory Library hosts an exhibition, The Territory Story. It describes the beginnings of Darwin and its people.

1994 was the year of the beginning of Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, popular for its delicacies from Asia and trinkets. It is the best spot in Darwin to enjoy spectacular sunsets over the Arafura Sea. 

Darwin is definitely a place to visit. It is friendly to visitors and especially the sailing boats.

In fact quite a number of visitors made Darwin their permanent residence.

CAIRNS a TROPICAL PARADISE of FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

 

CAIRNS

a

TROPICAL PARADISE

of

FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

Cairns, established in 1876 as a port for goldfields to its west, is now a cosmopolitan, second biggest city in Queensland. 

Cairns was built on a swamp that provided indigenous people with food and floral medicine. One of the main streets is called Lake Street. Although it is named after Captain Lake the Skipper of one of the first ships arriving in Cairns, the name seems appropriate since the city was built on the wetlands.

During the WWII Cairns was a base for operations in the Pacific. Now Cairns is a gateway to Great Barrier Reef, the National Heritage Reef and many nearby islands. Cairns hosts many international visitors. Its climate is tropical and the sunsets are impressive.

Cairns is visited by multitude of yachts, offers friendly welcome and superb yachting conditions.

Visiting Cairns is a delight.

MYANMAR The Land of Gold Yangon and its Golden Payas

 

MYANMAR

The Land of Gold

Yangon and its Golden Payas

Arriving in Myanmar at daytime one must wear sunglasses. Starting with Yangon, the city of gold, one gets blinded by Pagodas, Temples & Palaces glistening in the sun. The Golden Buddha is towering over the city.

The multitude of Golden Pagodas is overwhelming. The local people never stop smiling. Their genuine smiles can be as blinding as the gold of architecture. Myanmar is opening its door to tourism and the locals are most welcoming.

It is safe to say that gold is a national color of Myanmar. There are very few places in the world that can offer golden sights as dense as those spread around Yangon.

SINGARAJA BALI INDONESIA

 

SINGARAJA

BALI

INDONESIA

Singaraja, in Buleleng Regency of Northern Bali, is the ancient capital of Bali. No wonder it is full of history dating back to Royalty of the 1600s. In spite of the Dutch invasion between 1846 and 1849, killing of most of the Royal Family and almost total distraction of the palace, the restored Puri can now be visited.

Singaraja is also a port and a nearby Lovina, some 10 kilometers away, is a beach resort. Its black volcanic sand and crystal clear waters invite dolphins, absolute pleasure to watch.

GREAT KEPPEL ISLAND QUEENSLAND CENTRAL COAST

 

GREAT KEPPEL ISLAND

QUEENSLAND CENTRAL COAST

Keppel Islands, Great Keppel and North Keppel are easily accessible by ferry from Roslyn Bay.

Roslyn Bay is the prime spot for a marina, it is popular with many yachts. It is located between Emu Park, a rapidly growing settlement and Yeppoon a costal township just as much popular and growing.

The white beaches and crystal clear waters surrounding Great Keppel invite visitores and offer amazing beach walks and superb swimming and snorkeling.

Bush walks across the island are also popular.

Both Keppel Islands are often referred to as Paradise on Earth.