Cairo is an amazing place

While in Cairo, you can visit the famous Tut-Ankh-Amon exhibit and many of the objects you may have seen during the worldwide tour of museums a number of years ago. The entire exhibit was not among the items on tour since many pieces are stationery such as the tomb. This collection is the largest collection of gold items found in any museum of the world. The exhibit includes the intricate jewelry worn by King Tut along with his Death Mask. You can only imagine the true beauty of this exhibit and once seeing it, you will always remember the little king. His tomb is over 3500 years old.

The Egyptian Museum holds the largest display of Egyptian art ever assembled. This is where you find a large gathering of ancient mummies as well as alabaster jars containing organs. The Khan El Khalili Bazaars are among the best in the world. To see the natives and tourists shopping the bazaars is a source of amusement. Watching the shoppers delighted over all the magnificent, intricately designed carpets, silk scarves and other items is in itself a rewarding experience if you enjoy people watching. There are also little food outlets or restaurants where you can enjoy lunch.

Be careful - it’s cursed!

Some tourists visit the highlights of Cairo in the morning, have lunch and then hop aboard a cruise ship headed to Answan and down the Nile to the city of Luxor. During the cruise, you will pass many of the main highlights of Egypt. Once in Luxor a balloon flight over the city is a fun way to get your first sighting of the Valley. On this trip, you can ride a donkey into the valley visit Hatshepsut Temple. In Abu Simbel, you can take a camel ride to St. Simeon’s Monastery then visit Philae Temple.

Taking a cruise down the Nile offers many of the highlights of Egypt along the way. You can see Kalabsha Temple built in honor of Horus the protector of souls traveling through underworld built by the Roman emperor Augustus. Visit the Beit el Wali temple built by Ramses II honoring the god Amun-Re. The Temple of Dakka is a replica of the original, built by Amenophis II honoring Thoth the god of wisdom and science.

Take a trip down the Nile….

Kasr Ibrim at Lake Nasser is the only remaining monument, which did not require rebuilding. It was a large fort on the highest bluff overlooking the Valley of Kings. It served as a vantage point to see intruders heading their way.  At different times over the years, Kasr Ibrim served as a mosque and a church. There are many highlights in the cities along the Nile River including the Karnek Temple.

Tourists can experience a Laser light and sound show as a narrator tells the story of the temple. Shows throughout the day are in several different languages. You will love the tour of the Archaeological Museum, the Al Azhar mosque and the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener Island, while in Cairo. Among the highlights you can see along the path of the Nile River between Cairo and Abu Simbel are Luxor, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Aswan and Lake Nasser.

There’s a lot of water in the desert, isn’t there?

There are seven official Wonders of the World however, there are many natural wonders of the world not having the title yet are places not to miss as you travel the world. The Egyptian Oasis and Western Desert is among them. Desert safaris take you to the sand planes of Siwa and the Black and White Deserts of Bahariya. Safari tours are available for two days up to seven days although there are longer safaris available.

Among the popular safari tours are those offering tours of the desert oasis during the day then returning to a cozy room in a local hotel for the night. Those who like to sleep outdoors can spend nights camping at Bedouin. Of course, these people will have to give up a nightly shower.

Mind out for scoprions!

One of the short safaris only 160km takes you from Alamein to Marsa Matrouth.  The Alexandra to Siwa is much longer at 580km and the Kharga to Luxor safari is 320km. A safari through the White desert to Cairo is 500km and from Cairo to Bahariya is 340km while from Cairo to Siwa is 800km and the longest Egyptian safari tour.

Egypt is so much fun to visit and part of the fun is transportation after arriving. You can travel by land, sea and air in aeroplanes or an air balloon. You can travel on ships, boats and small Egyptian sailboats called feluccas. Among the means of travel in Egypt are buses, cars vans, camels, donkeys or horse-drawn carriages. Using your own two feet is another means of transportation in Egypt.

Camels and Egypt - almost a Middle Eastern cliche

You can leave your footprints in the White World and see those of other visitors from the past. See the Twilight of Sand, the Snow in White Desert and the amazing White Sand White World. Visit the beautiful city of Corniche by the sea and the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World. Visit the Menkaura, a depiction of the three matching schist triads representing Pharoah Menkaura who built the smallest pyramid. Visit the Organs Jars of Tanis and the Alabaster Jars of Organs.

Egypt is a fascinating place where the unexpected sights make you wonder in awe as do the Bahariyya grapes growing in the desert. The Sunrise over Mount Sinai, the Last Moon of Sinai and lustrous Nile Sunrise are among those you will always remember.  There are few things in the world as beautiful as the sights seen while cruising down the Nile River.

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A typical Portugese village

Portugal has many major highlights worth visiting. A short holiday does not afford sufficient time to see all Portugal has to offer. The mainland of Portugal extends along the Atlantic coastline for 832km. Many visitors head to the province of Algarve in the southern part of Portugal where the climate is always pleasant and the beaches and golf courses are superior.

Portugal’s mainland frontier has remained unchanged for over seven centuries a result of its geography. Portugal has two archipelagos, Madeira and the Azores on the Atlantic. Portugal administers Macao once a colony located on the southern coast of China. Portugal however allows Macao the privilege of self-governing their internal affairs.

What a lovely place to live!

Portugal’s interior highlights include the small towns, villages and abbeys surrounded by beautiful scenery waiting to welcome visitors. Lush green hills, valleys and plateaus form a breath-taking panoramic view throughout Portugal. The Atlantic coastline adds to the natural beauty of the coastal cities and towns. The overall landscape of this attractive little country, which rests on the Iberian Peninsula opposite Spain, is in itself a major highlight.

The capital city of Portugal is Lisbon situated on the estuary of the Tagus. It is among the favorite tourists spots in Portugal. Lisbon was at one time the centre of Europe’s oldest overseas empire. Among the highlights of Lisbon are the two Manueline jewels, the Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, home of the tomb of the explorer Vasco da Gama.

Some of the highlights of Lisbon are the Convento da Madre de Deus formerly the Convent of St. Clare founded in 1509 by Queen Leonor who lived there as a widow. Built in Manueline style and renovated several times the building sustained severe damage in the 1755 earthquake. Most of the original design is preserved and Queen Leonor rests beneath the floor in one of the two cloisters. A tombstone marks her burial place.

That’s a nice convent

Other highlights of Lisbon are the Bull Ring and the Pombal Statue located on the grand Avenida da Liberdade. The Old Quarter now named Alfama is on the southeast side of the hill near Castello de Sao Jorge. Strolling along the cobbled alleys of Alfama, you come to the quarter of the seamen. It is a unique part of Lisbon with a few houses built by the West Goths.

The Old Quarter retains its shape as arranged by the Arabs. Its name Alfama evolved from Al-Hama a nearby thermal spring. Moors, Christians and Jews lived peacefully in the old quarter from the 16th-18th century. From here, you can take a short excursion boat to Sintra for dinner and Fado-style music before returning to your hotel in Lisbon.

The Sala Calouste Gulbenkian Museum houses works of Gulbenkian. His Greek torso of Apollo and the Danaide by Rodin are among the most popular pieces. The Museum of Ancient Art built in 1690 as a palace for Count Alvor sits across from the Alcântara harbor. Some call it the “house of green windows” due to its green window shutters. It houses a small chapel, which served the St. Albert Carmelite Monastery.

Shssh!

More highlights in Lisbon are the vineyards and olive groves found in the Serra do Aire hills of the city. Beyond the ancient gates of the city is the wall of Obidos built to form a protective perimetre around the city. The Dominican Bathalha Monastery built in the 14th century is a symbol of Portugal’s independence from Castile. Join pilgrims visiting the national shrine in Fatima and visit the valley of the Douro River. Visit the Vila de Gaia vineyards the source of the House of Sandeman Port Wine.

The accommodations in Portugal are among its special highlights and many tourists prefer the wonderful four and five-star Pousadas as their favorite places to stay. Unlike many places, Portugal chose to hold on to their stately old buildings, which were once commercial buildings, castles and monasteries turning them into beautiful hotels. These historical old buildings have a long and interesting past. In addition, the strategic location of these monuments from the past offer fabulous panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, beaches, olive tree groves and flourishing grape vineyards.

Where they produce the best port

The laid- back attitude of the locals is one of its most valuable highlights. Tourists on holiday enjoy being around people who know how to relax and enjoy life. The country of Portugal has a vibrantly rich cultural heritage. Folk and music festivals rich in local traditions are among the favorite highlights shared by the Portuguese people.

Tourists visiting the towns and cities of Portugal enjoy strolling through the markets and stopping in the restaurants where abundant, fresh cooked food highlights their day. Delightfully, delectable traditional foods are a source of pride among the locals.  Another of Portugal highlights is the manner in which the architectural styles and artistic heritage of the people retains their connection to other civilizations from around the world.

Portugal has many wonderful highlights in fact far too many to visit while taking a short holiday. However, some of the more popular highlights are Cascais a popular seaside resort. Palmela is a small hill town where Volkswagen and Ford run a joint factory building stretch limos. Portinho da Arrabida is a little fishing village south of Serra da Arrabida offering the best scuba diving in Portugal.

Great scuba diving

Tróia is a neat little holiday village near the industrial city of Setúbal. It is a small resort town perfect for water lovers who enjoy boating, swimming and spending hours on the beach. A favorite site among natives is Oporto simply called Porto or the Harbor by the locals. Porto is a lively industrial, commercial, university town and Portugal’s largest town. It has British connections and locals say they earn money in Porto and spend it in Lisbon.

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Their sense of humour dies when they graduate asshole school

“I don’t want to take my coat off. I have a tank top on and I haven’t shaved my armpits.” You will wish you hadn’t cared so much when you are sitting in a little room getting strip searched by an enthusiastic security guard named Greta. The same can be applied to the statement “My feet smell so I would rather keep my shoes on.” A friend of mine had his wife refuse to take off her sweater when the airport security asked her. He called it a jacket and she corrected him and said that it was a sweater and therefore part of her outfit and she should not be asked to take it off. My friend’s wife was then escorted into the back room where she was asked again to remove her “jacket” and she complied but not before making comments about her husband being a lawyer and suing the airline for harassment. It is a favourite my friend likes to tell his class as an example of how you should pick your battles.

Take a hike Julia Roberts

“How do you say “Put your hands up and give me all your money” in Spanish?” Funny enough, someone actually did say this to airport security and scared the wits out of the staff on the plane.

“I swallowed my illegal substances before I got on the plane.” This is also not a good idea to say to airport security. This was said in an airport in Japan. Fortunately, they did not believe the not-so-bright travellers and they were allowed to continue on their merry way. They also figured out that Japan is not the best place to have the munchies.

“I left my weapons at home.” Thank you for being so honest, Mr. Traveller, we would like you to follow us to this little room and reward you for your sense of humour.

If you’re not Sarah Palin, you’re not going to get through

“Could you hurry please? I’m late for my Klan meeting.” This was said as a joke in an American airport. The security on duty was not too impressed, but fortunately the traveller was not detained.

It is not a good idea to answer all security questions in a European airport with the German word “nein.” This actually happened in an airport and fortunately the obviously over-tired traveller who wasn’t thinking straight was taken pity on by the security officer.

Taken from the wisdom of the movie Meet the Fockers, never say the word bomb, in any context, to airport security. “You’re the bomb”, “I don’t have a bomb”, “Bomb, dee bomb bomb” are all examples of phrases that can be innocent enough but will land you in that famous little room with airport security.

Every word with B to start with is dodgy

In an airport in Sydney a woman is told she cannot bring her umbrella through the security gate. “But I’m not even boarding the plane, I’m only helping my elderly mother get on and I need my umbrella.” This same woman was then arrested for trying to get past airport security with a butcher’s knife in her purse.

“The gun was a gift from a friend. It’s not even loaded.” A popular preacher for a well known church group was given a gun by a friend to give to his wife so that she felt safe when he was travelling and she was home alone. Instead of giving the gun to his wife right away, he kept it in the duffel bag he used for travelling and forgot all about it. When trying to board a plane in Dallas, he gave his duffel bag to airport security to get checked and was immediately arrested.

“It’s alright, they are just tent pegs.” A man in an American airport brought parts of his tent kit in his carry-on luggage but unfortunately the long metal spikes that are used to anchor the tent to the ground are a little too lethal looking for airport security.

“I can’t believe that made it through!” Exclaiming surprise that your seemingly harmless carry-on bag made it through the metal detector and x-ray machine without setting off alarm bells is probably not the best thing to do right in front of airport security. I would wait until you are out of earshot.

Beep! Beep!

“It’s a kosher salami.” This statement didn’t really disturb the confused security at an Israeli airport but caused great guffaws of laughter as the traveller explained exactly what they were seeing on the x-ray monitor. Apparently they thought the salami was something else.

“I’m not taking anything other than these coins I found at the Parthenon.” This is actually illegal in Greece and will land you in jail regardless of whether you are at the airport or not.

“I use that for fishing.” In a Texas airport, a traveller was found with a shotgun in his carry-on bag. He proceeded to tell airport security that it was part of his fishing kit and that he had forgotten to unpack it after his last trip.

What sort of fish do you need to get with a shotgun?!

Other words that should never be used in any context: gas, spray, explode, gun, shell, barrage, blast, detonate, blow up, discharge, and destroy. I am sure there are plenty more, but these give you a good indication of which topics to avoid.

There is no end to the dumb things people will say or do in front of airport security. Even with the knowledge that we have accumulated since September 11th, and the expectation that we will be detained and checked at the airport because, it is still amazing that some people either forget to check their luggage or try to get away with beating the system.

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Chain yourself to your desk!!!

Working compulsively because you have no idea how to relax or take time out is of course a lamentable condition; but it’s also largely a straw dog, manufactured by what I’ll call the ‘culture of hedonism’ which has thrived in recent years. Along with many people, I resist holidays because I want to nurture my career. I am not bowing to pressure from tyrannical superiors or thrusting rivals; I’ve put a lot of time, effort and hard-earned money into building my skills and knowledge and I take enormous pride (and pleasure) in cultivating them further. I want to excel, not merely get by; and not because I have some arrogant ambition to be top dog, but because I genuinely believe that our lives are enriched by our potential to flourish in our chosen paths. And it seems to me that our life paths, rather like our economies, tend to stagnate when they fail to flourish.

If you love your job, it will be no problem!

Being self-employed undoubtedly makes one rather more cautious about holidays, but I do not wish to spit bile at those with the security of predictable, salaried pay-checks at the end of each month. I was once in this position before leaping into the freelance void, and even then I was cautious about holidays.

I mentioned earlier that competition from rivals was not a major factor in my antipathy to vacations, but I do think that occasionally a certain degree of opportunistic zeal creeps into one’s work colleagues whilst one’s back is turned. I’m not a misanthrope, but I like to think that I’m not guilessly naïve, either. My brother – a resilient, tough, tireless salesman with a luxury car manufacturer – took a two-week honeymoon holiday as a young man. Whilst he was away, a colleague rifled through his sales-book and ‘closed’ deals that were all set up and waiting for his return. A blissful fortnight in the Bahamas was vaporised in an instant when he got back – thanks to his ‘colleague’, his boss decided that he hadn’t made his targets and asked him to clear his desk (he was still on his probationary period as a relatively new member of the team and had absolutely no employment protection). Thankfully, he was able to dust himself off and move on to better things (he’s a qualified pharmacist now and loves every minute of it).

We always go for the under dog, or cat

Even if we could be completely sure that little outbursts of malice will not temporarily overcome some of our more ambitious team-mates in our absence, there are times when our personal stewardship simply cannot be dispensed with. A good friend of mine had just qualified as a psychoanalyst; years of training, mountains of books and a seriously dented bank account had finally resulted in her embarking on the career she had always dreamt of. In her first year of practise, she fell in love with a young man from her native Italy. The relationship blossomed, and he enticed her into taking a week in Rome. This, she knew, was a little unorthodox for psychoanalytic practise: patients are normally carefully prepared for breaks in the analysis weeks in advance, and analysts tend to take their vacations at highly conventional points in the calendar (winter/Christmas, spring/Easter, summer). In analysis, people often experience a heightened degree of dependence on their analyst, and need to be painstakingly forewarned of interruptions to the therapy to minimise feelings of loss and disruption. A holiday in Rome in the middle of February didn’t really fit with this scheme, but she went ahead with it anyway and gave what little warning to her patients that she could. If you can’t act on impulse when you’re in love, when can you? On her return, she discovered that a particularly disturbed patient had reacted very adversely to her absence and had made a serious suicide attempt. Her career (and the patient) survived, but she was quite devastated by this episode and contemplated throwing the towel in for a very long time afterwards.

We always go for the under dog, or cat

Perhaps what I am trying to say is not so much ‘Never take a Holiday!’ as ‘What will a break do to your career right now?’ If a vacation could place in jeopardy all that you have poured your personal and financial resources into, deferring it may be a wise, not a desperate, decision. And if your career is, as careers ought to be, not simply a ‘job’ for you but a chosen life-project, endangering it needlessly is a form of self-sabotage.

We always go for the under dog, or cat

However, if the pursuit of your career leaves you feeling exhausted and depleted, depressed and wretched, it’s not a holiday you need but a change of career. This is one of the great beauties of pursuing a career – it is not a prison sentence: you can walk away from it and do something different if it turns sour and brings little but joyless dissatisfaction. I suspect that most of us underestimate how versatile and resourceful we can be when we’re intent on following one path and one path only. I’m all for committing to a project, and doing so with vigour and enthusiasm, but I think wilful blindness is always a handicap. Knowing when to close down and move on is possibly much more productive than taking momentary escapes from chronic misery by fleeing to a holiday resort; this is when needing a holiday becomes a symptom of unhappiness. Treat the underlying unhappiness, and this particular cure will start to feel far less necessary.

We always go for the under dog, or cat

Careers need devotion, attention and even love. Your career should help you flourish as you help it flourish; if this isn’t happening, start investing in a new career, not a couple of weeks in Cancun!

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Holidays are the only release from all this stuff

If you are in search of a truly exotic destination consider the Amazon. A trip to this magical location in South America will be a trip you will think about and talk about for years to come.

In order to determine if you are the Amazonian type, let us consider some of the sights and sounds, flavours and cultures you are likely to encounter. The old adage, “Where there is water, there is life,” could not be more true than in this tropical rainforest. The Amazon River is the destination for drainage from tributaries the size of the United States. Although the Nile is the longest river on Earth, the Amazon is the widest and has the greatest volume of water. Instead of those large numbers no one can quite comprehend, let’s use the following analogy: The amount of water that flows out of the river into the Atlantic every day would meet the water needs of New York City for nine years!

That’s a lot of water. Think I need the loo…

Amazon is ranked in first place in natural areas on the New Seven Wonders of the World list. The seven million square kilometre area is the largest and most fruitful rainforest in the world. This wet forest is home to more species of plants and animals than any other spot on the Earth. Of course, there are still areas within the forest that are as yet undiscovered. But at last tally, scientists have identified 40,000 plant species, almost 1,300 different birds, over 400 mammals, somewhere around 100,000 invertebrates and an astounding 2.5 million different species of insects! All in this rainforest!

For the true nature lover, these facts are probably enough to get them booking their next flight to the Americas! You will want to plan your holiday from June to October because there are basically two seasons in the Amazon – the wet season and the wetter season. These months are classed in the first group and have lower humidity. You flight destination is likely to be Belem, Brazil. This is a metropolitan city of almost 2 million people and offers all the comforts expected in any large city. If you are the type of nature lover who must have a comfy bed, hot showers and restaurants, then make this your choice for accommodation.

Check out all the rain

Belem is home to many festivals throughout the year that showcase local culture and celebration. If you stay in any one of the cities, restaurants provide international cuisine for all tastes. In order to fully experience this land, however, ask a local where they like to eat. This will guarantee you a culinary delight that most visitors will not have the pleasure of experiencing!

From Belem, you can book all manner of tours and excursions into the rainforest. There are many private companies that offer daily jaunts and touring packages while bringing you back in the evening to the creature comforts of the city. There are river cruises and fishing opportunities for those finned creatures you will not find anywhere else on the planet. There are also excursions devoted to bird watching and wildlife spotting.

You can go wildlife spotting

If however, you are of a more adventurous spirit, you will definitely want to avail yourself of the many lodges and packages deep within the rainforest itself. These particular accommodation choices range in amenities from moderately “modern” to extremely primitive. Be sure to ask all the specific questions before booking so you will not have any surprises upon arrival. This is after all, a completely “wild” tropical environment with all the accompanying critters. As a friendly, pre-trip reminder, the Amazon is home to the jaguar, super-sized anaconda, electric eels with deadly voltage, poison dart frogs, very large spiders, and Vampire bats… This is not an area to wander around in unchaperoned – it is the critters’ home and we are merely visitors.

Once in the Amazon, you should devote some time to experiencing the indigenous cultures of the area. There have been human inhabitants here for thousands of years, and many native peoples still reside throughout the area. Ask your tour guide or travel company if they have any trips to local areas. This is also something you will not be able to do on your own. Again, remember you are a visitor and should practice all your good manners and social graces to respect your hosts!

These are the real inhabitants of the Amazon

An Amazonian holiday is best approached with an open mind and willingness to be flexible in this most unique environment. The rainforest is all about nature so make sure you do not harm this precious area by leaving litter, picking plants or disturbing the wildlife. This location should be on everyone’s life list of travel destinations. With a little preparation ahead of time, it will be a life-changing experience among the richest natural environment on the Earth.

There is no other place on Earth quite like this rich biosphere. If you are moved by its grandeur, you may even want to support protection efforts once you return home. There is a continuing battle to preserve the integrity of the place called “The lungs of the earth” because the Amazon is producing oxygen for us all. There are oil and logging companies who do not see the value of the Amazon to the planet, and are only concerned with their short-term profit margins. If they succeed, the health of the planet is in peril. Carry your passion and your rainforest experiences home from holiday, and take a stand to protect the Amazon.

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Can you read any of the above?

Moving to another country is a very big decision and there is a lot that needs to be taken into consideration. One of these things is the language barrier. One way to solve this issue is to move to a country where the people also speak English. What if you don’t want to do this? What if you want to move to Thailand or Russia? Well, you can learn the language before you go, or you can leave and hope you can pick up the language while you’re out there. Let’s look at the pros and cons of doing either of these things.

If you move to a country where you don’t know the language you may find it an exciting new experience. You might feel like an explorer discovering a new world. You may also find it uncomfortable and find yourself feeling like an outsider. If you go there with an open-mind and are determined to fit yourself into this new country, you will find yourself beginning to pick up some of the language quite quickly. If you go there thinking, “I just want to live here in my own little world, forget about everyone else,” there are two things you need to think about. Have you moved for the right reasons, or are you just running away, and should you have moved to another country if you’re not planning to integrate yourself into this new society?

How would you integrate yourself into the society?

There are many people in England who complain about immigrants who come to the country from Poland, China or India. When you try to speak with them, they don’t speak a word of English. When you’re in a work place with them, you find that instead of trying to mix with everyone, they only stick to the people who also come from their country and speak their own language. They retreat into their own world and alienate the people around them. I’m not saying this is a rule of thumb for all foreign people, but just as British people say, “If you move here, learn to speak English,” remember that when you move to a country where you make no effort to speak their language, you may have the same thing said to you…you just won’t understand it.

If you move to a different country with a new language and you’re taking your children, this is something else you need to take into consideration. When they go to school how will they learn what the teacher is talking about? How will they make friends and begin to socialise? The great thing about kids is they are very quick learners. So the next problem becomes, what if your kids can speak the new language and you can’t? Other things you need to think about before moving to a country where you can’t speak the language are how will you get employment, and what if there’s an emergency? Don’t just make the assumption that because most foreign places do have a lot of people that speak English that everyone will, and you won’t have to make the effort to learn.

If you’re determined to go somewhere with a completely new language, it will obviously be more beneficial to learn the language before you go. I don’t mean you will have to speak it fluently and sound like you’ve always lived there, but you should at least have a grasp of the basics and the types of words or phrases that you would need to use in everyday life. It is a good idea to get a language tutor a few months before you go. If you know at least the basics before you leave, you may find yourself better able to adapt to the new environment. With such a big change as moving to another country, you don’t want to put any more stress on yourself than is necessary. You may also find that you enjoy the experience more. You’ll be able to do all the normal things, like asking how much something is when you’re shopping or asking for help if you get stuck by the roadside when your car breaks down, and you’ll also be able to socialise. You can strike up a conversation with locals in a bar or on the street. You can become part of this new society and culture. It’s surprising just how much knowing the basics of the language can help you.

Take some time to study, it will help you!

As you can see, it’s not just as simple as getting out a map, closing your eyes, pointing to a place on the map and saying “I want to move there.” By the way, if that’s how you picked your destination, you may want to think again, are you doing the right thing? There are so many things you need to think about. It’s all very well making the big decisions, like where will we live? How will we pay bills? Will we be able to work out there? But when making these decisions, you need to think about the things we normally take for granted, like speech and language. This one thing is going to enable you to do a lot of normal, everyday things. Not knowing the language will be a bit disabling.

You don’t want to be lost!

So in conclusion, can you emigrate to a country where you don’t know the language? The simple answer is yes, but there are a lot of things to think about if you want to do this. It could add to the stress of leaving your country and, let’s face it, you don’t really need any more stress or trouble when doing that. Is it really that much effort to learn to speak this new language? Remember it isn’t just about you either. What about the rest of the family who are taking the plunge to move with you? This needs to be a smooth transition for them as well. Will they be able to cope if they don’t know the language? Will it cause friction within the family? These are things you need to think about seriously before taking that big leap and moving to another country.

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Good book - boring and long film

One of the most prominently-featured locations in the book is, of course, the Louvre Museum in Paris.  This incredible building is referenced throughout the book and is, of course, where the dead body is discovered, along with the first clues to the mystery.  The Louvre itself is worthy of several days’ exploration.  Da Vinci’s works are there, along with thousands of other works and artefacts.  Both the ancient building and the newer glass pyramid are critical parts of the story and deserve a visit.

A true Da Vinci Code fan won’t stop at the Louvre, though.  Other Paris attractions featured in the book and movie includes the Tuileries Gardens and St. Sulpice Church.  The Tuileries, once Napoleon’s main residence, was destroyed in the 19th Century, but the magnificent gardens near the Louvre remain and are beautiful at any time of year, but especially in the spring and summer.  Also, don’t forget to spend some time locating the 135 bronze disks scattered throughout Paris, marked with either ‘N’, ‘S’, or ‘Arago’.  This is the line of the original Prime Meridian, referred to by Dan Brown as the “Rose Line”, and these four lines cross the city, meeting at the Louvre.

Trace the lines…

St. Sulpice Church, the second-largest in the city behind Notre Dame, is a magnificent example of mostly 17th Century architecture; a church has been on this site, though, since the 13th Century.  On the floor you’ll see the brass line; follow it to a matching line on the white marble obelisk.  At noon on the winter solstice, the sun will shine onto the brass line in the obelisk.

Consider a guided tour when you first arrive in any of the larger cities mentioned in the book.  They’re all ancient, and have been built from the centre out over the course of several centuries.  It’s quite easy to lose yourself in Paris’ ‘arrondissements’ and spend more time than necessary wandering the Parisian streets.  Visit the sites with a guide, and then come back a second time on your own to study the area at your leisure. Walking tours are perfect for this approach, and many are available in each city.  Some are even geared toward the books, and will take you to the locations featured in the book.

Need a place to stay while in Paris?  The books and movies feature the Ritz Paris Hotel.  Rooms are a little pricey, starting at over £500 per night, but you can always stop to have a drink and a snack in the bar if the rooms are out of reach.

This is where Tom Hanks stayed

The Chateau de Villette is a main feature of ‘The Da Vinci Code’, and it’s a beautiful villa about 30 minutes outside of Paris.  Tours are available, but if you want to stay there, be prepared to pay about £4,000 for a week’s stay.

Don’t like tours and prefer to do things on your own?  Get a copy of ‘Fodor’s Guide to the Da Vinci Code’ and you’ll be able to follow the trail of clues through the cities.  Using the book, you’ll be able to determine which areas you want to walk in, and which require use of Paris’ excellent Metro or even a cab.

London features Westminster Abbey and the Temple Church.  Westminster Abbey is a can’t-miss sight for any trip to London.  Over 700 years old, this incredible church has seen the christenings, marriages and funerals of many kings and queens.  It’s very large, so be prepared for a half-day stay at a minimum – you’ll get much more out of a full day’s visit, though.

Westminster Abbey….

Temple Church is much smaller, and a little more difficult to find, but equally fascinating.  Dating from the 12th Century, the church was built by the Knights Templar, another key ingredient from the book.  The nine life-sized stone effigies of knights are wonderfully carved, and the nave is circular, rather than the traditional rectangle.  If you have time, stay for one of the services.  The Temple Church is known the world over for the quality of its choir.

Leaving London, you may wish to travel north to Edinburgh, Scotland.  Rosslyn Chapel, just a few miles south of the city, is a key location near the end of the book.  While there’s no Star of David in the floor, as the book puts forth, the building is amazing just for its very presence.  Begun in 1456, the church is built on pillars.  The famous Apprentice Pillar is the one that creates the most excitement, for the legend tells that the apprentice who carved the pillar in his master’s absence enraged his boss (upon his return) to the point of murder.  The carvings in the church are marvellous, but be aware that this is a true 15th-Century stone building; even in summer, it’s cool and somewhat dark inside, so bring a sweater.

Head up to Scotland to see a wonderful church

Plan your ‘Da Vinci Code’ holiday around the time you have.  If you have a leisurely holiday planned, you may wish to guide yourself around the sights.  If your time is a little more constrained, consider hiring a tour guide, either as a group or hired just for you or your family.  With these services you should be able to see most everything on your list in the time you have available.

‘Da Vinci Code’ holidays are interesting even without the background of the books and movies, but using those as a starting point will make your holiday even more memorable.  And your holiday will be one step above, because it’ll be real, rather than fiction!

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10) The Depth Charge
One of the most popular drinks around today which incorporates whiskey.  This powerful drink requires a shot of whiskey to be dropped into a pint of Guinness Stout.  The key to the drink is to consume it quickly or the ingredients will curdle.  Once this happens, the Depth Charge is increasingly more difficult to drink.

Drink it before it curdles?!?

9) Gin
Gin is another powerful alcohol that typically has an alcohol range between 40 and 50 per cent ABV.  Popular brands include Seagram’s and Tanqueray.  This ingredient is used in another highly powerful drink which is known as the Long Island Iced Tea.

8) Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea relies on a number of ingredients including gin, triple sec, rum, and vodka.  The drink is notorious for its easy consumption. Those who consume this particular drink may not even realize that it has affected them until they stand up.

Drink 10 - see how you feel then!

7) Bourbon
There are several types of bourbons available today that are very strong.  This list includes brands such as Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey, and Jim Beam.  What most people do not know about bourbon is that it is actually a form of whiskey.  For a whiskey to be considered bourbon, it must be produced in the United States.  It must also be aged for a period of no less than two years as well.

6) Absinthe
Although it is banned in a number of countries today, absinthe is a very strong alcohol.  Depending on who has produced the absinthe, the alcohol content can be as high as 70 per cent.  It was long assumed that consumption of absinthe led to psychedelic hallucinations although this has proven to be greatly exaggerated.  It is common to drink absinthe in combination with water which is then poured over a sugar cube.

Almost legendary, isn’t it?

5) Schnapps
Schnapps might not be as powerful as bourbon or vodka.  In order to be considered schnapps the alcohol content has to be at least 32 per cent ABV. There are several flavours of schnapps that are commonly used in drinks including one called the Polar Bear. This involves serving a combination of peppermint schnapps with crème de cacao over ice.

No! Not that sort of Polar Bear!

4) Brandy
Brandy is another popular form of alcohol which can be used to create some powerful drinks.  You can typically find brandy with between 40 to 45 per cent ABV.  Recognizable brandy brands include Hennessy, Remy Martin, and Martell.  The Brandy Alexander is a popular drink that includes this powerful ingredient.  You can typically expect to see brandy combined with ingredients including chocolate liquor, cream, and cinnamon.

3) Tequila
Tequila is another popular alcohol that is well known for its strength.  You can expect to find tequila ranging from between 40 and 50 per cent ABV.  Popular brands include Jose Cuervo and Patron.  Classic drinks that include this ingredient are the tequila sunrise and margarita.

2) Bacardi 151
Although it is not typically as strong as a number of alcohols, rum is around 35 per cent ABV.  There are several popular brands including both Bacardi and Captain Morgan available.  Bacardi in particular makes a rum that far exceeds the strength of most rums which is known as Bacardi 151.

35% proof, 40% pirate.

Bacardi 151 is easily one of the strongest alcohols available for purchase today.  It is considered to be so potent that Bacardi adds a special device called a flame arrester on the top of the bottle.  One powerful cocktail that relies upon this alcohol is called ACID.  This drink relies on a combination of Bacardi 151 and Bourbon.  It is traditional to chase this drink with a Coca-cola.

1) Everclear
No list of powerful alcohols would be complete without the addition of Everclear.  This is considered to be grain alcohol which contains an extremely high level of alcohol.  At 95 per cent ABV, few products can come close to the strength of Everclear.  One drink called the Slow Death combines Everclear with Jagermeister, Rum, Southern Comfort, and Schnapps.

Can run your car off it.

It is important to keep in mind that mixed drinks frequently have a number of names.  Along with several different names, each drink might also be made differently according to the individual bartender’s preferences.  There is also a great deal of variation which can be found among the different types of alcohol.  Some forms of alcohol are better suited for specific kinds of drinks than others.

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How did that snake get there? He’ll be lonely

Since then, the country has worked hard to provide their guests with a once in a lifetime experience. However, because of environmental factors that threaten to overwhelm the Maldives, many will only have a chance to experience them once in their life.

The Maldives are a collection of 1,190 coral islands that together form 26 major atolls.  Of the islands, there are 202 that are inhabited and 87 that are private resort islands.  While the islands offer a lot for visitors to do, one of the most interesting aspects of the islands is their culture.  The islands were originally inhabited by a variety of settlers who were from different parts of the world; this resulted in a melting pot of cultures that still thrives today with some of most noticeable influences being African, Asian, and British.

For a private resort, it’s pretty crowded, isn’t it?

Those who enjoy diving or even those who have never tried it will want to experience it in the Maldives.  The coral reefs and atolls that make up the Maldives provide an unforgettable journey under the sea.  This journey is so unbelievable that it is not surprising that it is ranked among some of the best diving locations in the world.  Each resort provides extraordinary diving opportunities through the dive schools that are located onsite.  Each dive school will vary depending on the size of the resort and the demographic of resort guests however; each resort does offer beginner courses.

In addition to this all of the schools have the appropriate equipment for diving.  If you are not a beginner, there are other more advanced classes that are offered at some of the dive schools.  Such classes include night diving, rescue diving, underwater photography, and diving near shark specialists.    Regardless of whether you choose to take a beginner class or an advanced class, courses are offered in English, German, Italian, French, and Japanese.  It is advisable though that you check the course language prior to signing up.

You can swim with the fishes in a non-mafia way

Diving excursions are performed on a daily basis, year round.  On very rare occasions the dives may be cancelled.  In the event of strong winds and rough seas, most resorts have access to protected reefs that are safe for divers.  Diving isn’t for everyone though.  If diving isn’t your thing, snorkelling is widely available.  The reefs are located just a few feet from the shore.  Most resorts have snorkelling equipment available for its guests and some even organize regular trips that allow guests to enjoy the reefs even more.

There are some people who don’t want to dive or snorkel and at one point there was the thought that if you couldn’t dive there was no point in visiting the Maldives, but thanks to the submarine, everyone can enjoy the underwater beauty without getting wet.  The submarine, which is a German built Whale Submarine, can take visitors underwater where they can view the underwater life and reefs.

The submarine is air-conditioned and dives 100 feet below the surface, a depth that could previously only be seen by divers.  The submarine has a 100% safety record both in the Maldives and all over the world.  The submarine dives every 90 minutes from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.  Reservations are required and can be made either through the website at or through your resort’s front desk.

It would be amazing to dive in the submarine

Visitors can also participate in swimming or surfing.  The surfing in the Maldives is relatively new, but the Maldives has quickly made its mark on the surfing world.  You can surf year-round at the Maldives, but November-April while providing good surfing opportunities is also the peak of the tourist season.  May through October will provide you with the best surfing opportunities, but will often be rainy and wet which may hinder you from getting in the water.  Those who choose to stay in a resort but wish to surf should choose a resort on the eastern side of the North Male Atoll.  Here you will have the most opportunities to surf.

While the Maldives is famous for the beautiful coral reefs, they are equally famous for their marine life.  Nearly 20 different species of whales and dolphins live in the Maldives.  The species range from the blue whale to spinner dolphin.  The dolphins have developed a daily routine and therefore it is easy to watch them.  In fact many resorts have begun offering daily trips to watch the dolphins.  These trips are offered in both the morning and afternoon.  If you would like to see more species of dolphins or want the chance to view a blue whale or some other sea life, you can also catch a ride on one of the safari boats.  On a safari boat it is not uncommon to see a sperm whale, bottlenose dolphin, melon-headed whale, rough-toothed dolphin and even a killer whale.

Whales, Dolphins and Shark - a rich variety

When travelling to a foreign country, currency and language is always an important factor.  The native language for the Maldives is Dhivehi.  However, English is widely used and the resort workers are often fluent in English, French, German, Italian, and Japanese.  The currency is Rufiyaa and Laaree.  The most common currency is the US Dollar and therefore most resorts do accept this currency.  Resorts also accept major credit cards such as the Visa, MasterCard, Euro, and JCB.

The dress for the Maldives for both natives and visitors is relaxed.  T-shirts and other cotton apparel items are the most popular.  However, in Male (the capital of the Maldives), it is recommended that women wear conservative clothing.

From the sandy beaches to the whale watching, the Maldives are definitely a paradise away from home, however, sadly they are in danger of being completely submerged by rising sea levels. A call to reduce all greenhouse emissions is coming from every corner of the world, but that call couldn’t be louder than from the Maldives.

Can’t be anything else other than a paradise

In 2008, the then President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom sent a warning to the world that because of growing greenhouse gas emissions and the subsequent melting of the Polar Icecaps, that the sea level was rising to a point that was putting the Maldives in jeopardy of being covered completely by water.  In 2009, the new President Mohamed Nasheed pledged to do his part in saving the islands and in cutting greenhouse emissions by making the Maldives completely carbon-neutral as well as moving to solar and wind power within the next decade.

Sure the rise in sea level has everyone concerned, but is the Maldives in any real jeopardy?  Presently, the Maldives holds the current record as the lowest country in the world above sea level.  The maximum amount of land that is currently above sea level is 2.3 metres (7.5 ft).  There are some portions of the Maldives that are only 1.5 metres above sea level.  During the last 100 years, the sea level has risen 20 centimetres or 8 inches while estimates indicate that by 2100 the sea level will have risen 59 centimetres or a little over half a metre.  This means that by 2100, some of the lowest lying areas of the Maldives will only be one metre, the average height of a four-year old child, above sea level.

We must act now, or they’ll be gone

So obviously, the Maldives are in danger of being submerged, and once they are gone there will be no chance to ever again enjoy the level of diving, surfing, or whale watching that the Maldives has to offer.

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The world’s best resorts…nice

Those who enjoy stepping back in time will enjoy the Ashford Castle in Ireland. This castle was built in 1228 and at one point was part of the Guinness estate. In 2008, it was voted the best resort in Ireland by Conde Nast. Nestled in Cong, County Mayo, this castle has retained the majority of the original architecture and many other elements that date back to 1228. Of course, there is a modern flair and the comforts of home in each of the guest rooms. Rates start at €113 and can continue upwards to €850. Some rates will include a full Irish breakfast and while on the estate, guests can enjoy fishing, a lake cruise, or a walk through the gardens. The estate also has a nine-hole golf course designed by Eddie Hackett that is located on the grounds. Some of the estate activities may require an additional charge.

Fancy living it up in a Castle?

For a little adventure further afield, you can try the Singita Animal Reserves in South Africa. Here you’ll find luxury accommodation set in the wilds of Africa. While staying at the Singita, you will receive all meals and drinks, including alcoholic drinks inclusive of the price of the holiday. You’ll also be treated to two Land Rover safaris each day and an experienced tour guide will look after you. Some lodges have pools and guests can also relax by playing tennis, archery, or by going horseback riding. Rates begin around €800 per night for one bedroom accommodation.

South Africa - of course

If the wilds of Africa aren’t your thing and you want to relax in a place that’s a tad cooler, try the Le Melezin in the French Alps. The Le Melezin is a luxury ski resort built in 1992, but the history dates back to 1956 when the resort was opened as La Savoy. You will find the skiing at Le Melezin to be some of the finest in Europe and what makes it even better is that you don’t have to travel far from the resort to do it.

Fancy going colder?

While going on a safari, stepping back in time, or even going skiing at a posh resort may sound wonderful, you may want to keep it a little lower key, especially if you have young children. Some resorts that will keep things more low-key include The Four Seasons Aviara Resort North in San Diego. This resort has one of the best kids’ programmes around. For the tweens and teens, there’s a posh games room with pinball, pool, TVs, and other games to keep them occupied. For the younger crowd, bedtime milk and cookies as well as the playground pool will without a doubt be a thrill. Parents will love the child size toiletries, bathrobes, extra diapers and wipes, spout covers for infants, and bumper guards. Upon request, parents’ rooms can be childproofed. Nearby attractions include the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, the beach, and numerous parks/art galleries.

The Four Seasons. Classic holiday fare

For those looking for a little more fun in the sun, the Rosewood Little Dix Bay in the Bahamas may be just right. At Little Dix Bay, children are given nearly 3,000 square feet to play in. There’s a playground that looks like a pirate ship, and supervised activities in crafts, shell-hunting, treasure hunting, nature walks, “monkey lounge”, stone painting, and Caribbean folk art. Also, every Monday the Rosewood Little Dix Bay throws a pirate party for the kiddies. However, one of the great things about Little Dix Bay is that the kid’s area is separate from the rest of the resort. So for those of you looking for a romantic getaway, Little Dix Bay can accommodate you as well.

How about hitting the Bahamas?

But let’s face it, not all of us have €800 per night to spend on a resort vacation. The good news is, you don’t have to. There are plenty of resorts that offer luxury, adventure, and relaxation without breaking the bank.

In India, there is the Wild Orchid Resort. Here guests can swim in the Andaman Sea, spend a day on Havelock Island, and relax by taking in the views of the Havelock green hills. While at the Wild Orchid, guests will stay in cottages that have their own bathroom and they can take part in beach, fishing, and snorkelling excursions. Snorkelling trips are arranged by request and the Wild Orchid provides lunch, fins, snorkel, and masks for participants. Guests can dine at the on-site restaurant, The Red Snapper, and get a massage at the Ayurveda Spa which is also located on-site. You’re probably thinking, “Yeah, but how much?” Prices start at €29 for the Low-Season and €59 for High-Season. Rates include jetty transfers and breakfast for 2 people. There is no charge for children under 12 staying in their parents’ room.

India is emerging as a top holiday location

An inexpensive but luxury vacation doesn’t have to be in the far reaches of India though. You can travel to Florida and stay at the Cabbage Key Inn for a mere €87. The Cabbage Key Inn is located northwest of Ft. Myers and just below Boca Grande and is only accessible by boat. There are no roads or cars located on the island so it is the perfect escape from the rest of the world. Guests can relax on the beaches, fish, enjoy the nature trails, or dine at one of the two restaurants located on site. Fishing excursions are lead by a variety of charter companies and are an additional charge. There are a variety of cottages that guests can stay in or if you prefer, you can stay in a room at the Historic Inn.

Florida? Out of hurricane season though

The Saline Gardens in St. Bart’s also offers an inexpensive getaway. For €139, guests can escape to the sun and warmth of the sea. At the Saline Gardens, there are a variety of cottages that guests can stay in. Some of the cottages have a kitchenette while others do not. However, each cottage is decorated tastefully and has a private terrace that is landscaped beautifully so that you truly feel that you are in paradise. While on the island, guests can participate in wind surfing, surfing, snorkelling, deep-sea diving, waterskiing, and kite surfing. Guests can also enjoy land sports such as golf, tennis, horseback riding, and fitness activities. Afterwards, guests can relax by taking a yoga class or getting at massage at the spa.

St Barts. Nice.

No matter what you want in a vacation or where you want to go, there are plenty of resorts to choose from around the globe at every price level to meet every need. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, get your plane ticket, and get going on the vacation of your dreams!

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