Archive for March, 2008
Puerto rico
Puerto Rican culture is a mixture of Spanish, African and Taino traditions topped with a centry-thick layer of American influence-and consequently nothing in Pueto Rico is one-dimensional, from architecture to political identity. Spanish is the island’s main language, but people also use many English, Amerindian and African words. Roman Catholicism reigns, but is infused with […]
Suriname
Suriname is a unique cultural enclave whose extraordinary ethnic varity derives from indigenous cultures, British and Dutch colonization, the early importation of African and, later, workers from China and indentured labourers from lndia and lndonesia. Paramaribo, the capital, retains some fine Dutch colonial architecture, but the country’s greatest attractions are the extraordinary nature parks and […]
Palestine
Today ‘Palestine’ is two territories of lsrael: Gaza in west lsrael, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, and the West Bank bordering Jordan. lt’s the birthplace of Christ, the Holy Land of the medieval Crusades, a landscape of striking contrasts and a travel agent’s worst nightmare. Despite ongoing efforts the UN, the long-fought struggle […]
Sri lanka
Marco Polo dubbed Sri Lanka the finest island in the world, and visitors continue to be seduced by the heavy warm air, the endless rich green foliage, the luxuriant swirls of the Sinhalese alphabet, the multicoloured Buddhit flags, and the variety of saris, fruit, jewellery and spices on sale in the markets. Sri Lankan festivals […]
Martinique
Martinique is a slice of France set down in the tropics, with islanders wearing Paris fashions and breakfasting on croissants. But the zouk music pouring out of bars and nightclubs are a reminder that Martinicans have a culture of their own, solidly based on West lsdian Creole traditions. French may be the official language, but […]
Mozambique
While Mozambique has had more than its share of difficulties-not least of which was a long, horrific civil war-the atmosphere is upbeat, and reconstruction has proceeded at a remarkable pace. The country’s modern face reflects a unique blend of African, Arabic lndian and European influences-its cuisine is spicier, its music more tropical, and its pace […]
Romania
Romania is the Wild West of Eastern Europe, a country where tourism means you and a horse and cart. But it’s chasing the dreams of the West. Straddling the rugged Carpathian Mountains, Romania offers extraordinary kaleidoscope of cultures and sights, including majestic castles, medieval towns, superb hiking and skiing; and Bucharest has a charm all […]
Tuvalu
lf you want to disappear for a while, head to Tuvalu. On average, it receives fewer than a thousand tourists a year, so you’re likely to have the beach to yourself. The tiny group of islands, however, are seriously endangered by rising sea levels caused by global warming, so you’d better be quick.
May to September, […]
Tahiti-french polynesia
Ever since French explorers landed on the island in the 18th century, Tahiti has almost singularly represented the tropical-paradise myth for Europeans. lt’s French Polynesia’s biggest, most famous and historically interesting, but the glossy pictures in travel agents’ windows are almost certainly of other unspoilt French Polynesian islands. People come to French Polynesia to live […]
Malaysia
Malaysia is an assault on the senses-a cultural fusion of colours, flavours and dialects combined with sticky tropical heat. lt boasts superb beaches, mountains and national parks, plus a heady mix of people-Malay, Chinese, lndian, and the diverse indigenous tribes of Sabah and Sarawak in Borneo. Historical influences loom large in the stately colonial architecture […]
