Archive for June, 2008
Monaco
Although it’s more a pre-breakfast stroll than a country, Monaco packs a lot of living into a little land. Most of the people who dwell here come from somewhere else, drawn by the sun, glamorous lifestyle and-most importantly-tax-free income. This is the playground of Europe’s elite, a country where Lady Luck might clean you out […]
Switzerland
lt’s not much of a problem finding scenes of devastating beauty in Switzerland. The clichés are all here: soaring peaks, tumbling waterfalls, sparkling lakes, quaint rural houses and, of course, cows grazing contentedly in their verdant Alpine meadown. Towns and cities offer picture-perfect medieval centres and colourful parades and festivals. Trains wind through the mountains […]
Philippines
Closer to Spain and Mexico via the fabled galleon trade, and some say to Hollywood bt way of its showbiz politics, the Philippines remains Southeast Asia’s destination of surprises along routes less traveled. There are more than 7000 shimmering islands to choose from, plus endless fiestas, but best thing is the sense that there are […]
Trinidad-tobago
Tobago and its twin island, Trinidad, are the Caribbean’s odd couple. ‘Little sister’ Tobago is relaxed, slow-paced and largely undeveloped. Trinidad is a densely populated, thriving island with a cosmopolitan population and strong regional influence. li’s famous for hosting the loudest and wildest Carnival in the Caribbean, whereas on Tobago the reefs are calm and […]
Guam-northern marianas
Looking for tribal villages or ancient cultures untouched by the modern world? You won’t find them in Guam, as this strategic US territory isn’t in the ‘Tropical Paradise’ mould. You’ll have more luck in the Northern Marianas, with their turquoise waters, white sands, fine diving, snorkeling and hiking. And if you really want to get […]
Sudan
The ancient Egyptians knew Sudan as the Land of Cush-a source of great hidden treasures that made Sudan-the largest country in Africa-the object of invasion and exploration for much of its long and tumultuous history. This land that stretches from the Sahara to the Red Sea to the swamps of the Sudd, is a diverse […]
New zealand
One could be forgiven for thinking that Mother Nature decided to take her best features and exhibit them all in in this South Pacific island nation. All the classics are there-awe-inspiring Alps, plunging fjords, expanses of pristine beach, dense rainforests, active volcanoes-but what makes this such a stellar performance is the sheer concentration of it […]
