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Did you see Jujuy - Argentina

2008-07-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

Full of contrasts, the Province of Jujuy opens up a plethora of dream destinations. Located in the extreme northern part of the North-eastern Region of Argentina, with altitudes ranging from 1259 m.a.s.l. to above 6000 m.a.s.l. it has a population of over 604 thousand people.

Its varied landscapes allows the traveller to practise different types of adventure tourism, while at the same time enjoying an immense landscape filled with colours, silences and sounds, amongst valleys and gorges, amongst mountains and water courses, and, all coupled to the simplicity and culture of its people.

Jujuy shares its 312 kilometres long northern frontier with Bolivia and in the west 139 kilometres with Chile. In the east and south it borders the Argentinean Province of Salta.

The Spanish conquistadors that arrived in these lands encountered numerous indigenous peoples, such as the Omaguacas, the Ocloyas and the Jujuyes. After several failed attempts to enter the Region, during which we may mention two occasions when settlements founded by the Spaniards were razed to the ground by the native population, the military superiority of the Spaniards finally prevailed and on April 9th, 1593, Francisco de Argañaraz y Muguía founded San Salvador de Velazco in the valley of Jujuy, the present capital of the Province.

During the wars for independence, Jujuy became the battlefield between the so-called Northern Army - el Ejército del Norte and the forces fighting on the side of the Spanish Crown. In 1812, the general Manuel Belgrano led an ordered retreat, known as the Jujuy Exodus - "Exodo Jujeño". The decisive action by general Martín de Güemes and the replacement of Belgrano by José de San Martín, ended in the liberation of the Province that achieved its autonomy in 1834.

In the territory of Jujuy, the traveller can go - always with San Salvador de Jujuy as a central point - from the almost glacier like cold of the Puna highland to the tropical warmth of the rivers close to the Río San Francisco River, passing through the temperate area of the Gorge of Humahuaca.

Thus, the traveller may chose without problem between a trek or horseback ride through the subtropical Andean low valleys - the Yungas, or else a tourist circuit of the so called Ramal Jujeño, which, although it is sometimes as a place of minor interest for tourism has the following to offer the traveller, the Valle Grande, Siete Aguas, Fraile Pintado and, especially the National Park of Calilegua, in which you will find the jaguarundi, the northern guemul and the River otter, three species in acute danger of extinction.

Throughout the Region, the houses seem to grow from the earth itself: made of adobe, clay and straw bricks, catching the attention of most tourists that visit the area, whether by car, biking, and hiking or by horseback.

Thus, Jujuy has become the Province of northern Argentina most visited by tourists. Its capital city of San Salvador de Jujuy, located 1660 kilometres from Buenos Aires, its rich history, its excellent roads, a modern airport, its multiple tourist circuits that include landscapes crowned by valleys and peaks, where one can practise all types of adventure tourism, coupled to its excellent network of services, makes this area a place to visit during any time of the year.

All you have to do is go there

Malaysia's Secrets

2008-07-16T14:54:00.000-07:00

Georgetown - The Deadly Junction - it is a T-Junction, located beside the Union High School, It Was said that if you ever drive across it late at night, your car will go out of control, & crash because there were many accidents happened there. some said that there is a tiny unknown tree which looks like a lady carrying a child beside the road, they saw her figure & a child screaming, some old folks said she was once a "bomoh"(witch) & she kidnapped her sister's son, somehow they never appear after being seen beside this "DEADLY JUNCTION".

Ipoh - St. Michael's Institution - A group of Catholics missionaries arrived in 1912 and began to build a school next to the famous Kinta River. It did not take long for the missionary brothers who run the school to have enough funs to erect a huge school building with unique French structural design. When WW2 broke out, the school was used by Japanese secret police and as their headquarters. Lots of torturing been carry out. In this unique building, there were many tunnels which had been seal off and these tunnels are used by the Japanese to torture prisoners and storage of food. Most sightings occurs in the Chapel on the fourth floor of the building. A Brother dressed in black robe, holding praying beads in sitting position facing towards the door which accessing to the brothers quarter in the early am and without a head. Those who had witness it are asked to kept it a secret and not to scare others fearing no parents would register their children in the school. A real skull produce in the school biology lab was found in the school back field.

Kuala Kangsar - Malay College Kuala Kangsar - Said to be a former site of a Japanese occupation camp during WW2. Students sometimes awakened by something that stares down directly at them. A marching platoon can be heard in the field. The sounds of chains. A tree on campus which is right beside a lamppost where the light shines down on it. The shadow produced is that of a man hanging from the tree.- this may be urban legend.A few though were conveniently historically 'situated' as they were old colonial admin buildings that were used by the Japanese during the Occupation in the 1940s where 'executions' would take place. Some of these buildings were the Victoria Institution (school), the Bukit Bintang Girls School (used to be methodist grounds,now demolished)

Kuala Kubu Bharu - Mara Junior Science College Kuala Kubu Bharu - In various parts of the building a white flying apparition has been seen.

Kuala Lumpur - Bukit(Hill) Tunku - A spooky place to be. Bukit (Hill) Tunku is actually one of the more elite residential areas in Kuala Lumpur. This place has many big and tall trees, and has this eerie feeling about it even at broad daylight and of course at night. It is said that a few years ago two youth embarked on a high speed motorcycle chase around the curvy roads of the area. One of the youth crashed at a dark stretch of the road, which is actually a very sharp corner. There have been claims about sightings of a young man riding a motorcycle at high speed, who mysteriously vanished in the dark.

Kuala Lumpur - Cheras - Poliklinik Cheras - Used to be a government hospital but it is being abandoned with no reason, been to the place before seems haunted and bizarre, rumors heard that there are still some dead patient that is loitering around the area.

Kuala Lumpur - Genting Highlands Resort - A famous hill-top resort and casino. Many people incurred gambling debts and committed suicide here. Some visitors leaving the hotel lobby reported seeing a man in red jump from the rooftop, just to disappear before he hits the ground. Certain rooms are not available for rent no matter how full the hotel was - those who have seen the inside reported that it was filled with old Chinese ghost wards. They would subsequently fall sick for days afterwards.

Kuala Lumpur - Highland Towers - A tragic event that will forever live in the memory of Malaysians. One of the 3 blocks of apartment at this place fell apart due to landslide and heavy downpour prior to that fateful day. And Highland Towers have become famous for claims of being a very haunted place. Voices of the dead can be heard at night and ghostly figures are said to have appeared at the scene. There are also a story about a taxi driver who picked up a woman passenger at the middle of the night and being asked to drop her at the place.She left a bag and the poor taxi driver found it to be full of blood!

Kuala Lumpur - Pudu Prison - Old prison that was abandoned after the area around it became commercialized. Reports of a strange thin Indian man walking the prison hallways and disappearing around the corner. Screams can be heard from the room where hangings take place. Certain areas such as specific cells and holding chambers were far colder than others. - Update: They are turning this back into a prison (for low security prisoners) as no one will take it up for commercial property as it is too well known for the hauntings. There were plans to turn it into a hotel where you can stay a night at the cell of the most notorious criminals. Actually, the listing is wrong about hangings. The hangings do not take place at Pudu prison. Unless its self inflicted/murder. Official hangings are done outside Pudu. There were of course many in-prison acts of violence that led to deaths of inmates. Many drug addicts were known to be victims of violent criminals and so they were moved out into another prison elsewhere.

Kuala Lumpur - Victoria Institution - A very famous landmark in Kuala Lumpur, V.I. a boys school was a Japanese base during the occupation of Malaysia. Many British soldiers and locals were brutally tortured to death in the basement and some of the older buildings on the campus. It is said that not only are apparitions common in the day as well as the night, there have been many cases of spirits possessing students. The possessed boys would behave strangely, even violently, harming other students and teachers only to snap out of it a few hours later and remember nothing, even when they were forcibly restrained, their bruises would disappear when they returned to normal.

Pahang - Tras - Police Station in Tras - During the 1950’s a police corporal and his wife were found in a state of shock and terror after opening their door to an unknown figure. Many police personnel were terrorized by this “entity” that other policemen would rather resign than being transferred to this remote station.

Perak - Ipoh - Tambun - Sighting of an old lady on the roadside while driving.

Perak - Ipoh - Tambun Inn - Lights reported to turn on and off and sounds of whispering.

Perak - Kellies Castle - sometimes door are opened themselves. lots of scary screaming voices........

Puchong - Puchong House - Evil drawings on the walls. Some say the ghost of a woman who resided here before haunts it. Other than that, just stepping into the house is enough to keep you awake for months.

Selangor - Ampang - S.K (1) Kuala Ampang - Could hear taps in the toilet running by itself and sightings of a lady in white walking behind the school compound.

Australia - Pemberton to Perth

2008-07-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

Deep in the heart of Western Australia's south-western forests is Pemberton, where you'll wake up to the tranquil sounds of nature.

Make the Gloucester Tree lookout the first stop. Climb the pegs to the top of the impossibly tall tree for a commanding view of the forest canopy - a truly 'top of the world' experience.

If you're feeling peckish, refuel at your choice of the many cottage-style restaurants in the area, all offering excellent gourmet meals or simple, country fare.

Then spend the afternoon exploring some of the trails and tracks leading into the forest, remembering to keep a sharp lookout for native wildlife that inhabits the area.

Alternatively, browse the galleries, woodcraft studios and shops of Pemberton and visit some of the local wineries.

While not as famous as its neighbour, the southern forests share the same weather and soil composition as Margaret River , and produce some sensational wines.

Many of the wineries are family owned and operated, so you'll find the service personal and friendly. It's not uncommon to be greeted by the owner, who will be happy to provide samples of their wines and show you around - there's something special about sharing a glass of good wine with the person who made it.

Take a few bottles away to enjoy back in Perth, about a four and a half hour drive away, or continue travelling through Western Australia's serene south west if you can't bear to leave this luscious part of Western Australia.

Kanker Palace in India

2008-07-16T14:42:00.000-07:00

AFTER A 100 KM RIDE ON NH43 across the dry hot flat Chattisgarh plain, the Charama Ghat suddenly appears, and the first hints of green forests to come.

Hardly 40 kms more and you arrive in Kanker (Kaan-kair), a small historic town once capital of the princely state at the geographical boundary of Chattisgarh and Bastar.

The royal family of Maharajadhiraj Aditya Pratap Deo (second left) have opened part of their private residence to visitors, maintaining an informal elegance amid many mementoes of their splendid Rajput past.

Maharajkumars Surya (Jolly - second from right) and Ashwini (Jai - far left) are the Palace hosts, together with elder sister Kumari Anuradha Devi (right), offering an exceptional standard of homely hospitality and tours in the tribal hinterland, including North Bastar.

From Kanker, an hour's drive up the beautiful Keshkal Ghat brings you into tribal North Bastar, with visits to colourful weekly markets, the Saathi crafts centre and villages of the Muria Gonds. And it is now possible to explore South Bastar comfortably from the Naman Bastar Resort near Jagdalpur, about three hours' drive away on the excellent National Highway 43.

Heaven of Turkey - Bodrum

2008-07-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

Bodrum today begins an hour before dawn, as the night time silence is broken, from the minaret's heights by the rhythmical wailing of the muezzin summoning the faithful to the first of the day's five calls to pray.

With the muezzin's call to prayer as a metaphor for daytime and night time pursuits. For many it is a wakeup call, the start of the day's activities. For many others it is a call to bed, as they wend their way home at the close of Bodrum's active Nightlife. This contrast perhaps signifies Bodrum's uniqueness and diversity as a holiday resort, offering on the one hand watersports, excellent shopping, dining and Nightlife, while at the same time fervently maintaining its cultural and historical heritage. Day or night, Bodrum has it all.

Bodrum occupies a special place in many people's hearts. A popular home and resort for Turkish artists and intellectuals, Bodrum's first remembered literary character was known as the "Halicarnassus Fisherman". After the formation of the Turkish Republic in 1923 Cevat Sakir Kabaagacli was exiled to Bodrum due to his unpopular political expressions. His subsequent books and stories about life in Bodrum attracted like minded romantics to the town and were largely responsible for creating the Bohemian atmosphere Bodrum enjoys today. In fact although mostly unknown outside Turkey, Cevat Sakir Kabaagacli ranks with King Mausolus as one of Bodrum's most famous residents.

You are never far from the sea anywhere on the Bodrum Peninsula, making Bodrum itself an ideal starting point from which to visit the many peaceful havens along its beautiful coastline. In August the average daily air temperature is 33 C with warm seas of 25 C, perfect for any aquatic activity.

To be truthful, beaches in the Bodrum area are not the best in Turkey, tending to be rather narrow and shingly. However, in every village or resort, in front of hotels and seaside restaurants, there are wooden jetties for sunbathing, free for everyone's enjoyment. There is never a lack of comfortable, uncrowded space for swimming and sunbathing. Another plus is that the rent-a-bed bunch are not to be seen. While some hotels do reserve their sun beds for their own guests, first come first served is the rule on local beaches.

It is difficult to find cleaner, clearer water than that on the Turkish coast. No matter where you go, visibility is always excellent. This combined with an absence of heavy seas or strong tides and currents make the Bodrum area a swimmer's and snorkeler's paradise. For those interested in spending more time underwater than one breath there are several scuba diving centers in the area offering instruction and equipment hire, for the beginner or expert.

Recently declared one of the world's best windsurfing areas by a popular windsurfing magazine, you are never far from a board anywhere on the Peninsula.

Windsurf schools and rental facilities abound, particularly in Gumbet and Bitez. If you're after speed and thrills of a different kind, water-skiing, jetskiing and parasailing are also available on several beaches.

As a major boat building and Yachting center it is only fitting that you can enjoy boating from almost anywhere on the Peninsula. From canoes and pedaloes to luxury motorsailers, all types of craft are available. Perhaps the most inexpensive aquatic excursions are the numerous dayboat trips. Locally captained and crewed these boats make a day of it; stopping at the best swimming areas on the way and usually calling at a seaside restaurant for lunch.

One popular stop on such excursions is "Karaada" or Black Island, where warm springs flow from a shoreline cave into a walled-in pool jutting into the sea. In addition, daily or weekly charters may be enjoyed on literally dozens of yachts, be they the traditional Turkish Gulet, for motor Sailing comfort, or modern Sailing yachts, for those interested in serious Sailing.

If you prefer to spend your holiday ashore, there's plenty to do for the landlubber as well.

Turkey is the proud possessor of more recognized historical and archaeological sites than any other country in the world. Bodrum's Aegean location offers the opportunity to see some of the best. From the spectacular Ancient city of Ephesus or the unique Temple of Apollo at Didyma to quaint and secluded Iasus, a two thousand-year trip into the past is only a few hours away. Travelling by organized tour, rent-a-car or public bus, numerous spectacular sites are close enough to be visited easily in a day. Bodrum's own History is second to none.

Birth place of Heredotus (the "Father of History"); home of Mausolus, entombed in one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; and visited by Alexander The Great (who enjoyed a lengthy stay), Bodrum is a unique combination of Ancient and modern. Sites not to be missed in Bodrum itself include the Mausoleum, the amphitheater on the hill above town and the early fifteenth century Castle of St. Peter. Spectacular in its own right with its lush gardens, massive stone works and diverse towers, the Castle also houses a world famous museum of underwater archaeology.

If you like to shop then Bodrum is for you. Leather is abundant, in the latest fashions and at excellent prices. Turkey is one of the world's largest carpet producers and traditional hand made carpets are priced considerably less than abroad. Hand made jewelry, brass, copper, woodcrafts and gifts are plentiful and sales are usually conducted over a friendly glass of tea and a serious discussion about price. Turkey is also a large textile producer and modern sportswear can be had at significant savings. The local tailors are perfectly willing to custom make clothing to size, be it traditional Turkish trousers "shalvar" or a copy of the latest casual evening wear.

Market day in Bodrum presents an opportunity to experience a real Turkish bazaar. Ever Thursday and Friday farmers and tradesman from surrounding villages bring their produce and wares to the Bodrum bazaar. Worth a visit for the atmosphere alone, fantastic bargains can be found on everything from fresh fruit, cheeses and aromatic herbs and spices, to carpets, clothing and shoes.

As Bodrum has become more popular over the past few years services have steadily improved, creating in Bodrum a complete self contained community for visitors and residents alike. Doctors, dentists, laundries, car repair, shops and utilities now cater for almost every need.

Visiting yachtsmen are now provided with the services of the Karada Bodrum Marina, whether staying for a night or a season. The new three hundred and fifty-berth marina offers every service a yachtsman could ask for, resulting in many boat owners berthing here permanently.

Bodrum is definitely growing, with Turks and foreigners alike attracted to its warm, relaxing atmosphere. Growth inevitably brings change, but fortunately some things will always stay the same.

In Bodrum you can always count on the sunny weather, the warm hospitality of its residents, the sight of a fully laden camel wending its way through the back streets and from the top of the minarets, the wailing cry of the muezzin, calling the faithful to prayer.

The Secret Paradise of Greece - Halkidiki

2008-07-16T14:16:00.001-07:00

Halkidiki is a peninsula, southeast of the city of Thessaloniki (Greece's second largest city). With its characteristic three peninsulas (Kassandra, Sithonia, Athos), it resembles a trident piercing the Aegean. Sunny, golden sandy beaches, deep and picturesque gulfs, traditional villages and modern tourist resorts, small islands and sheltered bays, pine-clad hills descending to the sea, Mediterranean climate and magnificent natural beauty compose the picture of today's Halkidiki. The capital of Halkidiki is Poligiros, located in the center of Halkidiki (69 km from Thessaloniki). Transportation is made mainly by car or by bus and the closest airport is "Airport Macedonia", near the city of Thessaloniki.

History
Inhabited approximately 700,000 years ago, as revealed by the foundings from the prehistoric area of Petralona. Neolithic villages and villages from the Copper Period were located in the west and central Halkidiki, many cities flourished, among which "Olynthos" was the most popular one (archaeological sites of Olynthos, Potidea, Stagira, Toroni).
In 384 BC Aristotle, the great philosopher and Alexander the Great's teacher, was born in Stagira. Halkidiki took its name from city of Chalkis, located in Euboa, that colonized it in the 8th and 7th century BC. Kassandra took its name from Kassandros (King of Macedonia) , Sithonia from Sithon, a son of God Poseidon and Athos was named after a giant called Athos. In the 9th century the first monastic communities were established in Athos. Today, the monastic state of Athos (also called "Holly Mountain"), is a shelter of Byzantine monasteries, caves, monks, prayers, a "mountain-church" for the thousand-years Christian Orthodox religion.

No matter where you go, Halkidiki cannot fail to please you. Throughout, an effort has been made to develop tourist facilities that are in keeping with the natural surroundings. Most of the hotels and private homes in the area are built in the traditional Macedonian style, designed to enhance rather then detract from the environment. In planning for tourism, the people of Halkidiki have tried to make their resorts as appealing and as ecologically sound as possible.