Paris, France, nicknamed “The City of Lights”, is a place of exceptional beauty and romance. With so many things to do and places to see, make use of your limited time by visiting the most memorable places.

Start your visit by exploring the oldest part of Paris, the Latin Quarter. There are several métro (subway) stops for that area: St. Michel, Cluny-La Sorbonne, or Cardinal Lemoine. The Latin Quarter’s 17th century buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, old stone fountains, and sidewalk cafes, will make you feel like you are lost in time, and in some ways you are, as life here has stayed the same for hundreds of years. Everywhere you walk, you are surrounded by history. Many famous writers, such as Ernest Hemmingway, Albert Camus, Jean Paul Sartre, and James Thurber frequented its bars and cafes. Take time to visit the Pantheon, an immense neoclassical church where Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Victor Hugo are buried; take a tour of the Sorbonne, one of the world’s oldest and most famous universities; and visit the Cluny Museum of Medieval Art where you can view the famous 15th century Lady and the Unicorn tapestries, and other medieval masterpieces of art. Of course, you must also visit Notre Dame Cathedral, located beside the Seine River. It is famous for its beautiful stain glass windows and majestic architecture. Visit the Bell Tower, made famous by Victor Hugo’s novel “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”. This amazing church is over 800 years old and still standing!

As the day ends, have a seat at one of the many sidewalk cafés. Relax and enjoy a cup of coffee (a “café au lait” or a “café crème” in French) and have a delicious freshly-made pastry, preferably filled with the famous Chantilly whipped cream. If you are a visitor from North America, you will notice that the French coffee has a different (but nice) taste, as it comes from the Arabian peninsula, not from South America. Later go for dinner at any of the many restaurants along Rue Mouffetard. The nearest métro stop is “Place Monge”. The French cuisine is excellent—try the charbroiled steak with garlic butter and herbs and a roasted asparagus salad topped with balsamic vinegar. And, of course, try the French wine with your meal. It’s wonderful and very inexpensive. Believe it or not, but ordering water will cost you more than wine! Only in France!

Later in the evening, walk down to the nearby Seine River. Paris was built on both sides of it, and thankfully most of the major monuments such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower were built near the river. At night all of the major monuments are lit up by huge spotlights. Take an evening cruise down the Seine River to experience first-hand why Paris is called “The City of Lights”. Some cruises even offer dinner and drinks.

The next day take the métro to “Abbesses” and explore Montmartre, a huge neighborhood atop a hill overlooking all of Paris, famous for its bohemian lifestyle and village-like atmosphere. Beginning in the 1860’s, Montmartre started to attract artists, especially painters, who wanted to experience first-hand its alternative lifestyle, its incredible architecture and its awesome views of the city. It quickly became the haunt of many well-known 19th century artists. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec made this area famous when he painted many of the beautiful women who danced the can-can at Montmartre’s scandalous nightclubs, such as the Moulin Rouge. His lively and colorful images immortalized a part of Paris’ history, an era when people lived for the moment and enjoyed life to the fullest. Take the time to experience how many of these artists lived by going for lunch or dinner at Le Consulat Restaurant in Place du Tertre on Rue St. Rustique. It was the hangout for Renoir, Monet, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Cezanne. It still serves traditional French cuisine and the restaurant itself hasn’t changed in over 100 years!

Strangely, in the midst of such a bohemian area like Montmarte is one of the world’s most beautiful and impressive churches: the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur. It’s on top of the hill, and overlooks all of Paris for a distance of 50 kilometres (30 miles). Visit this church and then spend the afternoon walking around the neighborhood. In some parts, you may come across huge gardens with vineyards full of grapes. These gardens are remnants of when Montmartre used to be a small village and made its own wine. Everywhere you go you will see many artists outdoors sketching and painting—life here still remains the same, much as it did over a century ago.

The next day, visit the Hotel des Invalides (the métro stop is “Invalides”). It is famous for its collection of military artifacts, such as the displays of uniforms worn by Napolean’s soldiers. You will be surprised how short men were in the early 1800’s. Of major interest, however, is the Tomb of Napoleon, the former famous emperor of France. He is buried here in a majestic domed building, befitting his regal status. The impact that this man had on history was immense, as he nearly conquered all of Europe. As you walk about Paris you will notice on the sides of many bridges and buildings a carved “N”, which stands for Napoleon. Everywhere you go there is some reminder of him.

Two museums that you must see are the Louvre (the métro stop is “Louvre Rivoli”) and the Musée d’Orsay (across the river from the Louvre). The Louvre has been described as the world’s most famous museum, housing an art collection in a palatial setting that is so immense you could spend the entire day there—it has 35,000 pieces of art. Its three most famous pieces of art are the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Venus de Milo. After your visit, treat yourself to hot chocolate at Café Angelina at 226 Rue De Rivoli (across the street from the Louvre). This café dates back to 1903 and is famous for its elegant surroundings, its African style hot chocolate (“Chocolat Africain” in French) served with chantilly cream, and its huge selection of pastries, more than you can ever imagine! It is an experience you will never forgot.

Devote at least half a day in order to visit the Musée d’Orsay, a world-class museum housing an immense collection of impressionist paintings. The métro stop is “Solferino”. Its collection includes the works of Renoir, Manet, Degas, Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, Cezanne, and Pissarro. You may even recognize some of the places in the paintings, as many of the scenes were painted in Montmartre.

In addition to its art and architecture, Paris is also famous for its fashion industry. For fabulous shopping, visit the two department stores Galeries Lafayette and La Samaritaine. Galeries Lafayette is set in a beautiful palatial building with a glass-domed roof that has a rooftop café, offering a spectacular view of the city. Its métro stop is: “Chaussée d’Antin” or “Opéra”. The building is an architectural masterpiece. You will marvel at its dome with its hundreds of stain glass windows. Shopping in this luxurious setting is an experience you will never forget. La Samaritaine has less grandeur, but this Art Déco building has an amazing selection of clothes and gifts to buy, and it has a rooftop café with a 360 degree view of Paris. The métro stop is “Pont-Neuf”. Check first to see if it is open, as it has been closed for renovation for several years. It is expected to re-open in 2011.

Of utmost importance is to take time from your sightseeing to just relax and walk along the tree-lined banks of the Seine River and explore this city. As you discover Paris’ incredible beauty, your most memorable moment may be the sense of peace and calm that this city has given you. It truly is one of the most elegant and beautiful cities in the world! Your only regret will be the day that you have to leave it!

About the author:

Eric Alexander Hamilton lives in Vancouver, Canada. He loves travelling and has lived in several cities such as Paris, London, and Zurich. His passions in life are photography and writing, particularly about travel, self-help and spiritual topics. To him, writing and photography are a natural match, as witnessed in his web site, www.lifedestiny.com. With each passing day, he is trying to follow the advice of the famous American writer, Jack London:, who said: “The proper function of man is to live, not to exist.” It’s advice we should all follow.

There are several major cities in Vietnam that visitors should be sure to tour while they are in the country, and these include the capital, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City, which was formerly known as Saigon and is now Vietnam’s largest center.

One of the most invigorating Vietnam holidays involves a trip to Cat Ba Island in Ha Long Bay in the Hanoi region, and this tour should be on every tourist’s to-do list. Cat Ba is an adventure tourist’s dream and this 140sq.km. island offers countless kayaking, rock climbing and trekking opportunities.

Vietnam is full of testaments to its deep religious roots. In Ho Chi Minh City is the Notre Dame Cathedral remaining from the French occupation. Its stunning architecture and historical significance is a sight that no person on a Vietnam holiday should ignore. Also in Ho Chi Minh City is the Giac Lam Temple built in 1774 it is one of the oldest Chinese Buddhist Temples in Ho Chi Minh City.

In Ho Chi Minh the War Remnants Museum formerly known as the Museum of Chinese and American War crimes displays of the inhumanity that the Vietnamese have faced at the hands of its many foreign occupying forces.

While in Thanh Hoa, tourists should also pay a visit to the nearby Ben-En National Park, which is known for its eco-tourist activities and which features a 4,000 hectare lake containing twenty-one individual islands.

You must explore Halong Bay by boat on your Vietnam travel, do also consider joining a traditional restored junk boat cruise, which is a pretty unique option. Some cruises go into the cavernous limestone caves, which are also called grottoes. Some of the most popular caves include Hang Dau Go, Bo Nau and Hang Hanh and along the way you will see small fishing boats which are selling their fresh caught seafood, which is a great way to sample the freshly caught local seafood.

The venue of the Hanoi Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is an extremely popular one, however, and visitors should make sure to buy tickets several days in advance.

Use just some of the many online resources to plan your next travel adventure with complete ease and we can recommend the travel guide at http://www.puretravel.com/Guide/Asia/South-East_Asia/vietnam which contains lots of tips, photos and itinerary suggestions for your trip.

Mumbai, the commercial capital of India, attracts thousands of tourists everyday who keep visiting this city to explore various places of tourist interest in and around the city. This industrial and financial hub is a world class city with great traditions of hospitality. This biggest metropolitan of India has myriad of tourist option to be explored. Stunningly situated on the coast of the shimmering waters of the Arabian Sea, the city is also famous for its lively beaches and bustling nightlife. Finding an accommodation is quite easy as the city is home to numerous accommodations including 5 star hotels in Mumbai.

The city exhibits diversity of cultures and it wouldn’t be an exaggeration if it is called a melting pot of cultures. It is the place where you can come across the skyscrapers and dazzling malls on one side and slum dwellers on the others. The people from all across the India and the world visit this city to meet their diverse ends. Excellent infrastructure, bustling nightlife and cosmopolitan culture are some of the apt definitions of the city. Five star hotels in Mumbai have added a new chapter in hospitality arena with their quality accommodation and amenities and services offered.

The city is one of the must visit cities for the leisure as well as business trippers as it is replete with a number of tourist attractions in and around the city that include Asiatic Society of Bombay, Atria Millennium Mall, Banganga, Bhuleshwar, Bombay Natural History Museum, Bombay Stock Exchange, Chor Bazaar, Chowpatty Beach, Crawford Market, Elephanta Caves, Essel World, Fashion Street, Film City, Flora Fountain (Hutatma Chowk), Gateway of India, Gurdwara Shree Guru Singh Sabha, Haji Ali Mosque, Hanging Gardens, High Court, INS Vikrant, Jehangir Art Gallery, Jijamata Udyaan, Juhu Beach, Kamala Nehru Park, Marine Drive and others.

After daylong sightseeing of the various tourist attractions of the city, the tourists can return to the five star hotels in Mumbai to enjoy warm hospitality of these hotels. These accommodations in Mumbai are fully equipped with an array of facilities that include Broadband Facility, Business Centre, Convention Centre, Fax, Free Newspaper, Satellite TV, Free Room Service, Front Desk, H/C Running Water, Hair Dryer and all other amenities required for a comfortable stay.

About the author:

Susanta is the author of Travelmaxx which provides complete information about hotels in India that includes Five star hotels in Mumbai.

Over the past couple of decades windsurfing has continued to grow in popularity worldwide, attracting thousands of thrill-seekers who love the adrenaline rush this sport delivers. Spots like Hawaii, Australia and Greece have all been destinations of choice for adventure travelers looking to hit the wind and waves on their vacation. However, while these windsurfing vacation spots are perhaps the most popular they are far from the only good options available. The beauty of this sport is its accessibility worldwide. Anywhere a large body of water is found there exists the opportunity to feel that rush. Today, I am going to focus on windsurfing vacations in the UK. Here are a few of the best spots in Britain, Scotland and Wales:

Where to Windsurf in Britain
 
There is no shortage of great locations in Britain to catch the wind, both on and off the coast and from every level of experience from beginner to expert. If you are traveling with surfers with varying levels of experience then Poole Harbour in Dorset is a good option. One of the largest natural harbours in the world Poole Harbour offers great coastal surfing with shallow water, excellent wind speeds, and is accessible all day, regardless of tide (though the best conditions will be found at mid to high tide). There is a shipping lane in Poole Harbour so windsurfers and kitesurfers alike will need to avoid the middle of the harbour. Make certain to be vigilant for smaller craft (yachts and power boats) as well. Don’t have your own board? No problem. There are plenty of sports shops offering rentals.

Poole Harbour isn’t the only hot spot for UK windsurfing. Camber Sands offers another great spot for beginners with a shallow lagoon to get one’s feet wet. Other options include Hayling Island, and for those who want some very basic practice before hitting the water then Hove Lake is a great place to get started.

Where to Windsurf in Scotland and Wales
 
The highlight of a Scotland windsurfing vacation is without a doubt the island of Tiree. Its consistent Atlantic winds have made it a well-known hotspot for windsurfers and kite-surfers worldwide.
In Wales, Rhosneigr and Anglesey are two of the best known destinations, but these regions cater to experienced windsurfers who are long time veterans of the sport as the conditions can get pretty hairy at times. Beginners are better off trying their luck at Pembrokeshire Coast in South Wales.

With clubs all over the UK windsurfing is a sport that will continue to grow in the region, and as word spreads the Britain, Scotland and Wales will soon become a well-known international windsurfing vacation hotspot, much like Hawaii and France are now. If you are looking for somewhere new to dip your board on your next holiday definitely look at the UK as a solid option.

Whether it’s discovering the ruins, diving and snorkeling, visiting major cities, or studying cultural differences, Mexico has it all! Whatever the tourist is looking for, they can find it in this country.

1 – Discover The Ruins

The Aztec and Mayan ruins in Mexico are really worth seeing. Three of the most popular sites are Chichen Itza and Tulum on the Yucatan Penninsula, and Tenochtitlan in Mexico City.

Chichen Itza and Tulum are side trips available to anyone visiting the Mayan Riviera or Cancun. It is well worth taking in both to get an understanding of the Mayan culture. El Castillo is the highest pyramid on the site at Chichen Itza. The structure was built for the Mayan astronomers and during the spring and fall equinox in the mid-afternoon, the sunlight hits the balustrade’s main stairway. This causes a series of triangles to form imitating the body of a serpent that creeps downwards until it joins the serpent’s head carved in stone the bottom of the stairway.

Tenochtitlan, located on the perimeter of Mexico City, was originally built on an island in the middle of a lake in the 1300s. It housed a population of around 200,000. The Aztec civilization was similar in many ways to the Mayans but it is worthwhile comparing the two. With the arrival of Cortez in 1519, the population was wiped out, mainly as a result of smallpox.

There are also many other ruins that are much quieter and more spectacular. Palenque in the Mexican state of Chiapas located near the Guatemalan border, is something that shouldn’t be missed. The peaceful ruins, situated in the jungle, are massive. It is easy to imagine a whole civilization existing within the site hundreds of years before. It’s about a 5 hour bus trip from the closest city of San Cristobel but it is well worth the journey. There are plenty of small posadas to stay in overnight in the town of Palenque.

There are also smaller ruins to visit near the city of Merida in the state of Campeche. Uxmal, Kabah, and Sayil are located a few kilometers outside of the city. Be prepared to make a full day of it because transporation can be an issue.

2 – Go Diving Or Snorkeling

The best scuba diving in Mexico is located around the Island of Cozumel and off Puerto Morelos on the Mayan Riviera. The warm, clear, calm turquoise waters make the whole area a diver’s paradise. The coral reefs are protected and therefore support many fish varieties.

Cozumel was recognized as one of the top 10 diving sites in the world by Jacques Cousteau a half a century ago. There are many reefs off the island that can be discovered through local tours.

Puerto Morelos has it’s own protective reef 600 meters offshore and is great for scuba divers and snorklers. Locals offer diving lessons and beginners can get their PADI Certification, which is recognized worldwide.

There is also another type of diving that is very popular on the Yucatan Penninsula. Cenotes, or underwater caves, are located throughout the Yucatan. They are part of the Mayan underground river system. Even though scuba diving is the only way to experience some of the cenotes, a few are good for snorkelers.

One of the most interesting places for snorkeling is Xel-Ha (pronounced shellha) on the Mayan Riviera. It is easily accessible by bus from Playa Del Carmen. In the protected lagoon, the cenotes are easily maneuvered through. Be prepared to hold your breath in a couple of places though. It is a very large lagoon with walking trails for those who don’t want to experience swimming in the natural aquarium.

3 – Explore The Major Cities

Exploring parts of Mexico City is like traveling through Europe. Italian architecture and even monuments are direct copies of the originals. The city is huge but well worth exploring. It takes at least 3 hours to travel from one end to the other by car, if the traffic is light that day. No wonder Mexicans tend to run on Mexican time! That is the way it is in one of the largest and most populated cities in the world.

The National Museum of Anthropology is probably the best way to understand Mexican culture. You need at least 3 hours to absorb all the information. It is also worth taking a visit to the Basilica and visiting the site of the Virgin de Guadalupe.

Guanajuato is a city of hills and narrow crooked streets. It is situated in the northeast part of Mexico and was one of the richest silver areas during the 18th century. The beautiful baroque facades on many of the city buildings are a reminder of the opulence of the period.

Even though the mine is no longer in production it is possible to revisit the past through its subterranean streets and the Boca del Inferno, a shaft that plunges 600 meters
.
Guadalajara has the most fantastic shopping in the country! Artisans from all over bring their wares to sell at the huge markets. The old city dates back to the 1600s. The main zocolo (square) is surrounded by buildings from the same era.

A nice way to spend an evening is listening to the music or taking a horse drawn carriage ride around the city. Allow at least 2 hours.

4 – Study And Understand The Cultural Differences Within Mexico

San Cristobel de Las Casas is located in the state of Chiapas, near the Guatemalan border. It is a mixture of Maya, Zapatistas, and traditional Indians. The people of this region fought hard to keep their cultures. Even now the Shamans and Catholic priests share space during religious ceremonies in the highlands during carnival every year. The Festival of San Sebastian takes place in the city of Chamula. It is an unbelievable procession of native tribes, in their traditional garb making the trek to give thanks to their Gods.

In order to be a part of these traditions, a local guide, who is allowed into the celebrations, must escort outsiders. The people are extremely poor and this is a major festival where they can sell their handmade wares. The weaving is extremely fine.

Puerto Vallarta, although a fairly new city by Mexican standards, began centuries ago as a small fishing village. One of the most interesting cultural events in the city takes place during the Christmas season. Beginning in December, people from surrounding cities and villages start arriving in Puerto Vallarta to celebrate the Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Each night, the streets are closed and food vendors supply traditional dishes. More and more celebrations take place until December 12th.

On that day all the people, whether they are indigenous and believe in pagan gods, or Catholics, celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe’s appearance in the 1500s. They pass through the largest Catholic church in Puerto Vallarta, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and leave their offerings and flowers.

It is a national holiday that is celebrated throughout Mexico with the largest being in Mexico City at the Basilica.

The walled city of Campeche often gets bypassed by tourists. The city was built by the Spaniards in 1540 and became very profitable as a port city. Because of it’s wealth it attracted pirates and so the walls with it’s bastions were built in the 1600s. The buildings within the walls are mostly colonial and one gets a sense of what life was like 500 years before.

The people of Campeche are a mix of Maya and Spanish. They speak a much faster dialect and many of them are bilingual with Mayan being their second language. In the surrounding villages, Mayan is often the first language spoken.

The Copper Canyon in Northwest Mexico is home to one of the most peaceful tribes in the country. The Tamahumara Indians have lived in the depths of Copper Canyon for hundreds of years. They live very simple lifestyles and produce some magnificent pottery.

The Tamahumara have remained very unaffected by the outside world because of their isolation. A rail line runs from Los Mochis to Chihuahua City in Northern Mexico and there is access into their villages from the Creel stop. The roads into the canyon are very rough though and the drop is deeper than that of the Grand Canyon. Even though groups of tourists do have the opportunity to visit, many prefer not to make the trip.

Mexico is such a diverse country and has much to offer the traveler.

About the author:

Susan Gerle has driven and Bussed throughout Mexico. She also lived in the country for a year recently. She has been writing and publishing articles since 1998.

Throughout history Cyprus, once one of the world’s busiest ports, has been an object of desire in the covetous eyes of Greece, Turkey, Persia, Britain and Rome. The troubles first started more than 3,000 years ago when Mycenaean merchants arrived from Greece and continues to this day as Greece and Turkey wrestle for control of this Mediterranean paradise.

Despite the long history of political turmoil Cyprus remains a major tourist vacation destination, which speaks to the beauty and the cultural richness of this region.

So what is there to do and see on a Cyprus vacation? There are no shortage of options, and like most vacations personal taste will be the major factor in helping decide an itinerary. I’ve taken the time to compile some of the highlights of the best activities, cultural experiences, and historic sites to enjoy during your trip to Cyprus.

Nicosia

A visit to the capital city of Cyprus will immediately illustrate the ongoing conflict for control of this nation. The city is controlled by rival factions of Greek and Turkish. However, baby steps are being made in resolving the dispute between the two countries and in 2008, the wall on Ledra Street that had been a symbolical division between the two nations was finally pulled down after 32 years.

The highlight of a visit to Nicosa is exploring the Old City. Easily recognized by the 16th century walls that were erected to protect against invasion, the Old City houses the Byzantine Museum which contains Cyprus’s most ancient icons, dating way back to the 7th century. On the grounds of Byzantine you’ll also be able to visit the 350 year old St. John’s Cathedral where you can marvel at its beautiful 18th century mosaics.

If you aren’t “museumed out” by Byzantine you can move on to the Leventis Municipal Museum where history buffs can view artifacts ranging in date from the Byzantine period to the current era.

Paphos

One of the most popular tourist destinations on Cyprus is located on the western shoreline of the country. With a multitude of beautiful beach resorts and villas to rent Paphos is the ultimate place to relax and soak up the sun. However, you won’t want to cool your heels for too long as there is plenty to experience in this region as well.

Make a visit to the Tomb of Kings part of your itinerary. Carved into the seaside cliffs this historical site is almost 2,500 years old. You’ll feel the weight of centuries of history as you wind your way through ancient pillars, descend staircases into dusty tombs, and marvel at elaborate carvings dedicated to the Ptolemaic aristocrats who were interred there. Though the name of the site suggests otherwise no kings (or other royalty) were ever entombed here.

From there continue on to the House of Dionysus, a 3rd century Roman villa containing some of the world’s most beautiful mosaics. The mosaics of the House of Dionysus vary widely, with some giving insight into the daily lives of the people to depictions of the gods of Greek mythology.

Troodos Mountains

Tourist resorts not your thing? Looking for an adventure more off the beaten path? Or perhaps you’re simply looking to escape the mercilessly hot sun of the coastal beach resorts for a day or two? In either case a trip to the Troodos Mountains will give you the reprieve you desire.

Here you can tour ancient but still thriving villages and get a first-hand look at the culture, art, and cuisine of the region. Troodos Square is a highlight, lurking in the shadow of the 6,400 peak of Mount Olympus.

Historic monasteries also dot the region, the most famous of which is the 12th century Kykkos monastery. Here you can view a beautiful painting of the Virgin Mary by St. Luke, and just a hop, skip and a jump away you can visit the tomb of the first president of Cyprus – Makarios III.

Limassol

Another region world famous for its beautiful beaches is the southern seaside resort city of Limassol. Besides its gorgeous beaches the region is also renowned for its sugar cane and for its delicious wines. If you are a wine connoisseur then you’ll want to try and plan your vacation around the annual 10 day wine festival that takes place each September, affording visitors the opportunity to sample some of the country’s finest vintages.

Of course, Limassol also offers its share of history as well, and once you’ve had your fill of contemporary culture you can travel back in time to ancient Cyprus by visiting Limassol Castle or Kilossie Castle. Of course the real archaeological jewel of the area is Kourioun. Stroll through the ruins Ancient Greek temples, or marvel at the mosaics within the House of Achilles. For a once in a lifetime experience take in a musical performance at the 2nd century B.C. Roman Era Theater. Treat your ears and your eyes simultaneously as you listen to the performance while gazing out over the Mediterranean.

As you can see a vacation to Cyprus is an amazing adventure that will appeal to travelers of almost every taste. Whether your idea of paradise if relaxing on beautiful beaches, sampling delicious food, and drinking some of the world’s best wine, or getting covered in dust while exploring ruins dozens of centuries old Cyprus will give you an experience you will carry with you throughout your lifetime. You can rent a vacation villa and cool your heels in one spot for a couple of weeks, or be more nomadic and stay at a different hotel every night. Whether a budget backpacker or a luxury traveler I promise you will love every minute of your time on Cyprus, and no matter how long you visit you’ll find yourself wishing you could stay just a few days longer.

Phnom Penh is a difficult city to write about, for many reasons. It is a city rife with contradictions; extreme poverty and opulent luxury exist side by side, seemingly in harmony. Ancient temples of long ago glory sit next to bombed out buildings, never repaired, simply used as is. Beggars mournfully approach, displaying missing limbs, sheared off by land mines, only to turn around and produce a cell phone from the folds of their garb to text a friend.

Another reason I find it difficult to write about Phnom Penh is the mindset I was in at the time, I fear that I will not do this great Asian city the justice it so deserves. I arrived in Phnom Penh the day after receiving an email from back home imparting the news to me of the death of a close friend. Perhaps this was the worst possible time for me to visit the Tuol Sleng Museum and The Killing Fields; when my own mortality was foremost in my mind. Perhaps it was the best possible time; when my mind was most open to truly understanding what happened here, during the horrific and brutal reign of the Khmer Rouge regime. Whatever the case may be, there I was, on my own in Phnom Penh, with a load on my mind, and I threw myself into exploring the city and it’s surroundings, so that I didn’t have to think about what was really on my mind, and in my heart.

I arrived in Phnom Penh from Siem Reap by a combination of bus, then boat. Phnom Penh is situated at the convergence of the Tonle Sap, Mekong and Bassac Rivers. After an idyllic sunrise ride through the floating markets and villages along the Tonle Sap Lake, it was a bit overwhelming to be dropped off amongst a manic crowd of moto-taxi drivers clamoring for my business, many of them, I was told, heavily addicted to what is known locally as Yaba, or more commonly known as Yama, a form of methamphetamine.

I picked the one standing furthest away from the frantic cluster of moto-taxi drivers; in other words, the one I thought looked the least drug-addicted and therefore not so desperate to earn $2.00.

He showed me a photo album with the name “Same Same But Different” emblazoned across the front. This was a bit of a cheeky name for a guest house. “Same same, but different” is a phrase you’ll hear throughout Thailand and Cambodia. It applies to the mass of backpackers following the “route” through SE Asia looking for that unique, off the beaten path experience. It barely exists anymore, and finding it usually requires no small effort on your part. So they use it amongst the foreigners to describe whatever latest tourist destination might have made it into Lonely Planet, or Rough Guide, etc. For example; Me: “Can you take me to the Reclining Buddha?”

Tuk-tuk driver: (driving in the complete opposite direction of my destination): “Ya ya. I take you there.”

Me: (speaking a little more slowly now) “The Reclining Buddha. I want to go to the Reclining Buddha.”

Tuk-tuk driver: “Ya ya. Same same.” But different, as I soon discover after being dropped off in front of some sort of temple that appears to be utterly Buddha-less. To the locals that work in the business of tourism, one destination is as good as another and I assumed my moto-taxi driver in Phnom Penh thought the same.

I flipped through his album, looking at pictures of the Same Same Guesthouse, but he had me at the first page. It was situated on Boeng Kak Lake and the first photograph showed a sunset shot of their stilted bamboo patio, potted palms in silhouette against the sky, a couple of travelers sipping on some cold Angkor beers, watching the sun go down on the lake. That was enough for me, and I agreed on the $2.00 (US) fare as he piled my rucksack precariously on his handlebars and I jumped on behind and off we went, at breakneck speed, for my first glimpse of the city of Phnom Penh.

The first thing I noticed was the amount of scooters and motorcycles streaking about on the roads, with what seemed like entire families perched upon them. The most I saw was a family of five (including their young baby) piled atop one another, baby astride the mommy’s hip, cruising carelessly along, flip-flop clad and helmetless. By the end of the day, I was no longer agog at such sights.

The second thing I noticed was the gorgeous French colonial architecture, amid bombed out buildings, outdoor markets that seemed to lack any sort of organization, Buddhist temples, and well kept modern styles of building. What a unique, eclectic city.

My driver entered what seemed a labyrinth of tiny, dirty alleyways, turning this way and that, still at incredible speeds, and finally pulled up in front of the Same Same Guesthouse, where he kindly deposited my rucksack at the front desk for me. I gave him a one dollar tip and he seemed a little overwhelmed by that, smiling and bowing repeatedly at me, hands clasped in front of him, prayer style.

I was given the choice of a room with a private bathroom ($4.00 US) or a shared bathroom at the end of the hall ($3.00). I decided to splurge on the private bathroom, and once in my very basic room (fan, lumpy bed with sheet, rickety bedside stand); I opened the bathroom door with relish, anticipating a nice long, cool shower. I immediately closed the door and vowed never to open it again. It resembled a dark, concrete cave, and I swore I saw something move in there when I opened the door, something that maybe hadn’t been exposed to the light of day for a very long time. Shared bathroom it is, I thought.

I went down to check out the lakefront patio and it was everything the photo I’d seen had promised. Low key chill-out music drifted from the speakers and a few backpackers sat around, quietly discussing the best sights to see while in Phnom Penh, all the while gentle waves lapped quietly at the moorings. After a long day’s travel, this was the perfect place to sit back and watch the sunset after I ordered a Khmer curry dish with rice and a cold bottle of Angkor to wash it down. (All for about $3.00 US).

There are quite a few of these lakefront guesthouses clustered along the edge of Boeng Kak Lake, all with perfect sunset vantages, and they range from the very basic (like mine) to slightly fancier, some even boasting air conditioning and pillows and blankets with your bedding. Price ranges are all ridiculously cheap, though. In the evenings, after sunset, most of them show movies in the common area, should you need a night off from the frenetic Phnom Penh night life. One of the guesthouses, while I was there, showed Mel Gibson’s Braveheart nightly, to a packed house of English, Irish and Scottish, all of them cheering on their own country, as though history hadn’t told them just how it was going to turn out.

The next morning I mentally prepared myself for what I had actually come here to do; explore the Tuol Sleng genocide museum, and The Killing Fields. I had picked up a book in Bangkok called Surviving the Killing Fields on the recommendation of a fellow traveler who had just returned from Phnom Penh. It’s written by Haing S. Ngor, who also played the part of Dith Pran, a Cambodian journalist in the movie The Killing Fields. It’s a graphic first hand account of one man’s tale of survival of the “Intellectual Cleansing” carried out by the Khmer Rouge, with Pol Pot at its head. I found this book to be very disturbing, to say the least, but it also brought home to me what I was going to see here, which when hearing about it back home, seemed far off and not quite real. Not so now. Reading this book may not have helped my state of mind any, after the sudden death of my friend, but I feel that to really understand a country’s people and it’s culture, you must explore both the glorious and shameful aspects of its history.

According to the Khmer dictionary, Tuol Sleng, which was named long before the Khmer Rouge appropriated it for their horrific purposes (it was once a high school), loosely translates to mean “Poison Ground.” This couldn’t be more appropriate. The very air felt poisoned there. After stopping on my way in to give a dollar or two here and there to the amputees begging outside the prison walls, having lost limbs to one of the many land mines this country still hides under its soil, I paid the entrance fee and began to explore in earnest. The former classrooms of Tuol Sleng Highschool were converted into prison cells, with all the windows enclosed by iron bars, and covered with barbed wire to prevent any possible escapes. Some were divided into small cells, designed for single prisoners, some left as is and used to house mass groups of prisoners. In each cell, the regulations were posted on small pieces of black board, including rules such as “While getting lashes or electrification you must not cry at all,” or “Do not make pretexts about Kampuchea Krom in order to hide your jaw of traitor.”

The cells were mainly left as they had been during the reign of Pol Pot, iron beds with shackles, set in the center of the room, and in some rooms you can see splatters of what appears to be blood staining the ceiling or the walls. One of the most disturbing aspects of the museum, I found, was the Khmer Rouge’s attempt to document each and every prisoner that had come through its doors. This was evidenced by a collection of photographs taken of the men, women and children that had passed through here, or died here. The photographs are now on display in black and white throughout the museum and along the hallways. Some of the prisoners stare at the camera distantly, eyes glazed over, spirit broken, but some stare defiantly into the camera, challenging. Some faces still show evidence of brutal beatings. Some very few, heartbreakingly, smile into the camera sunnily, as though they know they will soon be released into the waiting arms of their family. The photos of the children are the hardest to bear witness to. But bear witness we must.

I left there shaken and decided to wait until the next day to visit The Killing Fields. I just didn’t think I could take any more that day. I hopped onto a moto-taxi and headed back to the guesthouse. In dire need of some light-hearted entertainment, I made my way to what I had dubbed “The Braveheart Guesthouse”, ordered an Angkor, sat down on the Scottish side of the room, and joined them in cheering on William Wallace (apologies to my English husband, but I think the Scottish needed more than Mel Gibson on their side.)

The next morning, slightly rested after a night of fitful sleep, I awoke to the single drum beat of the Buddhist monks gathered in the alleyway outside the guesthouse. The drum beat marks the beginning of their early morning chant, which echoes back and forth among the concrete buildings as they make their way from door to door accepting donations of rice, fresh baked bread and the like. I took this as a good note to start the day on, and made the journey over to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, the most well-known of the sites of mass burial graves used by the Khmer Rouge to dispose of their victims.

If you have ever been to Auschwitz, in Poland, you’ll find shades of it echoed here in Cambodia. There is a commemorative stupa, a tower of skulls encased in glass, a monument to the victims who were murdered here. Also on display are the clothes that were taken off the bodies before they were tossed into the mass burial pits, many of these clothes were used again on new prisoners brought into Tuol Sleng Prison. Most disturbing of all, perhaps, are the shoes left behind by the victims, some small enough for tiny baby feet.

I wandered around the surrounding fields and forest to pay my respects at the mass graves; now empty pits in the ground; small wooden signs to mark their existence. As I made my way around them, small Khmer children ran up to me again and again, taking my hand and imploring me to “take picture,” as they smiled sweetly up at me. To these children, who didn’t live through the horror of the Khmer Rouge, this is just another opportunity to make a dollar or two, but it just didn’t feel right to me to be taking pictures with happy children as though we were in Disneyland, so I smiled back at them and sent them on their way.

By backing Pol Pot, the Chinese, and, more subtly, the U.S.A., have done a great disservice to this country. An aide to Jimmy Carter has said that Pol Pot was an “abomination,” but admitted to “encouraging the Chinese to support him.” During the Khmer Rouge regime, at least 200,000 Cambodians were murdered, many of them considered intellectuals. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, accountants and the like were among the first to be executed. Eventually it came to the point that if a person wore glasses, they were considered to be an intellectual, and this gave the Khmer Rouge cause to execute them. Who knows how many generations this loss of Cambodia’s greatest resource, knowledge, will impact in the future. Much of the Khmer Rouge regime will never be brought to accountability for their actions, one reason being that it was an army comprised largely of children, who were simply doing what they had to in order to survive.

After spending two days looking at the aftermath of genocide, I had some misgivings about heading out to the shooting range and firing a gun, at anything. But a line from a movie kept sticking in my head, in which one character enthuses about how, in Phnom Penh you can “blow up a cow, for, like, a dollar.” Not that I desired to fire a bazooka at some poor, unsuspecting cow, quite the opposite. My intention was to tag along with some English fellows that I’d met at the guesthouse and observe as they fired AK-47’s, etc, with solemn promises not to “blow up any living creatures.”

We were presented with a menu when we arrived. This included target shooting with AK-47’s, Uzi’s, M-16’s, and 12-gauge, semi-automatic combat shotguns. There were more options, but my knowledge of weaponry only extends so far. Nowhere on the menu was there a cow on offer, but there was an option to blow up a car, for the hefty price of $200 US. However, as the saying goes, money talks. And in Cambodia, if it’s to blow up a cow you desire, then a cow you shall have. One of my new friends was pulled aside and discreetly offered a chicken, if he wanted to target practice on one, but he politely declined. After sipping a couple of rounds of cold beers in the shade, and firing off a few rounds (I know – beer and guns – bad idea,) we left with wallets considerably lighter than when we’d arrived. It’s more expensive then you think to visit the firing range here, with most target practice starting at $20 US.

Shootin’ guns is thirsty work. Or not. But it’s a good excuse to head out on the town for a drink or two. And if you’re looking for a night of mayhem, with very little recollection the next day, then Phnom Penh is more than happy to deliver. A book written by Amit Gilboa, addresses this very subject. Off the Rails in Phnom Penh, a controversial look at the dark side of Phnom Penh, offers a somewhat disjointed take on the drug addiction, prostitution, and general lawlessness that many expats are drawn to there. It’s not pretty. But it’s there, and you can’t ignore it. Sex tourism, sadly, is big business in Phnom Penh, bringing many foreign visitors over for the young boys and girls on offer there.

However, if it’s just a drink you’re after (and I sincerely hope so), then a few watering holes of note include; Elsewhere, The FCC, the Magic Sponge Bar, and of course, the rather infamous Heart of Darkness, which seems to draw mixed reviews. I think it depends on the crowd present on the night you’re there. My experience there was great, if not so much the next day. It’s open until sunrise, and I took full advantage of their long hours. At one point, I was surprised to see many locals dancing to Dead Kennedy’s Holiday in Cambodia. I asked one of the locals who had joined me on the dance floor if he knew the lyrics to it, meaning, “Are you okay with dancing to a song about Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge?” He made a peaceful gesture with his hands, kind of pushing them down and away from himself and said, “No Khmer Rouge. Just dance. Have fun.” Okay. Got it. And this is pretty much the reception you’ll receive when trying to broach the subject of the Khmer Rouge with any of the locals. The younger ones, at least.

After you’ve shaken off your ridiculous hangover the next day, there’s a lot more that this city has on offer besides The Killing Fields and gun ranges. Take a stroll through the outdoor markets and down to the Tonle Sap riverfront, it makes for a pleasant walking tour, and many sights worth seeing are nearby, like the Royal Palace, and the neighboring Silver Pagoda. You can also take a river cruise for a different vantage of the city. There are plenty of great restaurants and pubs along the river as well.

When it comes time to return to your guesthouse, the cyclo, a bicycle rickshaw, is a more relaxing, and even cheaper way to get there than by tuk-tuk or moto-taxi. There is somewhat of a language barrier with the drivers though, as they tend to be older and know a lot less English, or other foreign languages, than the moto-taxi drivers, so explaining your destination can be a bit of a challenge, and lead to some interesting end results. When I asked my cyclo driver for a ride to the Same Same Guesthouse, he smiled and nodded and began on his way. I was confident that he knew what I meant, but after an hour in what felt suspiciously like the wrong direction, I began to wonder. I gestured for him to pull over at a gas station, and went in and tried to explain my situation to the staff there. Luckily, they spoke some English and were able to translate to him where I actually wanted to go. They told me that he had mistaken my request and was taking me to a town some two hours away, where he thought I wanted to go. I was thankful that we had caught our misunderstanding before it was too late, but I couldn’t help marveling at the fact that he was still willing to pedal me two hours away for $2.00!! I gave him $4.00 when he brought me safely to my guesthouse and he was ecstatic.

After a couple of weeks of city living in Phnom Penh, I was more than ready to hit the beach again, but I’m glad I got to experience all that what was once known as “The Pearl of Asia” had to offer, and it’s an experience I know I won’t soon forget.

About the author:

Paula Wallis makes her home in beautiful British Columbia in the Best City in The World, Vancouver. She spends her spare time seeking out the best beaches in the world and is a huge fan of hammocks. Follow her on fanaticnomadic.blogspot.com

When one thinks of a vacation to Italy the first destinations that spring to mind are popular tourist destinations like Rome, Venice and Florence. Obviously hitting just those three destinations will give you a varied overview of Italian culture, while affording you the opportunity to see some of Europe’s (and the world’s for that matter) most historically significant sites. However, if you’ve already seen these wonders and are looking for an experience more off the beaten track then a visit to the Isle of Capri might be an experience that will appeal to you.

Part of the region of Campania, a rugged stretch of Italy’s coastline liberally peppered with islands, Capri is just a quick boat ride away from the mainland. After that a bus ride, followed by a chair lift ride will have you at the apex of the island and a view of the mainland, and Capri’s sister islands that will absolutely take your breath away.

The natural beauty of the Isle of Capri is undeniable, and can certainly hold its own against popular Greek Islands destinations like Santorini, Rhodes, or Mykonos. The island abounds in olive groves and beautiful garden terraces that adorn Capri’s rugged cliffs and hills. From your vantage point you can see Mr. Vesuvius looming in the distance, and the city of Naples is clearly visible across the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean.

For those who enjoy hiking there is a plethora of paths to explore and whether it is an ancient villa, crumbling ruins, or a pristine whitewashed church you never know what you’ll stumble across. Sightseeing in the Isle of Capri is fantastic, and even the most indolent will find themselves energized to climb to the many amazing vistas to be found on the island.

The Isle of Capri features two main villages – Capri Town on the eastern portion of the island, and a steep traverse up the hill from Capri will take you to Anacapri. The latter is a bit more laid back than the larger village that sits in its shadow, but still offers plenty to see and do.

The highlight of the Isle of Capri is its beautiful Italian villas. Legendary historical figures like Julius Caesar and Tiberious Caesar built summer villas on the island in the distant past, and many others followed suit over the centuries that came after.

Villas Jovis is one of the most popular destinations on the island as it is the most well-preserved of the ancient Roman villas. Once upon a time this complex was unmatched in opulence, featuring soaring halls, large baths and beautiful gardens.

Looking for something a little more modern? Visit Villa San Michelle. A little over 100 years old this villa was constructed at the behest of author Axel Munthe. The villa is now a museum and visitors will enjoy a magnificent view across Marina Grande as they arrive at its precarious perch over the island.

For a little different adventure take the boat trip over to the Blue Grotto. Marvel at the incredible brilliance of the light reflecting off the water. It is one of many such grottos near the Isle of Capri, but is widely considered the most spectacular.

This is just a brief overview of what you will enjoy on an Isle of Capri vacation. If you’ve been to Italy before and have the luxury to explore a spot a little off the usual tourist track then definitely consider Capri as a potential destination option.