When you think of a nation comprised of thousands of islands thoughs of white sandy beaches, para-sailing, and scuba diving come to mind. Yet there’s many ruins from native cultures that are disbursed throughout the islands and well-worth a visit, even if it means a day away from the water.
Lelu Ruins -20 ft high basalt walls, stone paths, canals, structures, and tombs make up this 13th century city that was once the capital of a now defunct empire.
Menke Ruins -Requiring an arduious trek reminescent of something from “Indiana Jones” this former Temple of Sinlaku, the Goddess of Breadfruit, has religious platforms, basalt walls, and living quarters that have long since been taken over by the jungle.
Nan Madol -Considered by many to be the “Machu Picchu of the Pacific”, is made up of “islets” built out into the waters of the lagoon and was home to primarily priests who presided over the crypts and tombs that are a large majority of the site. Estimated to be as old as 2 AD, these ruins were once home to less than thousand people and have walls that are roughly 25 ft high around each structure.
The Many Sights of Taipei City
Hong Kong and Taiwan are the only 2 provencies currently that aren't under traditional communist China rule. Taipei City is the capitol of Taiwan and home to it's chief ruling party, acknowledging the Chinese principle of "Separate, but One".
What: National Palace Museum
Where: 221 Chih-shan Rd Sec 2, Tel: 886 2 2881 2021, Fax: 886 2 2882 1440
Why: Completed in 1965, this museum is modelled after the “Forbidden City” in Beijing, China and contains the largest collection of Chinese artifacts in the world—some 650,000 pieces. The Museum has 2 adjacent gardens that embody the principles of Chinese gardens with water features, pagodas, and ponds. However the museum kindly requests that no pictures be taken on property.
What: Taipei 101
Where: 3/F 45 Shi Fu Road
Why: Billed as “the” tallest building in the world and featuring the fastest elevator to match it. Even if you aren’t intrigued by the science behind this modern marvel, it’s well worth a visit to the observation deck on the 92nd floor for a stellar panoramic view of the city.
What: Shihlin Night Market
Where: Chung Shan North Road, Sec 4
Why: There’s numerous “night markets” throughout Asia, and especially in Taipei, but I especially recommend this one for college students because it’s located near a local University and is frequented by it’s own students. Boasting great food and goods at below market prices, this is a great place to meet your foreign peers over beef noodles or Shihlin sausage (pork).
What: Taipei Zoo
Where: No.30 Sec.2 Xinguang Rd
Why: Featuring a Koala House, Insectarium, and a petting zoo, this facility is 165 hectares. It’s comprised of various small hills and valleys that are home to well-manicured forests that display over 600 different species of fern that are native to the island of Taiwan.
What: Lungshan Temple
Where: 211 Guanghzhou Street
Why: A legendary holy site, this is the oldest and most popular temple with over a hundred deities being worshipped here at any time. Having suffered damage due to earthquakes and US bombing during WW2 this temple has been rebuilt on numerous occasion and is well-known for their Lion/Dragon dance during the Chinese New Year.
What: National Palace Museum
Where: 221 Chih-shan Rd Sec 2, Tel: 886 2 2881 2021, Fax: 886 2 2882 1440
Why: Completed in 1965, this museum is modelled after the “Forbidden City” in Beijing, China and contains the largest collection of Chinese artifacts in the world—some 650,000 pieces. The Museum has 2 adjacent gardens that embody the principles of Chinese gardens with water features, pagodas, and ponds. However the museum kindly requests that no pictures be taken on property.
What: Taipei 101
Where: 3/F 45 Shi Fu Road
Why: Billed as “the” tallest building in the world and featuring the fastest elevator to match it. Even if you aren’t intrigued by the science behind this modern marvel, it’s well worth a visit to the observation deck on the 92nd floor for a stellar panoramic view of the city.
What: Shihlin Night Market
Where: Chung Shan North Road, Sec 4
Why: There’s numerous “night markets” throughout Asia, and especially in Taipei, but I especially recommend this one for college students because it’s located near a local University and is frequented by it’s own students. Boasting great food and goods at below market prices, this is a great place to meet your foreign peers over beef noodles or Shihlin sausage (pork).
What: Taipei Zoo
Where: No.30 Sec.2 Xinguang Rd
Why: Featuring a Koala House, Insectarium, and a petting zoo, this facility is 165 hectares. It’s comprised of various small hills and valleys that are home to well-manicured forests that display over 600 different species of fern that are native to the island of Taiwan.
What: Lungshan Temple
Where: 211 Guanghzhou Street
Why: A legendary holy site, this is the oldest and most popular temple with over a hundred deities being worshipped here at any time. Having suffered damage due to earthquakes and US bombing during WW2 this temple has been rebuilt on numerous occasion and is well-known for their Lion/Dragon dance during the Chinese New Year.
A Day in Kingston
Sometimes it’s not about being in a place that’s considered “paradise” by a lot of people in the known world. Sometimes it’s about getting lost in a culture and way of life that’s all it’s own. Sometimes, it’s about being in Kingston.
There you can visit places like St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral which is fashioned entirely out of vulcanic bricks and is a mixture of romantic, moorish, and georgian styles.
Or get a guided tour of the oldest Botantical Gardens in the Americas. Complete with an aviary that houses the nation’s national bird, the St. Vincent parrot (Amazona Guildingii).
Go just west of Kingston, and witness Fort Charlotte which stands 600 ft about the bay, and discover the history of the Black Caribs.
Then venture to the *Kingston Market *where fresh fruit and vegetables are on display, along with the best of the day’s catch.
There you can visit places like St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral which is fashioned entirely out of vulcanic bricks and is a mixture of romantic, moorish, and georgian styles.
Or get a guided tour of the oldest Botantical Gardens in the Americas. Complete with an aviary that houses the nation’s national bird, the St. Vincent parrot (Amazona Guildingii).
Go just west of Kingston, and witness Fort Charlotte which stands 600 ft about the bay, and discover the history of the Black Caribs.
Then venture to the *Kingston Market *where fresh fruit and vegetables are on display, along with the best of the day’s catch.
5-Star Mediterranean Island Getaways
Spring is almost here, and summer will shortly follow thereafter. What better time of year to island throughout the Mediterranean Sea and stay at 5-star hotels, affordably priced through CheaperthanHotels.co.uk!
You could start off the coast of France in Corsica--where Napoleon Bonaparte was born. There you could have a relaxing stay at La Villa Hotel in Calvi.
From there you can take a little ferry ride over to Malta, off the coast of Sicily. There you can spend the night at Corinthia Marina Hotel in St Georges' Bay. A great place to enjoy the beach, go power boating, or water skiiing.
Head to Sicily, and by plane you can then fly all the way to Crete, the home of the lengend of the "Minotaur". Where Mythos Palace will welcome you with it's exotic appeal, and natural splendor.
You can then venture to Cyprus, the 3rd largest island in the Mediterranean and enjoy a luxorous night at Le Meridien Spa/Resort in Limassol. Hosting 7 different restaurants featuring French, Italian, and local cuisien.
Finally you can venture to the island of Corfu, named after the Greek God of the Sea's consort, Korkyra. A place rich in history and tradition, and located just off the coast of Greece, the Corfu Palace Hotel is great place to get some rest.
You could start off the coast of France in Corsica--where Napoleon Bonaparte was born. There you could have a relaxing stay at La Villa Hotel in Calvi.
From there you can take a little ferry ride over to Malta, off the coast of Sicily. There you can spend the night at Corinthia Marina Hotel in St Georges' Bay. A great place to enjoy the beach, go power boating, or water skiiing.
Head to Sicily, and by plane you can then fly all the way to Crete, the home of the lengend of the "Minotaur". Where Mythos Palace will welcome you with it's exotic appeal, and natural splendor.
You can then venture to Cyprus, the 3rd largest island in the Mediterranean and enjoy a luxorous night at Le Meridien Spa/Resort in Limassol. Hosting 7 different restaurants featuring French, Italian, and local cuisien.
Finally you can venture to the island of Corfu, named after the Greek God of the Sea's consort, Korkyra. A place rich in history and tradition, and located just off the coast of Greece, the Corfu Palace Hotel is great place to get some rest.
Climb a mountain in St. Martin
Face it. We’re not all meant to make it to the top of summits like Everest, but in St Martin you can take a little hike up to Paradise Peak, aptly named for it’s wonderful panoramic view of the island below. And at a little over 1400 ft, it’s the tallest point on the island.
On the way back down you may wish to see Loterie Farm and learn about the island’s history and visit the structures on it’s property.
You can also venture over to Mount Concordia, the original site that marked the division between St Martin and St Marteen, and see the ruins of an old sugar plantation.
On the way back down you may wish to see Loterie Farm and learn about the island’s history and visit the structures on it’s property.
You can also venture over to Mount Concordia, the original site that marked the division between St Martin and St Marteen, and see the ruins of an old sugar plantation.
Get Married in New Zealand!
Instead of having your wedding in a boring white chapel with your in-laws snoring in the background, why don't you elope to New Zealand.
You know? That place you've seen used for exotic and surreal fantasy locations in films and TV shows like "Lord of the Rings" and "Hercules" & "Xena".
Here in the majestic mountains and white sand beaches you can have the most romantic time of your life, especially with these hotels!
Criterion Art Deco Backpackers in Napier-A great place to do some hiking and cuddling!
Le Grand Boutique Hotel in Hamilton-Relax in this posh, lodge-style hotel over a cup of hot cocoa!
Huka Village Resort in Taupo-This "campy"-style resort with private bungalos is perfect for those that want to "get away" and venture back to nature.
Hulmes Court B&B in Dunedin-Get cozy in this New England-style B&B!
Hamurana Country Estate in Rotorua-This spacialous turn-of-the-century-style mansion is the perfect place to start a new beginning!
You know? That place you've seen used for exotic and surreal fantasy locations in films and TV shows like "Lord of the Rings" and "Hercules" & "Xena".
Here in the majestic mountains and white sand beaches you can have the most romantic time of your life, especially with these hotels!
Criterion Art Deco Backpackers in Napier-A great place to do some hiking and cuddling!
Le Grand Boutique Hotel in Hamilton-Relax in this posh, lodge-style hotel over a cup of hot cocoa!Huka Village Resort in Taupo-This "campy"-style resort with private bungalos is perfect for those that want to "get away" and venture back to nature.
Hulmes Court B&B in Dunedin-Get cozy in this New England-style B&B!
Hamurana Country Estate in Rotorua-This spacialous turn-of-the-century-style mansion is the perfect place to start a new beginning!
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