10 great things about the Vendée.

Why the Vendée?

Stunning lakes

Planning a holiday this year? With 27 regions to choose from and an abundance of national and regional delights to discover and enjoy, what is it that makes the Vendée region of France so special?

1. It's easy to get to.

It’s only a 6 – 8 hour drive from Calais, 3 hours from St. Malo and is served by 3 local airports at Nantes, La Rochelle and Poitiers. So it’s within easy reach of the UK whether you’re a couple, family with children or even if you have a dog in tow.

2. It's the second sunniest region of France.

With an average of 2,400 hours sunshine a year, the Vendée boasts a Mediterranean climate with temperatures in the summer months regularly reaching 20 degrees. Spring and Autumn also often enjoy excellent weather but even in high summer it is rarely too hot for comfort.

3. It has about 146 km of coast.

Much of the Vendée coast is blessed with sandy beaches, enormous horizons and lined with pine forests and sand dunes. There is a mixture of tourist towns, coastal villages and vibrant harbours like St.Gilles Croix de Vie and Les Sables d’Olonne. The combination of sunny climate and rolling Atlantic make it a perfect region for surfing , sailing and even fishing.

4. It's got fabulous rolling countryside.

Known as the bocage, the Vendéen countryside combines areas of rolling hills and woodland with stunning lakes and rivers. Head to the lake at Mervent to find fresh water swimming, gentle water sports and lakeside dinning all with a beautiful woodland backdrop.

5. It's home to Green Venice.

To the south of the Vendee, the maze of quiet, tree lined canals in the Marais Poitevin is an artist’s delight. A haven for wild life but home to a number of traditional French towns, this is the place for a riverside lunch or leisurely boat ride.

6. Hundreds of kilometres of foot and cycle paths.

Whether you’re in a group of tried and tested walkers or a family with tots in tow, there is something here for walkers or cyclists of all ages and abilities. Maps are available from nearly every town hall or tourist office and apart from the route, the maps provide details of distance, estimated time and points of interest along the way. Bikes are available for hire throughout the region and you’re almost guaranteed to find the routes are well maintained and clearly marked.

7. Fishing is a regional pass time.

With mile after mile of rivers and canals and a huge diversity of lakes, there is fishing of every kind in abundance in the Vendée. Permits for public waters are easily to obtain and cost approximately E30 and for that you’ll get 15 days of consecutive fishing between the 1st April and 30th September.

8. Historical interest in spades.

Fontenay

Whether it’s architecture, history, religion, markets or just outstanding beauty, the Vendée is awash with villages and towns which simply beg a visit. From renaissance market town Fontenay Le Comte with its walled medieval castle to fortified Vouvant (one of the most beautiful towns in France) with its stunning vistas down over the river Mere, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to places of interest.

9. Lots and lots for families to do.

If your kids have had enough of the swimming, riding, sailing, canoeing, surfing, karting and paint balling don’t despair. The Vendée has everything from medieval demonstrations to tree top assault courses, a zoo, water park and of course the world famous, completely unique Puy du Fou theme park.

10. Food glorious food.

Finally of course it shouldn’t remain unsaid that the Vendée is in the heart of France, home to great food and wine. Children and dogs are nearly always welcome in restaurants and eating is often al fresco and always something special.

The perfect holiday destination.

With the Loire valley with all its charms just a short distance to the North and La Rochelle and the Charente Maritime within an hour’s drive to the south, it really doesn’t matter which way you go in the Vendée because you’re sure to find something to delight you wherever you end up.

You'll find lots of information about this part of France at www.vendee-tourism.co.uk

My husband, Pogi’s, Top 10 Activities to do on Oahu, Hawaii

1. Climb Diamond Head

Diamond Head from aboard the Navatek

Located east of the Waikiki area, it is a 150,000 year old, 761 foot tall Cinder Cone (in other words, volcanic in its origin). This hike is rated as easy to moderate in physical effort, but is certainly worth the incredible view of the west side of the island, particularly Waikiki. There are two sets of stairs; neither is more than 100 steps. Also, there is an unlit tunnel a little over 200 feet long. It can get hot during the hike, unless you go early in the morning, so bring your water! The views are worth the hike, so do not forget your camera!

2. Shop Ala Moana Shopping Center

Cinnamon Honey Toast...irresistible!

If you’re going to shop in Waikiki, shop here because you will actually find some affordable items and some great Hawaiian shops, like the Ukulele House. The center also has a tasty, affordable, and widely varied food court on the lower level. If you want finer dining, go to the other side of the parking garage from the mall and eat at Shokodu Japanese restaurant: Bibimbap with garlic shrimp is scrumptious, especially if you let the rice continue to cook for a bit, most of their sushi rolls are terrific (we haven't tried them all...yet), and the cinnamon honey toast is a dessert that must NOT be missed (so bring a friend or three to help you eat it)!

3. Swim at Kailua Beach

This is the best beach for people watching and for swimming. That said, it can also get crowded, especially on the weekends, so go early to get a good spot. Also, remember that you are in the tropics, so the sun is much stronger here. Apply sunscreen regularly according to the directions on your sunscreen container, and drink plenty of water to keep you from getting dehydrated.

4. Snorkel Hanauma Bay

Honu, AKA Green Sea Turtle

There is an entry fee; it is closed every Tuesday, and it opens at 6am. Visitors are required to watch a film about conservation, so get there early, or you will be waiting in some very long (up to an hour or more), and hot lines. This is one of the best places to snorkel on Oahu as well as see tropical fish and the endangered Green Sea Turtles.

5. Shop The Aloha Bowl Swap Meet

Island wear, music, souvenirs, and just about anything else you could desire at often negotiable and low prices. $1.00 entry fee per person (get in for free by using a coupon in one of the free weekly Oahu guide books if you can find one). Visit: http://www.alohastadiumswapmeet.net/ for details about days and hours open, site map, and more.

6. Drive Around Oahu

Chinaman's hat, North Shore, Hawaii

It’s relaxation while on the move. Start early in the morning and expect to take all day, including stops and naps. Make sure to stop at Matsumoto Grocery Story for their Shave Ice. Just trust me that you will love it!

7. See The Arizona Memorial

This one is free, but get there a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour before it opens (8am?) because the lines get phenomenally worse as the day wears on. Do not bring any bags, purses or back packs, or you will be forced to rent a locker to store these because they do not allow them on the memorial. Only a camera or video camera is allowed in (Again, no camera cases). You will ride a Navy launch across the water to the memorial and back again. When you are on the memorial, you are above sailors’ final resting place. It is a place of reverence, so please allow yourself to experience the incredibly powerful feelings this place inspires within visitors and consider withholding your words until you are back upon the launch.

8. Eat at Roy’s Restaurant

I believe they just opened up a branch in Waikiki. This is simply the best restaurant in Hawaii in my opinion because the food is true to Hawaiian cuisine and tastes delectable. I recommend making reservations. The address below is for the one I usually go to (east of Waikiki) because it has a great view. 6600 Kalanianaole Hwy. Honolulu, HI 96825 (808) 396-7697 honolulu@roysrestaurant.com.

9. Shop International Market in Waikiki

There is a good variety of Island wear and souvenirs, but the prices are not as good as at the Aloha Bowl Swap meet. However, they are open 7 days and nights each week, and some of the sellers are willing to haggle at least a little bit. It is definitely great for window shopping and getting souvenir ideas before you go to Swap Meet. They also have a mini food court; Pogi likes the Filipino “turo-turo,” which translates to “point-point.” Yummm, or "masarap!" There is an ice cream stand that has some delicious treats, too!

10. Drink a Mai Tai at the Mai Tai Bar in the Royal Hawaiian.

Waikiki Beach Sunset (Royal Hawaiian, far right)

This is a nice place to sit down, relax, and watch the sunset after walking around this historic and majestic hotel. Their mai tais are quite delicious too. If you’re lucky, you may even spot Santa Claus walking along the beach!

Aloha!

All Roads Lead to Rome

Rome

Rome,a city I have visited many times, the last time I was there I took the subway to the VIlla Borghese that was closed for renovation fifteen years but it is impressive beyond words, the statues by Bernini are not to be believe, such beautiful pagan art and the fine details are overwhelming, a must see. While visiting the Vatican don't forget to go into the burial chambers whre Pope John Paul the II is buried, m favorite pope.

All Roads Lead t Rome

The Eternal city Rome is steeped invast historical museums and works of art by the greatest artists and sculptors in the world, past and present. There are also many short local trip to be enjoyed such as taking a bus to the Tivoli Fountains and baths. Of course the food is excellent if you know where to go but be adventurous you won't regret it.
As for tours I don't recommend them, I prefer to come and go by myself instead of waiting around for the others and then usually a long bus ride, take the train instead, you won't regret it or even rent a car.

Walking Down the Street in Vrindavan

Mystical Cooperation and Highly Tuned Awareness

The reality of walking around India and navigating around all the people, various motorized and people powered vehicles, puddles of Lord knows what, and various species of animals will certainly keep you on your toes. In a strange way, I think thats one of the reasons I love India. It's like a meditation to walk down the street, you have to be really tuned in and aware. If you have a mantra, sometimes you're chanting it for dear life. If you are not engaging all your senses in prayer or on your own safety, just to walk to the market, you could end up in trouble. Some sort of mystical cooperation occurs here. You couldn’t even understand unless you were standing in it. It makes no sense whatsoever.

Watching From All Directions At the Same Time

You are a tiny part of this massive complex system of unspoken high awareness to watch your step. You have to be aware of everything around in every direction. Monkeys above you may swoop and attack, bulls in your path that are mostly peaceful but are unpredictably agitated, female cows are not aggressive but have huge horns and sometimes take up the whole lane, so you aren’t exactly in a hurry to bypass them sometimes.

Many motorcycle scenarios take place, including seeing quite a few boys that appear to be about 10 years old on them, or a five person family seated all on one bike. Sometimes you might see a Mama sitting side saddle, often holding a newborn, with her sari cloth covering her head to appear lady-like. There is often another child or two between her and her husband. They are weaving in and out. All of this appears effortless.You also have tiny, hunched over elderly men and women who often wear thick glasses and can barely see or walk with big cains weaving in and out.

Occasionally you have bullock carts as laborers use ox to haul stone. They are also weaving in and out of traffic carrying rubble on their heads and to relocate it to their work site. Even more unusually, you sometimes see a camel with a man on a chariot hauling
for building.

From below, the biggest thing you have to watch for is wild boars, wild dogs, ditches, and potholes. Auto and cycle rickshaw drivers are constantly coming from behind and ringing their bells or shouting to indicate that you need to move out of their way. Here in Vrindavan, they say, “Radhe Radhe”, a tribute to Lord Krishna's most beloved.

The Spiritual Realities of Sri Vrindavan

For someone who doesn't have a background or appreciation of the Bhakti (selfless love to God) tradition of worshipping Krishna, staying in a place like this would seem like nonsense. Right now, there are thousands of people from all over the world who have left wealth and comfort to come to Vrindavan to engage in spiritual practices and remember Krishna. They do not see even the material things as material things, to them all is in a spiritual dimension. The souls residing in every element of this place are all great souls. Yamuna is not just a river, but a most elevated devotee and Goddess. The trees are sages performing austerities, and the monkeys that are born here are in a more favorable karmic position that the other monkeys in India. The spiritual vision is cultivated over time and given as a form of grace to those with sincere and dedicated hearts.

Things to do with your kids in Las Vegas

What to do with family

Dine out


Las Vegas is the capital of dining. We got the best chefs in the house. You
have to give us a try. We also have buffets in each casino so you can eat with your entire family for a very affordable price $14.99 and up. Eating with many people can be fun in a buffet environment unless you have money to burn. If you eat with your player's card, you might get some discount. Also lunch at some places are very affordable like from $7.99 and up with your player's card.



Circus Circus

This is the place for kids. they love to play games and Circus is an all kids games casino. they
will love it here. They would love to walk away with a cute big teddy bear. This place is great for a family with small kids. Your kids will be amazed.



See shows

Las Vegas is the capital of entertainment so we got all kinds of shows here. Whatever that you're looking for we got it. We got circuits to the opera to UFC fights. They have show at each and every single casino. You can look at their website for schedules. The show here is very affordable, from $30 and up.


The shows here are amazing. This is what I love about being in Vegas, I get to seee amazing shows, and concert
right here in town. They don't have these kinds anywhere else. You can take advantage of this while you're here
in town.

More things to do

Sight seeing

There is a lot for your and your kids to see in Vegas, by just strolling up and down the strip. There are free shows in the night time. You can see the Bellagio water dance for free, the Treasure Island Pirate show for free. You get to see lots of people walking back and forth.


Rides

You can take your kids on rides at the New York New York or Circus Circus. It's really fun. I always hear kids screaming from the rides.

Tours

There are a lot of tours here in Vegas like the Grand Canyon tour.



Eiffel Tower

Your kids will like the view and food from up there. It's a romantic and cool spot.


Bowling

There are a lot of bowling places in Vegas inside the casino. You will have a lot of fun playing bowling with your kids. Bowling is the coolest things you can do with kids.

Europe: Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Europe: Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Isle of Wight is one of the most visited travel location in England. One of them is an experience of Steam Railway at Isle of Wight, it is such an experience you do not want to miss!

Experience a Victorian beautiful ride to the countryside with European steam locomotive. The steam railway started operating in 1971 with few locomotives, but now hosts several 19th and 20th century steam locomotives and carriages. Over the years, they have received prestigious awards and been used in various media documentaries.

Some Interesting Special Events for 2013
March 29 - April 1 - Easter Fun - Kids Go FREE
May 26 - Isle of Wight Festival of Transport
June 22 - MidSummer Jazz Festival
August 26 - The 39th Island Steam Show
December 7 - December 24 Santa Specials

Address:
The Railway Station
Havenstreet
Isle of Wight
PO33 4DS
United Kingdom
Phone: 01983 882204 / 01983 884515
Email address: info@iwsteamrailway.co.uk

Going to Isle of Wight
Isle of Wight is approximately 150 square miles area, it can be reached through ferry from Lymington, Southampton and Portsmouth ports. For International travelers, it will be a half an hour from London and Gatwick airports from the ferry terminals. Budgeted and professional private car hire taxis can be arranged going to the ports to avoid hassles and saves time than going alone by public transport

View more from Isle of Wight Steam Railway Website

Salamis - a gem in Northern Cyprus

Where is Salamis?

The gymnasium in Salamis

Salamis is located around 9 miles to the North of Famagusta, also known as Gazimağusa or Ammochostos. I know that there are a lot of articles claiming that Famagusta is a ghost town and doesn’t exist any more. This is wrong or, at least, not totally true. There is a quarter of the city to the south of Famagusta which is known as Varosha (Greek) or Maraş (Turkish). This is were all the posh hotels used to be which attracted the jet-set of the 1960’s and early 1970’s. Back then it was the place to be seen and Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were regulars.

Then came the war and Varosha became no-man’s-land. A sad reminder of its glorious past, rotting away in the green belt that divides the two parts of the island. Its 39.000 inhabitants have fled long since, many didn’t even take the time to take the clothes of the washing line or clear the table - whether this was down to panic or the deep belief in a speedy return - we will not know.

The rest of the city, including it’s ancient core sheltered behind massive medieval city walls, is still very much alive, accessible and open to the world.

Salamis is located just of the main road that leads up north towards the Karpaz Peninsula, at the height of the entrance to the village Yeni Boğaziçi aka Ayios Seryios.

The history of Salamis

Salamis ruins, Cyprus

Cyprus is a much fought over island, not only in recent history, and has changed owners many time. Its history is fascinating but confusing. Its towns and villages have many names, at least one in Greek and Turkish, places like Bellapais still bear witness to the French rule of the Lusignans, while the Venetians are responsible for the wealth of Famagusta which has left us with an abundance of old churches, most of them now heavily ruined.

Historians date the beginnings of Salamis back to the Late Bronze Age, somewhere around 1100 BC. The city has an ancient harbour which played a vital role in being part of a trade route in between ancient Greece and the near East. Over the coming centuries it will see Phoenician, Assyrian, and Persian rulers. In 410 BC Salamis won its independence from the Persian Empire, a short lived victory that saw the Persians back in office after just more than 30 years. During the Roman Empire Salamis was replaced as capital of the island and its importance began to falter. Severe earthquakes during the first 4 centuries AD finally caused the destruction of the town as its harbour silted up. and made the important trade impossible. By the 7th century Salamis was abandoned - another Cypriot ghost town.

Many of the stones from houses in Salamis were used to built up neighbouring Famagusta, which grew in importance and size in the same rate as Salmis went downhill.

What you can see in Salamis

The 15.000 seater theatre of Salamis

The excavations in Salamis started in the 1950’s and came to an abrupt halt when the war started in 1974 - they have never been taken up since and most of this enormous site is still under the ground. Admittedly, this must have sound little encouraging now but you mustn’t worry, if there was nothing to see I would not be writing about it.

Archaeologists managed to unearth a wealth of treasures in the 22 years of excavations before the confrontations of 1974, most of what was found dates to its younger history, the Roman times.

At what must have been the North side of the ancient metropolis extensive excavations that have been beautifully restored can be seen. These include the aforementioned gymnasium, a theatre which still hosts the odd open air-concert - a spectacle I would have loved to visit during the years I lived in Cyprus but never had the chance to, baths and latrines (toilets) for more than 40 people, a cistern, the walls of the silted harbour, mosaics, the forum, countless headless statues, …

The necropolis of Salamis alone covered a very sizable 7 km², which might give you an idea just how vast this city must have been.

The ruins are in a fantastic condition and the only thing you will regret is that the international embargo has made further excavations impossible since the cease-fire. Imagine what is still lying under that sand!

While you are in the area of Salamis …

The beach at Salamis

Just a few minutes’ drive from Salamis you can visit the Monastery of St Barnabas where the legend sees the grave of Cyprus’ most holy man. The tomb of St Barnabas is in a small chapel in front of the monastery which is home to small collection with findings from Salamis. In comfortably air-conditioned rooms you can see china, glassware, jewelry, coins and other items of daily use that have been found at Salamis. The monastery itself is a very pleasant place with a beautifully courtyard that I can’t resist, the onsite snack bar with its refreshing drinks and excellent Turkish coffee comes handy for a break. The monasteries’ small Icon museum displays is well worth to spend a few more minutes’ of your time here.

In walking distance to the monastery you can visit the Royal tombs which have sheltered the bones of the dead of the house of Salamis, vast amounts of pottery, a chariot, animal bones and other items which proof their importance and wealth.

Cyprus can get extremely hot and if you feel like cooling down a bit after a visit - there is a great serviced beach right next to the entrance. The beach bar belongs to the restaurant and against a small fee you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, they serve drinks and the restaurant has a terrace with a lovely view and fantastic food at very reasonable prices.

How to get to Salamis

There are no direct flights to Cyprus, unless you live in Turkey. Flights from London Stansted or Gatwick will pass from either Istanbul, Alanya or Antalia. In most cases you will have a wait of about 40 minutes until your flight to Ercan airport (Lefkosa,Nicosia) continues. The flight from London to Turkey takes around 4 1/2 hours, from Istanbul to Northern Cyprus you will need to calculate another 1 hour.

Transfer time from the airport to a hotel in the Salamis area is around 45 mins.

It is possible now to travel directly to the Southern part, Larnaca airport is closest. Most hotels offer shuttle service to Larnaca airport or can arrange a taxi pick-up against a fee.

If you are staying either in the Girne (Kyrenia) area or the South, you can either take part in a bus trip which is offered by most travel operators, or rent a car.

Travel is on the left, main roads are in good condition.

Places to stay near Salamis

Headless statue in Salamis

Famagusta is a harbour town and the part that had the beaches is now the closed down ghost-town. The only hotel in town that offers a beach, albeit a small one, is the otherwise excellent Palm Beach Hotel. While rooms and services are very recommendable it needs to be said that the beach borders to the fence that cuts through the city and overlooks the decaying luxury hotels of the abandoned quarter. This might not be to everybodies’ taste although it is also the best spot if you want to get a good glimpse at the former glory.

A bit to the north of Salamis you can find the Salamis Bay Conti hotel which is a very popular choice with many tourists. They boast a (local) 5-star rating, offer all-inclusive deals in their main hotel and self-catering in their bungalow, several bars and pools, a spa, boutique and mini-zoo for children.

A bit less posh but cheaper and family-run are the bungalows at neighbouring Koca Reis where you can enjoy miles of sandy beach. If you do not feel like cooking you can make use of their restaurant and snack bar, breakfast is served at the beach bar directly next to the sea.

Of course there are many other options, these are just a few that are close to the ruins and offer direct beach access.

I’ve met my now husband during my first visit to Salamis and have lived for 4 years in the neighbourhood of the magnificent place. If you have any questions, please feel free to comment or sent me a message.