Christmas Around the World

Where and how do you celebrate your Christmas? I have celebrated Christmas in numerous countries around the world......each with lasting memories.

While many countries celebrate Christmas........ each has their own cultural festivities to mark the occasion . Traditionally people think of Christmas as a winter celebration.But for those of us in the Southern Hemisphere we celebrate Christmas in the heat of summer.....while dreaming of a White Christmas and sending each other cards that have snow scenes!

Christmas in New Caledonia

My first international Christmas was in New Caledonia where I was staying with a French expatriate family for six weeks. They had a very delicious celebratory meal....I remember couscous chicken, and a delicious dessert with brandied fruit in a mousse type mixture contained inside a sponge cake exterior.

However....they didn't have gift giving around a tree as we were used to.Early evening I pulled my gifts out and distributed them to my host family realising the bottle of lavender water we 4 girls had been given when we were still in bed was it.

Christmas in Australia

My next Christmas was in Australia....where the traditional Christmas originates from England...but for many immigrant families also from Europe.

My cousin and I stayed with friends for Christmas Eve. The father was a band conductor........ so we toured the streets with the band as they played their carols to the last minute shoppers hurrying through the crowded streets.Our first experience of carolling!

The week had been hot and the crowd in Sydney's main street was so bad you had to
decide well in advance which shop you wanted to enter....... then start manouvering across the footpath.... hoping you weren't swept past the door before you could get there.Coming from a smaller population it was a new experience for me to be in such a crowd.

Christmas morning we all got up and after breakfast..... sat around the tree as gifts were exchanged between the family members. I still have my treasured gold souvenir teaspoon with an opal inset tucked away.My cousin and I then spent the day on the beach and had Christmas dinner in a restaurant.

Christmas in New York...New York!

My dream of a white Christmas has never happened despite being in the right place at the right time on two or three occasions. My USA Christmas in New York should have been a definite date for a white Christmas! But being a late winter........ the snow arrived a week later!

However..... I was entranced by the beautiful lights displayed on all the houses, the front yards and in the streets and department stores. At that time 1972 ....New Zealand had little in the way of exterior Christmas displays. We now have some lovely streets where the neighbours all co-operate to make a display for the community to share.But certainly not as wide spread as in the States.

I enjoyed a family Christmas with my aunt and uncle in New York and it was fascinating for me to accompany them in the cold to Midnight Church.... then tour around the various neighbours homes sharing eggnog before heading home to turkey and a traditional New Zealand style Christmas dinner....which originates from an English Christmas - turkey and roast vegetables, Christmas Pudding with brandy sauce, trifle, mince pies.....nuts....sweets....

Christmas in England - Pontin's Holiday Camp

Living in England where I was teaching.... I had been intrigued by my children disappearing for a week at a time throughout summer to go to either a Butlin's or Pontin's Holiday camp for their summer holidays.

I applied to waitress in a Pontin's Holiday Camp in Bournemouth.....thinking I could explore the town in my time off.

We took the train down from London, were given uniforms on arrival and the work began. It was the longest days you could imagine.....breakfast....lunch...and there was rarely more than an hour of time off each afternoon before we were back serving dinners.

Christmas dinner consisted of 7....yes seven courses! The cutlery had to be spaced with thumb knuckle measurements. And the clientele were demanding!I remember one of us being sent off into the bowels of the building to find one triangle of blue cheese.This man would not rest till it arrived!

Evenings....and the holiday makers played games, got dressed up,participated in competitions and generally had a similar experience to that of being on a cruise.Hi De Hi was a very apt depiction of the experience! I caught the train home exhausted!

Christmas in the Sahara - Algeria

Next came my Christmas in the Sahara Stuck in the Sahara desert while our driver flew to London to get Algerian visas for we New Zealanders and an Austrian couple..... we were camping on the outskirts of Tammanrasset.

Click the link to read the story. It was a Christmas to remember....... although the differences in Christmas cuisine was experienced as the Europeans in our group tasted the English Christmas puddings our driver had hidden away in anticipation. They couln't eat them! Very rich with dried fruit, brandy and served with custard they could not understand why we... for whom it was a tradition... were drooling with anticipation.

Christmas in New Zealand

Then came a few family Christmases in New Zealand. Our extended family got together with grandparents, aunts, uncles and an ever increasing swag of children.

First the gifts were given out from under the Christmas tree.A BBQ lunch outside would follow. While the others enjoyed their new treasures... the ladies set to to cook a full Christmas dinner with turkey, baked ham, roast vegetables followed by Christmas pudding with custard, trifle, fruits salad, strawberries, ice cream, jelly.Sweets, muscatels, chocolates.........After the presents it was a lot about food! Mostly once a year treats to be savoured

Christmas in Samoa

Christmas in Samoa is much more the traditional Christian festival.Children's Day in October is when they receive gifts and have a special meal.

We returned to New Zealand for Christmas, but in the lead up I was aware there was little for all the young expatriates living there in the way of decorations, Santa and carol singing that they would have experienced at home. So I organised a Christmas party for more than a 100 parents and children.

We pulled out the piano and sang carols...while Santa....a friend suitably attired in his full Santa suit.... was driven throuugh the streets of Apia by my husband....perspiration pouring off him being around 34+degrees celsius!.

Leaning out the window of the truck with a Vailima beer in his hand to cool off... he had the local children transfixed.They had never seen the like before!

The decorated Norfolk pine outside the kitchen caused a moment of terror as three young boys decided to light the paper decorations! Fortunately, we managed to put the fire out before too much damage ensued....the tinder dry wooden house only a meter away would have gone up pretty quickly!

Christmas in Fiji

We had two Christmases in Fiji.The first was within weeks of us arriving and I spent the day cooking the traditional fare for the four of us.

The next year I was keen to relax myself.Others expressed a similar desire.So I organised Christmas dinner for 40 in a local hotel in Nadi. It was just lovely.The children with their little friends were all sat down to their special Christmas dinner.

Dinner over..... some staff whisked them off in a van to tour around the countryside.... entertaining them as they went. There was an audible sigh of relief as they filed out the door and the adults took their place at the tables to enjoy a traditional meal.....waited on hand and foot by the ever friendly smiling Fijian staff!

Christmas since have mostly been at home...our Czech exchange student was intrigued with the whole turkey and huge ham which we enjoyed under sun umbrellas, outside on our deck with extended family.It was a little different to his traditional fare of carp and potato salad.

Our children continue the tradition with Christmas celebrated in other parts and bringing partners from other parts to celebrate New Zealand style. This year one in his home in Japan....the other on Jeju Island South Korea.


Share Your Christmas Stories HERE

Nagasaki - Ten Attractions for Tourists

Nagasaki on the island of Kyushu, Japan, is most famous for the Atomic Bomb dropped at the end of World War 2, causing total devastation. The city is now intent on promoting world peace with their huge Peace statue in the Nagasaki Peace Park, and museums promoting world peace.

The Atomic Bomb Museum is very well presented with the history displayed in photos, reconstructed settings, artifact retrieved, videos etc.Their hope is that no other city will ever suffer as they did.

This fascinating city with a strong Portuguese and Dutch influence, is nestled into the surrounding hills, overlooking the busy harbour.

For tourists there is much to see, and you can easily fill three days sightseeing around Nagasaki.Below I have listed ten attractions for tourists that you should try and include in your sightseeing programme.


Ten Attractions for Tourists to visit in Nagasaki

• 1) Atomic Bomb Museum
• 2) Nagasaki Peace Park
• 3)Kofukuji Temple
• 5) Spectacle Bridge
• 6) Dejima Dutch Village
• 7) Glover Garden
• 8) Mt Inasa Ropeway and Lookout
• 9) Oura Catholic Church
• 10)China Town

For more detailed information on these attractions go to Nagasaki Sightseeing.

Getting around the city is very easy with a good tram system and buses running regularly.You can walk between many of the attractions, if you plan your route carefully.

The harbour is the centre and if you can find accommodation near the Dejima Wharf area you will be very centrally located.Here you can enjoy a choice of restaurants, and there are department stores and shopping.

Jeju Island - A Beautiful Destination BUT Very Expensive to Fly To!

We are about to take a trip to Jeju Island. A small island off the coast between mainland South Korea and Japan,it has been geared for Conventions and Sporting Events .When South Korea hosted the Soccer World Cup it was on Jeju Island that it was held.The latest ASEAN meeting was recently convened there also.

Known as Honeymoon Island by Koreans,it is one of the main destinations for honeymoon couples from South Korea, and is also very popular with Japanese honeymooners. A World Heritage Site with lava tubes, good diving in the beautifully clear waters off lovely beaches, and very scenic ..........this is an island for tourists as well as those there for work or sporting events.


Few Direct Flights and Very Expensive


Getting to Jeju is proving a headache! We are finding that booking flights is not simple.There are many flights every day............but they are VERY expensive.Flying from Fukuoka to Jeju is going to cost us almost as much as from New Zealand to Fukuoka.Perhaps a package deal would have been more cost effective.

As we plan to meet up with our son and daughter-in-law in Fukuoka it was logical to fly there. Our daughter is living on Jeju which is why we originally planned this trip.If you plan to take this trip I suggest you do it all together so you can co ordinate your flights. Unfortunately we booked the New Zealand Fukuoka leg separately.

Few flights are direct, which turns a one hour flight into anything from 3-8 hours depending on the stopover times.Cheaper fares become available only a month prior.......but may be booked out at the higher prices quoted.Asiana, Japan Air, Korea Air all fly from Japan most days while Jeju Air.......probably the cheapest option is only available to those who can speak Korean! We have struggled to find an affordable option......there are plenty of expensive ones!

I will update on Jeju Island once we return.......... first hand information on the island, accommodation, airfares etc Meanwhile I will continue to look for an affordable fare!

Thailand Holiday Activities

Thailand holiday activities are many and varied. Whether you want to lie on the pristine white sandy beaches soaking up the warm and the sun...... swimming in the crystal clear water by day,experience the culture and traditions in the cities, have a close encounter with some fascinating wild animals - tigers and elephants in particular, observe the many wonderful craft centres or take a Thai cooking class.......it is all here.

If you plan carefully you can enjoy some of all these Thailand holiday activities. Most tourists pass through Bangkok and you will want to spend a couple of days here if you do.If you are looking for a Thai beach vacation

• Phuket
• Koh Chang
• Koh Samui
• Krabi
• Pattaya

..........are but a few options.

Chiang Mai in the north is a fascinating city.....the craft centre of Thailand and offering many different cultural experiences.

Kanchanaburi is so near to Bangkok............yet so different.You can visit this city........the home of the famous Bridge on the River Kwai as a day tour or take two or three days to really enjoy the area.

Thai culture includes may beautiful temples and interaction with the Thai people as they go about their daily lives.Visit their markets,temples,canal areas and craft centres to see how they live.

Shopping is another reason for visiting Thailand. Here you can buy beautiful handmade crafts...wood ware, silk clothing and home decor items,umbrellas, hand embroidered linen, silverware, and fake anything.........enjoy the hunt and bargain for a good deal.

Thai food whether from out door stalls or the huge choice of restaurants and nightlife for those who seek it........ will make for a full and fantastic holiday.
You really are spoilt for choice when it comes to Thailand Holiday Activities.

A Tiger Temple and an Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand

I have just put up pages on two animal oriented Day Trips which are a fascinating look at magnificent jungle creatures at close quarters.

The Tiger Temple - Kanchanaburi

Run by monks this is a wonderful experience. The temple has been somewhat controversial lately as the Tiger Island planned for the tigers to be let to run free has not eventuated.However, bear in mind these lovely animals would not have lived had they not been rescued by locals and brought to the Temple. Here they may be used to satisfy the curiosity of tourists, but they are well feed and looked after....and they have a lovely relationship with the monks who with the help of volunteers , care for them.You can read more at http://www.fascinating-travel-destinations.com/tiger-temple.html

Elephant Sanctuary - Chiang Mai

This was a wonderful day tour and you experienced the elephants in different guises. They put on a show displaying their talents, you have a ride for an hour, and see them in the water having a load of fun with their mahouts.Set in the midst of a village it is interesting to experience somehting of the village and surrounding farming lifestyle.

Both these activities are part of tours that include other sights and experiences and come highly recommended.

Read more here at http://www.fascinating-travel-destinations.com/elephant-sanctuary.html

Planning Our Trip To Japan

I have just finished a Skype call to my son in Japan. He lives in Tokyo, and called for Mother's Day. It is celebrated in Japan today as well. Last year was lovely. We were actually in Okayama - famous for it's Korakuen garden at his Mother-in-law's place ............ so the two Mum's were together on Mother's Day.

Some of conversation was about where we want to go when we visit Kyushuin September. He and our daughter-in-law will join us and we will share a rented car to travel around.

I know I want to see Nagasaki. This city has a European background and apparently this is reflected in the architecture.There is much promoting peace after having rebuilt after the atomic bomb.

This whole island has many thermal areas with hot springs a feature in many areas. Beppo with it's thermal area and monkeys bathing in steaming pools always seems very exotic !

Pottery towns are also famous so I imagine we will be wanting to visit some of these traditional potteries as we tour the island.

Kumamoto looks a lovely city. The Shakain Koya Temple, Kumamoto Castle and Suizenji Jojuen Park all sound like places I will definitely be wanting to visit.

Fukuoka is of course also a city we will want to spend some time in! Already I can see some serious planning will be needed to fit it all in! As one week will be a little like Golden week and a public holiday we will need to book early.

I love Japan. There is just so much variety in the architecture and landscapes in the different islands.

Booking Airfares To Fukuoka,Japan and Jeju Island - South Korea

We have just booked our air fares from Auckland to Fukuoka, Japan. Cathay Pacific had some well priced fares via Hong Kong. We will have two nights as a stopover, so we can enjoy a day catching up on changes to the Hong Kong we visited back in 1986!

However, we are finding it very difficult to come up with a reasonably priced airfare from Fukuoka to Jeju Island, South Korea. Our daughter and her partner are living in the resort town of Soegwipo at the moment, so after a week with our son and daughter-in-law who live in Japan, we were hoping to visit Jeju Island, which is popular with the South Koreans for honeymoons..... thus it is nicknamed "Honeymoon Island".

It seems to be very pretty, and has a nice climate. While the Koreans say it is the Hawaii of Korea I am assured while lovely...... it is definitely not a second Hawaii!However, there are beautiful beaches, lava tubes, good deep sea diving and some interesting sightseeing spots to visit.

So far the cheapest airfare from Fukuoka to Jeju Island is about half the cost of flying from New Zealand to Fukuoka, and we have yet to find accommodation........our offspring's accommodation is minute!

One tip.......had we not asked our travel agent about him doing the bookings for the same price as the internet, we would not have been able to do the stopover in Hong Kong via the internet. Sometimes it works better to use a travel agent.......and he got exactly the same price for us as on the internet.

Drive from Melbourne to Adelaide - The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is a fabulous piece of Australian coastline. The scenery is stunning, and there are many geographic features of interest along the way.


The most famous is the Twelve Apostles, and this whole coast, rich in history........has wonderful arches, caves, beaches, and walks. The towns along the way are very picturesque. Port Campbell is a beautiful little town so close to the Twelve Apostles it is a good option for overnight accommodation.


Torquay at the start of the Great Ocean Road is a real surfy town, Lorne a holiday destination for Melbournites. Port Fairy is a very beautiful boat harbour with historic interest like so many of these small towns along the way.


The Otway Ranges National Park has several interesting activities from going up the Cape Otway Lighthouse, to the Otway Fly - Tree walk.


Robe is a pretty little town at the end of the Great Ocean Road, before you carry on to Mt Gambier, the Coorong and on to Adelaide through the Langhorne Creek wine area.


You can read about the trip from Melbourne to Adelaide along the Great Ocean Road in full detail at Fascinating Travel Destinations.

Arriving and Leaving Tanzania in 1973 - Snippets from my Diary

When I did an Overland trip through Africa in 1973, we had many rather unusual experiences. Arriving and leaving Tanzania were both far from straight forward border crossings.

At the time the government of the day was insisting everyone.........that included locals...........were to wear clothing that covered them well. Long skirts and short sleeves, necklines to the neck was the acceptable clothing for females, while males had similar, but long trousers.

Westerners clearly had created an impression of a decadent lifestyle the Tanzanian government did not want people in their country to emulate.The things they saw as Western included long hair for males, bell bottom trousers, denim...I suspect jeans was the clothing they disliked...........and of course clothing that did not cover enough of the anatomy!

It took us two attempts to get through the border.....that was after waiting in long, slow moving queues, and a return trip to Lusaka to get repeat visas!

Leaving was another story...........you can read about it at http://www.fascinating-travel-destinations.com/tanzania-border.html

Australia - The Lucky Country

As I start to write up my many, many experiences in Australia - The Lucky Country, I will be happy to relive the wonderful variety and enjoyable holidays I have had over the years. I have no idea how many times I have visited this expansive country. 30, 40 50 ........I lost count long ago.I'll be recording much of interest, tips, recommendations, must see's at http://www.fascinating-travel-destinations.com/guide-to-australia.html

I first visited in 1969, when I travelled by bus between destinations. Starting in Sydney, my cousin and I caught a bus to Brisbane........then a run down backwater......now a lovely town where the historic buildings have taken on a new lease of life, and the South Bank Park has created a great place for a day out.

Back to Sydney, down via Canberra to Melbourne.

Here we were fortunate to stay with friends and got to see much of Melbourne including some of the outer areas. Beaches at Frankston and Lorne, Mornington Peninsula and Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary.

Back on the bus we headed for Adelaide. Here we were taken out and about by work mates of our hosts in Melbourne, so we saw Port Victor and the Adelaide Hills area.These were all places we probably would have missed, as we had a limited budget and no transport other than bus.

We took the return routes inland, so covered quite a bit of territory.

I have since revisited most of these places, and visited many more.

Cairns is a wonderful tropical place I am keen to revisit. We loved Port Macquarie when we had a week there last year.........see http://www.fascinating-travel-destinations.com/camel-ride-on-lighthouse-beach.html

Western Australia is home to both my sister in Perth and my brother in Albany, yet I had not visited until last year. They are both beautiful cities, and Margaret River, is a wonderful holiday spot, in between.

The Great Ocean Road drive a couple of years ago took me back to Adelaide and Port Victor........ I barely recognised it.While my husband was there for a conference, we made the most of our time to visit the many wine areas......Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Harnsdorf,but have yet to get to the Clare Valley. Whale watching from the shores at Port Victor were a highlight.

The road and coast has to be surely one of the most beautiful in Australia, with the The Great Otway Lighthouse and Park, Twelve Apostles, Port Stephens, and Port Fairy.

This vast country has plenty to see. No wonder retired Australians...the Grey Nomads......... take to the roads in their campervans and motorhomes, to spend months or years roaming the country.See http://www.fascinating-travel-destinations.com/travel-in-australia.html for more information.......which is being regularly updated.

Aggie Greys Hotel - Apia - Samoa

We opted for a cheap four day package at Aggie Greys Hotel in Apia. Enough time for my husband to do business. I had a relaxed few days in and around Apia.We did venture across the island to Coconuts Beach Resort for a very nice lunch. There is nothing like dining outside on a tropical beachfront, overhung with coconut palms, and surrounded by tropical gardens with their flamboyant flowers, and lush green foliage.

Unfortunately the black clouds were racing in! Samoa has a lot of rain.....and no really distinct rainy season.Which has its pluses as everything grows very fast.I well remember a self seeded papaya tree in our garden, when we lived in Samoa, which fruited in 6 months!

Aggie Grey's Hotel was added onto and is now a three level building. But it has retained it's colonial features both outside and in where the decor is comfortable, colourful and while elegant.........not imposing.The gardens which surround the fales and rooms are beautiful, and the pool area was a great place to spend a good part of some lazy days.There are plenty of deck chairs, and the bar and restaurant fale is just beyond the pool.The staff do the rounds regularly to see if you need drinks etc.

This fale is large........big enough to accommodate all the guests who were booked in to the Fiafia. Not having been to a Samoan Fiafia for many years it was a treat to revisit their traditional dances, followed by a wonderful buffet meal with my favourite Samoan dish - palusami.....coconut cream cooked in taro leaves.

Aggie's is a very central hotel .......you can read full details at http://www.fascinating-travel-destinations.com/aggie-greys-hotel.html and everything in Apia is within easy walking distance including several good restaurants.See http://www.fascinating-travel-destinations.com/samoa-restaurants.htmlIt is one of several good hotels, but certainly worth considering because it is so well located.Especially if you like something a bit traditional.

Back from Samoa

Just back from Samoa. Leaving Aggie Grey's Hotel at 1.30 a.m makes it a long trip home. The usually Four hours in the plane was delayed as an elderly passenger was finally taken off the flight suffering from ill health.

We were a little disappointed with a couple of issues we had. The first was just a small one. Being members of the Air New Zealand Koru Club, we do get a special check in station. But.......it is so slow that it is perhaps better to use the normal Check In queue.There is also no special seating on the plane as there is from New Zealand, where you are given the front seats.However, we are certainly very pleased with the ease from the New Zealand end.

The second disappointment was to do with a rental car we hired and paid for online .After booking the package at the Air New Zealand site, information was given about rental cars with Discovery Rentals in Samoa. My husband paid NZ$300 online. There was NO mention of any other costs. On arriving at their office at Faleolo Airport there was a quite different scenario. Firstly you need to pay for a temporary license to drive in Samoa. It costs $12 tala!They were charging $25 tala extra - $35 tala total.....to write up this license!

Next, we were told there was an extra $165 tala cost for taking the car too and from the airport! Then......they wanted a $500 tala fee in case there was any damage. This was not just taking a credit card number, this was actually fronting up with $500 tala. When my husband spoke to the manager - her words were "If you don't like it go somewhere else.....this is our company policy." Needless to say, we left it! And will now have to get our NZ$300 dollars reimbursed!We hired a car from Avis for $200 tala in Apia! And paid the $12 tala for the license.Fortunately we discovered we had free transfers to and from the airport with our package at Aggie's. This was excellent.

Apart from these hick ups it was an enjoyable few days in Samoa. More on that tomorrow.

Czech Republic is More than Just Prague

The Czech Republic is a fascinating travel destination.But I find so many tourists have never ventured beyond Prague. Prague is a very beautiful city, and it does have a huge amount to keep you interested. But there are so many lovely towns and cities around the Czech Republic it seems a shame to miss them. You may need to allow a little more time. But distances are not great.

Two places I highly recommend are Cesky Krumlov, easily reached by train or bus. This gorgeous historic town can be a little inundated with tourists, but it somehow still retains it's charm. The cobbled streets, too narrow for vehicles, makes it a place to walk in comfort. The sherbert houses, castle, river, gardens and shops stocked with a range of Czech crafts, jewellery, and other wares......... all add to the old world ambiance.

North of Prague near the German border you will find Karlovy Vary.The Czech Republic's biggest spa town. This is another very different experience, and you could do it in a day trip from Prague if time is short. We happily filled three days here, with walks in the forests, and around the town sampling mineral waters at the taps.

This was topped off by an amazing experience seeing an outdoor opera performance at Loket Castle, about 12 kilometres away.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on the Cheap

Back in 1973 when I travelled overland through Africa, I hadn't actually given much thought to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. So when the idea was suggested as we travelled into Kenya, I tossed up.........did I want to do this. None of us had any special clothing, or equipment, which was a bit of a concern. However, ever the one who loves to do something a bit different, I decided I would take on the challenge.

Fifteen of us set off, on what was effectively a private tour. That is....our driver had organised some local village porters to carry our gear, and cook our meals. We had only planned on two meals a day, as we had little dried food, rice etc that was suitable for the porters to carry.Soup and rice was pretty much it! The vision of fresh tomatoes became a motivator for my quick home trip down the mountain!

You can find out the full details of that trek at http://www.fascinating-travel-destinations.com/mount-kilimanjaro.html

This was probably one of the cheapest group expeditions ever! And for some of us who did it in four days, it was faster than most too.But eleven of us made it to the top, and I continue to find it fascinating reading of others who have gone after me!

The dream lives on!

Cuba fast becoming a popular Fascinating Travel Destination

Cuba is becoming a very popular travel destination.As Fidel Castro has relinquished the reigns of Cuba to his brother Raoul, there is an expectation that things are about to change. This expectation is further fueled, by the change of US President. It is expected that soon it will once again be easy for American citizens to visit Cuba.

My husband and I visited this fascinating country and got caught up in Hurricane Wilma! Despite the weather,which did restrict our movements a little, we found it different to any other country we had ever been to.Havana, clearly once a very beautiful city, is crumbling.However, they have a restoration programme under way, and I fully expect that in a few years, this city will once again be stunning. There are already many very lovely old colonial buildings, houses, museums etc.

Trinidad was my favourite town with its cobbled streets, and sherbet houses.You can read about it at http://www.fascinating-travel-destinations.com/trinidad-cuba.html

The people are really what makes Cuba the truly fascinating travel destination it is. Music pours from every bar and restaurant, and the bands and their members can be seen wandering through the streets, double bass slung over the shoulder.The bands invariably feature three generations. We saw a teenage boy sitting on the Malecon sea wall, practicing his trombone. Often dancing by accomplished, elegant couples, accompanies the music. The minstrels wander on their stilts through the city, easily picked out by the vivid colours they are wearing. Every band sells their signature C.D's as a money spinner.

Many characters roam the streets, dressed in a wardrobe from another era, sometimes a fat cigar hanging from their lips.Yes, some will bale you up to sell you dud cigars, newspapers, or ask you for money for "milk for their babies" although they clearly have no babies to give the milk to.

The old cars we see pictures of, do exist in abundance. Parked on the streets. Or on the sides of country roads..........where they have died, so now the bonnet is up the owner's head lost in the depths, as they try to restore life to the ancient motor! This will change, once life improves for these people. At present it is tough.

With a dual currency, those involved in any form of tourism who are paid with convertible pesos, are more comfortably off than those who have to survive on the
ordinary peso, which is worth almost nothing.


For travellers who are keen to visit Cuba while it remains in a time warp, you will find it a unique experience.You will find all the important information about accommodation, travel,weather, getting around at http://www.fascinating-travel-destinations.com/information-on-cuba.html

Another Samoa trip

Well, I had not expected I would be returning to Samoa so soon. 24th March we will go for a 4 day package. This is great as it will give me chance to stay at Aggie Grey's and report back both here and on my website about staying at the the hotel as a guest.

Samoa is such a beautiful country, it will be lovely to return.

I have already put many pages about Samoa on my website at http://www.fascinating-travel-destinations.com/travel-to-samoa.html These include information on excellent hotel accommodation, restaurants - I was so surprised at the improvement in restaurants and hotels in Apia. When we lived there in the mid 1980's there was very little apart from Aggie's and the Tusitala, and only one reasonable restaurant, now gone.

I have included a page on sightseeing and put my first slideshow on it. I am not so happy with the slideshow. I am looking for something a little more refined and elegant.

But it is a wonderful way of displaying a lot of lovely photos for a good look at fascinating travel destinations.

Fascinating Travel Destinations Resurfaces, with Notes on Vietnam

It is quite a while since I have written here. Partly due to my own travels to Vietnam and Samoa. Three weeks in Vietnam was a wonderful experience in a beautiful country, rich in history and with an amazing culture. The pagodas and shrines were all different, and very beautiful. Much of the interest came from the Vietnamese people who revere these religious monuments.

Motorcycles fill the city streets, and there seems to be no limit to what one can carry on a motorcycle. I think the most impressive was the makings of a kitchen, from the cupboards, to the framing.The sheer numbers of motorcycles, is really impossible to imagine, until you are there.I had seen the traffic in Cambodia, but it is much more in Vietnam.Yet 8 years ago, most people rode bicycles.

Hanoi has so much of interest, you need to allow at least three or four days.Halong Bay was somehow much more touristy than I imagined, yet still very lovely, although the rubbish in the water was disappointing. The looming outlines of the 1964 islands dotting the Bay make a spectacular display.

We enjoyed a more off the beaten track stay at Lake Ba-be where we stayed in simple conditions in a Long House, took a boat out onto the lake and strolled the village.This was a look at rural Vietnam.

We loved our day trip to the Perfume Pagoda. A ride through rural countryside, a boat trip, and a gondola ride up to the pagodas.The Pagoda in the cave was an amazing place.

Hoi An was my favourite town, despite boats floating on the main street when we arrived! Being the wet season, it floods regularly, but the water had surprisngly dissapated by the next day.Made for walking, the character made this a truly fascinating travel destination!

Hue was another wonderful, yet totally different experience. The Citadel is a stunning example of early architecture. Our trip on a dragon boat down the Perfume River, was a great way of seeing several pagodas, mausoleums, or shrines, while saving the feet.It is also nice to support the street children by having a very nice, yet cheap meal at the Japanese training restaurant. Lac Thien restaurant run by deaf mutes is another Hue eating experience not to be missed.

You can read about the central and northern areas of Vietnam, with information on restaurants, accommodation, sightseeing and the different towns and cities at http://www.fascinating-travel-destinations.com/travel-to-vietnam.html I have given a good coverage of information, travel tips and suggestions here.