English-speaking world

13 April 2024

LINDIS PASS

 The main inland link between Otago and the Waitaki Basin, the Lindis Pass climbs through rocky gorges before reaching the tussock-covered hills of a Department of Conservation reserve near the summit. Early Māori, like today’s holidaymakers, used the route in summer to get to Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. In 1858, John McLean, the first European to settle in the area, established the 2,000 sq km (772 sq mile) Morven Hills Station. Many of the original buildings can still be seen about 15 km (9 miles) south of the summit. These include McLean’s original homestead and a massive stone woolshed, built about 1880, which was capable of holding up to 1,500 sheep.

Lindis Pass, South Island, New Zealand

Lindis Pass, South Island, New Zealand
The dramatic Lindis Pass links the Mackenzie region with Central Otago and is crossed during the drive between Christchurch and Queenstown.


Received from Roman

06 April 2024

TRALEE

Host to the renowned Rose of Tralee International Festival (end August), Tralee has made great strides in promoting its cultural and leisure facilities. Bands, processions, dancing and selection of the “Rose”. The town’s main attraction is Kerry County Museum. Its theme park, “Kerry the Kingdom”, offers a show on Kerry scenery and a display of archaeological finds. The “Geraldine Experience” brings one back to medieval times. 


Tralee


The Siamsa Tíre National Folk Theatre of Ireland is a great ambassador for Irish culture. Traditional song and dance performances take place here throughout the summer. The Barn, in Bunratty Folk Park, is the setting for a traditional Irish night during the summer months. Just outside Tralee is the authentic Blennerville Wind mill. Opposite the windmill is the Lee Valley Park, where a wetlands centre and eco-park opened in 2012. The Steam Railway connects the park with Tralee along a narrow gauge track. 

30 March 2024

LAC ST JEAN

It's so big that it's often impossible to see the other side. Yet some people swim across every summer! Pass through the villages along the shoreline, explore heritage sites, treat yourself to a  gourmet snack, or simply enjoy the great weather. Imagine 200 km of shoreline and 42 km of sandy beaches! Whether you're just dipping your toes in or diving in head first, treating yourself to a foodie tour or riding around it on your bike, Lac-Saint-Jean makes for a giant-sized vacation! 

Lac-Saint-Jean


What a treat! Around the 
Lac-Saint-Jean, we don't do anything by halves. The cheese squeaks louder here than anywhere else, and the craft beer tastes heavenly. Cycling fans ride through paradise while a kayak trip gives you wings. The fish also love the lake's warmth! Get out your fishing rods! Throughout the four seasons, this vast and beautiful inland sea provides with an amazing array of activities and a constantly changing landscape!


Tourisme Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean

23 March 2024

SIMON'S TOWN

 Headquarters of the South African Navy. Named after Governor Simon van der Stel and used as winter anchorage since 1741. The quaint village of Simon's Town situated on the False Bay coast a leisurely 30-minute drive from Cape Town, has managed to preserve its historic character of naval tradition and history. An ideal holiday resort with scenic walks, bird life, fishing, boating and swimming at many famous beaches ... for the complete holiday ... relax in Simon's Town. The main street, known as Historical Mile, contains 21 buildings more than 150 years old.

Simon's Town

 Sign board * St. George Street * Statue of "Just Nuisance" * Aerial view of Simon's Town /1994/

 

Places of interest:

Able Seaman Just Nuisance: A bronze statue of the famous dog in Jubilee Square, the mascot of sailors stationed at Simonstown.
Simon's Town Museum: A large variety of exhibits showing the history of Simon's Town and its involvement with the naval port and dockyard.
Admiralty House: Built in 1740, in Cape-Dutch style.
Train Trip: The railway line follows the coastline between Simon's Town and Muizenberg and offers magnificent views.
Also: En route to Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Mineral World & Topstones, SA Naval Museum, Treasure Coast Art Route,
 

16 March 2024

DUNBAR

 The little  east-coast town of Dunbar boasts Scotland's best sunshine records - as long as the haar (sea mist) stays offshore. A small resort that grew from a port, evidence of its early prosperity can be seen in elegant, handsome Georgian town houses. Dunbar was also a strategic place of defense, overlooking the main coastal route to Edinburgh. The shattered fragments of the town's castle - now home to nesting kittiwakes - still perch above the harbor. With a plenty of atmosphere and historic places of interest, Dunbar also makes a good excursion from Edinburgh, taking in North Berwick, another attractive little coastal resort, along the way.

Dunbar

 The East Beach, off Town Centre, Dunbar

 

A slightly faded but still attractive resort with some fine Georgian architecture, Dunbar shows its layers of history in its fragmentary castle, its two harbors (the first associated with Oliver Cromwell) and its handsome 17th-century town house with steeple.

10 March 2024

BLOOMINGTON

 Home of Indiana University, Bloomington is a hotbed of arts and culture in a scenic package. With paths criss-crossing wooded environs and winding past old limestone buildings, IU has the aura of an Ivy League school. Bookstores, record shops, restaurants, and bars are nestled around Kirkwood Avenue, which starts at the campus gates and extends for several blocks. Bloomington achieve a reputation as a food-and-wine destination. Just beyond the city limits, Hoosier National Forest awaits outdoor adventurers, and Lake Monroe offers boat rentals, hiking trails, fishing, and water skiing.


Indiana University, Bloomington

Wright Quadrangle and Teter Center
Indiana University
Bloomington, Indiana


These two residence hall groups situated on the 10th Street side of the campus, provide living accommodations for more than 2000 under graduate students. Each group has a central building providing dining facilities, lounges, library, and snack bar.


INFORMATION: visitbloomington.com

03 March 2024

OTIRA VIADUCT

Straddling the Southern Alps 153 km from Christchurch and 98 km from Greymouth, the 1,147 sq km  Arthur’s Pass National Park, the seventh largest in the country, is a place of huge geological and climatic contrasts. On the western side of the alps, where the rainfall is high, the park is clad in dense and varied rainforest through which steep, boulder-strewn rivers rush; on the drier eastern side, mountain beech forests and tussock-covered river flats predominate. Sixteen mountain peaks in the park exceed 2,000 m.

Otira Viaduct, Arthur's Pass National Park, Canterbury

 Otira Viaduct, Arthur's Pass National Park, Canterbury

 

The park offers the well-equipped outdoor enthusiast superb mountain climbing and hiking opportunities, as well as many shorter walks suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Otira Viaduct completed in 1999, this section of State Highway 73 spans the rugged Otira River. The TranzAlpine journey from Christchurch to Greymouth crosses the Canterbury Plains before cutting dramatically through the Southern Alps via the Otira viaduct.

 

Received from Roman 

24 February 2024

VIRGIN GORDA

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF PARADISE

 
Where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic there's a chain of sixty islands called the British Virgin Islands. With hundreds of secret bays and hidden coves, they've been a haven for seafarers for centuries. The British Virgin Islands hold many attractions. Deserted white sand beaches where you can soak up the sun or lie in the shade all day. The green, cedar-covered hills. Shady mountain trails to be hiked. Sophisticated shops. Friendly people to welcome you.

British Virgin Islands - Virgin Gorda
 
Virgin Gorda 

 
Measuring just eight-and-a-half-miles long, Virgin Gorda is the third largest in the island chain. Dramatic slopes plunge from Gorda Peak to the turquoise waters far below. Columbus named it Virgin Gorda, "The Fat Virgin". By mid-morning in Virgin Gorda, the sun-worshippers have settled down on one of the many deserted beaches that fringe the island. The unique rock formations at The Baths call out to the nature lover. The pace of life is slow here. The choice of restaurants will please the most discriminating palate. 

 

The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board

17 February 2024

PICTON

 Charming and known for its relaxed pace and old-fashioned hospitality, Prince Edward County is surrounded by Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte, and is sometimes referred to as Quinte’s Isle. Picton - a popular touring centre on the scenic Loyalist Parkway, this attractive and historic small town with a natural deepwater harbour is the hub of Prince Edward County. A shoreline that in points around Picton creates dunes of white sand standing over 30 metres high.

Picton
 

Sandbanks Provincial Park

 

Sandbanks and North Beach Provincial Parks. Endless fine sand beaches and dunes, along the island's western shore, for swimming and picnicking. Camping at Sandbanks only. It is about 2.5 hours’ drive from Toronto, three hours from Ottawa, four hours from Montreal. Home to gorgeous beaches, on hot sunny days, Sandbanks feels like a tropical island getaway without the plane ticket. One of Ontario’s most popular holiday destinations.


Destination Ontario

10 February 2024

RAROTONGA

 An Unforgettable South Pacific Experience!


The Cook Islands consist of 15 islands scattered over some 2 million square km of the Pacific Ocean. An unspoiled paradise, complete with white sand beaches, blue lagoons, and lush green mountains. The Cook Islands enjoy a pleasantly warm and sunny climate all year round. The hospitality is warm and spontaneous, the dancing exuberant, the mood relaxed. The old culture lives on with song, dance and an easy pace of life uncomplicated by the turmoil of the outside world. 

Cook Islands, Rarotonga

 BEAUTIFUL MURI BEACH AND LAGOON,
Rarotonga, Cook Islands


  Rarotonga, the hub of the Cook Islands, has so much to see and do, yet remains unspoilt. No traffic lights, no McDonald’s and no building taller than the highest coconut tree. Round Rarotonga Road Race (32 km, first Saturday in November) is extremely popular and many international runners participate. Rarotonga offers an interesting variety to tempt the taste buds from high class eateries to friendly "island style" cafes. Don't miss special "Island Night" cultural show for an unforgettable experience!

COOK ISLANDS TOURISM