English-speaking world

Showing posts with label Pacific. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pacific. Show all posts

18 May 2024

TONGATAPU

 WHERE TIME BEGINS

 Nudging the international dateline, in a time zone of its own, the Kingdom of Tonga is the first land to see the dawn of each new day. Tonga is unique. It's an independent constitutional monarchy and the only South Pacific country never to have been colonised. Because of this independence, the way of life has remained largely unchanged and culturally intact. The people are carefree, funloving and renowned for their sincere goodwill. Tonga still remains far away from it all, still different, still alone, and to the joy of those who find their way to the Kingdom - essentially unspoilt.

 
Tongatapu

 
The Kingdom of Tonga is made up of some 170 small islands. The administrative and shopping centre is the major town of Nuku'alofa on the largest island - Tongatapu. The atmosphere is often langourous, heady with the perfume of tropical flowers. Here you can still experience the freedom, the magic of being the only soul, idling along a creamy beach and enjoying the natural beauty of an unpolluted environment. The sights are many and varied, natural and historical. To absorb the ambience of Nuku'alofa a walking tour is a must.

 
 

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

26 December 2015

SANTA MONICA

Santa Monica, California offers more than its beach and year round warm weather. Its proximity to the greater Los Angeles area makes Santa Monica the perfect base for vacationers and business travelers alike.
The palm tree-lined avenue and views overlooking the Pacific Ocean make the Santa Monica Pier area and Ocean Avenue one of the most iconic locations in Santa Monica. Ocean Avenue is famous for the gem located at its southern end. Just down from Ocean Avenue is perhaps Santa Monica’s most famous attraction, the Santa Monica Pier. This attraction dates back to 1909, and features a solar-paneled Ferris wheel, amusement park, aquarium, and live concerts and movies during the summer months. 



The large pier with many attractions and the wide, clean beach draw visitors from all parts of the world to Santa Monica 


For Santa Monica nightlife, the Third Street Promenade is the place to be, bustling with activity from moviegoers, party animals, nightlife and bars, and talented street performers. Santa Monica is also known as a walkable town, though many choose to strap on wheels or pedal their way around the 22 miles of bike path’s the area has to offer. 


13 December 2014

VANCOUVER

The natural geography of Vancouver makes it one of the most beautiful cities in the world. As a vital part of the Pacific Rim, Vancouver is rapidly becoming more international in flavour and is very much a modern city. Defined by the North Shore mountains and rimmed by the Strait of Georgia, Vancouver is dotted with beaches and forested parks, all linked by the arms of the great Fraser River Delta. Vancouver is also known as Hollywood North because it is north of Hollywood and of its film industry.



Beautiful downtown Vancouver B.C. with the North Shore Mountains blanketed in snow (front). Burrard Bridge and Granville Island (back).

Nestled right in the downtown core is Stanley Park, spreading over 1,000 acres it is the largest inner city park in Canada. Modern architecture and skyscrapers blend in with heritage amidst spectacular natural backdrop of mountains and sea. Large shopping malls, squares and parks are scattered throughout the downtown core and the outlying areas. Vancouver is named after a British explorer, Captain George Vancouver.

25 November 2014

BRITISH COLUMBIA

British Columbia is Canada's most westerly province. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Coastal and Rocky Mountain ranges. It is a neighbour to Alberta on the east and to the USA on the south.



Beautiful British Columbia


British Columbia, with its varied landscape, is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Mighty rivers and ocean shoreline, fishing lakes and sandy beaches, wild flowers and old-growth forests, comprise the 952,263 square kilometers of "Beautiful" British Columbia. The entire province is four times the size of the United Kingdom and yet has a population of just over 3 million people. With over 400 parks, and numerous mountain ranges, there is no shortage of wilderness area offering opportunities for everyone from the casual walker to the adventure enthusiast.



Farm near Fort Steele


Historians are fascinated by the wealth B.C. has. Throughout British Columbia traditional cultures continue to thrive and one can see huge totem poles in their original surroundings or retrace the 1870's Gold rush and early settlers. The climate varies throughout as much as the landscape. Variety is the key to British Columbia's popularity.