English-speaking world

22 June 2024

GOLDEN GATE

 Golden Gate Highlands National Park, situated in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains, derives its name from the brilliant, blazing shades of gold which the sun casts on its magnificent sandstone cliffs. It comprises 6 241 ha of spectacular scenery inhabited only by game indigenous to the region. Golden Gate is situated in a summer rainfall region: its summer climate is pleasantly bracing but temperatures may cool unexpectedly. Winter often clothes the mountains in snow, the plains in sleet and freezes the waterfalls.

Golden Gate

/1976/
The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is a tremendous holiday drawcard because of its superlative scenery.  
 
 
Brandwag is the main rest camp. It has facilities for tennis, snooker, table tennis and bowls. The Rhebuck Hiking Trail follows a two day route through valleys and ravines, crossing mountain streams and hills, to the summit of the mountains. Spectacular mountain scenery is the main feature of the reserve and many walks and trails enable one to enjoy this to the full. Game viewing and bird-watching are also popular pursuits. Clear mountain streams stocked with trout attract appreciative fishermen.

15 June 2024

SAINT JOHN

 Welcome to Saint John, Canada's oldest and New Brunswick's largest city. It is a delightful blend of past and present, cosmopolitan society and down-home charm, sophisticated night-life and intriguing wildlife! Walking tours along historic streets, significant historic sites, Canada's first museum, great shopping, funfilled festivals, and the Reversing Falls - one of nature's most spectacular spectacles - Saint John's got it all.

 

Saint John

 King's Square Park, Saint John, New Brunswick

 

Experience the world renowned Reversing Falls, where the planet's highest tides join forces with the province's longest river in a rush of spray and foam. Visit the Old City Market or enjoy fresh seafood at a nearby restaurant. Picnic in Rockwood Park, one of Canada's largest urban parks. Take a romantic stroll along the boardwalk or a cruise into a harbour. Saint John is THE city on the treasure known as the Bay of Fundy.

 

Tourism New Brunswick

04 June 2024

GATLINBURG

 Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is Tennessee's Premier Resort City. The unique mountain village is surrounded on three sides by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and represents the natural mountain beauty. The majestic backdrop provides a natural setting for the outdoor lover and sportsman. From trout fishing in the Little Pigeon River, to shopping in more than 400 specialty shops, Gatlinburg offers something for everyone.


Gatlinburg


Summer brings the Scottish Festival and Games, famous Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair and the first July 4th parade in the nation starting at one minute past midnight. Incredible yellows, red and oranges encompass the city during cool, crisp autumn days. But newest attraction comes with winter - Gatlinburg's Smoky Mountain Lights. Over two million lights dance in the mountain air. Gatlinburg also offers downhill and cross country skiing during the winter months.

 

Travel Tennessee

28 May 2024

LOUGH KEY

 LOUGH KEY, FOREST PARK, CO. ROSCOMMON: is pleasantly situated near Boyle with its magnificently wooded shores, intended coastline and many lovely islands rising from the blue waters. On one of the islands are the ruined remains of the Abbey of the Trinity, founded by the White Canons. Here were compiled the Annals of Loch Ce which are now preserved in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin. Lough Key is often called the loveliest lake in Ireland. It is popular with anglers, and offers relaxing cruises. The woods by Lough Key also provide good walking territory.

LOUGH KEY, FOREST PARK, CO. ROSCOMMON

Lough Key, Forest Park, near Boyle, Roscommon, Ireland

The island-studded lake and surrounding woodland make a glorious setting for the Lough Key Forest Park. The 320-ha park formed part of the Rockingham estate until 1957, when Rockingham House, a John Nash design, burned down. The woods were added by 18th-century landlords. The Lough Key Experience takes visitors on an audio journey through the 19th-century underground tunnels, up to the Moylurg viewing tower and along Ireland’s first Tree Canopy Trail. There are also several ring forts, a river jetty and an adventure playground providing entertainment for children of all ages.


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.

 
 

11 May 2024

SUFFOLK COAST

 The Suffolk coastline has plenty of sleepy, old-warm charm. Its shingle beaches, low cliffs and marshes fight a constant battle with the sea's eroding power. The 40-mile Suffolk Heritage Coast, which wanders northward from Felixstowe up to Kessingland, is one of the most unspoiled shorelines in the country. The lower part of the coast is the most impressive; however, some of the loveliest towns and villages, such as Dedham and the older part of Flatford, are inland.

SUFFOLK COAST

OULTON BROAD *  FELIXSTOWE
LOWESTOFT * KESSINGLAND

  


The best way to experience the countryside around here is to be willing to get lost along its tiny, ancient back-roads. Try to avoid the coastal area between Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth; it has little to offer but run-down beach resorts.
Sandy Lowestoft combines a mainstream seaside resort with a large, commercial fishing port. There are guided tours of the fish markets and docks in summer.

04 May 2024

KINGSTON

 A handsome city, strategically sited at the point where Lake Ontario flows into the St. Lawrence River and at the southern end of the Rideau Canal. Its impressive concentration of 19-century limestone buildings gives it an appearance quite unlike other North American cities. Present attraction include a dozen legitimate theatre groups, an open-air market, sailing over the 1976 Olympic course and harness racing at Frontenac Downs. It is also home to Queen's University.


Kingston


City Hall. Built in 1843-44, while Kingston was capital of the United Provinces of Canada. A domed structure of cut limestone, it is one of the great classical buildings in the country.
Boat Tours. Take a harbour cruise to view Kingston's historic waterfront, or cruise down the Thousand Islands on the triple-deck paddlewheeler "Island Queen".
Bellevue House. A fine villa in the Tuscan style, built around 1840, once the home of Canada's first Prime Minister Macdonald. Restored and furnished with displays of memorabilia.

 

Destination Ontario

28 April 2024

NEWCASTLE

 Northern Natal harbours a wealth of old buildings - residential, commercial and civic - which reflect early settler architecturte and history. For those travellers who enjoy reconstructing the past with the help of weathered bricks and mortar, this corner of Natal is very atmospheric - and is not the sort of place to rush through.
Newcastle
A major centre for the production of steel and textiles. There are many battlefield in the area, hiking trails and the Fort Amiel Cultural and Historical Museum.

 

 Newcastle


Carnegie Library Built on an early gallows site (that was however only used once!), the library opened in 1915 and was built with funds from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. The library was converted into a museum in 1980, and is a national monument.
Newcastle Town Hall Completed in 1899 in commemoration of Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee, the town hall took two years to build with the clock tower erected two years later with public funds. The hall was declared a national monument in 1977.
O'Neils Cottage Situated north of
Newcastle on the Volksrust road. Declared a national monument, the cottage and outbuildings have been well restored, as have the nearby military graves.

20 April 2024

ST SIMONS ISLAND

 Along the incredible 100 miles of Georgia's coastline lies the magical seaside retreat of the Golden Isles. Nestled along stretches of sand dunes and salt marshes, the mainland city of Brunswick and its four beloved barrier islands offer breathtaking landscapes, a variety of recreational pursuits, and an inherent tranquility. Georgia's Golden Isles, with its storied past, provides a magical retreat. It's bound to be a slice of heaven.

St. Simons Island

St Simons Island East Beach


The largest of the isles, St. Simons Island (Voted both America's Most Romantic Town and Favorite Beach Town), features moss-draped, oak-lined streets, sandy beaches, and hundreds of quality dining and shopping options to please any taste. The picture-perfect barrier island is filled with exceptional historic sites, museums, plantation era ruins, and a National Historic Monument. Uncover an array of island activities, including kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, biking, and golf, as well as accommodations that fit any budget.


Explore Georgia

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