Category: Travel

    Moving to Turkey

     

    Istanbul modern tramway

    Image by mwanasimba via Flickr

    Turkey’s geographical location, which features the only city       to straddle two continents, Istanbul, has made it an ideal destination for living and doing business for centuries. Connecting two continents by a body of water known as the Bosphorus, Turkey is home to many ethnic backgrounds, religions and cultures. With the great cultural treasure that holds artifacts, traditions and literature, Turkey is a melting pot of many cultures and peoples. Due to its colorful and long history, this beautiful country is also a mix of old and new, eastern and western, worlds.

    Culture and Customs

    Modern day Turkish culture and customs are derived from European, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Slavic and Asian heritages, making it truly diverse. The three major religions of the world are also to be found within the culture, each claiming historical beginnings in the region. Other major ethnic groups include the Albanians, Arabs, Assyrians, Bosniaks, Circassians, Kurds, Laz and the three officially recognized minorities, i.e. the Armenians, Greeks and Jews. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk created what is now known as modern day Turkey; one of his primary goals was to make it a progressive, secular, unified state, which helps to illuminate Turkey’s western-leaning foundations.
    Religion

    Turkey is 99% Muslim despite being a secular state; the remainder of the population consists of Christians and Jews.


    Language

    Turkish has been the sole official language of Turkey since the founding of the Republic in 1923.
    States and Territories

    Turkey consists of seven regions: the Black Sea Region, the Marmara Region, Aegean, Mediterranean, Central Anatolian, the East and Southeast Anatolian. Turkey has three major coastlines (Black Sea to the north, Mediterranean to the South and Aegean to the west).

    Education

    Education is compulsory for ages 6-15 during primary school years. High schools are either 3 or 4 years long and students can choose from either public or private. The majority of Turkish adolescents attend public schools. Public schooling is free and users pay fees for private schooling. University entrance in Turkey is based on a national exam, the OSS, which allows you to attend Turkish universities based on the score received. The literacy rate is 95.3% for men and 79.6% for women.

    Family Life

    Family is a cherished aspect of Turkish culture. Family ties here are strong, and extend far past the immediate members. Within recent years, younger generations are becoming more independent of their families and are establishing their own reputation and financial income. In rural areas, extended families tend to live together; a household might very naturally consist of parents, children, and grandparents and perhaps even aunts or uncles. Urban families mostly consist of parents and children and maybe grandparents. Because family life is so important here, children rarely move out unless they are married, even when/if they do, they still remain firmly connected and in frequent contact. Additionally, retirement homes are unheard of as their children almost always look after the elderly.

    Health

    One of the most significant developments in the health care sector in Turkey recently has been the specialization of hospitals by branch, which has led to higher performance rates overall. Some of the most impressive hospitals include the Dünya Göz Hastanesi, which specializes in eye care, Acibadem Saglik Group’s Kozyatagi Acibadem Hastanesi, which specializes in neurology and oncology, and the Anadolu Saglik Merkezi, which focuses on oncology and was opened after an 80 million dollar investment. These hospitals are part of a collective with some of America’s most important medical schools including Harvard Medical and John Hopkins Medical Schools.

    These investments have greatly increased the number of patients coming from abroad to receive treatment within Turkey, as well as having elevated the status of the health sector in Turkey significantly. For example, Turkey’s thermal hot springs are very popular and both locals and tourists enjoy the benefits of these natural wonders. In addition to the thermal hot springs, some of the most in demand treatments include organ transplantation, heart and eye surgeries, hair transplants and plastic surgery. Of the European and Middle Eastern countries, Danes, Norwegians and Swedes travel to Turkey in the largest numbers for treatments. Of the 100 billion dollars that will have been made in the health sector in the world, it is predicted that 10 billion dollars will belong to Turkey within the next 5 years.

    Real Estate

    The Turkish real estate sector, which experienced a surge in 2005, in Istanbul in particular, went through a golden age in the first half of 2008. Turkish real estate made significant developments in the city centre areas dominated by offices; in particular, in Istanbul, the area ranging from Barbaros Bulvari through Büyükdere Caddesi all the way to Maslak went through a major transformation during the golden years from 2005-2008. Many rented buildings and signed contracts even before the construction was done, thus elevating the status of the area and increasing the demand for even more buildings and in turn the prices as well.

    Many international real estate companies are hoping to take advantage of the global economic crisis by significantly decreasing prices for real estate projects and thus filling a void in the market, by providing housing at more affordable prices.

    Under the supervision of US company Pricewaterhouse- Coopers (PwC), The Urban Land Institute (ULI) prepared a ‘European Real Estate Sector New Trends Report’, earning Turkey the spotlight in 2006 for being the number one country to invest in. What made Turkey an attractive place for real estate investment were a number of things including the tourism sector’s potential, indicating the country’s need for more hotels as the report had stated. The report also stated that Istanbul and Izmir were among the most favorable cities to invest in, also due to a rise in their tourism sectors.

    Recreation

    Recreation in Turkey tends to reflect the slower pace of European life. People of all ages enjoy meeting with friends and drinking tea, perhaps also while playing the very popular backgammon. Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Turkey and much time is spent watching, playing and discussing. The three most popular teams are Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe and Besiktas. Turkish people are very fond of the sun and everything that goes with it; the warmer months are spent outdoors or on the beach. Turkish people also love to dance and enjoy music, thus it is not out of the ordinary for a dinner party to turn into a dance party or sing-along. Turkey also has many impressive museums and the locals love to support the arts. Istanbul, for example, has the popular and impressive Istanbul Modern Art Museum, Sabanci Museum and Santralistanbul, just to name a few.

    Transport

    Though taxis are popular and inexpensive in urban areas, travelling throughout the country is usually done by bus. Traveling by water is another efficient option within the city and is popular in Istanbul and Izmir. One of the most exciting projects of late is the subway system, which is being worked on and developed. The aim is for the subway system to eventually be as impressive as that of any other European city. Istanbul has also been enjoying the addition of the Metrobus, which runs from Levent to the Airport; it is fast, inexpensive and easy. The best part about it? It has it’s own lane on the freeway, thus bypassing traffic completely.

    Work

    Everyone has the right to work in Turkey if they have the right documentation and work permit. How quickly you can find a job in Turkey depends on economic factors, qualifications and skills, the type of work you are seeking, and particular circumstances that may affect the availability of certain types of work in different parts of the country. The government sets laws on wages and work conditions. The laws are about the types of legal agreements that define the work relationship between employers and employees. The agreements determine the amount paid to an employee, the hours worked and conditions such as safety, leave, allowances, training, anti discrimination and more. However, within private institutions working agreements are made between employer and employee directly. If you do not already have a source of income or a job available, and provided your visa allows it, you will need to look for work.

    See Original Article
    Related Articles:
    Turkey
    Jordan
    Egypt
    Greece
    Spain
    Geography of Europe
    Geography of Asia

    More Articles about Investing in Turkey

    Enhanced by Zemanta
    Categories: Countries, Travel, Turkey Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , ,

    Abadiania-Brazil

    Abadiania is located in the central state of GOIAS in the Brazilian Altiplano. It is aproximately 88 Km (55 miles) North East of the State Capital Goiania. It is also about 98 Km (61 Miles) South West of the Federal Capital Brasilia. The population of the Municipality of Abadiania according to the last census in 2005 was approximately 12,000 people. The local authorities now believe that number is closer to 14,000 now. Although only about 7,500 live in the part of town that is closest to the highway. The rest are in the old city of Abadiania and in the rural areas surrounding the city which are also part of the municipality. The original city was formed in 1953 and it is now known as old Abadiania. Once the highway that unites Brasilia to Goiania was built, many of the residents of Abadiania were unhappy with the distance between them and this major through fare. Some of these residents began building their homes closer to the highway and eventually the city government was transferred to this area making it the official Abadiania. The old Abadiania also known as Posse d’Abadia remains a quaint little village nestled in the middle of green rolling hills speckled with white Brahma cattle. The elevation of Abadiania is 1,052 Meters ASL. or 3,455 feet ASL. The principal industry in this region is agriculture and cattle ranching.

    Weather in Abadiania is classified as Tropical Savana (AW). Concentrated rain showers in the summer months October through April and a dry season from may through September. The maximum precipitation generally occurs in December/January and the warmest months are September and October with average temperatures around 25o Celcius (77o F) although 40oC (104o F) is not uncommon. The coldest months are June and July with average temperatures around 18o C (64oF) and lows ao 12o C or (53o F)

    The City of Abadiania is known as the City of Spiritual Cures because of the presence of psychic healer, João de Deus, (John of God) who attracts many national and international tourists seeking cures for their maladies. JOHN OF GOD: , (João de Deus) is without a doubt one of the most powerful channeling mediums and healers alive today. João has been working at the Casa de Dom Inacio for over 30 years. There are some thirty three entities he channels at the Casa, so named after one of the entities, St Ignatius de Loyola, founder of the Jesuits.

    John of God is able to help heal so many people at once because he does not work alone. There are thousands of beings working with him who are able to attend to people. He has helped people recover from all kinds of illness, including AIDS, cancer, auto immune disorders, arthritis, injury from sports and accidents, every illness is treatable at the Casa although results can vary. John of God also treats all kinds of emotional disorders, including addictions, depression, schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder. The majority of healing by John of God and the entities is invisible, visible surgery is entirely voluntary and makes up a very small proportion of the healing work.

    For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who disbelieve, no amount of proof is sufficient.

    Categories: Countries, Travel Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

    Jordan

    2 Comments

    For many people Jordan begins and ends with the magical ancient Nabataean city of Petra. Petra is one of the Middle East’s most spectacular, unmissable sights and the world’s most dramatic ‘lost city’.

    Lawrence of Arabia, Holy land, bible stories,ancient cities, lost cities, Jordan is one of the most welcoming and hospitable countries of the world.

    this where you get invited by total strangers to thier homes to eat and sleep over.

    Ruined Roman cities, Crusader castles, desert citadels and powerful biblical sites: the brook where Jesus was baptized, the fortress where Herod beheaded John the Baptist and the mountain top where Moses cast eyes on the Promised Land. Biblical scenes are not just consigned to the past in Jordan; you’ll see plenty of men wearing full-flowing robes and leading herds of livestock across the timeless desert. But it’s not all crusty ruins. Jordan’s capital Amman is a modern, culturally diverse Arab city which is light-years away from the typical clichés of Middle Eastern exoticism.

    The country also offers some of the wildest adventures in the region, as well as an incredibly varied backdrop ranging from the red desert sands of Wade Rum to the brilliant blues of the coral-filled Gulf of Aqaba; from rich palm-filled wadis to the lifeless Dead Sea. Ultimately it’s the sensual delights of daily life in the Middle East that you’ll hanker for longest after you return home; the bittersweet taste of cardamom coffee or the smell of a richly scented argileh (water pipe); the intoxicating swirl of Arabic pop sliding out of an Amman doorway and the deafening silence of the desert.

    Jordanians are a passionate and proud people and the country truly welcomes visitors with open arms. Despite being squeezed between the hotspots of Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Israel & the Palestinian Territories, Jordan is probably the safest and most stable country in the region. Regardless of your nationality, you’ll be greeted with nothing but courtesy and hospitality in this gem of a country.
    Please comeback for more details on Jordan!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Please vote for this photo from Capture Jordan http://www.capturejordan.com/SearchViewPhoto.aspx?UserPhotosId=2446&txtSearch=amir%20abuhouran

    Categories: Bible, Biblical scenes, cardamom coffe, Countries, Country, Crusader Castles, culture, Dead Sea, Desert, Jarash, Jesus, Jordan, Middle East, Roman cities, Travel, Vacation Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    Ireland

    Visit Ireland

    Deciding When and Where to Go to Ireland

    Would you rather gaze at the rainbows that show up during the spring in Ireland, or enjoy the countryside during the winter? Maybe you rather experience the Galway’s Arts Festival in July, or Cork City’s Jazz Festival in October? Should you base yourself in one place and take day trips, or go the nomadic route?

    The summers are warm and the winters are moderate with some snow. May and June are the sunniest months. Weather changes quite frequently from cloudy to sunny and vice versa. If planning the visit during the summer, lightweight woolen or cotton clothes are recommended and jacket for spring and autumn. Always carry raincoat for that untimely showers. Incase of emergency call 999 or 112.

    Culture

    Most of the locals prefer speaking English here. Handshaking is customary. Irish are social people and are good at having a lively chat even with strangers. People live in great harmony and make great friends. Foreigners are welcomed with warmth and are made to feel at home. Guests are never sent back empty stomach as food is always served at any time of the day, to the guest. Most of the locals come from an agricultural background. Dinner is considered to be a meal of importance as it is the time when the whole family gets together and eat. One can dress casually when out on the streets except women are expected to dress formally at social gatherings and at fine restaurants. Smoking is banned in public places.

    Shopping

    Many towns organize flee markets at least once a week, which is worth checking out for cheap goods. Belfast is the shopping capital of Ireland; most of the stores open up early and close early too. On Thursdays, shops remain open till 8 in the night.  Value Added Tax of almost 17% is charged, which can be reclaimed later. So if the visitors buy anything from the stores remember to check if the store operates the Retail Export Scheme, which would require the passport and filling of the Tax Free Shopping Form by the sales person. If the restaurant bill doesn’t includes any tax, leave behind a 10% tip to appreciate their service. Giving a tip to the porters and hair dressers is customary here.

    Getting There

    The national airline that operates here is Aer Lingus, which provides service from most of the major cities of the world. Airlines like Delta Air Lines and many other have been introduced and to promote them, promotional air fares are being offered. Checking out such offers will prove to be money savers. There are many flights from UK to Ireland. The Dublin airport is located at 10 km away from the city. Services like taxis, air coach, buses transport passengers to their destination. Airport has duty free shops, bank, currency exchange, car hire, tourism information, and restaurants for a comfortable journey. Shannon Airport is situated to the north of Limerick City and is 24 km and 25 minutes away from it. Buses, coaches and taxis are available for transportation. Other services that are provided are duty free shops, currency exchange, bank, tourism information and restaurants. While planning to travel, check out other airports like Cork Airport and Knock Information Airport for more options. A departure tax of €10 is to be paid by people over 12 years of age at the Knock International Airport.

    To take ferries check out the Baltimore, Galway, Dublin, Wexford and Kinsale ports. Most of the ferries offer high-speed services. Time to time special offers are being announced which can be availed to save money. Check out the websites as some of them offer online booking facility.

    Categories: Baltimore port, Church, Cork Airport, Country, Delta Airline, Dublin, English, ferries, Galway port, Irland, Kinsale port, Knock Airport, Travel, UK, Vacation, Wexford port Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , ,

    Spain

    Beautiful Spain


    Spain is famous world wide for its flamenco dancers and bullfights. The architecture reflects the Moroccan style. Cave paintings, renaissance cathedrals, Moorish palaces prove the diversity of the country. Spring, fall and early summer are very pleasant here, though summers are hot.

    Spain Beaches
    Excellent and quiet beaches can be found near  Malaga,  Huelva  and  Almeria  in the south as well as near the coasts of La Manga, Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and Euskadi. If you do enjoy extremely developed resort towns, there are plenty of crowded beaches on the Costa de la Luz and the Costa del Sol. Interesting is the harbour of Almerimar with cosy bars, just south of El Ejido (Almeria).

    Culture

    Spanish is the regional language of Spain. English is also widely spoken here. Over the period of time, Spanish people have become modern in order to gel with the changing times and are no longer conservative. But that hasn’t changed the values, traditions, manners and customs of the locals. People here have two surnames; the first surname can be used to refer to the person. To greet someone, a handshake will do the job. Take a small gift along when visiting someone’s house. Save the flowers for special occasions.

    Dinner is generally taken very late in the night. People wear casuals most of the time. Men are expected to wear jackets at some restaurants. Swimsuits should be confined to the pools and beaches. Recently a ban has been applied on smoking in public places.

    Shopping

    Shops open quite early in the morning and stay open late in the evening. In the afternoon, they are closed for lunch or siesta. Porcelain and leather goods are famous and they will be good gifts for friends and family members back home. Bills are to be paid along with the service charges, so tipping is a matter of gratitude.

    Electricity

    Voltage is 220 volts and frequency is 50 Hz

    Getting There

    IBERIA is the national airline of Spain. Many other low-cost airlines offer services in the country. There are nearly thirty international airports in Spain, out of which Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante and Malaga are famous.
    Madrid located at 13km away from the city has a good bus service every fifteen minutes. Underground service also works to transport passengers to their destinations. Other facilities offered at this airport are duty free shops, bank, restaurant, tourism information, and hotel reservations.

    Barcelona is very close to the city, situated at a distance of 3 km only. Buses are available every 15 minutes and trains are available every 20 minutes. Taxis are available throughout the day. Duty free shops, restaurants, bank, car hire and tourism information are available here.

    There is a good network of roads connecting Spain north to south. Toll booths are installed in some parts of the country. Carrying few Euros will help smooth sailing at the toll booths. If driving one’s private car, it would be better if the travel insurance covers medical costs too. Carrying a medical kit can prove to be of some help.


    Categories: Almeria, Almerimar, Barcelona, Bullfight, Costa del Sol, Country, El Ejido, English, Flamenco Dance, Huelva, Malaga, Moorish places, Moors, Morroccan, Renaissance cathedrals, Spain, Spain Beaches, Spain. Spanish . El Ejido . Almerimar harbour, Spanish, Travel, Vacation Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

    Greece

    Visit Greece

    Being one of the earliest civilizations known to human kind Greece is a country with rich history, heritage and culture. It is the place where Byzantine Empire once ruled and also great Ottoman Empire. It is also considered to be as the birth place of Democracy. Athens is the capital city of Greece. The Olympic games originated in Greece. Not only that, it was the world center for western philosophy, political science, astronomy, mathematics, major scientific studies and what not. It is also known as a Mediterranean country as it has Mediterranean Sea in the south. It is a popular destination for world tourists in that region known for its beautiful beaches, reach history and charming villages. The Greek islands are one of the most wonderful places to be explored by Cruise or Yacht. The trip of Greece will definitely be one of the most memorable to remember in one’s life.

    Population & Languages

    The population of Greece is around 11 million and the official language being spoken is Greek. The other popular languages are English and French.

    Electricity

    The voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plug used are round pin with attachment, round pin with ground, Round pin plug and receptacle with male grounding pin and “Schuko” plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts.

    Geographic Location

    It is located in Southern Europe bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea between Albania and Turkey. It is situated in the southern side of Balkan Peninsula. It is also bordered by Bulgaria and Macedonia in the southeast.

    Climate

    It has three distinct climates namely Alpine, Mediterranean and temperate climate with mild and wet winters and also hot and dry summers due to Mediterranean affect. Alpine system is seen in mountainous regions. The temperate climate is seen near border along Macedonia. Athens has both temperate and Mediterranean weather.

    Customs

    The Greece is a place with strong historic and cultural background. There are different traditions and customs in different parts of the Greece. The throwing back of a hand is considered to be a negative gesture here in Greece. Casual dress can be worn most of the times. Smoking is prohibited in public transport services and public buildings. Tipping 12 to 1 percent is customary in restaurants, hotels and taxis.

    Attractions

    * The Olympic Games in Athens (the spot of the historic 2004 Olympic Games)
    * Mardi Grass Celebrations in February
    * The Parthenon in Athens
    * Skiing in Arahova Mountains between October and March
    * Easter Celebrations
    * Thessaloniki’s White Tower and country’s rich Byzantine culture
    * The south of Corinth
    * The beaches in Lesvos
    * The wine vineyards in the countryside
    * The islands near the Aegean Sea
    * The wildlife preserve in Alonissos (Sporades Marine Park)
    * The famous, Moni Panagia Chozoviotissa, a Byzantine monastery in Amorgos

    Travel

    By Air – The national airline of Greece is Olympic Airlines. Many popular airlines like British Airways and Delta Airlines operate daily flight from Athens. The biggest airport is newly constructed Athens International Airport which is located like 17 miles northeast of the city. The other international airports of Greece are Heraklion (Crete), Thessaloniki (Macedonia) and Corfu (Kerkira).

    By Sea – The popular Greek ports include Corfu, Heraklion, Igoumenitsa, Patras, Piraeus (Athens), Rhodes, Thessaloniki and Volos. Shipping vessels and ferryboat lines link these ports with Italy, Croatia, Cyprus, Russia and Turkey. Some of the popular cruises operating in Greece are Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Festival Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Silversea and Swan Hellenic.

    By Rail – If one is coming from UK, the best way is to take Eurostar train to Brussels or Paris and from there take connecting train to Greece.

    Categories: Country, Greece, Greek Island, Michelin Guide, Ottoman Empire, Restaurants, Shopping, Travel, Vacation Tags: Tags: , , , , , , ,

    Beach Vacations for Winter

    Hawai,

    During the winter months, finding a beach vacation

    Spot can be a little difficult.  It doesn’t have
    To be, below, you’ll find some resorts that
    Offer a unique twist to your winter beach vacation.

    Molokai Ranch and Lodge

    On a white sand shore on the tiny Hawaiian island of Molokai, guests will stay in comfortable yet unique

    Tents.  Each double unit canvas bungalow sits on wooden platforms, offers queen size beds in one Unit, twin beds in the other, solar powered lights, and a private bathroom with hot water showers.
    The Molokai Ranch Lodge offer over 54,000 acres, including seaside cliffs with very lush valleys.  The outdoor activities here include sea

    Kayaking, cultural hikes, mountain biking, and horseback riding.  For the kids, the lodge offers nature walks, horse stables, tidal pools and Hawaiian arts and crafts.

    Grand Wailea Resort and Spa of Hawaii

    Long ago, a big swimming pool was enough to make guests happy.  Now days, resorts compete in water
    activities such as lagoons, waterfalls, water slides, and even lazy rivers.

    The Grand Wailea Resort in Hawaii offers several attractions, such as the 4,580 square foot Hibiscus pool,
    and the 25,700 square foot Canyon Activity pool which is great for families.

    Hawaii resort

    You can choose to put your frequent flier miles to good use and take a beach vacation on the island of Hawaii.  Here, you can relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, play golf, and even indulge in one of the many innovative spa treatments.
    OneTravel.com
    Hawaii enjoys some of the best weather in the world – making it a great choice for your beach vacation.
    The Kona Village Resort in Hawaii offers you several vacation activities that include snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, volleyball, tennis, fishing, scuba diving, and glass bottom boat tours.

    Oahu beach vacation

    At the Kahala Mandarin Oriental you can expect to be pampered like never before.  You can visit the spa,take scuba diving classes, or choose to swim it up with the dolphins.  The resort is conveniently
    located 15 minutes away from Honolulu and Waikiki Beach.

    Atlantis Resort of the Bahamas

    In the amazing water fun department is the unique Atlantis Resort and Spa on Paradise Island in the Bahamas.  Along with the beach, the Atlantis has eleven swimming pools, Mayan Temple water
    slides, and lazy river rides.  The Atlantis also boasts an amazing marine habitat, with exhibit lagoons that house more than 50,000 sea animals.

    Virgin Islands vacation

    At this vacation destination you can enjoy blue waters and sandy beaches.  The Ritz Carlton, and St. Thomas resorts offer you the best of luxury hotels during your beac h vacation in the Virgin Islands.

    Luxury Beach Resort of Bermuda

    Two hours away by flight from New York City, Bermuda is a quick and ideal vacation away from the East Coast.  Ariel Sands offers you 47 guest rooms with gourmet food and breathtaking views.

    Romance and seclusion in Jamaica

    With unique rooms and splendid views of the Caribbean, gourmet cuisine and amazing beaches, The Caves resort in Jamaica helps to set the beach vacation mood like never before.

    Club Med Punta Cana

    Over the last several years, the Dominican

    Republic has been working very hard to establish

    itself as a destination for families, with many all inclusive being built.  This location has all the perks of a tropical resort plus stand out features that include kids programs, and other attractions that make Club Med Punta Cana one of the most unique beach vacation spots in the entire world.

    Virgin Islands

    The US Virgin Islands National Park is a very unique vacation spot with white sandy beaches, and lodging in comfortable tent cottages.

    As with the Molokai Ranch, guest cottages are built on platforms and designed to be both attractive and comfortable.  Each one has a sleeping area, bed linen, towels, kitchen utensils, stove, ice Cooler and even a private deck.

    The Maldives

    is an island nation in the Indian Ocean formed by a double chain of twenty-six atolls stretching in a north-south direction off India’s Lakshadweep islands, between Minicoy Island and Chagos Archipelago. It stands in the Laccadive Sea, about seven hundred kilometers (435 mi) south-west of Sri Lanka and (250 mi) south-west of India

    Categories: Travel Tags: Tags: , , , , , , ,

    Get Away from the Winter Blues

    The Maldives

    is an island nation in the Indian Ocean formed by a double chain of twenty-six atolls stretching in a north-south direction off India’s Lakshadweep islands, between Minicoy Island and Chagos Archipelago. It stands in the Laccadive Sea, about seven hundred kilometers (435 mi) south-west of Sri Lanka and (250 mi) south-west of India

    This chain of islands is the centrally located archipelago among the Lakshadweep-Maldives-Chagos group of islands, which are in reality the tops of a vast undersea submarine mountain range, in the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. The atolls of the Maldives encompass a territory spread over roughly 90,000 square kilometers, making it one of the most dispersed countries in the world in geographic terms. It features 1,192 islets, of which two hundred are inhabited.  The Republic of Maldives’s capital and largest city is Malé.  It is located at the southern edge of North Malé Atoll, in the Kaafu Atoll. It is also one of the Administrative divisions of the Maldives. Traditionally it was the King’s Island, from where the ancient Maldive Royal dynasties ruled and where the palace was located.

    The Maldives are the smallest Asian country in both population and land area. With an average ground level of 1.5 metres (4 ft 11 in) above sea level, it is the lowest country on the planet. It is also the country with the lowest highest point in the world.

    Getting There

    Malé International Airport is located on its own private island, Hulule, next to the capital      city of Malé. This landing strip of an island is the checkpoint for all international visitors.

    Timing

    The high season is December through April and attracts more crowds.

    To get more information visit the official Maldives tourism site http://www.visitmaldives.com/en

    “The Maldives has been voted the world’s most romantic destination at the prestigious World Travel Awards. Also nominated were Bali, Hawaii, Mauritius, New York City, Paris, Seychelles, Tuscany, Italy and Venice. The leading resort went to Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.”

     

    Categories: Travel Tags: Tags: , , ,
    google90d013b4a8c95a0c.html