Pattaya Bar Girls - What's the Story?

If you're going to Pattaya, then you're probably very interested in getting to know what you can expect of this amazing Thai seaside resort. You're also excited about the possibility of meeting a beautiful Pattaya bar girl. Pattaya is one of a kind, it's a place that lives by its own rules and norms. There are no Western morals here, but is that good or bad? You decide. I'll clue you in on what to expect though.

Pattaya is famous for many things: The beach, the weather, but mostly for the nightlife and the beautiful Pattaya girls. Pattaya has a vibrant and exciting nightlife that is not found anywhere else. There are the typical outdoor beer bars, clubs and discos, gogo style bars and lots more. Anywhere you go, you will meet beautiful Thai women sending you smiles, which if reprocicated can sometimes lead to fiery and intense love stories.

The girls in Pattaya come from all over Thailand, but mostly from the North Eastern region of Thailand called Isaan. This region is mostly agricultural with many small farms and towns. There are of course a few larger cities such as Khon Kaen and Udon Thani, but village life is still the norm. That is also where most Pattaya bar girls come from. It's tough to move up the social ladder if you're born in Isaan. Most of the time, your choice is between hard work on the farm or take a low paying job in a factory, store or office. It's easy to see why Pattaya, with its shiny lights and neon glow can be such a draw.

Many Thai girls know someone who have gone to Pattaya to work in the bars or hotels and then they suddenly show up one day with a foreign boyfriend. They now have nice clothes and expensive cell phone and have travelled to places that most in Isaan have only seen in TV or read about. Naturally, that's going to be exciting for a young girl and so the cycle goes.

It's important to understand this, if you're going to be in a relationship with a Pattaya bar girl. Can you handle the expectation of not only girlfriend but also her family? The Pattaya beer bars are great fun, but they're not the best place to look for love in Pattaya. There are so many girls who do not work in bars or even go there who would like to meet a Western gentleman.

Ultimate Disney Water Park - Blizzard Beach

Blizzard Beach is a wet adventure that is unmistakably Disney. The 66-acre water park, has a major claim to fame: Summit Plummet, the nation's tallest, fastest free-fall slide, starts at 120 feet in the air. Blizzard Beach opened in April 1995, and is a spectacular water park. Blizzard Beach is quite a bit bigger than Typhoon Lagoon. Blizzard Beach is the younger of Disney's water parks, a "ski resort" in the midst of a tropical lagoon centering on the 90-foot Mount Gushmore.

Attractions to see at Disney's Blizzard Beach include Teamboat Springs- The worlds longest family white water raft ride takes 6 passenger rafts down a twisting 1,200 foot series of rushing water falls, Wild Speed slide, Lazy River, Wave Pool, Mat Racing slide, Tube Slides, Body Slides, Family Raft Ride and interactive water play areas for younger kids. Blizzard Beach with its 17 slides, which includes the 120-foot, feet first, eight second plunge down Summit Plummet, is perhaps more action orientated than Disney's other water park Typhoon Lagoon. Being the newest water park, Blizzard Beach tends to become very crowded fairly early on in the day, and only starts to ease as guests start to depart at around 3 in the afternoon. Guests will find ski jumps, toboggan rides and slalom runs that all have been turned into water slides. There are no Fast Passes at the Disney water parks, so a 60 minute wait means a 60 minute wait.

The theme of the park is the "Disney legend" of a freak snowstorm in the area, leading to the construction of Florida's first ski resort. Naturally, the snow didn't last long, leaving behind a collection of waterlogged but snow-less ski jumps and chair lifts. Before you could say "hot cocoa," plans were underway for Florida's first ski resort. Thus the "ski resort" was reborn as a water park, with the alligator (named "Ice Gator") as mascot. Where in Florida can you see snow everywhere, but the only ice is in the soft drinks.

Disney's Blizzard Beach is the most exhilarating water park anywhere. Hours vary seasonally, with extended operating hours during the summer months, but Blizzard Beach tends to close for refurbishment during some Winter months, generally January and February. I would suggest going later in the day if you want fewer people in the park. Blizzard beach gets 10 stars in my book.

Incredible NYC - Top 5 Places to See

NYC is one of most thrilling tourist destinations in entire world. All travel lovers who never been to New York City dream to come here. This city differs from all other cities in the world offering amazing attractions to its visitors. To explore NYC one will need weeks. But what if you are coming to the city for couple days? Let's point out main must seeing places of this magnificent place.

First in the list is Times Square. This astonishing place attracts tourists from all over the world. Summer or winter, day or night Times Square is always crowded with city visitors. Every year people come here to observe famous New Year's Eve Ball Drop. Times Square is home to world famous Broadway shows and best place to come if you want to feel the hustle and the bustle of the city. Times Square is also decent area to buy souvenirs and gifts, a lot of vendors operate here offering you pictures, t-shirts, posters, cards saying "I love NYC".

Statue of Liberty is second in the list. Located on the Ellis Island, the statue is symbol of American Freedom and for years was the most recognizable icon of United States. Transportation to Statue of Liberty is made by ferry. While here don't miss the Ellis Island Immigration Museum which was opened in 1990 and is dedicated to 12 million people who entered U.S. through the port of New York between 1892 and 1954.

Coming third is Central Park - 843 acres of man created masterpiece right in the heart of Manhattan, the home to more then 300 Hollywood movies and probably the most famous park in the entire world. Every year more than 27 million people come to enjoy Central Park. There is no better place in the whole NYC for summer picnic or morning stroll. Don't miss Strawberry Fields which is located on 72nd street and Central Park West. This memorial dedicated to John Lennon is probably the most visited place in the whole park.

Fourth in the list is Empire State Building. Former tallest building in the world now offers you unique chance to enjoy magnificent view of the city from observation desk attracting more than 4 thousand visitors each day. You will be impressed by the city staying here on 102nd level of Empire State Building.

The fifth in our must seeing places list is Brooklyn Bridge. It is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the world and is really popular among visitors who come to enjoy marvelous view of the NYC skyline. This is a perfect place to get some beautiful pictures and is considered to be one of the New York City icons.

So our list is complete. Of course there are much more worth visiting places, but these are Top 5 which cannot be missed while in NYC. Without visiting these places you can't say that you've being to New York City, 5 places representing NYC and making it one of the most visited places in the world.

Amazing Cuisines of Bangkok

Bangkok is a major tourist and leisure destination in the world. It's famous for sightseeing, travel adventure and some delicious Thai food. There are some top Thai cuisines which are really good and famous in Bangkok. Few of these are Tom Yum Goong, Pad Thai, Gaeng Daeng, Kai Med Ma Nuang, Som Tum and Khao Pad. Some of the famous restaurants where you can enjoy them are Somboon Restaurant, Baan Kanitha, Klang Soi, Vientiane Kitchen and Tom Yam Kung. If you want to visit restaurants with International Cuisine come to Gullivers, Paris Bangkok, Watermark and Jasmin.

Tom Yum Goong is a spicy soup. It is simple and easy to cook. Hot and sour in taste, Tom Yum Goong is one of the most famous Thai cuisines. It is so famous that it is not only available in the Thai restaurants but it is also available in other parts of the world.

The other cuisine is Pad Thai. It is a famous noodle dish in the world. It is also an easy dish to prepare and is vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian. Vegetarian pad Thai is a gluten free recipe which is very popular among the vegetarians who want to have light food without meat.

Khao Pad is another variety of fried rice. It differs from Chinese fried rice. Khao Pad can also be cooked easily. It is famous on the streets of Bangkok and other cities of Thailand. If you want to come to Bangkok, always try to get cheap flights to Bangkok and try these famous Thai foods which are also famous in neighboring countries as Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam.

If you want to have these dishes, you also need to know the details of good restaurants offering authentic Thai dishes.

Somboon Restaurant serves Sea Food, Chinese Food, Thai Food and beverages. The restaurant is located on Surawong Road just across the Peugeot building. You can reach here through a taxi or cab. The restaurant is famous for delectable sea food cuisines. Baan Kanitha is another restaurant having received many awards. It is a reputed restaurant among the locals and number of travelers who visit it every year. The restaurant is located at Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok. The restaurant has its branch Baan Khanitha & Gallery located at South Sathorn Road in the city.

Vientiane Kitchen is yet another famous restaurant situated at 36 Sukhumvit Soi. This restaurant serves different cuisines of amazing flavors. The restaurant is a double-storey built in northeastern style. The restaurant is running for past 13 years. Since that time they are serving Thai, Lao cuisine etc.

Gullivers is a brand new hotel located in Bangkok's trendy Sukhumvit area. It offers modern and advance facilities. It offers services at a very affordable price. Paris Bangkok is a restaurant located at heart of Bangkok. Get flights to Bangkok and come to this fabulous restaurant. The restaurant also offers some French cuisines. In short span of time, the restaurant has become one of the best restaurants in Bangkok in setting standards for others to follow.

So, there are variety of food like Thai, Chinese, Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian for all who come here. For leisure trip some of these Thai Restaurants are very good as they are affordable and also famous among the people of Bangkok as well as people of other countries who visit the city.

When is the Best Time to Visit Phuket?

If you're thinking about a trip to Phuket then you're probably wondering when the best time to visit the island is. It all comes down to what you're after. Depending on when you choose to visit Phuket, you could end up battling it out with the locals in a water fight, sitting alone on a secluded beach or caught in the middle of the yearly torture fest.

By far the most exciting time to visit Phuket is during Songkran, which is the Thai New Year. What was once a traditional gesture of pouring a little water on one another has morphed into the world's most intense water fight. It goes on all over Thailand and the islanders in Phuket give it all they've got.

If you don't like getting wet, don't even bother going outside. Songkran takes place April 13 to 15, with April 15 being the big day for the water fight. It's crazy. People line the streets all round the island, armed with water guns, buckets and hose pipes. Some people ride around in the backs of pickup trucks usually with a barrel or two full of water. Patong is where the action is wildest and the madness goes on well into the night. Everyone plays: locals, foreigners, men, women, young, old. It has to be seen to be believed.

For something totally out there, you have to check out the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. It's like nothing else you will ever experience. Entranced men and women (maa song) are said to feel no pain as they walk around the streets with their cheeks pierced with needles, knives, spears and all kinds of interesting objects. If you're squeamish, give this one a miss. The festival happens every year in October.

The festival is also a great time to go veggie and you'll find that most of the local restaurants strike meat from the menu. Get yourself a map and travel to the Chinese temples to see ceremonies and other curiosities. On the last day, head to Saphan Hin, where the festival climaxes with people lining the streets and throwing firecrackers into the road as the maa song walk the final procession through Phuket Town.

Chinese New Year is also a fun time to visit Phuket, especially if you're a fan of Chinese food. The festival isn't quite as bright and glitzy as in Bangkok, but it's still worth seeing if you happen to be in the area. It takes place in February.

New Year's Eve in Phuket is best enjoyed in Patong. Everyone heads down to the beach before midnight to watch the magnificent fireworks display. Street sellers always have a variety of fireworks on offer, although due to most people being drunk, these often end up shooting into crowds of bemused onlookers, so watch out.

Of course, if you just want a quiet holiday, the best time to visit Phuket is from May to October during low season when visitor numbers are way down but the island is still just as beautiful.

3 of the Best Countries For Holidays to See the Northern Lights

The lights in the Northern sky, also known as Aurora Borealis, are extraordinarily amazing to see and are too good to be missed. As a matter of fact, there are a pretty large number of people that are willing to take holidays to see the Northern Lights. Fortunately, there are in fact a few countries that may be the best destinations for this purpose.

Norway is one good place to take such a holiday. The northern arctic Tromso is undoubtedly one very good place that there is hardly anyone who will want to miss it. It is located some 300 kilometers in the circle of Arctic. It is possible to see these lights around 6 pm or 1 am or something in between.

Another destination that is also good for having holidays to see the Northern Lights is Canada. With a snowmobile ride in the northern part of Lake Superior which is located at Ontario, people can also enjoy the very exciting views of the Auroras. But there may be one thing that is necessary to be kept in mind, professional guidance may be required since not everyone is able to ride a snowmobile.

Then, after Norway and Canada, one other amazing place to take holidays to see the Northern Lights is Iceland. At Reykjavik, people will be able to see the Aurora Borealis although the street and city lights may disturb the sighting. But in the countryside, it is very possible to have more amazing views of the lights, or scientifically, the Aurora Borealis.

Food in Thailand

Thailand is a country that is best being explored with all your senses - specially your tastebuds though! Because Thai people love their food. And if you have an adventurous tongue, then you'll appreciate the diversity that Thai food has to offer too.

The most popular Thai dishes
Some of the most favourite dishes among foreign visitors to Thailand are Pad Thai (fried noodles), Tom Yam Kung (a sour-spicy shrimp soup), Tom Ka Gai (a chicken curry with coconut milk) and the Massaman Curry (a speciality from southern Thailand).

Ingredients of Thai Cuisine
The probably most noticable ingredient of Thai cooking is: chili. Even though it's not an original Thai ingredient - it has just been introduced to Thailand a couple of hundred years ago by Portugese traders who brought it from South America - it's hard to imagine Thai cooking without chillis nowadays.

Fortunately for you, most Thai people nowadays know that Westerners prefer a milder taste and often have a hard time dealing with original Thai spiciness and will prepare dishes "mai ped" (not spicy) if cooking for European or American visitors.

Coconut milk is another popular ingredient. It's being made by pressing with flesh of coconuts with water, and gives a meal a nice, mild, soft, round note that counterbalances the spiciness.

Lemongrass is also a commonly used ingredient because it makes a dish taste pleasantly fresh. Different sorts of herbs like Thai basilicum, ginger, galangal, tumeric and cilantro are also commonly used. Note that in Thai cuisine, herbs are almost always used fresh, not dried. This is partly because fresh herbs tend to cool the body down in comparison to dried herbs, which often have "heating properties".

Eating in Thailand: A Shared Experience
There is a distinct difference between the eating habits of Thai people and people from European or American descent. Western people tend to order separate dishes, even when eating together. Thai people on the other hand order several dishes which will then be positioned in the middle of the table. Everybody gets his own plate of rice, and then everybody eats from these foodladen plates. It is not common to load your own food on your own table. Instead, you always take another spoonful from the shared plate, mix it with some rice, and eat it, and take another spoonful from the shared plates. Loading up food on your on plate is considered impolite for Thai people.

Vegetarian Food in Thailand?
Many people are under the impression that Thailand is a country where there are lots of vegetarians. However, this is not the case. Even most vegetarian dishes (like fried mixed vegetables) are prepared with either fish sauce or oyster sauce (both of which are made from either fermented fish or oyster essence). If you communicate that you are vegetarian however, they will prepare vegetarian food for you, but you should then learn to communicate that in Thai before arriving in Thailand.

Beancurd is most often also just another condiment in a dish, and seldom the main ingredient. Even though it is commonly used in Thailand, it most often is just added to a dish that contains meat for bigger variety.

Best Things to Do in Thailand, Beaches Near Bangkok and Andaman

Thailand's white and turquoise beaches, golden Buddhist temples, bloody history and marketplace culture are loved by both end of the travel budget scale. Some visitors just swing though the country on a beeline to the coast, while some take months meandering though; either way Bangkok, nearby beaches and the islands are some of the best things to do in Thailand.

Most visitors to Thailand fly into Bangkok. Bangkok has a reputation for a lot of different things, but most visitors will want to see the temples, eat and shop in the markets and make time to tour the city in a canal, and these are some of the best things to do in Thailand. Unless you're a fan of your local red light district you might want to swap a trip to the seedy, now touristy, red light district in favour of some cheap pampering elsewhere.

Top things to do in Thailand: Bangkok, includes visits to the Wat Phra Kaew: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, who is actually made of jade or jasper, the Temple of the Standing Buddha, Wat Traimit: and Wat Benchamabophit: also called the Marble Temple, made all of white, polished Italian marble and both one of Bangkok's most beautiful and most popular temples. The Grand Palace, the ornate European building with the Thai style roof made famous by 'The King and I', and home to Thailand's parliament since the 18th Century, and the Vimanmek Mansion Museum, a national museum, the world's largest teak building and a good place to come to see classical Thai dancing, Thai folk dance and martial arts demonstrations, are two of more of the best things to do in Thailand.

Go shopping, of the best things to do in Thailand, another thing people travel to Bangkok for, at Talat Kao Market for Chinese specialities, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, for a truly unique veggie shopping experience, or for everything else at Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the world's largest markets with around 15,000 stalls. And if you're not a shopper, maybe duck off to see some Muay Thai boxing at Rajadamnern Stadium.

Another of the best things to do in Thailand is to visit some of the islands, of which Thailand has hundreds, but the two most visited groups are Ko Tao, Ko Samui and co. in the Gulf of Thailand near the Ang Thong Marine Park and Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lipe and co. in the Andaman Sea near Phuket and the Phang Nga Bay, out of which James Bond Island - the one used in 'The Man with the Golden Gun' - sticks like a dagger - seeing it is definitely one of the best things to do in Thailand.

The islands sprinkled round the Gulf of Thailand are fringed with coconut groves and white beaches, and warm, footprint-less, sandy coves; many of them have lush interiors, especially those of the Ang Thong Archipelago, or interesting limestone formations. Ko Samui is probably the most idyllically famous, but Ko Tao is supposed to be the new Ko Samui - more 'The Beach', than 'The Beach' beach, and is popular with divers and those on more modest budgets. Most visitors to these islands come for some resort and relaxation time - another one of the best things to do in Thailand.

On the other side of Thailand, the Andaman Sea Islands are the ones that look like giant limestone daggers with a sprinkling of bright green alfalfa jungle on top, plunging deep into sandy bottomed, turquoise seas, in dispersed with sandier islands totally ringed with perfect tropical beaches. Hundreds of islands make up this group, loved by divers snorkellers, paddlers, sailors and people who appreciate luxury resorts or just really lovely beaches.

Fun Facts About Namibia - From Tourism to Sports!

Women's Rights

Did you know- By the early 2000s, Namibia had Africa's fourth highest proportion of women in its National Parliament, behind Mozambique, South Africa and Rwanda. 25.0 percent of the seats in the National Assembly were occupied by women (compared with 14.0 percent in the United States).

World-Famous Icons

Did you know- During the 1990s, Frankie Fredericks, an American-trained business administrator, was one of the world's top sprinters, along with Carl Lewis, Linford Christie and Donovan Bailey. Thanks to his talent, Namibia, an obscure nation, won two medals, 100m & 200m (both silvers), in the 25th Summer Olympics in Spain. Mr. Fredericks was born on October 2, 1967 in Windhoek, Namibia.

Independence

Did you know- The country, formerly known as South-West Africa, gained its independence on March 21, 1990. About the same time, the Sub-Saharan African nation was the world's youngest republic.

Location

Did you know- Located in Southern Africa, the country is bordered on the north by Angola and Zambia, on the south by South Africa, on the east by Botswana, on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. Around 80% of the country's terrain consists of deserts.

Population

Did you know- The nation's population is around 2.5 million people. The Ovambo is the country's largest ethnic group; they make up some 50% of the population. The English-speaking state, twice the size of California, is the most sparsely populated republic in the African region.

Tourism

Did you know- The country, known as the "Gem of Africa", is a unique place for eco-tourists. Much of Namibia is as it was centuries ago. Due to this, it has a host of natural wonders and amazing places. From one of the world's biggest deserts and national parks to tropical forests and savannahs with one of Africa's most concentration of wild animals, including lions, zebras, elephants, rhinoceros, hyenas, and marine mammals. Here, there are so many bigger cats that Namibia has the world's largest population of cheetahs (home to up to 3,000 animals). The country's nature reserves are home to several species of exotic birds. For the last two decades, Namibia a been a favorite destination for South African tourists.

Mineral Resources

Did you know- Like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola, Namibia is one of Africa's richest places in strategic minerals (diamonds, uranium, and gold). Mineral resources are the backbone of the country's economy.

Michelle McLean

Did you know- The tallest Miss Universe (from 1952 to 2009) is Namibia's Michelle McLean, who is 1m 83. McLean is Africa's second MU since 1952. Beginning in the 1990s, in Bangkok (Thailand), Miss McLean, a 19-year-old student-turned-model, was named Miss Universe by a panel of celebrity judges, which included Miriam Makeba, a South African-born singer, and Vijay Amritraj, one of the world's top tennis players in the mid-70s. In the mid-1990s, she became an outspoken champion for children in her homeland. During that time, she set up the "Michelle McLean Children Trust", an organization that work to improve the lives of children.

Summer Olympics

Did you know- Since the early 1990s, Namibia became an independent state, with help of the United Nations, and it was allowed to compete on the Olympic circuit (Commonwealth Games - African Games - Olympics). For the past two decades, it has had a handful of famous athletes in the African continent: Lucktz Swartbooi (track & field/marathon), Monica Dahl (swimming/ 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle, and 100m butterfly), Friedhlem Sack (one of Africa's top shooters), Joseph Jermia (one of the Continent's top boxers), and Agnes Samaria(athletics/800m/ one of the best runners of Africa).

Swakopmund

Did you know- Swakopmund, the nation's second largest city, has some of the best-preserved colonial buildings on the African continent.

International Organizations

Did you know- The Sub-Saharan African state, a predominantly black country, was admitted to the United Nations (UN) and the Commonwealth of Nations in 1990. It also is member of the Organization of African Unity (OUA).

Etosha National Park

Did you know- This English-speaking republic is home to the Etosha National Park, one of the most famous national parks on the Planet. Due to its abundant and unique wildlife, its geography and spectacular landscapes, it has been visited by numerous naturalists, travel writers and wildlife photographers. This nature refuge is one of the largest national parks in Southern Africa.

Miss Universe in Namibia

Did you know- In mid-1994, Windhoek, Namibia's capital, was elected as host city for the 1995 Miss Universe Pageant. Over 80 countries and territories participated in Namibia'95. The telecast, backed up by Head of State Sam Nujoma, served as a springboard to attract more foreign visitors and investors. The event was televised in America and other 60 nations. For the first time in MU history, Africa hosted the global event.

Rossing

Did you know- In the 20th century, the Rossing Uranium Mine -located in the heart of Namibia -- was the world's largest uranium mine.

Books on Cycling Around the World

John Foster Fraser's "Round the World on a Wheel" may be the first serious cycling book written. Fraser and two companions left London from St Pancras' Church in 1896 and spent two years cycling across Europe, Asia and America on their sturdy road-bikes before returning to the same spot by what was then one of the classic cycling routes in London, Clapham Common, Kennington Park Road, Westminster Bridge Road ("how vile"), Westminster Bridge ("the dirty old Thames"), Parliament Street, Whitehall, Trafalgar Square, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus ("in the mass of traffic we were nearer our deaths than we had been for two years"), Oxford Circus, Langham Place, Portland Road, "slithering over the mire" Euston Road ("slithering over the mire"), St Pancras' church. The book is a great classic of travel writing and well-illustrated with photographs, including the three bikes.

Over a century later there are several cycling books that can be compared to Fraser's classic. Richard and Nicholas Crane cycled from the coast at Bangladesh across the Himalayas to the point in the world which is furthest from any sea. "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" is the sort of book that simply cannot be put down. A very great book indeed and eminently readable.

Christopher Smith's "Why Don't You Fly; Backdoor to Beijing - by bicycle" is right up there with the best travel books ever written. He's intelligent, funny, observant, and a very skilled writer. Cycling fanatics may become irritated with his lack of technical know-how about his machine, but for everyone else, this is a terrific book!

For the fanatics, Beaumont's "The Man who Cycled the World" is perhaps now too well-known since it was a, successful, attempt to beat the world record and was followed on television. If your main interest is the actual cycling, the book is fascinating. It's a race against time and you're there on the saddle with him. A gruelling ride and a gruelling read.

Josie Dew's wrote about such topics as the best cycling routes in London and therefore she is well acquainted to many urban cyclists. They should not miss "Wind in my wheels: Travel Tales from the Saddle". It is full of the sort of mishaps that happen to people on two wheels. She is not a natural travel writer, having little interest in how the rest of the world lives and not much tolerance for cultures that are different from her own, but she is a cyclist and for those whose main interest is cycling, it's a good read.

By way of a contrast Dervla Murphy's "Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle" has everything. A very great travel writer, she is also serious about her bike. This is a renowned book, a wonderful read if you are not intending to do it yourself, and a storehouse of information if you are. One of the best travel books ever written and certainly one of the best cycling books written.

An American slant is given by Barbara Savage's "Miles from Nowhere: A Round the World Bicycle Adventure". This story of an American couple who set out from Los Angeles to cycle across 5 continents is in no way a literary masterpiece, but it is warm, human and, in many places, very funny. Another one for the bookshelf.

Japan - Traditional, Cultural and Modern

Japan is a fascinating country overflowing with tradition and culture that you can't fail to miss. Travelers to Japan can expect to be greeted by very helpful and polite locals throughout the country, even in the busiest parts of the biggest cities, Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, to name just a few. The streets are clean, the air is clean, the ski slopes are uncrowded, the wildlife is fascinating and the scenery is amazing. On a recent trip to Japan I was able to take a collection of images that showcase Japan and the Japanese culture. From temples to wildlife, city views and food. Japan is a cultural mecca for travelers from all over the world to come and immerse themselves in, and hopefully, master the chopsticks.

Tokyo, Japans capital, is an amazing city. As large, if not larger, than New York City, it is a bustling metropolis of business, commerce, finance and entertainment. A visitor could spend an entire vacation here and still not get to see all it offers. From the neon lights and all night partying of the Akihabara, Shinjuku and Shibuya districts to the serene calmness of Tokyo's many temples, there is loads to see and do for all members of the family.

Another amazing city to visit is Kyoto. Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan until Tokyo took over about 200 years ago. It is here where all the traditional cultural practices, that we've come to know and love about Japan, have been kept in place. At dusk every night of the week Geiko (the Kyoto name for Geisha) can be seen walking to and from different engagements at various teahouses in the Gion district. Avoid the mass of camera wielding tourists and photographers by taking a stroll down one of the few small lanes off the main street, and you are almost certain to come across a fully painted Geisha heading to work without the throng of people chasing her for photos.

Away from the major cities though, is where the traditional Japan can be found. Small houses with ornate roofs, gardens full of topiary and bonsai, farmers tending to their small farms. This is the real Japan. A Japan where life is a little slower than the electric buzz of Tokyo, and a little simpler.

If a traveller manages to make it to the ski slopes, especially those around Hakuba and Nagano, they will not fail to have the best ski holiday they've ever had. Long runs, unlimited powder snow, no lift lines and severely uncrowded slopes make for some of the best skiing in the world.

A not to be missed tourist destination to travel to in Japan is the Snow Monkey Wildlife Park in Jigokudani (Hell Valley) located in the mountains near Nagano. These fascinating small monkeys are the only primates in the world to warm themselves during winter in natural, volcanically heated hot springs. It really is a sight to see and an experience that children and adults alike will stare at in awe.

Japan is a place where a visitor feels truly welcome, and I can guarantee that a vacation there will provide the traveller with a lifetime of fond memories and a strong will to keep going back again and again.

Travel in Chiang Mai Thailand

If you want to experience partying while immersed in one of the oldest cities in Thailand, then Chiang Mai is the ideal spot. You can check the nightlife scene and get to experience partying with reasonable prices as compared to Bangkok. Chiang Mai is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, and has housed many Western tourists for many years.

There are many places that you can visit in this great city. You can see many ruins and remaining temples throughout the region. It also offers you great scenery with beautiful mountains and a wonderful climate. It was during the mid 1990s when Chiang Mia gained popularity among tourists and it gave rise to many vacation places you can stay in. there are over 300 Buddhist temples, some of them are around 500 years old. It is advisable though to dress appropriately if you want to visit the temples.

If you intend to go shopping, Chiang Mai has one of the bustling night time bazaars. You can find great bargain deals on silk and many traditional handmade crafts that you can take home as souvenirs. If you want to relax, you can opt to take boat trips to enjoy the scenery of the surroundings. Sampling the cuisine and delicacies offered in this city must not be missed. You can choose from the variety of restaurants that are very affordable. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Chiang Mai is the elephant ride into the jungle. This activity will definitely be one of a kind. If you enjoy outdoor activities, then you can experience one of the water rafting or rock climbing packages. If you want to have an adventure in Chiang Mai, you can explore the city on your own or you can hire local guides.

For those who are more interested in the nightlife scene, this city is the ideal place. You can meet various Chiang Mai women that you can eventually get to know quite easily, especially as a Westerner. Most of the women here are well educated and have high moral values. Some of them work in the nightlife scene as a means of earning additional income for their needs or family, and should be avoided for dating. They can be described as hard working, family oriented and are ideally good with the household.

If you want to date a women from Chiang Mai that you happen to get acquainted with, it is best to get to know her well first, and know a little about Thai culture. Most of them will engage in interesting conversations and have unsurpassed personalities with a stylistic sense of humor. Once you are well acquainted with each other, then you can ask her out on a date. There are many places that you can visit as part of your date; it will also be a way for you to get familiarized with the streets of Chiang Mai.

Your visit to Chiang Mai will definitely be a memorable one. With many wonderful places to visit and the exciting nightlife, you will definitely return to this place.

Learn to Know the Bar Girls in Pattaya

While it's hardly fair to describe the girls in Pattaya as being unique in that they are mostly Thai girls, it can be fairly said that there is a uniqueness about them that is challenging to define.

To truly get a handle on what the girls in Pattaya are really about, it's necessary to carry out some research into the background and culture of these delectable creatures to fully comprehend why they do the things they do, and to be able to deal with the oft  times tragic and other times hilarious behavior they often display.

If you are new to or are planning your first trip to Thailand, be well advised to do bit of digging around for at least some information on the girls in Pattaya and in Thailand overall before you take the plunge.

My memory takes me back to my first trip to Thailand ten years ago, as an incompetent, bumbling and extremely naïve "Pattaya Virgin."

I was the typical middle aged "farang" (foreigner) who was just surfacing after a particularly harrowing and debilitating break up with my western wife of fifteen years. I guess I was seeking some sort of consolation and understanding in the arms of whoever was willing to listen.

While there are many of the girls in Pattaya who are more than capable of providing me with what I sought, my lack of education about these beautiful and at times little she demons, almost had me plunging headlong back into the murky pit of despair I was trying so hard to climb out of.

Fortunately I was traveling with a couple of "Pattaya Wise" friends who were well versed in the wiles of the bar girls in Pattaya and who were just able to grab my heels in time before I started falling hopelessly in love with almost every bar girl in Pattaya my hungry, ogling  and somewhat lustful gaze fell upon.

Before venturing into Thailand it's imperative to be aware that Thailand is a nation whose culture is vastly different from that of the West. It is for ninety percent of the populace, steeped in Tao Buddhism and many things we of the west might consider strange or abhorrent are not only accepted in Thailand but are indeed the norm.

It's also important to remember that the lives led by the bar girls in Pattaya are a far cry from the ideals set down by traditional Thai culture and are far more strict than those of Christianity.

The girls in Pattaya live their lives almost totally absorbed in their culture and traditional family values. Buddhism to them is not a religion, but rather a way of life. However it's not uncommon for a girl to bend the rules a little in the constant battle to survive within a society lacking in any from of social security hand outs such as welfare and the dole etc.

With this in mind, and while not considering herself a lady of ill repute, it's quite acceptable for a girl in Pattaya to "go with" the patrons of the bar she works in for a limited period (short time) or for the night (long time) for a bout of sensual and sexual pleasure found hard to rival worldwide in an effort to make enough money to support her family. The majority of the girls are well experienced in satisfying the needs of the customer and those that are only new to the game are quickly instructed by the other more senior girls or the Mama San who is herself usually one of the ex-bar girls in Pattaya.

With prostitution being strictly prohibited in Thailand the "donation" made to the bar girls in Pattaya, is usually  predetermined before leaving the place of her employment. Most of the girls are fiercely loyal to "their" bar (while the money is there) treating it and her fellow bar girls in Pattaya more like family and a home away from home rather than a place of employment.

The "customer" she goes with will need to pay the bar what's known as a "bar fine" which is a small pre-set figure for the individual bar...before leaving with his new found love. Go-go bars have a higher bar fine because they themselves tend to pay the girls more to perform pole dancing "etc". on a raised platform, most times scantily dressed if indeed dressed at all.

This money pays for her freedom from the bar for the duration of the customer's whim. You should be aware also, that if you should require the company of your bar girl/girls in Pattaya, for an additional night or two, you will need to pay the bar fine for each night she is absent from the bar. This is strictly adhered to. If she herself requires an evening off for no legitimate reason, she will then need to pay her own bar fine as she will also have to do if you refuse to pay it.

The number of bar fines for the working month is recorded for each individual bar girl in Pattaya and are tallied up at the end of the working month. She then receives a small percentage of the total. It's not uncommon for a particularly attractive or alluring girl to amass as many as 25 to 30 bar fines for the month during the high season.

It should be noted here that tips are a communal thing and that unless the tip is placed directly in the hand of the girl it's intended for, the tips are shared by all the girls in the bar sometimes including the mama san.

You shouldn't be at all surprised to learn that the bar girl in Pattaya of your dreams could well have at least one child to a Thai man and indeed many even have a Thai husband or boyfriend waiting for them at home.

Traditionally in Thailand it is the responsibility of the girls of the family to support their parents. The girls in Pattaya's parents will in most cases live somewhere in a remote village where more often than not, they will be raising the girls child or children. At the end of each month, she will send most of her money to her parents who in turn will pay for the child's or children's upbringing and education.

While it's very easy to fall hopelessly in love with the girls in Pattaya, most men who do...find it far easier to take the girl out of the bar than  to take the bar out of the girl.

Many men who take a Thai girl out of Thailand find the same principle applies and research indicates that the most successful relationships that exist between the girls in Pattaya or in Thailand generally, and foreigners are the ones where the foreigner lives in Thailand with his Thai wife or partner.

Be well warned and well advised.

Pratunam Clothing Market in Bangkok, Thailand

Markets are a fundamental part of Bangkok life and Pratunam Shopping Market is certainly no exception. The name of the market means Water Gate. I have yet to establish why or what the name refers to. Locals here are not saying a word. Perhaps they simply don't know. Anyway it's not really that great an importance. What is more important is that this market is primarily a clothing market though there are lots of other merchandise you can purchase here too.

I can only imagine that the possible suggestion as to the name is because of the intricate series of canals that connect the greater portion of the population to the inner city. Lots of boats travel up and down these waterways daily. They provide a safe and convenient form of transportation as opposed to the congested street traffic. Not only that, they offer a faster way to get to the many markets. Water Taxis are the answer.

The core business generated at Pratunam Market is clothing, thus making it one of the major players in this particular industry. It is also possibly the best market for buying clothes, fabrics and textiles in Bangkok.

Chatuchak Weekend Market may well be selling cheaper clothes but Pratunam market has two distinct advantages. First and foremost, the market remains open virtually all day and night. Secondly, English is both spoken and understood here. It just makes shopping that much easier and also greatly helps when trying to negotiate better wholesale prices.

The market is situated at the intersection of Ratchaprarop and Phetburi Roads directly behind the Amari Watergate Hotel and then continues all the way around the streets surrounding both the Indra Regent and the Baiyoke Sky hotels.

On my first trip to Bangkok, I stayed at the Baiyoke Sky. It is the tallest building as well as the tallest hotel in the city so it's not that difficult to miss. It may not be the best of hotels to stay in but the hotel does offer much bigger rooms than most other hotels in similar categories. There is however a nice observation deck on the 77th floor and a revolving restaurant on the 84th floor. Non residents are welcome to gain access to both of the floors between 10:00 am and 10:00 pm at a cost of 200 baht, but there is no charge should you be staying at this hotel.

I did stay once at the Indra Regent but this is one hotel in Bangkok, I would not recommend. Although the hotel has a large shopping arcade on the premises and a comfy coffee shop, the hotel itself has a rather damp and clammy feel about it.

If you should walk along Ratchaprarop Road, you will soon notice a fair number of extremely narrow and dimly-lit alleyways, all jam-packed with a chaotic collection of small shops and even smaller stalls. Both locals and tourists alike jostle around for whatever available space there is, so as to move up and down the lanes with relative ease and with as little discomfort as can be possible.

You may love it or you may hate it but one thing is for certain, because this is a natural part of life in Thailand, it may well be an experience, you shouldn't miss.

I for one, relish these opportunities. It is quite safe to stroll through these aisles although it is advisable to keep a tight hold on to your personal possessions and never ever keep your money in your back pocket. Should you find shopping here a little unpleasant you might consider going to nearby Platinum Fashion Mall.

Don't even think about crossing the bustling highway to this mall unless you are either an out-and-out crazy adrenaline junkie or a wee bit insane. Please use the pedestrian bridges of which there are quite a few. You may have to walk a very short distance to reach one but your safety will be assured. Happy shopping.

The surrounding streets outside Pratunam market is abuzz with lots of lively stalls and their vendors selling a variety of inexpensive merchandise. Here you can buy all sorts of goodies from the latest male and female fashion garments, costume jewellery, local handicrafts, fake watches, designer lighters and whatever else may take your fancy. Don't forget to practice your bargaining skills. It's also advisable to wear a good pair of walking shoes as you will do a lot of that here.

The market is very close to Panthip Plaza on the new Phetchaburi Road where you can shop for computer hardware and software, photographic equipment and mobile phones. There is also Central World Plaza nearby which is the upmarket shopping complex situated on the corner of Petchaburi and Ratchaprarop Roads.

Sample The Beauty Of Malysia

Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy on the South East Asia. The capital city is called Kuala Lumpur. The population of this country is over 28 million people. There are 13 states and three federal territories that make up the country. Her neighbors are Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Brunei. The country is endowed with such a beautiful flora and fauna and attracts a lot of tourists. Tourism has become the third largest form of foreign exchange. Most of the tourists come from the neighboring countries.

Malaysia has beautiful beaches and lounges to cater for every visitors needs. Over ten million visitors have arrived into the country. The city of Kuala Lumpur is also exotically designed and has very attractive skyscrapers and hotels. The town has a land mark known as Petronas Towers that was once the tallest building in the world. The countries biggest car company also owns the Lotus Car Company that was once produced by the British. The country's economy is doing very well and its ranked 48th in the world.

Malaysia is well endowed with natural resources. It's the number one exporter of rubber and palm oil. The country also exports saw timber, cocoa, pepper, pineapples and tobacco. It's ranked 24th in terms of oil reserves and 13th for gas. It has advanced infrastructure in medical and pharmaceutical research. The country has one of the best transport networks. This makes it easy for visitors to easily get to their destinations. There are about six international airports and rail transit system that helps to reduce traffic in the city.

Fun Facts About Latin America

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

In the 1980s and 1990s, the Chilean economy was one of the most dynamic in Latin America.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Maria Felix once said, " The stars of today have no star-power and the actresses of today are disponsable. They are models that can`t even speak".She was a famous Mexican actress in the 1940s and 1950s.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Romario Souza is best known as the man who scored the winning goal for Brazil in the FIFA World Championship in 1994.

DID YOU KNOW THAT..

Guatemalan writer Miguel Angel Asturias was awarded the 1967 Nobel Prize for Literature.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

"Elsino and the Condor" is a Nicaraguan film directed by Miguel Littin in the 1980s. It was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award in 1982.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

The actor Anthony Quinn (1915-2001) originally came from Mexico. In 1952 he won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for the film "Viva Zapata!"

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Although Brazil has produced many great writers, none has been as widely read as Jorge Amado.He is remembered for classics like "Gabriela,Clove and Cinnamon" (1956) and "Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands"(1966). Jorge Amado is one of the most famous Latin American authors of the twentieth century.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Miss Belize, Sarita Acosta, qualified for the semi-finals at the Miss Universe 1979. It was the first time that Belize was semi-finalist.Like Janelle Commissiong (Miss Universe 1977), Sarita Acosta was a black beauty.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Few stars have had careers as long and varied as Maria Concepcion Alonso Bustillo, who is best known as Maria Conchita Alonso. In a career of more than two decades she has been successful both as a singer and as an actress.She had several hits in the 1980s, including "Mirame" (1987).She is recognized as one of the most important names in Latin America´s music.Since the mid-eighties Maria Conchita has had a second career-as an actress, appearing in films like "Moscow on the Hudson" and "Predator 2".

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Cricket is the national sport in Antigua & Barbuda, a small country in the Caribbean...

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

In 1988, Pope John Paul II visited Paraguay.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Mary Eugenia Charles was prime minister of Dominica from 1980 to 1995. She was born on May 15, 1919 in Pointe Michel, Dominica, an ex-British colony in the Caribbean. She was the Third World´s four elected woman prime minister.

Pattaya Girls - How to Meet Pattaya Girls Outside the Bars

I was sitting in popular Pattaya go-go bar, Baccara, the other day and like every other Friday the place was packed to the rafters. You literally couldn't get a seat and punters where standing around the scene. The girls on stage were clearly enjoying the situation having their pick of which customers to lavish their attention on. There was this one girl I remember, about 155 cm, amazing body, long black hair and a great smile. I knew I had to meet her, but because the place was already jam packed, she was already chatting to some older German gentleman. At which point the absurdity of the situation struck me. There had to be a better way to meet Pattaya girls and there is.

I don't know what it is about most of us guys, but it seems like many only really consider bars the place to meet Pattaya girls. Ok, for many it's probably just as much about having a drink in an open air beer bar or a laugh with your friends, but for actually meeting girls, attractive, smart girls, I think it's a pretty bad idea really.

That night at Baccara, I was kinda dismayed at the competition. There must have been 50-100 guys and only about 20-30 girls there. The real lookers were already engaged in conversation. Add to that, the atmosphere in there wasn't very good for getting to know the girls and show your personality. It becomes a little to much of a crapshoot.

Actually, there's a better way of meeting these Pattaya girls. I figured this out when I was living in Bangkok. The girls hanging out in these bars also live normal lives the rest of the time. Meeting them outside the bar was much different from meeting them inside the bar.

The thing is, when these girls go to work, you will inevitably be put in the customer 'box'. That's her job. She is employed to sell drinks. If she didn't do that, then she could lose her job. The thing is, most of us don't really want to be the customer.

I've found that there's a huge difference in meeting Pattaya girls in or outside the bars. Inside the bar she can be quite the tease, a naughty vixen, but take the same girl outside the bar and watch her turn into a coy ordinary Thai girl who will get nervous and giggly if she likes you and you show her a good time. I prefer that.

Why is that most guys seem to think that bars are the only place to meet women? There's literally women everywhere! Particularly in Pattaya, in fact, I bet if you look 20 meteres in each direction there's an attractive Pattaya girl you would like to meet. And the truth is, it is so easy to meet them. Thai girls are way too polite to be rude to any guy who strikes up an innocent, polite situation. I've gotten so many phone numbers and dates off Pattaya girls, just be smiling and make some small talk.

African Masks

The following is a general over view of African Masks.

There are still places in Africa where genuine old masks can be bought, generally through dealers. Also watch out for fakes as they do abound. Remember buy things you like as investment can go up as well as down. If you like that carving or mask then the value is not as important.

The African masks of this area are well documented by Ladislas Segy in Masks of Black Africa. Much of the following section on African Masks is influenced by his work.

The African masking traditions of this part of the World are extremely fertile and varied. The traditions supporting the masks are generally associated with the spirits of ancestors, rites of passage, fertility and initiation ceremonies. Dance is generally involved in the use of the masks. Segy lists the following types of ritual:-

Rituals of cosmology, myth and mythological heroes or animals

Fertility rites

Rituals for increase

Agricultural festivals

Rituals for rites of passage

Ancestor cults

Initiations including secret societies

Related Ceremonies

Masks can be used for different ceremonies often having multiple purposes. The size and style of masks are diverse, depicting animals, human faces and more abstract styles in sizes from a
few centimetres to 4.5 metres in the case of the Dogon Iminana ( mother mask ). With only a few exceptions the masks are all part of a full costume and not just an isolated piece of decoration..

Segy notes:-

Face coverings

Helmet masks

Headdresses Masks with prominent breasts

Amulets

Insignia of grade

Crowns of bead work

Materials

Wood The major material was wood due to the large forest and range of species available. The choosing of a tree from which to make a mask was not as we might do today, find one and chop it
down. Rather the carver would seek the help of a diviner and undergo a purification ceremony and when the first blow was struck he would drink some of the sap in order to form a
brotherhood with the tree?s spirit. Mask would be carved from one piece of wood with nothing jointed, with some of the masks this created severe technical difficulties when the early
carvers only had simple tools.

Usually green timber was used as this was easier to cut. Certain vvarieties would be used for some special masks, but in general the softer woods were used

Ivory was used by the Warega and Benin. The ivory was the property of the Benin kings (Oba) and they were the only ones to wear ivory as a mark of office. The carving of the Warega was not as refined but has a strong impact.

Brass was used by the Benin, Senufo and Ashanti.

Other Materials
Knitted materials were used as were beadwork, basketry and fabrics.

Additional materials included :- shells, beads, twigs, bark, teeth, hair, beaten or repousse metal, vegetable fibres and skin, to mention a few.

West Africa

The masks of this area are well documented by Ladislas Segy in Masks of Black Africa. His book lists the following areas:-

Guinea-Bissau

Republic of Guinea

Sierra Leone

Mali

Liberia

Ivory Coast Upper

Volta

Ghana

Nigeria Cameroon

Within each of these countries can be found ancient traditions associated with individual tribes displaying common links. The areas associated with some groups cross boundaries. The
names of the different tribes is too extensive to list at the moment.

Equatorial Africa

Congo Zaire Zambia

Similar themes and traditions are found with the masks from this area when compared with those of the Western countries. In the early Fifteenth Century the well established Kongo people had
close contact with the Portuguese and later some converted to Christianity. This has had some influence on the type of festivities and masks. The Kongo dominated various tribes in the area of these the Woyo and Yombe produced notable mask The Ndunga masks of the Woyo were larger than life size and had projecting foreheads large cheeks with small eyes, the surface of these faces was painted with white or brightly coloured asymmetrical designs.

The Western Pende on the Kwilu River in Zaire have two major types of mask. The Minhajl, which represent the ancestors and the Mbuya which represent various village characters such as the
fool, the prostitute, the chief etc. These masks are used in the reinforcement of socialcontrol. The amusing performances are brightened by the triangular faces of the masks with bulging eyes, open mouths containing carved teeth painted in a variety of colours. The more powerful Minganji masks are simpler circular forms made from raffia with tubular eyes and no
other features. All the masks are constructed in secret away from the village.

In the Makenda circumcision ceremony the Mbuya appear from out of the bush and dance in the village square until dusk. As the sky darkens, Minganji, masked dancers, materialise and move
around the village at a distance, helping to develop the sense of awe and unease. In the secret circumcision camp the initiated youths are allowed to handle the mask as they are now fully fledged members of the society.

Many other styles are found in these areas.

East Africa

Tanzania and Mozambique are both home to the Mekonde one of the best know tribe of mask makers in East Africa. The Mekonde masks come in various styles, the southern groups using the helmet
type. The features of these masks are often realistic and are worn with a cloth covering the head of the dancer. Scarification is used. The characters represented are familiar to the local
people:- the old man, the doctor, the young woman and the Arab, some animal masks are found.

Over view

It must be noted that the masks of Africa represent a wealth of forms and designs which have been well collected and catalogued. The total range is by no means represented here. The common connections between the masks and the different groups are obviously strong.

Would you like regular updates on the Masking World?

© Ian Bracegirdle 2004 1 Elderberry Close East Morton BD20 5WA UK 01535 692207

http://mask-and-more-masks.com You may use this article freely on condition that you include this copyright line and URL and that people who subsequently use this article follow the same
conditions. Thank you for accepting these conditions.

Safety Travel Tips

Travel can be fun, and it can be dangerous at the same time. Many people have been raped and killed on vacation. The following tips can protect you from becoming a victim.

1) If you will be in the area where crime is high, you may want to hire security escort.

2) Do not show off your money in public. When you exchange money, you must do it with caution.

3) Watch out for children working with adults. Many of them are scammers and pickpockets.

4) Keep your passport in the safe place. It is not wise to show it to strangers unnecessarily.

5) Know bus and train schedules before traveling. You do not want to miss the last bus. You should always study the map before traveling.

6) Take first aid kit with you. You do not know what will happen on your trip. It is wise to carry medicine, bug repellent, sunscreen with you, when you visit foreign country.

7) Do not tell strangers your personal information, itinerary, or travel plan. You do not really know who you can trust. If you must talk about your personal information in public, you must keep your voice down.

8) Tell your family about your travel plan. You do not want to loose all credit cards in foreign land. If you run into event of emergency, they should know where you are. So they can help you.

9) If you have children, you should bring their photograph. If they are separated from you, it will come in handy.

10) Travel with no more than two credit cards. You do not want to loose all credit cards in foreign land. It is wise to keep some credit cards at home.

3 Best Travel Places in Asia

There are numerous best travel places that you may come across when visiting Asia. In fact, a large number of tourist attractions of the entire world can be found in the Asian continent. Asia is the home to the greatest collection of heritage of art, language, cuisine and superb architecture. The Asian continent has great food, history as well as people. You can expect to find almost everything here as it is a dream destination for most travelers. The three best places to travel in Asia include the following.

Philippines

Philippines has many beautiful tourist attractions that you simple cannot miss if you are on a vacation trip. Tagaytay City which is located about 2500 feet above sea level is a perfect picnic spot. Moreover, here you will also get to experience the world's smallest volcano which is still active.

The Olango Wildlife Sanctuary supports a large number of migratory birds found in the country. These birds often migrate from Siberia, Japan and Northern China and when conditions are no longer favorable on this sanctuary, they fly to areas as far as New Zealand and Australia as well. The Chocolate Hills is also among the most famous places that is worth visiting. Some other places of interest and attractions in Philippines include the Coconut Palace, Nonoc Cave, Kawasan Falls, Paco Park, Casa Manila, St Anne's Shrine, Punta de Santiago Lighthouse, The Flower Farm and many more.

Thailand

Thailand is also one of the best travel places in Asia. It is in fact a country where tourism is the chief support of the economy. Thailand is quite a safe and beautiful place if you choose it as a tourist destination. The people here are friendly and this is the reason this country has been given the name "The Land of Smiles." There are many popular travel places that can be enjoyed here including the ancient temples, panoramic beaches, bustling cities, picturesque riversides and much more.

Indonesia

Indonesia is also filled with tourist spots and exciting famous places that can not be missed when on a vacation trip. There are a lot of things that can be done in Indonesia. The most popular travel places in Jakarta in Indonesai include The National Monument Towers, The Central Museum, Merdeka Square, Portuguese Church and the Istiqlal Mosque. Among all these, other best travel includes Sumatra which is the second largest island of Indonesia, the Orchid Island, Bali and Banda Islands.

How To Find Out If Someone Died Or Find Where Someone Is Buried

How to find out if someone died when you have little to go on

The more that you know about a person the easier it is to find out more about them but what if you don't have much information to start with? What if you're trying to find out what happened to a school friend or an old work mate that you lost touch with years ago? There may be no mutual friends to ask, you've no idea where they live or lived and you're not even sure what country they might be in. What do you do then?

The good news is that it's never been easier to find people than it is today. The Internet is making the job of accessing public records a breeze as more and more public information databases are placed online. Searching public databases can often be done for free and if you have a good idea about where to look you stand a good chance of finding what you want.

But how to find out if someone died if you have nothing more than a name to go on? You might not even be sure that you've got the name right. You may have to painstakingly search through obituaries, cemetery records, funeral home records, genealogy databases, social security information and lots more. You might have to do this for many states if you don't know where they lived. You might even have to look for leads in many countries.

Help is available

This is a job that could potentially take you several years to complete but help is at hand. The problem of how to find where someone is buried or how to find any information about an individual is a big problem for many people and help in solving it are now available.

The more information you have to start with the easier it is. If you know someone who has knowledge of the person you are looking for then you can find out if someone is dead by simply asking your mutual friend. Knowing where the person lived can narrow your search down considerably and in the unlikely event that you know the persons social security number then finding them should be easy.

How to save time looking for someone

If you don't know very much about someone then finding out what has happened to them can be laborious and time consuming. It could take you years of looking and you still might not find them. One way of saving time is to hire a private detective to do the searching for you. They are used to finding people and they should be well acquainted with all the public records databases that are available.

Hiring a PI can work out very expensive however and there can never be any guarantee of results. A cheaper option is to make use of an online service that has done all the hard work of finding and integrating all the available records databases together. You still need to have some information to start with but then so would your Private Investigator Consultant.

Find out anything you want about someone

Online undercover detective services aren't limited to how to find out if someone died. You will be amazed at exactly how much you can find out about someone from where they were born to what their credit rating is like. You can even do searches on yourself to find out what information is being kept on you. It's kind of scary.

Whats So Great About Australia

Australia is also known as the land down under, made famous by the song by "Men At Work". Beer does flow and men chunder. Beer does flow freely but Australia is also well known for its fine wine and good food. Besides the fine gourmet meals, Australia has a lot to offer to visitors from all over the world.

Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. It is almost a continent on its own and a giant island. It has only about two people per square kilometer, the lowest population density in the world. Australia has over 10000 beaches, more than any country in the world. There are over 40 million kangaroos in Australia, the most well known animal unique to Australia. The longest stretch of straight railway track is 478 km in Western Australia.

Flying to Australia is easy. There are now about 30 airlines flying regularly from UK to Australia. One of the best times for cheap air tickets is early in the year. However do look out for special last minute offers which happen during all year round. You can also stop over in most Asian countries like Singapore, Japan or Thailand. Perth, Darwin, Brisbane, Adelaide, Cairns and Hobart have international airport terminals while Sydney and Melbourne airport enjoyed the most number of visitors.

Australia second biggest state is Queensland which is 4 times the size of Japan, otherwise known as the Sunshine State. It is home to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns. The oldest state in Australia is New South Wales. That is where the capital Sydney is. Do not miss its fantastic harbor, the Harbor Bridge, the famous Sydney Opera House and the Bondi Beach. Tasmania, an island, is the smallest city in Australia. It is surrounded with beautiful mountain landscapes. More than 40 percent of the island is a World Heritage Area with national parks and marine reserves.

Do not miss the scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road if you are in Victoria. The Northern Territory is about 3 times the size of France which includes breathtaking landscapes and wonders including the beautiful National Parks such as Uluru-Kata Tjuta where the famous Ayers Rock is.

South Australia, where Adelaide is situated, is famed for its laid back atmosphere, great wine from the Barossa valley regions and its beautiful coastline. Western Australia includes Perth, a charming seaside capital. Its population is only one and a half million people. However it has some of Australia's and the worlds more remote and awe inspiring landscapes.

During your visit, you will probably be overwhelmed by so much to see and do. Remember, Australia is a big place. Plan your precious vacation time carefully. If you are not sure, check out various websites specializing in Australian travel. Visit the Australian Travel & Tourism Network at http://www.atn.com.au, Australian Travel Emporium at http://www.austtravel.com.au, or Walkabout the Australian Travel Guide at http://www.walkabout.com.au. There is just something for everyone to do.

Bangkok Hotels Near Red Light Districts - A Travel Guide For First Timers

Finding a hotel in Bangkok for the first time can be quite confusing. After all there are so many hotels in Bangkok to choose. But if you know you want to stay in or near Bangkok's hottest red light districts then you're halfway there as I'll help you decide which hotels to stay in.

There are three red light districts located in central Bangkok. All are easily accessible by the many modes of transportation in Bangkok. And the hotels in Bangkok range from the no frills budget accommodations to luxury properties with classy service.

The first red light district is called Patpong. Like the rest of the nightlife action in Bangkok, Patpong starts and heats up after 7pm, especially when the night market opens up. Patpong is filled with go-go bars and clubs of various sorts. The volume of venues here is quite vast as businesses cater to mostly male customers either straight, gay or both. The most notable go-go bar names are King's Castle and Queen's Castle group located in Patpong one. And if you're looking for some bizarre amusement then check out the ping pong sex shows the area is so famous for. Just make sure you know what you'll be paying for.

Here are the names of a few hotels in Patpong worth staying in:

The Montien Hotel
Siam Heritage Boutique Hotel
Bally's Suite Silom Hotel

The next red light districts are located close to each other and they're called Soi Cowboy and Nana. Soi Cowboy is the smallest out of the three but it has the most well known go-go bars in Bangkok. I'm talking about Long Gun and Rawhide, two very big time go-go bars. Even though Soi Cowboy is small it still packs quite a huge entertainment value.

Nana is the final red light district and the biggest attraction because there are so many things to do around there. Most start off with Nana Entertainment Plaza. NEP is a small four story building stacked with go-go bars upon more go-go bars. You can't miss NEP especially at night when its filled with so many tourist from all over the world. The area surrounding Nana has a wide selection of places to eat and drink from many international choices. You'll find lots of open beer gardens too and bars to hang out and just people watch.

Here are the names of a few popular hotels to stay near Soi Cowboy and Nana:

Grand President Hotel
Ambassador Hotel
Nana Hotel

Most hotels located near the red light districts of Soi Cowboy and Nana are guest friendly. This means that the hotel does not charge an extra fee or a joiner fee for taking a companion back to the hotel rooms. Joiner fees can range from 500THB up to 1500THB. So as you can see guest friendly hotels in Bangkok are very popular and should be booked in advance.

What Do Thai Women Want in a Foreign Man?

Thai-Farang relationships are a common sight in Bangkok. The number of interracial relationships in Thailand seems to grow every year. Even in the outskirts and suburban areas you can almost be certain of seeing some foreign guy hand in hand with his Thai girlfriend. So why is it that so many Thai girls seem to go for a Western man instead of a Thai guy that she would have a lot more in common with? Most foreigners in Thailand don't even really understand Thai culture, don't speak the language and don't understand Thai women! Are Thai women really attracted to foreign men or is it really about money?

There are in fact many reasons why a Thai girl would go for a foreigner. Let's take a look at some reasons that I think are common. Most Thai ladies I have talked often mention money, fidelity, physical chemistry and worldliness. Some may be only interested in one of those or all of them, but it's a good starting point in figuring out why Thai women end up dating white guys.

I've found that most middle-class Thai women who date western guys almost always say that they enjoy dating them because they feel like they are respected more and have more freedom of expression. She is tired of dating Thai men who expect her just to be a pretty, cute wife void of any personality and opinion. She enjoys the chance to express herself and try new things without being judged in a rigid Thai society. She is looking for an educated, intelligent foreign man who will show her the world and bring her along with him as they explore life together. You meet her at a trendy café or bar, maybe in a hotel lobby or even on the internet, but she isn't going to chase you. Impress her by showing your drive and ambition without bragging.

As you see, there are many reasons why a Thai girl would want to date a foreign guy and money is definitely not the only reason. So, if you want to meet a nice Thai girl, think about who you are and what kind of lady would be attracted to you. Are you the type happy to settle for a quiet countryside life or are you looking for a partner not only in bed but someone who can keep her own in a conversation. Do you want a string of flings with girls from Kao San clubs? Regardless, get out of the bars and gogos and start exploring the other side of Thailand.

The Famous Monuments of Nepal

If we are talking about Nepal, what comes to our mind the most is its natural beauty and simplicity. Their culture has been strongly living along the years, and even the modernization cannot break. Among the reasons why Nepal is popular is because of the country's famous monuments. There are a number of monuments in this country that has been visited by people from around the world. Further in this article, we will find out about these and learn a bit of their history.

First stop is the Kathmandu Durbar Square. It was built way back between the 12th and 18th century. It is the center of all the religious and social activities of the city if Kathmandu and the rest of Nepal. It is a colorful square with walls that have beautiful inscriptions in it that is written in fifteen languages. The place is mostly crowded especially if there are special occasions involving religious rites and festivals. It is one of the places we should not miss to visit when going to Nepal.

Another is the Patan Durbar Square. This is located in one of the largest town in Kathmandu Valley. The square was believed to have been built during the299 C.E. It is a place for both the Hindus and Buddhist. It has bronze gateways that have amazing carvings that makes it more attractive.

Next one that we should see is the Bhaktapur Square that is famous for its well-designed durbars. It is popular for its beautiful sculpted stones and wood carvings.

For one who is traveling to Nepal, there are so much more to see other than just the beauty of the country. The monuments dates back from the earliest history of the place and here, it shows the culture of the Nepalese people and their artistic talents in creating such attractive monuments.

Although most of their monuments are made for religious purposes, people who are from different parts of the globe having different types of religions can still visit here and witness the splendor of the monuments. Everyone can also enjoy the many festivities held in these religious sites.

For us who want to visit a highly cultured country that has wonderful and attractive places to visit, then Nepal is definitely the right place to go. It is one of Asia's prides, and the monuments in this country add to the whole beauty of it.

Homestay Experience in Thailand?

So you're interested in a homestay experience with a rural hilltribe community in northern Thailand? Sounds Great! Just remember, don't be expecting luxury or hotel type accommodations. Be prepared for rather basic accommodations without too much amenities. Most likely your shower will be very rudimentary and consist of a bucket of cool water that you empty on yourself, and your toilet will be the traditional Thai squat toilet, which is low to the ground and does not flush by itself; you'll have to pour a bucket or two of water to induce the toilet to flush. Don't worry; if you have chosen the right homestay, you'll get a very rustic but clean room with a functional bed. Don't be anticipating gourmet restaurant style food, however meals should be very tasty and healthfully prepared. The ladies in the village who prepare your meals will most likely be very experienced cooks and well versed in their own culinary traditions. If you're a vegetarian, they should be able to accommodate you.

Just a tip - if you're staying with a hilltribe community - i.e. Akha, Hmong, Lisu, Lahu, Karen or Mien, it wouldn't hurt to do some research in advance on their culture and history.

While I have no personal experience with in Thailand per se, I had the opportunity to do a site inspection of a relatively new homestay in the mountains, about an hour drive from Chiang Mai, the tourist hub of Northern Thailand. Rooms were simple and small as expected but very clean and had a petite outdoor verandah with chairs in addition to a small area inside the room to lay your personal belongings.

The villagers grow both tea and coffee in the immediate vicinity and many people in the community were engaged in farming and other agricultural pursuits. While perusing the merchandise in their community's gift shop, I bought a special neck collar-pillow stuffed with aromatic green tea. For some strange reason, I thought that US Customs might tear it apart looking for marijuana but they didn't even bat an eye.

Retire to Thailand - An Expatriates View of Prospects Available to Tourists and Expats

Retiring in the 21st century doesn't echo much the traditional notion we commonly associate with the word, which is the end stage of linear working life. In this age of life long learning and life long working, retiring has acquired a new meaning which suits the needs and demands of the new generation of retirees.

Viewed cyclically, retiring is the intermingling of work, learning and leisure. Whether you subscribe to this idea of retirement or stick with the old notion, the next important question to consider might be; where on earth is the best place to retire? Or better yet, which destination accommodates your idea of retirement best Four Hundred US dollars a month for house rents, efficient and convenient public facilities and infrastructures if.eat. transportation, water and electricity systems, exotic gastronomy yielding healthy and delicious food, medical services of international standards and at very reasonable costs, wellness activities like spa and traditional foot and body massage, countless outdoor recreation activities, safe environment, warm climate, pristine beaches, enough opportunity to find your special someone, 'sabaii-sabaii' or relaxed life style ( the perfect mindset for retirees), great chance of finding a suitable companion, friendly locals, investment opportunities, easy retirement visas, and many more.

If this sounds like your dream place for retirement, then Thailand is the place to be.People from all over the world visit Thailand and return again and again. Last year, it was estimated that 12 million people visited the kingdom and so many could not wait to return once they have landed back in their home country. Of these large number of enchanted tourists who consider returning to Thailand for good, a lot of them are eyeing to retire, live and work here. If you happen to be one of them, then you have come to the right place as we can help you make your dream come true. Many of our website visitors had been visiting Thailand for several years and finally, made the leap and so far they never regretted it. Some live in Bangkok and do not miss owning a car, as the sky train system that is in place, rivals other similar ones for being so safe, reasonable, and efficient. Some live in the North east of Thailand udon thani is just one place where life is quiet and peaceful. Very affordable housing and great health care Others choose the South where beautiful beaches in areas like Phuket and Koh Samui abound.

Introduction to Thai Food - Pad Gra Pow

Breakfast, that's the key. I'd find myself in Thailand standing on the street in front of my hotel or guest house that first morning in a new city or town or village and realize that I was ravenous after yesterdays' travel. Once more down the list of options. Eat in a nice hotel dining room where the food tastes exactly like every other hotel dining room in the world or is priced several times beyond what I would like to pay?

Maybe take a chance on one of the "Farang" restaurants (that means foreigner.) A sign in English and photographs on the menu so ordering can be done by pointing. And yes, the credit card size piece of ham is as small and the eggs are as runny as they look in the picture. You can also bet that the toast will be as cold as my high school English teachers' heart. The "Thai" food won't much better because it's always carefully adulterated so as not to offend the taste buds of foreigners who don't like Thai food anyway.

No. Start walking in any direction you see people are going and take a chance on what you will find. You'll know it when you see it. Indoors, outdoors or even street side, people are sitting and eating. Better yet is if you see more than one operation serving food in an area and only one of them is busy with satisfied customers while the competition stands around contemplating a career change. If there are taxi or Tuk Tuk or Moto-Taxi drivers starting their day there, you know you've hit the mother-lode. The food will be good and the price right.

Walk in, sit down and look like a customer. Catch someones' eye and have a go at ordering. I might end up with jok (rice porridge,) khao thom (cooked rice stewed with some meat) or even some noodles in a broth if I have to resort to pointing to the next table and asking for the same. My first choice though is usually pad gra pow (pronouncing "pot kapow" with a smile on my face usually does the trick.)

The beauty of pad gra pow is that it's so simple that it's almost impossible to not do well and it can be done quickly and easily. A plate of cooked rice smothered in a stir-fry of meat and holy (or sacred) basil. It is obviously peasant food but it's exactly what is needed to get your day off to a good start.

To prepare at home, put about two tablespoons of oil into a hot pan, chop or mince about two tablespoons of garlic and about the same amount of chili peppers and drop into the hot oil. Stir the garlic and chilies until the garlic just starts to brown then add about a half pound of ground chicken (gai) or pork (moo.) Stir the mixture until it seems to dry a little then add a tablespoon of sugar and one or more tablespoons of Thai or Vietnamese fish sauce. Last, add from about one half to a full cup of fresh holy basil leaves. Give a quick stir to mix the basil in well and wilt the leaves, remove from the heat and serve over rice. If finding fresh holy basil is a problem go ahead and use sweet basil and the results will be close to the original.

In the authentic Thai restaurant, the condiment offered on the table will be nam pla prik (fish sauce with some chopped chilies and a squeeze of lime juice.) Just a few drops of this is sufficient to add some saltiness and a bit of after burn to make the meal satisfying.

When ordering, don't be afraid to ask for mai phet (not spicy) or phet nit noi (a little spicy.) A popular garnish is an egg (kai) fried sunny-side-up (dow.) Don't be frightened off by all those who say that Thai is a difficult language to learn. Try ordering pot kapow moo kai dow, mai phet for a very satisfying and authentic Thai breakfast.

Fun Facts About Nigeria - Birthplace of Hakeem Olajuwon!

Welcome to Nigeria-A Multicultural Country in Africa

Hakeem Olajuwon

Did you know- Nigerian-born Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon is the "second-best player in the world" in the words of George Karl, former coach of the United States Men's National Team. Like Sade (singer) and Wole Soyinka (1986 Nobel Prize), Mr Olajuwon is an idol in Nigeria. He once said, "I do not like it when TV only shows the bad things and then say, 'This Lagos' (Nigeria's former capital). There are bad things, sure, but in Lagos we have designer clothes, big buildings, videos, and many other things that people enjoy in America. TV doesn't show that, and I get tired of trying to explain it".

Geography

Did you know- The modern country of Nigeria, once the seat of an ancient kingdom, is located on the southern coast of western Africa. This former British colony is bordered by Benin (known as Dahomey until 1972) to the West, Niger (ex French colony) to the north, Chad (former French colony) and Cameroon (former French & British territory) to the East, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. It is an African country of considerable contrasts: It is home to mangrove swamps, plateaus, semideserts, and tropical rainforests. Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria, but Lagos, former capital, is the largest city.

Independence

Did you know- On October 1, 1960, Nigeria, after a 102-year European occupation, became an independent country within the British Commonwealth.

Nigeria & USA

Did you know- Abuja and Washington have maintained excellent diplomatic ties. Under this context, America's leader Jimmy Carter visited the African country in 1978. Subsequently, on August 24, 2000, Lagos was visited by Bill Clinton.

Population

Did you know- The English-speaking country is the ten-largest country in population in the world, with 154 million people. About 50 percent of the population is Muslim. At least 1.5 millions Nigerians live in abroad, 70% of them in Western Europe

Democracy

Did you know- The 38-year of military rule ended in 1998 when Olusegun Obasanjo won the country's first free elections. In the subsequent years, Nigeria, an oil-rich country, became a democratic state.

United Nations

Did you know- After independence, on October 7, 1960, the country joined the United Nations. Post 1960, it was one of the anti-apartheid leaders on Earth.

International Awards

Did you know- At the end of 1986, Wole Soyinka became the first black author to win a Nobel Prize for Africa. Indeed, Mr. Soyinka was one of sub-Saharan Africa's well-known novelists in the latter half of the past century. In addition to his career as novelist, he was a prominent campaigner for democracy and human rights on the African mainland in the 70s and 80s.

Soccer

Did you know- The 1999 FIFA Under-20 World Cup was held in Nigeria an event that was the envy of the rest of the world. In fact, this is the largest soccer tournament to be held in Nigeria.

Tourism

Did you know- From a culturally perspective Nigeria is a notable place with over 100 ethnic groups. Apart from that, the English-speaking country is interesting in terms of its biodiversity: there are many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries; lions, elephants, wild birds and reptiles all populated these national parks. In addition, its capital, Abuja, is one of sub-Saharan Africa's most modern cities. Music is also one of the main activities of the nation, birthplace of Sade, one of the world's most successful female singers. Finally, it also has spectacular architectural sites: the Osun-Sogbo Sacred Grove, a World Heritage Site, is one of the most visited scenic places in Nigeria.

Famous Visitors

Did you know- In the early 1980s, Pope John Paul visited Nigeria.

The Sights of Bangkok in Thailand

One of the most popular destinations in Asia to visit over recent years has been Thailand. This of course has also coincided with the booming popularity of Thai cuisine around the world. Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is the main entry point where the vast majority of tourists to Thailand will use.

Bangkok is a very interesting city because in addition to the usual modern buildings of offices, hotels and shopping centers, there are also about 400 exotic Thai temples that seem to stick out among the urban landscape. There are Thai citizens on the streets dressed in modern business clothing as well as Buddhist monks in saffron robes. Yet this is what part of Thailand is. The traditional mixed in with the modern. In fact, it's the traditional attractions that make Thailand so magical. The temples are sights that one just cannot see in the western world. They are like objects that popped out of an Asian fairy tale.

Like many other large Asian cities, Bangkok is congested with traffic, people and pollution. In fact, the air can be bad enough that there are locals wearing surgical masks in the streets. With an average annual temperature of 28 degrees Celsius or 83 degrees Fahrenheit, it can be somewhat uncomfortable outside for some tourists, especially those from northern climates. Also beware that there will be people on the streets who will try to hustle tourists and direct them to their own businesses and tours. But unlike places in the Caribbean, Thais are polite and not aggressive people. For example, once upon arrival at the international airport, there will be people within the terminal including the ones at the booths who will be offering taxi transportation to your hotel. Although these are legit, they will charge a premium compared to the taxis waiting outside the terminal. There is a similar situation at the hotels. The taxis waiting right outside the main hotel entrances do seem to quote more than those waiting on the side streets just further down. The three-wheeled 'tuk tuk' vehicles also vary a lot so it may be wise to ask for quotes from a few drivers rather than taking the first one you see. The tuk tuks are a fun ride by the way so they should be experienced at least once while in Bangkok. The city also has various public buses and river taxis which are long boats used on the river canal system. A nice way to spend some time is to take a ride on one of these river taxis to cruise the canals which some refer to as the 'Venice of the East'.

The Grand Palace is probably the most visited attraction in Bangkok. This complex is surrounded by walls built in 1783 and contains government offices, royal residences monuments and the Emerald Buddha Chapel. The Royal Chapel which contains the Emerald Buddha is the monarch's private chapel. The Buddha itself is actually a one piece jade sitting on top of a golden altar. It's not a large Buddha but it is very special. Apparently, they change the Buddha's clothing which is also made of gold on a seasonal basis. There are numerous monuments on the grounds that are dedicated to past monarchs. Walls with large mythological scenes are displayed throughout. The buildings and monuments within the Grand Palace have some very striking colors including golds and greens. Gold color is used quite a lot and the distinctively curved Thai roofs on the buildings are very detailed. Equally stunning are some of the interiors of these buildings with their magnificent rooms and halls used for different ceremonies and events. Some of these halls have special royal altars.

One temple not to miss is Wat Pho which is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It features a giant Buddha lying on its side. Even the soles of this Buddha's feet have very intricately detailed designs. Other nice temples to see are Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple). The Wat Pho temple has traditional Thai massage services which are very popular among tourists. Other temples such as Wat Mahathat and Wat Parinayok also have Thai massages available. The Royal Barges or long boats which are used during ceremonies on the river are also nice to see. The details put into decorating these boats are just remarkable.

For wildlife enthusiasts, there's the Pasteur Institute's Snake Farm where poisonous snakes are fed daily and visitors can watch handlers milk cobras for their venom. There is also the world's largest Crocodile Farm. The national sport of Thai kickboxing can be seen at two different stadiums in Bangkok. Both the Ratchadamnoen and Lumphini stadiums feature events throughout the week on different days. Thai theatre and traditional dance are very interesting to watch as cultural entertainment. These can be seen at theatres as well as some of the top hotels in the city.

Bangkok has some good shopping opportunities especially for jewelry, handicrafts and textiles including silks as well as cottons. As in other locations in Asia, vendors in the streets will expect some bargaining of prices where the retail stores have fixed prices. Just like in Hong Kong, Bangkok has many custom tailors who can make suits, shirts and dresses for clients within 24 hours. Some will even delivery the finished clothing to your hotel free of charge.

There are some general guidelines of etiquette in Thailand that should be followed by all visitors. The Thai royal family is revered in this country so no outsider should ever make any even slightly negative remarks about the country's monarchy. Temples should not be entered unless one is covered with long pants or skirts. Shorts and shoulderless tops are not permitted in temples. Footwear is always removed prior to entering any temple. Images and statues of Buddha, even postcards, are considered sacred in Thailand so one should never climb on one or do anything that will show disrespect. Public displays of affection between men and women are also frowned upon. Of course this seems to be a complete contradiction to Bangkok's famous red light and adult entertainment districts such as Patpong. But this is yet another example of the contrast that's found in Thailand.

The attractions in Bangkok warrant a few days stay in the city before heading out to other parts of Thailand where there's much less pollution and more beautiful natural scenery. Bangkok has good air connections with other Asian destinations as well so it can easily be fit into a larger tour of Asia.