"You will not believe it! It's one of Canada's great museums here in the heart of the prairies." Patricia, a Saskatchewan tourist official commented as we stopped in front of the Shurniak Art Gallery, in Assiniboia, - a small town of some 2,305 souls that caters to a farm population in the surrounding countryside. She went on, 'Would you have thought that this small town would have a fine art gallery?' The Shurniak Art Gallery would not exist … [Read more...]
Guide to Cyprus, the Bridge to the Middle East
One glance at the map will tell you why this tiny Mediterranean country, handy to three continents, Asia, Europe and Africa, has become the playground of the international set. And it's easy to see why for long distance travelers from the U.S., for instance, it's the ultimate vacation add-on to a trip to the Middle East. Prepare yourself for a balancing act when you come to the Republic of Cyprus. This sunny island is so blessed with … [Read more...]
Film Festivals in Istanbul
Istanbul's Independent and International Festivals A city with a unique mix of Asian and European cultural influences, Istanbul is the home of two major film festivals which showcase established and up-and-coming talent from both continents. The Independent !F Festival and the Istanbul International Festival celebrate a combination of alternative productions, big blockbusters and quality Turkish movies, often giving national cinema … [Read more...]
Splendour of the Far East: The Philippines
My plane bucks like a wild horse on the final approach before landing through disturbing clouds that crowd late afternoon summer skies over Manila. Beside me a Singaporean Flight Engineer and his wife eagerly peer out the window for a first glimpse of the city. "We've been visiting the islands a number of times," she explains, reminding me of how neighbouring Asians refer to the rest of the country, "and can't wait to get back. Philippines are … [Read more...]
ALO’s Guide to Finding yourself in Turkey
The cradle of civilization reaches across Asia and Europe welcoming all who enter its majestic beauty. In the hotel high above the Mediterranean Sea, a sunny day with light grey, puffy clouds wrap the sky in silver gauze. Rain seems imminent, but that is not a concern this morning. Shopping is on the top of my list - that is after room service. I like to brag that my idea of roughing it on vacation is either no cable television or no room … [Read more...]
Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) – February 2008
Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) - The Mangosteen is simply called the Queen of the fruit and you will know why when you taste it. We have sampled the Mangosteen's subtle sweet flavors worldwide especially in the tropical countries of SE Asia where when in season it is as common as oranges and bananas are in the West. Unfortunately it is still little known in the West despite the incredible marketing of the Mangosteen juice. It is not allowed … [Read more...]
A journey through time in Sabah
Sabah is part of East Malaysia, situated on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Administratively this island as a whole is divided between both Indonesia and the Kingdom of Brunei as well as Malaysia itself. Sabah occupies the northernmost tip of Borneo and its apt name alludes to local weather patterns! Translating to "land below the wind", Sabah's name is a reference to the nearby Philippines and the propensity for typhoons in that region. … [Read more...]
Philippines Tourism – December 2007
Philippines Tourism - The Philippines are one of the most under-rated Island nations in the world. They take a little more work to get to because of their location and as a result compared to mainland SE Asia there are far fewer tourists who visit the Philippines. How can you go wrong with over 7100+ islands and world class white sand beaches complimented by the clearest bluest water you've seen. In addition English is one of the languages … [Read more...]
The Fire Temples of Darius
Just down the street from where the Ayatollah Khomeini's simple house stands in a leafy northern suburb of Tehran, someone had scrawled the following on a wall: 'America: there is not a damn thing you can do!' It was spray painted in English. Elsewhere, I spotted large murals depicting skulls on the American flag with the words "Down with the USA!" across it. Also in English. None of this came as a shock to me; in fact I expected to see such … [Read more...]
Kota Kinabalu Trip Malaysia
I remember this vividly; it all started on a lovely afternoon when I leisurely sat in front of my computer and browsed through my recent emails and happened upon an eye catching message which suddenly took my full attention. It was an email from Air Asia to announce that 100,000 free tickets would be given away starting today. I spread the news immediately and it soon reached Choo Pooi my colleague who was an avid outdoor adventurer. She had … [Read more...]
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