Monday, August 27, 2007

Colored smoke



















Ford Verve























































































Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Bali Island, Morning of The World


Bali, a tropical island in the Indonesian archipelago, is so picturesque and immaculate it could almost be a painted backdrop. It has rice paddies tripping down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soaring up through the clouds, dense tropical jungle, long sandy beaches, warm blue water, crashing surf and friendly people who don’t just have a culture but actually live it. In Bali spirits come out to play in the moonlight, every night is a festival and even a funeral is an opportunity to have a good time.

Bali Island, the perfect holiday destination for all ages offers something for everyone. This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich past and heritage. The Balinese people are proud of having preserved their unique Hindu culture against the advance of Islam, the dominant religion throughout Indonesia. This is still reflected in day to day life and can be seen in the numerous ceremonies, Balinese festivals and magnificent temples and palaces. Some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island whilst conversely the eastern side is a wonderful haven for families, with beautiful white sand beaches and gentle seas.

Bali Island is a shopper’s paradise particularly for casual and tailored clothing, locally made jewellery, handicrafts, antiques and artifacts. Leather ware is one of the unexpected local bargains with everything from handbags through to tailor made leather jackets and coats, all at unbelievable prices. In fact, prices are so inexpensive, you’re sure to need more room in your suitcase! Try bargaining at the street markets of Kuta, Sanur of Nusa Dua or fixed price shopping at a Denpasar department store. Bali has it all.

For those that want to stay wet, Bali Island has world class scuba diving, snorkelling and wonderful day trips out to Nusa Penida for beach sports and coral viewing.

When the sun sets, the choices are still hard to make - a quiet romantic moon lit dinner or watch the spectacular Balinese Fire Dance or Kecak Dance. For those that want to party, Bali Island has it all with bars, discos and nightclubs.

As a truly international destination attracting visitors from all over the world, restaurants in Bali are extremely cosmopolitan yet inexpensive. Experience not only local delicacies like Nasi Goreng and Sate Campur but also Chinese, Malaysian, Japanese, Italian/European Greek, Moroccan and even Mexican cuisine. We must not forget Bali’s wonderful seafood - local lobster at such prices that you will want to keep coming back for more.

For those more culturally inclined, Bali can offer the peace and tranquility of Ubud high in the hills; the spectacular Mother Temple at Besakih; the ancient capital of Bali, Singaraja and the floating palace at Ujung near the pretty beach area of Candi Dasa. The Scenery is nothing less than spectacular. Jungle, picturesque hillside rice terraces and the awesome magnificence of Kintamani Volcano.

The more active, wanting a break from the idyllic beaches, can experience wonderful golf courses in the mountains at Bedugul and beachside at Nusa Dua, the thrill of white water rafting or kayaking down the beautiful Ayung River; mountain cycling amid scenery you will never forget and organized rice paddy and jungle treks to see the side of Bali most tourists never encounter.

Bali Island, a truly international destination, offers every standard of accommodation ranging from charming yet modest bungalow style hotels in lush tropical gardens for the budget minded through to arguably amongst the most exclusive and sophisticated hotels in the world!

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Creative foods

Arrange your meals with creative foods














































































































































































































































































































































Sunday, August 5, 2007

Cook Islands


The Cook Islands is , for many, the quintessential romantic island destination. A honeymoon at The Cook Islands will include romantic moments spent at heavenly beaches, basking in the sum and swimming in warm, clear lagoons. If your image of the perfect romantic getaway, honeymoon, or couple's holiday has always been one that includes gorgeous beaches and palm fronds swishing in the breeze, then the Cook Islands might be what you have been seeking. Many a couple have not only chosen a Cook Islands honeymoon, but also decided to get married with a Destination Wedding at The Cook Islands. The Cook Islands are situated 2,200 miles northeast of New Zealand and 600 miles southwest of Tahiti in the South Pacific, forming part of Polynesia. The islands fall into two groups: the scattered Northern Group are all coral atolls while the Southern Group is of volcanic origin. Most of the larger islands include lagoons surrounded by small areas of fertile land above which rise volcanic hills. Unsurprisingly, given their beauty, the Cook Islands have been used as the setting for several films, the best known being Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence.



There are 15 islands altogether – here is some information about the most popular, the most unusual and the least populated. Rarotonga - This is the capital of the Cooks with the highest population at 12,000 people. Tall lush peaks are surrounded by breathtaking beaches, a stunning clear lagoon and encircling coral reef. The main town of Avarua is on the north side of the island, and has many cafes and souvenir shops with a great array of gifts like pareu (sarongs), carvings, the famous black pearls and local art work. There is a main road encompassing the whole island, making it easy to get around and explore the other villages, and visit the many beaches on the western side of the island to watch the glorious sunset whilst sipping a happy hour cocktail. Aitutaki –Its said to be one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, and reachable by a 50 minute plane trip with Air Rarotonga.
The other 13 islands are beautiful, and more remote with fewer tourists. You can reach some by plane from Rarotonga, the rest by boat and are well worth a visit if you have plenty of time. The outer islands include Atiu, a raised coral island 133 miles from Raro, famous for its caves which house the Kopeka bird, a swallow unique to Atui. Suwarrow, which is inhabited only by a caretaker and his family, is considered a sanctuary for many endangered species, especially sea birds, and is also steeped in history of buried treasure. Palmerston is an unusual gem in the South Pacific. Settled in 1863 by Englishman William Marsters with his three Cook Islands wives, he and his descendents have populated this small group of motus. It is said that the locals still talk with a Gloucestershire twang!
On Rarotonga, we enjoy a slow pace of life, so if you're looking for a stressful trip, don't comehere! Apart from just relaxing, lying on the palm fringed beaches, there are, however, a wide range of other things to do. If you're a bit of a night-owl, there’s plenty of fun to be had! Dancing is an important part of Cook Islands culture, and a visit to an Island Night is a must while you are here. You'll be amazed by the energetic drumming and vibrant exotic dancing in the unforgettable shows. If you just want to party, there are plenty of bars in which to try the local beer.