France Travel

France Travel Information | Lonely Planet Destination Guide worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links : Explore France France Douce France taught the world just how sweet life should be. At a Glance Fast Facts WORLDGUIDE Introduction Background Info See Image Gallery Events Transport Money General RELATED Thorn Tree Forum Postcards Travel Links More Places Check out our other destinations: Within France Bordeaux Corsica Lille Marseille Nice Paris Toulouse View Map Click here Feature Attraction Cathédrale de Notre Dame de Paris This is the heart of the city, a French Gothic masterpiece and the focus of Catholic Paris for seven centuries. Built on a site occupied by earlier churches ... more The French wrote the book on la vie en rose and gave the world champagne and camembert, de Beauvoir and Debussy, the Tour de France and the Tour Eiffel. There's a term for their seductive lifestyle - Douce France (Sweet France) and you'll find yourself using it often. Although the ubiquity of Levis and Le Big Mac flusters the country's cultural purists, anything from a year in Provence to a weekend in Paris will explain why half the world grows dreamy over stalking Cyrano's streets or picnicking Manet-style sur l'herbe . When To Go Spring offers the best weather to visitors, with beach tourism picking up in May. Temperatures aren't too bad in autumn, although the short days mean limited sunlight and the cold starts to make itself felt towards the end of the season, even along the Côte d'Azur. Winter means playing in the snow in France's Alps and Pyrenees, though the Christmas school holidays send hordes of tadpoles in uniform scurrying for the slopes. Mid-July through to the end of August is when most city dwellers take their annual five weeks' vacation to the coasts and mountains, and the half-desolate cities tend to shut down a bit accordingly. The same happens during February and March. Factoid Dirty Pretty Two possibly contradictory statistics about the French: 1. Only 47% of French people bathe or shower every day. 2. French men and women buy more beauty products (creams, masks, etc) than any other people on earth. SPONSORED LINKS Enquire Accomodation Reviews Find Lonely Planet author reviewed places to stay * Required Fields Country * Please select Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Brazil Canada China Cuba Czech Republic Denmark Egypt England Estonia Finland France Germany Hungary Iceland India Ireland Israel & the Palestinian Territories Italy Japan Malaysia Mexico Morocco Netherlands New Zealand Poland Portugal Russia Scotland South Africa South Korea Spain Sweden Taiwan Thailand Turkey USA United Arab Emirates Vietnam City * Please select Travel Services · Flights · Hostels · Hotels · Travel Insurance More Services › On the Road Discover Le Panier, an old girl with a kick in her step. Read it › Disclaimer: We've tried to make theinformation on this web site as accurate as possible, but it isprovided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injuryor inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety,customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before youtravel. text & images © lonely planet 2005 about us | privacy | feedback | advertising FAQs worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links

Asia Travel Birthday Discount

About Weblogs: A Blogging Network on Personal Growth, Passions and Lifestyles. We are now a part of b5media.com . Watch out for updates and news on the merger . MAIN | Archives | Admin | Network Stats | Be a Blogger | Jump to navigation Web Media Category: Network Blogs Blog #28 on the network is Online Journalism by Connie Vivero Luayon. Connie is a long-time freelance writer both for the print and online media. Here's a brief description of the blog from Connie: Online Journalism is basically researching and writing for the online media. But there is more to just gathering information from web sites, writing an article based on information scraped from anywhere, and publishing them for everyone to read. Online Journalism requires skills in researching, editing, reporting and interviewing suited to the online media. Do say hello to Connie and enjoy her brand new blog! tags: online journalism , connie luayon 12/05/05 - 02:40:18 - Shai - 1 comment |No Trackbacks This post was displayed 7444 times. Changing Needles Category: News and Announcements Our former Crochet blog has just undergone two major changes: 1) Gwynne Lacey, the former blogger of The Crochet Blog , has now been replaced by the vivacious Adelle Tilton . Adelle is a long-time enthusiast in crocheting and knitting, on top of her other interests and expertise . 2) It has now expanded its coverage from simply crochet to knitting as well. So now, it is known as The Knitting and Crochet Blog. . Well, until it moves to its new home at b5media anyway. Read Adelle's intro regarding her latest AW/b5 blog. tags: crochet , knitting , aboutweblogs.com , b5media , adelle tilton 11/27/05 - 16:24:27 - Shai - No comments |No Trackbacks This post was displayed 9886 times. On Autism Category: Network Blogs Our latest blog to launch on the network is the Teenage and Adult Autism Blog . And, our blogger is the energetic Adelle Tilton. Adelle is also our blogger for Daily Quotations . She's currently About.com's Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders . And, she is also the author of Adams Media's The Everything Parents Guide to Children with Autism . And, if you're counting, this is blog #27. Join Adelle and spread the word! tags: adelle tilton , autism , teenage adult autism 11/20/05 - 00:09:46 - Shai - 2 comments |No Trackbacks This post was displayed 13595 times. Merger Stories: Behind The Scenes and More Category: General The past 48 hours here at About Weblogs has certainly been interesting, what with the announcement of the merger with b5media and all. I'm trying not to keep going on about this, but I've been receiving some questions from different people. And, as an avid blogger, I often prefer to go to my own blog when answering "official" questions - using my own words. At least, in this case, I think it's the way to go anyway. :-) In any case, one of the more "controversial" things that came out of the announcement is Scrivs's admission that his network is the one that first approached me and About Weblogs. So, what's the story behind that? [Read More!] 11/09/05 - 06:57:36 - Shai - 5 comments |No Trackbacks This post was displayed 20382 times. About Weblogs Merges with b5media Category: News and Announcements Yes, it's true. Our network is merging with b5media . The official announcement is also posted at The Blog Herald . Some people might think that I hinted about this merger last month. Truth is, I was talking about a different merger that time. I wasn't even in contact with the b5 guys back then about the possibility of merging. Another network owner has approached me a couple of months ago about merging About Weblogs with their network. But, as I said in my post, things didn't quite work out. A week or so after I posted the entry on mergers, Jeremy contacted me for a Skype chat. What they had to offer sounded good, so I said I'd think about it and talk to my bloggers about the possibility of a deal. As soon as we entered in to negotiations, I received another possible offer for a merger. I couldn't respond to that, as I was already talking to the b5 guys and it didn't seem fair. After a couple of weeks of negotiations, we came to the final conclusion that About Weblogs and b5media are a good fit. So, we sealed the deal. And now, we're here. Excited about the possibilities of this new partnership. In Darren's post , he mentioned the following reasons as b5's reasons for choosing About Weblogs: International Flavour, Size and Diversity of Blogs , Gender (er, you have to read his post to understand this ), and Shais (yep, that's me ;-)) Experience and Expertise. But, of course, apart from us bringing something to b5's table, I believe that they're bringing something to us too. Darren, Duncan and Jeremy's experience and expertise combined is a lot more than my own as an individual. Running a network by myself has plenty of challenges and limitations. Now, I have three wonderful guys to work with - and that's fantastic. In terms of traffic, exposure, and resources - b5media considerably has more than what About Weblogs has got at this time. So, those are welcome additions too. I can probably go on, but I think I'll stop now, as I'm sure that there will be more about this merger in the next couple of weeks or so. What does this mean to About Weblogs and where do we go from here? 1) About Weblogs will cease as a blog network brand, as soon as the merger is complete. We will then be known as b5media. 2) Each About Weblogs blog will now have new designs and domains of their own. We will be announcing each one as they find and establish their new "homes". 3) Apart from the pre-approved blogs that we have prior to the merger, we won't be adding any more blogs to the About Weblogs brand from hereon. So, blogger applications will now be put on hold and re-directed to b5media. 4) I will become the fourth partner in the b5media core/admin group, together with Jeremy Wright ( ensight.org ), Darren Rowse ( problogger.net ), and Duncan Riley ( blogherald.com ). We're looking forward to all the changes that will be happening here. I hope you will be thrilled for us too. In any case, we'll be updating you with any other news and developments. So, stay tuned! tags: aboutweblogs.com , b5media , blog networks 11/07/05 - 02:43:34 - Shai - 4 comments |4 Trackbacks This post was displayed 21590 times. Blogs In The Oven Category: General I'm not usually one to announce pre-launch blogs. In fact, I normally wait until a blog has a few blog entries and it has been generally "ironed out" a bit, before I add them to our 'live' environment here at About Weblogs. But, I'm pre-empting some questions that might come my way. So, I can answer the possible queries in one blog entry, here's a list of soon-to-come blogs on the network. Blogs Awaiting Promotion to Live Environment: - Online Journalism Blogs Approved But Still Awaiting To Be Set-Up: (Bloggers are already available, but waiting) - Stitching - Cardiovascular Disease - Widow's Walk - Teenage/Adult Autism - now live There are also a couple of other blogs that are still under negotiations with respective bloggers. At the end of it, if all goes well, we'd have about 31 to 35 blogs in the network. tags: aboutweblogs.com , blogs 11/07/05 - 02:00:56 - Shai - 1 comment |1 Trackback This post was displayed 21209 times. Getting Quoted! Category: Network Blogs We're excited to present to you blog #26 on the network - the Daily Quotations blog by Adelle Tilton. But, mind you, it's not just about sharing the best quotations that you can find about various topics. There's a whole lot of other things to discover with the help of these quotes. Adelle is a professional writer who's currently the About.com Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders . She is also a published author with Adams Media. So, head on over to say hello and get your daily dose of inspiration! tags: aboutweblogs.com , network blogs , adelle tilton , quotations 11/06/05 - 01:59:38 - Shai - No comments |No Trackbacks This post was displayed 21322 times. Leadership Blog on Washington Post Category: General Uhhh... not quite! Jone Lewis of the Leadership Blog sent me the link to this Washington Post article . Nothing to shout about, as it's only a Technorati-based linkback. But, it's fun to see and to share this anyway! :-) tags: leadership blog , washington post 11/05/05 - 20:48:00 - Shai - No comments |No Trackbacks This post was displayed 21257 times. AboutWeblogs Down Time Category: News and Announcements First of all, our big apologies to everyone who's been trying to access our network in the last few hours. During the last couple of weeks, the About Weblogs Network has been receiving more visitors than ever. In fact, our traffic has increased more than 50% lately. And, it looks like we're not slowing down yet either. We're especially excited with all the Google-loving that we've been receiving. SEO work does pay off. :-) Unfortunately, we're not ready for our increased popularity. So, we exceeded our bandwidth allotment and our host had to take our weblogs down. A "happy problem" - but a problem nevertheless. So, after a little bit of hair-pulling for a few hours, we've sorted it out. And, thanks to some good folks who helped us out, we've now increased our bandwidth - and disk space. Thanks for all your patience and support! Here's to hoping for more happy problems ahead... Or, just plain happy times. ;-) tags: aboutweblogs.com , blog networks , blogging news 10/31/05 - 16:13:45 - Shai - No comments |No Trackbacks This post was displayed 22402 times. Accessorise It with Fashion Frills! Category: Network Blogs Writing of changes on the network , one of the latest things that we've got going on AboutWeblogs.com is The Fashion Accessories Blog . It is maintained by our former Stamping blogger, Nikki Katz. That's right. Nikki's bowing out of The Stamping Blog in order to focus on Blog #25 on our network instead. The Fashion Accessories Blog (aka "Fashion Frills") will be all about fun and funky fashion accessories - from bags to shoes to jewelry to hats. 'hope you enjoy it! To find out more about Nikki, visit her Blogger Profile . tags: fashion accessories , nikki katz , aboutweblogs.com , new blogs 10/25/05 - 07:50:46 - Shai - 2 comments |No Trackbacks This post was displayed 24071 times. Winds of Change Category: News and Announcements So much is happening here at AboutWeblogs.com . Things are shifting, moving and changing. Scary stuff. Exciting stuff. Sad stuff. Great stuff. But, before I go on and on about our stuff... allow me to just share these things: Tammy has handed over The Birthday Blog to our beauty blogger, Christina . We've shared in the grief of our Philippine Culture blogger, Gloria when she lost her father recently. And, we wish her family well. If you've sent in an application to be an AboutWeblogs.com blogger and you still haven't heard back from anyone, please accept my apologies. Life's been really hectic and my email inbox has been really naughty. If you're still interested in pitching your ideas, please feel free to re-send your message. And, let me say thanks for your interest and support. Stay tuned for more news... and, er... stuff. tags: blog , networks , news , blog , news , bloggers 10/21/05 - 06:35:52 - Shai - No comments |1 Trackback This post was displayed 24720 times. Christina Jones: Network Blogger Profile Category: Blogger Profiles Christina Jones is our wild and wonderful blogger for The Beauty Blog . She studied Business Administration at Tusculum College. She's the author of the ebook, Nail Tech Secrets: A Step by Step Guide to Spa Manicures and Pedicures . And, she's been blogging with AboutWeblogs.com since July 2005. So, what kind of beauty expert have we got in Christina? I have been a nail tech for the last 18 years, during the first half of that time, I also worked as an aesthetician and makeup artist. I have been interested in beauty and fashion nearly all of my life. I can remember starting to work on the hair and makeup of friends and myself from about age 12. At age 18, I made it official, and began a career that I enjoyed so much. I love the people, I love the subject matter, I just love the beauty biz and all it entails! So, if she has 3 important tips to give regarding her topic, what would they be? 1. Moisturize everything that can be moisturized, you will not regret it! 2. Blend, blend, blend! 3. Do not think that you have to be Angelina Jolie or Pamela Anderson to be beautiful. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and it has a whole lot more to do with who you are inside than what you look like outside! [Read More!] 10/10/05 - 03:39:10 - Shai - No comments |1 Trackback This post was displayed 27967 times. On Blogging Network Mergers Category: Network Check-ups and Stories Okay, I'm breaking some of my rules today: 1) I'm writing a cryptic title and blog entry. (A general no-no.) 2) I'm engaging in a bit of blogosphere gossip. (I'm not a big fan of 'em. But then, this isn't comletely gossip, as it really happened.) 3) I'm posting something not too serious in this network blog for once. (A good thing, once in a while, methinks. ;-)) So, what am I talking about anyway? Well... Since I haven't posted any network news for a while now, I thought I'd share a "news that could've been" here at AboutWeblogs.com. You see, a few months back, a blogging network owner approached me with an idea: To merge AboutWeblogs.com with their then-growing (now, quite popular) weblog network. We were still to run as separate blog networks, but we would combine our strengths as two "fledgling" networks to create a bigger, more competitive blogging network. After all, what are the chances of little blog networks against the "big boys and girls of the blogosphere"? So yes, a merger sounded good. However, there were a couple of issues that needed to be addressed. I ran it past my wonderful network bloggers and most of them said that they'd support whatever my decision would be. It was a tough call because it definitely sounded like a great deal. I respected the network and the network owner. But, the issues were not addressed at the time, so I politely declined. I didn't hear back since. Not even a "That's okay. Maybe we can look at this again another time," kinda' email. So, I'm not sure how my decision affected that particular blogging relationship. Strangely enough, after I made that decision, that network made a policy change, which would've addressed one of the biggest issues that we were facing if we were to merge as a network. And, when that change took place, I asked myself: If that new policy was in place during our negotiations, would we have continued with merging our networks? And, with new blogging networks popping up like mushrooms everywhere, would blogging network mergers become a reality? And if so, how would blog network owners handle such mergers? Hmmm... Any guesses about which blog network AboutWeblogs.com would've merged with? ;-) tags: blog networks , blogging network , blogosphere , weblogs , bloggers 10/05/05 - 11:04:30 - Shai - 4 comments |2 Trackbacks This post was displayed 28898 times. Blogger Wanted: Skiing and Snowboarding Category: News and Announcements Due to personal circumstances, Melissa, our current blogger for Skiing and Snowboarding Mom decided to end her term. So, if you or someone you know would like to take over, please let me know. We can even change the blog title in to simply Skiing and Snowboarding , if you wish. Anyway, Melissa's still blogging over at Discount Travel Europe . So, make sure to say hello. tags: bloggers , skiing , snowboarding , network blogs 09/30/05 - 02:30:18 - Shai - 3 comments |No Trackbacks This post was displayed 30223 times. Writing From The Heart , The Mind and The Soul Category: Network Blogs We have a treat for people who are in to journals and diaries. You see, the newest blog on our network (#24!) is the Journal Writing Blog by Heather Goldsmith. Heather is a prolific writer based in Perth, Western Australia. And, she has been journalling for over a decade. She writes this about journal writing: The daily habit of journal writing has taken my writing to surprising places over the last thirteen years. While I originally picked up a pen and notebook to improve my writing skills, I did not expect to learn so much about myself, or find a place to rest my soul, or a place to work out the difficulties of life. The journal habit also led me to uncover ideas to use in short stories, articles, poetry and for several novels. So, go ahead and check out the Journal Writing Blog for ideas, prompts, tips, inspiration and more. 09/17/05 - 06:29:15 - Shai - 1 comment |No Trackbacks This post was displayed 32428 times. About This Blog Need a Blogging Consultant? Your Ad Here Member, AboutWeblogs.com About Weblogs is part of a network that offers personal views, tips, news, reviews and other resources about different niche topics. Our focus is on passions, personal growth and lifestyles. If you have any ideas, suggestions or questions, please feel free to contact us . Navigation Navigation MAIN Archives Network Stats Admin About Weblogs Categories Around The Network Blogger Profiles Credits and Thanks General Media Mentions / Press Coverage Network Blogs Network Check-ups and Stories News and Announcements Total Entries in This Blog: 69 Subscribe / Feed What's This? Receive Updates! Enter your email address below to subscribe to AboutWeblogs.com ! powered by Bloglet Search Login Username : Password : Shared Computer Latest Comments George says Best of luck Shai.But could... Mary Emma says Hi Connie,Welcome to the group. ... Drogba says That's why your network suceeds in... Mary Emma says Congratulations, Adelle, on the... Ron Iverson says Many skiers would be interested to... Chasity Moody says I am also interested in this... Ruth says this post makes me all the more... ABOUT WEBLOGS NETWORK AboutWeblogs.com Passions Jewelry & Beading Knitting & Crochet Performing Arts Quilting & Patchwork Scrapbooking Stamping Personal Growth Beauty Children's Books, Toys and Things Counselling/Self-Help Freelance Writing Journal Writing Leadership Make Money Online Parenting Teens Quotations Teenage and Adult Autism Lifestyles Asian Cuisine Asia Travel Birthday Discount Travel Europe Fashion Accessories Genetics & Public Health Housekeeping & Homemaking Online Journalism Philippine Culture Skiing & Snowboarding Weddings & Honeymoons AboutWeblogs.com Honour Roll Weblogs@About.com ChrysalisCreativity.com FreshWave.TV ShaiCoggins.com eWriteLife.com Technorati Profile About Weblogs (c)2005 AboutWeblogs.com & Respective Authors. All rights reserved worldwide. Do not copy, distribute, or print the contents of this site without permission. Graphics/Photographs: Photo Credits | Privacy Policy | Powered by Nucleus .

Japan Travel International Travel

Metropolis - Tokyo Japan Travel: God speed JAPAN TODAY | METROPOLIS | CLASSIFIEDS | PERSONALS | JOBS Issue Index Original Features Features Mini Features Cultural Features Life in Japan Big in Japan Rant & Rave Cars & Bikes Health & Beauty Interiors Practical Jobfinder Money Talks Tokyo Tech Web Watch Food & Drink Food & Drink Restaurant Reviews Bar Reviews Word of Mouth Travel Travel Features Japan Travel International Travel Travelogue Style Art Artifacts Fashion Tokyo Talk In Store Buyline Music Japan Beat CD Reviews In Person Concerts Clubbing JAPAN TRAVEL Photos by Mary King The mother of all Shinto temples, Ise Grand Shrine is the spiritual home of the Japanese nation. Mary King takes a pilgrimage. D own the ages various rumors and tales have circulated about the sacred mirror of Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess. It was once said that whoever laid eyes on the mirror would immediately be struck blind, a possible deterrent for would-be thieves. Others have claimed to have seen the mirror and reported that it is inscribed with ancient Hebrew lettering, reading “eheyeh asher eheyeh,” the name of the Judaic-Christian God written in Exodus 3:14 and meaning “I AM THAT I AM.” Heavenly abode Japan’s sacred mirror, one of three items of the Imperial Regalia, is kept in the Inner Shrine (Naiku) at Ise Grand Shrine, a sanctuary that many visitors to the Mie Prefecture city of Ise are astonished to discover they are not allowed to enter or even see. Ise Jingu, popularly known as “O-Ise-san,” or officially “Jingu,” holds the most honored position among the more than 100,000 Shinto shrines that are scattered throughout the breadth of Japan. The site of the nation’s most Holy of Holies, and boasting some of the world’s greatest architectural monuments, Jingu is also home to some of the simplest and most mysterious structures. Described as the “starting point for all journeys in Japan,” Ise is regarded as the spiritual home of the Japanese, a place to which most wish to make at least one pilgrimage to in their lives. In fact, more than six million pilgrims and worshipers come to Jingu each year, crossing the Uji Bridge spanning the sacred Isuzu River to symbolically leave behind the temporal world and enter a “pure world” of kami (gods and spirits) and the ancient mythology of the land. Odyssey Passing through the second huge torii at the end of Uji Bridge, a long gravel approach leads you through a natural cathedral of towering cryptomeria. Pilgrim and tourist alike are taken on a divine journey toward the Naiku and Geku, where Amaterasu and Toyouke (God of Abundant Food) are respectively worshipped. It is an unforgettable odyssey, one that spirits you back to the country’s earliest recorded “history” that tells of the “Age of Kami,” the creation of Japan and the origins of its people right through to the Imperial line and succeeding generations of emperors and empresses. The auxiliary shrines resemble ancient granaries The Geku (Outer Shrine) was dedicated to the grain deity Toyouke, possibly in a bid to bolster the new imperial cult that started, according to the myth, when Amaterasu sent her grandson, Ninigi no Mikoto, down to earth to rule. The Sun Goddess handed her grandson the mirror that had lured her out of her cave, along with Susano’s sword, and a curved jewel. The mirror (yata no kagami), along with the jewel and sword, remain the Three Imperial Regalia, symbols of divine authority, and to this day the emperor conducts rites to ensure a bountiful harvest as well as secret rituals in which he symbolically mates with the Sun Goddess. The high priestess of Ise, meanwhile, has traditionally been an Imperial princess, reflecting the nation’s early history of shamanesses, priestesses and ruling empresses. Having passed through large open grounds and crossed over a small bridge (hiyokebashi), you gradually move towards the more sacred area of the Naiku. To the right of the main pilgrimage path is located a font for the ablutions made by pilgrims prior to proceeding toward the main sanctuary grounds. Beyond the daiichi torii (first sacred gateway) are steps that lead to the Isuzu River, where since ancient times pilgrims have purified their body and mind by washing their hands in, and rinsing their mouths with, the waters of this sacred river. According to Shinto thought, one’s pure mind and body given by the kami must be ritually cleansed so as to return to a state of purity. Amaterasu Omikami is enshrined in the main sanctuary building, the Goshoden, of the inner sanctum of Naiku, in which the august mirror, her symbol or goshintai, is kept and worshipped. As they are considered most sacred, pilgrims or other visitors may see neither the mirror nor the main sanctuary. In fact, the only people allowed to enter the Holy of Holies, according to my guide, are members of the Imperial Family, although on one occasion, it is rumored, Queen Elizabeth was invited in. Restoration Except for the exalted mirror, all of Jingu’s other sacred shrines and objects must be reconstructed in synch with each 20-year Shikinen Sengyo cycle. The elaborate transference procession and ceremony involves the remaking of some 491 holy treasures, 1600 accessories and 125 kinds of sacred apparel that are then put in their proscribed places by the priests. Formerly used objects are kept in the nearby Jingu History Museum, which is open to the public. It is possible to find two absolutely identical Naiku and Geku standing side by side-one old, one new. In time the older one will be deconstructed and its wooden parts, now forever consecrated, recycled as repair pieces for other shrines around Japan. The newer one-once the transference of holy objects has been consummated-hence replaces the old as a locus of veneration. The shrines themselves are thought to resemble ancient granaries or storehouses and are built from Japanese cypress (hinoki) from the Kiso forestry preserves extending between the Gifu and Nagano Prefectures. Befitting the reverence accorded to these sanctified building blocks, death, loss of a limb, or imprisonment have, over the centuries, been the penalties for felling these jewels. A visit to the majestic Ise shrine allows one to understand why. Where to stay: Oaken, tel: 059-622-2589; Hinodekan, Tel: 059-628-2954; Saekikan, tel: 059-628-2017; Okubun, tel: 059-628-2231. Ise City Tourist Information, tel: 059-623-9655. TRAVELOGUE WORLD TRAVEL TRAVEL FEATURES JAPAN TRAVEL: SEPTEMBER 389: God speed The mother of all Shinto temples, Ise Grand Shrine AUGUST 385: Hattoji Highland hamlet JULY 380: Nagasaki Remembrance of things past 378: Kawagoe From modern Tokyo to "Little Edo" 376: Tottori Tottori's stunning landscapes JUNE 375: Kyushu Bed and bath under the volcano 373: Ryogoku Land of the giants 372: Osaka Universal Studios Japan MAY 371: Osaka Amerika-mura: Osaka's funky town 369: Mie Mikimoto Pearl Island 368: Takarazuka Hyogo-ken's all women theater group APRIL 365: Kawasaki Kawasaki's annual fertility festival 364: Aomori A day on Fear Mountain MARCH 362: Nagano Chill out snowboarding 361: Asuka One foot in the grave FEBRUARY 356: Yamanashi Hakushu's hidden treasures 355: Waseda Tram Trip A streetcar named... 352/3: Aomori Jesus in Japan 351: Kumamoto Under the volcano in Kyushu 350: Sado Island Explore the forgotten charms of Shukunegi ISSUES 348- ISSUES 298- TOP

Russia Travel Guide Overview

Russia Travel Tips and Advice | iExplore.com FORBES' #1 ADVENTURE TRAVEL SITE 5 YEARS IN A ROW — TIME MAGAZINE TOP 50 Keyword Search: -- Home Trip Finder Travel Guides Community Special Offers Store My iExplore advertisement -- Home Travel Guides Europe Russia Do's and Don'ts Russia Travel Guide Overview Tours Where to Go Activities General Info History Weather Travel Tips Dining Shopping Visa & Health View Trips to Russia Europe Overview Browse Russia Photos Russia Questions and Answers Read Russia Journals Find a Russia Travel Buddy Russia Travel Tips & Advice Social Conventions It is customary to shake hands when greeting someone. Company or business gifts are well received. Each region has its own characteristic mode of dress. Conservative wear is suitable for most places and the seasonal weather should always be borne in mind. Smoking is acceptable unless stated otherwise. Avoid ostentatious displays of wealth; it is advisable to keep expensive jewelry, watches and cameras out of sight and take precautions against pickpocketing. Tipping Hotels in Moscow and other large cities include a 10 to 15 per cent service charge. Otherwise 10 per cent is customary. International Travel: Travel warning Because of the security situation in the North Caucasus, it is strongly advised not to travel to Chechyna, Ingushetia, Dagestan, North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Elbrus area) and to the eastern and southern parts of Stavropol Krai, particularly where it borders Chechnya and North Ossetia. Chechen militants have threatened further violence in response to the killing of their rebel leader, Aslan Maskhador, on March 8 2005. It is advised that potential travelers monitor this situation. There is a high threat from domestic terrorism in Russia, including suicide bombings in public places. Air The national airline is Aeroflot – Russian International Airlines (SU) (website: www.aeroflot.com ). Other airlines serving the Russian Federation include Air France , Austrian Airlines , British Airways , Czech Airlines , El Al , Finnair , Lufthansa and SAS Scandinavian Airlines . Approximate flight times From Moscow or St Petersburg to London is three hours 45 minutes. From Moscow to Almaty is four hours 40 minutes, to Baku is three hours 10 minutes, to Bukhara is three hours 40 minutes, to Kiev is one hour 45 minutes, to Minsk is one hour 20 minutes, to Odessa is two hours, to Samarkand is three hours 50 minutes and to Yerevan is two hours 50 minutes. International airports Moscow (SVO) (Sheremetyevo) (website: www.sheremetyevo-airport.ru ) is 35km (22 miles) northwest of the city. Taxis are available at the airport to the city center for approximately US$10-15 (travel time – 30 to 40 minutes). ‘Autoline’ fixed-route taxis and buses are also available. Express coaches depart for the city every 20 minutes (0545-0030). Coaches depart for the airport from the Central Air Terminal in Moscow, 37 Leningradsky Prospekt (travel time – 50 minutes for international flights). Express trains leave every 30 minutes. Airport facilities include outgoing duty free shops, banks/bureaux de change, post office, car hire, restaurants and first aid. Moscow also has three primarily domestic airports: see Travel – Internal section. St Petersburg (LED) (Pulkovo) is 17km (10.5 miles) south of the city. Buses are available to the city center 0700-2000 every 10 minutes (travel time – 10 minutes). Taxis are available for roughly US$10 (travel time – 15 minutes). Airport facilities include banks/bureaux de change, flight information, duty free shops, restaurant, bar, snack bar, left luggage and first aid. Departure tax None. Rail There are various connections from London. The sleeper coach to Moscow takes about 53 hours. The main route is: London–Brussels–Cologne/Berlin–Moscow. The journey from London to Brussels can be made by a variety of train and ferry services (including via Eurostar ), or via the Channel Tunnel. Services from Brussels are daily. There are through trains or coaches from other Western and Eastern European cities, from CIS countries, and from China (PR), Iran, Mongolia and Turkey. See also Trans-Siberian Express in the Travel – Internal section. Road Foreign tourists may drive their own cars or may hire cars (see Travel – Internal ). The speed limit is 60kmph on minor roads, 90kmph on major roads and variable on highways. A road tax is payable upon entry to the country. The following crossing points between Finland and the Russian Federation are available: Vaalima–Torfianovska; Nuijamaa–Brusnichnoye and Rajajooseppi–Lotta. There are also crossing points between the Russian Federation and all neighboring countries although, at present, there are restrictions on cross-border travel to Azerbaijan and Georgia. Plans to simplify this process are currently underway. Those entering by car should have their visas registered at the hotel, motel or campsite where they will stay for the first night, and must also ensure that the car registration number is recorded in the visa. Travelers should also insure their vehicle with Ingosstrakh , which has offices at all crossing points and in most major cities, and to purchase service coupons at the border. Although motorcyclists can enter the Russian Federation, cyclists wishing to cross the Russian border should find out whether this is permissible from the Russian Embassy or their travel agent before departure. Eurolines , departing from Victoria Coach Station in London, serves destinations in the Russian Federation. For further information, contact Eurolines (tel: (08705) 143 219; e-mail: welcome@eurolines.co.uk ; website: www.eurolines.co.uk ). Duty free regulations are liable to change at short notice. The following should be used as a guide only, and travelers are advised to contact the Embassy or Consulate for up-to-date information. The following goods may be imported into the Russian Federation by persons of 16 years of age or older without incurring customs duty: 1000 cigarettes or 1kg of tobacco products ; 1 . 5l of spirits and 2l of wine ; a reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use ; gifts up to the value of US$10,000 . Note On entering the country, tourists must complete a customs declaration form which must be retained until departure. This allows the import of articles intended for personal use, including currency and valuables which must be registered on the declaration form. Cameras, jewelry, computers and musical instruments should all be declared. Customs inspection can be long and detailed. It is advisable when shopping to ask for a certificate from the shop which states that goods have been paid for in hard currency. Presentation of such certificates should speed up customs formalities. Prohibited imports Photographs and printed matter directed against the Russian Federation, weapons and ammunition, narcotics, fruit, vegetables and live animals unless with a special permit. Prohibited exports Arms, works of art and antiques (unless permission has been granted by the Ministry of Culture), precious metals and furs. Note Up to 280g of caviar per person may be exported, provided a receipt is shown proving that it was bought at a store licensed to sell it to foreigners. Internal Travel: Air The internal network radiates from Moscow’s four airports. Aeroflot runs services from Moscow to most major cities. All-inclusive tours are available from specialist tour operators. Note: In the 1990s, Aeroflot was broken up into many small airlines which led to a catalog of air disasters earning it a reputation for poor safety. Thankfully, its safety record has improved in recent years. Domestic airports Vnukovo Airport (VKO) is 29.5km (18 miles) southwest of Moscow. Coaches go to the airport from the Central Air Terminal (travel time – one hour 15 minutes). Outgoing duty free facilities are available at the airport. Taxis are available to the city. Domodedovo (DME) is 48km (25 miles) southeast of Moscow. A coach goes from the Central Air Terminal to the airport (travel time – one hour 20 minutes). Bykovo Airport (BKA) is the smallest of Moscow’s airports, 35km from the city. Coaches go to the airport from the Central Air Terminal. Approximate flight times From Moscow to Bratsk is six hours 45 minutes, to Donetsk is one hour 30 minutes, to Irkutsk is seven hours, to Khabarovsk is seven hours 30 minutes, to Kharkov is one hour 15 minutes, to St Petersburg is one hour 30 minutes, to Volgograd is one hour 50 minutes and to Yalta is two hours 15 minutes. Sea Owing to its geographical position, the Russian Federation has ports on its Pacific and Baltic shores and in the south on the Black Sea. The most important eastern ports are Vladivostok, Magadan, Nakhodka and Petropavlovsk; the most important western ports are St Petersburg and Kaliningrad on the Baltic. The only links to the Atlantic are the ports of Murmansk on the Kola peninsula, which never freezes over and Archangelisk. Major harbors on the Black Sea are Novorossiysk and Sochi. There are plans to build an extension to the St Petersburg harbor at Ust-Luga. Upgrading of facilities at Kaliningrad and Vyborg is also planned. Sea cruises on the Black Sea and the Baltic are popular. River Cruises and excursions are available on the Amur, Don, Irtysh, Lena, Ob, Volga and Yenisey rivers. Many companies offer cruises on board comfortable, modern boats. The Volga towns, the Golden Ring and Moscow–St Petersburg are popular routes. Rail The 87,079km (54,109 miles) of track are a vital part of the infrastructure because of the poor road system. The largest and busiest rail network in the world is predominantly for freight traffic. Only a few long-distance routes are open for travel by tourists, and reservations must be made on all journeys. Children under five years of age travel free. Children aged five to nine pay half fare. Rail travelers are advised to store valuables in the compartment under the bed or seat and not to leave the compartment unattended. The Trans-Siberian Express , probably the most famous train in the world, is one of the best ways of seeing the interior of the country. It runs from Moscow to the Pacific coast of Siberia and on to Japan. There is a daily service, but the steamer from Nakhodka to Yokohama only sails approximately once a week. The through journey from Moscow to Yokohama takes 10 days. It is the world’s longest continuous train journey, crossing seven time zones and 9745km (5778 miles) from Europe to the Pacific, with 91 stops from Vladivostok to Moscow. Bed linen and towels are provided in the ‘Soft Class’ (first-class) berths, and there is a toilet and washbasin at the end of each carriage. Attendants serve tea from samovars for a small charge and there is a restaurant car on every train where meals can be purchased (however, no alcohol is available on the train, so passengers are advised to bring their own if desired). The Trans-Manchurian Express follows the same route, before heading southeast into China and down to Beijing. Another, slightly shorter but no less epic journey can be made on the Trans-Mongolian Railway to Beijing. It runs from Moscow to Irkutsk (Siberia), skirting Lake Baikal and then entering Mongolia. The journey to the Mongolian capital, Ulaan Baatar, is remarkable for its dramatic scenery. The journey concludes in Beijing. Road The European part of the Russian Federation depends heavily on its road network, which totals 552,000km (343,000 miles) throughout the Federation. Generally, the few roads in Siberia and further east are impassable during the winter. It is a good idea to arrange motoring holidays through a reputable agency. It is also advisable to pre-plan the itinerary and accommodation requirements. On the majority of tourist routes, signposts are also written in the Latin alphabet. Travelers can take their own car (see Travel – International ) or hire a vehicle; tariffs include the cost of insurance. Chauffeured cars are available in major cities. Sample distances: Moscow to St Petersburg: 692km (432 miles); Moscow to Minsk: 690km (429 miles); Moscow to Rostov-on-Don: 1198km (744 miles); Moscow to Odessa: 1347km (837 miles). Bus: Long-distance coach services have only recently become open to foreigners. They are a great way of seeing the country but patience is a necessity and getting lost is commonplace. Traffic regulations: Traffic drives on the right. Speeds are limited to 60kph (37mph) in built-up areas and 90kph (55mph) elsewhere. Hooting the horn is forbidden except when to do so might prevent an accident. Motorists should avoid driving at night if possible. It is forbidden to carry unauthorized passengers or pick up hitch-hikers. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is forbidden. Every car must display registration plates and stickers denoting the country of registration and be fitted with seat belts, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher and an emergency sign (triangle) or red light. In case of an accident, contact the nearest traffic inspection officer and make sure all participants fill in written statements, to be witnessed by a militia inspector. All repairs will be at the foreign motorist’s expense. Documentation: An International Driving Permit and a national license with authorized translations are necessary. Visitors traveling in their own cars must also possess the following documents at all tmes: passport and visa; itinerary card bearing visitor’s name and citizenship, car registration number and full details of itinerary presented upon entry to the Russian Federation relating to the route to be taken and the date and place of stopovers; form provided by Customs on arrival guaranteeing that the car will be taken out of the Russian Federation on departure; petrol vouchers purchased at the border; and insurance cover documents. A road tax is payable upon entry to the country (see end of Travel – International ). Motor insurance for travel within the Russian Federation should be arranged prior to departure, or upon entry to the Russian Federation at the offices of Ingosstrakh , the Russian Federation foreign insurance agency. Contact the Embassy or a specialist tour operator for further details. Urban Public transport in the cities is comprehensive and cheap. Many services are electric traction (metro, tramway, trolleybus). Stations on the Moscow and St Petersburg metros are always elegant and often palatial. Entry to the underground is by tokens, which are inserted into the ticket barrier. Fares are standard for the various forms of transport. Taxis are also available; they can be hailed in the street, hired at a rank or booked by telephone. It is safer to use officially marked taxis, which should not be shared with strangers. Travel Times The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Moscow to other major cities/towns in the Russian Federation: Air Rail Sea Khabarovsk 7.30 - - St Petersburg 1.30 9.00 - Irkutsk 7.00 88.00 - Nakhodka - - 141.00 Volgograd 1.30 - - Sponsored Listings ( Add your listing ) advertisement Advertisement -- advertisement Why iExplore? About Us Advertise Site Map Privacy Policy Travel Agents Contact Us © 2005 Adventure Travel with iExplore --

Taiwan Travel

Taiwan - Taiwan tourist & travel guide for Taiwan Taiwan Map City: Taipei Kaohsiung Tainan Taichung Kenting Hsinchu Keelung Hualien Taitung Taoyuan Scenic spot: Taiwan - Lungshan Temple Taiwan - Mount Hehuan Taiwan - Sun Moon Lake Taiwan - Tianhou Temple Taiwan - Alishan Taiwan - Chihkan Mansion Taiwan - Guanzi Hill Taiwan - Palace Museum Taiwan - Yangminshan Taiwan - Fuguang Mountain Accommodation: Taipei Hotel Directory Kaohsiung Hotel Directory Taichung Hotel Directory Tainan Hotel Directory Hsinchu Hotel Directory Keelung Hotel Directory Taoyuan Hotel Directory Hualien Hotel Directory Taitung Hotel Directory Kenting Hotel Directory Taiwan Tour Directory: Taiwan Tours Taiwan Taiwan, known for short as Tai, is situated at China's southeast sea waters. Taiwan Island faces the Pacific to the east, approximately 2,800 kilometers from Guam. It borders Bashi Channel to the south and is 300 kilometers away from the Philippine Islands; to its west is Taiwan Strait, facing Fujian Province on China's mainland. The width of the strait is less than 200 kilometers and the narrowest part is only 130 kilometer; it traverses the sea trough of Okinawa in the northeast and neighbours Ryukyu-gunto. It holds a strategic point of communication on the north-south sea of China and the communications hub of West Pacific shipping line, and constitutes the natural barrier of China's south-east sea waters and the communication pivot of contacts among countries in the Pacific region. Taiwan is a multi-island:- 1) The Taiwan island proper and its scattering islands, such as Hongtou Isle, Huoshao Isle, Guishan Isle altogether 14 isles attach to it. 2) The Penghus made up of 64 islands. In addition, The Diaoyu Islands (Archipelago) which are composed of 8 islands and some other isles. All in all Taiwan has more than 100 islands big and small. Taiwan's land area is 36 thousand square kilometers, among which the area of Taiwan proper is over 35 thousand square kilometers, occupying more than 97% of the Taiwan's total area. It is China's biggest island and ranks the 28th of the world islands. The length from north to south of the island proper is 394 kilometers long and its width from east to west is 20-150 kilometers wide. The general topography is high in the east and low in the west. The general landform is extremely complicated, of which the mountainous area occupies 2/3 and the lower plain zone, 1/3 of the area. The mountainous area is very precipitous; there are 7 mountain peaks of over 3800 meters each above sea level. Many rivers rise in the mid-mountainous area and flow into the sea in all directions. Because of the steep gradient, the discharge of the rivers is in abundance. There are also different kinds of sea coasts and the topography of mudstone appearing in all their glory and the corals protruding out in the air, unfolding a magnificent picture of their great beauty and majesty. Taiwan belongs to the tropical and subtropical zones, with the Tropic of Cancer running through its middle. However, being surrounded by seas in all sides, Taiwan is embraced by the Pacific Ocean. The majority of Taiwan region falls in the temperate and humid maritime climate zone. As is influenced by the maritime monsoon, Taiwan has neither severe winter nor has it intense heat of summer. The forests remain verdant luxuriantly green and the flowers blossom in all seasons. Taiwan is also characterized by abundant rainfall and violent typhoon. Taiwan is rich in more than 110 kinds of minerals with coal, petroleum, natural gas, gold, silver copper and sulphur as its main resources. It is also extremely rich in terrestrial heat, a great variety of plants and the forest vegetation occupies 52% of the land area of the whole island, capturing the first place in all China. It is rich in aquatic resources too and the output of Taiwan's coral occupies about 80% of the world total production, winning the fame of "The Kingdom of Coral". Taiwan is also one of the main regions which exports butterflies in the world. Taiwan is economically developed. Industries are flourishing mainly in the fields of computer products, textile, electronic appliances, foodstuff processing, chemicals, petrochemicals, metal smelting, the manufacture of the means (Kaohiung), Taichung, Tainan, Hsinchu and Chiayi are the major cities. In the field of agriculture, paddy rice, tea, sugarcane and fruits are produced in abundance. Camphor, quinine and lemongrass are local special products. There exists a dense railway and highway communication network on Taiwan. Communication on sea also constitutes an important position with Gaoxiong and Chilugn (Keelung) as the main seaports. Surrounded by sea, Taiwan's weather is agreeable and is as beautiful as a painting with bountiful tourist resources. There are such significant places of historic interest and scenic beauty as Jihueh Tan, Alishan and Yangmin Mountain Scenic Spot and others.