vacation guide to Honduras

Honduras Travel - Visitors Guide to Honduras Vacation Sidewalkmystic.com The complete, self-planning vacation guide to Honduras travel Coming Soon : Honduras Volunteer Section News: Current Honduras News Weather : Current Honduras Weather Prayer for the Day: from Ireland Thought for the Day: St. John's Benedictine Abbey Has This Site Helped You? Print Entire Site - PDF file Site Index Honduras Vacation Guide - Travel Honduras This site will help you: plan vacationtravel to Honduras - - the mainland, Roatan (pictured), or another Bay Island or, find the travel information you need to decide if Honduras travel is right for you. I am glad you are here. Bienvenido ! After vacationing and traveling in various parts of Honduras , I wanted to: present an honest and fair picture of travel to Honduras, offer a web site without ads , and offer more travel information than I had been able to find than when I planned our travel to Honduras on the web. Two options for your vacation travel planning convenience : If you are in a rush, start with the quick-hit travel links or the 'search tool' on the right or, When you have more time and are ready to begin preparing a Honduras vacation, perk a cup of Honduran coffee and work through the site from the Honduras travel topics on the left . Take your time and become your own Honduras travel guide. Come along and... e njoy! First question . . . Why consider Honduras travel ? (next section). Let's begin to plan vacation travel to Honduras . . . ► "The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. " St. Augustine Good Writer and Have Visited Honduras? powered by FreeFind Current Time in Honduras Tell a friend about this travel site. Travel Honduras together. QuickHits for Vacation Air Travel in Honduras Airfare to Honduras Bus Travel Coffee Honduran Copan Ruinas Culture Currency/Honduras Money Diving Roatan Food Frequently Asked Questions Futbol/Soccer Health Issues Honduras Flag Hotels Indigenous Groups La Ceiba La Esperanza Lempiras and Exchange Rate Maps of Honduras News in English Print Entire Site - pdf File projecthonduras.com Radio/Music Real Estate Recipes - Honduras Roatan (pictured) Safety San Pedro Sula Santa Rosa de Copan Site Map Spanish Schools Tegucigalpa Tourism Travel Guides - Honduras Travel Tips Travelogue Weather Home Why Visit? Plan the Trip Pack Smart Travel Tips Top-10-To-See Honduras Maps Copan Ruinas La Ceiba Palacios San Pedro Sula Tegucigalpa Santa Rosa de Copan Roatan Roatan Diving Utila Indigenous Tall Tales FAQs Honduras Recipes Honduras Coffee projecthonduras.com Links About Me Why SidewalkMystic? Credits Contact Us Use English - Spanish Dictionary Now 2003-2005 David Borton, All Rights Reserved Jump to Search & Quick Hits Contact Us Visit our affiliate site on men's health, www.zyppi.com

London vacation rentals location

London vacation apartment rental - LONDON PERFECT apartment For our Paris vacation apartments, please see: www.parisperfect.com For Italian vacation properties, please see: www.italyperfect.com Click here to view video London Perfect was featured on the Fine Living Channel ‘Historic Settings', in their series: Around the World in 80 Homes . Home Apartments The Cornwall Sleeps 1-4 Lancaster Sleeps 1-2 The Somerset Sleeps 2-5 Notting Hill Sleeps 2-6 The Essex Sleeps 2-6 Norfolk Sleeps 7 (8 if child) Neighborhood Prices & Conditions Guest Feedback Contact us Links We offer beautiful short term vacation rental apartments in central London . The vacation rentals are located in the best areas of London , as shown below. Our selection is small, because great apartments and homes are difficult to find. Location London vacation rentals location is simply unbeatable. They are located in central Kensington and Knightsbridge, near to all of the best London shopping and the park as well. Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park are nearby, great for playing, running, walking, picnicking, bicycling, rollerskating, etc. Near the short term vacation rentals, Kensington Palace is there, with its beautiful gardens and Orangery. The Palace now has a museum which houses the Court Dress Collection, including some of Princess Diana's gowns. The London vacation rental apartments are a short walk to famous Museum Row, including the Natural History and Science Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum . The Natural History and Science Museum have been recently remodeled thanks to the generous pool of funds from the British Lottery. The displays are excellent and highly recommended for children. The V+A, as the Victoria and Albert Museum is called, houses important decorative arts collections as well as Islamic art and an unbeatable dress collection of garments and fashion dating from the 1300's to the swinging 60's. Walk 20 minutes from London vacation rental apartment along Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park to Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Burberry's in Knightsbridge. Find the big designer shops and exclusive restaurants walking down Sloane Street , wherel you arrive at Peter Jone’s department store and the start of King’s Road. The London Perfect apartment rental is a few minutes walk to restaurants and shopping in High Street Kensington, where there is a large Marks and Spencers store and numerous specialty stores.  Shop at stores such as Marks and Spencer, Barkers, Zara, Habitat, Muji, Lush, Monsoon, Accessorize, Mac, Urban Decay etc. Additionally, get your Starbucks latte nearby or eat at numerous good cafés and restaurants along the way.  The vacation apartment rental is 10 minutes walk to Christies South Kensington, the branch of Christie's which auctions more affordable antiques and collectables. The area surrounding our London vacation apartment rental is served by many excellent English, French, Indian, Persian, Moroccan and Italian restaurants. There is even a Starbucks around the corner, for those needing a nice armchair and a Grande Cappuccino. Transportation The London Perfect vacation apartment rentals are all served by nearby tubes, including Gloucester Road, South Kensington and Notting Hill Gate. There are numerous bus lines which traverse London as well. From the vaction apartment rentals, it is easy to get to Chinatown , the theatre district, Piccadilly Circus , Fortnum and Mason, the Tower of Londo n , Knightsbridge, Sloane Square and the trendy King's Road, the City of London , the Houses of Parliament at Westminster , the river cruises at Embankment, the Great Wheel and Aquarium at Westminster , even direct to Wimbledon . We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Click on any photo to enter photo tour Near our vacation rental apartments, Kensington Palace on a spring morning The Princess Diana Playground The Orangerie next to Kensington Palace London Apartment The Cornwall London apartment The Essex Last updated 08/12/05

Mexico Travel

Yucatan Peninsula Travel Info : TravelYucatan.com Travel Information for the Yucatan Peninsula Mexico 2005 Cancun Mayan Riviera Costa Maya Quintana Roo Campeche Yucatan Hola! Welcome to TravelYucatan.com , the information source for planning your vacation to the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. If you have never traveled to the Yucatan Peninsula, most everything you need to know is here. General Info contains entry requirements, time, etc. Below is information more specific for your trip. You may also use the search engine above [and on every page] to find exactly what you need. This web site contains hotels, maps, campsites, archeological information, bus routes and lots of related information for first time travelers and even veterans returning to the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Yucatan Peninsula Maps Exciting Guided Tours Airport Shuttle Services Site Feedback Survey MAYAN RIVIERA DESTINATIONS The Mayan Riviera includes exciting attractions, colorful cities, quiet pueblos, enchanting Mayan ruins and beautiful secluded beaches! Puerto Morelos Playa del Carmen Playacar Calica Puerto Aventuras Xpu-Ha Kantenah Paamul Akumal Chemuyil Xcacel Tulum The Yucatan Peninsula is one of the richest archaeological zones in the ancient Mesoamerica world. The Yucatan presents astonishing surprises at every turn. All major sites in the Yucatan Peninsula are listed here and much more . | Ruin Sites | Site Maps | Tips | Guides | | Recommendations | Museums | Field Schools | The Yucatan Peninsula is the perfect destination for travelers interested in exotic environments. The Yucatan is home to three major ecosystems. | Intro | Destinations | Wildlife | Eco Tips | Discount Airfares Select the BEST DEAL! Cruises Book Your Holiday Cruise On-Line Tours Make Your Tour Reservations Here! The Yucatan Peninsula boasts world-class 5 star luxury resorts accommodating both the European plan and the "All Inclusive" - eat all you can, drink all you can and lie on a white sandy beach under a palm tree. What are you waiting for!!! Experience the Tortuga Liberation! Every year hundreds of baby Green Sea Turtles emerge from the sandy beaches of the Mayan Riviera and head into the vast ocean. Come witness this magical event! Click here to learn more! YUCATAN OVERVIEW Why the Yucatan Peninsula Some of the many reasons. Where to Go What destination is best for you. What to Do in the Yucatan Peninsula Includes Tours and Attractions. How to Get There An overview of transportation means. Mexican People Get to know the people! Food/Water/Safety Info pertaining to your well being. Getting Married Planning a Cancun wedding! General Information About Mexico Entry Requirements etc. Traveling With Children YUCATAN ATTRACTIONS Introduction Help for planning your itinerary. Yucatan Beaches Cancun to Campeche. Mayan Arts & Crafts Hand made to mass produced. Jewelry Bling Bling Lovers! Cancun Attractions Staying in Cancun, there's lots to do! Mayan Riviera Attractions Exciting attractions on the Riviera. Chetumal Attractions Mayan Ruins and world class diving. Merida Attractions A beautiful colonial city awaits you. Campeche Attractions Less traveled but historically significant. Eco Attraction Ecological wonders abound here! Xcaret or Xel-Ha Decisions...decisions... Cancun Deep Sea Fishing Go on a guided trip! Swim with Whale Sharks The world's biggest fish! Golf - Ocean front golf courses. TravelYucatan.com TravelYucatan.com Newsletter Subscribe Privacy Statement About Us Testimonials To Contact a TravelYucatan.com Representative Please e-mail: TravelYucatan.com adds new content daily in order to present you with up-to-date information to assist you in the planning of your Mexico vacation. £inking to TravelYucatan.com 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Ways To Help People In The Yucatan! HOTELS & RESORTS Cancun Mayan Riviera Cozumel Puerto Morelos Playa del Carmen Playacar Puerto Aventuras Akumal Tulum Chichen Itza Merida Uxmal Isla Mujeres Isla Holbox Group Rates Re-Print Voucher DESTINATIONS Cancun Isla Mujeres Mayan Riviera Playa del Carmen Cozumel Piste Merida Ticul Campeche Isla Holbox Costa Maya GENERAL INFO Yucatan FAQ Seasons/Weather Mexican Money Mexican Telephone Basic Spanish Museums Universities Travel Tips What to Pack Buying Stuff Cigars and Tequila TRANSPORTATION Renting a Vehicle Air Boat Cozumel Ferry Taxi Mexican Bus Collectivo Cancun Bus Maps Driving Regulations Things To Know Entering a Vehicle Distances DIVING SNORKELING Open-Water Cave/Cenote Snorkeling Cozumel 1 Cozumel 2 OFFICIAL Embassies Legalization Journalists Tourist Boards Complaints State Governments + EMERGENCY + Loosing Your Money Quick Departure Medical Emergency Phone Numbers TRAVEL TOOLS Packing List Tool Trip Countdown Travel Glossary Currency Converter Travel FAQs Tropical Storms 2005 TravelYucatan.com All rights reserved. Travel Information for the Yucatan Peninsula Mexico

Japan travel discussions ski

::Metropolis Tokyo :: JAPAN TRAVEL - City of Peace Japan Today Specials | Classifieds | Jobfinder | Tokyo Guide | Directory | Forum Friends Home Feature The Small Print Faces & Places The Goods Travel Tech Know Sports Cars & Bikes Arts & Entertainment Music Japan Beat Clubbing Art Stage Books The Agenda Listings TV Movies Dining Out Sake Wine Tastemaker Table Talk Local Flavors International Dining Restaurant Review Bar Review Classifieds Jobfinder Horoscope Mailbox The Last Word Photo of the Week Archive About Us Subscribe Search Distribution Points latest Japan travel discussions ski resorts JR 18 Pass Visa Questions Saving $ to visit Japan.... help me out Travelling to India - Do I really need vaccinations? cheap hotel with rotemburo Going to Okinawa, pls help in recommendations Amita Buddha Nagoya International Airport? More forum topics Trip tips Shinkansen trains connect Tokyo station and Hiroshima (4.5hrs, ¥18,550 one-way), while overnight buses leave from Tokyo Station’s Yaesu south exit (12hrs, ¥21,200 round-trip). Hiroshima’s sites are easily negotiable by foot, but the city’s tram system connects the main JR station with the city center and beyond. Hotel 28 Hiroshima (082-247-2811) is a centrally located, functional business hotel. At ¥4,000 for a small single room, this is possibly the city’s most reasonable offering. For something more upmarket, the ANA Hotel Hiroshima (082-241-1111) offers twin rooms for ¥20,000. Some guidebooks recommend the World Friendship Center (082-503-3191), run by an anti-nuclear NPO (¥3,500/p including breakfast). The Hiroshima City Hotel and Ryokan Union can be contacted at 082-261- 0074. There are two city information desks at the JR Station and another excellent facility at the Rest House inside the Peace Park (082-247-6738). The Hiroshima Convention and Visitors Bureau: www.hiroshima-navi.or.jp The Hiroshima Interpreter and Guide Association at www.urban.ne.jp/home/higa ADVERTISERS : Flight Shop A'cross Travellers Bureau 03-5467-0077 No 1 Travel CAN Tour Four Seasons Travel 03-5907-5220 JAL Story and Beltop Travel Service Just Travel 03-3362-3441 Hit Travel TRAVEL ARCHIVE: 611: City of Sand From crowded markets to placid mosques, Cairos attractions are legion 609: On the edge Hateruma Island offers a primeval slice of sand and surf 607: Land of calm Get a glimpse of unspoiled Asia in the lush countryside of Laos 605: Just like heaven Nokogiri-yama in chiba is as appealing as Nikko or Kamakura, and just as accessible 602: Place your Bets Macau pays its respects to history while keeping a keen eye on the future 598: Bring it on Peak season can’t come soon enough for hotelsin southern Thailand 596: Rhythm City Cuba In the island nation’s largest port, the common language is music 594: City of Peace Sixty years after the infamous attack, Hiroshima is a site of remembrance 592: Big sky country Endless vistas and mysterious shrines await in rural Mongolia 590: Hidden pleasures Kyoto’s little-visited gardens justify a trip all their own 588: Another Country While maintaining its cultural distinction, the Basque homeland of Bayonne offers the best of Spain and France 586: Stepping into the past Beaches, museums—and painted ladies—await visitors in Atami and Ito 584: Getting to the Roots of Kuala Lumpur In quiet parks and bustling markets, Malaysia’s capital reveals its past and future 582: The great outdoors Shinrin Koen in Saitama offers year-round fun for space-deprived Tokyoites 580: Seoul, revisited Ancient and modern worlds collide in the Korean capital, a city of futuristic architecture, tranquil palaces and fiery cuisine 576: Ancient treasures Explore untouched 900-year-old temples in Myanmar’s Bagan region 574: The High Life Squeeze a last bit of fun out of winter in the mountains of Nagano 572: The Other Side of Cape Town Township tours offer a vibrant glimpse of daily life in South Africa 570: White day Yuzawa offers beginners a chance to ski before the snow melts 568: City of spice Take a gastronomic tour through India’s food capital 566: Life Cyclist An around-the-world biker makes a pit stop in Tokyo 564: Forest in the Clouds Rainswept trails and lush beauty await in Costa Rica's Monteverde nature preserve 561-2: Geisha for a day Kyoto's makeover studios offer visitors a new twist on tradition 559: Southern comfort Indonesia’s most vibrant village replenishes heart, mind and soul 557: Show time Nagoya is a city of potential heading into Expo 2005 555: Waterworld Float across the watery heart of Brunei’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan 553: Mountain dew A retreat restores the senses in the highlands of Fukushima 551: Turquoise baths Warm, white sand meets an ocean of blues in a remote corner of the South Pacific 549: Sea world A grueling 25-hour boat ride ends in the idyllic island chain of Ogasawara 547: Train spotting The Trans-Siberian Railway is an epic journey that begins right at Japan’s doorstep 545: In praise of slowness Yunishigawa offers a leisurely glimpse into Japan's illustrious past 543: Block party A guide to fun on the fringe at Hong Kong’s nightlife district of Lan Kwai Fong 537: The middle way Andrew McHugh embarks on a timeless pilgrimage in Tokyo’s tranquil backyard. 533: The simple life City slicker Matthew Reiss takes a breather along Shikoku’s Shimanto River. 529: The lost world In search of an ancient civilization swallowed by the sea, Carlo Niederberger plunges into the waters off Yonaguni. 525: Nature trails Hakkakuso in Tateyama offers a jumping-off point for cycling, swimming, and the well-preserved charm of Japanese fishing villages. Steve Trautlein heads to the coast. 521: High tea Cha and music have long been Nagasaki's two great passions. Simon Rowe hops on a tram to sample the Kyushu city's delights. 517: The hill is alive Grab your coats and your wallets for a tour of the best of Osaka with local boy Simon Rowe. 513: A walk in the woods Matt Button heads to Hokkaido and revels in the serenity of Daisetsuzan National Park. 507: Time and again The history of Arima runs as deep as its hot springs. Stephen Mansfield soaks up the local ambience. 503: Riverside retreat The rustic Okayama town of Takahashi offers the casual visitor a release from the world. Stephen Mansfield enjoys the time on his hands. 499: Tropics of interest Urban escapees in search of a little anonymity are drawn to Ishigaki-jima. Simon Rowe finds out why. 495: City by the sea Once a pirate haunt, the port town of Onomichi in the Inland Sea still houses an intriguing array of temples, and a surprising number of cats and cat lovers. Stephen Mansfield goes exploring. 491: Easy streets Ocean breezes, smiling faces, exotic markets, and a laid-back pace. Catherine Pawasarat finds Japanese-style relaxation on the shores of the Noto Peninsula. 487: Into the wild John McGee plumbs the depths and scales the heights of Tohoku's grandest national park. 483: Green Peace Home to Kyoto-style gardens and the Peace Museum for kamikaze, Chiran offers a healthy dose of history and culture. Stephen Mansfield takes a walk. 479: Walk in the woods Take a step back in time with a leisurely stroll through the forests and towns of the Kiso Valley. Mary King sets the pace. 475: Pilgrim’s progress Simon Rowe braves the storms and heads down to Shikoku’s “Typhoon Ginza,” Cape Ashizuri. 471: Companions of the sea Life in the Seto Inland Sea town of Tomo-no-Ura revolves around its fishing industry. Stephen Mansfield experiences the salty charm. 467: Monuments to history Once a refuge from wars, Yamaguchi has survived the blight of modern urban development, Stephen Mansfield observes. 463: Land of the giants Simon Rowe goes hiking on Yakushima Island, home to tropical beaches, granite hills, and the world's oldest-and largest-cedar trees. 459: Northern exposure Home to king crabs, towering snow sculptures and one of the country's biggest beer companies, Sapporo is the center of life on Hokkaido. Simon Rowe hits the city streets. 456: In from the cold Simon Rowe and Masami Hamada fight off the winter chill in the warm waters of Kinosaki 452: Keeping the peace David Capel visits the quiet hamlet of Matsumoto, home to Japan's oldest existing castle. 448: Past into present Stephen Mansfield takes the road less traveled and turns up in the historic samurai homestead of Obi 444: Chariots of ire The annual Nada Fighting Festival 440: Hook, line and sinker Summertime and the fishin' is easy-in Ichikawa village 436: Peaks and valleys Stephen Mansfield ventures into the picturesque calderas of Kyushu's Aso-Kuju National Park 432: Water's edge Seto Inland Sea the place for epicures and adventurers 428: Block party Renowned for its legendary temples and manicured gardens, Kyoto is one of Japan's top tourist destinations 424: Honshu's holy hotels Simon Rowe seeks serenity and a satisfying meal alongside the monks of Koya-san 420: High Art Since its opening five years ago, a reclusive sect's stunning museum has attracted wide international acclaim. 416: Fire and brimstone Hot water and Japanese hell come together in Oita Prefecture 412: Snowed in Finding peace and a warm bath in the mountains of Gunma 408: Edo elegance Old world artisans keep tradition alive in Honshu's Kurashiki 401: Bird's eye view Mary King mingles with the ghosts of Himeji Castle. 397: It takes a village Feed your spirits in Honshu's seaside town, Amanohashidate 393: Bathing Apes For a scenic dip with rare, furry primates and ready to primp for your pictures, head to Jigokudani Onsen. Mary King gets in to hot water. 389: God speed The mother of all Shinto temples, Ise Grand Shrine 385: Hattoji Highland hamlet 380: Nagasaki Remembrance of things past 378: Kawagoe From modern Tokyo to "Little Edo" 376: Tottori Tottori's stunning landscapes 375: Kyushu Bed and bath under the volcano 373: Ryogoku Land of the giants 372: Osaka Universal Studios Japan 371: Osaka Amerika-mura: Osaka's funky town 369: Mie Mikimoto Pearl Island 368: Takarazuka Hyogo-ken's all women theater group 365: Kawasaki Kawasaki's annual fertility festival 364: Aomori A day on Fear Mountain 362: Nagano Chill out snowboarding 361: Asuka One foot in the grave 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- By Rob Gilhooly City of Peace Sixty years after the infamous attack, Hiroshima is a site of remembrance Photos by Rob Gilhooly There are things we put off: things that are difficult to tackle, troublesome, or unsavory. For 15 years since first coming to Japan, I have put off visiting Hiroshima. Having seen other examples of the terrors of war—Ho Chi Minh’s War Remnants Museum (in those days less ambiguously named the American War Atrocities Museum), for example—I decided Hiroshima could wait. This year, however, marks the 60th anniversary of the bombing, a suitable time, I thought, to stop putting it off and confront the world’s most damning testimony against nuclear warfare. For two days I roamed the city’s broad boulevards and narrow alleyways, crossing the many bridges that link several islands formed by rivers snaking through the city’s heart—a striking geographical feature that helped seal Hiroshima’s fate. For the most part, Hiroshima today is a succinct example of how Japan rose from the ashes of war and rebuilt itself to become the economic power it is today. There’s a bustling business zone, ubiquitous nighttime neon and a bubbly soapland district. Red-faced business-folk tumble out of eateries serving okonomiyaki, the savory pancake that locals will tell you is Hiroshima’s contribution to world cuisine, while a few hundred die-hard fans cheer on the local baseball team, the Hiroshima Carp, doing overtime battle with the Yokohama Bay Stars. Yet, there are ample reminders of that tragic morning in 1945 when the Enola Gay off-loaded the “Little Boy” bomb and blew what was then a little-known provincial city straight onto the map of global consciousness. At the entranceway to Fukuro-machi Elementary School, which was recently turned into a museum, an enlarged panoramic photo—the first to be snapped after the bombing—reveals the scale of the destruction. The city, quite simply, is desolate. Inside the school, messages penned on the stairwell by desperate survivors appealing for information about missing relatives are testimony to the anguish they suffered. The authors have been traced, and their heart-wrenching stories imaginatively documented. Across the river, at the city’s main museum, there are copious more reminders of individual tragedies: charred lunchboxes, ripped school uniforms, melted bottles, a step from the entrance of the Bank of Japan, blackened where a vaporized blast victim had been sitting. There’s nothing on the shock scale of Ho Chi Minh’s museum here—no pickled Agent Orange specimen or images of torture and execution—but enough to turn stomachs of those not yet desensitized by “Nuke the f***ers”-style Hollywood flicks or Al Jazeera-style churn-alism. From the second floor, a long glass-fronted corridor affords a panoramic view across the city’s Peace Park and the nearby cenotaph. Under this memorial—a graceful arc of granite that frames the nearby Peace Flame—a chamber houses tomes listing the names of the 230,000-plus victims, many of whom died from radiation-related illnesses. Here I chat at length with Yuriko Anno, 79, who visits weekly from Ninoshima, a nearby island where thousands of hibakusha, as the A-bomb victims are known, are buried, to pray for relatives and friends who perished. Anno survived because she was transporting family belongings to a new home some 30km away when the bomb was detonated. Like many of Hiroshima’s peace proponents, she expresses bitterness over Japan’s continued endeavors in nuclear power development and recent conflicts in which her country has been involved as “peacekeepers.” “Someone once said, ‘The only thing we have learned from history is that we never learn from history,’” she remarks. “Anyone who believes in war as a solution to anything should come right here.” By now we have meandered through the Peace Park, past the Flame of Peace and the Children’s Peace Monument, where a group of school kids are solemnly chanting prayer and draping countless rows of colorful paper cranes in deference to Hiroshima’s most famous child, Sadako Sasaki—the leukemia victim of “1,000 Cranes” fame. We come to a halt by the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, which under rather different circumstances would likely have been replaced by a searing shiny structure housing collars and ties. Yet this is the original Ground Zero, now a World Heritage Site and the symbol for which the city is known worldwide. More commonly known as the A-Bomb Dome, it is the only remaining physical evidence of the attack. Its burnt and mangled shell serves as a chilling reminder of the A-bomb’s destructive force. As Anno continues her tale—of how her sister was killed instantly in the grounds of her school—I try to imagine the sight of a 1 million Centigrade force capable of buckling a meter-think iron girder, of wiping out an entire city in a micro-second or imprinting a human shadow on stone. I can’t. So I turn to the only item of comfort at hand, face the music and press the shutter. Would you like to comment on this article? Send a letter to the editor at letters@metropolis.co.jp . Discuss travel with METROPOLIS readers at http://forum.japantoday.com top

Russia Travel

Travel East Russia - Travel Partners Travel Partners Throughout our years of involvement in Eastern Russia, we have worked and cooperated with numerous travel companies. We have had a chance to look at their operating capabilities and procedures, their product, their management style and most importantly how they deal with their clients. We also monitor for safety concerns and client's response to their tour programs. We undertake at least two to three trips each year to monitor development and work very closely with the travel community here in the US and in Eastern Russia. We have also put in a system of ranking tour operators according to their experience with foreigners. *Extensive working experience with international travelers **Interested in working with foreigners. Great experience working with Russians These travel partners provide individual arrangements. They also can put together tour packages upon request: Buryatia Region Baikal-Naran Tour * Contact: Sesegina Rabdanova, General Director baikalnarantour@mail.ru This company has lots of logistical experience in Buryatia. The General Director is a former Intourist employee and of Buryat heritage. They offer a number of different programs with local Buryat communities. They formerly operated in cooperation with a US partner. Firn Travel * Contact: Larissa, International Travel Coordinator Info@travelbaikal.net Firn travel has long time experience in ecotourism operations in Buryatia. They started out at Firn Club, dedicating their efforts to leading volunteer youth groups on ecotours in the regions of Severobaikalsk and the Barguzinsky Reserve. They have both English and German speaking staff and have a lot of experience in operating tours for German tour operators. Irkutsk Region Baikal-Discovery * Contact: Alexei Nikorof, Manager travel@baikal-discovery.com Alexei Nikiforov has been involved in tourism in Irkutsk for a long time, about twenty-five years, first as an Intourist guide, later connected with the Baikal Business Center, Green Express and now his own company. The company has long -term experience in operating eocotours connecting the regions of Mongolia, Buryatia and the Irkutsk region. Their itineraries are well researched and include unique encounters with the indigenous populations. Alexei is a tireless supporter of ecotours in this part of Russia. He writes a lot of articles about ecotourism development, speaks at conferences and educates other tour companies on following ecotourism principles in their own operations. Ivan Ivanov who oversees the operational aspects for the company has achieved one of Russia's highest accomplishments graduating from the Presidential Management course with honors. Both Alexei and Ivan are involved in the development of interesting program spanning all nearby regions. The company also offers an interesting program of winter activities and is always interested in new ecotourism ideas. They have cooperated with a number of travel companies from Europe and the US, including TCS Expeditions. Kamchatka Region Kamchatintour * www.kamchatintour.ru Contact: Irina Sedova, Director of Tourism inform@kamchatintour.ru Kamchatintour was one of the first companies after Perestroika that took the lead in catering to international travelers. They met the first expedition ship traveling from the Komandor Islands to Petropavlovsk. They also developed the first business partnership with Japan now generating about four to five charters of ecotravelers to Kamchatka from that country. Innovative ideas and excellent operational qualities characterize this agency. ExploreKam * Contact: Martha Madsen, Director explorekam@elizovo.ru Explore Kamchatka In 1991, Martha Madsen was the Curator of the Pratt Museum of Homer, Alaska. Even at that time, Martha had a great interest in bringing cultures together and worked with both native Alaskan and Koryak and Even cultures of Kamchatka. Little did she know that she would eventually move from Alaska to a totally different environment, Kamchatka, Russia? When I met Martha, she had finished a stint as Assistant Director for Program Development and Fund Raising at the Yelizovo District Library System and just started her career in travel with Yelizovo Tour Service. This agency was way ahead of the crowd, perhaps not in experience, but in concept as it brought together many of he smaller entrepreneurs who had specific skills related to travel and used their expertise to create and manage their own tours. Not an easy thing to do, in a region where competition is frowned upon. The idea itself though, offers the traveler the best experience. Martha not satisfied with this experience alone, also opened the first Bed & Breakfast in Yelizovo, in a house she and her Russian husband are carefully refurbishing. From feedback, we have heard they serve the most wonderful meals and the ambiance brings travelers back over and over again. Martha as an extension to her hospitality efforts also now operates her own tours, continuing the principle of joint operations with those who have the greatest knowledge. Martha is also the creator and editor of the Kamchatka Explorer brochure. This brochure contains great information about the region and its tourism possibilities. The information is also available through a Web Site www.kamcahtkaepxlorer.com. Volcanolog Tour * Contact: Elena Kochneva, Director travel@mail.iks.ru This company is lead by a scientist in volcanology and a man with great knowledge and humor. He has worked with many German and French groups and has an excellent reputation. Kamchatka Travel Group Ltd. ** Contact: Yulia Nenasheva, inbound travel services yulianiko@yahoo.com This company was founded and is managed by a number of travel professionals with long term experience in tour management in Kamchatka The Climb ** Contact: Galina V. Volgina, Owner climbkam@hotmail.ru This company has been offering hiking and climbing tours in Kamchatka for at least ten years. The company has also a partner in Alaska. Beringia Land ** Contact: Inna Obukhova, Executive Manager inna@mail.iks.ru Beringia Land has been leading sled dog races over the past years. . Beringia is a philosophy as much as a company, offering unique experiences beyond the conventional for the last twelve years. Itineraries offered include remote wilderness travel to general sightseeing and activities from hiking, river rafting and sea kayaking to dog sledding. The company focuses on tours off the beaten path an entrance into what makes Kamchatka so special. Khabarovski Krai Unitravel ** Contact: Ivan Kazzenov Ivan@unitravel.com We have not worked with this company before. They did attend our training and have been excellent in following through with our recommendations. The company has established several ecotours in the region. Bon Voyage * Contact: Svetlana Cherkasova, Director svetlana@mail.kht.ru The company has an excellent record in operating complex logistics and has shown a aptitude for working with foreigners. Primorski Krai Dalintourist * Contact: Olga V Bekhtereva, Director Inbound Department dalint@mail.primorye.ru This company has good experience with international travelers and offers programs all over the Primorski Krai. One of their new efforts includes the development of community tourism in a small village north of Vladivostok. The village still offers travelers a look at the traditional way of life during the soviet years. Dalintourist offers accommodations in its own lodging facility. Villagers are employed in all activities and benefit economically from them. Intourist, Nahodka * Contact: Natalia Kucherenko, Head of International Department natalia@intourist.nahodka.ru Intourist has both an office in Nahodka and Vladivostok. Mirabel Tour Company ** Contact: Elena Andreeva, General Director mirabel1@vladivsotok.ru An established, innovative tour company in Vladivostok offering a variety of tours in the region. They are one of the first agencies offering nature oriented tours to the local population and foreign travelers accompanied by a specialist. The agency is very supportive of new tour development and is always looking for new tour product. "Nika tour - 2000" Co., Ltd** Contact: Tatyana Kalinina, General Director nikatour@mail.ru Terratour ** Contact: Anastasiya K. Kaushinskaya, Manager terra-julie@mail.ru This company has not had much experience with the international market place. However, they are very experienced in handling logistics all over Russia. They just finished managing a motorcycle race from Moscow to Vladivostok. Also recommended by WWF/Russia. Vladivostok Travel & Excursion Bureau** Contact: Elvira Khodounova, General Director globus@vlad.ru Vzmorye * Contact: Svetlana Lozovskaya, Leading specialist vzmorye@mail.ru This company is lead by a team of scientists in the field or ornithology and biology. They also have set up a network of B & B's throughout the Primorski Krai. The company is very knowledgeable about birding tours in the Far Eastern Marine Preserve and also nature oriented tours to other areas of the Primorski Krai. The company has excellent relationships with WWF/Russia and the local government. Maik-DV Contact: Natalya Nosyreva Maik-Dv@yandex.ru This company has quite a bit of experience handling conferences andmeetings for the regional government. They also have a number ofspecialists they work with specifically on programs focussing on theAmur Tiger. Magadan Region DVS Tour * Contact: Victoria Belger, Manager dvs_tour@sferacom.ru DVS-TOUR has been organizing ecological, fly fishing and rafting tours for many years. Clients include both Russian and foreign clients. Last year the company managed expedition cruise clients of Zegrahm, a well know US company. Virginia ahs spend about four months in the US as an intern with several ecotourism companies. Yakutia Region Tour Service Center. Co. Ltd. * Contact: V. Ipatiev, Director contact@yakutiatravel.com This company offers exciting and well-managed excursions of Yakutia. One of the main reasons they can do this is because they work with a number of tourism partners in the region who have expertise in specific activities. Arctic Travel * Contact: Guerman Arbugaev, Director g-arbugaev@yandex.ru arctic@sakha.ru This company offers excellent experience in one of a kind tours around Yakutia, specifically to off the beaten places, such as reindeer herding camps, both in the summer and winter. They also offer birding tours in the north. The company has excellent contact with all indigenous communities. Join our mailing list be informed of tours as they become available: Email: Subscribe Unsubscribe World Wise Ecotourism Network 1321 W. Emerson #6 Seattle, WA 98119 Phone: 206-282-0824 Fax: 206-281-4417 E-mail: Info@TravelEastRussia.com 2000 All Rights Reserved