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Survival Guide – Turkey
Turkey is a beautiful country of dramatic landscapes, magical stories, rich history and friendly people. The food is fantastic too. It is an incredible destination and is unique in several ways. Here are a few things you should know before you go so you can make the most of your visit. There are so many magical things about Turkey you could spend years there and constantly be learning things. Whether you are considering moving to Turkey or simply enjoy the privacy of cheap holiday villas the experience of being self-sufficient in a foreign country is both interesting and very satisfying. Turkey can seem loud and chaotic at times but I have…
Are Australia’s best beaches in Esperance?
Sometimes I forget how beautiful it is where I live at the moment. Living somewhere that my daily commute is a three-minute drive along the beach means (and I hate to admit it) I take the local coastline for granted sometimes. After a busy period at work, and while coming out of winter, I had sort of forgotten how spectacular Esperance can be. This weekend I rediscovered it. An article I read in a magazine last week said one of my local beaches was ‘stunning’. When great weather was forecast for the weekend I couldn’t resist heading to the beach to remind myself. Despite winning its fair share of awards…
The Best Theme Parks in Orlando
Orlando, Florida is the destination of choice for theme park lovers. To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of theme parks and found the plethora of parks a bit overwhelming, but I was pleased to find some parks educational as well as entertaining. Orlando is possibly the best example of what tourism can do for a town’s economy. With almost 50 million visitors enjoying Orlando family holidays each year, the sub-tropical climate and theme parks are clearly a draw-card. Orlando has more entertainment parks than anywhere else in the world and there really is something to suit everybody. The Walt Disney Resort dominates Orlando with seven different parks. Personally…
Edinburgh Castle – The Symbol of Scotland
No visit to Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh would be complete without a trip to Edinburgh Castle. The historic fortress that dominates the city skyline is an integral feature of Edinburgh, and some say a symbol of Scotland. Whether you are spending several weeks enjoying Scotland or making the most of cheap rooms in Edinburgh for a weekend break, Edinburgh Castle is a must-see. Edinburgh Castle The castle complex has been home to many Scottish monarchs over the years and today holds Scotland’s Crown Jewels. It is large and, following several restorations, it is possible to walk around and really imagine it as a functioning fortress. With outer defences, a…
What does it cost to be an expat?
Although many expats leave their home countries for employment purposes, many relocate for the different lifestyle options. Either way, before deciding to move overseas it is always important to consider your financial position, both the one you are leaving and the one you are moving towards. This guide will help you make informed choices. Having the option to move abroad is exciting! There may be a new language to learn, the destination culture could be hugely different from that of your home country, perhaps the weather is better? These are all significant factors that will play a huge part in determining the success of your expat life, however the one…
Sailing the Great Southern Ocean
When was the last time you did something for the first time? I ask myself that question periodically and it leads to all sorts of adventures. A few weeks ago it took me sailing for the first time and I loved it. A friend’s chatter had meant I had been looking forward to the prospect of getting into sailing. Having worked as a dive instructor for years, and also on yachts, I knew my way around boats but knew very little about actually sailing so this was a new experience for me. Of course, on the day the sailing season opened it pissed with rain all morning. I gazed out…
Weekend Markets in Sydney
I was surprised how much Sydney comes alive with markets at weekends. If you’re prepared to rummage finds can vary from vintage second hand clothing bargains to unique handcrafted goods and even a set of crocodile jaws. Here are my favourite Sydney weekend markets. The Rocks For character, a bit of history and the marvel of having a market tucked under the Sydney Harbour Bridge head to the market at the Rocks on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. The market swells around the northern end of George Street and has a strong focus on arts, crafts and collectibles but also features random things like Turkish ceramics and crocodile jaws. There are…
Brilliant Bournemouth – the best things to do
Popular British seaside resort Bournemouth is a fascinating mix of Victorian architecture and history, spectacular coastal scenery and quirky British seaside resort. Here are five of the best things to do in Bournemouth. Bournemouth lies on England’s Dorset coast. The spectacular sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs make it one of the UK’s top attractions. While Bournemouth is a very social place offering a varied nightlife scene, it is also a great place to enjoy with children and there are several family-friendly hotels in Bournemouth. Bournemouth Beach and Piers Bournemouth boasts seven miles of sandy beaches, directly east of the magnificent, and almost 100-mile stretch of, Jurassic Coast. Town sits atop…
The Five histories of Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island in the South Pacific is most notorious for it’s brutal penal settlement history. Perhaps because nearby Australia is so familiar with it’s own convict history, or perhaps because so many of the ruins of that period remain. However, the island really has five histories, and each has contributed culturally to Norfolk Island as it is today. Polynesian settlement Norfolk Island was originally settled by the Polynesians and the remains of a Polynesian settlement were excavated in the mid 1990s near Emily Bay revealing a house, a paved area, stone artefacts, shell and bone tools. Banana plantations were also discovered. Dating their time on the island has not been…
Europe’s Best Islands
When we think of islands it is usually the tropical kind but travellers looking for island destinations should not overlook Europe. Some of Europe’s islands offer enormously diverse scenery, fascinating history and incredible beaches with crystal clear water. Here are my favourites. Santorini, Greece If you have ever been seduced by an image of the Greek Islands, it was most likely by a photograph of Santorini. Nestled amongst the Cyclades islands, Santorini was created by volcanic activity that left the island in the semi circle shape it is today. Settlements are on the clifftops making for spectacular sunset photos but also making beach access a bit of a mission. Santorini…
