Bob Travel

Really no Hawaii holiday is complete without a trip to North Shore.  North Shore is one of the most famous surfing destinations in the world and has some of the biggest on the planet.

Even if you don’t surf, if you are in Hawaii, you have to see North Shore. The waves will simply blow you away.

North Shore is home to many world renowned surfing tournaments. So if you time your trip to Hawaii right, you could become a spectator to some of the world’s best surfers. Surf tournaments are held in the area from November to Late December. Some of the tournaments include: The Van’s Triple Crown of Surfing, the O’Neill World Cup at Sunset Beach; and the Billabong Pipeline Masters at Ehukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline), The Quiksilver Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational.

The contests are held in the winter because this is when the waves are at their most volatile. Winter is not a time to learn to surf in North Shore. Summer provides much safer conditions for those more amateur and less experienced surfers.

IF you are a surfing aficionado, there is no better place to stay than the North Shore while on your Hawaii vacation.

There is a world class resort right near the area called Turtle Bay Resort.  The hotel is on 880 acres of ocean front property and bills itself as the only luxury resort on the island of Oahu.

The Turtle Bay Resort is great because you can get that isolated feeling of being on some of Hawaii’s more remote beaches without ever having to leave Oahu and the sense of being close to the city.

No matter what you like to do, Oahu offers a great number of opportunities for relaxation and fun. If you don’t stay near North Shore you must drive out and see it, the views and the waves will amaze you and they really are something you can’t miss!

We took a trip to Khao Sok National Park and spotted the best wildlife in southern Thailand. The trip was the easiest also, we aren’t in that good of shape, but my husband and I found the trip quiet enjoyable. We spent most of our time watching the monkeys play in the trees, we even spotted some tropical birds. A very comfortable adventure. We found the pace was slow and the main focus of our trip was truly the spotting of wildlife in some of Thailand’s highest mountains in the world called the Limestone Karst Mountains.

We were staying at a Beach Resort Thailand which was accessible to all the trips we wanted to take. Like south of Krabi, is Trang province. The journey is from one island to another. It’s relaxing and we noticed most of the tourist stayed in comfortable bungalows along the coast line. We found this to be another soft adventure and far from the crowds. Most of the islands are really not that visited by Westerners. It’s fairly underdeveloped, so it’s not much of a tourist attraction which suited us fine. The beauty of the islands, especially the limestone Karst cliffs and the headlands is well worth the trip even though it is underdeveloped for tourist.

But we were most please with the the bird sighting. Unbelievable and a very special treat. We spotted Hornbills, which are common here, but it’s the amazing amount of species of the Hornbill that we found astonishing. Like the Great Hornbill, the Bushy-breasted Hornbill, the Helmeted Hornbill and the Wreathed Hornbill. We didn’t have to be seasoned birder to enjoy the pleasure of birding in this tropical wonderland. But, not only did we spot birds, we heard and saw more monkeys, had numerous wild pig sightings, an elephant here and there, which we heard is uncommon to sight.

Delhi is an ancient city located on the banks of the River Yamuna in India. It is the country’s second largest metropolitan area and also ranks as the eight largest in the world. It is believed to have been continually inhabited from the 6th century BC or earlier. It should not be confused with New Delhi, which is the country’s capital and also lies within the National Capital Territory of Delhi. There are many landmarks, cultural traditions and art forms that are based on or representative of the city’s dynamic history. Tourists staying in the Delhi 5 star hotels are often struck by the incredible cultural heritage and ancient status of the city. The Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb are to landmarks that are extremely attractive to tourists.

The Red Fort became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. This is an incredibly beautiful building complex and showcases India’s high level of ornamental design and art oriented architectural style. The actual artwork contained there is a fusion of Persian, Indian and European styles and inspired the creation of the rich and colorful Shahjahani form. Because it demonstrates the long tradition of art significance, it is one of the most important complexes in India. The walls of the Fort have heavy stringed courses along the higher sections, though they are extremely smooth. The main entrance, the Lahore Gate, leads to the Chatta Chowk, which is a covered bazaar street. The walls on this street are lined with spaces for shops and stalls. Delhi Gate lies at the southern end of the street.

Humayun’s Tomb is a complex of buildings whose construction began in 1562. It was designed by the Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyath and is located in Nizamuddin East. It is situated close to the Dina-panah citadel, which was founded by Humayun in 1533. The Tomb was commissioned by his wife, Hamida Begum. The Tomb contains the graves of numerous Mughal Emperors and was built from rubble masonry. It stands on an 8 meter high vaulted terrace and was the first Indian building to use the Persian double dome on a high neck drum. It is spread over an area of 12,000 square meters.

While there many surfing locations along the Western and Northern coastline of the peninsula of Cape Town, some of the calmer waters exist to the South.  International surfers travel to this region of South Africa in search of the perfect wave, and the chance to sleep after that wave in some of the best hotels South Africa has to offer.  The waters of the Atlantic can be unpredictable as far as temperature is concerned, so it is best to have a wet suit on hand should the waters be a bit too cold.  Many surfers live as the Paskowitz family of the documentary “Surfwise” did, traveling from spot to spot, in search of the perfect wave, the perfect life in the water.  And this region of South Africa will not disappoint those in search of the that.  On the contrary, these are some of the best spots in the world.

Most notable surf locations along the southern coast are Muizenberg, Scarborough, Kalk Bay and Cemetries.  In Muisenberg, the long-boarder is in heaven as there are many flat waves, slow and easy surfing.  Short-boarders will have fun as well, but without the speed and the thrill found in other locations.  The rips on the southern shore at Scarborough require constant attention for the surfer.  Kalk Bay, just down the road from Muizenber, is perfect for the more advanced surfers.  Incredible breaks, combined with a reef that is shallow makes this spot best for surfing at high tide.  Cemetries is a bit dirty and the waves tend to be a bit hollow, but if the the conditions at Muizenberg are unacceptable, then this is a viable option.  In addition, this spot is not very crowded and offers up a slow, relaxing wave.  In all, there are many locations throughout the Peninsula for fun surfing and adventurous explorations.

Of the many reasons to visit the country of South Africa, and the city of Cape Town specifically, surfing ranks at the top of the list.  Surfers from renown spots in Australia and from the coast of California travel to South Africa for the experience of catching a wave.  International participants and spectators regularly travel to and find accommodations in the best Cape Town hotels along the beaches of the Peninsula.  The temperature of the waters ranges, and some spots require a wet suit, however there is a non-existent record of shark attacks, and the local surfers are friendly as long as the surfer etiquette regarding respect is honored.  There are many spots to the north, such as Blouberg, Big Bay and Tableview, however if these spot are full, the western shores host many viable and incredible options.

Misty Cliffs is well known in the surfing community, for seasoned surfers.  The winds are strong and the break of the surf often shifts.  There are also many rocks to contend with, but this is what those most competent in the sport are looking for, adventure and sport.  The wave swells here are huge, so if a regular eight foot wave is too much, than perhaps some of the calmer waters would be more suitable and safe.  Crayfish Factory is another spot for the well trained surfer, as the waves again, are at least seven foot on average, most times more.  Long boards are recommended as those surfing on short boards can get bounced around quite a bit.  Kommetjie is known as a spot among the best of the world.  The waves come fast and although this is a spot that can be tough to get to, it is worth it for the thrill.  Sandy Bay, another great location, located just next to Kommetjie, is a spot secluded enough to keep it from becoming crowded, but worth the effort to find it.  There will be a walk of about 5 kilometers to reach the waters, but it is also a well known nudist beach, surrounded by beautiful landscapes, so the views are varied, and wonderful.

World travelers looking for the perfect place to explore a vibrant city in stunning splendor and beauty will find it all at a Dubai beach resort.  The journey begins here in luxurious accommodations, with all the amenities even the most well-seasoned tourist has come to expect, plus a few more gracious touches of elegance.  Centered in the heart of a perfect hideaway, travelers are free to explore the city at their leisure.

There is so much to see, in this cultural landscape that is constantly shifting and surprising as old world charm meets new world developments.  The artistic life of Dubai is growing by leaps and bounds, with exciting new festivals in film and music.  One festival not to overlook is the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre.  Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, H.H. Sheikh Majed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the patron of this 10-day festival, which highlights some of the most innovative and traditional theatre for young audiences in the region.  Performed in Arabic, these plays highlight the talents of local performers and playwrights, and is a way of entering into the world’s artistic and cultural heritage, set right in the heart of Dubai.  It is also an opportunity for new performers to test out their acting capabilities, with the aim of investigating the possibilities of theatre as a career choice, so the festival offers something for audiences as well as for the young participants.

Not merely a wonderful event for the whole family, the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre is a way of opening the rich cultural heritage of performing arts in the UAE to the next generation of theatre artists.  The plays draw on social issues and folkloric narratives to speak to local audiences along with those across the entire region.  The intensive selection process insures that the best talents find their way to the limelight, to introduce the local work to the international community based on high standards of work.  At the end of the festival each year, there is an awards ceremony to pay honor to the best actors, writers, and stage artists, and give the festival a healthy competition.  This stimulates interest in the arts locally, and helps to inspire young artists to participate in the long and continuing cultural narratives.

Of the Thai Islands, the largest and one of the most incredible is Phuket.  This tropical paradise is to the south and has sandy white beaches and water of the most perfect temperatures.  This is one of the favorite locations of scuba divers, snorkelers, and wind surfers world wide.  There are many lovely resorts and five star hotels.  Phuket is known for some of the most delicious recipes, many of which include seafood.  Some consider this the best place to go for seafood in all of Thailand.   And many of the resorts, hotels and restaurants are designed with the purpose of creating small get-a-ways amidst the hustle of the busy city.

The definition of the Malaysian word, Bukit is hill.  This is the word the name Phuket is derived from.  As hills are abundant on the island’s interior.  There are vast rubber tree plantations and a few mining communities dotting the island.  As well as many activities for tourists to enjoy, such as hiking some of those hills or taking jungle safaris.  And of course there are the beaches, for just as the seafood is considered the best of the country, so are the beaches of Phuket.

For tourists and visitors there are many options to choose from, be it the islands the beaches and the bays, or the museums that stand testament to the history of this incredible island.  One interesting stop that should not be missed is the Museum of Sea Shells.   This is close to Rawai Beach and is easily accessible.  Contained in the museum are more than two thousand different kinds of shells.  There is the Noble Volute,  the only left handed one ever found, there are giant clams, and fossils more than 380 million years of age.  The museum also owns the rarest of golden pearls in all the world.  The museum is the culmination of forty years of research and searching by the Patamakanthin family.   They have searched worldwide to bring the most unique and the most beautiful shells to their museum, some from Thailand, but others from around the world.  This island is all about the sea, and this museum should be visited at least once, if not many times over, on any one’s journey to this island of Thailand.

One unit of law enforcement has much to contend with.  This is a new unit formed in South Africa which will tackle issues of scandal and corruption, in the region of the continent which has the highest violent crime rate in the world.  The unit is being formed following the disbandment of the Scorpions, and elite and highly trained team of investigators that had been looking into allegations against the new president of the country, Jacob Zuma.   This disbandment was a decision made by the African National Congress.  When the unit begins to operate on July 1, 2009, the chief will be the former deputy chief of the province of the Western Cape, Anwa Dramat.   Until now, Dramat had be unknown, but will soon hold the title of the Director of the Priority Crime Investigations Unit for the country of South Africa.

While the Scorpions were successful in fighting crime and corruption, which proved beneficial for the people and the businesses such as the Cape Town, South Africa hotels and restaurants and resorts, they pursued the then presidential candidate, Zuma with a vehemence that angered many in the government.  This country has been struggling to prove to the skeptics and to the rest of the world that South Africa is safe to provide the venue in 2010 for the World Cup.  They must prove that they can get the murder rate under control, and that they are seriously going to put and end to the corruption and disarray.  Nathi Mthethwa, the Police Minister, is certain that the new unit will be successful in fighting crime under the leadership of Dramat.  For although he is not well known, he has a long reputation of resistance during the era of Apartheid, was once held prisoner at the concentration camp Robben Island,  and has been instrumental in discovering militants that were planting car bombs throughout Cape Town during the 1990’s.  This will be a new chapter for South Africa as they continue to rebuild and restructure their beautiful country.

The government of Mauritius unveiled a 6 month plan a few days ago, a plan to bolster the faltering economy.  The Minister of Finance stated that there must be a balance that will stimulate economic growth as well as controls on spending, in order to prevent the acquisition of a deficit that is in danger of hitting levels low enough to prove unsustainable for the island nation’s economy.  Growth on the island has continued at the rate of approximately five percent in the last four years.  Many companies had been thriving due to the immigration and to the tourism industry such as the five star hotels.  Mauritius relies however on business and trade from Asian and other European markets, which have not escaped the effects of the worldwide economic depression.  Inflation has slowed from almost the ten percent that it was at the end of 2008, to about eight percent the rate it is currently, and is predicted to fall to four percent by the end of the year.

Many businesses have begun diversifying in order to survive.  Once the economy had relied on the production of textiles and sugar, however the island has now begun to expand into the industries of banking and tourism.  This has resulted in Mauritius becoming one of the prosperous and stable economies in Africa.   And the forecast suggests that this will provide beneficial to the yearly incomes of Maurtians.  Tourism has been affected however.  Just about two thirds of those traveling to the island are from Europe, and during the past few months of 2009 the number of arrivals has fallen close to ten percent.  Stocks had fallen for the various hotel and resorts chains as well.  However, these two industries have been marketing aggressively with the hopes that this will soon change.  This island is the perfect vacation destination, with palm tree lined beaches surrounded by the beautiful Indian Ocean, and hopefully the second half of the year will prove to be financially more successful than the first half of the year.

Many have noted that the trip from Ibiza to Formentera on the ferry, has a mix of decidedly different kinds of people. Many travel from the party island of Ibiza to relax on this smaller island, as Formentera is known for having a ‘laid back’ and peaceful atmosphere. Formentera is just two miles across the Mediterranean from Ibiza, and is the smallest and least populated of the Balearic Islands of Spain. The only transportation to the island is by the ferry or by other boats as there is no airport, and while there are many smaller hotels Formentera has only a couple of roads that are actually paved. Throughout the years Ibiza has become more commercialized and more populated, and what has become fashionable on the island, is exactly opposite to what has become fashionable at Formentera. The chic aspect of Formentera is the absence of the trendy clubs and all night parties. It has become popular to be able to describe time spent on the beach just simply reading a book or sunbathing. Just relaxing.

This has become a get away for many celebrities as just getting out of the limelight of everyday life can be difficult. Many have had their homes built here on Formentera and enjoy the low key and slower pace. The island was not populated for three hundred years. During the 16th century farmers decided to work the land. The planted orchards of almond trees and fig trees, grape vines and even the palm trees. And for a while it was used as simply a place to put prisoners. Then somehow, word got out and in the 60’s tourists began traveling to the island. Bob Dylan moved there and lived for a while in an abandoned windmill. At that time the buildings were still without electricity and none of them had running water. The atmosphere remains today, as it is not uncommon for those at the beach to wander around town, without their bathing suits, and those walking into restaurants and cafes without their shoes and shirts are still served.

Thailand’s most famous island, Phuket, has been named the “Best Island in Asia” by TripAdvisor.com. TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel online community. They recently released their list of the “10 Best Island Escapes” and Phuket finished at number 8 – the only Asian destination on the list.

Phuket already holds the distinction of the most popular island, with more visitors flocking to its incredible beaches and tropical forests than anywhere else in Asia. Located about 860 kilometers south of Bangkok, Phuket is actually a collection of forty individual islands and is connected to the mainland by a bridge.

The beaches are the main draw for this amazing region that was once the home of rubber and tin plantations and an important trade port for China with India.  The island has beautiful white sands, limestone cliffs, and tranquil waters on the Andaman Sea.  The waters around Phuket are popular with divers from all over the world and other water recreation such as parasailing and boating are common.  There are many luxury hotels on Phuket, as the rich and famous are drawn to this island paradise which is also home to some of the hottest nightclubs in Asia.

The island is home to a number of nature and animal preserves. Sirinat National Park and Khao Phra Thaeo National Park protect the natural beauty and wonder of the island while giving visitors the opportunity to see those wonders up close.  The protected areas also include several marine parks which extend out into the ocean to preserve the marine life such as coral, jellyfish, and other species.

The complete top 10 Island Escapes according to TripAdvisor:

1. Maui, Hawaii, United States
2. St. Lucia, Caribbean, North America
3. Santorini, Cyclades, Greece
4. Puerto Rico, Caribbean, North America
5. Jamaica, Caribbean, North America
6. Bora Bora, Society Islands, French Polynesia
7. Bahamas, Caribbean, North America
8. Phuket, Thailand, Asia
9. Turks and Caicos, Caribbean, North America
10. St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, Caribbean