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Showing posts with label Traveling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Traveling. Show all posts

postheadericon Traveling Can Be a Lifetime Adventure


Traveling to an exotic part of the world, specifically in one of the hundreds of islands of Indonesia, called Bali could really be a lifetime adventure. You do not want to leave right away from this dream come true of an island having one of the best white sand beaches and blue waters that can be subjects for postcards. So when you do decide to go and visit, you plan to stay a while - for some about two weeks to up to a month.

There is something about the tropical allure that can get people addicted. Maybe its the friendly locals, the assured security, and the fantastic tourist spots that can really be worth the experience.

The Bali Real Estate is filled with many establishments that can cater to tourists with what to eat, where to sleep, and the places to have fun in the sun. A Bali Vacation Rental is commonly located near beaches like homes and villas reaching out to the shallow part of the sea. Any Bali Property can raise its value by being located near tourist spots and activities center.

Bali Villas, hotels, homes and other accommodations are available in the local region and it is hard to pick one. Do not have second thoughts about choosing to stay in Vacation Homes in Bali as they provide you with the most essential amenities in a homely atmosphere. These structures are built to look like a local home complete with Western amenities and comfort. They have two to five bedrooms for small or big traveling groups. Complete with kitchen, den, living room, and similar rooms in a typical house. There are housekeeping and cleaning services packaged with some of the homes for vacation but you just have to ask your booking agent about such maintenance services to keep your home clean and fresh.

Unlike Bali Luxury Villas or any Bali Luxury Resort, Vacation Homes are far better to navigate around because of their guest friendly features. You do not have to worry about breaking something while staying in the home as they minimize furnishing to the essentials only. Usually, Bali Luxury Villa Collection can be quite expensive and this can only mean the shorter duration of staying in Bali at your end. So better choose Vacation Homes to lengthen your stay. The cost you spend on renting a villa can be an additional two or more days of equivalent stay in a home for vacation.

Now if you would want a further discount choice, then you can go to Bali Villas Ubud, but be warned that it does not have any proximity to beaches. Instead, it has green and lush landscapes that are charming to the traveler who appreciate a little bit of green instead of grains of white sands. There are plenty of Villa Ubud Bali in the area where you can see the interaction of the locals with their rich culture and religion practices. But again, if you want to find a cheaper but plausible choice, then pick Vacation Homes in Ubud so that you can experience the locals sharing their rich culture and religion. You can get to know the history of the area and you can experience having a home in Bali now with Vacation Homes.




David K. Bradley is a writer for Indovillas Bali which specializes in Bali Real Estate and Bali Vacation Rental as well as tour and activity arrangements. They offer an assortment of holiday packages and property deals on the island of Bali.




postheadericon Tips For Traveling To Singapore


Singapore is a fascinating travel destination. It is a modern and safe city but it also has a Southeast Asian atmosphere and culture, and it is famous for its food. Traveling to Singapore is easy. Its airport is a popular stopover on many long-distance flights between Europe and Australia, and several airlines have flights between Singapore and all the major Asian cities.

Getting to Singapore

Singapore's Changi Airport is often chosen as one of the best airports in the world. You can fly to Singapore from all parts of Southeast Asia, from East Asian countries and from India. Frequent flights also connect Singapore to Australia and to Europe. Adventurous travelers can also travel to Singapore by train. Trains connect this city state to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and as far as Bangkok in Thailand.

Things to See and Do

Singapore is a small city state but it is densely populated. Its population includes Chinese, Indian and Malaysian residents and the mix of these different cultures shows in its architecture, cultural life and food. The street food is world-famous and it is also hygienic and safe to eat. Singapore is one of the cleanest and safest destinations in Southeast Asia and if you like to sample new foods, it is an excellent place to try the local street food.

Hawker centers are popular places to eat. They are collections of stalls that sell a wide variety of affordable food including all the different cuisines of China, traditional foods from Malaysia and Indonesia, Indian food and Western food. There is a large Western expatriate community in the city and many restaurants and bars cater for Westerners.

Singapore is also famous for its shopping. There are shopping malls everywhere in the city although the biggest shopping destination is Orchard Road. This long stretch of road is lined with designer stores, department stores, restaurants and bars. Street markets are great places to find good discounts and to buy affordable souvenirs. Chinatown has good markets and it is also a great place to enjoy delicious food from street stalls or in Chinese restaurants.

Traveling Around Singapore

If traveling to Singapore is easy, getting around the city is simple too. The city has a modern, air-conditioned public transportation system, the MRT (Mass Rapid Transportation). The MRT is Singapore's metro and it covers many parts of the city. Air-conditioned buses travel to most destinations and are safe and comfortable.




Want the most convenient hotel Singapore accommodation for your vacation? There are certainly lots of choices, but only choose that perfect hotel at Singapore.




postheadericon The Benefits of Traveling - From Simple Stress Relief to Self Discovery


Traveling is a fantastic experience and something that most people look forward to at some point in their lives. For many of those people traveling is an escape from the grind of daily life, but for other people travel is way to grow as a person and broaden their horizons. Different classes of travelers tend to poke fun at the others, but the truth is that there are various valid reasons to travel, and all of them bring great benefits to the traveler.

Perhaps the most common form of travel is escapism. People from all walks of life get exhausted with their work and the stresses of daily life, and going on a vacation helps them to forget those problems and stresses for a while and recuperate, and return to work refreshed. Sure, you could relax at home and reduce your stress a little, but changing your environment completely helps you to remove yourself completely from your stresses and daily routine. That makes for a much more effective stress release. This type of traveler tends to visit resort areas like Cancun, Mexico; Bali, Indonesia; Phuket, Thailand; the Caribbean Islands, etc. The tropical weather of such destinations makes for a comfortable escape at any type of year.

Another type of traveler is the traveler with an interest in culture and history. Somebody who has a fascination with Ancient Egypt can visit Egypt and walk in the same places that the Pharoahs walked, bringing their imaginations to life. People who love the Bible can visit Israel and walk where King David or Jesus walked. People with an interest in Buddhism can visit India to discover the roots of Buddhism in real life. They can also have a chance to experience the cultures that they have read so much about or seen on television. This type of traveler can gain deep insight into our world, its various countries, and how they function and interact.

Another type of traveler is the traveler who is on an inward journey. They want to understand themselves better by removing themselves from their surroundings, all the pressures upon them from friends and family, and their own reputation, and see what person they really are at the core underneath all those layers imposed upon them. This type of traveler may enjoy the people they meet and all of their daily experiences and adventures more than they enjoy any specific destination or culture. Learning how to deal with problems as they arise, learning how to interact with new types of people you've never met before, and learning how to find happiness anywhere regardless of the place, are experiences this type of transformative traveler will appreciate the most.

All of the above styles of travel are valid and enriching to the traveler. Some people may appreciate a mixture of all of these types of travel, which shows a well-rounded personality. Whichever style is most suitable to you at your current stage in life, I hope you make traveling a part of your life and enjoy its wonders. You only live once, so don't wait for retirement!




To learn about various travel destinations and see maps like South America physical map collections visit Free Printable Maps.




postheadericon Go East Young Man! Traveling the Orient - Asia Adventure


After spending a summer serving in war-torn east Africa, where I slept in a tent for two of the three months I was there; I returned to the United States to embark upon a law education. Far less adventurous and for me difficult to be passionate about, I struggled my first year of law school. Though I passed the first semester of courses by the skin of my teeth, my grade point average was quite discouraging for someone thinking to make a career practicing law.

Thankfully, it took a few months for our second semester final exams to be graded and posted. I therefore in good faith pursued an international law internship and summer program at the University of Hong Kong. Situated atop lovely Victorian Peak, I dived deeper into academia and international law.

What was unique about those three months in Hong Kong during the summer of 1995 was that the British government was still ruling. Upon taking a trip to the high court, I saw Chinese judges wear white British style wigs. It was a funny and rare site to behold.

My passion in particular was helping oppressed people in forgotten nations where their human rights were being violated. Unfortunately I learned from my law professor in Hong Kong that international treaties to uphold human rights are rarely enforced by the United Nations or anyone else globally. For me that further diminished the relevance of international law and my interest in studying it.

In those days a particular religious group smuggled Bibles across from Hong Kong into Shenzhen, China. I was asked to participate, which I did. That day of smuggling Bibles was far more exciting than my entire summer buried in law books in Hong Kong.

Upon returning home after successfully completing my summer internship and academic program, I opened a disheartening letter from my law school encouraging me to withdraw based on my dismal grade point average.

Wondering what on earth I would now do with my life, when walking home to my Brooklyn Heights apartment I heard a voice. "Go east young man! Go east!"

Gripped by what I heard, I determined to go to Chinatown that week. Upon doing so I met a Chinese Pastor who immediately offered me a job to travel with him throughout Asia and be his English teacher. Without hesitation I happily accepted. Not long thereafter I found myself in Taipei, Taiwan.

Across the street from my new apartment was Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park honoring the revolutionary Chinese leader who established Taiwan governmentally. Suffering from jet lag the first week I was in Taiwan, I journeyed outside looking for some food when I discovered the lovely park across the street.

Many people were exercising, enjoying the cool morning air. Tai chi was a particular favorite, which I saw both men and when doing with the utmost concentration and precision. The Chinese internal martial art is frequently practiced for health and longevity. The slow and fluid movements facilitate internal harmony and oneness within.

Before the business day began, the raising of the national flag, along with a soldier salute occurred daily. It was a delight to be able to see and behold. Though I could not yet speak Mandarin, what I saw with my eyes captivated my heart and deposited a deep respect for Chinese culture.

By reason of my association with Pastor Ko and other reputable wise men, I soon became a highly sought out speaker. Others throughout Asia began hearing of me and invited me to their countries.

My trip to Burma was a somewhat covert operation considering where I was invited to speak was deemed a "blackout area" where foreigners were not permitted. Nevertheless after meeting my initial contact in Rangoon, we were able to exchange the problematic national currency and secure a domestic flight to the remote destination.

There was no electricity. I slept on a blow up mattress under a mosquito net, while large rats crawled overhead at night. We hung our meager supplies and fruit from a string to keep the rats from getting to them during the evening.

When I awoke in the morning, there were always some fresh rodent droppings on my mosquito net. Nevertheless I was happy to endure such light afflictions considering the tremendous response of the people when I spoke to them about personal empowerment and being a world-changer.

Since the Universities had been shut down across Burma, students did whatever they could to further their education and professional development. That is why they were so enthusiastic to hear me speak.

Historically student and monk peaceful protests in Burma were ended by brutality and killing. What troubled me most however was the lack of opportunity for bright youth throughout the country. Religious leaders from the monasteries begged for rice daily in the streets of Rangoon. Democracy would not be tolerated as those in power were determined to hold on as long as possible.

What touched my heart the most was the humility and hunger of young adults to draw near to foreigners to learn anything they could. Such a yearning for knowledge and self-development deeply moved my heart to commit to do all I can for the Burmese youth. I pray the freedom within the hearts of the youth and monks of Burma can somehow victoriously breakthrough and transform their beloved country.

Upon reaching my twenty-eight day limit on my visa in Burma, I was forced to leave the country. My next stop was Thailand, a lovely country with much sexual perversion.

Never in my life had I seen such open prostitution as I had in Bangkok and Phuket. Prostitutes and transvestites freely approached people on the streets soliciting payment for sexual favors. Commonly ladies and "lady-boys" approached me uttering obscenities and selling services.

The U.S. Navy and Marines arrived in Phuket happy to party and take in some extracurricular activities. A few service men made friends with local girls. I can only imagine how many drunk foreigners wake up in the morning only to find they've slept with a transvestite.

Beyond the vice of prostitution, Thailand overall is a lovely place to vacation and visit. The food is fantastic. The people are friendly. The beaches are superb. Among the islands I visited were Krabi and Phee-Phee, the latter hit the hardest by the tsunamis.

A European restaurant owner told me stories of Burmese young ladies who had been kidnapped or promised work at upscale resorts. Once the Burmese girls were brought to the cities, their passports were taken and they were forcibly subjected to prostitution. I was informed that once the young ladies get HIV or some sexual disease, they are taken back to the Burmese border, given a fatal injection, and left to die.

Such human rights violations are rarely fought considering the limited economic opportunities in Burma. It is said even along the northeast region of Thailand families sell their own daughters into prostitution to make money.

Though I saw many beautiful young ladies, I managed to happily restrain myself. I was not interested in catching any sexual diseases, which I was told was quite common throughout Thailand.

I journeyed further south when I received an invitation to speak in Penang, Malaysia. Immediately upon entering Malaysia I could sense there was a stronger governmental hand upon the land. I found the Muslims in Malaysia to be very friendly and respectful.

My greatest adventure was traveling to East Malaysia, where I spoke in several poor villages. The precious people were very superstitious, practicing various voodoo like observances I had only before seen in Haiti. Some claimed they were harassed and troubled by demon spirits. Hence I spoke on the importance of guarding your heart, personal purity, and living fearlessly.

The villagers were overjoyed to have me as their guest and cooked innumerable dishes for me to sample. Their poverty by no means hindered their gracious hospitality, neither their generosity. I shall never forget the tenderness of heart the Malaysians showed me.

One unexpected visitor that showed up in a modest home where I stayed was a monkey. During the outbreak of Japanese encephalitis when the military was slaughtering all of the pigs, many were concerned about other animals contracting the virus. Thankfully we never fell ill with the disease and carried on through the outbreak unharmed.

While in East Malaysia (the island of Bornea), an invitation came to speak in Brunei. This small and oil rich nation didn't have much to do socially at night, but the people were all very polite and industrious. Shell Oil and other petroleum contractors frequented the small country to do business.

What surprised me the most was to see over seventy people jam packed within a small house to hear me speak. The event was hosted by a Christian fellowship that legally was not permitted to meet publicly.

When I inquired further as to the laws of Brunei, I was told that only the Catholics and Anglicans are legally authorized to conduct Christian ceremonies. Brunei does not permit other religious groups to have churches or schools.

It was then I realized how priceless the freedom of thought and expression is, without which there can be no democracy or just government to serve the people. Such sacred freedoms we in the West so commonly take for granted are greatly cherished and only wished for abroad in such nations as Brunei.

Though Brunei has a prospering economy, it is a "dry country" meaning no liquor is sold in the country. Certainly forbidding the use of alcohol has its benefits. There are no drunk driving incidents to endanger people with, neither excessive substance abuse. As one who does not drink myself, such restrictions had no bearing upon me.

Nevertheless as a world traveler touring Asia, the laws of Brunei that restrict religion and consumption were very noticeable. On a more fun note, the free theme park the sultan constructed for all to happily use in the center of the country was a blast! Children and adults of all ages make merry and enjoy it very much! It is my hope the sultan's generosity will extend over into social freedoms for the people of Brunei.

Upon leaving Brunei we were off to Jakarta, Indonesia. As a surfer Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago, quickly became my favorite country in Asia. Considering I didn't have much money to travel on, the inexpensive hotels and minimal cost of living made Indonesia very comfortable for me.

Even better the people were very generous. Wherever I spoke I always left with more money than I came in with. Upon going to get a hair cut at the salon, I was presently surprised to discover reflexology. Foot massage is very popular throughout Indonesia and only costs about $5 to $10 depending on where you go.

After a good workout at the hotel health club, I even managed to get a full body massage lasting one hour for just $10 to $15 USD. I suddenly felt like a king, though I was living on a pauper's budget.

While traveling to different areas of Jakarta, my taxi driver pointed out to me a former hotel which had been bombed during the riots a few years ago. The building was utterly destroyed. I was told that Islamic terrorists had blown it up in anticipation of President Clinton and other Americans being there.

I learned about the May riots in which Chinese businessmen were also targeted by Muslim extremists who vandalized their homes and sought to kill them. Like clockwork every May, Chinese would leave the country fearing for their lives.

It seems the Chinese living within Indonesia made the locals jealous. Their business acumen and astute intellect provoked struggling Indonesians.

Nevertheless the same opportunities exist for all throughout Indonesia. Yet many people were easily aroused by the protestation calling for violence. Sadly many died over the years as a result.

I fell deeply in love with Indonesia and returned numerous times. I particularly remember my time speaking in East Timor during the war in 2000, before the United Nations granted them national sovereignty. It was a time of hardship and unrest, as war killed many innocent people. Thankfully Timor Leste, as it is now called, is a land dwelling in peace.

When the tsunamis swept through the island of Sumatra, I was moved with compassion to find my way to Banda Aceh. The longtime renegade province of Indonesia had historically killed dissidents and religious leaders of other faiths. Eventually the leaders of Banda Aceh forbid international aid workers altogether.

That all changed when Banda Aceh and the bordering towns were devastated by the tsunamis. International aid workers from around the globe were suddenly greeted with open arms, waving hands, and smiling faces.

I met men who had lost up to five children and their wives in a single day. One Muslim man told me he cried for two months straight.

Endeavoring to do what I could with what little finances I had, we helped a Muslim young man rebuild his home. His home had been leveled by the tsunamis and he washed to the top of a nearby mountain when the waves swept through.

It was nothing short of a miracle that those alive survived. As they all pulled together to rebuild their homes, bureaucratic delays from the government impeded progress. Nevertheless many proceeded to build with or without authorization.

Other allegations later surfaced that corrupt governmental officials nationally and locally were pocketing charitable contributions and not getting them to those most in need. Such corruption is widespread throughout Indonesia as is evident by the poor and faulty infrastructure across the country.

Bribery sadly is commonplace. Even more troubling was the drug epidemic I witnessed among the youth, many of whom use ecstasy. It is said some 15,000 youth die annually from ecstasy overdose.

The island of Java also has its problems with prostitution. Not something you would expect from an Islamic government.

The Bali bombings during which discos were set on fire and tourists killed sent fear throughout the tourism industry. As the economy took a nosedive, the Indonesian government and police quickly responded to terrorist elements seeking to thwart national stability.

The dangers of terrorists remain throughout isolated areas of Indonesia, as one never knows when a radical may strike. Overall Indonesia however is very peaceable, polite, and warm toward foreigners.

I often felt like a movie star everywhere I went in Indonesia as people shouted at me with joy hoping to get a wave or smile in return.

The sweetness and sincerity of the people stole my heart. Though I am an American born citizen, I left my heart in Asia. Every chance I get, I happily and wholeheartedly return to the continent where two-thirds of the world's populace lives.

Here at home in America I survive, but afar in the east I thrive! Asia is where my heart comes alive!




Paul is seeking sponsorship for an around the world travel writing expedition. His nonprofit organization Dream-Maker Inc. provides a charitable tax exemption for contributions.

Paul Davis is a highly sought after worldwide professional speaker, purpose coach, and change master transforming individuals and organizations.

Paul is the author of several books including United States of Arrogance, Breakthrough for a Broken Heart; Adultery: 101 Reasons Not to Cheat; Are You Ready for True Love; Stop Lusting & Start Living; Waves of God; Supernatural Fire; Poems that Propel the Planet; and God vs. Religion.

Paul's compassion for people & passion to travel has taken him to over 50 countries of the world where he has had a tremendous impact. Paul's organization Dream-Maker Inc. builds dreams, transcends limitations & reconciles nations.

Contact Paul to speak at your event, contract to write for you, or produce a travel documentary.

RevivingNations@yahoo.com

407-284-1705

http://www.PaulFDavis.com

http://www.DreamMakerMinistries.com

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