BACK

1. INTERNATIONAL Canada SouthAmerica Mexico Australia Europe MiddleEast CentralAsia FarEast AFRICA BACK INDEX NEXT

2. CANADA Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, which sprawls along the southern side of the Ottawa River. Ottawa is a government town, dominated physically and spiritually by the neo-Gothic Parliament Buildings. A population of 1,200,000 makes Ottawa the fourth-largest urban area in Canada. Ottawa has ranked sixth in the world in terms of its quality of life by the Corporate Resources Group, a Swiss-based management firm. BACK INDEX NEXT

3. CANADIAN BEAUTIES Canada, federated country in North America, made up of ten provinces and three territories. Canada is a vast nation with a wide variety of geological formations, climates, and ecological systems. It has rain forest, prairie grassland, deciduous forest, tundra, and wetlands. Canada has more lakes and inland waters than any other country. It is renowned for its scenery, which attracts millions of tourists each year Canada’s two largest lakes are Lakes Superior and Huron, at 82,100 sq km and 59,600 sq km, respectively. BACK INDEX NEXT

4. JEWELS OF CANADA Victoria is located in British Columbia, Canada, at the southern tip of Vancouver Island with population of 300,000. Victoria is just a short ferry ride from the city of Vancouver. Victoria is British Columbia's capital city, and is well known worldwide for its comfortable temperate climate, stunning sun settings and wonderful Victoria visitor attractions. Be sure to visit the Victoria Butchart Gardens, Victoria Butterfly Gardens and Royal British Columbia Museum. BACK INDEX NEXT

5. SPLENDOURS OF UNITED STATES The US claims to be the greatest success story of the modern world - a nation fashioned from an incredibly disparate population who, with little in common apart from a desire to choose their own paths to wealth or heaven, rallied around the ennobling ideals of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence to forge the richest, most inventive and most powerful country on earth. Independence Day on July 4th is celebrated with fireworks, concerts and parties all over the country. Remember what they're celebrating is getting rid of British rule. BACK INDEX NEXT

6. ENCHANTING UNITED STATES New York or Chicago are great places to be for the St Patrick's Day celebrations in the middle of March. New Orleans' Mardi Gras, in February or March, is one of the best known and rowdiest of all the festivals in the country. Thanksgiving on the last Thursday of November tends to be a family affair with much turkey eating. BACK INDEX NEXT

7. SOUTH AMERICAN BEAUTIES South America is a continent crossed by the equator, with most of its area in the Southern Hemisphere. South America is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the AtlanticOcean. The classification of its geographic location is subject of dispute, as in all non-English speaking regions of the world, the Americas are a continent and North, Central and South America are its subcontinents. In English-speaking and certain other regions of the world, North and South America are considered to be continents and their union is referred to as the supercontinent of the Americas. BACK INDEX NEXT

8. SPLENDOURS OF SOUTH AMERICA The classification given to South America, as a subcontinent in a continent or a continent in a supercontinent, depends entirely on regional preferences. It became attached to North America only recently with the formation of the Isthmus of Panama some 3 million years ago, which resulted in the Great American Interchange. The Andes, likewise a comparatively young and seismically restless mountain range, run down the western edge of the continent; the land to the east of the Andes is largely tropical rain forest, the vast Amazon River basin.South America ranks fourth in area and in population. BACK INDEX NEXT

9. JEWELS OF SOUTH AMERICA The region of South America also includes various islands, most of which belong to countries on the continent. The Caribbean territories are grouped with North America. The South American nations that border the Caribbean Sea – including Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana – are also known as Caribbean South America. The largest country in South America by far, in both area and population, is Brazil. Regions in South America include the Andean States, the Guianas, the Southern Cone, and Eastern South America. BACK INDEX NEXT

10. EXQUISITE SOUTH AMERICA South America cruises are becoming increasingly popular. The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is by far no longer the only thing that attracts. This vast continent has everything to offer, from the tropical Amazon river to the fjords and glaciers in Chile. Now you can cruise South America at discount rates with Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Holland America Line. Remember that the seasons are opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere - during the winter in the United States and Europe it is summer in Brazil and Argentina. BACK INDEX NEXT

11. MEXICO CITY The site of advanced Amerindian civilizations, Mexico came under Spanish rule for three centuries before achieving independence early in the 19th century. Mexico is the fifth largest country in the Western Hemisphere and is rich in natural resources such as petroleum and natural gas. Mexico’s efforts to develop and modernize its economy—one of the 15 largest in the world—have been slowed by the nation’s rugged terrain, limited farmland, a rapidly growing population, and a series of economic crises. The nation’s capital, Mexico City, is one of the largest cities in the world. In Latin America, only Brazil has a larger population than Mexico. BACK INDEX NEXT

12. MEXICAN BEAUTIES The capital, Mexico City, has long served as the hub of the country’s development, and most major north-south transportation links pass through the city. Mexico’s population has historically been concentrated in the central regions of the country, with development moving northward along the central plateau. The south—characterized by dense forests, a tropical climate, a largely indigenous population, and a rural-based economy—is much less developed than the rest of the country. BACK INDEX NEXT

13. AUSTRALIA Australia is a vast, wide land of spectacular diversity. Australia became a commonwealth of the British Empire in 1901. It was able to take advantage of its natural resources to rapidly develop its agricultural and manufacturing industries and to make a major contribution to the British effort in World Wars I and II. Long-term concerns include pollution, particularly depletion of the ozone layer, and management and conservation of coastal areas especially the Great Barrier Reef. BACK INDEX NEXT

14. AUSTRALIA: THE ISLAND CONTINENT From the ancient rainforests and sapphire blue seas to the burning red deserts and snow-capped mountains, Australia is truly a continent of contrast and color. Its natural beauty and friendly people make Australia one of the most popular destinations in the world. In the Australian Capital Territory, Canberra is the capital of Australia and the centre of Australia's Government. Tasmania offers magnificent scenery with steep mountains, narrow river valleys and thundering waterfalls. BACK INDEX NEXT

15. JEWELS OF AUSTRALIA Australia is the world's only island-continent. Australia has no land neighbours. The South Pacific Ocean, Coral Sea and Tasman Sea flow past Australia's eastern coast, while the Indian Ocean forms the nation's west border. In the north, the borders are the Timor Sea, Arafura Sea and Gulf of Carpentaria. Australia's closest land neighbours are New Zealand, Indonesia and New Guinea. BACK INDEX NEXT

16. SPLENDOURS OF AUSTRALIA Australia is the land of long, warm summers. In fact, many returning holiday makers say Australia enjoys the finest climate on earth. Few could argue. The southern areas of Australia experience temperate climate with cool winters and fresh summers. In the north, the sub- tropical climate brings warm days and mild winters. Remember, because Australia lies in the Southern Hemisphere its seasons are the reverse of North America and Europe. With weather as perfect as this, Australia embraces the great outdoors and offers perfect conditions all year round for almost every outdoor activity imaginable. BACK INDEX NEXT

17. HOT SPOTS IN AUSTRALIA Wherever you travel in Australia you will be stunned by the amazing natural and cultural attractions of this magnificent land. Australia is divided into six states and territories - each guaranteeing a wondrous holiday experience. In the north, Queensland boasts emerald rainforests and tropical islands . The Northern Territory is kaleidoscope of barren deserts and cool wetlands. Western Australia is the largest and most diverse state with golden beaches and towering gorges. In the southern part of Australia, Victoria is a cosmopolitan hub of theatres, restaurants and opera. The capital of New South Wales - Sydney - is Australia's largest city and will host the Olympic Games in 2000. South Australia is renowned for its serene landscape and wineries. BACK INDEX NEXT

18. EUROPE Europe's population is superior to 726 million inhabitants and includes a large number of ethnic groups. The average annual growth rate for the European population, from 1985 to 1995, was only 0.28%, the least of all continents. In recent years the population is actually decreasing. The continent shelters the second biggest economic block of the Planet: the European Union, formed by 15 countries. Twelve countries adopt the same currency: the euro. BACK INDEX NEXT

19. EUROPE Europe was the most powerful region of the world. Paris is known as The City of Lights and absolutely deserves this name. Paris is one of the best travel destinations. It has everything a traveller could possibly wish for. A stay in Paris should at least include a visit to the Louvre, one of the best museums in the world, a climb of the Eiffel tower, a climb to the top of Notre Dame Cathedral, a day of shopping frenzy, a night out on the town and time to relax to sit in a park or visit one of the squares. BACK INDEX NEXT

20. EXOTIC LOCATIONS IN EUROPE London, capital of the United Kingdom. London is situated in southeastern England along the Thames River. With a population of about 7 million, this vast metropolis is by far the largest city in Europe, a distinction it has maintained since the 17th century. In the 19th century it was the largest and most influential city in the world, the center of a large and prosperous overseas empire. Although it no longer ranks among the world’s most populous cities, London is still one of the world’s major financial and cultural capitals. A city of strong traditions, capital of the United Kingdom and a metropolis with about 7.4 million residents. London was the most influent city of the world during the 18th and 19th centuries, economically and politically. BACK INDEX NEXT

21. SPLENDOURS OF EUROPE Venice - Italy Venice is one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities of the world. It was constructed on a group of small islands, in the Adriatic coast of Italy. Venice is cut by some canals and the islands are connected by several bridges. Venice has buildings with impressive architecture, many of them are memories of the Middle Ages, when Venice had a powerful empire and was an important cultural center of Europe. BACK INDEX NEXT

22. ENCHANTMENT OF EUROPE Granada - Spain Granada was inhabited by the Moors from 711 until 1492. Its splendour was reached in 1238, when the Moorish kingdom of Granada stretched from Gibraltar to Murcia. Granada is a city in the region of Andalusia, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Granada has magnificent old buildings and narrow streets, from a time when the city was under the rule of the Moorish kings. BACK INDEX NEXT

23. MIDDLE EAST Dubai or Dubayy, city in the north-east United Arab Emirates, capital of the state of Dubai, on Dubai Creek, on the Persian Gulf. Dubai is on the west side of the creek; the eastern part of the town is known as Dayrah (Deira). Dubai was the residence of the British political agent for the former Trucial States from 1954 until 1971. Known as the Venice of the Gulf, Dubai is the chief port and commercial centre of the United Arab Emirates. Oil wells in the area have largely displaced the traditional occupations of pearl diving, fishing, and camel breeding. Until 1833 the town was tributary to the state of Abu Dhabi. Dubai is sometimes spelled Debai or Dibai. BACK INDEX NEXT

24. HOT SPOTS OF MIDDLE EAST Bahrain or Bahrein, independent kingdom in the Middle East, comprising an archipelago of 33 islands in the southern Persian Gulf, between the Qatar Peninsula on the east and the coast of Saudi Arabia on the west, one of the Persian Gulf states. It has a total area of 707 sq km (273 sq mi). The principal islands include Bahrain (area, 562 sq km/217 sq mi), by far the largest island; Al Muḩarraq; Umm an Na’san; Sitrah; Jiddah; and the Ḩawar group. Manama is Bahrain’s capital and largest city. Bahrain was under British control from 1861 to 1971, when it gained its independence. BACK INDEX NEXT

25. MIDDLE EAST - ARAB COUNTRIES Abu Dhabi city is built on an island jutting out into the Gulf of Arabia, there is a great deal of building always going on and they are very proud of their modern high-rise buildings, some of them as you will see from these photos are quite spectacular. . BACK INDEX NEXT

26. JEWELS OF MIDDLE EAST The traditional religion is Islam and the call to prayer sounds five times a day on almost every street corner. People adhere closely to the tenets of Islam in all aspects of their lives. Family ties are very strong and nearly sacred. National dress for men is the kandora (dishdasha), the long white robe and headdress, and the traditional abbaya or black cloak for women. The most popular national sports include camel racing, falconry and football. BACK INDEX NEXT

27. MIDDLE EAST:SHARJAH Strategically situated between the Far East and the West, Sharjah is a global trade center. The third largest of the seven states that form the United Arab Emirates, Sharjah (Al-Shariqa) probably has the most colorful history of all the Emirates. From the days of the early trading with the East to the settlement of the Qawassim seafaring tribe and into the first half of the 19th century, Sharjah was the most important port on the lower Arabian Gulf. The city of Sharjah is home to more than 20 museums with splendid collections of artifacts and art as well as exhibits on science and natural history. Sharjah also host many cultural festivals, educational conferences, fairs and economic expositions. BACK INDEX NEXT

28. CENTRAL ASIAN BEAUTIES Central Asia is a vast and largely unknown heartland where the inheritors of three thousand years of nomadic lifestyle and twenty centuries of trade are suddenly finding a new role in a changing world.. Vivid images record the stunning textiles of the region. Nomadic and city rugs, embroidered hangings, tent bands and horse trappings reflect the extremes and interactions of tribal and urban lifestyles; while splendid horse-jewellery reflects the key role of these animals in nomad life. BACK INDEX NEXT

29. ENCHANTMENT OF CENTRAL ASIA MONGOLIA:The accompanying essays go beyond a simple focus on style, production and history to look at the nexus between the nomadic and settled cultures of Central Asia, and the fascinating and blood-stained history of this wild and beautiful region, through which the old silk roads passed like major arteries linking the great civilisations of east and west. BACK INDEX NEXT

30. EXOTIC LOCATIONS IN CENTRAL ASIA Undoubtedly, one of the main interests in travelling in Mongolia is the exciting discovery of the Mongolian nomadic lifestyle. On the edge of the 21st century, Mongolia remains one of the few countries to retain its ancient traditions and culture.The vast expanses of the steppes, the absolute magnitude, beauty and wonder of the Mongolian scenery are intertwined with the Mongolian nomadic lifestyle and renowned hospitality which has little changed through the passing of the time. BACK INDEX NEXT

31. CENTRAL ASIAN BEAUTIES The Mongolian culture is shaped by nomadism and the traditional dwelling of the nomadic Mongolian, the ger, is the focal point of many customs and traditions. The mixture of these features with the Mongol myth of Genghis Khan is the basis of all the potential tours and opportunities. It could attract and fascinate both the soft adventurers interested in exploring the nomadic lifestyle and the intrepid travelers searching for peculiar experiences like horse riding, fishing or trekking. BACK INDEX NEXT

32. SPLENDOURS OF CENTRAL ASIA Central Asia is a vast and locked region of Asia. Though various definitions of its exact composition exist, no one definition is universally accepted. Despite this uncertainty in defining borders, it does have some important overall characteristics. For one, Central Asia has historically been closely tied to its nomadic peoples and the Silk Road. As a result, it has acted as a crossroads for the movement of people, goods, and ideas between Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia. It is also sometimes known as Middle Asia or Inner Asia, and is within the scope of the wider Eurasian continent. BACK INDEX NEXT

33. EXQUISITE FAR EAST FarEastWith a kaleidoscope of different cultures, religion, cuisine and scenery, there are few parts of the world that conjure up such colourful and magical images as the Far East. The region offers something for every taste and the warmest welcome. BACK INDEX NEXT

34. EXOTIC LOCATIONS IN FAR EAST Singapore: "It is a place that cherishes its past as it looks to the future." The earliest known mention of Singapore was a 3rd century Chinese account which described Singapore as "Pu-luo-chung" ("island at the end of a peninsula"). Little is known about the island's history at this time but this matter-of-fact description belies Singapore's colorful past. By the 14th century, Singapore had become part of the mighty Sri Vijayan empire and was known as Temasek ("Sea Town"). BACK INDEX NEXT

35. JEWELS OF FAR EAST Japan offers a very wide range of attractions, from historical and cultural treasures to modern and futuristic sights and beautiful forests, mountains and sea coasts. Besides Western style hotels and pensions, a variety of uniquely Japanese style accommodations can be found in Japan, such as ryokan and minshuku. Most of Japan's major cities offer efficient public transportation networks, and are connected with each other by the shinkansen, the Japanese bullet train. The Japanese cuisine is one of Japan's greatest attractions. A great variety of Japanese cuisine and food from around the world can be enjoyed in Japan. BACK INDEX NEXT

36. ENCHANTING FAR EAST MALAYSIA:More than any other spot in the country, Kuala Lumpur, or "KL" as it is commonly known, is the focal point of new Malaysia. The city's bustling streets, its shining, modern office towers, and its cosmopolitan air project an unbounded spirit of progress and symbolize Malaysia's unhesitating leap into the future. To some, this spirit seems to have been gained at the loss of ancient cultural traditions, but in many ways KL marks the continuation rather than the loss of Malaysia's rich past. BACK INDEX NEXT

37. THAILAND Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai -Hatyai - Phuket – Pattaya:The country is located in Southeast Asia - It has shorelines on the east, Gulf of Thailand, and the west, Andaman Sea - Bangkok is a busy city and a shoppers paradise - - It also has mountains, rainforest, beautiful beaches and modern large cities - The transportation system is excellent - Mix the ancient Asian cultures/traditions with more modern ways gives you, the traveler, many things to see and experience - Hiking - Climbing - Diving - Caving - Shopping - or just hanging out at the beaches of Pattay and/or Phuket - The Thai people are just wonderful. BACK INDEX NEXT

38. MAURITIUS Mauritius is the sugar-cane island of the Indian Ocean. Fields of cane cultivation, broken only by small villages, stretch over a wide plateau above the tropical white sand beaches, breezy bays and glorious seascapes. It was also the island of the dodo, a large, flightless bird whose good-natured simplicity resulted in the poor creature’s total extinction. The island forms part of the Mascarene Archipelago, all that remains of an ancient land mass which once united Asia and Africa. To the southwest lies Reunion Island, with its savagely beautiful volcanic landscape, while some 560 km east appears Rodrigues Island, a mere dot in the ocean, surrounded by even smaller islets and reefs, and an integral part of Mauritius. BACK INDEX NEXT

39. THE GREAT PYRAMID OF GIZA PYRAMID : “ Man fears Time, yet Time fears the Pyramids“ PYRAMID: Standing at the base of the Great Pyramid, it is hard to imagine that this monument -- which remained the tallest building in the world until early in this century -- was built in just less than 30 years. It presides over the plateau of Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo, and is the last survivor of the Seven Wonders of the World. Five thousand years ago Giza, situated on the Nile's west bank, became the royal necropolis, or burial place, for Memphis, the pharaoh's capital city. Giza's three pyramids and the Sphinx were constructed in the fourth dynasty of Egypt's Old Kingdom, arguably the first great civilization on earth. Today, Giza is a suburb of rapidly growing Cairo, the largest city in Africa and the fifth largest in the world. BACK INDEX NEXT

40. SAHARA THE GREAT The Sahara Desert covers 3,500,000 miles north to south, and across the entire northern cap of the African continent to Morocco. It is the largest desert in the world. The name Sahara comes from the Arabic word for desert. The Sahara is covered by mountains, rocky areas, gravel plains, salt flats and huge areas of dunes. There are dunes in the picture on the left. Areas in the central Sahara sometimes get no rain for years at a time. Less than 2 million people live in the Sahara desert. Most of the people are Arabic nomads. Nomads are people that have no permanent home. They constantly travel in search for food and water for themselves and their animals. BACK INDEX NEXT

41. CAPE TOWN – THE MOTHER CITY CAPE TOWN : “The Mother City Of South Africa ” South Africa is a country with so much diversity.  It has a cold current running along the West Coast and a warm current running along the East Coast.  Through this phenomenon you also get the better of two worlds when diving along the South African coastline.  Inland we also have lots to offer from safaris where you can see the big five to bird watching and the worlds highest bridge bungee jump. Cape Town, the Mother City of South Africa. From there we work our way around the South Coast up to Port Elizabeth, from where we take an inland flight to Durban on the East Coast of South Africa.   We then carry up further North towards Sodwana Bay, which is about 80 kilometers South of Mozambique. BACK INDEX NEXT