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Madagascar is not quite African and not quite Asian, but rather a land unto itself. As the world’s fourth largest island, the country is generally known for its delightful lemurs and bewildering Baobab trees. And while I wanted to meet those lemurs and walk under those Baobabs, Madagascar attracted me for another reason—the Tsingy de Bemaraha.

My traveling companion, Herr Kuls, and I landed in Morondava, on the western coast, on a bright May morning. Our guide Patrick met us off the plane, and introduced himself in excellent English. Morondava is a sandy, little place. The kind of beach town that tries to put on a happy face, but is poor and indicative of the difficulties Madagascar faces. We drove directly to our hotel, kicked off our sandals and settled in. Patrick advised us to rest up for the next day. Looking out towards the beckoning beach, we told him that wouldn’t be a problem.

The stars were still twinkling when a 4x4 truck picked us up before dawn. Our driver, Monsieur Jackie, was to drive us to Madagascar’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tsingy de Bemaraha, located approximately 145 miles (235 kilometers) away. En route, Patrick informed us, we would also see the famous “Avenue du Baobab.” Tsingy itself is a collection of improbable limestone karsts, pinnacled (“tsingy”) formations. These dangerously jagged, highly eroded pinnacles form an amazing forest, unlike anything, literally, on Earth. Our journey was to see, first-hand, these distinctive formations and walk inside the extraordinary …

I visited Sian Kaan with a tour group from Alltournative in a jeep in 8/01. It was really a fun trip although it had rained extensively the day before and parts of the road were almost totally flooded out. Luckily no-one in our group got stuck in the mud! Punta Allen was beautiful and we had lunch there and then snorkeling. Fantastic! We also explored some of the mangroves by boat. I highly recommend this trip.

If you could design the interior of heaven you would use the Pilgrimage Church of Wies as your model. This small rococo church is over-the-top beautiful. When you walk in your jaw drops as wherever you look you see one ostentatious scene after another. In a word: Magnificent!

The old city of Edinburgh is a world heritage site by itself. The attractions include the Castle on the hill overlooking Princes Street (Oxford Street of the Scottish Capital), Palace of Holyroodhouse, The Royal Mile in between, Arthur's Seat (an extinct volcano) in Holyrood Park, St Giles Cathedral (small for a cathedral but containing the chapel of the Knights of the Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle), The Firth of Forth, the University, St. Mary's catholic cathedral, numerous other old churches, the street where Sean Connery was born and was a milkman(he doesn't live there any more). I was there during the Festival in August, which is the largest Art event in the world. The city swells up in population as people from all over the world come to join in the festivities. You will never be bored because of the thrilling sounds of the bagpipes wafting over the hills. Don't miss the Military Tattoo if you can help it. They call it the "Greatest Show in the World", P.T. Barnum notwithstanding. The well-travelled Irish flautist James Galway once said that this city is his favourite city in the world.

Dear Els Slots,

This is one review I never thought I would write, enthusiastic as I am about this city, concerned that it maintain the atmosphere that I enjoyed so much during a four-day stay in 1996, and not eager to see it ovewhelmed with people who would not appreciate it, including the elegant and friendly bar I happened upon. The friend I was with and I agreed that we would tell no one about this place. I know you will understand. However, since it is on your site, I will say something about it.

As long as I have known who Rafael of Urbino was, it did not dawn on me that this would be the same place, when I drove down from Ravenna to Pesaro (wonderful lunch there) and up to Urbino. It is the home of the invisible University, housed as it is in the existing monasteries and other church buildings from its magnificent past.

I found Raphael's home, and could imagine the charmed life he must have lived there, the youth and adolescence he experienced until he attained something like adulthood, such a short adulthood. I had never known before what it would have been like to be an Italian aristocrat of the Renaissance. I know now.

The chapel of San Giovanni contains one of the most striking and effective frescoes I have ever seen; called "curious" in Michelin, but much more than merely curious. That fresco is worth a trip to Italy. The chapel is …

This Park is located in Northern Region of the Central African Republic is a diverse and magic place worthy of its place on the World Heritage Site.I worked there as part of an EU project called PDRN, I lived in one of the projects locations called Manovo in 1997.The other bases were at Gordil, Biroua, Ndele and Sangba.The project was an EU funded projetc managed by an International staff employed by an organisation based in Brussells called AGRER, working in partnership with National staff from the Department of Water and Forests.I was responsible for the training of anti-poaching units who were responsible for the security of the wildlife and habitats within the Parks boundaries.Unfortunately the are no longer rhino in the region having been totally removed by poaching.The remaining Hippo and Elephant are under severe poaching threat and will follow the rhino if action to secure their environment is not met.Unfortunately the country is not stable enough to support a tourist trade in the northern region.If the stabilty of the region were to change for the better and tourism infrastructure improved this Parc will offer a treasure of natural beauty and wildlife not witnessed in many parts of Africa.

To get to CAR from Europe fly from Paris with Air France to the Capital Bangui or with Air Afrique again from Paris.The SOFITEL in Bangui is the best Hotel to stay in, situated on the banks of the Oubangui river.But you need to check the situation regarding safety to travel …

The Palau de la Musica is an amazing building. Guided tours are offered on a daily basis, but the best option is to try and get tickets to a concert during your stay in Barcelona. The Palau is easy to find, just off Via Laietana, (nearest Metro: Urquiniona) and a short walk from the Cathedral.

Hospital Sant Pau is an excellent example of modernist architecture. It is free to enter the gardens, where you can observe the different buildings which are still in use. The nearest metro is on the blue line (Sant Pau), but I would recommend you combine this visit with one to the Gaudi cathedral (La Sagrada Familia). The two sites are close. You can walk from one to the other along Avenida Gaudi in less than 10 minutes.

Planning for my journey started the previous year following a visit to the Isles of Lewis and Harris for the first time. I stayed at Cairisiadar with Jessie Buchanan in an excellent bed & breakfast overlooking Loch Roag on the west coast of Lewis. Here I met a lady who was I believe in her 70’s who had travelled from Aberdeen and on her way to St.Kilda. Until then I hadn't even heard of this place! She kindly left me a leaflet " Cruising with the MV Cuma".

The weather had not been too kind of late but the day that she was leaving for St.Kilda cleared with sunshine late in the day but with a near gale force wind blowing. I remember seeing the MV Cuma leave and cruise across West Loch Roag heading for the open sea – I took one photograph. At the time I did not think too much about actually going to this remote island but as time went on I became fascinated with the story and struggle of St.Kilda as have so many other people.

I read up about the islands, bought books, searched the internet and sought out articles and especially photographs. I decided that I wanted to go on this "adventure" and booked with Murdo for a trip in June – 6 days in total staying on the Cuma. I had never previously travelled in a boat other than a scenic trip for a few hours let alone across the atlantic.

The …

10/30/2002

Visited the area on that date by trying to drive south from Tulum to Punta Allen. The road increasing deteriorated to the point where we had to turn around after traveling only about 5 or 6 kilometers past the entrance into the reserve. I was afraid of the wear and tear on my rental mini-van. It is very densely overgrown and although we were probably no more than 100 meters, at the most, from the Caribbean on our left the water was not visible at all. At our turn around point we had reached what appeared to be an area adequate for camping as there were many signs that campers had used the area. It was a very pleasant sandy area shaded by coconut palms and extended down to the beach. Walking in the area was a tremendous disappointment as the remnants of past camping experiences was littered throughout the area. Trash was evident wherever you looked and although we were prepared to do some swimming were discouraged from doing so because of the filthy condition of the beach. Although we had registered our visit at the entrance no information or map was available except for a large map on a roadside sign. Would like to have gone further and will probably do so sometime in the future but will try to be better prepared with some sort of 4 wheel drive vehicle. We had tried to get information about the area in Cancun but were unable to find …

I visited this site in mid October 2002 on a visit from the USA. Even though the 11.50 UK pounds seemed a little steep for entry into the tower, I decided to go in and explore the various towers. Very soon I realised that I have realised the value of my money. The British crown jewels display from centuries ago was very impressive! A chill went up my spine while standing at the scaffolding site where some royal families were 'put' to death!

I took a cruise on river Thames to get back to Westminster.

I visited this site in mid October 2002 during a brief official visit from the USA. Waited for just 5 minutes to get into Westminster Abbey. This site is a masterpiece with the tombs of Kings and Queens. The history dates back to 11th century! William the Conquerer's coronation was held in the Norman Abbey at 1066! The rose windows were very impressive. A definite must visit in London. Do go inside and explore. Worth every penny of the 6.00 pound entry fee.

On my official trip to Brussels from the USA in Oct 2002 I was booked in a hotel in the Grand Place area. I just decided to stroll and I couldn't believe what I was seeing when I entered the Grand Place square. It was late in the evening and the square and the guild houses were lit. The effect it had was magical! The critical mass of the Italian Baroque blend of architecture completely transformed me. It was as if I did a time travel to earlier centuries. All this experience is free! I highly recommend this place especially when it is lit!

The disappointing thing is that I tried to find the explanation and the architectural details of each guild house in the Grand Place on the internet in English and couldn't find any.

I visited Paris mid Oct 2002 on an official visit from USA and with the little time I had, I decided to explore the banks of the Seine from Eiffel Tower to Notredame. I took the metro train from my hotel to Eiffel Tower and started my stroll along Seine. Weather was perfect and the landmarks both old and new were impressive. No entry fee for the stroll but I took the ascensors up Eiffel Tower for around 7 euros. The shops along the riverbank near the Notredame cathedral adds a quaint character to the walk.

Yes to describe the experiences of Palenque that i have had...the first time that i was enchanted by this sacred site was in 1974. the humid jungle was throbbing with life as i walked up the riverside past awesome waterfalls along the water pipeline(ther was no path up the river then!) and came to this clearing in the jungle and there it was!!!! just otherworldly it felt!! my Heart pounded and i felt lifted up, inspired in a very strange manner. As i've seen many times with New Age wackies and mushroomed out freeks and beer guzzling red-necks there is a definite intense,deep spiritual inspiration that just radiates from this place!! One feels Godbeingforce or whatever one chooses to call it.... i've been staying there for months on end many times over the past 28 years and i always feel that i've evolved/grown deeper with every visit.There are amazing mushroom carvings on the Palace complex that noone in the archealogical world has mentioned...????why not ??in truth one of the greatest experiences that one can enjoy is a respectfull mushroom trip with the sacred psylocybe cubensis allies that grow out in the campos in the cow shit. To be up on the Temple of the Inscriptions on a full moon night tripping delightfully is beyond description!!!! the cosmic infinite feeling that we've all been here before is REAL and one travels deep within to that eternal place where we all begin and end.....in the Queen's bath in that little cave under …

This is truly worth the visit, and still costs a very reasonable amount. EUR9 at the time of writing for the palace and its gardens.

You can reach there using the metro, the stop is the last one on that line, Versailles Rive Gauche (now, maps conveniently state "Chateau de Versailles"). Do not get off on the earlier halt, also called Rive Gauche.

The Chateau is only a very short walk. Just turn right from the main entrance from the station and then turn left. You will see the walk up to the palace. There are souvenir shops on both sides of the street.

The palace grounds and gardens are awe-inspiring. You can spend a week here, but I had about 6 hours. Be sure to rest occasionally, or better use the mini-trains if you are not used to walking. The length of the tour is supposed to be 5km. The gardens seem to stretch as far as the eye can see, with lakes and ponds with little boats on them. There are innumerable bronze fountains in the gardens if you walk in any direction, several large sculptured fountains in the walk directly facing the rear of the palace proper. This is one of the most awesome palaces I have ever been to, only Sanssouci in Potsdam, Germany may be slightly bigger in area if you take the new palace and the whole park into account.

The state rooms themselves are gilded and very ornate with quite a lot of …

I visited Chartres from Paris' Montparnasse station, accessible using the surface rail (RER). It only takes 50mins or so either way, and the train says Chartres on it clearly. No problems there. The station staff should speak sufficient English to point you to the correct platform.

At the station, use the underground pathway to get to the main station, don't cross the tracks.

The cathedral itself is a 10 minute walk from the station. It dwarfs anything else in the city, and is so awesome you will probably not notice anything else. You can see it looming in its magnificence from the station, then walk there following your view. You can't go the wrong way, don't worry. On the walk there, there is a nice statue and square.

There is no entrance fee. It's the local cathedral, you see. You can go up to the deep dark bell tower, but you better be early because it closes at 3pm. This is the historic Notre Dame de Chartres, Gothic, magnificent and even more atmospheric than its sister in Paris. I have also been to Cologne, Milan and St. Peter's in Rome Cathedrals, this is as 'prayerful' and 'cool' inside, and much more peaceful because there are usually not as many tourists. There are the usual gargoyles sticking their heads out of all corners outside.

There is a plaque at the rear in French, justifying its inclusion as a World Heritage Site. Read it yourself, I will not spoil it for you.

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I hitch-hiked all over France in the 1960s. The most moving day for me and my imagination

was the approach to Chartres cathedral. Approaching this beautiful cathedral stood on top of a

hill, clearly visible as it had been for centuries Mind boggling and fully functional.

This beautiful area which is easily accessed from Derby via the A6 is a very interesting journey through the history of Derbyshire's Mills.

Each of its sites is set amongst picturesque Derbyshire countryside with many other attractions such as stately homes,museums and industries to visit nearby.

Using the transpeak bus service my family and I enjoyed a wonderful day there.

Durham cathedral is a lovely place to ralax at night when the lights shine up at the cathedral the scene is unberliveble and is breath taking.The sight is not only breath taking but is a memory which will last a life time i would recomend a visit to durham cathedral to anybody who is interested in historicsl sights.

Just to tell al of you, we had a wonderfull time out there!

It's like entering a different world, it's very impressive...

We found a room, very authentic en truly romantic...

The streets bring you to the middle ages, at night, all the tiny light on the walls give you the impression you're walking throuhg heaven on earth... a bit poetic, but I don't know how to discribe it otherwise!

San Gimignano is surrounded by beautiful nature, enjoy the view just outside the walls of the town!

That image is printed on your mind forever.

Just go there and you will know what I mean,

La Bella Italia, il vino bianco,

greets of Belgium!