The Philippines holiday guidehas really taken off as a tourist destination in the last few years. Not only is it easy to get around with a small navy of ferries, shuttle boats and water taxis but English is widely spoken and there are an astonishing amount of different things to do.

Whatever you want, from relaxing on the beach to a quiet mountain retreat, the Philippines has it all. Divided into three main island groups: Visayas, Mindanao and, home to Manilla, the capital, Luzon. All have their own attractions.

The best place for just relaxing on the beach is, arguably, Boracay Island, near Luzon island. With long white beaches and clear waters it is ideal for snorkelling, scuba diving and relaxing. In the south-east, in the Visayas islands, lies Cebu, which is internationally known for its suitability for watersports.

If a busy and cosmopolitan city is more up your street for some of your holiday then you cant go far wrong with Manilla. Taking its name from the Nilad, a white-flowered mangrove plant, it has a long and turbulent past by any standards. Manilla has risen above all its past troubles and is now a thouroughly modern city where the past is still preserved and visible.

Places to see

Manila
Set on Manila Bay, the capital of the Philippines is divided into different districts, each with something to offer. They are linked by the fantastically painted, but less fantastically maintained ‘Jeepney’ pick-up trucks that ferry the locals from place to place. Many people stay for just a day or so before moving on, but there is plenty to explore in the city.

Remnants of the colonial Spanish era are found right in the heart of Manila in the ‘Walled City’, Intramuros, which is one of the best-preserved colonial city centres. Dungeons and old churches share space with art galleries, theatres, and a nature park. Nearby Rizal Park is a great place to visit first thing in the morning to see the locals doing their Tai Chi or practising the traditional martial art of arnis de mano.

Manila is also home to Malacanang Palace, the official residence of the highest chief executive of the country and one of the most historic structures in the Philippines. Along the northern bank of the historic Pasig River is Chinatown, a symbol of the long history of Chinese presence. Makati is the business district of the city, but it is also home to some of the grandest five-star hotels and largest shopping centres. Malate and Ermita districts are also popular for their variety of restaurants, clubs, bars, cafes, art and antique shops.

Cebu
Even before the Spanish colonialists arrived here in the 16th century, trade with the Chinese flourished in this province and many Chinese and Spanish landmarks remain. The magnificent Basilica Minore del Santo Nino was built in 1575 and stands close to Magellan’s Cross, which apparently contains splinters from a cross he planted on the shores of Cebu on his first visit in 1521. The Taoist temple, located in a residential area known as Beverly Hills, is a symbol of the city’s large and influential ethnic Chinese population. Across a road bridge from the airport is Mactan Island, a 15 square kilometre island made entirely of coral reef. Once a quiet fishing community, it is now home to some of the best beach resorts in the Philippines.

Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort and Spa, Cebu
Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort is Cebu’s most exclusive deluxe resort and provides its guests with the ultimate tropical paradise experience. An idyllic resort with a beautiful private beach, it offers an exciting range of recreation activities and superb cuisine. Every guestroom blends tropical decor with modern amenities, and private balconies provide panoramic views of the Visayan Sea.

Welcome to Bohol, God's Little Paradise, as it is sometimes called by the Boholanos themselves. This is not fully unjustified, as the island is one of the most diverse and attractive destinations in the Philippines. Within its area of about 4200 square kilometers, it houses countless white sandy beaches, numerous historic churches and watchtowers, enchanting waterfalls and caves, and, unique in the world, its amazing and stunning Chocolate Hills.

Scenic Bohol casts an enigmatic charm drawn from the many archaic mementos spread throughout the oval-shaped island - from unique rock formations to a 45-million-year-old mammal species, from massive stone watchtowers built by the Spaniards in the 18th century. Surrounding the mainland are 73 other smaller offshore islands and islets whose palm-fringed coastlines are rimmed by white sand and sheltering coves. Serpentine coastal highways wind along unsullied beaches and rustic rivers where the tourist can stop at any point and jump in for a dip.

Bohol is famous for whale watching, river cruising, smallest primate-Tarsier, Sandugo Festival, beaches, scuba diving, mountain climbing, caving, cambuhat oyster farm (ecotourism activity), Bird watching

Town visits promise exciting cultural treats that include scheduled performances by the Teatro Bolanon, Dimiao Rondalla, Diwanag Dance Theater and the award-winning Loboc Children's Choir.

Greece always conjures a sparkle in my mind's eye, a sparkle upon an emerald sea with the sound of Zorba the Greek and the smashing of plates drifting across golden sands. Bright white houses and old church bells, donkeys and the beautiful flowers in spring are all part of the magnificent Greek kaleidoscope of sensual beauty that awaits you in this most special land. Of course the islands are a favorite, but the mainland holds many treasures and it is worth browsing the internet to get to grips with the choices available. And what better way to start the online trip but to begin at Holidays in Greece - the home of variety and independent choice, inspiration and value for the last five years - happy browsing - I hope you find the holiday of your dreams !

Oh, I have been so lax about photographing and posting my paintings. I just don't seem to strike the right time of day to take photos and all the latest ones have such glare on them. Even this one, which was taken by a friend of mine while on holiday in Greece, had a shine on it that I battled to subdue.

I need to search back through r.garriott's photoshop tips on lessons to combat this!

In the meantime, I painted this in January before I went to a cold, snowy, Sweden. Quite a contrast!

I've been musing about airports and thinking about my experiences at Melbourne and Perth airports last week and what made them so bad, and reflecting upon what makes an airport cool, what kind of things would actually make the experience so much more fun! The factors that make Melbourne so unpleasant are the lack of comfortable seating and places to relax, poor business and communication facilities, dismal retail and dining options, limited opening hours, a dirty environment, and a distinct lack of character. So that means my ideal airport would be exactly the opposite, and possess the following characteristics:
* an abundance of comfortable seating, from reclining chairs to chill-out sofas and ottomans, in various formations and environments to suit different moods and needs;
* state-of-the-art communications and public business facilities (not only in airline lounges), from free easy-to-access WiFi throughout the airport and desk space with powerpoints for those who want to set up their laptop and work to reasonably-priced pay-by-the-hour lounges for those with long layovers who want to get serious about working;
* a wide range of useful and engaging retail outlets, from gourmet delis and a supermarket to excellent bookshops (not only stocking airport novels) and newsagents, to quality gift stores specialising in local products, and travel shops that don't only sell suitcases, but offer up everything from travel gadgets to tech accessories;
* an array of quality drinking and dining options and no franchises for starters: I want to see clean, quality cafes, restaurants and bars, ran by independent owners who care about what they're doing, and have a desire to sell more than muffins and soggy plastic-wrapped sandwiches. I want fresh food, made-to-order, and variety. Why can't airports have stand-up Italian-style cafe bars where you can grab a macchiato from an barista who knows not to ask "Is that a short mac or a long mac?" And why not proper fine-dining restaurants or chic bistros for those of us with long waits between connections? Obviously there's a place for fast food but can we please give the McDonalds and Subways a miss and only allow quality options, like a wood-fire pizza place or a Japanese sushi bar?
* everything should be open as long as flights are operating: there are many 24-hour airports dotted around the world that can manage this, Dubai for one; there should be no reason to close anything if there are still people streaming through the airport;
* the place should be gleaming; everything in the airport should be shiny and clean, and smelling fresh and lovely - from the public seating to the toilets to the floors throughout - there's just no excuse for grubbiness at a developed city airport in this day and age;
* the airport should be well-designed; from the practical stuff (security, check-in, baggage drop, signage, transport, traffic flow) to the aesthetic (departure lounge seating, shop-fronts, dining experiences, etc), the airport should look cool. It should not only be functional - it should work and be comfortable - but it should have form and style. Airports should look chic and inviting. They should make us want to spend time in them instead of wanting to get the hell out of there the first chance we get.
What do you think? What makes an airport cool for you? My favorites include Copenhagen, Amsterdam's Schiphol, Dubai and Hong Kong, but even they're not perfect. Do you have any favorites?

By car
Driving in Istanbul could be stressful and do not recommended, the continuous increase in the population and number of motor vehicles make the city traffic in Istanbul a nightmare. The city currently holds more than 1,500,000 automobiles.

The best option to getting around is definitely the public transport, and avoid hours of frustration. But if you are convinced to drive your car or rent a car be aware that parking in Istanbul is another problem, with very little on-street parking and with signs written in Turkish.

By taxi
Taxis are an inexpensive and easy way of transportation in Istanbul, they are easily recognisable for its yellow colour. They are equipped with taximeters which have two rates-day and night. From 6 am until midnight is the daily rate, and from midnight to 6 am is the night rate. As expected, the night rate is more expensive.

Dolmus
Dolmus is a shared taxi, travelling on a fixed route and cheaper than a taxi. They can carry up to 8 passengers. Easily to recognize, yellow colored and a Dolmus sign on its top.

By bus
Undoubtedly buses are the best way getting around the city. They are inexpensive and easily taken from everywhere in Istanbul. Bus stops are easily recognizable and are located at intervals throughout the city. There are two types of buses, Istanbul Municipality Buses and Private Orange Buses. They both operate at the same price and accept the same tickets.

One ticket costs approximately �0.80, and can be purchased from the kiosks by main bus stops or on the bus. If you stay longer, you may wish to buy an Akbil, which will save time and money on public transport.

Akbil is short for "akilli bilet". It is an electronic transit pass, very convenient and allows saving money. The pass is a small stainless steel "button" on a plastic holder that slots into machines on public transport. Akbil can be bought at certain I.E.T.T booths around the city. Akbil is accepted on Istanbul's buses (both municipal and private), trams, Tünel, Metro, Füniküler, suburban trains, fast catamaran ferries, and traditional ferries.

By boat
There are commuter ferries and seabuses shuttle passengers across the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia, as well as to the nearby Princes' Islands.

By metro
Metro is another inexpensive public transportation owned by Istanbul Municipality. Istanbul's metro consists of two lines, the northern line is currently just a short stub connecting Taksim to Levent. The southern line is most useful for visitors, connecting Aksaray (with its connections to the tram line) to Ataturk Airport, via the Otogar.

Payment is made by tickets.

By tram
Currently trams are perhaps the best option and most convenient for travellers. All Major touristy attractions are located in the Old Istanbul peninsula and the tram is passing near to all of these places. Recently all trams in the Eminonu-Zeytinburnu line has changed. They are now more modern and efficient.

Turkish main cities are well covered with hospitals and private clinics available at reasonable costs. In rural areas and the east of the country, health services are less developed. The majority health cares services have bilingual professional and speak a foreign language. Medical facilities and standard of health care are not high in state hospitals and private health insurance is highly recommended.

It is recommended receive inoculations for Polio and Typhoid before travelling to Turkey. Also there is a risk of malaria in the south-eastern, but there are no reports of infection in main tourist areas. Some cases of bird flu have been reported in northern, eastern and central Turkey, but there is no evidence of the virus passing between humans.

To entry to the country there are no vaccination requirements, but is recommended to take care before to go to the country.

Water in the country are treat with chlorine, but to avoid any type of stomachic upset is recommended bottled water for drinking. Food from street vendors should be consumed with caution.

Health Precautions for Travel to Turkey
To reduce health risks visiting Turkey is recommended consider the following precautionary health measures.

• Take your malaria prevention medication before, during, and after travel, as directed
• Mosquito and insect bite prevention
• Avoid drinking non-treated water - try drink only bottled water.
• Eat only cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself.
• to prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not walk barefoot.
• Avoid eat food from street vendors.
• To avoid rabies try to not handle animals especially monkeys, dogs, and cats.
• Use sun block and take sunglasses and a hat.
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Upcoming Events

Monte Carlo, Monaco
21 May 2009 - 24 May 2009

The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most spectacular stages of the 19 races that make up the prestigious Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix World Championships. The race always attracts legions of fans that come from around the world to soak up the incredible sights and sounds of this event. Braving the roar of engines and the smell of burning rubber, spectators cheer on their racing heroes as they battle it out over the course at incredible speeds. Fans can buy race merchandise and memorabilia at the trade stands and some lucky visitors can also get close to the drivers at special ticket-only events. The Grand Prix is contested over four days, with the practice and qualifying stages taking place over the first three days and the final race taking place on the fourth and final day of the competition. The challenging Monte Carlo course is famed for racing through the streets with its many tight corners forcing constant gear changes.

Where

Circuit de Monaco
The streets of Monte Carlo

Getting There

Road: Visitors are advised that the race takes place on the streets of Monte Carlo and many roads are closed to traffic during the event.

How Much?

?40 upwards.

For more information

Automobile Club de Monaco
Monte Carlo
98000
Monaco

Tel +377 (0)93 152 600.
Website www.acm.mc

For more world events click here.

There's nothing quite like watching a baseball connect with a bat then enjoying the spectacle of the diminishing red and white sphere describing a wide arc out of the Rangers Ballpark and into the dome of the starry Texan night. After a long day of shopping and sightseeing, a beer and a hotdog in the balmy Texan evening is hard to beat.

If you want something more than a hotdog, then this most well heeled of Texan cities is also for you. The celebrated and very successful Stephan Pyles Restaurant is down in the Dallas Arts district. Pyles made his name cooking on Good Morning America with his ‘new millennium Southwestern cuisine' - go and see why.

Fine dining of the new-American cuisine kind can be found at the acclaimed Bolla restaurant, linger in the art deco bar first; its vibrant décor will only be enhanced by working your way through the extensive cocktail list.

Finally, bring your wallet and perhaps someone else's too, and visit (deep breath) the Mansion Restaurant at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek for more exquisite new-American cuisine. Try to wangle one of six places at the ‘Chef's Table' where the chef conjures up unique meals, seemingly on a whim.

The Live Music Capital of the World is home to almost 200 venues and hosts the annual music industry shindig SXSW as well as the Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park. Though the city has numerous bars and restaurants, with seven distinct music districts, Austin has all the best tunes.

It's seen better days, but the city's infamous Sixth Street district is still home to the acclaimed Parish Room, a venue that famously played host to an impromptu super-group that included The Who's Pete Townshend and mop-topped guitarist Slash

Antone's was originally the first club on Sixth, but has now moved across to Fifth Street on the borders of Market and the Warehouse and Downtown districts. Thirty-four years after it opened, this unassuming blues venue - you'd imagine that it might have fallen out of the sky - is still going strong. It helped foster the reputation of stars like Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

If you fancy something a little more rowdy or punk rock, stroll over to the Red River district where Emo's should meet your needs. Johnny Cash popped in there in the 1990s. The bar stool he sat on still hangs from the ceiling; it's that kind of place.

Texas' fine cities have everything to offer in the way of nightlife that you could possibly desire: Austin has music, Houston culture, Dallas a unique blend of fine dining and sweaty sports, whilst San Antonio's twinkling cityscape is very easy on the bleary eyes of night owls.

Spain, France and Mexico are just three of the countries that have tried to lay claim to Texas over the years. From a distance, the Lone Star State, America's second biggest just behind Alaska, might look like an arid landscape dotted with errant steer, granite-chinned cowboys and oil wells spurting into lucrative life. Look a little closer though, and you'll see why nations fought to call it their own.

While such landmark sites as The Alamo can draw over two and a half million visitors a year and should definitely be on your list of things to see, point at and get photographed in front of, it's the vibrant and diverse nightlife of Texas' cities that will demand your attention as the day's light cools. From Austin's enigmatic and willfully eclectic music scene to the extensive and glittering haute cuisine eateries of Dallas, the extensive art houses of Houston and the sublime delights of San Antonio, Texas will make you put your preconceptions on hold, leaving you to marvel at your surroundings as the sun finally goes down and the state really begins to light up.

Placed between the lapping waters of Loch Brittle and the Tolkien-esque rocks of the Black Cuillin mountain range, Glenbrittle campsite is pure magic. Scale the rocks, stalk red deer or swim in the fairy pools - vivid blue swimming holes at the foot of the Cuillins.

Price: £5 per adult per night.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, shop.

Vintage Vacations, Isle of Wight

Dartmoor National Park is the last place in England where you can legally camp wild. Spending one or two nights on the open land here is perfectly acceptable provided that you choose your spot sensibly. Don't pitch your tent on farmland, on moorland enclosed by walls, within 100m (328ft) of a road, on flood plains or on archaeological sites. Camping beneath scarred tors as the wind rakes across the moors is great fun and you'll share your campsite with wild ponies.

In the Scottish highlands and islands, there's no greater pleasure than sharing the heather-sprayed hillsides and shimmering lochs with a loved one under canvas. Just don't forget your torch, midge net and repellent - the small, biting insects can make spring and early summer miserable if you don't have the right kit. Be sure to check you're not camping on private land.

Price: Free.
Facilities: None.

Camping has come a long way since beige caravans and long-drop latrines. So whether you're looking for a retro trailer, an authentic tipi or a windswept wilderness, WTG's guide to the best UK camping spots will help you find your perfect pitch.

Blackberry Wood, Sussex

This much talked about campsite thoroughly deserves its good reputation. And at 25 minutes' drive from Brighton at the foot of the South Downs, it's very convenient if you happen to live in London. Pitches are set in private clearings with names like Minty, Fruity and Boho. The native deciduous woodland is magical and the fact that camp fires are positively encouraged is testament to the friendly owners' love of proper camping and toasted marshmallows.

Price: £5 per tent, £7 per person per night (high season).
Facilities: Toilets, basic energy saving showers, logs for sale, bonfire pits.

Hawaii volcanic island, 21 climate on earth add on top of a natural phenomenon of self-5. One of the volcano to the island it is even possible to ski in winter. Fine sand with black lava sea, the blue shadow of the falling water and coconut palm trees, beautiful hotels with golf courses in Hawaii, and from each other is really heaven on earth.

Is referred to as the Fire Goddess Pele'nin island. Another name that Buyukada. Of green space with a pass nested volcanic lava. The rest of the sum of two times the size of the seven Hawaiian islands. 800 thousand years ago, was formed by five volcanoes of the explosion. Here you see the sea and the sun will be out of interesting places to live are unity. Volcanic Art Center, Hawaii'li artists and photographers to see their work in a museum.

Hamakua Coast Highway, green valleys as you, "kings of the valley known as the town of Honokaa on götüyor and Waipio. Rent a jeep and quit the road, how many years ago who sought refuge from war do not come without seeing the Puuhonua o Honaunau'yu.

Coral reef island and famous with green cover, is one of the world's best diving center candidate. Fiji tourism is not as comfortable and peaceful people who want to spend a vacation choice. Nusa Dua area of the large hotels and restaurants, shopping paradise.
Defined as the island's cultural center and art center museum Ubud'daki appear sure. To the east of the island of Bali and the former is defined as the region is ideal for observing the lives of indigenous.

Bali's largest city Denpasar'dır island. Temples and more than 10 thousand in Denpasar and the environment is a volcano. Waiting to be discovered a green nature, the famous Bali island of the white sand and clear blue sea ... On the slopes of a volcano in the terraced rice fields and the appearance of the summer almost every day of the year in Bali Island, the climate is always popular through ...

(Best time: April-November)

Desert isle and, opened the colorful flowers in coral reef, fish and hundreds of feet through the sweet smell of spices ... Maldive Islands, in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka'nın south-west, from one end to the other end you can walk in half an hour is made up of 190 islands. They have 202'sinde life, 56 is operated for tourism purpose.
Tourist accept most of the islands Male North Male South Ari region and is located in. Rent a yacht and a walk to explore this beautiful town. History and museums in order nlar ‰ Maldives If you're curious to abandon the idea. Tired of city life and do not want to see people around ... Give hand Malvid Islands ...

Cocoa Island
Robinson, author Robert Louis Stevenson Crusoe'nun it "the most divine Indian ocean island" is defined as. Sea and beach so silky it clear that, where the sand ends where the sea begins, difficult to cut. In the shade of palm trees and green bungalow resting a handful of soil cover saz ... The white coral beach and the luxury and comfort of all types of wood have made bungalow'larda. But the most beautiful things in Cocoa Island, the coral beaches and lakes around the bar must have ministers. Cocoa'da scuba diving in the world standards. If you want to start diving into sports, into the new service Dive Center Soleni sure to stop by.

Banyan Tree
Your spirit can rest in a place full Vabbinfaru Island. Beds with mosquito net regal, delicious food, every hour room service and a good massage at the health club. Instrument with conical roofs 48 bungalow, green tinted glass from the door to your room is inviting breeze. And, of course, watching the glorious scenery of the place lies then offer ‰ imk. In the room is accompanied with wooden furniture, wrought iron candelabra. Mini-bar, hair dryer, safe box and coffee machine is available. Hotels in the center of the health or Europe Eastern methods of therapy procedures have been used for everything from perfume to purify possible. Dived in deep water, as well as scuba diving and snorkel diving with water sports, the hotel offers traditional cuisine in the restaurant Sangue İlaafathi and delicious you can find examples. Beach wear is acceptable!

(Best time: January-July, September-October)

In the south of the Caribbean sea, a tiny island in the face Karakas'ın var. Name sound like a song playing napoliten: Santa Lucia. Giant palm with gold sand, here I am here a little vanilla smell of paradise ...

Santa Lucia'lılar here for "God's back" call. Forget that they were thinking? We do not think. Urban culture and untouched beauty of the remote they maybe. Mick Jagger and Princess Margaret, of Santa Lucia'nın habitue. Tropical rain forests, banana paradise plains, the palm of the sky, full of exotic flowers and bushes trying piston with the two extinct volcanoes Santa Lucia, the Caribbean, from the most exotic island. Friday night, the traditional fishing village of Gros Islet'te Do not miss the carnival. In fact, this carnival celebrations of fishermen, today a tourist activities open to everyone. You can lose yourself in the tropical garden Soufriere'deki. Port to the local market suffered Castries'e Başkent you look at something. Exotic vegetables and fruits, spices, herbs, and a souvenir shop, which you will recall.

Scott Abels' suggestions:

For your neighborhood masturbator: My Vocabulary Did This To Me: The Collected Poetry of Jack Spicer, Edited by Peter Gizzi (Wesleyan, 2008)

For the MBA in your life: Harryette Mullen, Recyclopedia (Graywolf, 2006)

For the honey lover and big oil: The Georgics of Virgil. Any edition that can fit in their pocket.

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Originally from Nebraska, Scott Abels has an MFA from Boise State University. His poems can be found online at Spooky Boyfriend, Past Simple, Sawbuck, No Tell Motel, Shampoo, and Action Yes. Currently, he lives and teaches in Honolulu.