International Destinations

San Juan is not your normal U.S. city

Words: Len Rutledge Images: Phensri Rutledge

Narrow cobblestone streets, cute little squares with spraying fountains and huge trees, enormous Spanish-built forts and restaurants serving spicy Mexican and Cuban fare are not normal in most North American cities.

But then little about San Juan, Puerto Rico is normal. It is far from what we expected. My scant knowledge of Puerto Rico was strongly influenced by the musical ‘West Side Story” where white and Puerto Rican gangs battle for the streets of a section of New York.

Central square San Juan

I half expected to find knife-wielding gangs on the streets of San Juan. Instead, my wife and I found colourful buildings, delightful architecture, friendly people, and a love for an island that has a unique relationship with the USA. Hurricane Maria caused considerable damage to the island in 2017 but San Juan has bounced back and is again open for visitors.

Is it part of the USA?

Puerto Rico is technically part of the United States. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens and make up about 1.3% of the total population of the U.S. They enjoy all the benefits of citizenship, except one: Puerto Ricans who live in Puerto Rico cannot vote for the U.S. President.

But it is not this straight forward. In the Olympic Games, Puerto Rico fields its own athletic team, separate from the USA team. Puerto Ricans don’t file federal income tax returns unless they work for the U.S. government. Bookstores in the U.S. put travel guides to Puerto Rico in their “International Travel” section rather than “Domestic Travel,” where they belong. No wonder we were confused!

Flags flying above the old Spanish fort

Old San Juan

Nearly two million people live in or near San Juan and many of them rarely set foot in Old San Juan. For tourists, it is entirely different. Many visitors see nothing of the wider city except for the drive from the airport to the old city.

Old San Juan lies within a 500-year-old walled citadel that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Medieval masonry and cantilevered balconies seem to float above the narrow cobblestone streets below. The streets are perfect for wandering and seem to insist you explore all their secret nooks and crannies.

They are lined with antique iron lampposts, arty shops and souvenir stores. There are pavement cafes in the squares and beautiful old buildings and churches look out to wide views of the ocean. Musicians play on the streets just like in Europe.

Cool courtyards decorated with European flair hide behind the shops and pavement cafes, inviting you to enter. It is more Spanish than many areas of Spain.

Spanish influence

In 1493, Christopher Columbus “discovered” Puerto Rico and claimed it for Spain. Some years later, the Spanish started their colonisation. Puerto Rico’s geographic position at the western edge of the Caribbean made San Juan one of the key frontier outposts of Spain’s West Indies Empire.

The Spanish built a small fort here in 1540 and then constructed the walls that encircled the city in 1634. The work continued into the mid 1700′s when the King of Spain decided to make San Juan virtually unconquerable.

The walls and two massive forts are some of the major attractions today. No visit would be complete without spending time exploring the fortifications and marvelling at the impressive structures. Guided tours are available for those who want them.

The city is surrounded by massive defence walls

Elsewhere in the city the Cathedral, which was commenced in 1521, is worth seeing and there are several museums. The Museum of the Americas is in a wonderfully restored building while the Museum of Art has local works displayed in a building which itself is a work of art. The Casa Blanca Museum showcases life in the 16^th and 17^th centuries.

Old San Juan is reasonably compact but it is hilly and is usually hot. If you are not comfortable with a lot of walking, there are free trolleys that will take you around the old city.

Eating, shopping and Staying

The area has some excellent restaurants, fast food outlets, markets, shops and several small hotels. The Hotel El Convento is generally considered the best (and most expensive) accommodation but there are several others in charming old buildings with Spanish ambiance.

Souvenir shopping in San Juan is a treat or a nightmare depending on your point of view. The Old City could be one of the most souvenir-clogged areas on the planet but there are some interesting buys amongst the ‘junk’. Iconic vejigante masks are found at numerous shops, hand-carved wooden figurines of saints called santos are unusual buys, and hand-made Panama hats are useful and a great keepsake.

Outside the Old City, Condado hugs the beach to the east and has many similarities to Miami Beach or Australia’s Gold Coast. Here’s where expensive hotels, and the casinos inside many of them, attract night-life-seeking locals and tourists alike.

A final suggestion is to visit the slick Casa Bacardi Visitor Center across San Juan Bay in Cataño. You’ll pass through seven different zones covering both the history of the company and the rum-making process and have a taste of some of the brew. The best part is that it’s all free.

If you go

Getting there: Various airlines fly to San Juan from mainland USA. There are also direct flights from Madrid, some Caribbean islands and a few South American countries.

Visas: Puerto Rico is technically part of the USA so the same visitor requirements apply. You need to organise a travel authorisation or a tourist visa before leaving home.

When to Visit: Puerto Rico is hot between June and September and warm at other times of the year. January to March receives less rain than other months.

www.LenRutledge.com

The Best Travel Destinations for 2018

Len Rutledge

The travel and tourism industry is booming as more and more people take advantage of low airfares and increased opportunities to see new places. While there has been some resistance to increased visitor numbers in some European destinations, much of the world is still welcoming visitors with open arms.

Here are some suggestions for places to travel and activities to experience in 2018.

The Philippines

Brilliant green rice fields, teeming cities, colourful jeepneys, stunning beaches, and smiling, happy-go-lucky people are all part of the Philippines scene. With more than 7000 tropical islands to choose from, you can find what you are looking for. Divers have long known about the country’s underwater attractions while Northern Palawan is perfect for sea kayakers, and Boracay is a world-class kiteboarding and beach destination.

The Philippines was colonised for 400 years and vestiges of the Spanish era can be seen in exuberant town festivals and centuries-old stone churches while huge shopping malls, fast-food chains and widespread spoken English come from the influence of the Americans.

Boracay Beach. Credit: Philippines Tourism

Manila, the capital, is a pulsating hub that blends the quaint with the modern, the mundane with the extraordinary. Cebu is a choice tourist destination with balmy weather, pristine beaches, crystalline waters, and luxurious resorts. Banaue is a place for nature adventures and cultural immersion and the rice terraces are quite extraordinary. Palawan has thick green forest, white-sand beach, sparkling water and magnificently sculpted jade islands.

Philippines Airlines operates from most continents to Manila and there are some direct services to Cebu.

South Africa

Go almost anywhere in South Africa and you can experience a combination of nature, wildlife, culture, adventure, heritage and style. During these tough economic times, it’s good to find a bargain destination where you can even afford luxury and have spending money left over. There is natural beauty in mountains, forests, coasts and deserts and world-class facilities.

It is not possible to talk about South Africa without mentioning wildlife. Everyone wants to see the Big Five, but there are also whales, penguins, meerkats, wild dogs, birds and much more. If you are looking to experience wildlife viewing in luxury, Tintswalo Safari Lodge, in the pristine private Manyeleti Game Reserve could be the answer. It shares an unfenced boundary with the renowned Kruger National Park and suites are decorated to reflect colonial times.

Tintswalo Atlantic Resort. Credit: Tintswalo Atlantic

The same company has beach-side Tintswalo Atlantic, a 5 star, award-winning boutique lodge nestled at the base of Table Mountain National Park near Cape Town. This is one of the city’s hidden gems. The views of a wild sea crashing below contrasting with a roaring fire and fabulous welcome drinks will set the tone for a memorable stay.

For a city location, the all-suites Michelangelo Towers in Sandton, Johannesburg appeals because it is directly connected to the Michelangelo Towers Mall and the Sandton Convention Centre, and is located directly opposite Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square in the in heart of South Africa’s Richest Square Mile.

Monaco

Situated at France’s southeastern corner near the Italian border, occupying an area of just 2.8 sq. km, Monaco might be the second smallest country in the world (after the Vatican), but what it lacks in size it sure makes up for in attitude and variety.

There is an ornate opera house, Michelin-starred restaurants, and casinos, palaces, cathedrals, supercars, mega yachts, deluxe hotels and designer boutiques. There are also museums and galleries, festivals, nightclubs, and gardens with exotic plants and sea views.

Monaco. Credit: Monaco Government Tourist Bureau

The country is one of the most surprising and rewarding destinations in Europe. It is just 30 minutes by car, bus or taxi from Nice Airport through hairpin bends and along rocky cliffs. Monaco enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year and a temperate climate.

Berlin

As most readers will know, Berlin has had a chequered history in recent decades. It is now emerging as one of Europe’s leading centres of culture. The modern Mitte district has the Museum Island UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also two opera houses and six major theatres, as well as museums, innumerable galleries and arts venues. Now, many new major cultural projects are locating here, just a few minutes’ walk apart.

Opened earlier this year, the new Pierre Boulez Saal is a major international concert hall with the elliptically-shaped hall regularly presenting concerts and chamber music. A complete contrast is provided by the 1740s Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin’s first opera house, which reopened in October 2017. Unfortunately, Berlin’s most popular museum, the Pergamon, is partially closed but from mid- 2018, visitors can view part of the Pergamon Altar’s treasures at a temporary exhibition building directly opposite Museum Island.

The James-Simon-Galerie will be the Museum Island’s new central entrance and visitor centre with central ticket office, cloakrooms and facilities, cafés and a museum shop when it opens in 2019.

*Berlin-Ansichten. Credit: Visit Berlin*

To complement all this development, several major hotels have opened in 2017 and more are scheduled for 2018.

The Berlin City Centre Alexanderplatz, opened in May offering 344 rooms with a modern design over nine floors. Later, The Yard, 4-star boutique hotel with 55 rooms opened, followed by the Orani Berlin, a classy hotel with 42 subtle but rather luxuriously furnished rooms. Between now and year’s end the 60-metre-high Motel One Berlin-Alexanderplatz with 708 rooms, The Meininger Hotel Berlin East Side Gallery with 245 rooms and the Hilton Berlin City East with 254 rooms will all open.

Bargain rooms may well be on offer during the European winter.

Los Angeles

Many readers will have been to Los Angeles, USA but most will not be aware of the wide range of museums, art galleries and concert halls that are spread throughout the city. In the downtown area, the futuristic Walt Disney Theatre is an architectural masterpiece and is right next door to the city’s newest cultural and design showpiece, The Broad. L.A.Live is another vibrant entertainment complex offering restaurants and live music venues.

*Walt Disney Theatre. Credit: Discover LA. Photo by Matt Marriott*

The Westside perhaps has even more attractions. There is the Getty Center located atop the Santa Monica Mountains then on Museum Row, there is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Pettersen Automotive Museum, the Craft and Folk Museum and the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. In Century City you will find the Annenberg Space for Photography.

Hollywood, known as the entertainment capital of the world, is an essential part of the L.A. experience. Film enthusiasts will love the renovated TCL Chinese Theatre and you can tour the Dolby Theatre, home of the Oscars. Not far away is Universal Studios Hollywood with its rides, shows and tours.

If you consider L.A. nothing more than a gateway to the USA, you had better re-think. It is one of the top picks for places to visit in 2018.

The Best Travel Destinations for 2018www.LenRutledge.com

www.LenRutledge.com

Hawaii First Time: What’s The Best Island in Hawaii to Visit?

Deciding which Hawaiian island to visit for the first time you visit can seem a bit overwhelming. Each of the different major islands–Oahu, Hawaii island, Kauai, Maui–have something unique and different to offer travellers.

Oahu

Surfing at Waikiki Beach | © Alan Light/flickr — Surfing at Waikiki Beach | © Alan Light/Flickr

The beautiful island of Oahu offers the traveler many options. Whether you like the hustle and bustle of big city life in Honolulu; enjoy the serenity of nature in the magnificent Kuala mountains; or want to catch some surf vibes along the North Shore–Oahu has something for everybody!

On the island of Oahu, you’ll find a vibrant mix of culture, arts, and entertainment. There’s plenty of shopping available on Oahu. You can also visit museums, cultural centres, and even attend an authentic Luau.

If spending time on the beach is more your style–Oahu has a number of beaches that meet the needs of whatever beach style you prefer. If you like the busy beaches with plenty of people, bars, and restaurants then Waikiki Beach is a must. But if you prefer more to see a more laid back Hawaii–head to the North Shore and find beautiful sandy beaches with sea turtles, surfers, and unique Hawaiian eats.

Oahu is an island best suited for someone who wants the full Hawaiian experience. Urban explorers can wander Honolulu, culture absorbers will fall for the Polynesian Cultural Centre, history buffs can visit the hallowed grounds of Pearl Harbour, nature lovers can visit some of the greatest beaches and swim in some of the most magnificent water. It’s truly an island for everyone and is our choice as the best island for vacation in Hawaii.

Hawaii Island

Hiking Around the Cape Kumukahi Lighthouse | © Eli Duke/flickr — Hiking Around the Cape Kumukahi Lighthouse | © Eli Duke/Flickr

Hawaii Island, known as the Big Island, is the largest of the Hawaiian islands–with an area larger than all the other islands combined. This island offers unique biomes with eleven different climatic zones–you can visit sandy beaches, snow-capped mountains, and active volcanoes–all on one island!

The Big Island is home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park–a national treasure and the largest volcano on the islands, Kilauea is a must see. You can go hiking and find waterfalls, natural pools, and lush green mountains on Hawaii Island. If you’re lucky, you may encounter dolphins, sea turtles, and whales.

Even the beaches of the Big Island have their own unique characteristics from the black sand on Punalu’u Beach, the white sand on Hāpuna Beach, to the green sand on Papakōlea Beach–these beaches really have something to marvel over.

Hawaii Island is best suited for the naturalist. The variety of climatic zones available on the island brings a depth of life that cannot be matched anywhere else. Active volcanoes, colourful beaches, and incredible landscapes await on the Big Island.

Maui

Sunrise at Haleakala National Park | © Courtney Collison/flickr — Sunrise at Haleakala National Park | © Courtney Collison/Flickr

Even hearing the name Maui invokes a relaxed, calm, island vibe. There is perhaps a no better word to associate with Hawaii than Maui. 30 miles of beaches, the ancient volcano–Haleakala, and the spectacular waterfalls of Ohe’o Gulch are but a few highlights for those that wish to visit the old Hawaii.

Maui is a terrific year round destination with its mild, consistent weather allowing visitors to enjoy the island at its most brilliant. Beaches for every type line the island’s perimeter. Secluded beaches await those looking for privacy. The sports enthusiasts will enjoy the largest surfable waves in North America. Head to the windy side to take up your new favourite hobby of kiteboarding. Want to relax and spend a day on the water without the water thrashing your body–snorkelling meccas are everywhere.

The island is also home to some of the greatest hiking trails in the word. Maui is host to Haleakala National Park. Celebrating Hawaiian culture–both modern and ancient–the park offers a taste of history. Learn how the interactions humans make on their environment shapes the landscape. Don’t want to spend your time inside the fascinating museums–grab your backpack and spend a night under the darkest sky imaginable. Gaze up at the milky way with your naked eye as you fall asleep in the Hawaiian wilderness.

The people of Maui’s dedication to eco-friendly and sustainable farming means that a lot of the food produced on the island stays on the island. It’s a wonderful island for foodies as the locavore scene is exploding. Farm to table restaurants highlighting the glory of Hawaiian food culture dot the island.

Maui is an island best suited for the outdoor loving foodie. After a long day of hiking and exploring, coming back to your hotel, home, or camp with some of the tastiest local food imaginable…priceless.

Kauai

The Top View of Hanalei Bay | © ruthdaniel3444/flickr — The Top View of Hanalei Bay | © ruthdaniel3444/Flickr

Located in the centre of the Hawaiian archipelago lies Kauai. Perhaps the most beautiful of the Hawaiian islands–Kauai is home to some of the best beaches and mountain ranges in the world.

Kauai lays claim to one of the best beaches to visit in Hawaii. Hanalei Bay is a haven for water lovers. Surrounded by majestic forested mountains, to say this location is picturesque doesn’t do it enough justice. In the summer, the ocean’s waves calm and the water is as still as glass. Outside of the summer, surfers from around the world come to enjoy the beauty and splendour of Hanalei Bay.

Known as perhaps the most gorgeous landscape in the United States and perhaps the earth, the Na Pali coastline invites you to take in the lush, tropical environment. See this wonder of geology, with its rocky crags and dense, green foliage by sea, air, or, for the more adventurous, by foot along one of the greatest hiking trails in the world–The Kailua Trail.

Kauai is an island suited best for the adventurous and active. Getting out and interacting with this incredible island is key to the ultimate Kauai experience.

Choosing where to stay in Hawaii doesn’t have to be a difficult decision. Just think about what you want out of your next vacation. Whether it’s beaches, fine dining, city life, history, or wild landscapes–Hawaii has something for everyone. The best island for vacation in Hawaii is the one that will provide you with the most long-lasting memories that you can share with others.

Luxury Gyms as a Growing Market for Fit Globetrotters

So, you have decided to hit the road. Sure, it sounds nice now – saying goodbye to everything, but a lot of questions arise when you decide to make that decision. What are you going to do with your training sessions? Where can you find a job? Do you think that you can find a job easily in, say, Tokyo?

These may be some of the questions running through your head, but you have to know that there are simple answers to them. Keep reading and find out which are the most exclusive luxury gyms in the world, with only the best amenities in which you as a fitness instructor-globetrotter can find a job.

1. Quads Gym, Chicago (USA)

If you want to find your peace in the United States, make sure you head straight to Chicago first, because you will stay there for good. Quads Gym may be the greatest gym in Illinois (in fact, in 2005 it was declared one of the 10 best American gyms) and is famous for being the official weightlifting home of Ed Coan, the greatest powerlifting legend in the world, who has set over 71 world records. The very fact that you would be working in a gym that fostered one Ed Coan truly inspires an awe.

2. Original Temple Gym, Birmingham (UK)

This 62 years old gym, founded in a Birmingham basement, accepts all people who find themselves fit to train there. It consists of a unique combination of old school equipment and the newest high tech gadgetry. One of the biggest pride they have is the original Nautilus equipment.

3. Tiger Muay Thai Gym, Thailand

If you area of expertise includes martial arts, Tiger Muay Thai Gym should be your final destination. Their high-standard luxurious martial arts programmes offer the most perfect setting for training. Its amenities include even yoga, strength training equipment, truck tires, heavy bags, as well as large conditioning facilities. Their unique payment system includes paying for how much you have used their services, that is, for the time you have spent in their facilities and used certain amenities.

4. Symmetry Gym, Dubai

The experienced team in Dubai-based Symmetry Gym is one of their biggest prides, but not the only one. Their facilities house “only state-of-the-art equipment, that is maintained at the highest standards”. Their philosophy includes long-term commitment in order to achieve the perfect bodily shape, and they also take care of your mind and psychological state in order to achieve the best results. Indeed, they offer symmetry between body and mind.

5. Titan Fitness, Sydney (Australia)

One of the best features Titan Fitness gym has is that it appreciates quality. This elite gym was founded 26 years ago, and since its inception it valued customer service as their top priority. This is why there are even facilities which include child care, free healthy eating programs, and the best staff in the world. They may actually be the freshest personal training group in the whole southern hemisphere, so make sure to check them out if you find yourself in the neighbourhood.

No matter if you plan to leave your hometown for good, or just want to spend a few years away from home, fear not that you will not find a good job somewhere in the world. As you can see, there is a plethora of luxury gyms in the world which look for experienced trainers and instructors, meaning that there is room for you in at least one of them. Do not hesitate and give them a call.

Top 5 Aussie Road Trips

The vast territory that is Australia has much to offer. Each region is unique and has spectaculars landscape that must be explored and experienced. Indulge in a holiday of a lifetime and plan a road trip to see the country. Take a week or two, pack the bags, gather the family, load the vehicle and take snacks for the best Aussie road trips. Driving ensures that you do not miss anything between starting and finishing destinations. Take your time and visit some of the most amazing areas on the continent.

1) Great Ocean Road-Victoria

The journey along the southern coast requires a few days in order to make the most of the trip. The destination is renowned around the world for its natural beauty and sites. The famous iconic adventure spans more than 250 kilometres from Torquay to Warrnambool. In addition to the wondrous coastal scenery, the drive provides the chance to stop and encounter wildlife, go hiking, gaze at cascading waterfalls and grab a meal at one of the local beachside communities. Take photographs of the unique formations known as the 12 Apostles. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the calm waters of the Lock Ard Gorge. See the adorable koalas at Kennett River.

2) Red Centre Way-Northern Territory

While many prefer to take the Stuart Highway from Alice Springs to Uluru, the Red Centre Way is infinitely more scenic. Along the way, you will happen upon picturesque canyons and gorges that feature camping and hiking locations. Make a point of being there for an amazing sunrise or sunset. Watch Uluru change colour throughout the course of the day. Take the base walk. Guests of all ages enjoy the memorable camel rides. Stop at nearby Kata Tjuta. Trek through Kings Canyon and along the shores of Glen Helen Gorge. Take a dip in the cool waters of Ormiston Gorge.

3) The Savannah Way-Queensland

Start in the east at Cairns and venture the 3,700 kilometres to Broome in the west. While in Cairns, drive to Undara Volcanic National Park and explore the ancient lava tubes. Gem fossicking is also popular here and might gain a participant anything from aquamarine or quartz gemstones to gold. Make a point of going south of Millaa Millaa and see the most photographed falls in the country. Stay on the lookout for the Ulysses butterfly. Maybe catch a glimpse of a platypus later in the afternoon. The destination is a popular swimming spot and perfects for BBQs and picnics. There are also changing rooms and toilets.

4) Cairns to Cape Tribulation

An eastern coast adventure brings guests to the tropical environs of North Queensland. The iconic scenic region is considered one of the most enchanting destinations on the planet. The reduced humidity during the winter months is more desirable. There are also fewer stinging insects to spoil the trip. Highlights here not to miss include the chance to snorkel or scuba along the Great Barrier Reef. Scramble across the rocks at Mossman Gorge and learn more about the area at the Daintree Discovery Centre.

5) Sydney to Brisbane

The Legendary Pacific Coast remains one of Australia’s most popular road trips. The 900-kilometre drive offers something for visitors of all ages. Tour a winery and sample the vintages in Hunter Valley. Stroll along the coastal promenade at Port Macquarie. Take in the sunset at Coffs Coast or Byron Bay. Take the whole family swimming in the clear blue protected waters of Kingscliff.

4 Places to Visit in Bathurst!

Bathurst is a pleasant destination for those travellers that are looking for a new and satisfying place to visit in Australia. This quiet city is highlighted by interesting historical locations and incredible picturesque views.

Australian Mineral & Fossil Museum

For those individuals who love taking a historical look at the Bathurst area, the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum is a fantastic place to check out. This hot spot is actually the home of the Somerville Collection, which is an internationally renowed collection of the work from Professor Warren Somerville. Within this museum, you will be treated to all kinds of rare fossils and minerals from around the globe. Of course, though, there are also a good amount of specimens showed here right from Australia. These really are the world’s finest assortment of minerals and fossils.

Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre

The Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre is a 650 seat Theatre City Hall that can hold up to 1100 people. Here, visitors are treated to all kinds of shows, plays and productions. There are also four conference rooms located here, which is ideal for seminars and other meetings. This Entertainment Center is a member of the APACA Publication. It’s open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.

National Motor Racing Museum

Anyone in Bathurst that loves motor racing needs to take a look at the National Racing Museum. This is a museum that truly celebrates and enlightens all visitors on the history, racers and overall achievements of Australian Motor Sports. This includes the history of items like the speedway, drag, solar, rallying, open wheeler. There is also information here on sports car and the opportunity to see touring cars. The two main displays found at the National Motor Racing Museum are the Mount Panorama and the Bathurst 1000. The history of Motorbike racing is heavily focused on here.

Turon Technology Museum

Engines are a big draw here in Bathust, which is what you will get to see up-close in Turon Technology Museum. This museum homes a bunch of different exhibits on the development of the stream and internal engine and how it eventually transitioned into the internal combustion engine and then the stream engine. The Turon Technology Museum is not your average Australian museum. Visitors can attend guided tours here that take roughly two hours. However, there are many different attendees that will stay at the Turon Technology Museum for five hours or more. There is no rush to leave here, as visitors can also sit down and enjoy the beautiful nearby scenery with a lazy lunch.

The amazing Thai capital

Bangkok has great attractions, lovely people, some of the world’s best shopping, and a whole cultural experience to enjoy. For me these far outweigh the problems of pollution, overcrowding, horrendous traffic and lack of green spaces seen in all megacities. Just look at a few aspects of the city.

Palaces and Wats (temples).

The Grand Palace must be one of the great architectural complexes in the world. From certain angles, this represents all that is best about Thailand and Thai culture. It is a sight guaranteed to impress the most blasé traveller. The whole complex just assaults the senses from all sides.

Wat Po is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok and is often called Thailand’s first university. The main attraction is the gigantic 46-metre long reclining Buddha, entirely covered in gold leaf but there is much more to see.

There are over 400 wats in Bangkok and Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) is one of my favourites. It sits beside the Chao Phraya River and is particularly spectacular in the early morning.

Don’t miss a visit to Vimanmek Palace which is billed as the world’s largest golden teak building. Also worth visiting is Suan Pakkad Palace, where five traditional Thai houses overlooking a lovely garden display a large collection of Thai arts and antiques.

Food.

Thai food has become one of the most popular cuisines in the world. If you enjoy it in your home country, you will love it in Bangkok. Contrary to popular opinion, Thai food is not always hot. In fact some of the dishes I most enjoy are those where the subtle flavours of the herbs and spices slowly fill the mouth for a special experience.

I love sitting on a rickety stool on a street footpath watching the passing throng just as much as I do sitting in a fine-dining restaurant. A meal on the footpath will cost less than $2 while in the restaurant it may be $30.

The food courts in the shopping malls are also fun. You can wander around and select from stalls selling all sorts of food. If there are several of you, a gourmet meal to share can be easily assembled.

For a different experience, visit Cabbages and Condoms in Sukhumvit Soi 14. This is run by Thailand’s Population and Community Development Association which believes in getting the safe sex message out to all customers. The food is good and the setting sublime despite its popularity with tourists.

Shopping.

Bangkok has Asia’s best shopping. The combination of markets, thousands of small retailers, huge department stores and gigantic malls offers variety seen in few cities around the world. Add wonderful Thai handicrafts, world famous Thai silk, smart fashion and great prices and it is hard to beat.

I recommend you start at Chatuchak Weekend Market perhaps the largest weekend market in the world. On a typical weekend, more than 200,000 visitors come here to sift through the goods on offer. You will be amazed at the sheer variety of merchandise.

If you are looking for an up-market shopping experience, one of the huge central city megamalls is the answer. Those around Siam Square have long been favourites of locals and visitors but several new malls have opened recently which challenge this area.

The Cultural Experience.

Walk down the side streets and you will find a wonderful city. You will see life on the streets, spectacular little temples, street eateries, and Thais going about their normal business. It’s available to every visitor and it’s free.

Take a ferry along the river and see a different side of the city. For less than a dollar, you can go several kilometres, calling in on floating piers, weaving in and out of cross-river traffic and enjoying a cool breeze on the face.

There are also plenty of deeper experiences. I recently discovered the Wat Mahadhatu Meditation School. You can learn meditation from the monks by turning up to the daily classes.

Thai massage is something that many non-Thais find fascinating. I usually manage at least one massage in Bangkok but enthusiasts can enrol in the Wat Po Massage School and learn all the finer points of this art form from the experts.

www.LenRutledge.com

All photographs by Phensri Rutledge.

Impressive New Delhi

The noise from honking horns, market sellers and mosques and temples is relentless. The smells from flowers, incense, food and open sewers are overwhelming. The colour from saris, spices and sparkling jewellery is intense. Welcome to Delhi, India’s grand capital.

New Delhi is a city of enormous contrasts where poverty sits beside wealth, beauty intermingles with filth, and structure and chaos compete for supremacy. It will dazzle all your senses and cause you heart-ache at the same time.

It can be challenging and charming, overwhelming and stunningly beautiful. The eager friendliness of the people is endearing, and the food is unforgettable but there is likely to be unexpected glitches no matter how much you plan.

New Delhi has some wonderful sights with the following just a sample.

The Red Fort

This was the centre of Mughal India, functioning as both a military fort and palace, at a time when the emperors would ride out into the streets of Old Delhi on elephants in a magnificent display of pomp and power.

Red Fort is protected by a massive 18m-high wall and inside there is some outstanding architecture, shaded pathways, and beautiful gardens. A visit here will last several hours if you want to see all areas.

The Jama Masjid

The largest mosque in India has a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. It was begun in 1644 and ended up being the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who built the Tāj Mahal and the Red Fort.

This is a highly decorative mosque with three gates, four towers and two 40m-high minarets with distinctive strips of red sandstone and white marble. Three black and white marble domes surmount the prayer hall.

One of the main attractions is to climb one of its minarets to the highest level and get a great 360 degrees aerial view of the mosque and the city. The view is worth the climb.

Crafts Museum

The government-run Crafts Museum holds an amazing collection of rare and distinctive craft pieces covering painting, embroidery, textiles, and various crafts of clay, stone and wood.

The museum also houses a village complex spread over two hectares, with 15 structures representing village dwellings, courtyards and shrines from different states of India, with items of day-to-day life displayed.

The entire village complex is a remnant of a temporary exhibition on the theme of rural India, held in 1972. Several traditional craftsmen can be seen working here and they also sell the crafts they create. There is a shop and a very popular cafe.

Humayan’s Tomb

Further to the south is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun built in 1569-70. The tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has undergone extensive restoration in recent years and was spotlessly clean on my last visit. It is a delightful spot. The pathway from the western entrance passes several smaller structures including Isa Khan’s tomb that even pre-dates the main tomb itself.

The tomb was commissioned by Humayun’s first wife Bega Begum and was designed by a Persian architect. It was the first structure to use red sandstone on such a large scale. The tomb’s architecture and the attached garden are the best examples in Delhi of the early Mughal style of tomb and it set a precedent for subsequent monumental Mughal buildings.

Qutb Minar

Still further south, the Qutb complex, is even older and it contains many ancient monuments and buildings. It is the said to be the second most visited place in India. This is located in Lalkot, later called Qila Rai Pithora, the first of the seven cities of Delhi, established by a Tomar Rajput ruler.

The original complex contained many ancient Hindu and Jain temples but most were destroyed for material during the construction of the Qubbat-ul-Islam Mosque. This was the first mosque built in Delhi after the Islamic conquest of India and it is now known as the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. The mosque consists of a courtyard, cloisters, and a prayer hall.

The best-known structure in the complex is the Qutb Minar, built over many years from 1202. The tapered Qutb Minar is 72.5 metres high and has five distinct storeys. There are 379 steps to the top but there is no access to the public. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lotus temple

The Bahá’í Lotus temple was completed in 1986. It is set among lush green landscaped gardens and has won numerous architectural awards. Its unusual lotus shape has made it a major attraction. It was named “The most visited religious building in the world” by Guinness World Records in 2001 and is said to receive more visitors than the Taj Mahal.

The temple has 27 free-standing marble clad “petals” arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. The nine doors of the Lotus Temple open onto a central hall that is capable of holding up to 2,500 people. Light and water are used in place of the thousands of statues and carvings to be found in other temples. At sunset it is a dramatic sight as the white marble is stunning.

You can preview Len’s latest book Experience India’s Gold Triangle

Beaches To Totally Move To

Is there anything that can top a big move to the seaside? The clear sky above you, fine white sand caressing your feet, and the open sea breaking the horizon wherever you look. Why settle for a nice lawn and a driveway, when you can have one of the world’s most beautiful beaches as your back yard. There are several location that caught our eye as worth moving to, but the choice is all yours.

Thailand

One does not merely enter a conversation about Thailand without honoring its many scenic beaches. A month’s vacation in Thailand will get you a new beach to relax or party on each day. A more permanent solution will grant you an exotic but accepting culture to spend your days getting to know, and beaches and islands galore. Choosing between, say, Patong, Railey or Kata beaches, or the dazzling Maya bay is hard work, but with a little courage and enough wanderlust, you needn’t make the choice. Dropping your anchor in Thailand is a smart choice for longer periods as well as summer vacations. You could move to Thailand and enjoy a very affordable life and afford a very enjoyable climate.

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Fraser Island, Australia

Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island, a patchwork of pristine beaches and sand dunes set against an interior dense with vivid rain forests. Living on Fraser Island is not an option, but it is really close to mainland Australia, and a popular weekend getaway with the locals. There are plenty of fun things to do on Fraser Island, the most popular of which are 4 wheel drive tours along the dunes. It’s basically the Dakar Rally for mortals.

Nantucket Island, Massachusetts

One of the first beaches that pop into mind is Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. Some of the most beautiful North Atlantic landscapes can be seen from this island, and though it doesn’t seem bright and breezy, Nantucket Island beaches have that classical feel to them, like they are the perfect place to put up a permanent beach residence (step aside, Hamptons). With its remarkable sunsets and colorful lighthouses, this is the perfect place to get cozy and whimsical, the whole year round.

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Hawaii

Another great location of this kind is Hawaii. The many islands have to offer crystal clear and lush greenery that goes hand in hand with volcanic activity. The islands are tourist friendly, and a popular resort for Americans looking for a break away from it all, but shying away from leaving the country. The many resorts offer plenty of jobs for newcomers, as well as locals – a phenomenon explored and well-played out in the comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall.