European Travel Magazine - April2014

Issue 2 November 2013

Issue 8 April 2014

EuropeanTravel Magazine

IN THIS ISSUE

Barcelona Airport Guide

Nin - Croatia

Top Malaga Hotels

WENDY HUNG’S ULTIMATE LIST FOR SPRING IN PARIS This season is all about forgetting the dreary winter cold and maintaining a positive attitude when you travel. BELARUS TRAVEL A breif introduction to this charming country TRAVELLING WITH THE LITTLE ONES Top tips from real parents on travelling with children. CYPRUS for Holidays and an Idyllic Lifestyle.

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Slovenia Feature Fo r a smal l co u ntr y, S l ovenes are f iercel y pro u d o f t h eir cult u re.

Slovenia (Slovenija) is a country in Central Europe that lies in the eastern Alps at the northern end of the Adriatic Sea, with Austria to the north, Italy to the southwest, Hungary to the northeast and Croatia to the south. Despite its small size, Slovenia has a surprising variety of terrain, ranging from the beaches of the Mediterranean to the peaks of the Julian Alps, to the rolling hills of the south. Slovenia was already more economically advanced than other nations behind the iron curtain prior to European integration and the powerhouse of Tito’s Yugoslavia. Contrary to the popular misconception, Slovenia was not a part of the Eastern bloc (not after the Yugoslavian notorious split with the Soviet Union in 1948). Added the fact that Slovenia is also home to some of the finest scenery in the “New Europe”, the transition from socialism to the European common market economy has gone well and serves as a model for other nations on the same track to follow.

For a small country, Slovenes are fiercely proud of their culture.

Two names you will run into over and over again are national poet France Prešeren (1800-1849), who penned (among other things) the Slovenian national anthem, and the architect Jože

Ple?nik (1872-1957), credited with Ljubljana’s iconic Tromostovje bridges and, seemingly, half the modern buildings in the country. It was the monks of the Catholic Church that kept Slovene alive over the centuries of relentless Germanization from the north. As a result Slovene survived in its unique form different than Serbo-Croatian to the south. Part of both the countryside and city architecture in Julian Alps shares a lot in common with neighboring Austria, including countless roadside shrines and pretty baroque steeples, giving the interior of the nation a truly alpine flavor. One could easily mistake parts of mountainous Slovenia for Tyrol, Salzburg or Bavaria. In modern times, industrial band Laibach (see box) has served to put Slovenia on the map. In the decades before them, Slavko Avsenik and his Oberkrainer (as known in German) did the same.

Mediterranean climate on the coast, mountain climate in Alps with mild summers and freezing winters and continental climate with hot summers and freezing winters in the plateaus and valleys to the east.

Slovenian, the national language, is spoken as mother tongue by 91% of the population.

CONTENTS

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4 The Algarve The Perfect Family Holiday Destination Taking a holiday in the Algarve, Portugal during the winter season is a wonderful way to escape the cold and rainy weather and enjoy the warmth of this stunning area.

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Top Beach Holiday Destinations in Europe

Traveling With The Little Ones

An Introduction To Nin, Croatia

Countries in Europe are very popular holiday destinations.

Either winter or summer holidays, Europe has much to offer.

Spain, Croatia, France, Monaco & Greece.

My wife and I take frequent trips with our daughters across the country. The oldest is currently seven and the youngest just turned three. Needless to say it has been an adventure and learning process on every trip that we have ever taken.

The economic development of Nin began after World War II. Since 1969, Nin has been developing as a tourist destination.

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Barcelona El Prat Airport Guide

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Top Malaga Hotels

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Wendy Hung’s Ultimate List For Spring in Paris

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Cyprus for Holidays and an Idyllic Lifestyle

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Belarus Travel

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The Algarve The Perfect Family Holiday Destination

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Taking a holiday in the Algarve, Portugal during the winter season is a wonderful way to escape the cold and rainy weather and enjoy the warmth of this stunning area. The space and flexibility you can enjoy if you spend your holiday in one of the many Algarve villas that are available for rent will make it that much more special.

This part of Portugal is in the southern most region of the country and has a wonderfully mild climate all year round. The coastline also happens to be one of the most beautiful in Europe. Portugal is a wonderful, safe place for the whole family to stay, and at a price that will not break the bank.

With mile upon mile of uncrowded, sandy beaches, the Algarve has a superb year round climate. Pretty coastal towns and villages boast old churches and bustling markets, pavement cafes serving excellent snacks, and fishing boats on the beach. The Algarve in Portugal boasts an average 320 days of sunshine a year, gentle breezes coming off the Atlantic, and a laid back lifestyle that you thought had vanished.

While you are staying in the Algarve, you will be able to enjoy some of the fine attractions that the area has to offer. For the golf lover there are some world class golf courses. There are clubs and bars if you are looking for some nightlife. You can also enjoy many outdoor activities like tennis and horseback riding. In fact, there is a little something for everyone.

But the greatest form of relaxation will be to simply mix with the locals at the tavern in a nearby village! And be sure to head inland from the coastal plain and take a drive up to the mountains through forests of eucalypts and umbrella pine trees to the unspoilt village of Monchique. Here the locals brew Medronho , one of the tastiest beverages in the Algarve and Portugal, and a drop which you must try.

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Top Beach Holiday Destinations in Europe

Countries in Europe are very popular holiday destinations.

Either winter or summer holidays, Europe has much to offer. It has great beaches, temperate climates and good selection of resorts that cater to any kind of holidays you want. There are a lot of famous beaches all over Europe that are very ideal to a wonderful beach vacation. Here are some places in Europe with famous beach vacation destinations: Spain There are several beach vacation resorts in Spain located mainly along the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea. You may also choose to go to some islands in Spain located at Majorca. They are very popular and you will have a great beach vacation at a reasonable price here.

If you don t want too much crowd during your beach vacation, you may choose to go to Cadiz. This golden sandy beach at Cadiz has a serene and rustic quality. You may also tour around the city of Cadiz and see its ancient quality from its local historical attractions, architectures and designs.

C ountries in E urope are very popular holiday destinations . .

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France London really is a city that The Biarritz Beach at the Basque coast of France is sunny and has a mild weather which is perfect all year round for those who want to take a beach vacation. Biarritz has a Spanish influence so expect a great cuisine and design in the place. There are also several attractions near Biarritz Beach that you can visit and local shopping places to buy for souvenirs.

Another popular beach vacation destination in France is the beach at St. Tropez.

This beautiful beach has a tropical weather that makes it a great destination for a beach vacation.

There are also chic clubs for you to visit and enjoy at night that will erase the thought of boredom in your stay at St.Tropez.

Monaco The Larvotto Beach has a beautiful and sunny weather. This beach caters mostly to the wealthy and glamourous, making it ideal for a luxurious beach vacation. You can enjoy eating in its fine restaurants and have a great time at its classy clubs.

Croatia Most tourists that visit Croatia go to coasts especially along the Adriatic Sea. It has an extraordinary coastline and the popular beaches at Croatia are those atSibenik, Dubrovnik, Trogir, Zadar, the National Park Brijuni Islands and the National Park Kor-

nati . You can enjoy the beauty of the beach or go scuba diving. If you are yet to learn scuba diving, there are a number of beaches that has qualified instructors to teach you.

Greece The small island of Mykonos in Greece has varied atmospheres that makes it good for any kind of vacation family, friends, or romantic getaways.

You can enjoy some water activities here or just have a relaxing time under the sun. The local restaurants here will give you the taste of the classic Greek cuisine that you will totally enjoy.

These places are just some of the most popular ones for the beach bums. They should be on your list if you are planning to take a beach vacation to Europe.

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T raveling W ith T he L ittle O nes

My wife and I take frequent trips with our daughters across the country. The oldest is currently seven and the youngest just turned three. Needless to say it has been an adventure and learning process on every trip that we have ever taken.

The seven year old has been to Vail colorado snow skiing. Germany on a weeklong siteseeing tour, and of course to the children’s mecca Walt-Disney World in Orlando, twice. She is an experienced traveller in every sense of the word. She knows the airport shuffle as well as the in’s and out’s of custom’s and cabs.

Now the three year old is a totally different story. Since her arrival the budget has been more limited.

Therefore her experience is listed to the standard beach week, trip to visit relatives in Houston, and of course Disney World. She is less acclimated and has a lesser temperment for spending times in planes, trains, and automobiles.

She is a squirmer to say the least.

Now making a roadtrip with both of these diverse individuals takes planning and intent on my wife and I’s part. We have to plan our stops and the total travel time that we are going to experience. We must avoid the naptime for changes of venues. No airlines from 1:00 to 3:00 as the three year old is sleeping during this time.

We must plan to have adequate restroom breaks and stop to take them even when all is proclaimed to be well by the vehicles inhabitants. A three year old can turn in a minute from not needing to use to the bathroom to having a full

emergency.

Speaking of an emergency, during our trip to Vail, and snowskiing.

My daughter came down with an ear ache. So when you are traveling make sure that you always carry adequate medical information with you. We had to call my daughters doctor at home to fax her records to the doctor in Vail.

This delayed a full day of skiing for my daughter as well as us while we waited on the documents.

While taking a long car trip to visit relatives in Mississipi my three year old who was at the time two, decided that a crying fit was in order. She screamed all the way to the Mercede’s museum. We took about a two hour break and walked around siteseeing, the whole time she was just glad to be out of the car seat. While it is not a problem for adults to sit for hours on end, two and three year olds need adequate playtime to exercise their legs.

So in short when planning to travel with little ones always plan time to take stops. Make sure that you have adequate documentation, and have great humor in the situations that arise. artcle by Charles Cater

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A n I ntroduction To N in , C roatia The economic development of Nin began after World War II. Since 1969, Nin has been developing as a tourist destination.

A small town near Zadar, Nin has a very rich and tumultuous history. Its location is intriguing; the heart of Nin is its historical center on an islet only 500 meters in diameter. Nin is situated in a lagoon on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, surrounded by natural sandy beaches and linked with the mainland by two stone bridges from the 16th century. According to historians the area of Nin appears to have been settled 10000 years ago. The present-day town on the islet developed 3000 years ago and is one of the older towns on the eastern Adriatic. The area of Nin was colonized by immemorial people of the Mediterranean.

Since the 9th century B.C. the civilization of the Illyrian tribe of Liburnians was present before the Romans came, who had a strong sea and trade center called Aenona. The rich archeological finds prove strong sea links with Greece and the Hellenistic world: recent explorations revealed a rarity, a very well preserved Byzantine mosaic on the floor of a Roman villa.

The Croats colonized Nin at the beginning of the 7th century. The first Croatian state community was formed at the end of the 8th and beginning of the 9th century. Nin was the first Croatian royal town, with its period of glory being from the 7th to the 13th centuries. In the 9th century Nin became the seat of the first Croatian bishop. Bishops from Nin played a great role in the country’s religious, a cultural and a political sense. Significant rulers connected with the history of Nin include Prince Višeslav, Prince Branimir, King Tomislav, King Petar Krešimir IV, King Zvonimir.

At the time of Turkish wars, Nin was on the battlefield. After the selling of Dalmatia to Venice (1409), Nin came under the control of Venice. Since then began its destruction; it was economically exploited but not protected militarily. The town was destroyed twice. The first destruction was 1571 and the second on 28 April 1646. The Venice government gave an order to burn the town and destroy it systemati-

cally. According to historians, the Venice government sacrificed Nin and left the burnt town to the Turks to save the town of Zadar. Monument, churches, and the king’s and bishops palaces in Nin were destroyed and have never been renewed.

The economic development of Nin began after World War II. Since 1969, Nin has been developing as a tourist destination. Nin today is historical and tourist town which looks for its developing in valorization of historical heritage. In recent years, many monuments have been restored. Because of the importance of Nin in the history of Croatia, tourists visit from Croatia and elsewhere in Europe.

They come especially to visit two symbols of the old town: the Nin Townchurch of Holy Cross from the 9th century called “the smallest cathedral in the world” and the coronation church.

After 1980 near Nin a high power mediumwave broadcasting station was built.

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B arcelona E l P rat A irport G uide

Barcelona Airport is 12 kilometers southwest of the Catalan capital.

It is the second busiest airport in Spain, only Madrid is busier.

Barcelona processes more than 24 million passengers per year.

In popular speech it is called ‘L’Aeroport del Prat’.

The airport has three terminals: A (international flights), B (domestic flights) and C (primarily for private and shuttle flights).

The terminals are connected by walkways.

Contact Address Barcelona Airport 08820 El Prat de Llobregat Spain Telephone: +34(0)932 983 838 Fax: +34(0)932 983 737 Email: bcninformacion@aena.es Airport codes IATA airport code: BCN ICAO airport code: LEBL

Local Transport Train The airport has excellent rail connections with Barcelona via the RENFE train line. Cercanís Train Station is accessible via the walkway between Terminals A and B. Trains leave every half hour and stop by the stations SantsEstaçio, travel time is 17 minutes, Plaça de Catalunya, 23 minutes, Arc de Triomf, 26 minutes and Clot-Arago, 30 minutes.

Car and Bus The airport is accessible from the ring road around Barcelona, exit Pata Sur, the airport is on the way to Castelldefels (C-31), exit on the highway Barcelona-Sitges (C-32).

The Aerobús A1 leaves every 15 minutes from each terminal to the center of Barcelona (Plaça de Catalunya), a ticket costs €3.60 and this service is managed by Transports Ciutat Comtal-TCC (tel: +34(0)934 156 020). You can find further information on the website for Aerobús (in the options menu scroll all the way down and click on Aerobús).

In Terminals B and C there are also two bus lines that leave Barcelona to other destinations, one bus goes to Figueres, Girona, Lleida, Reus and Tarragona, the other bus goes to Castelldefels, Ribes, Sitges, Rocamar, Roquetes, Vilanova, Cubelles, Cunit, Segur, Calafell and El Vendrell.

Between 22:55 and 4:11 there is a night bus, number 106, to Barcelona.

Car rental – Barcelona Airport In Terminals B and C on the ground floor you can find counters for car rental companies such as: Avis, Atesa, Alamo, Europcar and Hertz.

Taxi There are taxi stands at every terminal, the cost for a ride to Plaça d’España in Barcelona is approximately €15.00, and the cost to Sagrada Familia is €21.00.

Prices during nights and weekends are a little bit higher, the trip time is about half an hour.

Airport Parking There is a covered parking garage in Terminal C, this is connected to the terminal by a walkway, this is also the case for open-air parking for terminal A. Other open air parking places are by Terminal B.

B arcelona El Prat a ir p o r t is t h e seco n d b u siest a ir p o r t in Spa in, only M a dr id is b u sier..

Barcelona has a total of 13,000 parking spaces, and 2,500 are covered.

Services Shops and Restaurants Barcelona Airport provides a vast amount of shops and restaurants.

There are Duty Free shops in Terminals A and B, as well as a large number of other shops.

Baggage You can leave baggage in the Arrivals Hall in terminal B. Found items can be picked up in the Bloque Técnico building (tel: +34(0)932 983 349).

Business In Terminal B, there are meeting facilities with a total space of 200 m², which can be split into two rooms of 100 m². The rooms have telephone, fax, internet connection, and audiovisual equipment. For reservations (tel: +34(0)932 983 815).

Disabled facilities Barcelona Airport has excellent accessibility for the disabled.

There are elevators, moving walkways, wheelchair ramps and accessible bathrooms. Parking spaces are available close to the terminals where there are special large parking places reserved for the disabled.language. In the parking garages there are reserved places for the disabled.

Other services In Terminals A and B there are banks, money exchange offices, and ATM’s. There is a 24 hour medical service, and there are play areas for children. You can find the police in Terminal A (tel: +34(0)932 971 219). The airport has 26 Wi-Fi points for wireless internet, which are clearly indicated by red signs. There is an exposition space in Terminal C where various exhibitions are held.

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To p M alaga H ote l s L os A rcos 3 * The family-run apartment hotel lies just a 5-minute walk from the sandy beach. Situated on the outskirts of Nerja, the centre and a bus station may be easily reached on foot. The nearest large city, Málaga, is a 35-minute drive away. The Sierra Nevada can be reached in about one and a half hours. Links to the public transport network are located directly in front of the hotel. Málaga Airport is 55 km away.

H otel H umaina 3 * Forget about your daily stresses at the Hotel Humaina, an environmentally friendly hotel located in the heart of the Natural Park “Montes de Malaga”, 18km away from Málaga’s city centre.

The Humaina is a 13 bedroom family run hotel where you will be able to taste succulent traditional food or do some reading or just chat by the fire place in their cosy library.

C asa D el M olinero n / a La Casa del Molinero - Guesthouse, B & B, family-run offers 2 bedrooms and 1 duplex suite decorated with care and originality. La Casa del Molinero - Guesthouse is a former olive oil mill restored. La Casa del Molinero - Guesthouse is located close to the white and typical village of Comares in the region’s rural Axarquia east of Malaga, in the heart of authentic Andalusia.

A parthotel P yr 3 * In an outstanding position on the Fuengirola seafront, directly opposite the Marina and a beautiful extensive beach on the fine sand.

In the immediate surroundings are all the elements which complement a holiday: Restaurants, Bars, Pubs, discotheques, Banks, Shops, Boutiques, Supermarkets and so on.

E UROP E AN T RAV E L M AGAZIN E B alcon de C ompeta 3 * This hotel is located in the traditional Spanish village of Competa, nestled in the mountains and set at 638 m above sea level. Guests will find the Iglesia de la Asuncion and the Paseo de las Tradiciones 500 m away and it is 800 m to Plaza de la Vendimia and 1 km to the Parque Natural de las Sierras Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama. Cruz del Monte is 2.5 km and Cruz de Sarja is 3 km.

L os A migos B each C lub 3 * Los Amigos Beach Club is undoubtedly one of the best equipped resorts in the region and promises the perfect family vacation.

Almost an Andalusian village in itself, Los Amigos combines beautiful accommodations with a range of facilities including stylish indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, a clubhouse with restaurant and even its own bowling green.

H otel T ari k 3 * The hotel has an ample sized garden surrounding a large swimming pool, with free sun beds on the lawn. The lounges are excellently furnished in Spanish style.

Restaurant - Pizzeria Cafeteria - Snack Bar G ran H otel B enahavis 4 * Blessed by the light of the Costa del Sol, Gran Hotel BenahavĂ­s is the ideal place for both couples and families with children in search of a healthy style of tourism, tranquillity as well as golf afficonados.

Surrounded by mountains, it is the perfect place for those who want to forget it all and immerse themselves in nature, comfort and luxury.

H otel A ngela 4 * The Angela Hotel is located in the promenade of Fuengirola, a fabulous situation, overlooking the sea and a few minutes from the town centre.

On the first floor and with spectacular views to the beach you will be able to relax on one of the sun beds of our solarium, enjoying an aperitif or a snack.

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W endy H ung ’ s U ltimate L ist F or S pring in Paris Word to the wise: mix your favorite indoor and outdoor activities. This season is all about forgetting the dreary winter cold and maintaining a positive attitude when you travel.

Stay at Saint James Hotel If I didn’t have local friends who often welcome me in their homes, I would choose to stay in Saint James Hotel in the 16th arrondissement. It’s the best chateau hotel in the city and each room is wildly different, all created by New York designer, Bambi Sloan. Traveling in the city already feels like going to a different world, Saint James is a whimsical one that lives within the romance of Paris.

Stroll through a local farmer’s market: Marche d’Aligre Sometimes, shopping for groceries here is more fun

than shopping for souvenirs. Fifteen minutes will suddenly turn into an hour as I love to stop by every stand and check out a little bit of everything and strike up conversations with everyone.

Enjoy an unpretentious meal at Bistrot du Peintre With over 70 Michelin restaurants in this city, I still return to Bistrot du Peintre in the Bastille area.

It’s simply a neighborhood joint that serves dishes you

would see in any French brasserie. There’s nothing overly fancy here, but I just love everything on the menu along with two glasses of Côtes du Rhône.

I highly recommend cuisse de canard confite and profiteroles géantes for dessert!

Wanderlust through Montmartre Feeling blue? Get lost in the alleys of Montmartre (my old neighborhood!) is the best remedy

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Shop for gorgeous handmade ceramics at Astier de Villatte A simple store on Rue Saint Honore makes me so happy! Every piece is handcrafted from black terracotta clay using a special technique which leaves small dimples that make each piece so beautifully different. I especially love shopping for gifts here, my mother particularly appreciates them.

A few hours at Musée d’Orsay is good for the soul Le Louvre is a little too crazy for me, too many tourists. So I opt for Musée d’Orsay, where I fantasize about living in. It would make a lovely home with everything that I would ever want in life: Cézanne, Monet, Van Gogh…dream come true.

Snap photos of spring colors at Jardin du Luxembourg Oh the pastel hues against an abundance of green.

The second largest park is highlighted with pinks, purples and yellows during this time of the year. This is when I take my iPhone and begin to snap away until the battery runs out. #iPhonography4ever

Dance the night away at Le Baron Just when the rest of Paris becomes quiet, Le Baron will always welcome you with open arms. Nightlife in Paris doesn’t change very often. The “it” spots will remain popular for many years. Thankfully, Le Baron has been consistent through time. Great music, super chill vibe with great people. I’ve loved this hotspot for many years, and still do.

About The Author Paris is the most beautiful city in the world, but the arrival of spring lifts its beauty to a magical level.

Outdoor drinks by Le Seine, devouring a sweet meal on the terrace of a restaurant, picnic in the park are wonderful options for a perfect travel life in Paris.

Wendy Hung, founder of Jetset Times lived in Paris Grab a few friends and for many years and returns spend an evening by to the City of Light often.

Pont Alexandre III Find out what’s on her ultiNewly opened Le Rosa Bon- mate list for an ideal spring heur makes me very giddy. vacation in a city that she It’s an outdoor bar/restauknows all too well. rant attracting a gorgeous crowd and dynamic energy. Word to the wise: mix your I love meeting friends by favorite indoor and outdoor the bridge, sitting by Le activities. This season is all Seine, and then we would about forgetting the dreary order a few bottles of Rose winter cold and maintainand champagne while ing a positive attitude when watching the sunset. you travel.

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C yprus for H olidays and an I dyllic L ifestyle The beautiful island of Cyprus lies in the Mediterranean Sea, it basks in up to 300 days of sunshine a year making it an island for all seasons.

Every year Aphrodite’s island effortlessly attracts holiday makers and expatriates in their droves; they come in search of the stunning scenery, the incredible history, the fantastic weather, the warm and welcoming people and the idyllic Cypriot lifestyle.

If you’re looking for your next holiday hotspot or a perfect place to live in the sun here are five top reasons to consider Cyprus.

1) Cyprus has the perfect climate: in the short autumn and winter months the temperature never drops so low that the delicate fruit trees fail to deliver their burgeoning crop and in the summer the temperature never soars so high that the beautiful jasmine and bougainvillea blossoms wilt.

Because the weather in Cyprus is considered to be so healthy it has long been an island favoured by all the family, it’s not too hot for those looking for an idyllic retirement destination and it’s not too cold or wet for those looking to escape to the sun.

2) With cheap airlines now servicing the airports across Cyprus, Greece and Turkey the island is easily and cheaply accessible from mainland Europe and there are some direct and many connecting flights to North America, Australasia and the Middle East which makes it an easy destination to reach.

3) Cyprus has been inhabited for at least the last 9,000 years and as a result it is steeped in history, rich in culture and charm and boasts an abundance of interesting historical sites, castles, fortresses and ruins.

5) The Cypriot lifestyle is laid back, warm, friendly and hospitable. The Cypriot people enjoy a leisurely pace of life that we can all envy…coming to Cyprus on holiday or to live people find they quickly adapt to long lunches and evenings spent out under the stars enjoying a meze of local dishes, some fine Cypriot wine and the company of great friends.

As a destination for your next holiday or a country to consider living in for those seeking a more laid back and idyllic lifestyle, Cyprus truly has it all!

There is so much to do and see in Cyprus that holiday makers return frequently and many decide to settle permanently on this amazing island.

4) Aphrodite’s island is also rich in flora and fauna; it has many rare species of orchid for example as well as being home to rare birds of prey, owls, flamingos and butterflies. In the spring and autumn walking tours are very popular with those wanting to experience Cyprus up close and personal and the Troodos and Kyrenia mountain ranges both have many paths to explore and views to experience.

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year A phrodite ’ s island effortlessly attracts holiday ma k ers and e x patriates

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Belarus Travel Originally part of Kievan Rus, Belarus was part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth until the Polish Partitions in the 18th century.

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After over a hundred years of Russian rule followed by seven decades as a constituent republic of the USSR, Belarus attained its independence in 1991.

However, under authoritarian rule, it has retained closer political and economic ties to Russia than any of the other former Soviet republics. Belarus and Russia signed a treaty on a two-state union on 8 December, 1999, envisioning greater political and economic integration. Although Belarus agreed to a framework to carry out the accord, serious steps towards implementation have seen limited success. The economy is completely dependent on Russia, and the Belarusian government has taken vitriolic, anti-Western stance. The country has not seen much structural reform in the past few years.

Political and journalistic activity is tightly controlled.

Even though the country was the most developed republic (excluding the three Baltic states) in the former USSR, the country remains as one of the poorest and most underdeveloped countries in Europe.

There are already some courses in the area and there are new hotel complexes that have courses in construction. The area of Belek to the east of Antalya has been recognised as a location for specific development in terms of tourism and new infrastructure, hotels, golf courses and other projects are planned. Other sports like diving, sailing, windsurfing, mountain biking and horse riding are already popular. There are already at least 10 golf courses in the Belek area including the 27 hole championship course at the Cornelia Golf Club which was designed by Nick Faldo. Another British golfer, Colin Montgomerie, was involved in the design of the course at the Papillon Golf Club.

Currently the only links course is at the Lykia Links Golf Club. Here there is a 18 hole Championship course and a 9 hole Academy course. Currently more than half of Turkey’s gold courses are in the Belek area, but the Turkish Golf Federation has announced that a further 100 courses are planned across the country.

Belarusian and Russian are the two official languages. Both languages are part of the Slavic language family and are closely related, and there are many similarities in those languages. Russian, in general, is more widely spoken by the population. According to the 2009 official census, 53.2% of Belarusian residents considered Belarusian to be their native language and 23% predominantly speak it at home.

Others speak Russian. It will be difficult to get by without some Russian or Belarusian.

Polish is spoken in the western parts, especially around Grodno. But most local Poles use their own dialect with Belarusian as the base and with only some Polish words and sounds.

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