La Manga del Mar Menor is a tiny strip of land on the Costa Calida, barely noticeable on satellite images of Southern Spain. Its name means "sleeve," and the narrow land that comprises La Manga certainly looks like one. Resembling an oversized sandbar, it is 21 km long and only 300 meters wide on average. The "sleeve" forms a small bay that distinguishes Mar Menor from the rest of the Mediterranean Sea. This makes it an unusual attraction, perfect for a unique Spanish holiday.

Though it's technically part of the Mediterranean, Mar Menor has character all its own. It is often referred to as a lake. One taste of the water though, and its true nature is revealed. Its high salinity makes floating a breeze. Combined with Mar Menor's famous "Black Mud," it is believed to possess therapeutic qualities. The enclosed shape and 70 km coastline also make it a natural water sports area. It's year-round warmth and 315 days of sunshine make it an ideal place for professional athletes to practice.

La Manga is primarily a holiday resort area, though it is inhabited by locals year-round too. It has been favored as a home-away-from-home since ancient Phoenicians began establishing summer residences there. Today it is a getaway for both Spaniards and foreigners alike.

One of the best ways to get personal with the natural beauty of La Manga del Mar Menor is by cycling. Bicycles (both street and mountain varieties) are a common sight on La Manga strip. Avid cyclists may be able to take in the entire strip in a day's time. If travelers find it impractical to bring their own bikes, they can rent from various locations.

Bicycles can be hired for as little as one day, or for a week at a time. Tourists are limited only by their enthusiasm and energy levels. Cyclists can choose to ride the roads or take in the more technical trails in the area.

For the casual biker, guided bike tours are offered regularly. Those who are less inclined to engage in trail riding can get a good workout while seeing the sights. Plus, taking part in a guided tour means that visitors have the support of an expert biker. Additionally, they will be able to learn about the area at the same time. Helmets, locks and maps are typically included in the rental cost. This applies to both individual rentals and group cycling tours.

Another alternative to cycling is seeing the area by quad. This may be especially appealing to those who prefer motorsports over manpower. It also offers visitors a way to enjoy an off-road adventure without the effort of pedaling. Quads can be rented almost any place that bicycles are available.

Visitors who are booking an all-inclusive Spanish holiday are encouraged to reserve bikes and quads ahead of time. Spots on guided tours should also be booked ahead of time. This helps ensure travelers do not miss out on the opportunity to see La Manga by bicycle. The "Little Sea" of Mar Menor is a paradise for bikers of all ages and skill levels.

By: Michael J Lee
The La Manga Club Resort is one of the worlds great holiday vacation and leisure resorts and offers over 2000 luxury Spanish Holiday Villas set on 1500 acres of breathtaking Spanish countryside. La Manga Resort has activities for the whole family including, golf tennis, horse riding, cycling, beaches, childrens club etc.

If you would like to receive the La Manga Resort Guide and have the chance to Win a Free Holiday for one week for 4 people to La Manga please visit the website.

This was my first time across the pond, so to speak. When taking the train into Italy from Munich, Germany, I noticed how the landscape had changed, from urban sprawl, to towering jagged mountains, to soft rolling hillsides. In Italy, the land seemed lush, and the buildings were...well....lets just say...well loved. Well loved is a maternal term. Mothers use it to describe their children's preferred toy, favorite pair of jeans, beloved blanket, etc. The child's favorite item was once a picture of perfection, beautiful and clean, and now, it looks like something you would fetch out of the garbage. But in your child's eye it's as beautiful as the day they received it. That sums Venice up for me.

When walking through the modern train station and down the sprawling steps to the vaporetto (water taxi) I was very tired and hungry. Then boarding the boat, I noticed how packed it was. So many travelers, business people, families, all crammed on to a wet, smelly boat. The stench of fish encompassed the boat. That pretty much stifled any appetite I had brewing. The murky water was nasty looking and the weather was rainy. Not what I had in mind for the most romantic city in the world. As we floated down the Grand Canal, I noticed that the buildings looked, for lack of a better term and using my 6 year-old daughters terminology, gross. Yes, gross. They appeared to be in a severe state of decay. The mortar is falling out from between the bricks. The plaster is crumbling and exposing the bricks underneath. The paint is peeling. My first impression was the city looks like a sea-side slum. I was in a state of complete and utter shock. I couldn't believe for a moment that this sight I was taking in was supposed to be romantic? Are you kidding me? I've seen neighborhoods in Gary, Indiana that looked more romantic than this place. Much less, I'm on a stinky, smelly boat, packed in with 100 other people who look so depressed that at any moment they may decide to take matters into their own hands and jump overboard. I felt I was drifting along on a pointless journey in a glorified slum.

When we reached our stop, I trudged off the boat and began walking through an endless maze of sidewalks, alleyways and narrow corridors. Oddly, my mood was lightening with every step. As evening arrived, I was completely in love, with Venice, of course. My husband, his sister, her husband and I took an evening stroll through the streets of Venice on our way to dinner. This special city had definitely grown on me by this time of the day. My spirits were lifted, and my mood was perky. The weather had shaped up as well. It had stopped raining, although the streets were still wet. I can't help but call the sidewalks, streets and vice versa. For the record, there are no cars, bicycles or scooters in Venice. There are only two modes of transportation: feet and boat. That's it. Because of this the city is so quiet. You can hear someone cough several blocks away. Venice is built on an archipelago, a chain of 118 islands, formed by approximately 150 canals in a shallow lagoon. The walk ways (a.k.a. sidewalks and/or streets, whatever you choose to call them) are built above the water, all the while they're seamlessly attached to the buildings that they travel to. By walking the streets, you would never know that you were only feet, sometimes inches above the water. You can't see it, you can't hear it. The only time you see the water is when crossing a bridge or when you're on the bank of a canal, unless, of coarse it's high water season, which is when we visited.

In the fall, the water levels of Venetian Lagoon rise, flooding most of the outlying streets. The city provides risers on which to walk to avoid the water. Many tourists, however, enjoy rolling up their pant legs and walking through the water anyway. There is a much debated topic in Venice as to whether the city is sinking or the waters of the lagoon are rising, perhaps a bit of both. Although seeing old staircases under water on the Grand Canal suggest the city is sinking.

As my first day was drawing to a close, my scowl was a smile. My looming grey cloud of grouchiness was pleasantness. I even spoke a bit of Italian to a Venetian. I held my head high, straightened my back and smiled as I asked him, "Dove il bagno?" I felt so impressed with myself. I have spoken Italian to an actual Italian. How sophisticated am I? That was until he answered me in a seemingly endless stream of words that to this day I can not decipher. But for a moment I felt Venetian! Then as I walked a few yards down, I asked another man the same question. This time my back was not so straight and my head not so high, but I managed to utter "Dove il bagno?" He kindly answered in English, pointing and saying that there was a bathroom on the next street over.

The previously decided "severe state of decay" has rapidly become in my mind a vision of beauty, almost too beautiful for words. I can't describe the feeling I had when I was walking around the city. I began to realize that Venice had to literally fight for all that it is today. Due to its geographical location, on the rim of the Adriatic Sea, Venice was invaded numerous times over hundreds of years. And she has remained in tact. Sure a few walls have paint peeling and a little mortar missing, but she is still here as one. It's almost as if the deteriorating walls say to all who see them, "You may try to invade me, take my riches, and capture my people, but I will still stand."

The endless shops in Venice are such a treat. Every popular fashion designer has a modern, sleek store, which is in contrast to the ancient facade of Venice. The city is known for handmade Venetian masks, as well as so many other trades like glass making, handmade lace and hand crafted paper. Venice is famous for so many things; the gondolas, St. Marks Basilica, Venetian Film Festival, The Venice Art Biennale, simple yet elegant foods, and yes, romance. But, I believe the most treasured aspect of Venice is the architecture. At first it was the architecture that put me off, but in the end it is what draws me back and tugs at my heartstrings. Venice may be sinking, crumbling, peeling and falling to the lagoon, but the rustic, romantic nature of the city will take your breath away.

By: Kris Shebel
Christina "Kris" Shebel has been writing short stories and poetry since childhood, most recently for a private school as their Public Relations Liaison. Writing is a creative outlet for Kris to share her snappy, chatty writing style and quirky sense of humor with others. She lives in rural Michigan City, Indiana with her husband and their daughter and enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs and two cats. To learn more about the author, please visit http://www.myspace.com/krisshebel.

There are certain particularities of behavior in slavic culture.

There are several rules which may help you during your stay in Ukraine.

Knowing them it will help you to overcome communicational barriers and to socialize with ukrainians easier. Ukraine is a European country which makes the way of life of its people and the behavior rules more or less predictable to the foreigners. National traditions are very strong in Ukraine, having a unique impact on the mentality of people and the etiquette in Ukraine.

When you are invited to visit somebody's house, usually, you are expected to bring a small gift with you. It is very common in Ukraine to bring gifts when coming to people. It can be sweets (Ukrainian love sweets), a bottle of wine, or a bouquet of flowers. If there is a small child in the family, you may provide him/her with a small present too.

Be prepared to take off your shoes when entering the house (you may be offered to put on slippers instead).

Don't be surprised if hosts propose you to wash your hands. Many people in Ukraine are very cautious about hygiene.

When shaking hands make sure that you took off your gloves (it is very inappropriate in Ukraine to shake hands with your gloves on). Do not shake hands through a threshold, in Ukraine it is believed that it may bring bad luck.

Ukrainians are known for their generosity when feeding others. Be ready to try all the meals offered by hosts. Turning down food may be considered rude, although if you really do not eat some kinds of food no one will force to eat it.

It is accepted to wear casual dress coming to someone's dinner. At the dinner be prepared to give toasts, guests are often asked to do it.

Make sure that the flowers you bring are of an uneven number. Ukrainians are very cautious about that. According to the Ukrainian beliefs, you bring a bouquet of even number of flowers only to dead people (to funerals or to a cemetery).

Be ready to share your snacks or cigarettes with people around you if there is such an opportunity (at least, offer it to them, they may not always take it, but this is a kind of important ritual too).

At business meetings the dress should be conservative. It is good if you have a Ukrainian side on you business card in addition to English.

In public transport give your seats to mothers with children, elderly people, or disabled people.

Do not put your thumb between your fore and the middle fingers, it is considered to be a rude gesture.

When visiting Orthodox churches women should cover their heads with scarves or kerchiefs and men must take off their hats.

Good luck and remember that, in general, Ukrainians are very hospitable and assisting people (there are some exceptions, of course, as elsewhere), the most important thing is to behave friendly and naturally and people will pay you back the same.

By: Marina Pristinskaya
Discover Ukraine Network - travell to Ukraine and establish connections with Ukrainian people
http://www.discover-ua.com.ua

Baza is the capital of the northern part of the Province of Granada, and festivals take place here that are unique in Spain, such as the famous Cascamorras. Archaeological remains tell us that man has lived here since prehistoric times. The well-known Dama de Baza was found in one of the Iberian burial sites in the area, and the Moorish baths are among the most complete in the country.

Baza is believed to be one of the oldest of all human settlements in Spain. The town and its surrounding area has a rich and varied architectural, historical and archaeological heritage, having been home to many different cultures down the centuries and back to pre-historic times. Its town centre was declared a Historic Centre in 2003, and in its narrow winding streets, especially around the walled medina area where the Alcazaba was built, we can see many remains of this rich and ancient past.

Approximately 20,000 people live in the municipality, situated to the north of the province of Granada. Its archaeological sites, such as the Iberian-Roman town of Basti and its ancient burial sites, in one of which was discovered the famous Dama de Baza, and its Moorish Baths all make this one of the most important archaeological and historical towns in Andalucia.

From the point of view of the environment, Baza offers a contrast of landscape which ranges from its mountain range, declared a Nature Park in 1989, to almost desert landscapes in the area known as the Altiplanicie, with an oasis of green between the two, which is La Vega. But the region is also known far and wide for its own particular type of domestic architecture, which is the house cave. Many of these ancient dwellings, which were used in the past by farmers, cattle breeders and miners, have now been adapted for rural tourism.

Baza has an important architectural, archaeological and historical heritage, the result of the many different peoples who lived in this area over the centuries, ah of whom left something of their culture behind them. Although little remains of the Alcazaba de Baza these days other than sections of wall and sorne towers, in its day it was an impregnable fortress. Its walls were built in three phases: the first in the 11th and 12th centuries, the second in the time of the Nazari occupation and the third by the Christians in the 16th century. It is located in the heart of the old town centre, dominated by the old medina.

The palacio de los Enriques is a magnificent example of a Renaissance palace designed in the style of an Italian country villa, and as such it is unique in all of Andalucia. It was ordered built by Enrique Enriquez and his wife Maria de Luna, aunt and uncle of the Catholic Monarchs. Work on the palace began in 1506, and since then it has been extensively restored. Inside can be seen sorne excellent examples of Mudejar armoury, all extensively decorated with Renaissance motifs.

The Real Posito was built in 1762, during the reign of Carlos III, and it still conserves its beautiful patio surrounded by galleries. On the main entrance we can see the royal coat-of-arms and that of the corregidor (the local chiefmagistrate) and the mayor. Inside, besides being a grain store, works of theatre are also held. This was also once the headquarters of the Economic Society of Friends of the Baza Country during the last quarter of the 18th century. The Moorish Baths in the town are particularly well preserved, dating back to the 13th century. They are a magnificent example of urban baths of the period, located beside the mosque in the old area of Marzuela (the present barrio of Santiago). A visit to the Moorish Baths is a must for any visitor to the town.

As one would expect, there are numerous churches in the town, the most outstanding being the Iglesia Mayor Colegiata. One should also see a monumental fountain situated close to the Puerta del Peso, on the royal Lorca road, which was designed in the form of lion and human heads. There are many local festivals throughout the year in the town, the most outstanding of them being the Festival of El Cascamorras. It was declared to be of National Tourist Interest in 2006, and begins every year on September 6, from six in the evening, kicking off what has become one of the most popular traditional festivals in the entire region.

By: Rudi Van Der Zalm
With more than 20 years of experience in the travel industry Rudi van der Zalm is the founder of one of Europe's most popular websites for rural holiday apartments in Granada, Spain. A wide selection of country houses and lodgings can be found at http://www.rural-tour.com

Shopping in Brussels is bound to be an exhilarating experience, as you will find yourself spoilt for choice. Brussels has over a hundred main shopping districts, each with hundreds of shops. You will not even know where to begin! Hopefully this guide will be able to help you.

You must make time to visit the Galeries Saint Hubert-Sint Hubertusgalerijen. It is the world's first mall, and here you can find books, apparel, food and even take the time go go for a movie. Other popular malls in Brussels include Westland Shopping Mall as well as Basilix Shopping Mall. Nieuwstraat, meanwhile, is Brussel's main shopping street. All along this street you can find little shops that sell clothes and many other goods. Waterloo Laan features designer stores such as Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vitton and many others. If you would like to find some Belgium lace, which is loved by people all over the world, then head for Grand' Place-Grote Markt where you will find several shops selling it.

In general, Brussels is particularly famous for two main things: its chocolate and its books. Marcolini and Wittamer are two popular chocolate shops. The Belgian chocolates, in particular, are of excellent quality. If you would prefer to sit down and have a chocolate experience, then head for Maison Renardy, which is a café featuring excellent chocolates that you can even sample before buying.

If you are a book lover, then Brussels is definitely the place for you. From comics to rare books to secondhand books, you will be sure to find a bookstore that delights you. Comic lovers should make a point to visit De Slegte and Brusel, two comic stores that keep an extensive and frequently updated collection. De Slegte also features many rare books. Other popular bookstores are Filigranes, the largest bookstore in Brussels, as well as Sterling Books. For those on a budget, be sure to head to Pele-Mele, a second-hand bookstore that will amaze you with both their prices and their large collection of books.

There are also numerous other interesting shops that you should try and visit. Beer Mania is a beer shop that stocks around 500 types of beer. Many of their beers are highly recommended. Even if you do not intend to buy anything, you will enjoy the experience that the shop offers you and can have fun browsing and sampling the beers. Senses Art Nouveau is a shop that features reproductions of famous art nouveau items. These make for excellent gifts and souvenirs.

By: Orson Johnson
Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Brussels holiday accommodation Brussels holiday accommodation & Worldwide Holiday Rentals Worldwide Holiday Rentals.

Prague seldom visited by tourists until the 1989 is now one of the most popular visited destinations in Europe. Millions of people from all around the world visit the city every year - almost three and a half million in 2004, according to official figures just released by Czech Tourism. Prague was the sixth most visited city in Europe last year, with the greatest number of tourists coming from the United Kingdom.

The capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague, is situated in the very heart of Europe, on a place that has been an intersection of continental merchant routes since time immemorial. It was the seat of Czech princes and kings from the tenth century A.D. In the mid-14th century, Prague was the centre of the Holy Roman Empire and Europe's third largest city in terms of population. As part of the Hapsburg monarchy, Prague remained the capital of Czech lands, which became the strongest part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in terms of economy during the 19th century. Prague was developing as an important centre where Czech, German and Jewish cultures met and mingled. Following the establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic in 1918, Prague became the metropolis of the new country. It experienced a growth of its territory and a great building boom. Currently, Prague is a large city of more than one million people, spreading over almost 500 square kilometers. Following the social and economic changes in 1989, Prague enhanced its historically strong ties with other cities in Central Europe, and has gradually been gaining a continuously improving position within the continental structure of big cities. Prague therefore deserves its recognition as being a high quality city.

Because of such a big amount of tourists visiting Prague, the range of hotels in Prague is provided for all budgets from comfortable, low-cost hostels, to the most luxurious hotels in Prague. You can find fast efficient services and the largest choice of accommodation in exciting Czech Capital - Prague. Professional expertise is an absolute must when visiting the beautiful City of Prague - and elsewhere in the Czech Republic. Good translation of your personal requirements in Prague hotels is paramount for a successful and enjoyable stay.

Walking in Prague you will be impressed by a unique complex of old buildings dominated by the world-famous Old Town Hall with its Astronomical Clock and apostles, the monument to the preacher Jan Hus, the church of St. Nicholas, the Týn Church, and a number of palaces. You are in the very "historic heart" of the town.

Through one of the typical narrow Old-Town streets, full of ancient houses and palaces, cafés, shops, and galleries, we will walk towards the Charles Bridge, which was established in 1357 by the Roman emperor and Czech king Charles IV at the place of an older bridge. Here you will enjoy the unforgettable view at the beautiful panorama of the Prague Castle and the St. Vitus Cathedral. Relishing the walk along the bridge, crossing the Vltava river, you will reach the Lesser Town, situated below the Prague Castle complex. We will pass the Lesser Town Square with its representative buildings and the church of St. Nicholas, a historical building from the 18th century. Then we will walk up the famous Nerudova street all the way to the Prague Castle. At the Castle, which is surrounded by royal gardens, you will find the Old Royal Place with the Vladislav Hall, the with picturesque houses from the 16th century, the St. Vitus Cathedral from the 14th century, and the ancient royal stairway.

By: Angelina Adams
Angelina Adams is an independent writer, researching prices of different hotels in Prague, its pros and cons.