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Australia |
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Take the kids out of private school, buy the buick instead of the beemer, whatever it takes save up for the air fare and visit Australia. No other place I've been to compares to it. If you've seen Crocodile Dundee then you have a fair picture of the outback. A movie is one thing, being there is something else. The animals alone tell you the continent has been isolated from the rest of the world for eons. We started in Perth/Freemantle on the southwest corner. Perth early on was a penal colony and has a refurbished old prison as a museum. The town is rather rustic with colonial style buildings and winding streets, making for a perfect walking tour. There's a huge indoor flea market with the usual tourist stuff but also has a lot of boothes offering native Aussie goodies. There is a day long boat tour which goes up the river to Freemantle which is sort of a sister city. The tour stops at historical places and a few wineries. I didn't take this tour but talked to group who did and they spoke very highly of it. Australian wines are purported to be some of the finest in the world. I don't know what the customs deal is on bringing any back. The beaches are absolutely the greatest with my favorite being Bondi beach. High spf is recommended, Perth has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world. That shouldn't be a problem if your just there on holiday. Ask about the box jellyfish, it can kill you!
If you want to do this right make reservations on the trans-continental railroad and see the country the way it was meant to be seen. Perth to Sydney via rail, the only way to go. This way you get to see the wild parts that most never will. Sydney is Australias NYC without the attitude, although I prefer the NYC attitude that's what makes it what it is. Back to Sydney...very modern, clean and metropolitan. It has a world class performing arts center which is on every postcard and a beautiful bay for any type of water recreation.
You can't beat the people for hospitality, these are some laid back folks which helps everyone to relax and enjoy their stay. Even though it's a large city it doesn't have the hectic lifestyle most other cities of comparative size have. Go down under and enjoy yourself. |
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Monaco |
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I don't care how much money you may think you have or how lavish your lifestyle is, go to Monaco and be prepared to be humbled. I've been to pretty ritzy places in my life including mansions on Ocean Drive in Newport and Beverly Hills but nothing comes close to what you'll see here. People don't even blink at Rolls or Bentley's and children drive Jaguars to kindergarten. Beggers only accept beluga caviar on bruschetta and a mimosa as handouts. So I embellish a little, it's my site. The casinos are just pure class, as opulent and grandiose as money can buy. Scenary is tremendous and the beaches are packed with the so-called beautiful people (egocentric bastards). This is definitely a walking town and there's alot to see including terrific museums and Jacque Cousteau's Institute. The Grand Prix race was starting just as we got there...noisy but pretty thrilling to watch. Nice is just a bit down the coast if you get bored, which shouldn't happen.
I could talk about the food and hotels but I think you get the picture. If you have ten grand for a suite for the night enjoy yourself. I'd rather blow it on lunch. Great place for people watching. There are a number of clothes optional beaches throughout this area of the Mediterranean. So if you have teenage kids or maybe even a 48 year old juvenile delinquent be forewarned. Casual looking is OK, gawking, drooling and close up photography can get your face slapped, or so I've been told. |
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Hong Kong |
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Going to Hong Kong is almost like watching an old british classic movie. It has style, charm, intrigue and lots of class. I stayed at the International Hotel adjacent to a huge central park overlooking the harbor. The hotels and restaurants feature one of two atmospheres, British or Chinese. Both are inviting to anyone visiting this city. There are numerous little shops selling anything you could dream of but there is also a fine line that you need to be careful of if decide to cross it. The back streets although quaint and seemingly harmless can be a little dangerous. Just don't go wandering around alone.
Hong Kong is not a budget travelers paradise, it's expensive but if shop around and talk to the right people you can do rather well. Hotels can be extremely high. The best rates I could manage through a travel agent was about $130 per night which isn't bad unless you're used to Tom Bodett leaving the light on for you. The harbor is fantastic and if you're going to see all the sites you will be taking ferry boats fairly often. They are inexpensive and run as well as can be expected for water taxis. We had no problems at all but it is a extremely busy harbor. How much has changed since the Brits handed the city over, I can't say. Talk to a travel agent, preferably one who has actually been there and not just read the brochures.
Super city, super time, don't pass up the chance if it ever comes your way |
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