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The pace of life in Darwin resembles that from a small country town. Slow and relaxed. It`s reflected in the way the residents take their time to stroll down the street, the way they drive unhurriedly around.

That`s Darwin for you. There`s no rush. The only city around for over a thousand kilometres.

For the traveller, most of Darwin city can be seen in a day or two. Stay at one of the inexpensive motels and walk around the town. The centre of the town is probably the mall, a pedestrian only shopping zone, lined on both sides by shops. Further up, there`s the ubiquitous Coles store, open 24 hours 7 days a week. For variety, there`s also two Woolworth stores within walking distance. Great eats can be found at Hog`s Breath and Roark`s Drift along Mitchell Street, with Duck Nuts providing the exotic option. The budget traveller with a large appetite may prefer to try Tim`s Surf and Turf over at Litchfield Street.

Prefer to get closer to the marine life? Hop over to Doctor`s Gully, where the fishes come to be fed by hand. It`s a curious feeling to have the fish nuzzling your hand.

For those looking for a quick buck, there`s the casino over at the MGM Grand Darwin, just up Mitchell Street. Popular with asian tourists and the indigenous aboriginal people, it`s open through the day and night.

Probably the highlight of any trip to Darwin is the Mindil Beach Market, held every Thursday. Go early to enjoy the beautiful sunset, before you enjoy some inexpensive dinner from the numerous stalls lining the paths. Asian cuisine abound, with a choice of chinese food, indian curries and japanese sushi. There`s also kebabs, pizza, fish and chips and even a number of burger stalls. Ladies might find something to buy among the trinkets on sale.

Darwin also has no lack of good eating places. Cullen Bay offers some decent fare, and Yots Cafe serves a decent barramundi wrap. Stokes Hill Wharf is also a popular destination for an inexpensive dinner, with the ubiquitous fish and chips, calamari, oysters and schnitzel.

But Darwin`s main attraction is its proximity to several beautiful national parks, all worth a visit. Kakadu National Park is around 3 hours away by car, which Litchfield is relatively nearer at around an hour and a half of travelling.

Over at Litchfield, do remember to pack a change of clothes, as there`s many places to swim and enjoy the refreshing cool water. Wangi falls, with a huge pool surrounded by cliffs and two beautiful falls, is the perennal favourite, with Florence Falls another popular destination. But my favourite has got to be Buley`s Rockholes, with a series of falls upstream from Florence Falls. The water is cool and clean and refreshing. And there`s a plunge pool at Buley`s where kids can perform their cannonballs and dives, where the ladies can enjoy the water and soak in the sun.

If your idea of Australia is a dusty red desert, of crocodiles and kangaroos, you`re probably right. But a visit to Darwin could show you more of the hidden wonders of the continent down under.

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Malaysia, a hodge-podge of different races and cultures, has as diverse a choice of food as you can find in any country around the world. And within it are some choice delectable eating spots that will whet your appetite and have you going at helping after helping.

One such place is Taiping, formerly a mining town, now more of a retirement village. Cloistered, quiet and peaceful, with just two department stores, the main pastime of choice is relaxing by the Lake Gardens or visiting the Zoo, enjoying the view and fresh air. Here, we try to introduce some choice eats within Taiping, Malaysia.

Morning start early here. Kum Loong Restaurant is opened by 5.30 am daily and serves fragrant, delectable dim sum. Go early, for everything will be gone by 9.00 am. Try the siew mai which is served freshly steamed, tender and fragrant. The har gow, chicken feet and dai bao also come highly recommended for fulfilling breakfast.

Every sunday morning, the townfolk will descend on Restaurant Kanak, known for their horfun, which comes served in a clear chicken broth, shredded chicken and bean sprouts.

Need a mid afternoon snack ? Try the famous Indian chendol, which comes with an optional helping of pulut, roasted black rice. Complement it with some Indian rojak for a fattening but satisfying meal.

Getting there

Fly in to Kuala Lumpur, a major air travel hub. From the city, either take a train or a bus to Taiping. Some buses may stop at Kamunting, a 10 minute drive away from Taiping by cab.

There are many small hotels and motels around Taiping, and a number of guesthouses by the scenic Lake Gardens. Most hotels here fall into the three star category, cheap, clean with no frills.

Two of the larger hotels include Legend Inn and Hotel Panoroma, both located centrally and a short walk away from most eating places.

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Pick a romantic spot with good memories or one you’ve never been to before.
Don`t choose to go somewhere where you’ve been to before with another partner.

Decide together and choose a resort or hotel or spa that sounds like fun for you both.
Don`t force your preferences or agenda eg golf, shopping, on your mate.

Pack romantic stuff. Since hotel rooms don`t always smell like flowers, bring your own special perfumes and aromantic oils and scents. Bring scented oils to rub on each other, a favorite scented bubble bath to play in together, a favorite aromatherapy scent to drip on the lightbulbs, perfumed candles to act as night lights, create the romantic ambience for an unforgetable vacation.

Don`t rush, stay together and take things at a comfortable pace. Don`t trade romance for speed. For instance, don`t elect one person to run and get the rental car while the other one waits for the bags. That’s just not the romantic way to things. When you’re planning romance, plan to take your time. Being together should far outweigh saving time. Reduce stress by arriving extra early for your flight.

Make the flight romantic. Reserve your airline seats way ahead of time. Fly first class if you can. In Hawaiian airlines’ first class section, for example, you feel like you’re already in the islands, with tropical drinks and gourmet Hawaiian cooking from famous Hawaiian chefs. Even in coach, feed each other tidbits, and definitely ask for a blanket so you can snuggle underneath. Pull the seat handle up and tuck it between the seats so you have more room to cuddle.

Don`t risk your schedule with fly-by-night charter airlines. Avoid charters which can leave late or not at all. A delay on a Tower Air charter flight can delay and disrupt your travel plan in a major way. Fly major airlines — if one of their planes develops a problem, they can usually find a substitute.

Make sure you have a romantic arrival. Be sure to call ahead and let the hotel or resort know it’s a special occasion and then remind them again when you check in. Often you’ll get upgraded to a nicer room or even a suite just because it’s your anniversary, birthday or honeymoon. Be very sure they give you a king size bed. Have the hotel put a bouquet of champagne roses, a bottle of Moet et Chandon champagne or a cheese plate and wine, or fancy hors d’heuvres or chocolate dipped strawberries in your room.

Plan on staying in one place for your vacation, and allow lots of time for love-making, slow romance and just hanging out together.

Don’t plan on moving from resort to resort every few days, and don’t try to see everything. Every time you move, you lose precious romantic time to traveling, time that you could otherwise spend in the arms of each other..

Make sure you have privacy. Think about a cottage or a condominium instead of a thin-walled hotel, so that you can have space to be close or even have separate activities. It’s nice to have a kitchen to make special drinks to share in private on your patio at sunset.

Don’t expect your mate to cook just because you have a kitchen. Have dinner out or order in. Consider the kitchen just for morning coffee and the fun of having your favorite snacks in your own kitchen.

Don`t miss a moment and concentrate on each other. Promise not to worry about the future or the past while you’re on your romantic vacation. After all, there’s nothing you can about the past, and enjoying each moment of your present is one of the best things you can for your future. So stay in the present. concentrate on the sound of the wind rustling in the palms, the glorious colors of a tropical sunset, the moment when your bodies first touch underwater…

Act like honeymooners. Touch a lot. Hold hands everywhere. Show affection in public and kiss. Pretend it’s your honeymoon, share a kiss at sunset, toast your love, and promise to always be romantic.

Don`t let anything ruin your mellow romantic mood. Avoid criticizing or blaming your loved one for anything if you want a perfectly romantic vacation. If something does go wrong on your trip, be sure to blame someone or something else. For instance, if one of you dings the rental car, say, “Oh, honey, they shouldn’t have left that delivery truck there; there’s hardly room to get by.”

Plan special romantic activities. Little things count. Plan little surprises like a breakfast-in-bed order that your mate’s not expecting. In the tropics, write “I love you” with your fingernail on a Sea Grape leaf and it will turn white against the waxy green of the leaf. Leave love notes in the sand. Make a ritual of rubbing sunscreen all over each other every day. That way you’ll start out with lots of touching to get in the right mood each day and you’ll avoid painful, romance-ruining sunburns.

Don`t just what you’d at home. It’s fine to enjoy a nice dinner in a fancy restaurant, but also go out of your way to some things you’d never at home. The best romantic activities are those that make indelible memories. Share some “firsts” together to create those memories. So take a chance. Ride in a helicoptor. Dive beneath the ocean. Eat sashimi (raw fish). Have a spiritual experience. Go to church with the locals. Visit a place the local people call sacred. Walk where an ancient civilization once thrived.

Don`t use the “argument words.” Some words are “loaded” — no matter how you say them, they sound judgemental. So avoid starting sentences with the “you” words, especially the “you always,” or “you never,” words. Forget “why don`t you,” and “if only,” too.

Don`t make unilateral decisions. If you’re married or in a committed relationship, don`t buy anything outrageously expensive without consulting your partner and making sure they love it as much as you do.

Bring home a special souvenir. Find something that’s unique — it doesn’t have to be expensive — perhaps a shell from the Caribbean or a koa wood carving from Hawaii or a piece of artwork or print from Europe. Plan to put it in a place of honor at home, so that you can both look at it and remember your romantic vacation. Listen to the special music of the culture where you travel and bring some home: new-age stuff from California, Hawaiian music from Maui, and Reggae from Jamaica. Even if you normally wouldn’t listen to it at home, remember to play it later whenever you look at the snapshots of your trip.

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Prague is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Eastern Europe, with good reason. It is the perfect place for those seeking romance, culture, beautiful architecture, and really smooth beer.

The capital of the Czech Republic remains one of the most beautiful and well preserved medieval cities in all of Europe, and travellers wantering the cobbles, admiring the beautiful architecture could very well almost believe that they have been transported back in time. The buildings, unscarred by the world wars, present a history of architecture over the last six centuries, from Gothic cathedrals complete with towering spires to Baroque palaces rich in tapestries and art.

Start at Prague Castle, the largest castle in the world, set on a hilltop and offering a beautiful vantage point to view the city in its whole. Occupying a space of 7 hectares, you will need an entire day to view the sights this attraction has to offer.

In close proximity to the castle lie several majestic courtyards, the National Gallery, the Museum of Military history, the Old Royal Palace, the Cathedral of St Vitus, chapels and more, all a definite must see.

The Jewish Quarter, Josefov, is home to six synagogues and a Jewish cemetary. The Pinkas Synagogue, in particular, is a memorial to the 77297 Czech Jews who were killed during the horrifying Holocaust of World War II, and the names of the victims are carved onto a wall of the synagogue, in a chilling reminder of the horrors and destruction of war.

If you love beer, you`re in luck. Prague is the home to Budweiser beer, and a taste will tell you that the local Budvar is even better. Beer is a staple of the diet of locals here, and pubs and bars can be found all around the city, serving good beer at very affordable prices, often at around US$1 for a pint of their smoothest.

Have more beer to wash down the excellent and hearty cuisine. Try the dumplings or the pork, beef and venison in rich gravy.

Indeed, the capital of Czech Republic, under communist rule until 1989, charms and keep you coming back for more.

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Saint Tropez is the most charming little mediterranean town in the region of Provence, and is truly an international tourist mecca that has become a gateway for travellers to the Côte d’ Azur.

Lying on the Mediterranean coast between Hyeres and Sainte Maxime, St. Tropez’s beauty has drawn people from around the world, from internationally famous movie stars to couples enjoying a romantic honeymoon.

There are at least 40 beaches on the peninsula, with the most famous being Bouillabaisse Beach, Caneliers Beach and Salins Beach.. Celebrities and movie stars have, for years gathered at the market square of the Place des Lices, to play a game of boules or sip Pastis under the trees, in their comfortable leather Tropéziennes sandals!

St. Tropez, also known as “St. Trop”, was simply a charming little port in the 1950’s, before artists and writers, actors and actresses all fell under it’s spell. Over the years, it’s fame grew and in summer, it attracted the likes of Picasso, Francoise Sagan, Jacques Prévert and many others enjoying a warm mediterranean summer. With the arrival of Brigitte Bardot here in the 6O’s, the legend of Saint Tropez was cemented and since then, St. Tropez has become the vacation spot for chic Parisiens and jet setting sophisticates.

In the summer, with all the rich and famous here, it is no wonder that luxurious villas line the bay, where often, private parties are held. And on the bay, the biggest and most beautiful yachts line up, reminiscient of the bay of Monte Carlo. In the town, the sidewalk cafe tables are full of people people-watching, hoping to see and be seen.

When to visit

Yet, in the spring and autumn, the crowds dwindle, and one can slowly admire the charming little streets and alleys without the crowds.

In the early mornings, one can find fruit, vegetables and flowers and choose from the fresh catch of the day from the local fishermen at the Place aux Herbes. In the neighbouthood, one must also try the delectable confections from the famous brasseries Le Gorille and Sénéquier.

A typical Provencal market is held every Tuesday and Saturday morning in the Place des Lices. In the months of May and June, one can also observe the lively religious and festive celebrative processions called “Bravades”.

Places you must visit

Be sure to visit these places to enjoy the flavour of St Tropez and experience the charm that brings travellers back here year after year.

• The old port.
• Place des Lices,
• Rue Gambetta.
• Place des Ormeau.
• The 18th c. church and bell tower.

Travel to these museums, with their beautiful collection of artifacts and art.

• Musée de l’Annonciade which boasts art from such masters as Paul Signac, Braque, Matisse, Utrillo, Van Dongen, Bonnard and Dufy.
• Musee Galerie - Victoire de la Messardiere

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The capital of Austria is a beautiful city lying in the center of the European continent, with shining examples of classic architecture beside huge green parks. Boasting the cleanest air of any city around the world, they also enjoy delicious spring water piped in straight from mountain springs.

Vienna lies on the beautiful Danube river and to the traveller, offers so much to see and do. Cultural presentation and performances galore, feature top artists, lavish musicals are staged year round.

Indeed, the land of Johann Strauss and waltz, of wine, silk, love and majestic Lippizauner horses enchants visitors indeed.

Vienna is also a safe city, where one can stroll unmolested down the streets. There are no slums to speak of. The National Health Service offers excellent medical facilities to all.

For visitors, there is so much to do. Just imagine, where else in the world can you in summer bathe with impunity in the city’s river, then drive 20 minutes up to the hills and sip the indigenous wine while watching the city lights twinkle below? Or in winter take your children skiing on the back of those selfsame slopes? Walk for hours through thick rolling forests? Take a thermal bath? Play golf, cricket, skate, row, sail, go to the racetrack, the funfair, all within the city limits? Where else can you walk your dog after dark in any of the numerous parks? Ride the public transport system with no sense of dread? And all this in addition to the usual cultural and sightseeing splendours every self-respecting big city offers its visitors.

The only downside remains the driving. Drivers are aggressive, parking in the city is scarce and expensive, and the maze of one way streets can be daunting to someone unfamiliar with the city.

However, public transport is convenient, safe and fast. The 60-km-long ultramodern subway is clean, safe, spacious and fast, the traditional tramway plies all corners of the city and the surface ‘S-Bahn’ railway the outlying districts, a fleet of emission-free LPG-driven buses is in service round the clock. Taxis do not usually cruise and are best summoned by phone. Clearly marked cycle tracks around and out of the city also make it a tempting choice to cycle and enjoy the sights and sounds of Vienna.

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The city of Salzburg is classical charm embodied. There is so much to see, and here we have a selection of our favourite sights in Salzburg.

Walk the cobbled streets of the old city, admiring the beautiful facades of buildings built before the time of Mozart.

Make sure you visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress, perched high above the old city, yet easily reached by funicular railway departing from the Festungsgasse, which is in the centre of the old city.

Mirabell Palace, boasting world-famous beautiful gardens, was commissioned to be built by Wolf Dietrich for Salome Alt in 1606. The “angel staircase” by Raphael Donner that leads to Europe’s “most beautiful wedding hall” is of special interest. The Gardens were remodelled in 1690 according to plans by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and redesigned around 1730 by Franz Anton Danreiter

Hellbrunn Palace, built in 1615, is a fine example of manneristic architecture. It was commissioned as a country residence to Salzburg’s Prince Archbishop Markus Sittikus von Hohenems in 1612. Water was the central theme in the palace’s design with the numerous streams of Hellbrunn Mountain giving the estate effervescent life. Hidden in the shade of bushes and trees or jetting out from unexpected hiding places - the world-famous Wasserspiele have been the main attraction at Hellbrunn for almost 400 years. Today, the Hellbrunn palace houses the folklore museum of Salzburg’s Carolino Augusteum Museum. The manor, idyllically situated overlooking Hellbrunn Park, houses a collection of regional folklore with objects of popular customs and piety, furnishings, popular medicine and a number of beautiful Trachten (traditional costumes) worn in the Salzburg valley regions.

Monuments to W A Mozart

Mozartsplatz, or Mozart’s Square, is dominated by a statue of Mozart, by Ludwig Schwanthaler, was created in 1842 after tearing down some houses to make way. It remains a beautiful place to sit and enjoy the city go by on a sunny summer day.

Mozart´s birthplace, located in Getreidegasse no. 9, is where the Mozart family lived from 1747 to 1773. Designed in the typical style of houses in the historical city centre, this is where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born here on January 27, 1756. Today the rooms house a museum dedicated to Mozart.

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