World View

Armenia

2009-05-03T22:25:00.000-07:00

Armenia, a small country in the Caucasus region, re-established its independence in 1991, after the Soviet Union broke apart. Poverty in Armenia is widespread with 54% of the population having consumption levels below the poverty line (Poverty and Social Impact Analysis, 2003).

The overall goal of the “Tapping resources” project, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is to reduce poverty and to improve environmental and living conditions. This is being done through the implementation of applied, sustainable water, sanitation and agricultural projects and through capacity building and strengthening democracy. The project in Armenia is carried out in three villages by the Armenian Women for Health and a Healthy Environment, AWHHE and Women in Europe for a Common Future, WECF.

Poverty is the major problem for the majority of the rural Armenian population. The main causes are high unemployment rate, low pensions and salaries, unfavourable conditions for agriculture, costs of health services and high expenditure on heating. Many people do not have enough money for essentials such as food, heating, items of personal hygiene, clothing and/or medicines. E.g. many inhabitants of the project village Hayanist cannot afford to visit a doctor or buy medicines when necessary. There are many people with health problems who do not receive any treatment at all.

The majority of the inhabitants of Hayanist and Fantan do not have access to safe drinking water. The quality of the water of the wells is not controlled, the wells are not protected, and the water is not treated. In the villages the quality of sanitation is poor. Most households and schools have latrines with shallow pits. The pits are not sealed and therefore these latrines provide a source for ground water pollution.

In particular sanitation in schools is in extremely bad condition: the outdoor latrines are located far away from the schools, they smell badly and are unhygienic. Due to the very cold Armenian winters and the hot summers this lack of safe sanitation is hazardous for both teacher’s and children’s health. During winter toilet users suffer from the cold, during summer the heat attracts many flies and produces a bad smell.

To improve the quality of sanitation in the schools, hand-wash facilities and dry urine diverting toilets were constructed in conjunction with the schools, for both schools and households. The dry urine diverting toilets serve as examples how to improve the sanitary and hygienic condition in particular for the children on a sustainable manner; how to protect soil and groundwater against infiltration of human excreta. Now the pupils and school staff use comfortable, warm, clean and odour-free toilets. Local farmers reuse the sanitized toilet-products in the agriculture.
The toilets do not waste water for flushing. For a country, like Armenia, which suffers from droughts, this is a very important aspect. The results of the demonstration project could be an inspiration for decision makers in Armenia for future planning on wastewater and sanitation systems.
Tapping resources
As a part of the 4 year TMF project “Tapping resources” granted by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Yerevan-based NGO “Armenian Women for Health and a Healthy Environment” (AWHHE) in cooperation with WECF will conduct activities aimed at poverty reduction through improved water and sanitation, waste management, organic farming and increased community participation in communal development. The joint project aims at working towards realization of – among others – the Millennium Development Goals 7 (environmental sustainability, esp. water) and 5 (improvement of maternal health) on a concrete local level.

Activities will be conducted in three villages in the vicinity of the capital Yerevan: Hayanist, Dzorakhbiur in Ararat province (marz) and Fontan in Kotayk province (marz). In February and March 2004, a socio-economical and gender survey has been conducted in these villages in order to clarify the current situation and to assess the villagers’ most urgent needs and interests.

Armenia has managed to recover partially from the severe economic crisis caused by the break-up of the Soviet Union and war with Azerbaijan over Karabakh (1991-1994), but the positive effects of an ambitious IMF-sponsored economic liberalization program that resulted in positive growth rates in 1995-2003 are mostly felt in the countries capital Yerevan, while rural areas still suffer severely from the post-soviet crisis.

The fruit growers of Dzorakhbiur, for example, lost their orchards during the crisis. War is over, but there are still no trees, because people are too poor to plant new trees and pay the energy for pumps needed for irrigation. The TMF-project partners will address the problem and find sustainable solutions together with the farmers and with the support of international experts.

Although Armenia is rich in water and the villages have their own springs or wells, drinking water is not always available for the population and in certain cases is of insufficient quality to be used for drinking. Again, poverty plays a role when the villagers of Fontan cannot afford to even pay the energy necessary to make the pump work that pumps drinking water from the spring to their village.
In Dzorakhbjur the spring water is contaminated from improper waste disposal, human fecal bacteria from pit latrines and insufficient caption of the spring itself. Eco-san toilets will make an important contribution to solve this problem.
The project aims at creating a replicable model for finding and implementing multi-stakeholder informed solutions to acute problems. The constant involvement of the villagers themselves is thus an important asset of the project.

AWHHE will implement pilot demonstration projects in the three villages to address urgent problems and needs. A focus will be on involving women in project implementation and local decision-making. The demonstration projects will help to identify legislative, institutional and cultural barriers, as well as catalysts and appropriate technologies. The lessons will be used to replicate and upscale the results and prepare recommendations for national and international policy making, in particular in reaching the Millennium Development Goals. The international policy work will be carried out within the framework of the WSSD partnership Women for Water, Water for Women, of which WECF is one of the funding members.

Argentina

2009-04-20T22:39:00.000-07:00

Argentina is the second largest country in South America (after Brazil) and has all the diversity that it suggests. There is almost no earthly climate or terrain that isn't contained in its borders. Traveling with your kids in Argentina, you can lounge on warm ocean beaches, ride a train to the end of the world, ski or hike in the Andes, visit one of the wonders of the world, Iguazu Falls, or watch enormous ice blocks drop into the Arctic Ocean at the tip of Patagonia.

The Grand Villa Argentina Hotel

The Grand Villa Argentina hotel combines elegant exclusivity with exquisite attention to detail. This luxurious hotel is ideally situated near the old town part of Dubrovnik, Croatia. Grand Villa Argentina is just 10 minutes walking distance from Dubrovnik's historical centre.

Our luxury Dubrovnik hotel comprises of the main hotel building and four exclusive villas. The décor of our Dubrovnik hotel features rich fabrics and stylish furniture. Grand Villa Argentina's historic architecture and sophisticated décor make it the perfect hotel in Dubrovnik.

Grand Villa Argentina's 162 rooms and 7 suites feature uniquely decorated bedrooms that combine tradition with modern comfort and amenities.

Antigua and Barbuda

2009-04-06T16:39:00.000-07:00

The island had warm, steady winds, a complex coastline of safe harbors, and a protective, nearly unbroken wall of coral reef. It would make a perfect place to hide a fleet.

The expansive, winding coastline that made Antigua difficult for outsiders to navigate is where today's trekkers encounter a tremendous wealth of secluded, powdery soft beaches. The coral reefs, once the bane of marauding enemy ships, now attract snorkelers and scuba divers from all over the world. And the fascinating little island of Barbuda -- once a scavenger's paradise because so many ships wrecked on its reefs -- is now home to one of the region's most significant bird sanctuaries.

ANTIGUA YACHT CLUB MARINA

Situated in Falmouth Harbour, the Antigua Yacht Club Marina is a full service marina ideally located for all the services in the English & Falmouth Harbours. The historic Nelson's Dockyard is just a few minutes walk away as well as the beautiful "Pigeon" beach.

Boats drawing up to 25 feet are able to be accommodated stern to/alongside and all berths have water and electricity (110, 220, 380 Volts up to 400 amps). The AYC Marina features an exclusive on the water complex which includes a gourmet Restaurant, a Travel agent, chandlery, 2 cafes, supermarket and liquor store, 3 boutiques, a book shop and much more. The AYC Marina offers duty free fuel facilities and a new system of delivering fuel that allows you to pump directly to your slip at up to 250 litres per minute.

Antarctica

2009-04-05T15:06:00.000-07:00

Antarctica, fifth largest of Earth’s seven continents. Antarctica surrounds the South Pole and is a place of extremes. It is the southernmost, coldest, iciest, driest, windiest, most remote, and most recently discovered continent. Nearly the entire landmass lies within the Antarctic Circle. Air temperatures of the high inland regions fall below -80°C (-110°F) in winter and rise only to -30°C (-20°F) in summer. Massive ice sheets built up from snow over millions of years cover almost all of the continent and float in huge ice shelves on coastal waters. In winter frozen sea water (sea ice) more than doubles the size of the Antarctic ice cap. Antarctica's vast areas of ice on land and on sea play a major role in Earth’s climate and could be strongly affected by global warming. The melting of Antarctic ice could dramatically raise global sea level.

Antarctica means “opposite to the Arctic,” Earth’s northernmost region. Antarctica is completely encircled by the Southern Ocean. The entire area south of the Antarctic Convergence zone where cold Antarctic waters sink below warmer waters on the northern boundary of the Southern Ocean is referred to as the Antarctic region.

The small human presence on Antarctica is made up of visiting scientists, support staff, and tourists. The last continent to be discovered, Antarctica remained hidden behind barriers of fog, storm, and sea ice until it was first sighted in the early 19th century (see Polar Exploration). Because of the extreme cold and the lack of native peoples, forests, land animals, and obvious natural resources, the continent remained largely neglected for decades after discovery. Scientific expeditions and seal hunters had explored only fragments of its coasts by the end of the 19th century, while the interior remained unknown. Explorers first reached the South Pole in 1911, and the first permanent settlements—scientific stations—were established in the early 1940s. From that time the pace of exploration and scientific research has accelerated rapidly. In the mid- to late 20th century, the region’s majestic scenery and wildlife began to attract increasing numbers of tourists.

Seven nations—Argentina, Australia, the United Kingdom, Chile, France, New Zealand, and Norway—claim territory in Antarctica. Other nations, including the United States and Russia, do not acknowledge these claims and make no claims of their own, but reserve rights to claim territory in the future. Since 1961 the continent has been administered under the Antarctic Treaty, an international agreement to preserve the continent for peaceful scientific study.

KING GEORGE ISLAND
Hostería "Estrella Polar" hotel Polestar. - It is located in King George III Island near the Airport and sleeps about 85 to 90 people very basic but clean and warm dormitory style rooms. It is used by personnel of the Chilean Air Force who run the place, but can be used by national or foreign visits and scientists.

View of a penguin This is the guest House you stay at if you fly down with DAP airlines and over night -- cost $2,700 for the package (room only not sold separately) see transportation this section for more details on how to get here. In addition to the Hostería "Estrella Polar" you get to have in the Small Chilean town of Las Estrellas Villa (Village the Stars) schools, banks, post office, runway, gift shop, telephones, Radio 90.5 on the FN dial, television, telephone and even an Internet to VT on. In fact it has 147 people in summer, 83 in winter .

The Town has 35 buildings in all 14 houses for school, hospital, pharmacy, dental, post office, bank, church, gym, market, library, hotel "estrella polar" (where you stay with researchers).

It also has 1 doctor, 2 paramedics, 2 beds, X-ray facilities, anesthetist equipment, lab.

Come to Anguilla

2009-04-03T21:24:00.000-07:00

Anguilla is a very small island frequented by sophisticated vacationers. Only 12,120 people live on Anguilla. Anguilla is three mile wide and twelve miles long. Anguilla is very popular with sophisticated vacationers from around the globe. There are 33 extraordinary beaches with snow white soft sand and gentle aquamarine seas--so clear you can see the ocean floor from 100 feet above.

Anguilla has world class hotel resorts, some of the very best restaurants with outstanding cuisine and entertainment for decerning vacationers. Anguilla is exciting, intriguing and different.

There are many choices of attractions, scuba diving and snorkeling, horseback riding, dancing, sailing, yachting, laying on the beaches, fishing, historic museums and upscale art galleries.

Anguilla's breezy trade winds make sailing a favorite. Charter, or try your hand at a sunfish, kayak or Windsurfing. Sail and powerboats can whisk you to an offshore cay, a secluded cove, or to a favorite snorkeling spot. Waterskiing, Parasailing and Paddleboating are also available.

Underwater enthusiasts from novice to expert are impressed with Anguilla's pristine reefs, wreck dives, and marine life. Many of Anguilla's Dive Operators offer gear, guides and PADI certified courses and snorkeling equipment is available at many Anguilla hotels and at dive operator shops.

Fish enthusiasts can enjoy angling from the beach of Anguilla or offshore. Angle for Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo, Swordfish, Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna.

Off the beach Anguilla has some of the Caribbean's finest tennis courts for day and night play, Horsebackriding along the coastline hikes to caves or to the world's most unexpected rainforest, art gallery and museum hopping, and birdwatching just to name a few. Take an island tour from one of our knowledgeable taxi drivers or rent a car or bike and explore Anguilla on your own.

Nearly every Anguilla vacation activity can be arranged for you through your hotel concierge. Amenities and tours not directly available at your place of stay are almost always available to you.

CARIMAR BEACH CLUB

Carimar Beach Club, at the water's edge on spectacular Mead's Bay, welcomes you to the ultimate Caribbean hideaway. Here you can lift your spirits amidst the luxury of spacious villas, pearl-white beaches, and a crystal-clear ocean of relaxation and romance. The island of Anguilla, setting for the Carimar Beach Club, becomes your Caribbean gateway to water sports, tennis, fine dining and the timeless traditions of an unspoiled world ... uncommon and unbelievable.
Just outside your door, Carimar invites you to swim, snorkel or dive ... or fish, windsurf, sail or scuba nearby. You can have a romantic beach-side dinner at home, which you can prepare with your fresh purchases from one of several food markets on the island. You can take advantage of the many different culinary experiences offered throughout Anguilla. From Continental to West Indian, the emphasis is on fresh, local seafood. St. Martin, which is only a 15-minute ferry ride away, provides exclusive shopping, sightseeing, nightlife and casinos. For day trips and new discoveries, the islands of Saba and St. Barth's are easily reached through inter-island flights.

Angola, Africa

2009-04-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

Angola is an eye-opener – in more ways than one. Scarred painfully by years of debilitating warfare and untouched by foreign visitors since the early 1970s, the country remains remote and undiscovered, with few observers privy to the geographic highlights and vast cultural riches that lie hidden behind an ostensibly violent veneer. But, with the recent cessation of a 40-year civil conflict ushering in a prolonged period of peace and stability, opportunities for exploration are quietly opening up. For outsiders the attractions are manifold. Despite widespread poverty, inbred corruption and an infrastructure devastated by decades of indiscriminate fighting, Angola holds a lure that few other countries can match. Here in the heady heat of equatorial Africa you’ll encounter some of the continent’s most gracious people and discover many of its most closely guarded secrets.

Chill out on expansive beaches, sample the solitude in virgin wildlife parks or sift through the ruins of Portuguese colonialism. From Luanda to Lubango the nuances are startling.

LE PRESIDENTE MERIDIEN

Le presidente meridien is a modern 26 storey building located in the city centre overlooking the bay. It is a spacious luxury hotel with african flair. This hotel boasts glorious beaches, sailing, watersports and other sporting activities. All museums are easily accessible and the banks and ministries are located just minutes from the hotel. Le meridien presidente can host any kind of event of incentive their fully equipped conference rooms. Le meridien presidient has an unusually elegant european style with a french accent that incorporates the individual chararcter and flair of the local culture.

Discover Andorra

2009-04-01T18:09:00.000-07:00

This place is the sixth smallest nation of Europe, after Malta, Liechtenstein, San Marino and the Vatican City. This is known as Principality of Andorra, also called the Principality of the Valleys of Andorra, small landlock country in Western Europe, and bordered by Spain and France. The official and historic language is Catalan. Because of immigration, historical links and close geographic proximity other language such as Spanish and French are commonly spoken. Currently, this place is one of the prosperous country because of tourism and its status as a tax haven.

Tourism in this country is one of the main core of the Andorra economy, accounts roughly 80% of GDP. Estimated 9 million tourists visits annually, attracted by Andorra’s duty free status and by its summer and winter resorts. Whole year tourist activity is also seen in this place. The Bars, Hotel Centro Andorra, resorts, Parks, museums, historical landmarks are in the place with its highest form.

The adjoining France and Spain economy makes Andorra more advantage because of the opened up and the broader provisions of goods and lower tariff.

HOTEL ANDORRA

The apt-hotel Andorra has 100 cosy one single rooms, where you can feel like your at home. All rooms are equipped with a kitchen , complete bathroom, living room, telephone, music channel, TV, safe for rent and a balcony with different views. We have 3 rooms adapted for the disabled, equipped like the other rooms.

American Samoa

2009-03-31T22:52:00.000-07:00

American (Amerika) Samoa is a group of six Polynesian islands in the South Pacific. Fourteen degrees below the equator, it is the United States' southern-most territory. It is known as the heart of Polynesia. If you drew a triangle from Hawaii, New Zealand and Tahiti you would find Samoa in the middle. Western Samoa is a neighboring independent country that shares the same culture. American Samoa became an unorganized U.S. territory in 1900.

The Samoas arguably represent the largest population of polynesian people and they take pride in a strong culture that has survived outside incursions amazingly well.

TRADEWINDS HOTEL

Tradewinds Hotel is a tropical haven where guests can find peace and relaxation in style and comfort with superior service reflecting the spirit of American Samoa. Our staff are dedicated to providing you the very best service to ensure that your stay is as relaxing, or productive as you want it to be.

Tradewinds Hotel offers a range of business and recreational facilities including a restaurant, bar, internet café, conference facilities, gymnasium. Take a swim in our outdoor swimming pool, or relax in the shade of the beautiful palms.

Explore the scenic beauty of Tutuila and visit the fascinating National Park and marine sanctuary, enjoy scenic walks to volcanic summits and waterfalls or go snorkeling, kayaking and swimming. Whatever your reason for visiting American Samoa, you can be sure that it will be a memorable experience.

ALGERIA

2009-03-31T17:17:00.000-07:00

Algeria is the largest country on the Mediterranean and forms a gateway from Africa to Europe. The capital is Algiers.

The country has a predominantly young population of almost 35 million people, concentrated mainly on the north coast.

The official language is Arabic but the Berber language (Amazigh) is also recognised and is spoken by the Kabyle population. French is widely used in business and media.

Algeria has a rich and varied history. Originally inhabited by Berbers, the country became part of the Roman Empire in 200 BC and Roman ruins can be found throughout Algeria, particularly on the northern coast. Arabs arrived in the 7th century and the country became part of the Ottoman Empire. Algeria was colonised by France in 1830, gaining independence in 1962.

The country is led by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who came to power in 1999 on a platform of national reconciliation, has gained international recognition for stabilising the country and encouraging international investment. Algeria is a member of the Arab League, United Nations, African Union and OPEC.

Algeria is a key oil and gas producer and major supplier to Europe. Oil and gas revenues are being used to improve the country's infrastructure and invest in industry.

HILTON ALGIERS HOTEL

Relax among pine trees overlooking the bay at the scenic Hilton Alger hotel, just 10 minutes from the airport and 15 from central Algiers. Lunch overlooking the bay at The Pool House, try a traditional tagine at Casbah or drink at the Hilton Alger hotel's late-night Kantara bar. Book a Hilton Room with a balcony or step up to a Deluxe Room with sea views. All Hilton Alger hotel rooms offer high-speed internet access. Dive into the outdoor pool at the seafront Hilton Alger hotel. Keep fit at the gym and jogging track, try a game of tennis or unwind in the spa's Jacuzzi. Visit Algiers attractions like the medieval casbah before dinner in one 5 restaurants and bars. Next to the exhibition center, 10 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from the city center, the Hilton Alger hotel has 4 meeting rooms for 5-700 with wireless internet access.

ALBANIA

2009-03-31T00:47:00.000-07:00

The Times of London thinks that Albania is the next big thing. Way ahead of you, fellas. Obviously, the Times is headed to Tirana because British Airways just launched nonstop service from Heathrow, but they're examining Albania at an interesting time.

Development is underway, but it's one of the few remaining places in Europe that has remained unspoiled and yet is actually a pleasant place to visit. The landscape of the place is one reason; for the last few thousand years, whenever there was an occupying force, the Albanians retreated into the mountains, which make up much of the nation's topography.

There's a brief mention of the Albanian Riviera--approximately Saranda to Vlora, along the country's southern third of coastline--but it deserves fuller treatment. Tirana is a bustling, over-stimulating city, as foreign a place as you can visit while remaining in Europe. Saranda and the coast, on the other hand, will become viable alternatives to Croatia and Montenegro (as soon as they solve the trash situation; there's a lot of it). Go now--Club Med bought property north of Saranda and will begin building there soon.

TIRANA INTERNATIONAL HOTEL

The Tirana International Hotel Is A Modern High-rise Property Located In Tirana, Albania. Situated In The Commercial Center Of Tirana, The Hotel Is Surrounded By Shops, Bars And Restaurants. Across The Square From The Tirana International Hotel Sits The Opera House, Palace And Central Bank. The Hotel Is 35 Kilometers From The Beach And The Port Of Durres, And Tirana Rinas Airport Is 28 Kilometers Away.
The Hotel's La Pergola Restaurant Offers A Fusion Of Traditional Albanian, Italian And International Cuisine. Private Dining Areas Are Available Inside, Plus Guests Can Dine Beneath The Stars On The Outside Terrace. Other Hotel Amenities Include High-speed Internet Access, A Gift Shop, Fitness Room, And Meeting Or Banquet Facilities.

The Tirana International Hotel Provides 140 Guestrooms On 11 Floors. Each Guestroom Is Decorated In A Classical Style With Plush, Patterned Fabrics, Upholstered Furnishings And Drapes. All Guestrooms Have Air Conditioning, Direct-dial Phones, Cable Television And Minibars.

Akrotiri Hotel

2009-03-29T22:13:00.000-07:00

Akrotiri Hotel in Santorini can be found on one of the most capivating beaches on the island
Whilst staying at Akrotiri Hotel, you can take long walks on the beach, eat at a waterfront tavern or relax on the hotel terrace. Akrotiri Hotel is atmospheric and relaxing - the stone cobbled terraces offer views as far as the eye can see. The open air Snack Bar provides the perfect opportunity to sit under an umbrella, enjoy a cup of coffee and watch the little fishing boats go by

Facts About Akrotiri and Dhekelia

Akrotiri and Dhekelia are two tiny administered areas on Cyprus, in the Mediterranean. They cover 98 square miles (254 sq. km). The island of Cyprus was first visited by humans some 12,000 years ago, and the first settlements appeared around 10,000 years ago. In the 2nd millennium BCE the Phoenicians and the Greeks arrived on the island, and the island became an important Mediterranean trading hub.

Control of the island passed from one group to the other, and eventually was controlled by the Ottoman Turks. During this period the Turkish population of the island increased dramatically. In the late-19th century control of the island passed to Britain, although it remained under the sovereignty of the Ottoman Empire. The British used the island as an important waypoint for their trading Empire, and to solidify their control over the Suez Canal.

When Turkey joined the Central Powers in World War I, Britain took full control of the island. Cypriots joined with Britain in return for a promise that following the war they would be allowed to unify with Greece. Britain failed to deliver on this promise, however, and anti-British sentiment grew.

Eventually the Cypriots achieved independence over their island, with the compromise that Britain would be allowed to keep military bases on their own sovereign land on the island. This allowed Britain to retain their control over the Suez Canal and a military presence in the eastern Mediterranean, while defusing the struggle with separatists. The two regions of Akrotiri and Dhekelia were therefore partitioned off and remained under British control after Cyprus became independent.

In 1974, Turkey invaded the north of the island, and Greeks fled before the invasion, taking refuge in Dhekelia. The Turkish army took care in their invasion not to enter the British controlled territory, as they were trying to keep Britain neutral in the dispute.

Since 1960, Cyprus has on multiple occasions requested or demanded the return of Akrotiri and Dhekelia from Britain. The government of Cyprus holds that the land rightfully belongs to the nation, and that British control of Akrotiri and Dhekelia impedes further Cypriot development. The British consider Akrotiri and Dhekelia important strategic bases, and although some offers of compromise have been made, as yet no settlement has been reached.

Akrotiri and Dhekelia are entirely military bases, with no real civil governments. They are administered by the British as military bases, and the tenets which outline their development reflect this. No commercial or civilian developments are allowed in Akrotiri and Dhekelia, and no permanent settlement of people is allowed. As a result, there is obviously no tourist industry in Akrotiri and Dhekelia, although nearby Cyprus offers many travel opportunities.

Safi Landmark Hotel

2009-03-29T21:58:00.000-07:00

I take this opportunity to introduce “Safi Landmark Hotel & Suites” a Four Star Deluxe Hotel in Kabul. The hotel is located just 15-minutes drive from the Kabul International Airport in the heart of the Kabul City and Managed by an international hotel chain “known as “ Landmark Group of Hotels”

Safi Landmark Hotel provides unprecedented luxury built in majestic and ethnic style blended with modern cram ideal for both Business & Leisure guests. The hotel offers luxuriously furnished 90-Guest Rooms & 40-One , Two & Three Bedroom Suites, designed and equipped to provide a complete satisfactory and memorable stay while in Kabul Afghanistan.

Moreover, the Diamond Ballroom and Ruby Ballroom are made to arrange Weddings, Meetings, Conference , Presentation, Product Launch of Exhibitions with complete banqueting facilities and equipments in house.

FACTS ABOUT AFGHANISTAN

Ahmad Shah DURRANI unified the Pashtun tribes and founded Afghanistan in 1747. The country served as a buffer between the British and Russian empires until it won independence from notional British control in 1919. A brief experiment in democracy ended in a 1973 coup and a 1978 Communist counter-coup. The Soviet Union invaded in 1979 to support the tottering Afghan Communist regime, touching off a long and destructive war. The USSR withdrew in 1989 under relentless pressure by internationally supported anti-Communist mujahedin rebels. A series of subsequent civil wars saw Kabul finally fall in 1996 to the Taliban, a hardline Pakistani-sponsored movement that emerged in 1994 to end the country's civil war and anarchy. Following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City, a US, Allied, and anti-Taliban Northern Alliance military action toppled the Taliban for sheltering Osama BIN LADIN. The UN-sponsored Bonn Conference in 2001 established a process for political reconstruction that included the adoption of a new constitution, a presidential election in 2004, and National Assembly elections in 2005. In December 2004, Hamid KARZAI became the first democratically elected president of Afghanistan and the National Assembly was inaugurated the following December. Despite gains toward building a stable central government, a resurgent Taliban and continuing provincial instability - particularly in the south and the east - remain serious challenges for the Afghan Government.

Pearl Farm Resort

2009-03-28T01:46:00.000-07:00

The Pearl Farm Resort lies in a secluded island off the coast of Davao city. This 11-hectare spread was once a pearl farm, where thousands of white-lipped oysters, transported from the Sulu Sea, were cultivated for their pink, white and gold pearls. Today, the resort beckons with the promise of a relaxing private retreat, under the care of our friendly, charming staff.

The resort's Samal Houses are patterned after the stilt houses of seafaring Samal tribes of the Sulu archipelago. By day, schools of tiny fish frolic between the sturdy poles that support the houses. At night, the sound of the waves are a soothing aid to slumber.

A jar of water and a coconut shell dipper are placed near the entrance to each house so that guests may wash away the sand after a day of barefooting on the beach. In local custom, this gesture is also symbolic of a cleansing of the spirit.

The waters of this island resort are inviting. Crystal clear waves lap gently on the shore and the calm surface of the rock pool washes over the edge into the sea below.

Ethnic motifs reflecting the rich culture and heritage of indigenous tribes lend a distinctive charm to the resort. At the Maranao Pavilion, guests can savor fresh seafood from surrounding waters, as well as exotic fruits such as bananas, durian, santol, papaya, green mandarin, mangosteen and mangoes from the plantation of Davao.

Named after the local term for lighthouse, the Parola bar was once a lookout post for strangers who were not welcome on the island, back in the days when it was still a pearl farm. Today, the bar's cozy ambience invites guests who wish to spend a night of music, drinks and conversation.

Royal Palm Hotel

2009-03-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

The most prestigious hotel in Mauritius

Undeniably the finest hotel in Mauritius, the elegant Royal Palm is an oasis of grandeur, hospitality and luxury.

Situated alongside the most beautiful beach in Mauritius on the northern coast, Royal Palm is a member of the “Leading Hotels of the World” and provides the ultimate in Mauritian hospitality. It delights guests with its hint of nostalgia, timeless values and peaceful atmosphere.
Signature haute cuisine and impeccably discreet service merge to create a truly luxurious experience.
Discover the true meaning of bliss for the body and soul.

Marco Polo Hotel Davao

2009-03-27T20:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the ‘City in Bloom’ - Davao, a modern city in Southern Mindanao, Philippines.

Only one and half hours by flight from Manila the city of Davao is sure to become your next ‘must-visit’ destination, and who could be a better host than the Marco Polo Davao with its unique blend of Western comforts and Asian hospitality!

Standing in the heart of Davao’s shopping and business district, with 245 elegant guest rooms and suites, Marco Polo Davao is your first step to the Davao experience!

Retreat to any of our rooms and suites, which are elegant realization of comfort, warmth and space. If privacy is what you are looking for, then our rooms and suites on the Continental Club Floor provide utmost privacy. All the rooms and suites in Marco Polo Davao are equipped with broadband internet and other amenities befitting a business traveler.

Catch up with friends or have power lunches in one of our five restaurants serving everything from international buffet at Cafe Marco to Cantonese delight at Lotus Court. The Eagles Bar with its classic bar ambiance proves just the place to unwind for a drink after a long day. If International a la carte food is what you desire, then the Polo Bistro Pool Lounge is the place for you or better still, enjoy the signature high tea at the Lobby Lounge where our famous musicians are sure to cheer your spirit.

Reinvigorate yourself in the spa or slip into the swimming pool. Keep in shape at our fitness centre when you are staying in Marco Polo Davao. Business travelers will also find a well-equipped business centre in the hotel to help them stay connected.

Marco Polo Davao also serves as an ideal venue for meetings and functions. It has ten function rooms and one ballroom, which provide the ideal balance of versatility, technology and design. Our event planners are always at your service to help you organise events.

Marco Polo Davao is extremely close to the airport at a distance of just 12 kms and is a 20-minute drive by car or by the hotel’s shuttle bus, which plies to and from the airport at a nominal fee.

Hilton Hotel Auckland

2009-03-27T18:15:00.000-07:00

Stay at the Hilton Auckland Hilton hotel, 330 yards out to sea on the end of Princes Wharf. Enjoy stunning views from White restaurant and Bellini Bar. Indulge at the Servilles Spa or dive into the outdoor heated pool with its unique underwater viewing window.

Auckland attractions such as Sky City Tower and Viaduct Harbour are on the doorstep. Enjoy modern fine dining in the stylish decor of White restaurant. Sip cocktails over a harbor sunset at the Hilton Auckland hotel's Bellini bar.

Only 5 minutes' walk from the business district, the Hilton Auckland hotel has a business centre, an Executive Boardroom and 7 meeting rooms for up to 400, with wireless internet access.

From Hilton Guest Rooms to Suites, all the contemporary rooms at the Hilton Auckland hotel have decks or balconies. Step up to a Deluxe Room for an absolute harbour water view.

Riu Hotel Mammee Bay Jamaica

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This hotel is located on a breathtaking beach, surrounded by Ocho Rios' famous rain forests and spectacular waterfalls.
Deluxe accommodation includes 856 beautifully decorated rooms and Junior Suites, all equipped with mini-bar and liquor dispenser. Junior suites feature hydro-massage bathtubs for superior comfort and relaxation. Enjoy the best of both worlds: Unwind with outstanding international fine dining, pamper yourself at our Spa or revel in the Caribbean sunshine and authentic tropical atmosphere and entertainment.
Riu Ocho Rios will satisfy all your Caribbean desires to the utmost.

* Situated in Northern Jamaica
* On the beachfront
* Two 6-storey buildings and one 5-storey building
* Surrounded by 90,000 m2 / 107,000 sq. yards of lush gardens
* Complimentary sun loungers on the beach
* 10 km / 6.2 miles to Ocho Rios
* 4 km / 2.5 miles from various shops
* 105 km / 65 miles to Montego Bay airport
* 600 m / 1,970 ft. from a bus stop
* Credit cards accepted: MasterCard, Amex, Visa, Diners

P.O.Box 4442
Mammee Bay - St.Ann - Ocho Rios - - Jamaica
Tel: (1)8769722200 Fax: (1)876972-2203
E-Mail: clubhotel.ochorios@riu.com

JAMAICA

Jamaica has always been a land of brilliant white sand beaches and diverse island culture. It is certainly one of the top vacation destinations that tourists love. With crystal clear ocean waters and the year-round temperate climate it is ideal for sun-lovers. Vacationers can find many attractions to keep them happy. Just to name a few, there is fishing, scuba diving, wind surfing, horseback riding, swimming, snorkeling, and golfing. And, in the evenings travelers can take advantage of fine dining at one of Jamaica's elite restaurants or resorts. Jamaica offers unique cuisine that is not to be missed. It has a great night life as well!

Jamaica's warm and friendly people is one of the best things about the Island. They are a culture blended from around the world. Jamaica's motto, in fact, is "Out of Many, One People."

Although the official language spoken in Jamaica is English, it sometimes doesn't seem like it. "Patois", which is widely spoken, sounds like a foreign language but it is actually a combination of rhythmic English and slang. A common phrase you may hear is "Irie mon" is which really means "cool" or "everything is good."