Asia
The quaint town of Yingge is located approximately thirty minutes away from Taipei, in Taiwan, by train. It is a town that is known to be the heart of pottery and ceramics in Taiwan, and offers visitors the freedom to admire, purchase or enjoy a hands-on experience. Yingge is more than just a town, as it is also an attraction. One of the most celebrated and highly attended festivals in Yingge is the annual Yingge International Ceramics Festival. This year, the festival will take place from 6 to 29 October 2008, and is guaranteed to be as exciting, beautiful and educational as in previous years.
Europe
Whether you are a leisure cyclist or a cycling pro, cycling is a great way to explore Germany. There are a number of cycling routes that visitors can make use of, either with or without a guide. The relatively slow pace of a cycling tour allows visitors to appreciate the beautiful German countryside and the warm hospitality of its people.
Europe
The Glacier Express takes its passengers on what is considered by many to be one of the greatest train journeys in the world. This incredible seven and a half hour journey on the renowned Swiss mountain railway crosses 291 bridges and travels through 91 tunnels, as well as crossing the famous Oberalp pass at 2033 meters, giving passengers the opportunity to view some of the most breath-taking scenery they are ever likely to see.
Asia
The tiny island of Cheung Chau lies about 12 kilometers south-west of Hong Kong. Although Cheung Chau is the smallest of the outlying, inhabited islands of Hong Kong, it is the busiest and most populated. Visitors to Cheung Chau village on the island will find themselves surrounded by a fascinating blend of modern urbanization and traditional Chinese style.
Europe
Vigeland Sculpture Park, which forms part of Frogner Park in Oslo, Norway, is a fascinating attraction which is popular as a picnic and leisure area with Norwegians, and is visited by tourists from around the world. The park is a remarkable tribute to the immense talent of Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943).
Europe
Il Palio is a historical and important horse racing event that takes place in Siena, Italy, and is a celebration that is not easily forgotten. Annually, on the 2nd of July and the 16th of August, thousands gather for the evening festivities the day before the race, and for the main event itself. The very first Il Palio was run on 16 August 1656 and in 1701 it was dedicated to Madonna di Provenzano. Connected to the Contradas (districts) of Siena, each contrada is represented in the race. Originally there were ninety-five, but today about seventeen remain, of which approximately ten participate in Il Palio.
Europe
On 12 November 1925, the Lava Beds National Monument, located in California, became a United States National Monument. Its significance to the country is due to it being the biggest collection of lava tube caves that can be found in North America and it is not only geologically vital but historically important. Lava Beds National Monument is a diverse desert landscape that was created by the force of volcanoes and decorated by the gentle hand of nature.
South America
Alonso de Ercilla was quoted in the 1569 publishing of “La Araucana”, describing the Atacama Desert in Chile: “Towards Atacama, near the desert coast, you see a land without men, where there is not a bird, not a beast, nor a tree, nor any vegetation.” And this description is not far from the truth. It is a desert that puts the Death Valley in California to shame, as it is fifty times drier and approximately twenty million years of age. It is truly the driest place on earth. It is also one of the most beautiful places, and well worth the visit while in Chile.
