[英语课]

Wallis and Futuna

Do you plan on vacationing in the stunning South Pacific World and be part of the happy few to explore and experience one of the isolated and little-known corners of Polynesia? Wallis and Futuna Islands will make your holiday exceptional. Discovered by Dutch and British sailors (Wallis in 1767 and Futuna in 1616), the French overseas territory of Wallis and Futuna is a south pacific archipelago, or groups of islands, situated north of Fiji and west of Samoa, consisting of three principal islands: Wallis (Uvea), Futuna and Alofi. Wallis and Futuna are the most populated of these three; Alofi lacking adequate natural resources with no permanent inhabitants, though many locals have gardens there. The 9,000 people on Wallis and 5,000 on Futuna are mostly Polynesians with a typical Polynesian culture and strong traditions of dance and music. The people are Polynesian, speaking two main dialects. On Wallis the language is close to Tongan; on Futuna it more resembles Samoan.

The volcanic islands of Wallis and Futuna, 230 km away from each other, share a tropical climate with temperatures ranging between 26C and 30C. The best time to visit Wallis and Futuna is in February, June and October; the coolest month is August and the hottest is March. Rain is likely almost the whole year, and both islands experience occasional cyclones. Both Wallis and Futuna have a few small hotels and you can fly there from Noumea, Nadi, and Papeete. Settled by Polynesians nearly 3,000 years ago, Wallis (77,5 sq km), traditionally called Uvea is the capital island of Wallis and Futuna, surrounded by more than 15 uninhabited islets called Motu, mainly of coral sand and bordered by a lagoon. In this busiest and most populated island you can find many fresh water crater lakes, a sign of the island's volcanic origin, with impressive watery wildlife. Lake Lalolalo is the most spectacular of the Wallis Crater Lake forming a perfect circle with cliffs towering 30 meters above the surfact of the lake.

Located in Wallis, in the district of Hahake, the most developed Mata-Utu is the capital and the largest city of Wallis and Futuna. It's a mixture of the prosaic and the mysterious, a place where you can find restaurants, shops, small hotels, the King's Palace and post office. The people of Wallis Islands are found living on only 67% of the territory's geographical offering. The island's flora is essentially made up of fascinating palm trees and breadfruit trees while the fauna is quite limited with only one common species of lizard. The centre of Wallis Island is semi-desert. You can find no transport in Wallis instead a lot of private cars and motor scooters are ready to serve any tourist. Wallis offers a hilly landscape peaking at Mt. Lulu with a height of 475 feet.

Futuna and Alofi with an area of 137 sq km, comprising the Futuna or Hoorn group are highly volcanic, predominantly mountainous and wooden islands with small coconut plantations. The highest point in Futuna is Mont Puke (765 m) with no roads leading this point. That is why you must go on foot, but make sure to ask the way as there are numerous paths and it is quite easy to get lost.

Futuna is famous for its fresh water springs, lush jungles, wonderful beaches and remarkable ancient culture. However, there are less visitors here than in Wallis. Situated in the south-west of the island Sigavestrong is the only large town in Futuna. The only attraction in Sigave is Sausau church, made up of three circular towers looking towards the hills. You can find no organized housing accommodation on Futuna, so plan on camping or staying with the locals.

The tiny island of Alofi, 2 km SE of Futuna, is a dream destination boasting white sand, clear water and shady trees. Plenty of locals come to this uninhabited island from Futuna every day to take care of their gardens. So do not afraid of being alone, here you will always find pure hospitality.

Mysterious islands of Wallis and Futuna are waiting for you. Enjoy and relax.

http://www.tropicalparadise.net/wallis-and-futuna.html

[英语课]

Western Samoa

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Seek an adventurous and enticing archipelago in the heart of South Pacific Ocean? Western Samoa has it all- unique living culture, breathtaking coastal scenery, rugged forested mountains, numerous fantastic waterfalls, tranquil, crystalline lagoons, cave pools and fascinating marine life. This little piece of paradise offers everything you need to plan an attractive and unforgettable vacation. Here you are guaranteed a pleasant and enjoyable stay by spending your time swimming, diving, fishing, surfing and snorkeling.

The climate of Samoa is tropical with common cyclones between December and March. Expect a cool, dry season from May to November and wet, humid weather the rest of the year. Average temperature hovers between 22C - 30C all year.

Forming part of Polynesia and covering a land area of some 3,135 square kilometers, Samoa (officially called the Independent State of Samoa, and formerly known as Western Samoa), is home to 15 mountainous and actively volcanic islands with similar geological and climatic characteristics, distributed in two groups: the western group is the main tourist destination comprising two large lush green islands, Upolu and Savaii, together with some very small islands, including Apolima and Manono, and the eastern group, consisting of seven islands.

Apia, the island's charming and waterfront capital and the main commercial center situated on the northern shore of Upolu Island, is the only "town" in Samoa with several traditional villages extended along the coastal road to the east of west giving the opportunity to explore the unspoiled Polynesian treasures. The pleasant harbor at Apia offers yacht facilities and is safe from May to November, so avoid staying in Apia during the cyclone season. Here you can also visit the Museum of Scottish novelist and travel writer Robert Louis Stevenson, officially opened in 1994 on the 100th anniversary of his death. 37 km west from Apia town on Upolu Island you can find Faleolo, the only International Airport of Samoa.

Upolu Island with a land area of 1,100 sq km, is the most developed and mountainous island with a population of 110 000 inhabitants. Fringed by coral reefs, the fertile island boasts heavy forested interior, tropical mountain scenery, impressive waterfalls creating a Eden-like paradise within tropical forests, white sand beaches, fantastic coastal walks, excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities offering to explore the colorful marine life, and a serene atmosphere. To learn more about local culture visit one of the villages where the friendly locals will welcome you with warm hospitality. You can also visit the tombs of Samoan kings and the largest Mulifanua Plantation in the southern hemisphere.

Lefage Beach, one of the most peaceful and picturesque beaches on the island is a "must-go" place. It is just what a traveler would expect to see in the pacific.

Another attraction in Upolu is the Papaseea Sliding Rock- a group of waterfalls right in the center of rain forest allowing visitors to slide down. You can easily get here by taxi and do not forget to prepare a small fee to be paid once you arrive at the attraction.

Savaii Island (often referred to as "Salafai", a classical Samoan term), is the second principal island of Samoa, covering 1,690 sq km and populated by 40000 people. All tourists arrive in Savaii from Salelologa Town- a wharf and airport, situated on the south-east coast. The enchanting Savaii Island is a scenic treasure destination famous for its still untouched nature, stunning beaches, breathtaking waterfalls and blowholes. This island is volcanic and has old lava flows that dominate the landscape.

Manase, located on the North coast is the most popular beach in Samoa and a fine spot for strolling and snorkeling.

Savaii Island is one of the rare places where you can explore and experience the simple pleasure of Samoan life.

Situated 4 km off Upolu's southeastern coast, the super-traditional Manono Island with an area of 3 sq km is home to four villages and a few beaches offering a true Samoan atmosphere. This adorable island is so small that you will hardly find any roads or cars and it will simply take some one and a half hours' walk to explore the whole island.

Samoa or Western Samoa is one of the least expensive countries in the South Pacific, welcoming travelers to experience its inner and outer beauty. The islanders are believed to be the happiest of all Polynesians and the most generous and hospitable nation in the world.

http://www.tropicalparadise.net/western-samoa.html

[AuntT]

 I like the tropical islands and islets, because they are very warm, pretty and romantic!

[英语课]

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean, south-west of Spain and north-west of Africa.They are directly in front of the coast of Morocco. Due to this geographical situation, the Canary Islands have been always an important station for the navigation between Europe, Asia and America.


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This paradisiac group of islands, enjoying a wonderful climate, with a constant mild temperature through all the year, and splendid beaches of fine sand, consists of 7 larger islands (Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro) and a few smaller ones (Alegranza, Graciosa, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este, Roque del Oeste and Lobos). Surprisingly, the landscape of each island is radically different to the others.

Already Greeks and Romans reported on this archipelago of volcanic origins, and called it the Happy Islands, Garden of the Hesperides, Atlantida, ... Some historians suppose that the legendary continent Atlantis was located here. The islands' original population, commonly called Guanches, is tall and of white skin.

In 1496 the islands became part of the Spanish kingdom, and the ships of Christopher Columbus stopped here on their travel to discover the New World.


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Cantera Beach, Las Palmas, Gran Caneria, Canary Islands.

The Climate of Canary Islands

At Canary Islands there is eternal springtime. Temperatures between the seasons vary only some 6º C, and the monthly islands average temperatures are from 18º to 24º C (64,4 and 75,2ºF). That means ideal bathing conditions through all the year.

Due to the islands geographical location, some 4º from the tropic of cancer and very close to the African coast, the islands' climate is subtropical. The surprising landscape, with high mountains covered by snow very close to the beaches, is an additional attraction. Water temperature varies from 22º C in summer to 19º C in winter.

In La Palma, Tenerife and Gran Canaria you may find tropical rains from time to time, while Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are very dry and guarantee sunshine almost without interruption.

The character of the population is influenced by this favoured weather conditions as well and Canarians are famous for being always friendly and in good mood. That can be also said about the numerous foreigners, who use to spend the winter-months here.


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Black Sandy Beach, Tenerife, Canary Islands.

Canary Islands: Gastronomy

Canary Islands' cuisine combines traditional Spanish recipes with african and latin-american influences. We find here an incredible variety of recipes, not at least for the great offer of nature, with excellent fish, fruits and vegetables.

A very simple and well-known recipe is Papas Arrugadas, potatoes boilt in salt-water without peeling them and served with Mojo picon, a hot sauce of oil, garlic, chili-peppers and paprika. Each chef de cuisine keeps in secret jalously the detailed recipe of his Mojo. Those sauces are indispensable components of many other typical dishes as well, for instance of the famous Mojo Cochino, a ragout of pork.

One of the most traditional and also one of the oldest recipes of Canarian food is gofio. It was invented by the Guanches, the original inhabitants of the Canary Islands, as the main staple of their diet. It is a stoneground flour made from roasted cereals: wheat, barley, maiz, ... Gofio is used by Canarians in many recipes: it can be added to soups, stews, desserts, sauces, and even ice cream. It is, to give an example, typically served with Morcillas Dulces, sweet blood sausages which are made of pork blood, sugar, almonds and raisins.

If you like fish, you will feel in paradise on those islands. Among the most typical regional recipes are Caldereta and Sancocho Canario, salted fish in a Mojo sauce. You will find a wide variety of international recipes of fish and sea-food, too.

Among vegetarian dishes Potaje de Berros, a hot-pot of chick-peas, is perhaps the best known. Several of the islands have a typical cheese-speciality of their own, best known are the smoked cheese of La Palma and Flor de Guía in Gran Canaria.

Exotic fruits are the base of several excellent desserts and sweets. Platanos Fritos, fried bananas, are in great demand.

Among the islands' wines you should try the Malvasía from Lanzarote and the red-wines of El Hierro, La Palma and Taraconte in Tenerife. Another of the islands' alcoholic specialities is Honey-Rum.

http://www.red2000.com/spain/canarias/

[英语课]

Con Dao Island, Vietnam

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Con Dao is one of the most beautiful islands in Vietnam, located off the coast of southern countries, the precisely located about 200 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Before it became a vacation destination, this island is a prison island for political prisoners during the colonial French, who was called as Poulo Condore, so if you do you will find the rest of the old prison buildings are still standing and open to the public which is now in use as a museum. The island is very famous for its natural beauty with large wooded hills, has a clear waters and coral reefs, so the place has become quite popular diving destination, but relax on the golden sandy beaches.<sub>http://www.tourismnewsinfo.com/con-dao-one-of-the-most-beautiful-island-in-vietnam/


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Con Dao Seatravel Resort is located in the center of Con Dao Island. This resort has its own beach with clean water, built of wood in the wide and romantic garden. The area of the beach is large enough to serve for camping and firing, sport activities and outdoor travel in Con Dao, etc.

One thing that became the main attraction in Con Dao is the opportunity to observe dugong and dolphins can be found in local waters. This is one of Vietnam tourism is growing, so there is some Villa which offers modern facilities, you can also stay at the Six Senses Con Dao is located about 7 miles from Co Ong airport, Six Senses offers a private room in the middle of a fairly dense mangrove vegetation, the beautiful scenery that can be seen from the pool directly overlooking the South China Sea.


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Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam, has won two prestigious awards at the International Property Awards, being named 'Best Hotel Construction' and 'Best Design for Small Hotels' in the Vietnam and Asia Pacific Region.

In Six Senses Con Dao Resort, 50 villas stand in the beach that stretches for one mile, backed by green hills, overlooking the azure sea and the  charming scenery of the Gulf. The resort try to select local sustainable source of natural building materials, including the recovery and recycling of self-Vietnamese interior teak, as well as thousands of exquisite antique wood carving.

In addition, the resort is the culmination of the modern architectural style and perfectly brings out the natural beauty of the surrounding; material and color selection of building materials are the seamless integration and geomorphology.


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Con Dao is one of  the world's top ten the most romantic spots named LonelyPlanet. In this Vietnam's most secretive island, what you have to do is to set aside all of modern life's impetuous, with your love enjoy the sea out of the window, the sun, the seclusion of the most original ecological: organic cotton soft bed, self-produced fresh ingredients on the island.  Romantic, is actually very simple.


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What to Do in Con Dao

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Cooking School

Visitors can enjoy learning about Vietnamese culinary arts at the new cooking school belonging to the Six Senses Hideaway Con Dao, the only five-star property on the island.

Location: At the Six Senses Hideaway Con Dao

Diving in Con Dao

Con Dao is one of the best places to dive and snorkel in Vietnam. Con Dao and its island/islets are under the National Park's auspices. There are over 1,300 species of sea life in the area, including rare dugongs and sea turtles as well as beautiful coral reefs. This area's weather conditions allow water sports all year round.

Exploring Con Dao Island by Motorbike

A great way to experience Con Dao Island is by renting a bike and spending at least half a day riding around to see Con Son Town, its coastline, rugged hills, deserted stretches, rice fields, green mountains and fishing boats in the bays. It is hard not to stop to take pictures when passing through this unique scenery.

Trekking in Con Dao

A good place to start to plan any of your trekking trips is at the Con Dao National Park Office. The park office features a small museum, funded by the World Wildlife Fund. Trekking in Con Dao National Park provides good glimpses of jungle and a few remote bays and beaches. The island's highest peak is Thanh Gia (577m) and it takes about 90 minutes to trek up. There are also quite a few interesting short hikes which will reveal fruit plantations and local wildlife.

Location: The National Park Headquarters is just a few kilometers inland from the port on Vo Thi Sau Street.

Turtle Eggs

There are not many places on earth where you can see female sea turtles come up on the beach to lay their eggs. There is a special breeding program for turtles on Banh Canh Island usually in the month of September and many visitors spend the night on the beach to wait for this truly unforgettable moment. Since 1995, more than 300,000 baby turtles have been released. Check for more detail at the Con Dao National Park or your local agent for this tour.

Location: Banh Canh Islet, part of Con Dao Islands


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[英语课]

Racha Islands, Thailand

Lying about 20kms south of Phuket, the Racha Islands comprise two islands, Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi.

The Racha (or Raya) islands are best known as excellent diving and snorkelling daytrip destinations. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery, natural marine life, sparkling waters of the Andaman Sea, white sandy beaches and tropical climate. It absolutely is a day in paradise. The islands possess crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. They are very popular with divers and snorkellers, with challenging dive sites for advanced divers as well as plenty for beginners and snorkellers.

Racha Yai:

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Closest to Phuket is Racha Yai. Racha Yai is the island of fantastic scenery, good swimming place and coral reefs, the interesting tourist destination either Thai or foreigner. Racha Yai reveals itself in splendid fashion, with most arrivals landing onto a strip of fine white sand tucked deep into the long, U-shaped main bay, called Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. The water here is clear and perfect for snorkelling, though the bay gets quite busy with visiting boats in the afternoons. The other large bay, Ao Siam, is a pretty place where lonely strolls in solitude are possible.


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Like many islands in the area, Racha Yai is popular with day-trippers from Phuket and Ao Bungalow can get a little busy in the afternoons.

At night, the island is pretty quiet with only a few restaurants and bars. The lack of bright lights means that the night sky is light up with stars, great for stargazing on the beach.

Racha Noi:

A little to the south of Racha Yai is its smaller twin, Racha Noi. This island is uninhabited and has more rocks than beaches. Racha Noi has no services or accommodation, but there's some great diving in the area. There is a small bay on its west coast that is a favourite spot for fishing, but apart from diving there is little else to do here.

Racha Island Hotels:

There are a number of bungalows for rent on Racha Yai, a luxurious resort operated by Sanctuary Resorts, called The Racha and the newly opened Rayaburi Resort. There are no cars on the island, so expect to do lots of walking. Dining and nightlife is restricted to a few restaurants and some open-air bars - nothing fancy but quite friendly and relaxed.

Activities:

The main activities here are scuba diving and snorkelling. Racha Yai’s east coast has a bay that is fine for diving even during the rainy-season. Visibility can be as as good as 30m.

Racha Noi is more suited to experienced divers as the sites are at greater depths. There are some sites where larger marine creatures, manta rays in particular, are regularly spotted.