Things to See and Do in Bali

by : Trias Bali Travel

1) Beach & Surf
Bali is well known for its pristine white beaches and secluded coves, the most famous beaches being in Nusa Dua where long stretches of soft white sand will soothe and comfort the soles of your feet. Many hotels have their own private stretch of beach with a Beach club or restaurant along. Kuta and Uluwatu are areas in South Bali well known for their good surf which makes Bali one of the most popular surf destinations in the world.

2) Padi fields
The beautiful terraced green padi fields are another must see for a visitor to the island of Bali. Many tourists will automatically head to Ubud, about 45 minutes from Bali Airport to stay in a hotel and villa overlooking the padi fields. The best padi field scenery is at Jatih Luwih and Tegallalang which are not far from Ubud.

3) Galleries and Museums
Beautiful paintings can be found in Ubud, home of many of Bali's well known and aspiring artists. The peaceful scenery and tranquility of the area must be an inspiration for the remarkably detailed paintings these artists create and whose works are displayed in the numerous art galleries and museums found in Ubud village. Some of the more well known galleries are The Agung Rai Museum of Art, Neka Museum, Antonio Blanco Renaissance Museum, Komaneka Gallery and Seniwati Gallery of Art by Women just to name a few.

4) Dance and Music
Dance and music plays a very important part of the life of a Balinese. Every ceremony and festival is almost always accompanied by traditional dance and the soothing sounds of the Gamelan. You will find many locations in and near Ubud where you can watch these dance performances. Dancers wear glittery and colourful costumes, executing to perfection elaborate hand movements and facial expressions to convey stories of the Ramanaya. You can watch the elegant Legong Dance at the Ubud Palace in central Ubud, or see other entertaining performances such as the Warrior Dance and Kecak Dance at other locations within the town. Wayang Kulit, or Shadow Play performances are also a common evening entertainment for the local Balinese and tourists alike.

5) Yoga and Spa Treamtents
There is a growing number of world class spa facilities and health resorts in Bali especially in the Ubud area. Using natural herbs and indigenous products, you will have a wide variety of spa treatments to choose from and enjoy. Spa treatments are ideal for relaxation and what every person who needs a break from this fast paced world of work, family and stress will surely appreciate. A variety of massages using traditional, Aryuvedic, Shiatsu and hot stones are on the menu for you to choose from. Traditional treatments such as Boreh and Lulur are common. Facials, foot massages, healthy meals and private spa facilities are also available at some hotels and salons. Holistic resorts offer yoga programs and have resident teachers who will guide you to peace of mind.

6) Festivals and Ceremonies
Religion plays a central role in the life of every Balinese family. The island has hundreds of temples, for which each and every one has a temple anniversary, known as Odalan. On this day, the villagers visit the temple for prayers and socializing. It can be considered a community event to bring the people together and promotes good feelings between villagers. With the Balinese Hindu religion comes many daily practices such as placing offerings such as trays of flowers called Canang Sari in temples, shrines and symbolic locations to ward off evil and please the Gods. Nyepi Day, which is the Balinese New Year is a day that is spent in silence in reflective prayer and meditation. The days before Nyepi however provide many opportunities for a tourist to witness ceremonies and rituals including the noisy and colourful Ogoh-Ogoh procession which happens one day before Nyepi, on Melasti Day. This procession is a colourful display of the creativity of the Balinese where towering papier mache ‘monsters’ are paraded through the town in noisy processions in efforts to chase away any evil.

Galungan is another major festival for the Balinese which at the end of 10 days is marked by Kuningan Day. This festival occurs every six months so you will have the opportunity to see it in another half year if you miss the first round. During this time you will see the Barong Dance procession which goes through the village performing in front of shops and houses as an act of purification. Cremations are another village affair where the entire family and friends of the deceased are involved. The body is carried from the home grounds through the village to the cremation site where it is place in a towering sarcophagus and burnt to the ground.

7) Sea Sports
Bali has some of the most colourful and interesting sea life you will ever see. Well known dive sites are located in Amed and Tulamben where there are ship wrecks, in Menjangan Island in the North West, and Pandang Bali and Lembongan Island in the East to name a few. Nusa Dua and Sanur are ideal for snorkeling but there are many other areas as well.

8) Visit Active Volcanoes
Indonesia has hundreds of volcanoes and Bali has some of its own famous ones as well. Kintamani town is where you will see the 2800m high Mount Bali, a popular tourist destination in Bali. The volcano has a large caldera lake and it is possible to go on a sunrise hike to the top of Mount Batur if you can wake up early enough! Mount Agung, the location of Bali's largest and most sacred temple, Puri Besakih, is Bali's highest and most sacred mountain at 3142m high. Pura Besakih, the Mother Temple is where Bali's most important ceremonies are held and worth visiting if you have the opportunity to go on an East Bali tour especially in April when the temple has its anniversary.

9) Land Adventure Activities
Apart from the southern tourist towns, Bali is an island still very much in its natural state compared to other tourist destinations. You will soon realise that there are many locations that provide the ideal terrain for exciting adventure activities. Bali is not only Kuta and Nusa Dua. Travel north and you will find out what the real Bali has to offer – culture, spectacular scenery and experiences that modern tourist towns with shopping malls are totally devoid of.

The rivers, mountains and jungles are all places where you can experience Bali away from the tourist crowds. White water rafting down the scenic Ayung or down the heart stopping Telaga River rapids is one of the more popular activities for tourists who come to Bali. A mountain bike ride from Kintamani down to Ubud through the padi fields and small villages with friendly locals is another leisurely activity for families and individuals alike. Bali is home to the Taro Elephant Park, complete with accommodation, activities and elephant fun for all ages. You can ride an elephant through the jungle, marvel at their intelligence and let them make you laugh when you visit the Taro Elephant safari park in Bali. Quad driving will take you through the jungles and rougher terrain. Canyon tubing where you sit in a floating tube and coast down a river through the jungle is another fun activity. A new attraction, the Bali Safari and Marine Park is a unique blend of wildlife conservation and culture. You will be able to see wildlife in their natural surroundings and learn about the ancient Balinese culture at this tourist attraction.

10) Shop till you drop
Finally what the first thing tourists tend to do on any trip and most certainly to Bali is to shop. You have Kuta Center, Galeria Nusa Dua, Matahari in Legian and Ubud Market where you will find bargains of all sorts. The Balinese are well known for their creative and artistic skills evident in the numerous arts and crafts found throughout the island. Many craft factories are found in Tegallalang and the surrounding area. Skilled silversmiths in the village of Celuk, sell their creations in eclectic shops in Ubud but you will be able to buy their jewelry at slightly better prices. Sukawati art market is where you will find many of the fabrics used in Balinese clothing as well as hand made crafts such as woven baskets at good prices. Crafts and statues are made from natural products found on Bali such as coconut wood, bamboo and volcanic sand stone. Masks and puppets make interesting gift items. You will also find many unique home decor items such as table runners, lamp shades and wall decorations to give your home a touch of Bali style when you return. Furniture items are often available at attractive prices compared to if you were to purchase them from outside of Bali.

So there you are, a list of many things you can do in Bali. Relax, get fit, have fun, gain new experiences and most of all, a memorable holiday. And if you count them up, you've got a lot more than 10 things to do there. This is by no means an exhaustive list but more than enough for a 3 to 7 day trip to this wonderful and magical island of the Gods.

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Top Holiday Spots

by : Raman Verma

Indonesia

The name Indonesia has its roots in two Greek words: Indos - meaning Indian and "Nesos" which means islands. It is an appropriate description of the archipelago as there are estimated to be a total of 17,508 islands, of which only about 6,000 are inhabited, stretching for 5,150 km between the Australian and Asian continental. The main islands are Sumatra Kalimantan), Sulawesi Irian Jaya), and last but not least Java. The nation's capital, Jakarta, has a fascinating and significant history

Climate-- Indonesia's climate is definitely tropical. The main seasons are summer, winter and monsoon; it is devoid of autumn and spring.

Culture-- Indonesia is rich in art and culture which are intertwined with religion and age-old traditions. The basic principles which guide life include the concepts of mutual assistance or "gotong royong". Religious influences on the community are varied from island to island. Indonesia is rich with culture with 250 - 300 ethnic groups live here.

From graceful court and temple dances to charming folk dances and boisterous play, the performing arts of Indonesia offer an astounding range of types and styles, shadow puppeteer is famous.

Cuisine-- Fish features prominently in the diet as fresh, salted, dried, smoked or a paste. Coconut is found everywhere. The staple food traditionally ranges from rice corn, sago, cassava to sweet potatoes.

Hot spots-Indonesia is a mix of beaches, forests and cities- Amlapura, Bali Barat National Park, Irian Jaya, , Java, , Jakarta, Baluran National Park, Karimunjawa Islands, Kalimantan (Borneo), Gili Islands, Gunung Rinjani (Mount Rinjani), Kuta, , Pulau Bunaken, Rantepao, Tanatoraja, , Sumatra, , Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (Great Bukit Barisan Forest Park), Harau Valley, Jangga Village, Kerinci-Seblat National Park, Lingga Village, Medan, Mentawai Islands, Ngalau Indah Caves, Ngarai Sianok (Sianok Canyon), Padang, Pandaan Beach, Pandi Sikat, Parapat, Samosir Island, Siberut Island, Sipiso-piso Waterfall, Taman Hutan Raya Bung Hatta, and more.

Malaysia

The Malay Peninsula has thrived from its central position in the maritime trade routes between China, India and the Middle East. It is shown on early map with a label that translates as "Golden Chersonese"; the Straits of Malacca were referred to as "Sinus Sabaricus". The two distinct parts of Malaysia, separated from each other by the South China Sea, share a largely similar landscape in that both West and East Malaysia feature coastal plains rising to often densely forested hills and mountains. Putrajaya is the newly created administrative capital whereas the capital city isKuala Lumpur. Georgetown, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Alor Sar, Malacca Tow, and Klang are the major cities.

Climate -- It's hot and humid year-round in Malaysia .

Culture -- Malaysia is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multilingual society, consisting of 52% Malays and other indigenous tribes. With Malays, Chinese and Indians living side by side The music, art, food, dance, architecture and general day to day living are influenced by all three to some degree, creating some of Asia's most fascinating sounds, sights and tastes. Malaysian traditional music is heavily influenced by Chinese and Islamic forms, it is based largely around the gendang (drum), but includes other percussion instruments. The country has a strong tradition of dance and dance dramas, some of Thai, Indian and Portuguese origin. Other artistic forms include wayang kulit (shadow puppet theatre), silat (a stylised martial art).

Cuisine -- There is a great variety; spicy Malay Food, a seemingly endless variety of Chinese food, exotic cuisine from North and South India, as well as Nyonya and Portuguese Food.

Hot spots -- Malaysia's love of Western-style is abundantly clear in its big cities, Kuala Lumpur, Penang etc. Malaysia boasts some of the most superb beaches, mountains and national parks in Asia. Cameron Highlands, Batu Caves, Lake Gardens ,Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Taman Negara National Park.

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Culture and People of Borneo

Kalimantan

Kalimantan is a multicultural state with over 20 different ethnic groups. The largest ethnic group are the Dayaks, followed by the Malays and the Chinese, Madurese and other Indonesian ethnic groups.

			Experience living in a traditional Iban, Embaluh and Kantu longhouses. Kampung Kopar Longhouse located in Kopar Village, Parindu District, Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan. About 250KM from Pontianak. Kampung Saham Longhouse located in Saham Village, Sengah Temila District, West Kalimantan. About 135KM from Pontianak. Replica of Longhouse on Jalan Sutoyo, Pontianak.
			Museums: The State Museum, Pontianak. Amantubillah Palace, Pontianak. Dara Juanti Museum (Sintang Palace), Pontianak.
			Mosques and Palaces: Kadriyah Palace, Pontianak. Muhammad Saunan Palace, Pontianak. Sambas Palace, Pontianak Sultan Abdurrahman Jami Mosque, Pontianak.
			Other places of cultural interest: The Equator Monument, Pontianak. Tanjungpura Tombs, Pontianak. The Battle Monument of Juang Mandor Graveyard, Pontianak. Floating Market, Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan. Pampang Cultural Park, Samarinda, East Kalimantan. source:

HOLIDAY

by Paul McIndoe

The perception of a holiday in the Far East has changed radically over the past few decades. Although long thought of as a wild and foreign region, for years the majority of visitors to the Far East have been looking for a unique cultural experience or a more back-to-basics feel. Nowadays, visitors can still take advantage of the cultural diversity of the east but now can also do it in style in some of the most luxurious resorts, spas and beaches around the globe.

Throughout the Far East, visitors are drawn to countries such as China, Borneo, Thailand and Malaysia for the widely different and colourful cultures, cuisine, religion and scenery which these countries offer. For those who have only travelled and experienced resorts in the west, the east offers a hugely different and fulfilling experience that continually pulls many people to the region. In addition to the new experiences on offer, visitors can also sample it all in the lap of luxury, in the many resorts that have sprouted up on the pristine shores of the East.

Thailand, for example, has long been a holiday favourite, attracting beachgoers and culture seekers alike for decades. Replete with beautiful beaches spread across many islands to explore, sets the scene for a perfect holiday in the sun.

Malaysia is an up and coming destination for those looking for an exotic adventure. Like Thailand, the country boasts beautiful beaches as well as the cosmopolitan city of Kuala Lumpur, which is complete with excellent shopping malls, top notch restaurants and a never ending list of sights to behold.

For a truly unique cultural experience, China ranks among the best on offer when it comes to Far East holidays. Playing host to the most cities whose populations number over a million people each, China is a bustling country with a booming economy that visitors can feel the minute they arrive. In stark contrast to this, much of the countryside still practices traditional agricultural methods, all the while set in breathtaking countryside that is still relatively isolated from the modern conveniences of the 21st century. Some of the biggest attractions on earth are located in China, such as the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.

For a heady mixture of breathtaking scenery and wildlife, the island of Borneo is a perfect choice for a far east holiday. A trip through the Borneo jungle feels like a trip through time. Take a boat ride through the lush rainforest, where lucky visitors will be able to see orang-utans in their natural habitat; while remarkable birds can be seen and heard on any trip and a vast array of exquisite plants blanket the forest in the most vibrant colours.

Destinations which, historically, were only open to the most intrepid of travellers have now opened up to visitors from all walks of life, and in recent years these previously out of reach locations have become much more attractive to tourists seeking adventure and the unknown on their holiday.

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Family Leisure Vacations In Indonesia

by Reginald Melchor
Indonesia in Greek means Indian islands. It has more than 17,000 islands, out of which more than 5,000 are inhabited and stretched between the Asian continents of Asia and Australia. Its main islands are Sulawesi Irian Jaya, Java and Sumatra Kalimantan. The country tropical climate is seen to be devoid of spring and autumn seasons.

Its culture includes temple and folk dances, boisterous play and shadow puppeteer. Its favorite cuisine includes fish as fresh, dried, paste and smoked one. Its traditional staple food includes rice corn, cassava, sago and sweet potatoes.

Its snow capped peaks of Papua, smoking volcanoes; jungles and mountains are favourites of trekkers. Carstensz Pyramid is covered with snow and is considered to be the Papuas highest mountain, and popularly known by the name of Puncak Jaya.

It also offers biologically diverse waters for different diving options, such as tourist can have a dip at the Bali coast or a live aboard to the Sulawesi's Wakatobi, Komodo Islands and Lembeh Strait, Alor and Flores. And also experience its marine life that includes barracudas, mantas and colourful cuttlefish.

Indonesia also has few of the remaining tribal groups in the world and tourists watch their living styles with curiosity and eagerness.

Bali is the province in Indonesia. It is divided into nine major regions stretched from west to east naming Tabanan, Jembrana, Denpasar, Gianyar, Badung, Klungkung, Karangasem, Bangli and Buleleng region. Bali is a home to an estimated 900-1,000 marine species and Komodo Dragons, giant monitor lizards.

It is also called as "The Island of God and "The Island of Thousand Temples" as the majority of its population follow Hindu religion and have their deity temple at their living place.

The country also has rainforest study areas at Camp Leakey in Kalimantan and Tanjing Putting National Park. Komodo National Park is an ecotourism destination that includes three big Komodo islands, Padar and Rinca, and various smaller islands.

It has Sipiso-piso waterfall, Taman Hutan, Raya Bung Hatta, and Pandaan beach. It also has various national parks, such as Bali Barat, Baluran, Barisan Selatan and Kerinci-Seblat National Park.

Indonesia is a blend of beaches, forests and cities. A visit to the Ministry of Forestry's feed station provides a chance to interact with the orangutans directly. Tour agencies arrange trips with better deals on national airline tickets and arrange for transportation and accommodation as well. The various hotels offers discount packages to the tourists based on number of days to stay and services.

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Cool Tribal Tattoo Designs

by Roman Landa

Tribal tattoo designs became progressively famous in modern world of tattoo. There is something special about their simple intensity and beauty that is attracting people who may not even like tattoos. The ennoble curves and solid angles of these black tattoos can be bold strokes across the skin, or intricate and almost lace-like. Some cool tribal tattoo designs contain human or animal figures. Others are strictly symbolic.

The very first tattoo happened on accident.When some primitives were playing around the fire it would not take long for someone to fall in and get poked. Later heal before they'd realized that they were on to something. The news probably spread really fast and prompted the invention. It is rumored that the first tattoos were of the sun or flames in honor of the sun gods.

There were three main factors that took the practice of tribal tattooing from the realm of art and into the plane of the spiritual: pain, permanence and loss of the life source (blood). This mystical trio elevated the tattoo from mere art and transformed it into a chance to draw people into a relationship with god of magic powers.

Because body and soul were generally thought to be identical to one another, your tattoos then existed on two planes: the physical and spiritual realms. Many of the tribes from Borneo believed that tattoos would not only be enough to get them to the proper spirit world, but that their tattoos also offered them special qualifications for advantageous occupations upon their arrival.It has been found that most primitive tribes used some form of body marking, scarifications or the use of plain, temporary body paints.

Although lots of people choose to get cool tribal tattoos in order to keep in touch with their own culture, you don't have to carry the ancestry of the culture to get a tribal tattoo. However, out of respect for the culture, you should take some time to learn about the history and meaning of tattoos in that society. By doing some research you will find a tribal tattoo that are not only drawn artistically, but also that reflects a association between how you see the world and the feelings of the culture that originated the design.

If for some reason you do not feel connected to the tribal tattoos of one specific culture, you can take aspiration from various styles. You can work with your tattoo artist to create a cool tribal-enliven tattoo that means something exceptional to you.

Does not matter if your tribal tattoo is drawn directly from a specific culture, or if your tattoo artist helps you create a new cool tribal tattoo design, a tribal tattoo is a very exceptional and meaningful spell of art.

Would you like to know where to find the Best and most original websites with Cool Tribal Tattoo Designs? Read on...

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“Chocolates, Beer, Bikes & Barges” – Adventures for Singles, Belgium & Holland 2006

by: Suzy Davis

We arrived to cosmopolitan Brussels with 3 lost bags and 1 missing person. One suitcase went to Moscow but all caught up eventually. Janice and I led a perfect size group of 39, not too big to get lost in or too small for comfort.

Each July trip draws school teachers who have loyally followed me around the world and they do love Europe. We began with a light orientation tour in the historic heart of this capital, followed by a tour of the Chocolate Museum. I found this boring, but the tastings were great.

After a nap at the Sheraton, we enjoyed a welcome dinner at Chez Leon, a typical Belgium Brasserie located on the charming “Rue de Restaurants.” You can get mussels in Brussels, but not brussel sprouts. And the french fry as it was invented here. Our menu consisted of egg puff pastry with Ardennes mouseline sauce, Flemish beef stew in Grimbergen ale and a dark chocolate mousse cake on a bed buttercream which was a culinary masterpiece never to be forgotten. I always say that a loud group is a happy group, but I think their decibel level here may have been due to their indulgence of amber ales. 428 different types are brewed in this country including a popular new blueberry beer. Later we scattered like chickens into the Grand Place which is considered by most to be the worlds most beautiful square. It comes to life at night every July with a light show and various unlicensed entertainers. One young lady is dressed in candy tempting men to buy a bite.

If it’s Tuesday, it must be Belgium. After breakfast, we began our morning walking tour of the 17th century Grand Place. It was actually 8:30 Sunday morning and I marveled that in over a dozen visits here, I’ve never seen this place so empty. It echoed in silence as tourists slept and the locals were gone for holiday. Sunlight brilliantly flooded the gothic cathedrals, classical facades and art nuveau houses. We were alone and it was breathtaking.

We then visited the famed confectioner “Planet Chocolate” that opened especially for our group. Pedestrians peered in the windows with curiosity. A great demonstration was given by chocolatier Jon, grandson of the founder of this factory renowned for producing 67 different flavors. We learned about the history of cocoa. The ancient Mayans considered it an aphrodisiac and Montezuma consumed it in copious amounts. It was made famous in Belgium by J. Nuehus who added the praline hazelnut cream. Each cocoa fruit contains 25 beans. The best comes from Ghana, Ivory Coast and Indonesia. We learned all about the roasting and fermenting processes. Jon expounded on how healthy his dark chocolate is with more magnesium and antioxidants. He even asserts that it boosts energy and thus helps you loose weight…convoluted thinking. It was however, once sold at chemists as antidepressant medicine and unlimited amounts were given to soldiers in wartime to combat stress. At the end of the lecture, silver trays of truffles were presented along with a cup of hot ganache, which tasted like chocolate soup. I never really cared for chocolate but it was infatuation at first bite.

Our next stop was Chocolate Manon which I was told is run by a “chocolate nazi” who will lock the doors if we’re one minute late. This small factory concentrates on quality over quantity and fancy packaging. The educational presentation was given by the owner Christian, who is both serious and hilarious. He only uses the highest quality vanilla, sugar, butter and 70% cocoa powder. This is a real factory with enormous chocolate blocks piled high and brown drippings everywhere. Sorry Hershey’s, but the cocoa here is not replaced with palm oil, chemicals, coloring, vegetable fats and lard. This is as pure as it gets and it’s better than Swiss. They sell direct to Bergoff and Neimans in NYC. There are 443 chocolate factories in Belgium all with the competitive spirit of Tour de France between them. Godiva still reigns supreme.

Christian explained that white chocolate is really an oxymoron. It contains only milk, sugar, cream and 21% white cocoa butter. As he lectured, he continually dipped his finger in to vats to taste his latest batch, while quickly running back and forth with frenetic energy from molds to freezer. He has a true passion for his product and consumes about 250 grams or a 1/2 lb a day, yet is as thin as Calista Flockhart.

I love my job, but would swap a month with him anytime.Over 1000 fillings are used inside the hollow shells. One by one, hundreds of shells are filled by hand. Each piece is a mini-sculpture. We’re invited to squeeze the ganache pastry bags, but made a terrible mess and had to eat our mistakes. Nothing is discarded here. Even table scrapings will be remelted.

Dark chocolate can be stored up to 15 years and molded into any shape. We’re shown pictures of intricate violins, a woman’s formal dress and a life size dinning room table and chairs all made of chocolate.

Monday we toured this proud and regal city that is revealed in its royal palaces, cathedrals, museums and onuments. We see the headquarters of the EU and site of the 1958 World’s Fair with the massive silver Atonium. We photograph the Mannekin Pis. [I never understood the love of this small bronze statue but it represents Brussels. Perhaps it’s found in the irreverence of the artist.] Paula was our guide for several days here. Her stellar knowledge brought the history of Belgium to life, particularly the time when King Leopold purchased the Congo as his personal playground. Paula deeply cared for her work and later invited us to visit yet another chocolate factory, but fully sated, we declined. For free time we dispersed into tiny alleyways to intentionally get lost. Some searched out beer halls or hot sugar waffles, as others shopped for tapestries at give-away prices.

Things become a bit blurry from here. I’d taken some great notes on napkins throughout and managed to loose them all enroute. But memory serves well as we head to the capital of Flanders and enchanting Bruges. This town is a complete UNESCO World Heritage Site with a tranquil character that can’t be described. The people have done so much to protect its medieval feel, it provides the magical affect of stepping back into time. It is called “Little Venice” and we enjoyed a boat cruise through the veritable maze of old canals that led to the Lake of Love. We strolled through ancient squares lined with houses of gabled rooftops and various cathedrals of holy this and holy that. Horse drawn carriages filled the cobbled streets. We entered the neo-gothic Basilica of Holy Blood and climbed 365 steps up the Belfry Tower with its carillon bells that chimed so loud it could blow an eardrum. We visited the cities finest lace shop for a demonstration on lace making, which I anticipated to be as exciting as watching paint dry. It was however, quite fascinating watching the delicate work of this 500 year old cottage industry.

We viewed an 18th century handkerchief so intricate that it took 4 ladies nearly 10 years to complete! All for a distant royal bride to blow her nose on.

I think I walked 67 kilometers that day. (Life lesson #122- NEVER wears heels on cobbled streets.) Bruges is entirely cozy and colorful, as if stepping into a postcard. At a café, I splurged on a waffle topped with chocolate, fruit and ice cream, so far, so good. For our entire trip we were blessed with no rain and perfect weather.

I’m a city girl at heart and was happy to depart for Holland. William of Orange is our jovial driver who just loaded our suitcases that have now swelled to 71 pieces. This is a super double-decker with plenty of room for our 150 mile journey. I joked on the mic as we crossed the border into Holland that there will be a 3 hour time change and never to drink the water. Much to my surprise my dear novice travelers actually started changing their watches! We passed many Smart Cars manufactured by Mercedes and Swatch. These toy-like hybrid two-seaters are expensive, but so adorable. On arrival, we checked into the Novotel Amsterdam for 4 days of touring pleasure.

We boarded our private glass topped boat and cruised through a labyrinth of canals. Amsterdam has 140 miles in all. Our wonderful guide Marilyn commentated on the picturesque neighborhoods and unique architecture. I photographed the world’s skinniest house, built in 1664. It was 5 stories high and only the width of the front door! Many locals live on houseboats and the area starts to resemble a floating trailer park. Holland is about 100’ below sea level. Pumps are used to constantly pump out water and basements do not exist.

The beer drinkers in this group loved the “Heineken Experience” with plenty of tastings and virtual games all over this famous brewery. The shoppers liked the Coster Diamond Factory where we learned about cutting and polishing the precious stones. They locked us in a room with guards where a gazillion euros worth of diamonds were displayed. We each had are own agenda for free time. The art lovers explored the national museums of Rembrandt and Van Gough. Many toured Ann Franks House where one can really sense the drama as she hid from the Nazi’s in the tiny attic writing her diary. Others went to Edam for cheese and Delft for porcelain. I visited friends and indulged on Dutch pancakes of every style imaginable.

One day we visited Zaanse Schans, a typical village for total Dutch immersion. We began at the Ratterman Clog Factory where 3 million pairs are produced annually. They’re used for working in the fields and are still worn today. Wooden shoes do not stretch so how can locals proclaim these to be comfortable? I prefer my Jimmy Choo’s stilettos and instead buy tulip bulbs for souvenirs. We then visit a cheese farm and watched as they separated curds from whey. Here we bought enough wheels of flavored Goudas to make Wisconsin jealous. [We never considered the weight it would add later to our carry-ons.] We explored the open air museum with a backdrop of working windmills. There were also small period cast farms with curious ducks, goats and sheep.

That evening I had dinner with a friend I usually only see once every 5 years. Paul says, “Suzy, you are like a good old book in the library of my life that I tucked away. You re-enter out of nowhere. I dust it off and the memories return.” As we catch up, I thought I had some stories to tell but his life is as captivating as a best selling novel. He is an undercover agent in the Special Forces, trains Dutch combat troops in Germany preparing for tours in Kabul, works narcotics infiltration and is a body guard for the royal family. Kind of like Jack Bauer on “24.” Everything is “top secret” yet he reveals that he basically gets paid by the government to work out daily. Recently he transported orangutans form the Amsterdam zoo to freedom in Borneo.

The highlight of this trip for me was our 2 hour city tour on bicycles. We looked like a motley crew as we headed out into narrow cobbled streets and over countless bridges. As I peddled, I observed my group behind me. One woman is nearing 70, two are smoking cigarettes, Janice is talking to America on her cell and one unmentionable crashes into a car! She had to pay the driver for damages on the spot. It took complete concentration to cross the busy tram tracks. That morning we rode through Vodelpark and the Red Light district. It was interesting to see the prostitutes as they just woke up to get their coffee dressed in jeans and sneakers.

Holland is the land of the free. With prostitution legal, my group is most inquisitive on this matter. We laughed as Marilyn said,” Suzy, they all ask questions on sex. Are they frustrated?”

I arranged a professional guided walking tour of the Red Light district in the oldest part of Amsterdam for the world’s oldest profession. Since the 1400’s, seamen would dock here to unload. Guides Gabriel and Shuert boldly led us through alleys of half clad ladies. No photos allowed. We’re told that some fear it’ll go out on the web. Our guides explained that some women are forced here nowadays and some are simply ashamed. Ladies differ in size, shape and color as we strolled through different quarters. On one street they’re all obese. We learned to identify the transsexuals by two things surgery can’t change – an adam's apple and a straight waist. Tastes differ; the oldest woman here is 76 and only works in summer. Only half use protection and monthly health checks are required.

There are around 1000 prostitutes working 500 windows. They pay 150€ to rent a window for 6-8 hours, and can make up to 450€ per day. They pay taxes and can write receipts for services rendered. If the curtain is closed they are not on break. The area is flooded with tourists. Men pay 50€ for 30 minutes, yet statistics reveal the average time spent is just 6 minutes.

We crossed “Pill Bridge” named for the drugs pushed there and then toured the Erotic Museum with photographs and “tools of the trade” dating back to the 17th century on display. As I pondered and stared at a metal chastity belt, Gabriel said “that blacksmiths always had a spare key which came in handy when the husbands were away at sea.” She also insisted the Dutch were far less promiscuous than Americans. I was concerned about my ultra-conservative teachers but nothing seemed to shock them. After awhile, our senses were over saturated and it became dull. The saddest sight was seeing a “heroin hooker”. She was emaciated with glazed eyes and so many track marks that she had to shoot it now under her tongue. Police cameras were everywhere 24/7, there is little crime and we felt totally safe.

Pot and hash are legal here in over 400 “coffee shops” that sell joints and “ganja-space milkshakes.” Locals told me they felt Americans were oppressed by too many rules and can’t understand how our drug companies can sell meds on TV.

Enough on the wild side, this is also the art capital of Europe boasting more museums per square foot than any other city. Marilyn gave us a quick art lesson in a nutshell. She explained that this is the 400 year celebration of Rembrandt (1606-2006). He came from a family rich in windmills. As a child, he was an expert sketcher. Later in medical school, he did anatomical drawings of corpses from criminals. He studied more and soon rose above the Dutch masters with the ability to capture light and shadows in paint. He always began with a black canvas. Though blessed with enormous artistic talent, he couldn’t manage his finances. He died penniless and was entombed in a pauper’s grave.

Van Gogh grew up a lonely child and was very attached to his mother. His hyper-critical father didn’t like his artwork. He went to Paris to study the impressionists. He was schizophrenic and when he had episodes, it was seen in his paintings that grew wilder and wilder each time. He cut off his ear and later committed suicide. His paintings were discovered stored away in his family home. We learned so much here.

Many think they’ve seen Europe, but miss the countries with the most charm. Here we were enveloped by history, culture and all that the Old Continent should be. Also this wasn’t a typical EU vacation with endless museums and cathedrals, but a creative itinerary which provided large fun. Total cost was $1175 plus air (www.AdventuresForSingles.com 877-813-9421 or in GA 770-432-8225). Everyone’s favorite stop was Bruges, but for me Amsterdam was an urban masterpiece. I found the Dutch far friendlier than other Europeans. This visit rekindled my love for the Netherlands, that tiny country with 2 names. This time I looked through new eyeballs with my teachers who were experiencing their first trip abroad.

It was a wonderful group. One couple connected whom we later labeled “The Honeymooners” and I hope they last. In flight home on Delta, I noticed among my sleepy group that some were munching on their chocolates that were meant for gifts back home. And once in line at US Customs, some were proudly wearing their new, brightly painted, uncomfortable wooden clogs. I just have to do this trip again.

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