A small republic: Montenegro

In Montenegrin, the local language of Montenegro, this country is called “Crna Gora.” As for the people of Montenegro, they distinguish themselves from those who made up the former Yugoslavia, calling themselves “Crnogoracs.” They do not believe that they are from the same ethnic roots as the Serbians, and despite the fact that they are, like the Serbians, Orthodox Christians, their churches are also different.

Montenegro, which separated from Serbia in 2006 -- entering onto the global stage as an independent country at that point -- is a young republic. The population, surface area and economy of Montenegro are all very small. At the same time, Montenegrins look towards the future with hope, and interestingly, they are one of the countries that began using the euro before actually entering the European Union.

Montenegro, which is located in the southeastern reaches of Europe, is a Balkan country. With a population of around just 650,000, Montenegro has shorelines that run along the Adriatic Sea. The capital of Montenegro is the city of Podgorica. Montenegro is surrounded by many neighbors; to its northeast is Serbia, to its east is Kosovo, to its south is Albania, to its northwest is Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to its west is Croatia. With a 300-kilometer-long Adriatic shoreline, Montenegro sees sunshine an average of 240 days of the year. The southern part of Montenegro enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate.

The current name of the Montenegrin capital, Podgorica, is one to which some people may not be accustomed. During the era of former Yugoslavian leader Tito, this city was called “Titograd.” Later, it was changed to Podgorica. It is the largest and most developed city in Montenegro, with a population of around 190,000. Podgorica is the trading, political, and cultural center of Montenegro.

Water in the capital city

The river that runs through Podgorica is called the Moraca. One of the bridges that span this river is the famous Millenium Bridge, one of the symbols of this capital city. The waters of this river are very clear.  It looks like a great, though difficult, sport.  Hercegovacka Pedestrian Street, which is closed to traffic, and is very busy, especially in the evenings. The open markets start slowly, early in the morning, gaining tempo through the day.

Though most Montenegrins are Christian, Muslims do make up 17 percent of the population. The state is respectful of its Muslim citizens, and the importance of living as one in a multicultural society is often underscored at the state level.

Quick Facts

Montenegro
Capital: Podgorica
Language: Serbian 63.6%, Montenegrin (official) 22%, Bosnian 5.5%, Albanian 5.3%, unspecified (includes Croatian) 3.7% (2003 census)
Government: Republic
Chief of state: President Filip Vujanovic
Head of government: Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic
Area: 13,812 square kilometers
Population: 653,474 (July 2013 est.)
Ethnic groups: Montenegrin 43 percent, Serbian 32 percent, Bosniak 8 percent, Albanian 5 percent, other (Muslims, Croats, Roma) 12 percent (2003 census)
Gross domestic product (PPP): $7.288 billion (2012 est.)
Religions: Orthodox 74.2 percent, Muslim 17.7 percent, Catholic 3.5 percent, other 0.6 percent, unspecified 3 percent, atheist 1 percent (2003 census)

FINLAND: Land of forests and lakes Travel Guide

The nation lies between Sweden and Russia and is a neighbor of Norway. It is a clean and quiet nation.

Finland, which longs for the few sunny days it gets, has only a very brief summer. The winter days here seem as though they will never end. Conversely, during the summer months in Finland it sometimes seems like the sun never sets. This country is famous for the reindeer and sleigh-pulling huskies that live in its northern regions. With its beautiful blue lakes and rivers, Finland's forests, which cover a good 75 percent of its land, are a gorgeous shade of green. In fact, with 23 million hectares of forest, Finland has the most forestland in all of Europe.

The industrialization of Finland began during the 19th century with the processing of its forest products. In fact, forests are still the most important source of raw materials for Finland.

The resolute efforts and hard work of the Finnish people in past years mean that they now inhabit a nation which, despite having been at one point a country of swamps, is now one of the most developed nations on earth. Finland produces internationally recognized brands of electronics and metal goods and is also famous for its engineering capabilities. Its goods sell well in world markets. Finland is a leader not only in production, but in trade as well. One of the greatest factors in this nation's growth during the 1990s was the spread of cell phones and other telecommunications technology. Today, this nation is both modern and developed.

Finland joined the European Union in 1995 and converted its currency to euros in 2002. The country has a population of 5,250,000. Newspapers sell an average of 3 million copies per day. A majority of these sales are to regular subscribers.

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a port city founded in 1550. It is the northernmost EU capital, and it hosted the Olympics in 1952. Helsinki is an orderly city with large parks. One of the most famous city squares here is Senate Square. This square is home to Helsinki Cathedral, a large white church with green domes, as well as a statue of Russian Czar Alexander II. The Russians ruled Finland between 1809 and 1917, and before them, the Swedes controlled these lands for many years. In fact, you can see evidence of the years of Swedish rule in the language and culture of Finland today. The official languages of Finland are both Finnish and Swedish, and in fact, both are taught in school. Of course, the Swedish spoken in Finland is a bit different from the Swedish spoken in Sweden. Around 6 percent of all Finnish citizens speak Swedish as a native language. Street and boulevard names are in both Finnish and Swedish here, as are street signs and placards.

The population of Helsinki is around 600,000. Actually, Finland, with its relatively small population, is doing what it can to encourage an increase in birth rates. Financial assistance is offered to families when they have a child, and in fact, these family payments are one of the largest expenditures of the Finnish government's budget. It doesn't matter how rich or poor a Finnish family may be; they will receive a special package from the government for each child they have. These packages include things like blankets, diapers, children's clothing and even toys.

Every morning people living in Helsinki head for the large parks that dot this capital city. The city has dog parks where you can take your dog and let him run free with other dogs all day long if you wish. In fact, there are 15 dog parks in Helsinki alone. Interestingly, Finland also has cemeteries for dogs and cats. These cemeteries are well maintained; you can see dates of birth and death on the headstones at these cemeteries, and candles are lit by the gravesites.

There is an open market near the presidential palace in Helsinki that you must visit if you are in Finland. In fact, because it is near the presidential palace, even the Finnish president sometimes takes her visitors to tour the open market and drink some coffee there. One of the most unique aspects of this open market is that sellers here still use the old liter system rather than a scale to price and sell their goods. For example, when you buy foods like potatoes, peas or mushrooms here, they will measure how many liters of these foods you are buying and charge you accordingly. The price for one liter of peas here is 3 euros, for example. The EU doesn't look warmly on this traditional form of pricing, so it appears that this method will go by the wayside and become history not long from now. The Seurasaari Open-Air Museum in Helsinki is also a very important spot for Finns. One of the first signs that you are about to head off on a historical tour through years past is that when you arrive at the museum, you are greeted by people wearing costumes from the 19th century. Inside the museum, you see examples of old Finnish homes. Visitors can experience old ways of living when they come here; the most distinctive quality of these old Finnish homes is that they are made entirely of wood. The Seurasaari Open-Air Museum is definitely a place to see if you are interested in traditional Finnish life.

Another popular spot to visit in Helsinki is Temppeliaukio Church. Carved from stone, this churched opened for services in 1969.

There are around 188,000 lakes, some large and some small, throughout Finland. Of course, it is not surprising that a country that gets as much rain as Finland does would have so many lakes. The homes that stand beside these lakes are also quite famous in Finland. Many Finns especially relish the idea of being able to spend their vacations on a quiet lakeside, leaving the crowds and chaos of city life far behind.

Another aspect of life much loved by Finns is the sauna. In fact, Finnish society adores saunas, and almost every Finnish home contains its own sauna. Apartment buildings have shared saunas that their residents use together. It is reported that there are 1,700,000 saunas in Finland, which is a lot when you consider that the nation's population is only 5,300,000. The word "sauna" itself comes directly from Finnish. A favorite tradition of Finns vacationing at their lakeside homes is to rush from their saunas straight into a cold lake. It doesn't matter whether it is summer or winter when they do this!

Finns are also known for their love of coffee. They are one of the top coffee consuming countries in the world, with an estimated 20 million cups of coffee drunk per day.

Following Helsinki, the second largest city in Finland is Espoo, with 240,000 residents, and the third largest Finnish city is Tampere, with a population of 200,000. There are two large lakes that lie outside Tampere. One place you must be sure to see in Tampere is the espionage museum. All sorts of interesting tools and devices used by spies are displayed there. Schools in Finland all provide lunch to their students for free. This is a service that everyone receives from preschool all the way through high school. In fact, special lunches are even offered for students from various religious backgrounds. One last note is that alcoholism is a big problem in Finland, not only for men but for women as well. And the divorce rate here is high, as is the unemployment rate. Around 7 percent of country's population is unemployed.

Travel Guide Denmark "Of bicycles and merchants: Denmark"

Denmark is a country consisting of 500 islands and islets. Germany is the only neighboring country adjacent to Denmark's territories.

The Danish-German border is 68 kilometers long. The highest point in the country is 173 meters while the lowest is minus 7. It takes a three-hour flight to get to Denmark from İstanbul.

Denmark extracts huge amounts of natural gas and oil from the North Sea. The country markets know-how to the world. It is known for its leadership in engineering sciences. Danish experts founded most of the cement factories in the world. Danes read a lot; 30 million volumes are picked from libraries in a year. This is a great figure when compared to the small population of the country. Denmark is home to Hans Christian Andersen, the great master of fairytales whose works were also translated into Turkish.

Danish is the official language in Denmark. The Scandinavian languages are pretty similar, and Danish people actually speak most of them. English is the second language in this country; almost all are able to communicate in English.

Denmark is governed by a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is Queen Margaret II, and the crown prince is her son, Fredrik. The queen's winter residence is located in the heart of Copenhagen. Whether she is in residence is signaled by the flags hung on the palace. Denmark is one of the oldest kingdoms in the world; “monarchy” is still the official style of government, and ceremonies held in front of the palace to exchange duties between the royal guards attract a great deal of attention. You may encounter many tourists present at the spot to witness the moment of exchange and subsequent rituals.

Article 4 of the Danish constitution states, "The Evangelical Lutheran Church shall be the Established Church of Denmark, and, as such, it shall be supported by the State." Article 6 notes, "The King shall be a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church." This means that in order to be a queen or king, the candidate needs to be Evangelical Protestant; not only that, he or she also has to be a member in the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Mary, the spouse of Crown Prince Fredrik, was a member of a different denomination of Christianity in Tasmania, but she converted to evangelism right before marriage and subsequently became a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Every city has a symbol, and Copenhagen's is the Little Mermaid statue. One million tourists come to this country to see this every year. Visitors take pictures in front of the statue; Denmark did a great job by marketing this little statue as a valuable asset of tourism. The initial reaction of the visitors is sort of a mixture of disappointment and surprise, yet they don't miss the opportunity to take plenty of pictures.

Copenhagen means "city of merchants." The city has been serving as the capital to this country for six centuries. It has a population of 1.7 million.

The best way to contemplate is to climb on the Round Tower of Copenhagen. A gradually ascending road is used instead of stairs to get to the tower. You need to travel a distance of 209 meters; horses were used to get to the tower in the past. It is possible to get the whole view and scenery of the city and even Swedish territories. The city consists of five- and six-floor houses; tall towers constitute part of the city's overall silhouette. The observation house attracts visitors every hour of the day. People take pictures as soon as they get there.

The Danish parliament building is located in downtown Copenhagen. The 179-seat parliament has two Turkish deputies. There are a lot of bicycles in the country; you may see many bicycles parked in front of the parliament building as many deputies ride bicycles.

You may see a gathering in front of the assembly protesting the Danish government for sending troops to Afghanistan and Iraq. A group of 20 protesters is replaced every three hours to make their voice heard all the time. The government took no action to stop the protests, which have been going on for six years.

Riding a bicycle is pretty easy in this country. Young or old, almost everybody owns a bicycle. People take their kids to school on bicycles even in cold weather. This is ordinary for Denmark.

Cars are relatively inexpensive in Europe; however, this is not the case in Denmark. Autos are pretty expensive in this country because of customs levies. The state imposes 180 percent customs levies for auto owners. Let's say you bought a car in Germany paying 10,000 euros. If you want to take this to Denmark, the overall price of this car nears 30,000 euros.

Prices go down by at least 50 percent in neighboring country Sweden; you can get a car in Malmö, 30 kilometers away, for half of the price you pay in Copenhagen. For this and other similar reasons, a number of Danish people live in this city. These people work in Denmark but live in Sweden. Statistics show that Danish people pay 39 percent more than the Europeans do for food. A 25 percent tax is imposed on food in this country. Finland and Sweden follow Denmark in expensiveness.

If you love shopping and happen to be in this country, you need to consider the skyrocketed prices. But you should also note that the Stroget, located in the center of the city, is the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe.

In downtown Copenhagen, you may see a lot of skating rinks where kids and young people ice skate along with their parents. This is a free of charge service offered by the local administration. Those who do not have a pair of skates may rent them at the entrance; there is no time limit on the rink. Small kids start ice skating at early ages.

In Denmark, many jewelry stores sell amber stones. These are Baltic ambers, which are fairly pricy because formation of one amber stone takes at least 1 million years. Resin becomes hard and then remains underground for 1 million years before it converts to amber. The jewels made of these stones are symbols of this country; an amber rosary with 33 stones is $1,300.

There is one place called Christiania at the heart of Copenhagen; at the entrance, there is a placard reading, "Welcome to Christiania." It is pretty close to the parliament building. This place hosts a world where irregularity is rule and lack of an order is the main element of order. Hippies took control of this vicinity in 1971. When military units withdrew from there, hippies filled the void. About 1,000 people spend their lives in this interesting place. Young people unable to integrate with the society prefer this. Drug sale is forbidden in Denmark with the exception of Christiana. People do drugs in this area, and taking video in this area is forbidden.

Most Danish drug users have their first experience in this secluded place. Actually, the Danish government is pretty uncomfortable with it and wants to close it down. However, the country, which named the Copenhagen criteria, is unable to deal with Christiania. People are so into drugs that you may have difficulty communicating with people on the street because of the effect of the drugs. It is impossible to understand what they are saying. The government fails to adequately address this growing problem. There is a small area in this place where old garments are left. Those in need pick up what they need there.

Visa: Denmark is a Schengen country and requires Turkish citizens to get a valid visa before entrance. The visa application fee is YTL 100. It does not ask for visas from citizens of European Union countries, the United States, Britain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland. While EU citizens may stay indefinitely in this country, visitors from other countries need to leave the country within three months following their admission into the country.

How to go: Turkish Airlines has regular direct flights from İstanbul to Copenhagen every day.

Turkish Airlines: starting from 178 euros plus tax Every day

Departure: 10:15 a.m. Arrival: 12:30 p.m.

Extra flights by Turkish Airlines: Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday

Departure: 2:15 p.m. Arrival: 4:30 p.m.

Accommodation: It is pretty easy to find cozy and neat hotels in Denmark, but it should be noted that rates are a little bit expensive.

Food: There are Turkish restaurants in Denmark; you may dine in a Turkish establishment in downtown Copenhagen. I also recommend fish.

Best time to go: The weather in Denmark is usually rainy and cloudy. People miss the sun a lot. The best time to travel to this country is summer, when the average temperature is 20 degrees Celsius. Winter is cold; the coldest month is February. Those who do not like the crowds may go in the spring. Make sure to bring your umbrella, coat and sweater.

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[QUICK FACTS]

Capital: Copenhagen,

Official language: Danish

Government: Parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy

Monarch: Queen Margrethe II

Prime Minister: Anders Fogh Rasmussen

Area: 43,094 square kilometers

Population: 5,484,723*

GDP (PPP): $203.3 billion**

Religions: Evangelical Lutheran (95 percent), Other Christian (3 percent), Muslim (2 percent)

Iceland: The dance between fire and ice

Iceland is a country whose name has most recently been associated with the global financial crisis.

This island of 350,000 became the first national victim of the crisis when it declared bankruptcy earlier this month. Although this may lead one to believe that this isn't a desirable location to visit on the world map, Iceland remains unique place with its landscape and history.

Despite including five enormous icebergs as part of its topography, Iceland is actually a nation of volcanoes, with 15 volcanoes active even now. In fact, its Hekla volcano is one of the world's most active. Earthquakes are common occurrences in Iceland. In fact, there is so much tectonic movement that little islands form off of Iceland in the middle of the ocean from time to time. One such island is named Surtsey -- it came about as a result of lava spewing into the ocean from a volcano in 1963.

Iceland, which had previously been tied to Denmark, acquired full independence in 1944. Though not a very rich nation in terms of natural resources, Iceland's annual per capita income is around $36,000. The minimum wage here is 1,200 euros per month. In short, the level of prosperity is quite high here. Interestingly, Iceland has one of the lowest national populations in the world. The literacy level here is 100 percent. In 2007, Iceland was chosen by the United Nations as the best country in the world to live in from the perspective of education, income level and life expectancy rates. In fact, the people of Iceland have some of the longest life expectancies in the world. While men live an average of 80 years here, women live an average of 83.

At the same time, Iceland is an expensive country. Meals at Icelandic restaurants are two to three times as expensive as similar meals in European restaurants. In terms of foreign residents in Iceland, most are from Poland. There are around 10,000 Poles who live here. Following them are Danes and Germans.

As for its economy, Iceland is very dependent on fishing. There are 1.5 million tons of fish caught in Iceland annually. A full 6 percent of the residents of Iceland work in this sector.

Of the total population of 300,000, 190,000 live in the capital. Reykjavik holds the title of being the world's closest national capital to one of the poles. In other words, it is the world's northernmost capital city. With the national population being as low as it is, you won't see so many people wandering around the streets and boulevards of this nation. In fact, there is one square kilometer here for every three people. Reykjavik is a small and serene capital city.

In Iceland, the official language is Icelandic. This is actually Europe's oldest living language. But don't worry about communicating once you get to Iceland; if you speak English, you shouldn't have any problems.

There are more than 10,000 waterfalls throughout Iceland. The most famous of these is Gulfoz, which is about 140 kilometers from the capital. Its waters cascade a distance of 70 meters from the top.

During the month of February in Iceland, the sun doesn't come up until around 9 a.m. The snow falls constantly, which is why you might notice that road traffic signs display not only the outside temperature, but the temperature of the roads themselves. Thus, drivers can be forewarned of the temperature the road they are driving on and proceed with more or less caution.

Iceland is famous not only for its natural beauty but also for the Icelandic horses the Vikings themselves brought to these lands in the ninth century. In fact, since then, this type of horse has been preserved on the island without change. This is why today it is strictly forbidden to take them of the island, and likewise, it is also forbidden to bring back any Icelandic horses that have been transported off the island. If you visit a farm where these horses live, the first thing you may notice will be how still these horses stand. With their long hair, they are able to withstand extremely cold temperatures during the winter, as low as -15 degrees Celsius. And, despite how small they appear, they are also quite strong and muscular. Icelandic horses are famous for being able to run in five different styles. Most other kinds of horses can only run in four different styles.

They say that fire dances with ice in Iceland. While the top of this nation's soil may be covered completely in snow and ice, boiling waters burst forth from underground in various places. There are more than 800 natural sources of hot water in Iceland. Despite wintry temperatures, you can find water as hot as 100 degrees bubbling up from the ground.

The most famous of the natural hot water sources in Iceland is a geyser named Strokkur. The hot water that intermittently bursts out of Strokkur shoots a full 30 meters into the air. Those who come to see it will be dumbfounded by the display, which occurs every five or 10 minutes.

This is definitely a favorite tourist attraction in Iceland. You can see people standing with their cameras and video recorders, waiting to document the water that shoots up into the air. You can tell when the water is about to rush out of the ground when you see a sort of depression forming in the ground around the place where the water emerges. Interestingly, this spot is also one where people come to make wishes. It is such a sight that this place manages to attract around 500,000 visitors a year, winter and summer, even though there are only around 2,500 Icelanders who live nearby.

The months of April and October are great months in Iceland for whale-watching tours. In fact, a chance to see these enormous creatures in their natural environment is in itself a reason that people come to visit Iceland. Not only whales but puffins as well are also a reason that people travel to Iceland. These birds can dive to depths of 50 meters in the ocean and can fly at speeds of 80 kilometers an hour. There are more than 10 million puffins in Iceland.

With its volcanoes, bursting geysers, spectacular horses, millions of puffins, whale-watching opportunities, clear waters and so much more, Iceland is really a unique country. For those who are curious about the dance between ice and fire, this is the place to visit, no doubt about it.

[TRAVEL TIPS]

Visa: Turkish citizens are required to have a visa to visit Iceland. But if you have a Schengen visa, you can enter with no problem. You can obtain your Schengen visa for Iceland from the Danish Embassy in Ankara, or the Danish Consulate in İstanbul. The price for this visa is YTL 110.

Citizens of the US, England, Canada and New Zealand can enter Iceland for three months without a visa.

How to get there: You can reach Iceland by connecting through Europe. One of the preferred ways is flying through Denmark. We advise you to fly with Turkish Airlines to Denmark, and then from Denmark to Iceland on Icelandair.

Turkish Airlines: 178 euros plus tax

İstanbul departure: 10:15 a.m.

Copenhagen arrival: 12:30 p.m.

Icelandair: 282 euros plus tax

Copenhagen departure: 2 p.m.

Reykjavik arrival: 3:10 p.m.

Cuisine: Eat lots of fish while you are here. The soups here might seem a little salty, though, so be forewarned. The prices are quite high in comparison to eating out in Europe and, interestingly, restaurants seem to have their tables really squeezed together.

Where to stay: There are lots of clean and wonderful hotels here. But again, the hotels are quite expensive in comparison to European hotels.

Best time to go: It is definitely best to visit Iceland between the months of February and March if you want to see the snow and ice, as well as the hot water bursting forth from the ground. If you go earlier than these months, the days will be much shorter. And if you want to see a greener Iceland, you might try the summer months.

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[QUICK FACTS]

Capital: Reykjavik

Language(s) spoken: Icelandic

Government: constitutional republic

President: Olafur Ragnar Grimsson

Prime Minister: Geir Haarde

Area: 103,000 square kilometers

Population: 304,367

Main religions: Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland (82.1 percent), Roman Catholic Church (2.4 percent)

Take a walk on the 'south side' London south of the Thames

Whether you live north or south of the Thames says something about you in London. I am not exactly sure what that is in reality, and in some ways it is a joke, but there is a definite divide.

Sure, north of the river has all the big sights in London: Buckingham Palace and all the surrounding gardens, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, the National Gallery, Harrods, Regent and Oxford Streets. In recent years, however, a visit to the south side of the Thames has become more than a quick walk past tired old buildings and through dark urine-drenched tunnels, but an enjoyable stroll. In fact, stopping at all there will keep you occupied for days.

So after leaving the Houses of Parliament, cross the Westminster Bridge, staying on the same side as Big Ben. Straight ahead on the next right-hand corner is the specialist Florence Nightingale Museum, dedicated to the world’s most famous nurse and to the history of nursing in general. The museum contains an archive of books and letters written by Florence, along with her own personal items. But if you are not into things medical, then walk down the steps onto the embankment and turn to duck under the bridge. The London Eye, or Millennium Wheel, looms ahead on the edges in Jubilee Park, literally dipping into the Thames. The tallest Ferris wheel in the world moves people around in closed capsules at about 26 centimeters per second, lifting them up and around for the most spectacular view of London.

Before the Eye, to the right, sits Country Hall, home to the London Aquarium and permanent Salvador Dali exhibition. Sea creatures swim around in 2 million liters of water in one of Europe’s largest global aquatic exhibitions alongside a surreal fantasyland of over 500 of Dali’s works.

Beyond the Eye, toward Waterloo Bridge, sees the transformation of this mostly homeless and itinerant hangout block into a café and restaurant hub. Nestled in and around the Royal Festival Hall, where the Golden Jubilee Bridge crosses from Embankment underground station, hundreds of people flock to the area to sit and talk, eat and drink before or after shows, or just to meet.

As you pass under the Waterloo Bridge, booksellers will have their secondhand wares on offer, set up on portable benches out front of the National Film Theatre’s café doors. To the right after the bridge is the National Theatre, but continue walking along the water’s edge, past the Oxo tower, then under Blackfriar’s Bridge. Sitting alongside this next strip of walkway is the Tate Modern, the huge converted power station making its mark on the skyline and on the art scene in London. The gallery houses the country’s international modern art collection, that is, anything post-1900. The permanent exhibitions are free, with special exhibitions attracting fees and sometimes long lines.

Since the opening of the Tate Modern in 2000, many other smaller galleries, in the back and side streets of Southwark, have opened their doors and walls. The Bankside Gallery hosts the Royal Watercolour Society and the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers exhibitions where pieces are available at reasonable prices.

The first new bridge to be built across the Thames since 1894, the Millennium Bridge, traverses the river from the Tate Modern to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Built, as its name suggests, to see in the year 2000, the opening was originally delayed due to its severe swinging and swaying in windy times, which, let’s face it, come quite frequently in a London winter, spring, autumn and unfortunately summer!

If you liked standing in line at the Tate Modern, then Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre offers the opportunity to partake in performances in much the same as it was in Shakespeare’s day. That is, standing with necks extended to view the actors who are set high upon the stage ahead. Seats are available and recommended for the longer acts! The site also boasts the largest exhibition dedicated to Shakespeare and the London in which he worked.

After leaving the theater, the path passes a typical English pub and ducks away from the water’s edge onto a cobble-stoned path. Before the path enters a slightly darker patch, under the train tunnel arches, Vinopolis, the wine tasting venue sits with its doors open and ready to welcome visitors, who can take themselves on one of three self-guided tasting tours.

Beyond Vinopolis is The Clink Prison Museum, where the horrors of the London prison, used from 1144 until 1780, are on display. For something a little lighter yet equally touristy, the Golden Hinde, the reconstructed Tudor galleon of Sir Frances Drake, sits permanently at the St. Mary Overie Dock. Costumed actors tell the story of life on the ship and the voyages of Drake.

But if you can walk by the very touristy attractions and around the corner, both the Southwark Cathedral and Borough Market await. The cathedral is London’s oldest Gothic church and sits where at least one church or another has sat for 1,400 years. City workers will lunch in the gardens of the church, especially on a sunny day, with the market offerings tempting them away from their offices. The Borough Market, which has been in operation in some form or other for many hundreds of years, has become London’s most attractive and gourmet farmer’s market.

London Bridge sees the official end of Bankside, the London riverside precinct that starts at Blackfriar’s Bridge. The complete journey from Westminster to London Bridge is about three kilometers, but depending on whether the attractions along the way distract you, it can take anywhere from one to many days to get to the Pool of London.

The Pool of London, not to be confused with the crystal clear waters of swimming baths, is the section of the Thames bordered by London and Tower Bridges (and a little beyond) in the east of the city. A little way along the waterside from London Bridge and past the private London Bridge Hospital is Hay’s Galleria. A steel and glass barrel roof now covers this wharf, originally built in the 1850s. Modern sculptures and fountains break up the space designed to invite people in to relax, have a break over a coffee, snack or meal.

Docked on the Thames just beyond the old wharf is the HMS Belfast, Europe’s only surviving World War II big gun warship. Open to visitors, the ship has a total of nine decks to wander through. On the shore-side nearby is a space called “More London,” a new business development area, alongside The Scoop. The Scoop is an outdoor sunken amphitheater with seating for 800 people. The venue hosts free theater, music and films, especially throughout summer.

At the end of Shad Thames, the street that runs parallel to the river is the Design Museum, a space dedicated to contemporary design in every form from furniture to graphics and architecture to industrial design. Originally developed by Terrance Conran in the basement of the Victoria and Albert Museum 25 years ago, it moved to its current location in 1989 and has developed an international reputation.

If you time it right, the sun will be setting and the lights coming on along Tower Bridge. Stop to have dinner in one of the restaurants along the wharf and enjoy one of London’s most attractive views, the lights lit up over the bridge.

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Places to eat

There are literally hundreds of places to eat along the south side of the Thames. Many of London’s most successful franchises
will have one, two or maybe three branches open along the way and whilst some of these are okay, and can be especially good for families, here is a selection of more
individual places worth trying.

Benugo Bar and Kitchen at the British Film Institute (BFI)
The South Bank Centre
Belvedere Road
+44 20 74019000
This relatively new spot in the rejuvenated BFI’s complex has a great comfortable lounge area along with a slightly more
formal dining area.
Open: Monday-Friday 9:45 a.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday brunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday roast 12:30 p.m.-4 p.m.

Tate Modern Restaurant
Level 7, Tate Modern
Bankside
+44 20 7401 5020
At the top of the old power station, the restaurant is open for light lunches, casual drinks as well as more formal meals. The view is one of London’s best and coupled with the food, one of the better choices along the Thames.

Tapas Brindisa
18-20 Southwark Street (Borough
Market area)
+44 20 7357 8880
Great Spanish food, especially interesting tapas.
Open: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Spanish breakfast: 9 a.m.-11 a.m.;
bookings not taken

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Places to visit

Florence Nightingale Museum
St. Thomas' Hospital
2 Lambeth Palace Road
+44 20 76200374
Open: Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Closed: Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 22-Jan. 2
www.florence-nightingale.co.uk

London Aquarium
County Hall
Westminster Bridge Road
+44 20 7967 8000
Open: Daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Closed Dec. 25
www.londonaquarium.co.uk

The Tate Modern
Bankside
Open: Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Closed: Dec. 24-26
www.tate.org.uk/modern

Bankside Gallery
48 Hopton Street
+44 20 79287521
Open: Daily 11 a.m.-6 p.m. during
exhibitions
www.banksidegallery.com

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
Bankside Riverwalk
+44 20 70902 1500
Open: Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. -- Exhibition
Closed: Dec. 24-25
www.shakepeares-globe.org

Vinopolis
1 Bank End
Open: Monday, Thursday and Friday
noon-10 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday noon-6 p.m.
Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday
+44 870 241 4040
www.vinopolis.co.uk

The Clink Prison Museum
1 Clink Street
Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
+44 20 7403 0900
http://www.clink.co.uk/

The Golden Hinde
St. Mary Overie Dock
Cathedral Street
+44 20 7403 0123
Open: call for opening times
www.goldenhinde.org

Southwark Cathedral
Bankside
+44 20 7367 6700
Open: Daily 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
www.southwark.anglican.org/cathedral

Borough Market
8 Southwark Street
+44 20 7407 1002
Open: Thursday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday noon-6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
www.boroughmarket.org.uk

Design Museum
28 Shad Thames
+44 20 7403 6933
www.designmuseum.org
Open: Daily 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m.
Closed: Dec. 25-26

-Travel- Maldives Guide

For a long time, the Republic of Maldives was one of the best-kept secrets in the world; a beautiful string of low-lying coral islands in the Indian Ocean, a paradise for watersports enthusiasts and sunseekers alike. Now the islands are developing quickly to become an increasingly popular long-haul destination.


The country's 26 natural atolls offer nautical delights from night-fishing trips, windsurfing and scuba-diving. Many islands embrace enormous lagoons, where bright blue-green water laps gently.

Yet, even in paradise, trouble can bubble beneath the surface. It is precisely because the Maldives are so low-lying (80% of the territory is less than 1m/3.3ft above sea level), so transparent and perfect for snorkelling, that their very existence is especially threatened by global warming. They are also particularly vulnerable to natural catastrophe, as shown in the devastating tsunami on 26 December 2004: of the Maldives' 199 inhabited islands, 20 were completely destroyed.

These factors need to be seriously discussed by the international community in future years. Otherwise, paradise really might be lost.

Key Facts

Location

A group of islands in the Indian Ocean, 500km (300 miles) southwest of the southern tip of India.

Time

GMT + 5.

Area

298 sq km (115 sq miles).

Population

370,000 (CIA estimate 2007).

Population Density

1,242 per sq km.

Capital

Malé. Population: 83,000 (UN estimate 2003).

Geography

The Republic of Maldives consists of about 1,190 low-lying coral islands, of which only 200 are inhabited. Most of the inhabited islands are covered by lush tropical vegetation and palm trees, while the numerous uninhabited islands, some of which are mere sand spits or coral tips, are covered in shrubs. Each island is surrounded by a reef enclosing a shallow lagoon. Hundreds of these islands together with other coral growth form an atoll, surrounding a lagoon. All the islands are low-lying, none more than 2m (7ft) above sea level.

Government

Republic since 1965. Gained independence from the UK in 1965.

Head of State

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom since 1978.

Recent History

President Gayoom is Asia's longest-serving leader, re-elected for a record sixth five-year term in 2003, having first taken office in 1978. The Maldives has been relatively stable under his rule, despite attempted coups in the 1980s. Human rights groups accused Gayoom of running an autocratic state and anti-government violence flared in the streets.

The Maldives was hit by the December 2004 Asian tsunami. Homes and resorts were destroyed, and a major rebuilding programme was consequently put into place.

The country aims to hold its first multiparty elections by the end of 2008.

Language

The national language is Dhivehi. English is widely used as a business language in government offices and the commercial sector. Other languages are widely used within tourist areas.

Religion

The indigenous population is almost entirely Sunni Muslim.

Electricity

230 volts AC, 50Hz. Round-pin plugs are used, although square-pin plugs are now becoming more common.

Social Conventions

The majority of the indigenous population does not mix with the tourist visitors, with the exception of those involved with tourism in the resorts and Malé. Dress is informal, but locals who are Muslim will be offended by nudity or scanty clothing in public places, and the government rigidly enforces these standards. Bikinis and other scanty beachwear are not acceptable in Malé or on any other inhabited island; they should be restricted to resort islands only. When entering a mosque, the legs and the body, but not the neck and the face, should be covered. Handshaking is the most common form of greeting. The indigenous population not involved in the tourist trade lives in isolated island communities maintaining almost total privacy. A large number of locals smoke, but smoking and eating during Ramadan is discouraged.

Climate

The Maldives have a hot tropical climate. There are two monsoons, the southwest from May to October and the northeast from November to April. Generally the southwest brings more wind and rain in June and July. The temperature rarely falls below 25°C (77°F).

Required Clothing

Lightweight cottons and linens throughout the year. Light waterproofs are advised during the rainy season.

Going Out

Food and Drink

Malé, the capital, has a few simple restaurants which serve local and international food. On the other islands, there are a few restaurants in addition to those run by the resorts. Cuisine is international, with all food other than seafood imported. There are no bars, except in the resorts, where there is a good range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available, reflecting the demands of the visitors.

Things to know: All bars are situated in tourist resorts (no alcohol is available on Malé). Locals do not drink at all. During the month of Ramadan, visitors are not allowed to drink alcohol in public except in the tourist resorts.

National specialities:
• Seafood such as tuna, grouper, octopus, jobfish and swordfish is widely available.
• Kavaabu (deep-fried snacks made from rice, tuna, coconut, lentils and spices).
• Curries, such as chicken or beef, are widely available. Curry leaves are added to a lot of Maldivian dishes.

National drinks:
• The Maldive Lady (a powerful and delicious cocktail, the composition of which varies from bar to bar and island to island).

Tipping: This is officially discouraged.

Nightlife

There is little or no organised nightlife, although most resorts have informal discos around the barlive bands playing either traditional or Western music. Beach parties and barbecues are also popular. On some evenings, many resorts have cultural shows and some show films.

Many different types of traditional national dancing and singing may be enjoyed across the islands. areas, sometimes featuring

Shopping

Lacquered wooden boxes are the most distinctive Maldivian handicrafts, and are almost exclusively produced in Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll. The craft involves the process of shaping and hollowing out pieces of wood from endemic trees to form intricately crafted boxes, containers and ornamental objects. Beautiful reed mats are woven throughout the country, the most famous of which are those that are woven by the women of Gadhdhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Ranging from placemats to full-size single mattress mats, they are hand-decorated with intricate abstract designs.

In Malé, most souvenir shops line the northern end of Chaandanee Magu, earlier known as the Singapore Bazaar for its many imports from Singapore. The local market offers stalls with a variety of local produce, mainly from the atolls, such as different kinds of local vegetables, fruits and yams, packets of sweetmeat, nuts and breadfruit chips, bottles of homemade sweets and pickles, and bunches of bananas hanging on coir ropes from ceiling beams. Vacuum-packed smoked fish and chipped dried fish are available in many supermarkets and make a different souvenir.

Note: There are strict prohibitions against the export of coral and turtle- or tortoiseshell.

Shopping hours: Sat-Thurs 0830-2300, Fri 1330-2300. Shops officially shut for 15 minutes five times a day in deference to Muslim prayer times; however, this rule is not always strictly adhered to in the tourist areas away from the capital.

Top Things To See

• Admire the superb collection of artefacts, including Sultanese thrones and palanquins, in Malé's National Museum, located in Sultan's Park.

• Opt for some aerial sightseeing and photo flights for an astonishing glimpse of the islands and a blue panorama.

• Pop your head into the beautiful 17th-century Hukuru (Friday Mosque) in Malé. The Islamic Centre, topped with a magnificent golden dome, is worth a visit. There are over 20 mosques scattered around the capital.

• See the Maldives Victory Wreck (which sank in 1981), lying on the western side of Hulule. This is a dive for experienced divers.

• Spot fish (notably grey reef shark), giant snappers and tropical reef fish at Mushimasmingili Thila (Shark Thila), located in the northern section of the Ari Atoll.

Top Things To Do

• Shop for local arts and crafts; Baa Atoll is one of the few places where traditional techniques are still practised. Malé, the capital, also has several markets of fresh and wholesome food produce for those wanting to sample local fare.

• Dive or snorkel to appreciate the exceptional and easily accessible underwater life; some of the best sites in the world are found in the Maldives. All of the resorts have professional, fully-equipped dive schools offering a range of courses. Most of the resorts also offer reef sightseeing trips on glass-bottomed boats.

• Go on a fishing trip on modern speedboats equipped for big game fishing. Go at night to catch groupers, snappers, squirrelfish or barracuda. Round off the trip with a barbecue with the day's catch.

• Visit the island of Makunudhoo, renowned for the quality of its food. It is protected on all sides by a beautiful lagoon with coconut groves leading down to the beach. The catch? It is one of the most expensive island resorts in the Maldives.

• Get away from it all and spend a day and a night alone on an uninhabited island. You can usually do so as part of an island-hopping tour. Another option is to visit a fishing village with a trip to an uninhabited island (where often a beach barbecue is served).

• Hire a traditional boat (dhoni) or speedboat to island hop.

• Windsurf at Banana Reef, where strong currents also make for an exceptionally abundant marine life, with reef sharks, bannerfish and oriental sweetlips all present.

Accommodation

Hotels

There are several hotels and guesthouses in Malé, although most visitors stay on resort islands. There are no guest houses or self-catering facilities on any of the resort islands.

Resorts

There are numerous resorts, which vary from extravagantly luxurious to fairly simple. Accommodation almost invariably consists of thatch-roofed coral cabanas with en suite facilities. Most of the resorts have air-conditioned rooms with mini-bar, although some of the resorts still have fan-cooled rooms. Many resort groups have recently installed desalination plants to provide clean tap water.

The resorts are fully integral communities with sport and leisure facilities including scuba-diving and snorkelling, restaurants and bars and, in some cases, a shop and/or disco. There is a shop on every resort island. Different islands tend to attract different nationalities.

Map

'Lebanon' A beautiful Mediterranean vacation spot

The name Lebanon derives from the Arabic word "leben," which means milk. This used to be a region filled with farms that housed generous milk cows.

This is how the country came to be known as "Lebanon," which actually means "land of milk." These days there are not so many milk-producing farms here, but it is certainly still a gorgeous nation sitting on the shores of the Mediterranean.

Despite the many years that have passed since the end of its civil war, Lebanon still has not managed to shake off all the traces of its past conflicts. You cannot pass the many buildings that are still pockmarked with bullet holes without wondering what kind of hatred drove the people who shared this land with for so many years to turn against each other. This was a civil war that was waged between the Christians, Druze, Sunnis and Shiites living in Lebanon. During the heaviest period of fighting, in the 1980s, Beirut experienced dramatic destruction. Every corner of the city was in ruins. You understand, though, that life goes on -- even in these corners of destruction -- especially as you walk around and see clotheslines strung up between the partially ruined buildings still standing from that period.

When you see the present state of the Lebanese streets, you can't help but remember that for hundreds of years various ethnic groups lived in peace here during the time of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans ruled Lebanon by way of a special governor sent to the region from the center of the state, and great freedom was allowed the various ethnic groups living in Lebanon to live and act according to their individual beliefs and traditions. Immediately after the Ottomans pulled out of the region, the Middle East turned into a blood bath. The basis of the peace that had previously reigned in the region was the skill, tolerance and justice of the Ottoman rule. And so when this came to an end, everything was disrupted.

Since its civil war ended in 1991 Lebanon has been busy trying to mend its wounds. Ruined buildings are being restored, streets and boulevards have been taken under control again and the cities are, for the most part, being put back into their original order. (Yes, but I guess it's much better overall from what I hear from all my friends, too who go back every summer)

Today, along the coastal road of the Lebanese capital of Beirut, there is a strip of luxurious hotels. When you look at the shop signs along this coastal road, you can see that the French were in Lebanon for a long time. It's almost as though there is more French on these signs than Arabic, and there are French words sprinkled throughout the Arabic you hear being spoken on the streets. A great number of Lebanese people speak French. Sixty percent of Lebanon's population is Muslim, and the country is home to nearly 20 different ethnic groups.

Beirut is a coastal city that appears to have embraced all of the magnificence of the Mediterranean. In the Arab world Lebanon is a favorite spot for vacations. Even during the winter months it is filled with tourists.

One of the first things you might notice while walking around Beirut's streets is the level of traffic in this city. Don't bother asking how it is that a nation this small could have this much traffic; spending at least a few hours in traffic each day is a part of life in Beirut. Take the time to notice some of the characteristics of this traffic, though. For example, look at the old Mercedes that are used by Lebanese taxi drivers.

Make sure you take the time to visit one of the many restaurants serving traditional Lebanese food in Beirut. There is, for example, the well-known Nehr'il Funun restaurant, where customers can eat dinner as Lebanese singers take to the stage and sing songs in Arabic. Most of the customers here are Arabs, though you might see a few European tourists, too. Don't forget to eat dishes such as tabbouleh, mensef (steaming rice piled with lamb-on-the-bone and covered in a creamy, spiced yoghurt sauce), lahme ba'jin (meat-covered thin pizza) and hummus. You might notice that the word "lahme ba'jin" is quite close to what we say in Turkey: "lahmacun." This is no coincidence since the word derives from Arabic and only turned into "lahmacun" over time.

One site that you definitely don't want to miss in Lebanon is the Jeita Caves, which are visited by an estimated 250,000 tourists every year. To put this into perspective, the total number of tourists who come to Lebanon yearly is around 600,000. The lighting used in these caves is "cold lighting," which is less likely to harm the stalagmites and stalactites here. This series of caves is located in a river valley and is actually composed of two separate caves on top of one another. You won't be able to get enough of just looking at these beautiful natural stones whose shapes have been formed by running water over thousands of years. The Jeita Caves were not open to visitors during the Lebanese civil war. But then in 1995 they opened up again to curious tourists and local visitors.

The symbolic cedar tree

The cedar tree, which adorns the Lebanese flag, is not actually that easy to see in this nation. This is because cedar trees can generally only be found at sites that are well above the sea level, on snowy mountain tops, for example. You might wonder why on earth there would even be snow here, in the Middle East, but remember that in Lebanon there are mountain tops that rise up to 3,088 meters into the air.

One of the most remarkable characteristics of the cedar tree is its life span. Cedar trees can live for thousands of years. Some cedar trees have been found to be 4,000-5,000 years old. In the Old Testament, the majesty of the cedar tree is described this way: "In its branches were nests made by all the birds in the sky, and all nations lived in its shade."

Cedars are also known for their wonderful aroma and for the strength of their wood. In fact, this strength has made them a favored tree for shipbuilding and roof-building through the ages. The ancient Egyptians used cedar resin in their mummification rituals and cedar sap for when they wanted to create a waterproof surface. Sadly though, the massive forests of cedars that used to grace Lebanese soil no longer exist. The British cut down large numbers of these valuable trees during World War II for the construction of the Tripoli highway. As a result of years of being cut down, cedar trees finally fell under the protection of UNESCO's World Heritage, which is attempting to protect them for future generations. In fact, the Lebanese government has even set aside a special fund from its budget to protect these trees. There are currently five separate institutions whose duty is simply to protect cedars in Lebanon.

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[Travel tips]

Visas: Lebanon requires visas from Turkish citizens. The price for visas is $35. US and EU citizens can get their visas at the airport.

How to get there: You can fly to Beirut directly from İstanbul on Turkish Airlines. The ticket price is currently 229 euros plus taxes and fees. Flights leave every night at 11:40 p.m. You can also fly to Beirut from İstanbul on Royal Jordanian, with flights leaving every day at 2:25 p.m., for 258 euros plus taxes and fees.

Where to stay: There is a wide range of wonderful hotels along the coast in Beirut.

Cuisine: You will have no problem finding delicious food that appeals to your taste buds in Lebanon. The one factor that might be a little difficult is the abundant use of spices and distinctive sauces.

Pay attention to these factors: There is still an ambiguous security situation in the nation and, technically, Lebanon is a risky country to visit. You should go only after paying close attention to the most recent news and developments in the country. You don't want to find yourself in the middle of potentially deadly clashes. There are also reports of many unexploded bombs and mines still hidden in Lebanese soil. Most of the unexploded mines and bombs are located in the southern regions of Lebanon.

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[QUICK FACTS]

Capital: Beirut

Official languages: French, English

Government: Republic

Prime Minister: Fouad Siniora (interim)

Area: 10,452 square kilometers

Population: 4,196,453 *

Gross domestic product (PPP): $41.96 billion**

Main religions: Islam (53.6 percent), Christian (42.3 percent), other (4.1 percent)

* February 2008 estimate ** 2007 estimate