Travel and tips

Side is well-known for its classical sites in Turkey. Side in Turkey is an old harbor that signifies pomegranate. Side is a rendezvous on the southern coast of Turkey. This is beside the Manavgat and Selimiye villages. 75 km apart form this is the Antalya. Lots of small villages and semi-towns adorns the beauty if Side in Turkey.
It was in the seventeenth century that ancient settlers from Cyme in Aeolis did encounter this city. Side in Turkey possesses small-craft boats. Side’s natural geography made it the most stunning place in Pamphylia. Side is evidently positioned on a peninsula and adorned by two stretches of golden beach. The chanting resort town of Side is a hodgepodge of old and new. Side in Turkey is availed with far-reaching range of tourist accommodation. There are enormous shops, late-night bars and hotels assorted among the ruins of the ancient city. This multifarious beauty of the ancient monuments and modernism makes it outstandingly beautiful. An old theatre is situated between the Side of Turkey. There are also enhancing views of the sea that can be viewed in front of this theater. The remnants of the Roman Baths houses including beauteous collection of artifacts are eye-catching and often rushed with large crowds. Engrossed streets that lead down to the sea are stringed with relic shops selling particular Turkish handicrafts like carpets, jewelry and leather goods. People began recognizing Side in Turkey due to the region from the Mediterranean to Mount Taurus. Tourists who have once been into this city will definitely will wish to come again for another cherishing holiday. Though Side is an old city of Turkey it is one of the most important place where tourists flow day by day. People residing in Side eagerly wish for a clean city. This is why many tend to buy property in this city. The captivating and clean beaches with water sports and golf clubs are only some of the entertaining themes here. The beauty of the nature can be inexplicably enjoyed with waterfalls on the Mount Taurus and the forests. Side becomes valuable due to its historical monuments and the remaining and ruins that symbols a certain old heritage. Vivacious clubs with lively music along with sports clubs makes the people feel that they are not far form home. Later, when getting tired the nature welcomes to see various waterfalls and greenery. The Apollo Temple built during the Roman Civilization is situated in the front of the sea esteeming the historical trade point harbor.
On the east of the Side of Turkey happens to be a gorgeous pine forests the arrests the onlookers who pass by. On the northeast of the Side appears to be the reminiscent of the Roman Baths, old sculpted temples, and amphitheater. Transportation is available in this part of the city. Side of Turkey becomes a symbol of beauty and hospitality together for such reasons. The nigh of the monuments can be enjoyed by hiring a car so that one can travel around the city on ease.

Here is the official info on Cobra Gold.
COBRA GOLD (CG) is a Thailand, United States Co-Sponsored exercise designed to train United States forces operating with Thailand and additional nations (to be determined) in Joint and Multinational operations. The exercise will demonstrate Joint and Multinational capability and interoperability to conduct United Nations (UN) sanctioned Peace Support Operations (PSO) contingency response planning and execution. COBRA GOLD exercise reinforces USPACOM Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) goals, exercises HQ USPACOM CONPLAN 5070 (SSC), supports the Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), National Security Presidential Directive-44, Department of Defense Directive 3000.05, demonstrates United States capability to project forces strategically, and is a GPOI Capstone event. COBRA GOLD 2007 will be the 26th iteration in the COBRA GOLD series. MARFORPAC is the exercise Executive Agent (EA) for COBRA GOLD 2007 and United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) is for 2008.
Cobra Gold 2007U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Alexander A. Arvizu and Thai Supreme Commander General Boonsrang Niumpradit today officially opened the annual joint/combined military exercise “Cobra Gold ‘07” (CG ‘07) at the Ambassador City Hotel Jomtien in Chon Buri province. Singaporean Ambassador Peter Chan Jer Hing, Japanese Ambassador Hideaki Kobayashi and Indonesian Ambassador Ibrahim Yusuf also attended the opening ceremony.
At the opening ceremony, DCM Arvizu said, “For a quarter century, Cobra Gold has been the most visible symbol of U.S. and Thai military cooperation. Over recent years, Cobra Gold has evolved from being a strictly bilateral joint exercise to a multilateral event designed to enhance our ability to respond to peace enforcement and peacekeeping responsibilities under the United Nations……Cobra Gold this year is truly a regional affair, with representatives from more than twenty countries present. We welcome our friends from around the world and we are grateful for the gracious hospitality our Thai hosts have shown to all of us.”Cobra Gold is a regularly-scheduled joint and combined multilateral exercise held in the Kingdom of Thailand. The purpose of CG exercise is to improve U.S., Thai, Singaporean, Indonesian, and Japanese military readiness and combined-joint interoperability, enhance security relationships, and demonstrate U.S. resolve to support the security and humanitarian interests of friends and allies in the region. During the exercise, there will also be a special emphasis on daily medical, dental, and veterinary clinics in villages throughout the exercise area, in addition to numerous construction projects that will enhance the quality of life of local residents.
Here is another official definition of Cobra GoldCOBRA GOLD (CG) is an annual RTARF / USPACOM co-sponsored joint and multinational exercise conducted in the Kingdom of Thailand. Exercise COBRA GOLD is designed to improve joint and multinational interoperability and capability to effectively plan and execute complex multinational operations. The exercise scenario is focused on the most likely contingency operations expected in the Southeast Asia region, addresses regional security Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and Counterinsurgency (COIN) issues, and improves participating nation’s military-to-military relationships, advances USPACOM Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) objectives and Royal Thai Supreme Commander training guidance. Full participating nations for CG 08 include; Thailand; United States; Singapore; Indonesia; and Japan. Up to 10 Multinational Planning Augmentation Team (MPAT) nations, and up to 10 Combined Observer Liaison Team (COLT) nations are also expected to participate.
Don’t worry about the military – you will find them well mannered, polite, and a lot of fun. And they won’t ruin your vacation – they will probably make it a little more interesting.

This is one of those age-old questions with no definitive answer. It’s estimated that 30 percent of Americans purchase travel insurance, which is a drastic increase since 9/11, when less than 10 percent of travelers were insured.
If you’re flying on a $150 ticket to see Aunt Irma in Wisconsin, you probably don’t need travel insurance. But on a trip such as yours, travel insurance can come in handy if something unexpectedly disrupts your trip. Your first step is to compare the cost of the trip versus the cost of the policy.
The most common situations when travel insurance comes in handy are:• Your flight is canceled • Your passport and wallet are stolen • You require medical treatment while abroad • You need to cancel your trip due to illness • An unexpected hurricane hits your destination • Your airline/cruise line/tour company go bankrupt Reasons NOT to purchase travel insurance are:• You’re afraid of terrorism • A hurricane is going to hit your destination (this applies if the storm has already been named by the National Weather Service) • Your pet is ill • Your flight is delayed for so long that you want to cancel One major caveat: Never purchase travel insurance from the same tour operator or cruise line with which you’re traveling. If that company goes out of business, there may not be money to cover your claim. Use a third-party provider (that includes travel agents). Also, don’t forget about medical insurance. Even if you are covered for basic emergency care overseas, in almost all cases, your current health insurance does NOT cover you to evacuate you and fly you back to the U.S. Something called “Medical Evacuation and Repatriation” insurance comes in handy here. You pay a yearly fee, and if you get sick or injured overseas, the policy will get you treated, stabilized and flown back to the U.S. to the hospital of your choice, not theirs. There are a number of good companies that provide this type of plan, such as MedJet Assist.

If you experience mobility difficulties and would like to become more independent, then choosing to purchase a mobility scooter or power chair is probably the first thing on your list. But how do you know which one you need? Should you purchase a mobility scooter or a power chair? By knowing what benefits come from owning each, you can make an informed decision and ultimately choose the mobility device that will better suit your individual needs. As far as maneuverability is concerned, both mobility scooters and power chairs are easy to navigate and both give you much more independence to go where you want or need to go without the help of others. When you are considering the space that it takes to turn, however, there is a slight difference in the two. A power chair, for example can turn on a radius as small as 18 inches, while most mobility scooters require 32 inches for turning. If space is a major concern, then you may find a power chair more beneficial. Power chairs and mobility scooters can both be very easily navigated through narrow hallways, thresholds, and uneven surfaces, although if you are planning outdoor activities, you should consider that there are 4 wheel versions of mobility scooters that are ideally designed for outdoor use. For adjustability to maintain your ultimate comfort, both power chairs and mobility scooters are very well designed. On a power chair, the armrests, footrests, and seat can all be adjusted and angled to a position that will allow you to find the most comfort. On a mobility scooter, you can adjust the seat and handlebars also, although you may not have as many adjustment options available. If you are concerned at stability and safety in using a mobility device, rest assured that both a power chair and a mobility scooter are perfectly safe and you can set maximum speeds if it makes you feel more comfortable, so that you are always traveling within your comfort zone. Most power chairs, in addition, are equipped with wheels that protect against tipping. Many mobility scooters also have safety features installed, such as wheel locks, so that you can feel completely safe when using them. Ultimately the decision on whether to purchase a mobility scooter or power chair will depend on your personal preferences, areas of concern, and your individual needs. Either mobility device will help you tremendously in the act of becoming more independent and getting around better than you could without them. Whichever device you decide on, make sure that you have researched all possible models to ensure that you have chosen the mobility device that will benefit you most, in terms of features, functionality, and budget.

In between climbing pagodas and snapping pictures of golden goddesses, most travelers to Asia take time to visit the shopping districts. The quality and selection of designer clothing and extravagant items found in shops across Asia will not disappoint those with a penchant for luxury goods. From China to India, great buys are available for those who know what to look for.
Mainland China is a fantastic place to find extravagant jewelry at discount prices. Jewelry markets are filled with glittering gems and beautiful jade pieces abound. Exquisite strands of high quality, lustrous pearls are easy to find in China. When purchasing jewelry in mainland China, feel free to bargain. It’s the way business is done in China, and most owners of small shops expect it.
There have been cases of shopkeepers taking advantage of tourists, and the best defense is knowledge. If buying pearls, test them against your teeth for roughness. You might want to test both a real pearl and faux pearl in advance to make sure you can recognize the difference. For gems, consider purchasing a jeweler’s loupe and learning to use it. Be especially careful when buying jade, since it can be difficult to tell true jade from false.
Silk is also a good buy in China. Stores that sell lengths of fabric and silk garments are abundant, and some shops will make a shirt or dress from the silk fabric of your choosing. Because there is no sales tax in Hong Kong and imported goods are not taxed, designer clothing can be purchased there for excellent prices. Bargains can be found on cameras and electronics, but make sure you know the going prices for these items so you’ll be able to spot a good deal. Hong Kong is also an excellent place to buy watches and jewelry.
Thailand is another great source for jewelry. Unfortunately, dishonest jewelry dealers are plentiful. Never follow any “helpful” individual who offers to lead you to a jewelry store with incredible bargains - it’s probably a scam. To avoid being cheated it’s best to deal with a respectable jewelry firm, preferably one that is a member of the Jewel Fest Club. The Tourism Authority of Thailand founded this reputable organization, and member stores are listed in a booklet and display the Jewel Fest Club logo. In India you can find many items made from the amazing textiles created in the country. Clothing, tablecloths, towels and other household goods are good buys here. Jewelry is also a good buy in India, but again, beware of fakes and frauds.

Shopping In SpainSpain offers all the international brand names you could ever need. But why buy imported goods when Spain has its own specialties? Here are some examples. Spain is a great place to buy leather items, especially shoes. Crafts are famous too. These include ceramic items such as tiles and vases with beautiful designs, often Moorish in origin. Another local craft that’s thriving again is lace making.
If you’re short on time and want to do all your shopping in one place, you’ll find a branch of the El Corte Ingles department store in nearly every town. They sell everything from jewellery to designer clothes, food to to furniture, and so on. Shopping In BarcelonaBarcelona has undergone sweeping changes in recent years and the shopping scene has been transformed in the process. All the big names are here along with a range of local boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and futuristic shopping centers.
Maremagnum is one of the new shopping and leisure complexes that’s proved very popular. Other than its comprehensive shopping mall, it also offers find a dozen cinemas and many restaurants, pubs and discos.
The new boutiques and stores are great places to shop. But to savour the authentic shopping experience, be sure to get away from the haunts of the glitterati and visit the old city. Here you can take a look in Barcelona’s oldest shop, Cereria Subira, which first opened its doors in 1761. If candles are on your shopping list, you’re in luck, for Cereria Subira is a candle shop. Even if you’re not buying, the vast range of candles of all sizes and colours is well worth seeing. Then plunge into the streets around the Barri Gтtic. Here you can browse shops selling everything from fish and herbs to bullfighter’s capes.
Shops in Barcelona open around 8 am and they generally close a few hours after sunset. Shopping In MadridAs the nation’s capital, Madrid not surprisingly offers the best range of up-market shopping outlets in Spain. But these make up just a small proportion of the city’s shopping charms. Madrid’s 50000 stores also sell everything from paintings and ceramics to guitars and bullfighters’ costumes.
If it’s designer labels you’re after head for the eastern district of Salamanca. Here you’ll find the logos of Prada, Armani, and Louis Vuitton, and all the others. More interesting are the boutiques of trendy Spanish designers like Sybilla, Amaya Arzuaga, and Victorio & Lucchino.
When you tire of the brand name stores, the area around the Street Fuencarral is a pleasant one to visit. It’s home to a bunch of trendy boutiques selling both menґs and womenґs clothes. There’s also an indoor market hawking clothing, bags and jewellery. For shoes, head to the Street Augusto Figueroa. It’s lined with mostrarios selling designer’s shoe samples at half price or less.
Shopping in Spain would be incomplete without visiting one of the street markets. Sunday morning is the time for the El Rastro street market on the Calle de Ribera de Curtidores which is closed to traffic. You can buy everything from squawking chickens to pirated DVDs to antiques and smutty post cards. But be careful, pickpockets abound.

Shopping in Spain is a more relaxed and more economical affair than in the rest of Europe.Bargaining is widespread here and you’ve got a good chance of finding some real bargains.
Shopping In BarcelonaHere’s a city that’s reinvented itself in the last decade and a vibrant shopping scene has emerged in the process. You’ll find all the big names here - Chanel, Max Mara, Loewe, Benetton, Zara, and Diesel - jostling for your attention and your credit card.
You’ll find that boutiques line the avenues along with futuristic malls and beguiling markets. And if you ever get tired of garments, you can head to the throng of antique shops and art galleries. Te Circuit del Born is the place to go if you want garments and accessories to transform yourself into a Spaniard. You’ll find it in the Ciutat Vella’s Ribera district. It is home to many small studio and shops retailing the creations of local craftsmen and artisan. Specialties include silk items, and designer shoes and clothing.
For a richer experience and a glimpse into Catalonia’s mercantile past, head for the streets around the Barri Gтtic. These streets are packed with traditional offering from fish, candles and herbs to bullfighter’s capes.
Opening times for shops in Barcelona is around 8 am and they tend to close a few hours after sunset. Shopping In MadridSpain’s capital is home to an estimated 50000 stores selling everything from the latest fashion clothing, paintings, ceramics and guitars.
Madrid offers the best up-market shopping outlets in Spain. Most of the designer fashion shops lie in the eastern Salamanca district. Here the international temples of fashion such as Prada, Armani, and Louis Vuitton, share space with popular Spanish designers like Sybilla, Amaya Arzuaga, and Victorio & Lucchino.
But if you’re weary of grand boutiques, you’re in for a treat on Sunday mornings in the form of the El Rastro street market. For this event the Calle de Ribera de Curtidores closes to traffic and is transformed in to this great open-air bazaar offering everything from live chickens to pirated movies, antiques of dubious antiquity and erotic post cards. What’s more, it’s a truly Spanish event. But keep a close eye on your wallet and camera.

Normally, I hate shopping. I don’t even like to shop for a loaf of bread. But, in Pattaya, I find myself shopping almost every day.
When I first arrive in Pattaya, I go shopping to fill up my refrigerator. Even though it is fully stocked, I like to stock it with cheaper items from the local 7-11. I have the hotel remove everything except the two free bottles of water and pick up some beer, Pepsi, red bull, and a couple of extra bottles of water I also get some snacks.
Since I travel light, I usually go out the first or second day and pick up some shorts and T-shirts. I will also get a few DVD movies to watch back in the hotel room. I have some preferred local toiletries and pick these up too. Lux is really great shower soap. I usually pick up these few items at Mike’s Shopping Mall or over at the Royal Garden Shopping Plaza. Never accept the first price. Always bargain and don’t be afraid to walk away if they don’t meet your price. Walking away may drop the price drastically. If not, walk 10 feet and you will see the same items.
I make it a point to go to the Big C Shopping Mall and to Tuk Com (Com City) to check out the latest in electronics. I may or may not pick up an unlocked, tri-band cell phone that I can use in Thailand and also back in America. I will also take a look at the latest in pirated software and Thai movies. I enjoy Thai music so I will buy some CD’s, MP3’s and videos.
My favorite place to shop is at the flea market. In Thai, this is called talat naht. It is open on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Located on Soi Buakhao and South Road, it is open at about eight in the morning and I try to get there by nine. If I am early, I will just grab a bite to eat at one of the many street vendors.
You want to arrive early and complete your shopping by about eleven o’clock. Otherwise it will be way too hot. Shopping under all those canvas tarps in close quarters can be extremely hot. Make sure you bring a bottle of water or buy when at the market.
Most of the items are 99 or 199 Baht. This works out to about three US dollars or six US dollars. This is the place I buy most of the clothes I want for me and for my family and friends. You can also find clothes for less than that. I have gotten many outfits for my 1-year old granddaughter for about $1.25 per set.
I also pick up some additional Thai music and videos. The vendors will have stereos and TV’s set up so that you can hear and see what they are selling. You can also the items to make sure they work. Prices for videos and music are about 3 dollars per CD.
It seems like you are always buying something just walking around Pattaya. I can be out going to dinner or to a bar, and I will see something that catches my eye and I buy it. Vendors also sell their wares while you are eating or drinking. They can be pests but every once in a while I will see something that I want to buy.
Pattaya seems like it is one giant flea market. Shops are everywhere, vendors are located every 10 feet, and malls are popping up all over the city. Large outlets are also available in Pattaya, but I prefer the smaller places where I can still use my bargaining skills.
So, even if you are like me and absolutely hate shopping, you will find that you will be shopping daily in Pattaya and actually enjoying yourself. Maybe it is because of how cheap all the goodies are.

Shopping In ItalyItaly’s hottest shopping draw is of course fashion. Milan is home of the country’s fashion industry, but Rome is the main Italian bazaar where the threads are put on the market. Here you can find the ultra chic garments of celebrated designers numbering in the hundreds. Quality is very high and the range of materials includes leather, cotton, silk and wool. Other than garments, Italy is pre-eminent in the production of quality glassware, furniture, jewellery and porcelain goods.
Shopping In RomeWhile Rome is overrun with international fashion boutiques, shopping in the Eternal City can still offer its own very Roman flavour. For the ultimate in windows shopping, the area around via Condotti at the foot of the Spanish Steps is the place to go. You can gaze at the creations of Armani, Prada, Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci and the other grand names in the elegant windows under the baroque or neoclassical facades. But remember that rents in Rome are sky high and so are the prices.
For antiques, head to Via dei Coronari. It’s a narrow pedestrianised street near Piazza Navona. The 500-meter long thoroughfare is lined with antique stores and galleries. For the true Roman experience, you have to visit one of the city’s many markets. The Sunday morning flea market at Porta Portese is an overcrowded event where you can buy almost anything. It’s held on via Portuense south of the Porta Portese gate. Beware of pickpockets.
From Monday to Saturday, the morning market is in via Sannio, just outside the Roman walls by San Giovanni in Laterano. Here you can browse huge volumes of cheap clothes.
Shopping In VeniceVenice has long been a place of trade and remains a busy retail center. Though the big name fashion houses are well-represented, the joy of shopping in Venice lies in hunting down those local novelty items that evoke the spirit of La Serenissima.
However if it’s brand name fashions you’re after, Venice won’t disappoint. The island’s busiest shopping strip is the Merceri. It runs all the ways from the Piazza to the Rialto Bridge and almost all the celebrated Italian labels have boutiques here.
For other items, Calle della Mandola is the place to browse books and glass beads. And Campo Santo Stefano is the square for antique hunting. However, you can’t leave Venice without getting a souvenir carnival mask.
Carnival is the great event held every February but the masks are manufactured as souvenirs all year-round in Venice’s small workshops. You can get everything from full size porcelain masks with a hefty price tag to inexpensive ornaments such as silver earrings in the shape of carnival masks.
The other great specialty of Venice is glassware from the island of Murano. These include such items as vases, clocks and wine bottle caps. And you can also get decorative items such as rings, bracelets or pendants made out of the delightful colored glass. These can be very inexpensive and make great souvenirs of Venice. Other delights special to Venice include porcelain dolls and Burano lace work.

Italy is the peak experience for shoppers. Here you’ll find creations in fashion, jewelry, furniture, glass or leather crafted by the most prestigious designers and manufacturers in the world. The quality is high and so are the prices. This is especially so when considering all the taxes and add-ons that so inflate the cost of goods bought in Italy. Shopping In RomeRome is a true shopper’s paradise. Some people say the shopping outlets outshine the monuments. Fashion items are most alluring but other than clothing, you’ll find tempting jewellery, antiques, books and home wares. But rents in Rome are very high and so are prices. You’ll need inside info to get the best bargains.
If money is not a concern, head for the famous Spanish Steps and the Via dei Condotti. This is Rome’s best shopping street but prices are astronomical. Here’s you find all the classic outlets with their baroque or neoclassical facades - Armani, Prada, Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci and the other grand names of shopping lore. For more exotic and less pricey gifts, head for Via Francesco Crispi. You can get there by following Via Sistina 1 long block from the top of the Spanish Steps. And don’t forget the Roman markets, though many are not for the faint of heart. An example is the Sunday morning flea market at Porta Portese. This overcrowded event offers almost everything for sale.
Shopping In VeniceWith a population of less than 70000 in the historic centre, Venice lacks shopping streets to compare with those of Milan, Florence or Rome. Venice’s busiest shopping thoroughfare is the Merceri which runs from the Piazza to the Rialto Bridge. Most of the famous Italian labels have outlets here.
However, it would be a shame to spend your time in Venice buying things that could be found in other places. Far better to look for something uniquely Venetian. And what could be more uniquely Venetian than a Carnival mask? Carnival is held in February but the masks are produced year-round in Venice’s many small workshops.
Another uniquely Venetian product is the fabulous glassware from the isle of Murano. Other local specialties include marbled paper which is available at various small outlets such as the renowned Legatoria Piazzes, lace and silk.
Then there are delightful low cost souvenirs such as rings made from glass and inexpensive ornaments such as silver earrings in the shape of carnival masks.