GUIDE TO PISA TOWER

Everyone that visits Italy must make the pilgrimage to see the leaning tower, a sublime accident, an icon of cityscape beauty, and an astonishing monument to human will. Experiencing one of the most memorable sights in Europe, some even say one of the seven wonders of the world in the aptly named “Field of Miracles”, with a small group is far better than being herded around in a large crowd.

We tell you why the tower was created, why it’s leaning and what’s being done to save it from toppling over into obscurity. Be prepared as the tower is renowned for taking the breath away of even repeat visitors. We also walk through picturesque food markets in Pisa where we stop for a delicious light lunch.

Climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa
General information
" For security reasons, children under 8 years old are not allowed to access the Leaning Tower .
" The visit will last about 30 minutes on the whole and the tourists will be led by the staff of Opera della Primaziale Pisana.

Purchase process:
" To buy your tickets to visit the tower you must follow four easy moves
1. Choose the date of your visit
2. Choose the time of your visit and the number of tickets you would like to buy
3. Fill-in and submit the form with your personal data
4. Print the voucher that is proof of your payment

Security policy of personal data :
" Opera Primaziale has defined and adopted a security policy to protect data submitted using the form onto this web site, to buy tickets to visit the Tower of Pisa. This policy consists of procedures, staff training and use of specific hardware and software to assure availability, integrity and privacy of these data.

Payment conditions:
" Tickets must be payd using credit card and Euro is the only accepted currency.
" Ticket price 15 Euro
Adv. sale fee 2 Euro
" The data communication with the payment system is encrypted to assure our customer data against intrusion. The on line payment process uses Banca Sella S.p.A circuit. The credit card data verify and transaction process are directly managed by Banca Sella S.p.A.

How to get tickets:
" After printing the voucher, the tourist has to go to the ticket offices of Opera della Primaziale Pisana in Piazza del Duomo di Pisa at least 1 hour before the visit starts.
" Once the tourist hands in the voucher, the cashier gives him the ticket for the visit. The ticket is valid only for the time shown on the ticket and the voucher
" The tourist must show the cashier the same document that appears in the voucher..
" The tourist has to go to the proper left-luggage office to hand in bags/luggage before starting the visit.


Source : http://artviva.com/pisa learning tower

GUIDE TO CAIRO (GREAT PYRAMID AND SPHINX ETC)

With so much culture and history are at your fingertips, you may have a hard time deciding which site to see first, second, and so on. Rest assured, tours abound in Cairo for every type of traveler and for any wallet size.

The Sphinx
The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx are a powerful testament to the ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians. The best time to visit the area is early in the morning. As the day wears on, the crowds increase, especially during Egyptian holidays, as does the chance of being assaulted by dozens of postcard vendors and men offering rides on camels. The Giza pyramids are easily reached by city taxis or public transport.

The Pyramids are a marvel of engineering, and archaeologists have puzzled over exactly how they were built—and some more esoteric types have wondered why. It is, however, generally accepted that the Pyramids were built as tombs for the ancient kings, an evolution from the single-stepped mastabas that designated burial sites in earlier times. Pyramid building was popular from about the 3rd to the 13th Dynasty with the biggest and best examples to be found in Giza. The Sphinx, an ancient monument, has sparked many controversial theories. Egyptologists, however, agree that the Sphinx was built by Khafre's workmen. The enormous lion statue has recently had a face lift, as experts endeavoured to save the structure from further environmental damage and undo some earlier shoddy restoration work. Visitors can view the Sphinx only from a distance now, but it is still possible to see the Dream Stelae between the forepaws, erected by King Thutmose IV, who fell asleep one afternoon in the shade of the then-buried colossus and in a dream was told to clear the sand which had engulfed it. The Sphinx has sat as a silent sentinel for nearly 4,500 years, gazing to the east, witnessing the growth of the ever-changing Cairo.

Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops)
Soaring at nearly 147 meters, the massive granite Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), is the largest and the most enigmatic in Egypt. The smooth Tura limestone which once encased the granite structure is no longer intact, and the pyramidion (capstone) is long gone. A separate ticket is required to enter the Pyramid, and since the authorities have limited visitors to 300 a day, it is advisable to arrive at the nearby ticket-kiosk early in the morning. From the entrance, the descending passage takes you down to the Subterranean Chamber, currently closed, whilst the ascending passage takes you up to the so-called Queen's Chamber, which is not, by the way, a burial chamber. Continuing the ascent, the spacious Grand Gallery, with its high corbelled ceiling, brings you to the King's Chamber, where the granite sarcophagus of King Khufu lies empty. Unlike other Pyramids, the King's burial chamber is above ground. Two small openings can be seen in both the King's and Queen's chambers - these are the controversial "air shafts" which have spawned all sorts of interesting theories. That eerie hum you might hear inside is not spiritual energy channeling through the structure, rather a ventilation system that was installed several years ago. The interior of the Pyramid of Khafre (Chephren) is currently closed for restoration, but the complex is visible. Some of the limestone casing near the top still remains, giving the pyramid an interesting profile. The ruins of the eastern mortuary temple are still standing, and the causeway (in ancient times a covered passageway) takes you to the remains of the valley temple, where the mummification ritual would have taken place.

Solar Boat Museum
Outside the Pyramid, to the east, you will find the black basalt pavement where the mortuary temple once stood, and a causeway which in ancient times would have led to the valley temple. Three small Queen's Pyramids also stand on this side, near the Solar Boat Museum (admission LE10). This museum has an exhibit of a wooden boat that was excavated and subsequently reconstructed by Ahmed Youssef. The boat, from one of five boat pits surrounding the Pyramid, symbolically offered passage for the king into the afterlife.

Pyramid of Menkaure
The "little" Pyramid of Menkaure (Mycerinus), standing a respectable 62 meters high, was unfinished at the time of the King's death, and completed by his son. The nasty gash on the north face was caused by earlier explorers trying to dynamite through in order to find the entrance passage. The pyramid is open to visitors, and lately seems to take the bulk of the tourists denied admission to the Great Pyramid, so is therefore not for the claustrophobic. The burial chamber is empty—the sarcophagus was removed and subsequently lost at sea when the ship, transporting it back to Great Britain, sank. Outside, you can see several courses of granite casing, and the desert in front of the entrance is littered with stones removed from the Pyramid itself. Like all of the Pyramids of Giza, Menkaure's was once seen as a convenient stone quarry for medieval builders. To the east stands the remains of the mortuary temple and the causeway, whilst to the south are three Queen's Pyramids. An alternative way to enjoy the pyramids is to attend one of the nightly Sound and Light shows, presented in several different languages. Though it may seem a bit too "touristy" to some, the narration has some historical interest, and the light show is truly beautiful. Others prefer to rent horses from one of the many nearby stables and have a gallop in the desert surrounding the Pyramids. Take care as many of the Pyramid horses are poorly trained, and riders have reported more than a few nasty spills.

Step Pyramid
If you still have energy and time after wandering around Giza, head south to the Saqqara complex, dominated by the Step Pyramid of the 3rd Dynasty King Zoser. Built before the Pyramids of Giza, this Pyramid shows the evolution of design from the single stepped mastabas to the final smooth-sided Pyramid structures that would follow in the next dynasty. Other beautifully-inscribed tombs of noblemen and official, as well as later dynasty Pyramids, are also open to visitors. The eerie Serapeum, a funerary catacomb built for the sacred Apis bulls, is currently closed for restoration.

Red Pyramid
South of Saqqara is the rarely visited site of Dahshur, where Khufu's father Sneferu built the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid. The latter's unusual profile was caused by a change of building angle halfway through construction. The Red Pyramid gets pretty close to the architectural perfection of the Giza Pyramids, and you can explore the interior without the claustrophobic crush of the Giza crowds. In the distance, the unusually shaped mudbrick pyramid of Amenemhet III. A word of advice: It is best to hire a car to visit Saqqara and Dahshur, as the sites are far from the main road, and transportation back into Cairo is not easy to find. Surrounding the Pyramids' area are numerous souvenir shops, and towards Saqqara and Dahshur you can find a lot of carpet stores where weaving techniques are demonstrated. Popular restaurants nearby include Andrea, serving delicious grilled chicken in a garden-like atmosphere; Christo, offering fish meals and a good view of the Pyramids; and the lower-priced Felfela, serving a range of traditional Egyptian fare. The nearby Mena House Oberoi Hotel is a relaxing place to stop for a drink after touring the site, and has an exquisite Indian restaurant as well. For those who have more than a casual interest in Pyramids, Mark Lehner's book, "The Complete Pyramids" is quite comprehensive, and available at most bookstores and hotels in Cairo.

Old Cairo
Old Cairo, or Masr el-Qadima, provides a historical link between Pharaonic times and the Islamic period. This district was the center of Cairo during Roman times, until after the Arab invasion. The historical sites in this area, which has been continuously inhabited for around 2000 years, are surrounded by modern residences. Old Cairo is easily and best reached by the Metro—the Mar Girgis stop is directly in front of the cluster of Medieval Churches and the Coptic Museum.

Babylon
As you leave the Metro station, you arrive at the twin towers of the western gate of the fortress of Babylon, built by the Roman emperor Trajan (AD 98-117). These towers were built on what were the banks of the Nile at that time. The Orthodox Church of St. George stands on top of the left-hand tower. If you enter the grounds of the Coptic Museum, you can walk through the gates and see the old water gate under the Hanging Church.

Coptic Museum
Along from the towers, the Coptic Museum houses an extensive collection of Coptic art and artifacts, as well as secular items, collected from old churches and houses. There is much to admire here—old icons, textiles and manuscripts; so it will take a few hours to fully peruse the collection.

Al-Muallaka Church
The Al-Muallaka (Hanging) Church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is so named as it is suspended above the water gate. It was founded in the late 7th Century. Destroyed 200 years later, it was rebuilt and eventually became the centre of the Coptic Patriarchate. Over the years the structure has seen several renovations, and though the Patriarchate has moved, Coptic Masses are still held in the sanctuary. Often, members of the Coptic community are present and offer free in-depth tours of the church.

Greek Orthodox
Church of St. George The nearby Greek Orthodox Church of St. George has the same circular design of the Roman tower upon which it was built. Founded in the 10th Century, and alternating between Greek and Coptic ownership, the original building was damaged by fire in 1904, though fortunately most of the relics and icons survived. The present church was rebuilt on the site, and is the center of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria. The adjacent monastery does not usually admit visitors. A subterranean gateway, accessible from Mar Girgis Street, leads you through the narrow alleys of the oldest part of the district. The main building of the Convent of St. George is a nunnery, and not open to the public. You can, however, visit the remains of a Fatimid house on the site, and a small chapel containing the relics of St. George. To the left side of the Convent, you can also visit a small room used for the chain-wrapping ritual, symbolic of the persecution of St. George by the Romans. The attending nuns still perform the ritual, wrapping visitors in chains and reciting the appropriate prayers. Continue down the narrow alley to the Church of St. Sergius, the oldest in Egypt, built originally in the 5th or 6th Century. It is located at the site of a crypt where it is believed the Holy Family stayed when they were in Egypt. Like the other churches in the area, it has been rebuilt several times since its founding, but still retains its original design. Further along on the left is the Church of St. Barbara, dedicated to Sitt Barbara—as the legend goes, was murdered by the Roman Governor for preaching the gospel in the 3rd Century. To the south of St. Barbara is the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the oldest in Egypt, built on the site where it is believed that the Pharaoh's daughter found Moses. The synagogue does not hold services anymore, but has been completely restored. During rebuilding in the 19th century, the Geniza (a cache of medieval manuscripts, including secular and religious documents) was discovered. The cemeteries surrounding the churches are ideal for a peaceful stroll. At the northern part of the compound is the Church of St. George, originally founded in 681 AD and rebuilt in the 19th century, and the Church of the Virgin, rebuilt in the 18th century. A short distance from the fortress proper are a few other sites of interest, including the Mosque of Amr Ibn al-As. Originally founded in 641 AD, and rebuilt several times since, the mosque is regarded as the oldest in Africa. The remains of the city that would become modern Cairo-Fustat—are to the east and parts have been excavated. The area around Fustat was once full of potters and craftsmen, but they have been recently relocated. In addition to all the gems found around Cairo, various tour companies offer balloon, helicopter, safari, mosque, church, and boat tours to help complete your stay in Cairo.

Safari Tours
Safari Egypt Tours ( http://www.safariegypt.com/ ) Planet Tours ( +20 12 398 9689/ http://www.planetours-eg.com/ )

Culture and History Tours
Cairo Tours ( +44 20 7706 0900/ http://www.egyptreservation.com/) Summit Tours ( +20 24 478 8921/ http://www.cairotours.net/ ) Travel EG ( +20 22 392 9569/ http://www.traveleg.com/ ) Egypt Unexpected ( +20 12 141 8581/ http:/egyptunexpected.com/ )

Source : http://uk.holidaysguide.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-36671

GUIDE TO BALI ISLAND INDONESIA

Weather

Bali is always warm, humid and tropical, remaining around 30C to 35C all year round. The April-October dry season and November-March rainy seasons are only relative, with plenty of rainfall around the year, but the Balinese winter is cloudier, more humid and with a higher chance of thunderstorms. A more important consideration is the tourist season, as Bali can get packed in July-August and again around Christmas and New Year's. Australians also visit during school holidays in early April, late June and late September, while Indonesians visit during national holidays. Outside these peaks, Bali can be surprisingly quiet and good discounts on accommodation are often available.

Electricity
Electricity is supplied at 220V 50Hz. Outlets are the European standard CEE-7/7 "Schukostecker" or "Schuko" or the compatible, but non-grounded, CEE-7/16 "Europlug" types. Generally speaking, U.S. and Canadian travellers should pack an adapter for these outlets if they plan to use North American electrical equipment.

Talk
Balinese is linguistically distinct from Bahasa Indonesia, although the Indonesian lingua franca is spoken by practically everybody. In touristy regions English and some other foreign languages are widely spoken.

Get in by plane
Most visitors will arrive at Denpasar's Ngurah Rai international airport (IATA: DPS) [1]. Despite the misleading name, the airport is actually located between Kuta and Jimbaran, roughly 30 mins away from Denpasar. You can fly to Bali from major cities in Indonesia (Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar etc) or from major cities in Asia and Australia. * Malaysia Airlines operate daily direct flights from Kuala Lumpur * Singapore Airlines up to 4 daily direct flights from Singapore In the low-cost carrier set: * AirAsia operate direct flights to Denpasar from Kuala Lumpur (up to 4 flights daily), Jakarta, Johor Bahru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu * Jetstar Asia operate from Singapore * Lion Air operate from Singapore * Mandala Airlines operates from Hong Kong and Taipei Note that if you are flying internationally into Ngurah Rai, most nationalities are now required to purchase an Entry Visa (US$25 or EUR20 or Rp 250,000 in cash for 30 days); see the main Indonesia article for details. Few other currencies are accepted so it's a good idea to play safe and have the required dollars on hand. Flying internationally out of Bali you are subject to the airport tax (150,000 Rupiah effective from 1st November 2007) which you would need to pay for in Rupiah so save some bills for the trip out. The domestic departure tax is Rp. 30,000. ATM machines are available at Airport Departure Lobby which accept Cirrus and Plus cards for withdrawals. Some hotels organize free transfers from the airport but there are plenty of other taxis also available. Approximate price for getting from Ngurah Rai to Legian is Rp. 40,000. If coming from the airport ignore touts offering rides. After years of abuse the airport and legitimate taxi companies dictated that fixed prices be offered. There is a dedicated booth at the airport for arranging rides to town (and any other location on the island). This is on the right just through the arrival doors for international. Since the second bombing, security at the airport has increased considerably and be prepared for rigorous scrutiny of luggage, including carry-on items.

Hotel
Bali has, without a doubt, the best range of accommodation in Indonesia, from the $3-a-night losmens on Poppies Lane in Kuta to the $4,300-a-night residences at the Begawan Giri in Ubud. Backpackers tend to head for Kuta, which has the cheapest if also dingiest digs on the island, while many (but not all) five-star resorts are clustered in Nusa Dua. Seminyak, Sanur and Jimbaran offer a fairly happy compromise if you want beaches, nightlife and some quiet, while Ubud's hotels and resorts cater to those who prefer spas and cultural pursuits over surfing and booze. Legian is situated between Kuta and Seminyak and offers good range of accommodations. The newest area to start offering a wide range of accommodation is Uluwatu - which now boasts everything from surfer's bungalows to the Bvlgari hotel. Further north on the west coast, and mid way between Seminyak and Ubud is the district of Canggu, which offers many traditional villages set among undulating ricefields. For rest and revitalization visit Amed, a peaceful fishing village on the East Coast with some good hotels and restaurants. Thanks to Bali's balmy climate, many villas and bungalows offer open-air bathrooms, often set in a lush garden. They look amazing and are definitely a very Balinese experience, but may also shelter little uninvited guests and are best avoided if you have low tolerance for critters.

Villas
One accommodation option for which the island is becoming increasingly famous for is private villas complete with staff. Indonesia's low labour costs (to find comparable one would need to go to Cambodia - the cost of a domestic servant in Bali is 1/3 the cost of Thailand) result in single villas boasting staff teams from 5 to over 30 people (at the really high end). It needs to be underlined that not every place sold as a "villa" actually fits the bill. Prices vary widely: some operators claim to go as low as $30/night (and that classicly describes a one bedroom hotel room with its own room) , realistically you'll be looking at upwards of $200/night for anything with a decent location and a private pool, and at the top of range nightly rents can easily go north of $1,000/night. One of the most important things about renting villas is understanding what type it is: 1) hotel villa - charge for F&B (hotel term for Food and Beverage) and laundry items like hotel 2) Private villa (original/old style)- F&B charged at cost price for food acquisition - Laundry either free or low item cost 3) Private villa (original/old style but with service charge)- F&B charged at cost price for food acquisition - but service charge ranging from 10-30% added to cost of food bill. 4) Private villa (bar) - F&B charged at cost - but staffed bar available for drinks which are charged by drink 5) Private villa (item charge F&B) - all drinks and food charged per item The private villas that charge for F&B normally have a higher quality of food quality, presentation and service. One of the hidden benefits of villas using original/old style service is they enable you to save tremendously on your tertiary costs (food and beverage) and none of those mini-bar charges! The one thing to remember is that normally villas are unstocked when you arrive there (they don't maintain a standing inventory like a hotel or a villa with an item charge for F&B). One needs to balance out what one expects from the services offered within the villa when one makes a villa selection. Remember the general rule applies - 'you get what you pay for' - there are of course exceptions to this but a 4 bedroom villa offered for USD400 and one for USD800 per night will be different in many ways - quality of maintenance, facilities, depth of staff, quality of english, etc, etc). Look carefully as to who is running the villa (run by the owner? local company? western company? local staff who answer to an overseas owner?) and who you are renting through (directly from the owner? a management company? a established villa agent? one who just opened a month ago after his friend Nyoman told him how easy it was...?). Each path has its pro's and cons. If its an agency - see if its been reviewed in the foreign press. Also ask how long the villa has been taking commercial guests for. Villas normally take a year or so to get to best service levels. Also in the first 6-12 months of operation great villas may offer introductory rates that are priced below market to gain awareness of their new offerings. Villas in Bali mostly found around the greater Seminyak area on the west coast (Seminyak, Umalas, Canggu), on the east coast around Sanur and in the inner regions such as the hill town of Ubud and rarely found in the Nusa Dua area (peninsula) which is more famous for hi-end resort complex of international chain hotels, but other portions of the bukit, such as Uluwatu are seeing more and more villas come on line. Sanur has a number of villa-resorts that keep on expanding, adding facilities like full-range spas.

Contact
International phone operators: 101. International Direct Dialing prefix: 001, 007, or 008.
Directory inquires
108 (if using a cell phone locally dial 0361-108)
Tourist information centre:
Telephone: 166. * Jalan Raya Kuta No. 2 Kuta, Tel.: (62)(361) 766 188. * Bali Tourism Board: Jl. Raya Puputan No. 41, Denpasar 80235, Tel.: (62)(361) 235 600. Fax.: (62)(361) 239 200. * Legian: Tel.: (62)(361) 755424. * Ubud: Tel.: (62)(361) 973285.

Immigration office:
Niti Mandala, Renon, Denpasar. Tel.: (62)(361) 227828. * I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport. Tel.: (62)(361) 751038.

Emergency
Ambulance: 118. * Police: 110. * Search & Rescue team: 115 ow 151. Tel.: (62)(361) 751111. * Bali Police HQ: Jl WR Supratman, Denpasar. Tel.: (62)(361) 227711 . * Badung Police HQ: Jl. Gunung Sanghyang, Denpasar Tel.: (62)(361) 424245. * Police stations: o Denpasar: Jl. Ahmad Yani, Tel.: (62)(361) 225456. o Sanur: Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai. Tel.: (62)(361) 288597. o Kuta: Jl. Raya Tuban. Tel.: (62)(361) 751598. o Nusa Dua: Jl. By Pass Nusa Dua, Tel.: (62)(361) 772110.

Hospitals with 24 hours emergency room (ER):
* RS Umum Sanglah. Jl. Kesehatan No. 1, Denpasar. Tel.: (62)(361) 243307 (62)(361) 227911, (62)(361) 225483, (62)(361) 265064. * RS Umum Badung. Jl Raya Kapal Mengwi, Denpasar 80351. Tel.: (62)(361) 7421880. * RS Umum Dharma Usadha. Jl Jend Sudirman 50, Denpasar. Tel.: (62)(361) 227560, (62)(361) 233786, (62)(361) 233787. * RS Umum Manuaba. Jl HOS Cokroaminoto 28. * Tel.: (62)(361) 426393, (62)(361) 226393. * RS Umum Surya Husadha. Jl Pulau Serangan 1-3, Denpasar. Tel.: (62)(361) 233787. * RS Umum Wangaya. Jl. RA Kartini 133, Denpasar. Tel.: (62)(361) 222141.

Medical Clinics:
* Bali Medical Center, Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai 100 X. Tel.: (62)(361) 761263. * Manuaba. Jl. Raya Kuta Nusa Indah Plaza Bl IX. Tel.: (62)(361) 754748. * Nusa Dua Medical. Hotel Nusa Dua Beach. Tel.: (62)(361) 772118. * Surya Husadha. Jl D Buyan 47, Sanur, Denpasar 80228. Tel.: (62)(361) 285236. Jl. Kartika Plaza 9-X. Tel.: (62)(361) 752947. * SOS, Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai 505. Tel.: (62)(361) 710505.

Embassies and Consulates
Some countries have set up consulates in Bali, and these are their addresses:

* Australia Consulate General in Denpasar, Bali, Jl. Hayam Wuruk No. 88 B, Tanjung Bungkuk, Denpasar, Bali (P.O.BOX 3243), ☎ (62-361) 241118.
* Austria Representative Consular Affairs in Denpasar, Bali, Swiss Restaurant Legian Kelot Kuta, Denpasar, Bali 80361 (P.O.BOX 2035 Kuta), ☎ (62-361) 751-735, 754-719.
* Royal Danish Honorary Consulate in Denpasar, Bali, Mimpi Resorts Jimbaran, Kawasan Bukit Permai Jimbaran, Kuta, Denpasar 80361, Bali, Indonesia, ☎ (62-361) 701-070.
* Finland Honorary Consulate in Denpasar, Bali, Segara Village Hotel, Jl. Segara, Sanur, Bali, Indonesia (P.O.BOX 91 Denpasar), ☎ (62-361) 288-407, 288-231.
* France Consular Agency in Denpasar, Bali, Jl. Mertasari Gang 2 No. 8, Banjang Tanjung, Sanur Kauh, Denpasar 80227, ☎ (62-361) 285-485.
* Germany Consulate General in Denpasar, Bali, Jl. Pantai Karang No. 17, Batujimbar, Sanur, Bali, ☎ (62-361) 288-535.
* Japan Consulate General Branch Office in Denpasar, Bali, Jl. Raya Puputan No. 170, Renon, Denpasar, ☎ (62-361) 227-628.
* Royal Netherlands Honorary Consulate in Denpasar, Bali, Jl. Raya Kuta 127 (P. O. Box 3337), Denpasar 80001, Bali, ☎ (62-361) 751-517.
* Royal Norway Honorary Consulate in Denpasar, Bali, Mimpi Resort Jimbaran, Kawasan Bukit Permai, Jimbaran, Kuta, Bali, ☎ (62-361) 701-070.
* Sweden Honorary Consulate in Denpasar, Bali, Segara Village Hotel, Jl. Segara, Sanur, Bali, Indonesia (P.O.BOX 91 Denpasar), ☎ (62-361) 288-407, 288-231.
* Switzerland Honorary Consulate in Denpasar, Bali, Kompleks Istana Kuta Galleria, Blok Valet 2 No. 12, Jl. Patih Jelantik/Kuta, Denpasar (P.O. Box 2035, Kuta 80361), Bali, ☎ (62-361) 751-735.
* United States of America General Consulate in Denpasar, Bali, Jl. Hayam Wuruk 188 Denpasar - Bali, ☎ (62-361) 233-605.
* Great Britain Honorary Consulate in Denpasar, Bali, Jl. Mertasari No. 2, Sanur, Denpasar, Bali, ☎ (62-361) 270-601.

Source : wikitravel.org

GUIDE TO HAWAII

Weather
The Hawaiian Islands exist because of a hot spot beneath the earth’s slow-moving Pacific Plate, which has been spewing lava and creating islands for 70 million years. Today, the state of Hawaii contains eight main islands, only six of which are populated. Measure for measure, the Hawaiian islands are as diverse as it gets. Their flora and fauna are a textbook case of Darwinian evolution. Time and time again, single migratory species blossomed into dozens of variations, as isolated individuals adapted to arid coastal deserts, rain forests and snow-capped subarctic mountaintops. As a result, the majority of Hawaiian plants and animals are endemic, and nearly as often, endangered.

All the islands have similar climates: southwestern coasts are sunny, dry and lined with sandy beaches, while the northeastern sides have lush rain forests, cascading waterfalls and pounding surf. Hawaii enjoys warm weather year-round, with coastal temperatures averaging a high of 83°F (28°C) and a low of 68°F (20°C). Summer and fall are the driest seasons, winter the wettest.

Getting there & around
Honolulu is a major Pacific air hub and an intermediate stop on many flights between the US mainland and Asia, Australia and the South Pacific. Passengers on any of these routes can often make a free Honolulu stopover. From Europe, ask about an add-on fare from the US West Coast or perhaps a round-the-world ticket. From the US mainland, the cheapest fares often start at around $600 from the east coast, $400 from California. Most major US airlines fly to Honolulu, Maui and the Big Island.

Hawaiian Airlines (808-838-1555, 800-367-5320; www.hawaiianair.com), Aloha Airlines (808-484-1111, 800-367-5250; www.alohaairlines.com), and go! (888-435-9462; www.iflygo.com) are the main carriers flying between Hawaiian islands. Service is frequent and flight times are short. Recent fare wars have driven one-way trips down to $30 to $40; typically, they have run $60 to $100.

New in 2007, Hawaii Superferry (877-443-3779; www.hawaiisuperferry.com) operates high-speed ferry services from Honolulu, O’ahu, daily to Maui (at Kahului) and every day but Saturday to Kaua’i (at Lihu’e); service to the Big Island will begin in 2009. One-way trips are $55 to $65 per person (add $60 to $70 for a car) and take three hours. Standard ferry services also connects Maui to Lana’i and Moloka’i.

O’ahu is the only island that can be explored extensively by public bus. Maui, the Big Island and Kaua’i have limited bus services between major towns but no service to most sightseeing destinations.

Rental cars are available on all the main islands and typically cost $35 to $50 a day and $175 to $250 a week. It’s wise to book a car before arrival; browse websites of the major rental companies to find the best price.

On the larger islands, half- and full-day sightseeing bus tours are available for $60 to $100. Specialized tours include whale-watching cruises, bicycle tours, snorkeling trips, overnight tours and helicopter tours. All can be booked after arrival in Hawaii. Two of the larger tour companies are Discover Hidden Hawaii Tours (808-737-3700, 800-946-4432; www.discoverhawaiitours.com) and Roberts Hawaii (808-954-8652, 866-898-2519; www.robertshawaii.com).

Hotel and Resort
Hawaii has a very strong tourist infrastructure with hundreds of hotels, condos, vacation homes and bed & breakfasts. There are several resorts state wide - planned development areas that usually include condos, hotels, golf courses, and vacation homes. These include the Mauna Lani and Waikoloa resorts on the Big Island; Wailea, Kapalua and Kaanapali resorts on Maui; the Ko Olina, Turtle Bay and Hilton Hawaiian Village resorts on Oahu; and the Princeville resort on Kauai. Many accommodation options can be found outside resort areas as well.

•Mauna Lani Resort, Kohala Coast, Big Island
•Waikoloa Beach Resort, Kohala Coast, Big Island.
•Wailea Resort, Wailea, Maui.
•Kapalua Resort, Kapalua, Maui.
•Kaanapali Resort, Lahaina, Maui.
•Turtle Bay Resort, Kahuku, Oahu.
•Ko Olina Resort, Kapolei, Oahu.
•Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort, Waikiki, Oahu
•Princeville Resort, Princeville, Kauai.

GUIDE TO EIFFEL TOWER

Eiffel Tower Opening Hours:
January 1st to June 14
* Tower: 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
* Elevator: 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. (Final ascension 11:00 p.m./10:30 p.m. top floor)
* Stairs: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Final admission at 6:00 p.m.)

June 15th to September 1st
* Tower: 9:00 a.m. to midnight
* Elevator: 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. (Final ascension at midnight/11:00 p.m. top floor)
* Stairs: 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. (Final admission at midnight)

September 2nd to December 31st
* Tower: 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
* Elevator: 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. (Final ascension 11:00 p.m./10:30 p.m. top floor)
* Stairs: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Final admission 6:00 p.m.)

Eiffel Tower Admission:
Admission fees to the Eiffel Tower vary depending on how many levels you wish to visit and whether you plan to take the elevator or the stairs. Taking the stairs is always less expensive, but it can be excruciating-- and access to the top of the tower is not available via stairs. For complete information on current fees and discounts Brochures and detailed visitors' info is available at the information booth on the ground floor. Access to the top of the tower may be suspended due to weather conditions or security measures. Access for Visitors with Limited Mobility: Visitors with limited mobility or in wheelchairs may access levels one and two of the tower via the elevator. For security reasons, access to the top of the tower is not available for visitors in wheelchairs. For more information on accessibility issues

Best Times to Visit the Eiffel Tower:
The Eiffel Tower is Paris' most-visited attraction, so it's easy to understand why it's preferable to visit when crowds are likely to be a bit thinner than usual:
* Low season in Paris is October to March. If you can visit during these times, you'll be more likely to avoid long lines and overcrowded observation areas. However, visiting the tower during the cold and wet months of November-February is less likely to be a pleasant experience, especially when overcast skies obstruct magnificent views of the city.
* Visiting during weekdays rather than weekends and in the early morning or late evening is also a good idea.

Ways to Climb the Tower:
* By stairs: You can access the first and second levels of the tower (187 and 377 ft., respectively) by climbing 1,652 stairs. There is a small admission fee. Visitors with vertigo should abstain.
* By elevator: Three elevators are available to shuttle you to the first and second levels of the tower. For security reasons, only one or two will be operating on a given day. A second elevator must be taken from the second level to get to the top of the tower (another 905 ft.). Keep in mind that during peak tourist season (April-September), you may need to wait for a while.

Eiffel Tower Restaurants and Gift Shops:
Restaurants and Snack Bars
* The Eiffel Tower has two restaurants: one on the first level and one on the second. The second-level restaurant, Le Jules Vernes, is remarkable for its breathtaking views of the city and for its kitchen, which is lead by celebrated French chef Alain Ducasse. In addition, snack bars can be found on the ground floor, first, and second levels.
* Souvenirs and gifts are available on the ground floor, first and second levels. The second level also includes a specialty food shop where you can purchase traditional

Eiffel Tower Key Dates and Interesting Facts:
* March 1889: The Eiffel Tower is unveiled at the Paris World Exposition of 1889. French engineer Gustave Eiffel manages to see his project through despite impassioned protest. The tower was constructed from 18,038 separate pieces (mostly iron) and weights a total of 10.1 tons. Nonetheless, it remains relatively lightweight.
* 1909-1910: The tower is nearly torn down, but is salvaged due to its usefulness as a radio tower. Some of the world's first radio transmissions are broadcast here.
* 1916: The first transatlantic telephone transmissions are realized from the tower.

More on Eiffel Tower history and design Visit Highlights:
The first level features a circular gallery that gives visitors an overview of the tower's history and design, as well as an introduction to some of Paris' most famous sights and monuments.
* A part of the spiral staircase that once led from the second floor to the top level is displayed on the first level. The staircase was eventually dismantled in 1983.
* You can also see the hydraulic pump that once supplied water to a former elevator.
* The "FerOscope" is an informational exhibit installed in one of the tower's beams. Interactive videos, light shows, and other media give visitors an evocative look at how the tower was built.
* The "Observatory of Tower Top Movement" is a laser beam that monitors the tower's oscillation under the effect of wind and temperature.
* Panoramic indicators of places and monuments visible from the first level, as well as historical panels tracing the tower's history, are placed around the gallery. You can also view the city in minute detail from an electronic telescope. The second level offers noteworthy panoramas of the city, as well as more insight into the tower's history and construction.
* Animated window scenes tell a visual story of the tower's unique history.
* Get a dizzying perspective of the ground through the glass floor. Once again, not for those prone to vertigo. The top floor provides breathtaking views of the entire city, as well as top-rate dining. The elevator climb of 18 meters (59 ft.) also allows you to fully appreciate the tower's elaborate metal latticework.
* A reconstitution of Gustave Eiffel's office features wax figures of Gustave and American inventor Thomas Edison.
* Panoramic indicators and viewpoint indicators help you identify the city's landmarks. Seen from a distance, the tower bursts into a shimmering display of light every hour after nightfall, until 2 a.m. in the summer. This display is made possible by 335 projectors, each equipped with high-wattage sodium lamps. The intense sparkling effect is created by the beams shooting upward through the tower's structure.

(Source: http://goparis.about.com/)