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War Horse - Movie Tourism

Stephen Spielberg has directed another great film, choosing some of the most beautiful settings in Devon, England for the story of Joey, the War Horse. In addition to the splendid natural beauty of the countryside, the quaint, picturesque small villages are just as appealing. Nominated for 6 Academy Awards, one for Best Picture, the movie features a European cast and follows young Albert and Joey from the family's farm to the daring adventures of this courageous lad and his incredible War Horse in WWI.

Many of the scenes were filmed in the moors and Dartmoor National Park where Arthur Conan Doyle wrote Hound of the Baskervilles and Agatha Christie used as settings in her mystery novels. Visitors will find a number of attractions around Dartmoor including Ditsworthy Warren House (scenes of the family's farmhouse) and at other film locations including Stratfield Saye, the estate of the Duke of Wellington for the cavalry charge scenes, Farnham, and Bourne Woods. This article focuses on Castle Combe, known as "the prettiest village in England," where most of the village scenes for War Horse, as well as Doctor Dolittle, Stardust, and The Wolfman took place. Located 100 miles northeast from Dartmoor, 90 miles from London, near Bristol and about 15 miles from Bath, day trips are a popular option for visitors to the Cotswolds.

Things to See and Do

Tourists enjoy walking from the small, uncrowded village through the wooded By Brook valley into the hilly countryside to best appreciate the natural beauty of the area. This 5 ½ mile walk, about 2 ½ hours, crosses 10 stiles and includes some interesting attractions.

The 1-hour farm walk begins and ends in the village and includes the Colham Organic Farm. Along the trail through meadows and woodlands, you'll see a variety of farm animals and cattle, beech trees, and rare flowers. Guided tours available (see Colham Farm for contact info).

(Note: There are a number of other public trail walks, and most shops in the village will have maps and information.)

The village center, Market Cross, is similar to other 14th century villages (depicted in Pillars of the Earth by Follett), where sheep and wool were brought to trade. Visitors will see the old cross and water pump, and St Andrews Church to view the tomb of a crusader and an ancient working clock. A war memorial honoring the villagers who died in WWI stands at a former church courtyard entrance. Across the bridge are the old weavers' cottages and the Dower House (Dr Dolittle's in the movie)

Visit the Castle Combe racing circuit, established in 1950 for all types of motor sports and considered the best in Britain. The events' calendar includes car, motorcycle, and bicycle races, car boot (a flea market) sales, testing days, racing instruction, and a family cycling festival for all ages in August.

Prices: Testing - full day $334. Boot sales - charity donation 80 cents. Track days - cars, $280, motorcycles, $200. Action days - 15-minute passes, $6. Other driving experiences - e.g., 10-minutes in a Lotus, $63, 26 May - 4 laps in Lotus, $31. Spectator admission - Adults - $24, Children - $12. Café facilities onsite. Open year round, weather permitting.

Accommodations:

The luxurious and expensive Manor House Hotel & Golf Club on 365 acres is highly recommended, a perfect location for weddings, meetings, and other events. Guestrooms and suites feature 4-poster beds, Jacuzzi tubs and walk-in showers, stylish decor, and wonderful views from the Main House or the cottages. Two bedrooms set aside for you and your pet. Amenities include a fully stocked tea/coffee cart, in-room dining, and special items for children. Rates: Master Suite - $1,000 (incl breakfast & 7-course dinner), guestrooms with many extras - $1,500/dbl, B&B accommodation - $326. The Waterfall Lodge near the clubhouse offers four twin bedrooms, two showers, and lounge, for avid golfers or extra rooms for party guests. Breakfast and 3-course dinner, 36 holes of golf, and use of the driving range are included. Rates(p/p): $173 Sun-Thu, $190 Fri & Sat.

Also recommended is the refurbished 12th century Castle Inn in the village with eleven rooms and offering several different packages. The War Horse 2-night weekend special includes breakfast, champagne, and chocolates. Rates: $540/dbl executive room. Guests have access to the Lucknam Park Spa, 5 miles from the inn, open seven days a week, 7am-10pm, $71 p/p.
Other Rates: Regular - $135/single, $236/dbl. A romantic one-night stay with 2-crse dinner, Sun-Thurs, $302/couple.

The family-owned Old House at Home in nearby Chippenham has six boutique guestrooms in a quiet, cozy atmosphere. Adults only, minimum age 16. Rates: $152/dbl, incl brkfst.

Highly rated is the family-friendly Beechfield House near Chippenham, about 4 miles from Castle Combe and close to the racing circuit. There are 24 guestrooms - classic, family, and luxury. The Rosette restaurant has a long-standing reputation as one of the best in the area. Enjoy a cocktail in the bar/lounge or beauty and spa treatments in the Beauty Center of the hotel.

Rates: 1 Jan-30 Jun, Sun-Thurs, dbl w/ brkfst - $197-$245. 1 Jul-31 Aug, $213-$277.
Fri-Sat, $229-$277. B&B + dinner, $308-$372.

Where to Eat:

A favorite among travelers is the award winning By Brook restaurant at the Manor House for fine dining, a variety of cuisine, and a noteworthy wine list. Dinner menus (avg prices) - appetizers - $19, entrees - $24-$30, 3 crses - $95. Other dining options include 2-crse market menu, 3-crse Sun lunch, and casual dining in the garden pavilion, terrace, or a picnic on the grounds. Afternoon tea is served from 3-6pm, $34. Hours: 12:30-2pm, Tues-Sun (lunch), dinner hours, 7-9pm, Sun-Thu & 7-9:30 Fri & Sat
The four restaurants at the Castle Inn are also recommended for a variety of dining options. Sample menu prices: 2-crses, $26, 3-crses, $32, sandwiches and bar menu, $11-$14.

Enjoy delicious British cuisine at the restaurant in the Old House at Home. Menu selections include wild game, seafood, beef, and lamb, elegant desserts, and reasonable prices. Main courses - avg $23, desserts - $8.

Enjoy traditional food and ale, served daily from 11am-11pm at the 14th century White Hart pub near the Castle Combe racing circuit.

Visit the Old Rectory Tea Room for a light lunch or British cream tea and scones, explore the small gift shop, and view their portrait galley taken during the filming of War Horse. Reserve the Garden Room for a group (up to 6).
Hours: 10am-3pm, Mon-Fri, weekends for private parties, (castlecombetearooms.co.uk for contact info). Menu prices: $5-$8.

Getting there: Several options from London to Castle Combe. By train from Heathrow or Paddington Station to nearby towns (Chippenham is the closest), 1 ½ hours, runs every hour, $31. By coach, 3-4 hours, $27. By Rental Car, International Driver's License required, about 2 hours, $95/day (the best choice if you intend to stay a few days). Most villages in the area are within an hour or two driving distance from Castle Combe.

Sharon L Slayton

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Basilicata, Italy - Visit the Ancient Sassi (Stones) of Matera

Travel south from Rome to Matera, the capital of Matera Province in Basilicata and a UNESCO Heritage site of hillside caves within 20 miles of the Ionian Sea. The extraordinary town of Matera, also called Lucania, is of great interest to historians, archaeologists, and theologians for its resemblance to Jerusalem in biblical times. Movie producers used realistic locations in the area for Mel Gibson's controversial The Passion of the Christ, King David with Richard Gere, and The Nativity Story. An increase in tourism brought a welcome boost to the economy of this ancient city. The cave-like houses of the two districts, Sassi Caveoso and Sassi Barisano, are architecturally unique, with each one built on top of another and interiors carved out of the rocky hillsides. Narrow, winding streets and crooked, steep stairways connect the cave homes where generations of families may have lived since the prehistoric ages.

Things to See & Do:

Wildlife and bird watching are popular with visitors to Matera, where nature lovers and photographers can spend hours in the natural habitat of cormorants, herons, and falcons. Wolves, badgers, and otters are among the small wildlife in these reserves, and the rare yellow spotted Tortoise of Herman makes its home near the sandy shores.

Guided cycling tours are available to the Natural History Park of the Matera Caves of Churches about 9 miles from town. There are over 150 churches to see, as well as the 9th century frescoes in the cave of a hundred saints (the Crypt of Original Sin.) If you have time, you can explore other national parks in the Basilicata region such as San Guiliano and the Policoro Woods, on foot, on horseback, or by white water rafting

Among the churches in Matera are the 8th century Benedictine church of Santa Lucia of the Malve, the San Pietro Barisano, the 16th century San Agostino church, and the Cathedral to Santa Maria della Bruna.

The 17th century Palazzo Lanfranchi, built by the Capuchin monk Copertin, houses a collection of sacred and contemporary artwork. It features paintings by Carlo Levi, author of the book and film Christ Stopped at Eboli, wooden sculptures, clay works, cultural exhibits, and paintings from other provinces in Italy.
Hours: Tues-Fri, 10:30-12:30pm, 4:30-6:30pm. Admission: $2.70, $1.35

Others places of interest include the National Archaeological Museum "Domenico Ridola," established in 1911 by Ridola, physician and Senator of Matera. The museum features ancient artifacts from the Old and New Stone Ages, gathered from his numerous excavations. Hours: 9-8pm, Closed Mon. Admission: $3.

The MUSMA, Museo della Scultura Contempranea, which opened in Oct 2006, is a huge 2-level museum with rooms of magnificent sculpture, wall and floor artwork, jewelry, and displays in hallways, cellars, courtyards, and on the veranda. The impressive exterior view of the caves and the Gravina Canyon is no less impressive than the unique interior of the museum. Known as the friendship museum by Curator Giuseppe Appella, most collections are privately donated. Hours: 10-2pm, Tues-Sat. Admission: $6

Events: Various festivals, religious celebrations, and live theatre take place all year. One of the most popular is the Madonna Della Bruna festival, which begins at sunrise on 2 July and continues until nightfall. From the early morning procession of shepherds, parade of horseback riders and local police, and crowds of vendors, everyone gets involved. At the end of the day, the mule-drawn cart carrying the throne and Madonna is pulled through town, while the locals grab pieces of the float as a promise of good luck and a plentiful harvest. A splendid fireworks display ends the festivities sometime after midnight.

Where to Stay:

The 5-star Palazzo Gattini overlooking the town features 20 luxurious rooms and suites; each is unique with 18th and 19th century décor, handmade furnishings, restored frescoes, and modern amenities. Rooms have separate sitting areas, and some have balconies where guests can enjoy the view. Condé Nast recognized this prestigious hotel on their 2009 Hot List. Guests receive a complimentary breakfast, use of the underground spa, pool, and golf course on the grounds. Fine dining at the elegant Le Bubbole restaurant onsite.
Rates: $180/room. Special Weekend & Other Packages - from $186 to $600+ for the ultimate luxury.

Sant'Angelo Hotel & Resort has 23 rooms and suites, a library, conference facilities, courtyards, 2 bars, and the popular Regia Corte restaurant and lounge terrace. Amenities for guests include complimentary Internet access, breakfast, room service, and shuttle service to the railway station or to/from Bari Airport ($89 for 2, one-way). Rates: $161/dbl room

Hotel Albergo Italia is centrally located and offers comfortable accommodations and a friendly atmosphere at very reasonable prices. The rooms are spacious and clean, the service is excellent, and the Basilico restaurant is next door. Avg Rates: $87/dbl

Also recommended by hotels.com:

The designer Hotel Basiliani in the archaeological area overlooks the Gravina Canyon. The striking all-white décor of the 11 guestrooms provides an interesting contrast between the contemporary and the old limestone cave houses of the Sassi. Each room has a private entrance, and guests receive a full breakfast, free parking, and Internet access. Good value for your money. Rates: $66/sgl, $86/dbl.

The 7 rooms at the Residenza Le Dodici Lune have individual balconies, TV, cooking facilities, & refrigerator. Restaurant onsite; the Residenza is pet friendly. Rates: $101/room

Hilton Garden Inn has 125 guestrooms, free parking, and restaurant onsite.
Rates: $109/room

Where to Eat:

Le Botteghe is highly recommended for a quiet, comfortable atmosphere, good service, and excellent food. The menu features ear shaped pasta baked with ham and cheese, pasta with mussels, and grilled beef. There is a wide selection of wines, side dishes, antipasto, and local specialties. Try the famous Pane de Matera, the bread with a tradition that began with the peasants who had no electricity or running water until the 1950's. Each family had a personal breadstamp, which was placed on each loaf after baking in wood-burning ovens. Bread was used as an ingredient in many dishes, and breadstamps were so important they were often given as wedding gifts.
Hours: 12:30-3pm (Lunch), 8pm--(Dinner). Prices: Lunch, $66 for 2, Dinner entrées range in price.

The menu at Ristorante Luncanerie includes delicious local pasta specialties, roasted suckling pig and boar, unusual side dishes, and goat cheesecake for dessert. Canvas booths, old wall paintings, and 16' ceilings add a rural appeal to the restaurant. Friendly service & creative cuisine. Prices: $72-$85 for 2.

Trattoria del Caveoso, centrally located, is ranked #1 by numerous travelers to Matera. The seasonal menu features traditional and gourmet cuisine including lamb, fava beans, pasta, grilled steak, and a selection of wine and desserts. Outstanding hospitality and service. Prices: $27-$47. Open year round, except Sun evenings and Mondays.

Stroll through town after sunset to experience the magical panorama of street lamps glowing in the darkness across the ancient white Sassi of Matera.

Getting there: Flights from Rome, Milan, major European cities, and the UK to Bari airport, regular Pugliair bus service to Matera, or a 50-minute drive. By rail from Bari to Matera, about an hour, $5 one-way.

Sharon L Slayton

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Movie Tourism - Destination Seville, Spain

We are constantly overwhelmed by depressing reports of civil unrest and political upheaval in countries run by dictators. Invariably, we look for the lighter side in the news, which we may find in the hilarious comedy The Dictator scheduled for release May 2012. Seville will probably see an increase in tourism and a boost to their economy as the film gains international attention. Produced by the very talented Sacha Baron Cohen, the clever script, costumes, and props, along with an award-winning cast including Cohen (nominated again this year for Hugo), Anna Faris, John C. Riley, and Megan Fox provide delightful entertainment in The Dictator.

You may have seen the trailer while watching the Super Bowl:

Filming takes place in Seville, with the majority of scenes of military vehicles and the dictator's statue in the Plaza de Espana. Seville, the capital of Andalusia in southern Spain, is a historic city dating back over 2,000 years and known for music, art, and culture. The city has an abundance of fascinating attractions that can't be covered in one article, so we will highlight only a few.

The 16th century Catedral de Sevilla, 3rd largest in the world, is a must-see attraction with 80 chapels and a Tomb of Christopher Columbus. Conflicting stories exist among historians about the location of his remains, however, and DNA evidence raises further questions. As a result, there is a second tomb to Columbus on the island of Hispaniola.
Hours: Winter - Mon-Sat, 11-5:30pm, Sun, 2:30-6:30pm. Jul & Aug - Mon-Sat, 9:30-4:30pm, Sun, 2:30-6:30pm.
Admission: $10.50, $4 Students & Srs.

Visit the Alcazar (Palace), once a 10th century Moorish fortress, and now a royal residence for the kings of Spain, where both Muslim and Christian influence can be seen in the architecture. The Mudejar within the castle walls was the magnificent palace of Peter I built in 1364. There are 2 main courtyards, the Dolls and the Maidens, a reflective pool, sunken gardens, the king's bedroom, Throne Room, and a room of valuable Flemish tapestries. Enjoy the scent of orange trees that fills the air as you stroll through the gardens and patios.
Open Daily: Oct-Mar, 7 days, 9:30-5pm. Apr-Sep, 9:30-7pm.
Admission: $11, $2.60 Students & Srs.

Go to the Plaza de la Encarnacion to see the Metropol Parasol, the world's largest wooden structure built by Jurgen Mayer H architects. Known as the Mushroom, it provides a striking contrast between the old and the new Seville. This modern landmark is a series of walkways beneath connecting rows of parasols that rise over 60' in the air. Visit the food market, the Antiquarium of roman artifacts, and take the elevator to the cocktail bar and a great view of the city. Open Daily: 10-2pm, 6pm-Midnight. Entry: $1.50

Museo de Baile Flamenco, opened in 2006, represents the international popularity of Andalusian flamenco song, dance, and classical guitar. Permanent and temporary exhibits and memorabilia are featured, as well as classes in flamenco. Nov-Mar, 9-6pm, Apr-Oct, 9-7pm. Admission: $13, $8

Enter the 16th century iron gates by Roldan to the Museo de Toros, which is housed within one of the oldest bullrings in Spain. Follow the history and view bulls heads, posters, and costumes worn by famous bullfighters of Seville, Belmonte and El Gallo. Open: Mon-Sat, 9:30-2pm & 3-7pm. Admission: $5

Museo de Bellas Artes in a former convent has three galleries of fine art by Spanish masters from the 15th to the 20th century including Velásquez, El Greco, and Murillo. Shop, café, studios, research center, & library. Hours: Tues-Sat, 9-8:30pm. Sun & Holidays, 9-2:30pm. Admission: $2, free to EU citizens.

Accommodations:

The 5-star Hotel Alfonso XIII, built for the Ibero-American Exhibition in 1929, reflects the Moorish and Castilian heritage of a king's palace. The hotel features elegant décor in spacious rooms and suites, gourmet cuisine, and indoor and outdoor dining. Currently undergoing renovation, scheduled to reopen March 2012.

Gran Melia Colon, also top rated, in the business district of Seville offers 10 categories of guestrooms, a rooftop solarium & sauna, 2 restaurants, and tour assistance. Rates: $289/dbl

EME Catedral, recommended in Conde Nast's 2011 Traveler's Gold List, has a rooftop terrace, outdoor pool, restaurant, and spa. Rates: $208/dbl

Barceló Renacamiento on the Isla de la Cartuja at the Guadalquivir River is connected to the northern neighborhood of Seville. This modern hotel is ideal for groups and conferences, as well as tourists who want to explore the Isla attractions. Among these are the Monastery de Santa Maria de las Cuevas where Columbus lived before his voyage, the Andalucian Contemporary Art Center, and the Isla Magica Amusement Park. The hotel features a 25-room convention center, 3 restaurants, 5 types of guestrooms, shops, and open-air pool.
Rates: Deluxe & Family Rooms - $123. Connecting - $216. Suite - $156.
Attractions: Monastery: $8 & $10. Art Center Hours: 1 Oct-31 Mar, Tues-Fri, 10-8pm, Sat, 11-8pm, Sun, 10-3pm. 1 Apr-30 Sep, Tues-Fri, 10-9pm, Sat, 11-9pm, Sun, 10-3pm. $2.35 & $4.

The Inglaterra in the Plaza Nueva is a smaller, boutique hotel with a good central location, reasonable rates, and restaurant onsite. Rooms: $120

Dining & Nightlife:

Marea Grande restaurant receives excellent reviews for Mediterranean seafood specialties and quality beef served indoors and on the terrace. Expensive from $38 to $100+. Hours: Mon-Sat, 1:30-4:30pm, & 9-Midnight.

The old world atmosphere of Egaña Oriza, the extensive menu of wild game including boar, duck, and ostrich, and an impressive wine list define the popularity of this restaurant. Reservations needed.
Prices: $32-$80. Hours: Mon-Fri, 1:30-3:30pm, & 9-11:30pm. Sat, 9-11:30pm.

European antiques and art in a 19th century townhouse add charm to the Taberna del Alabardero, located 3 blocks from the Cathedral and a favorite restaurant among Spanish dignitaries. Enjoy drinks and tapas on the patio or beef and foie gras in the main dining area or private room.
Open Daily. 1-4pm, 8-Midnight. Prices: $32-$38. Reservations.

Just as tortillas are popular in Mexico and the Southwest, so are tapas (cold and hot appetizers) in Spain. With over 4,000 tapas bars in Seville, tapas crawls like pub crawls are a popular way to spend an evening. From seafood and ham croquettes to sirloin in whiskey, tapas can be a snack or a meal. Served at the bar, they are inexpensive at $2-$4. You will find some of the best tapas at Enrique Becerra, with a varied menu and cozy surroundings. Enjoy cocktails or Sangria with an entrée of lamb or seafood and dessert. Prices: $22-$35, $64-$74 set menu. Hours: Mon-Sat, 1-4:30pm & 8-Midnight.

Flaherty's, the Irish bar next to the Cathedral, features televised sports events, indoor patio, outside tables, tapas, and Tex-Mex food. Lively crowd, occasional music.

Others recommended include Alfalfa, Ambigu in the old Macarena district, and El Rinconcillo in the Plaza de los Terceros. The latter is not fancy, dating back to 1670, but the atmosphere is authentic and the staff is friendly.

Getting there: Numerous international airlines, but no direct flights from the U.S. to San Pablo Airport in Seville. Flights from London (2 ½ hours) on Ryanair, Iberia, and British Airways. Taxi to city center (about 8 miles) - $26, Bus - $3, 6:15am to 11pm. Rental cars available.

Sharon L Slayton

See also this old travel plan including Seville.

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Travel to Ireland in 2012 - Leap Year movie tourism

It's Leap Year and what better time to vacation in Ireland where it is believed that romantic traditions of marriage proposals began. Legend says that St Bridget went to St Patrick on the subject of marriage proposals in the 5th century, since some women were waiting forever for the man to propose marriage. He agreed to allow women that opportunity every 4 years, but it didn't actually become law until the 13th century in Scotland. One interesting and amusing part of their law was if the man refused the proposal, he was forced to pay a small fine, maybe a kiss or a new dress. (I doubt that such a law still exists.) The Leap Year tradition where the woman supposedly gets her man originated in the U.S. in the 1930's with Al Capp's Lil' Abner, known as Sadie Hawkins Day usually in November.

Hollywood released the film Leap Year starring Amy Adams and Matthew Goode in 2010. Most of this light, romantic comedy was filmed in Ireland, primarily Dublin, so we chose the small town of Sligo and the 12th largest in the country as a vacation destination. Located in the far northwestern corner of Ireland on the Garavogue River, Sligo is about 135 miles from Dublin and only 40 miles from the border of Northern Ireland. It is certainly best known for the beauty and mysticism in words by Ireland's most famous poet William Butler Yeats. In a land where romantic verses and fascinating folklore appeal to travelers worldwide, we offer a warm "Failte go Sligeach" (Welcome to Sligo).

Things to See & Do:

Sligo Abbey, built in the 13th century, was destroyed by fire in the 1400's and again in the Irish rebellion of the 1600's. Numerous carvings, the cloisters, and the only remaining Irish monastery altar from the 15th century have been well preserved. Stories of ghosts in this Dominican abbey written about by Bram Stoker in his novel Dracula were no doubt inspired by his mother, who came from Sligo.
Hours: 21 Apr-mid-Oct, 10-6pm, daily. Oct-2 Nov, Fri, Sat, Sun, 9:30-4:30pm.
Admission: Adults - $4, $3. Children - $1.25. Guided tours available, handicap accessible, parking, restrooms.

Hazelwood Sculpture Park on Lough Gill at Half Moon Bay is about 2 miles from Sligo. Visitors will find a nature trail of outdoor sculptures by Irish and international artists. Here is a perfect place to relax, picnic, and take pleasure in the enchantment of your surroundings, as Yeats expressed so eloquently, "I went out to the Hazelwood, because a fire was in my head."

Woodville Open Farm will be of interest to families and school groups. Guided tours through the farm buildings, fields, and museum. Adults - $10. Children & Seniors - $8. Appt needed. Open: May-Sep.

Sligo County Museum houses artifacts, Yeats' 1923 Nobel Prize medal, and other memorabilia representing the significance of the Yeats family to Irish history. Open: May-Sep, Tues-Sat, 9:30-12:30pm, & 2-4:45pm. Oct-Apr, 9:30-12:30pm. Free admission.

Visitors can view a permanent exhibition of Yeats' works, the art gallery, and arrange walking tours of Sligo at the Yeats Memorial Building. Hours: 10-5pm, Mon-Fri, year round.

Where to Stay:

The Sligo Park Hotel & Leisure Club, about a mile from town, is a 4 star establishment in a garden setting near Lough Gill and the Isle of Innisfree, with beautiful views of Benbulben Mountain overlooking Drumcliff Churchyard and the grave of William Butler Yeats. You can still read the celebrated poet's own epitaph "Cast a cold eye on life, on death. Horseman, pass by!" There is a lovely Tea House with books and crafts on the Drumcliff site, open daily 9-6pm. Guests will find the hotel is conveniently located, with spacious rooms, restaurant, coffee shop, terrace bar, and a fully equipped fitness suite. Tennis courts, indoor pool, free Internet, shops, and a golf course nearby.
Rates: $90-$110 sgl & dbl.

Riverside Hotel offers standard and executive guestrooms, some with balconies, a lounge, restaurant, & leisure center. Friendly staff and good value for the money.
Rates: $80 - suite, $76 - dbl room.

The 18th century Coopershill Country House Hotel, the Irish manor owned by the O'Hara's and still occupied by a 7th generation family member, is a private 500-acre estate that offers wonderful, luxurious accommodations. With no TV or radio, this is ideal for a romantic weekend or quiet getaway. Relax in an elegant guestroom of antique décor, catch up on your reading, and enjoy tea or coffee in the comfort of your surroundings. The hospitality is superb, and the food is among the best in Ireland, with fresh locally produced fruits and vegetables and their specialty farm-raised venison. Spend hours walking this beautiful estate of lush lawns where peacocks stroll, and explore farmland and forest trails.
Rates: 5 nights for 2 guests - $1,100 total (breakfast included)
Open: 1 Apr-31 Oct for overnight guests. Weddings and other special events can be arranged throughout the year.

Castle Dargan Golf & Wellness Resort, about 8 minutes from town, is popular for the variety of packages available. Travelers can choose from 1, 2, and 3-night specials on golf and pampering, Valentine's Day, holidays, mid-week, and other offers. Packages include breakfast, and most have one evening meal and wine. Many visitors drive to the resort from Dublin to play golf on weekends. Green fees, cart, clubs - $25-$38. Enjoy gourmet dining at the Hall Door, refreshments and live music at the Middleton Bar, full afternoon tea for $25 p/p in the Coach House Lounge, or Sunday lunch, 12:30 - 4:00pm. Reservations required.
Room rates: $44-$64. Packages: $75-$165.

Restaurants & Pubs:

Shenanigan's Bar & Restaurant on Bridge Street is known for excellent food and drinks, with a DJ and laser-lit dance floor. Upstairs restaurant and Club Cojones for late night drinking and dancing. Special events can be arranged in the more private Cotton Club at Shenanigans. Whether in a group, as a couple, or single, this is one of the most famous places to visit in Sligo. Irish cuisine, avg prices for 2 - $19 for meal & drink, $32 for a 4-crse meal & drink.

Harp Tavern on Lower Quay Street offers a cozy place to socialize and listen to local musicians, Sunday afternoon jazz, and watch televised sports events at no charge. Open year round (except Christmas Day & Good Friday): 11:30am-closing.

Other recommendations: J McLaughlin's, a traditional Irish pub, with live music nightly and sing alongs. Enjoy the camaraderie and a pint of Guinness for $5 at Shoot the Crows. Great food, atmosphere, and service at Hargadons (open 12-3:30 & 4-9pm, Mon-Sat). Travelers gave positive reviews for Limoncello's Italian cuisine, and Fiddlers Creek for sports gatherings, music, and menu variety (open 7 days, Noon-3:30 Lunch, 5pm till late).

Getting there: Inter-city rail from Dublin Connolly Station to Sligo every 3 hours, $40 one-way, $56 rd trip. Bus from Dublin, $24 one-way, $35 rd trip. About 2½-hours' drive from Dublin.

Sharon L Slayton

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Vacation Destination - Goa, India

Filming for Ludlum's The Bourne Supremacy (2004), starring Matt Damon, Franka Potente, and Joan Allen took place at various locations in the UK, Europe, Russia, and India. Goa, the smallest state in India and a Portuguese territory until 1961, is a popular vacation destination on the southwest coast, known for temples, religious festivals, beaches, and friendly people. In addition to many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, Goa is rich in natural resources and has an economy based primarily on tourism, with over 2 million visitors in 2010.

Check out driving in Goa:

Places to visit:

Movie scenes were filmed in and around Panaji, the capital located on the Mandovi River about 25 miles from the Dabolim airport. A main attraction in the center of this market town is Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception church. Built in 1541 by the Portuguese, this majestic church stands 100 steps above the square. The huge bell weighs over 5,000 pounds, the second largest in the world. Every year beginning 8 Dec, the 3-day celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception brings locals and tourists to worship and visit the market stalls of souvenirs, handicrafts, sweets (hajem), and drink.

Dr Salim Ali's Bird Sanctuary, established by this renowned India ornithologist, is located on the nearby island of Chorao, accessible by ferry or by a Santa Monica cruise boat. You can view the animals and hundreds of exotic species of birds in their mangrove habitat from the watchtower and get information from the Nature Interpretation Center. Best months: Oct-Mar, Entry fee: $1.
(If you visit Panaji during the holidays, or most evenings, take a Santa Monica cruise boat along the brightly lit riverfront accompanied by live music and dancing onboard. Price: $2.)

Kala Academy, beautifully designed by Charles Correa 1973-1983, is the art and cultural entertainment center about a mile from Panaji. Drama, dance, and music are featured in two large auditoriums (one outdoor) and two mini-theaters. The Academy offers classes for adults and children, sponsors international film festivals, folk music events, and art exhibits. Hours: Mon-Fri, 9:30am-1pm, 2-6pm.

The Mahalaxmi Hindu Temple in Panaji was built in the early 1800's for the goddess of wealth. Religious celebrations are held each year, and from 1 Jan-29 Feb 2012, followers and tourists will visit the temple for the Maruti Jatra festival.

Other Things to Do:

Beaches & More Beaches: In addition to Miramar, the main beach at Panaji, there are many others including Agonda, Calangute, Ajuna, Baga, and Palolem, Matt Damon's hideaway 47 miles from Panaji. The long stretch of Calangute beach leads to the less crowded beach at Candolim, the birthplace of Father Abbe Faria founder of hypnotism. Have lunch or dinner at the Moonlight Restaurant, open daily from 8am-11pm, or spend the night in their Guest House. Take the ferry from Panaji to Betim, then a short bus ride to Sinquerim and Candolim (fare a few cents).

Here's a beach:

Shop along 18th June Road, or at the Panaji market where you'll find everything from fish and spices to electronics and clothing. Sample local specialties such as Feni (cashew liquor) and choricao sausages. Stroll through the narrow streets of the Portuguese Fontainhas neighborhood (car chase scene in the movie) and admire the colorful, old houses and the Chapel of St Sebastian. Indulge in an ayurvedic "science of long life" massage at one of the many spas or beauty parlors in Panaji.

Accommodations:

LaLit Goa where Matt Damon stayed during filming is located near Agonda beach and the town of Canacona, about an hour from Panaji. In addition to the fabulous Rejuve Spa & Fitness Centre, the resort features tennis, squash, water sports, golf, day care, and children's activities. Internet service is also available, but expensive at $421 initial fee. A 24-hour coffee shop and the Sea BBQ restaurant provide onsite dining. Veri-Fini in the hotel lobby serves as a sports bar, with card tables, dice casino, a DJ, and dance floor. The Gazebo is a sunken bar offering refreshments for hotel guests at the outdoor pool.
Avg Rates: Garden view room (dbl) - $200, Arabian Sea view - $250. (Both with private balcony/courtyard.) Regular 3-nights/4days pkg - $800. Holiday pkg - $1,300

Taj-Fort Aguada Beach Resort, also highly recommended and host to some of the cast, is located on Sinquerim Beach about 4 miles from Panaji. Choose from 145 guestrooms or suites, dine at 4 different restaurants, and enjoy the spa, swimming pool, and watersports. The resort offers a number of excellent all-inclusive packages, which include flights from the UK, meals, and accommodations.
Prices: 7 nights, $1,800 p/p, 7 nights during holiday season, $2,550 p/p.
(Other packages available. Email: Southalltravel.co.uk for more information.)

The Hotel Mandovi maintains its reputation as a landmark for tourism in Goa. Known for comfort and hospitality, its ideal location on the river provides convenient access to shopping, dining, entertainment, business facilities, and tourist attractions, as well as a 2-mile promenade to Miramar Beach. There are 65 rooms, standard, deluxe, and suites, as well as the Riorico restaurant, which features Goan and Portuguese cuisine. Hours: 7:30-10am, 12:30-3pm, 7-11pm
Room Rates: From $373 std dbl to $485 premium dbl (includes brkfst)

You'll also find good accommodations at the Panjim Inn or the Afonso Guest House in Fontainhas.

Dining: Spicy Vindaloo fish & chicken curries, pork, and coconut are typical cuisine, along with Kingfisher beer and Feni. The Horse Shoe restaurant in Panaji is recommended for romantic atmosphere and exotic dishes. Try their specialties, chocolate mousse and sans rival. Prices: $15-$25. Hours: 12:30-2pm, 7-10pm.

The Quarterdeck waterfront restaurant on the way from Miramar to Calangute has great seafood and a good selection of wine and other drinks. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, excellent service, and watch the party boats go by. Live music on the weekends. Hours: 11am-3pm, 7-11pm. Prices: $15-$25.

Palms N Sands at Candolim offers a variety of seafood, cocktails, outdoor seating, and a beachfront view. Open: Year round. Avg price: $8.

Also recommended - Delhi Darbar for excellent Indian food, Kamat's near the Church Square & Café Real for vegetarian dishes.

Getting around: A private car with driver, or unmetered taxi, can be rented for a reasonable $30- $40 a day, but 2-wheeled vehicles are the fastest and main means of transportation in Goa (international drivers license advisable). Scooters, or motorcycle pilots, rent for $2 to $12 a day; auto rickshaws under $2.
Ferries from Panaji to Betim and Chorao from Ribandar dock (about 2 miles from Panaji): Hours: 7am-7pm. Free for pedestrians (last update).

Getting there: International and charter flights arrive at Dabolim airport. Rail & bus service between major cities in India.

Sharon L Slayton

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Explore the Mystery and Folklore of Transylvania, Romania

The birthplace of the legendary Count Dracula, or Vlad the Impaler, has inspired authors, film producers, and playwrights throughout history. Robert Browning wrote of children escaping from Germany to the enchanted land of Transylvania in his famous poem The Pied Piper of Hamelin. From the monster in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein published in 1818 to Bram Stoker's horror story of Dracula in 1897, many of us are fascinated with Gothic fairy tales, mythical vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures seen in movies, television, and on stage today.

Transylvania is a huge, scenic area of mountains, forests, old castles, villages, and cities of considerable historical significance. We will visit the popular tourist destination of Sighisoara on the Tarnava River, about 180 miles from Bucharest, and discover some of the mystery that surrounds Romanian folklore. History reveals that Vlad Tepes, born here in the 1400's, lived with his father Dacul, governor of Transylvania and member of the Order of the Dragon. The name Dacul was subsequently changed to Dracul, which may explain the origin of the Romanian name Dracula for his son Vlad. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the picturesque walled town of Sighisoara is a wonderful model of 16th century architecture and medieval atmosphere. Explore the 9 remaining defensive towers in the walls, which were built and maintained by different trades or guilds of the medieval era including blacksmiths, cobblers, tailors, and tinsmiths. Horse drawn carriages are a familiar sight on cobblestone streets and around the town square, where visitors gather at cafes and shop for souvenirs.

Attractions:

The 12th century Citadel, historic center of town, hosts a 3-5 day medieval festival the last weekend in July, which attracts thousands of visitors each year. Music, parades, concerts, jousting, street vendors, knights and minstrels, craft displays, and other medieval entertainment are featured in the festival. Entry fee: $3. (Inexpensive rooms are usually available from local residents.)

The 210' Clock Tower, or Council Tower, built in 1556, was the center for the judiciary. The 2-sided clock from the 17th century works like a cuckoo clock with carved wooden figures representing Justice, Peace, and Law, guarded by two angels Day and Night on one side. On the other side are figures of pagan gods depicting the days of the week. A weather vane at the top still turns with the wind to forecast weather. Within the Tower, a small history museum features 3 floors of crafts, clocks, and furniture exhibits, a torture room, a 4th floor display of the clock's mechanism, and an outstanding view from the top 5th floor.
Hours: Mon, 10-4:30pm; Tues-Fri, 9-6pm; Sat & Sun, 9-4:30pm. Admission: $2.15

From the Citadel, you can climb 175 steps of the Covered Staircase, which was used by schoolboys and residents during inclement weather to reach the school and church on the top of the hill. This old Lutheran church is certainly worth visiting for its beautiful architecture, paintings, and frescoes. Relive the legend of Dracula in the eerie atmosphere of the church graveyard as evening approaches.

Vlad's House, or Casa Dracula located near the Clock Tower is easily recognizable by the brownish yellow color of the building and the sign of a dragon over the entrance. The ground floor has been converted into a medieval tavern with candlelight and Dracula's menu, while the first floor houses the Museum of Weapons. Hours: Tues-Sun, 10-3pm.

Travelers may enjoy a 2-hour side trip from Sighisoara to the town of Brasov and Bran Castle nearby. Bran Castle is often referred to as Dracula's Castle in keeping with the legend, yet history does not reflect that it ever belonged to Vlad. The castle served as the royal residence for Queen Marie, however, and visitors can explore the underground passageways and 60 rooms of medieval art, furniture, weapons, and armor. Plans are ongoing to restore the historical importance of the castle, which has become somewhat touristy with the usual souvenir vendors of Dracula trivia.
Hours: 1 May-30 Sep, Mon, 12-6pm. Tues-Sun, 9-6pm. 1 Oct-30 Apr, Mon, 12-4pm. Tues-Sun, 9-4pm. Admission: $6, $5 (65+)
Trains about every 2 hours; fares avg $25.

(Note: Hours and admission to attractions, if available, are approximate and subject to change.)

Accommodations:

Hotel BinderBubi, rated 5 stars, has up-to-date guestrooms and suites for business and leisure travelers in addition to numerous amenities including buffet breakfast, BBQ facilities, lobby bar, spa, workshop and conference conveniences, bicycles and cars for rent, ticket service, and gift shop. Rates: $90-$105 & up.

The Korona Hotel, located at the foot of the Citadel, receives positive reviews since its renovation this year. It offers rooms with modern amenities, a restaurant and pub on site, room service, and outdoor pool. Rates: $68-$122/night

Casa Wagner is recommended primarily for the old world atmosphere, comfort, good Romanian food, and a first-rate wine cellar. Restaurant is open daily, 8am to 11pm. No air conditioning, but the rooms and bathrooms are huge, and there's a nice courtyard and terrace in the back. Rates: $42-$125/night

Vila Franka, just 5 minutes from the Citadel, offers large rooms with cable TV and mini-bar at extremely reasonable prices, restaurant nearby. Avg rate: $50/night

Budget accommodations and popular pensions include the am Schneiderturm, Citadella, Legend House, and Saseasca. Rates avg $45-$65 (with 4-night stay).

Dining: In addition to hotel restaurants, others receiving positive reviews include La Perla for Italian and Romanian gourmet cuisine, as well as delicious pizza. Specialties, typically Hungarian, Austrian, and Turkish, include cabbage rolls, goulash, moussaka, polenta, and pilaf, as well as baklava and dessert crepes. Romanians love pizza, as do most of us, and La Terrace Jo is a popular pizzeria.

Take time to visit Teo Coroian's distillery and shop where he lives and makes palinca, a unique blend of apple, plum, and pear brandy. Teo has some unusual bottles of brandy crafted by local artisans for sale, which make excellent gifts. You can rent a room in his home for $57 a night, which includes breakfast and a mini bar of snacks and beverages.

Getting there: International flights from London, Barcelona, and Rome to Budapest, Bucharest and major cities in Romania. Train service throughout the country - fares based on distance traveled, seat class, and type of train. Regular train routes from Bucharest, the capital, 5 hours, and Budapest, 10 hours. Eurolines bus travel, although slower, provides connections from numerous cities. May-December ferries twice a week between Bulgaria and the Ukraine to Romania.

(Note: Sighisoara is small enough to explore on foot.)

Sharon L Slayton

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Literary & Movie Tourism - Mauritius

British author Patrick O'Brian wrote an excellent series of books on the seafaring adventures of Captain Jack Aubrey and his confidant Stephen Maturin on the HMS Surprise during the Napoleonic wars. He does a splendid job in portraying the frequent, amusing interaction between the two men, who seem to have little in common except a love of music.

Paul Brittany as Maturin, the ship's doctor, is more interested in exploring natural history and finding the elusive albatross than in pursuing the enemy, quite the opposite of Russell Crowe as the impulsive and sometimes impractical Captain Aubrey. The film Master and Commander - the Far Side of the World based on O'Brian's books was released in 2003, 3 years after O'Brian's death. Nominated for 10 Oscars, the movie received 2 for spectacular cinematography and sound editing. In the 4th book of the O'Brian series, the journey continues in pursuit of the enemy beyond the Cape of Good Hope to the French islands of Mauritius and Le Reunion in the Indian Ocean. 
 
We will focus on Port Louis, the capital and largest city on Mauritius, as a vacation destination. Mauritius, about 27 miles wide x 40 miles long, was once inhabited by the now extinct Dodo. Today, this tropical island with sugar cane fields, waterfalls, mountains, beautiful beaches, and sparkling turquoise lagoons is popular with travelers worldwide. Port Louis, a busy harbor for international trade and a main financial center for Africa, attracts business people and tourists year round.  

Attractions:

La Citadelle, or Fort Adelaide, was built in the 19th century to house troops and protect the city from enemy invasion. Standing 300' above the harbor at Port Louis, the fort is the only one remaining of the original four forts on the island. Small entrance fee to this national monument, open year round.

Le Caudan Waterfront is the meeting place for tourists and locals looking for entertainment, duty free shopping at over 170 stores, strolling through the handicraft bazaar, visiting Dias Pier for African specialties, seeing the latest in 3D at the cinema, or trying their luck at the casino. Travelers will find numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants offering everything from Mexican and Cajun to seafood, Indian, and French cuisine. Live entertainment is featured in the amphitheater by the waterfront on weekends and in the evenings.

Visit the Botanical Garden Pamplemousses, built in 1767, and explore 60 acres of water lilies, a spice garden, palms, and other exotic plants. Hours: 8:30am-5-30pm. Admission: $7 p/p

Museums:

The Blue Penny Museum is a must see attraction located at the Caudan waterfront in Port Louis. The museum is famous for its unique cultural and heritage collection of maps, documents, nautical artifacts, and art from the Dutch, French, and British periods in Mauritius history. This is the only museum in the world to house the rare Penny orange and Two pence blue stamps printed and issued locally in 1847. Gift boutique & audioguides. Tours can be arranged. Hours: Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm. Admission: Adults - $8, ages 7-17, $3.50.

A short distance from Port Louis is the Eureka Creole House, a colonial villa built in 1830 and now converted into a museum. The house of 109 doors and windows features rooms with 19th century décor and individual access to the verandah surrounding the entire mansion. A narrow path from the outdoor gardens takes you through a rainforest past waterfalls to the valley below. Have lunch on the veranda or arrange a half-day tour, 9-2pm or 1 to 6pm. $92 for 2. Three self-catering guesthouses for rent on the property, fully equipped with daily maid service. Rates: $229 for 2.

Regional plant, animal, and marine life, the geology of the island, and the unique reproduction of the giant Dodo bird are housed in the Natural History Museum. Hours: 9am-5pm. Closed Wed & Sun. Free entry.

Things to Do: Outdoor recreational activities include all types of water sports, deep-sea fishing, golf, tennis, skydiving, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Every Saturday afternoon Mar - Dec, horse races are held at the famous Champs de Mar racecourse, built in 1812 and the second oldest in the southern hemisphere.

Still looking for more - arrange a helicopter ride, an underwater submarine or safari jeep tour, visit the sugar mill and rum distillery, or just explore the natural beauty of Mauritius.

Accommodations:

The 5-star Labourdonnais Hotel on the waterfront provides leisure and business travelers with direct access to the entertainment complex at Le Caudan. Each suite and guestroom has modern amenities, floor to ceiling windows, and private balconies overlooking the harbor. Guests enjoy casual and gourmet dining at three restaurants, socializing in the Latitude 20 cocktail lounge, catamaran cruises around the harbor, and free fitness services provided by the hotel. Rates: $400+ (dbl, breakkfast included)

Le Souffren, the sister hotel of Labourdonnais with comparable rates, offers the same excellent service and convenient location. A private beach and marina, as well as an outdoor pool, shopping, and a variety of recreational activities nearby, add to the appeal of this hotel. Guests of Le Souffren have free access to the services and facilities of Labourdonnais.
Located about 7 miles from downtown Port Louis on the Pointe aux Piments bay, Le Meridien Ile Maurice luxury resort is highly recommended for the beautiful surroundings and friendly staff. Four restaurants, fitness center, recreational activities, shopping, and diving center, as well as a children's club, make this hotel an ideal vacation accommodation for couples or families. Rates: $225-$250 (dbl)

(Note: Travelers should use mosquito repellent and watch out for sea urchins on the beaches.)

Popular B&Bs include La Maison de Vallee des Pretres, Regency Villa, and Villa Jorico with rates from $45-$90. Other accommodations available on the island.

Dining: Over 140 restaurants in Port Louis - here are a few recommendations (prices not available).

Have wild boar or deer curry at the Panoramour restaurant while enjoying the view below and the opportunity to glimpse the endangered Mauritius kestrel. Also recommended for lunch is La Bonne Marmite, serving Indian, Chinese, and Creole food.
L'Escale at the Labourdonnais hotel offers international cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Open: 6:30am-11pm, 7 days.
For excellent fresh seafood in a romantic setting, dine at Le Capitaine in the center of the waterfront. Hours: 11:30am-4pm, 6-10pm, 7 days.

You can also try street food vendors or visit the central market for local specialties such as chili cakes, meat puffs, and octopus curry. Enjoy a cold Phoenix or Black Eagle beer on a hot summer day, or enjoy excellent food while visiting Chinatown.

Getting there: International flights, 3 to 7 days a week, from London Heathrow including Air France, British Airways, Emirates, and Air Mauritius. 12-14 hours, usually overnight, non-stop or 1-stop in Paris or Dubai. Avg rd trip airfare - $850-$950.

Sharon L Slayton

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Literary & Movie Tourism: Siena - Tuscany - Italy

The famous author Henry James based many of his works on his travels through the countryside and ancient hill towns of Italy, a country he described as "warm & living & palpable." Movie producers have found ideal locations here for familiar films such as A Room with a View and Under the Tuscan Sun. Another movie, perhaps less familiar, is My House in Umbria starring Dame Maggie Smith, Timothy Spall of the Harry Potter series, and Chris Cooper of Adaptation. The title is a bit misleading, however, as filming actually took place in Siena, Tuscany, a nearby region similar to Umbria. Released in 2003, moviegoers will enjoy the fine acting and the beautiful cinematography of this part of Italy.

Located about 40 miles south of Florence, some travelers plan a day trip to the walled medieval town of Siena, where 6 of the 8 original gates still stand. There is enough to see and do, however, to make a longer visit worthwhile.

Attractions:

A main attraction in Siena is the Gothic Cathedrale di Santa Maria, Duomo, which remained unfinished after the plague in 1348. The bell tower, crypt, and some of the original marble walls and inlaid flooring still stand. You'll find some of the best in medieval art collections by great Italian masters, statues by Pisano, and Duccio's Maesta masterpiece in the Museo dell' Opera Metropolitana of the Duomo.
Hours: Mar-May & Sep-Oct, 10:30-7:30. Jun-Aug, 10:30-8:00. Nov-Feb, 10:30-6:00. Admission charge.

Other attractions of historical and architectural significance in the main square, Il Campo, include the Palazzo Publico (City Hall) and the Museo Civico of medieval art. Museum admission: $8.50.
The 328' Torre del Mangia, the 2nd highest medieval bell tower in Italy, stands at the entrance to the square. Visitors can climb 500 steps to the top for a breathtaking view. Open: 1 Nov-15 Mar, 10 to 4; 16 Mar-31 Oct, 10 to 7. Admission: $10

The Palazzo del Magnifico, a Renaissance palace built for the powerful 16th century ruler, Pandolfo Petrucci, is open daily with free admission. For great views of the town and the surrounding countryside, take your camera and walk up to the church of Santa Maria dei Servi.

Another fascinating place to visit is the Santa Maria delle Scala, a former pilgrims hospital and orphanage dating back to the 10th century. The complex in front of the Duomo was converted in the 1990's to several museums that are still being renovated. Visitors can view stained glass, artwork, frescoes, and sacred objects in the cathedral and museum exhibits. Etruscan bronze, Roman coins, and terra cotta objects are housed in the underground tunnels of the Archaeological Museum. Children's Art Center, Contemporary Art, and Book and Photo Library on the grounds of the complex Open daily, 10:30-6:30. Admission: $8 & $6.

Palio delle Contrade, held on 2 Jul and 16 August each year, is a popular horse racing tradition and competition dating back to the 1600's. Ten neighborhoods, or self-governing contradas, participate in this time-honored religious and civic celebration with feasts, music, and church services before contrades and bareback riders meet in Il Campo. This exciting entertainment is primarily for the locals, unless you have an invitation from a friendly contrade. Otherwise, you'll have to stand with the crowds or pay several hundred dollars for a grandstand seat. The prize for the winning contrada is the huge Palio, or banner, and the distinctive honor that accompanies it.

(According to Frommers, combo tickets for attractions are available at the sites. 2-day museum passes, $15, 7-day passes, $20 to $24.)

Tours: Recommended by Rick Steves, feature travel writer and guide, Roberto's offer full and half-day tours through the Chianti wine region, small towns, and the Tuscany countryside. Prices: $120 p/p, 6-8 hour tour (minimum 2 people). All-inclusive tours available. Email: toursbyroberto@gmail.com

Accommodations:

The ultra-luxurious Hotel Certosa di Maggiano, about ½ mile from the main square, offers travelers an incredible experience in a carefully restored 14th century monastery. Surrounded by 6 acres of lush landscaping, the Certosa has all the amenities you expect from a Relais et Chateaux upscale hotel. The hotel's Il Canto restaurant was chosen as one of the 50 best in the world for the elegant atmosphere and gourmet cuisine by Chef Paolo Lopriore. Personal trainers, fitness facilities, and sports are first-class services provided by the hotel. The staff will arrange air ballooning, vintage car tours, wine tasting, cooking classes, hiking, biking, and horseback riding on request. Each of the 17 rooms in this boutique hotel has unique appeal for the discriminating traveler.
Rates (very expensive): From $500 Classic room to $900 for Superior/Deluxe.
3-day packages (e.g., nature, pampering, and adventure) and holiday specials are available. $900 & up per night. (See website for further information.)

Travelers give positive reviews for the Hotel Chiusarelli, conveniently located a short distance from the Duomo, Il Campo, and the bus station. This 19th century fully restored villa and the town were settings in "Juliett," a novel by Danish author Anne Fortier. Guests can rent bicycles, reserve tours, or attend Italian language classes arranged by the hotel staff. With an onsite restaurant, terrace, bar, and garage parking ($20/day), rates at this small, lovely hotel are reasonable. Single - $100-$140, Dbl - $135-$200 (incl buffet breakfast)

Another option is the Campo Regio Relais, a comfortable B&B just off the main square. Guests enjoy breakfast buffet indoors or on the terrace. Rooms have mini fridge and bar, satellite TV, etc. Rates (seasonal): Dbl - From $265.
(Rates at less expensive B&Bs: $100-$125.)

Dining: Travelers will find excellent Tuscan cuisine with reasonable prices at the Osteria Le Logge, Osteria Nonna Gina, and the Ristorante Medio Evo.

The Antica Osteria da Divo is at the top of the list for fine authentic Italian food served in a romantic medieval atmosphere of ancient Etruscan tombs. Located a short distance from the Duomo, the owners Pino di Cicco and his wife offer a variety of traditional specialties, seafood, exotic wild game dishes, and rich desserts, along with a wide selection of wine and dinner music. Prices: $20-$50 (for 3-course meal). Open daily except Tuesday.

Il Grattacielo is a very small restaurant with simple, inexpensive food, eat in, or take out. While exploring the town, be sure and try the local specialty, panforte, a sort of non-alcoholic fruitcake, the gelato, and other sweets at Guido Nannini's café and bakery.

(Note: Reservations required at some restaurants, especially during the summer.)

Getting there and around: Travelers can fly into Florence or Pisa, but Florence is the closest to Siena, less than an hour's drive by car, an hour by bus ($10-$13), or about 2 hours by train (no direct connection to date). Walking is the only practical way to get around the hilly, narrow streets of Siena, closed to non-local traffic within the walls. Taxis are not plentiful, but buses go everywhere, tickets less than $1.

Sharon L Slayton

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Movie Tourism - The Greek Isle of Patmos

Released in 2009, the movie Opa was filmed in various locations on the beautiful, scenic island of Patmos, often called "The Jerusalem of the Aegean." Starring Matthew Modine as Eric the archaeologist and Agni Scott as Katerina the taverna owner, this entertaining comedy promises romance and fun in Eric's quest and unexpected discovery of life's real treasures.

Located at the northern end of the Dodecanese chain, Patmos is praised by Forbes magazine and the NY Times as an idyllic place to visit with fewer tourists and a smaller local population than many other Greek isles. Known as a Christian pilgrimage destination for centuries, many leisure travelers will find Patmos an ideal vacation spot to experience a rejuvenation of mind and spirit.

Patmos attractions:

The spiritual and historical significance of Patmos dates back to the exile of St John in 95 AD, where he experienced visions from Christ as written in the Book of Revelations. Buses run regularly from Chora or you can take the cobblestone path up the hill to the Monastery of St John, which was built by Khristodhoulous in the 11th century and fortified against invading Turks and pirates. Inside the Monastery, you'll find numerous courtyards, ten small chapels, terraces, and stairways, as well as what remains of the ancient temple of Artemis, a legend from Greek mythology. Visit the Chapel of Theotokos for its 12th century frescoes, and view the exhibits, utensils, clerical vestments, and religious icons within the Treasury and Museum. The library houses over 13,000 historic documents and manuscripts, as well as biographies of saints and Aristotle's Accusations.

On the hill just below the Monastery, you can enter the biblical site of the Cave of the Apocalypse, the revered sanctuary where St John lived and slept. Within this quiet refuge, visitors will find icons and mosaics that depict the Apostle's visions. A religious music festival is held outdoors each year in September at the Cave, with the Feast of John the Theologian celebrated 25-26 Sep. Many other processions and celebrations take place throughout the year.

Hours for these World Heritage attractions: Open May to Aug. Sun, 8am-1pm, Mon, 8am-1:30pm, Tues & Wed, 8am-1:30pm & 2-6pm, Thu-Sat, 8am-1:30pm.
Admission: Free to monastery, $8 to the Treasury.

Things to Do:

Tourists will find over 20 beaches and small bays on Patmos and nearby islets including Diakofti, Kampos, Aspri, Lefkon, and Merikas to enjoy swimming, windsurfing, beach volleyball, a picnic, or simply relaxing. Take a walk on the beach at sunset, arrange a daytrip to a neighboring island, or rent a sailboat at Grikos for your own adventure. (Note: You can see a lot just by walking around, but perhaps the best way to explore more of the island beyond the villages is by renting a car or moped.)

No vacation is complete without doing some shopping while wandering through the narrow alleyways past courtyards of flowers and medieval buildings in Chora, or taking a 20-minute walk or taxi ride to the main port of Skala. You'll discover many small shops in both towns that sell everything from Greek art and textiles to religious items, ceramics, and souvenirs. Some of the shops receiving good reviews include Midas, Iphgenia, and Filoxenia for jewelry, and Art Spot for small figurines. Stop in and visit with Mr Alafakis at Parousia to learn something about icon painting. Selene's, next to the port authority office, is an interesting old store featuring arts and crafts made in Greece.

Dining & Entertainment:

The Greek people love to eat, and dinner is always a leisurely event. Excellent Mediterranean cuisine and seafood can be found at Vegghera overlooking the harbor in Skala. Dine on specialties such as salmon with rose sticks, octopus, squid, rabbit, or pork. You may or may not like the local beverage, ouzo, but it's worth a try, especially with an appetizer of saganaki (fried cheese).

Hours: Easter to Oct - 7:30pm to 1am. Prices: $12 - $45.

The friendly atmosphere of Pantellis restaurant, also in Skala, is very popular with the locals, serving delicious wine, moussaka, pastitsio, and other entrees. Have breakfast or lunch at the Aigaio Café in Skala or Oassis Taverna in Grikos. Lunch often consists of mezedes or appetizers including stuffed grape leaves, squash balls, and eggplant dip. Prices at tavernas and cafes average $10 - $40. Visit the small village of Kambos and have an informal lunch or dinner at Taverna Panagos - open noon to midnight, or Taverna Leonida for a romantic setting on Lambi Bay - open noon to 11pm, Easter - Oct.

Nightlife is simple for the most part, but the tavernas do come alive with the jubilant cries of "Opa," a traditional Greek expression of joy at being here, a welcome to the laughter and party sounds of bouzouki music, reminiscent of Zorba the Greek. Don't be surprised to hear a glass breaking, thrown on the floor at the end of a Greek dance to show appreciation - this too is a tradition! (While living in Greece, I joined in the fun by breaking a glass fruit bowl, probably not a tradition, but one that did amuse the crowd.) Enjoy Greek music and dances on summer evenings at the Aloni, or get together with friends at Isalos, Astivi, or Celine.

Accommodations:

A member of the Luxury Hotels of the World, the Petra Hotel is highly recommended by Conde Nast as a boutique hotel with outstanding personalized service and hospitality. Located about 200 feet from the beach in the fishing village of Grikos about 3 miles from Skala, each of the 12 rooms or suites is tastefully decorated and equipped with all the modern amenities. Enjoy the excellent Greek food, the artistic décor within, the outdoor café, and swimming pool, while you experience the incredible views of the Aegean and the bay from your balcony or terrace. Consider the Petra Hotel for a honeymoon or any other special occasion.
Prices: $265/double room, $430 and up for suites (breakfast included).

Near the harbor town of Skala, tourists may choose the old world charm and ambiance of the Porto Scoutari hotel, surrounded by landscaped gardens and offering spacious guestrooms. Whether lounging beside the pool, going to the beach, or enjoying the spa and view, the hotel provides the intimacy and seclusion of a personal villa. Rooms and suites with private terrace, up-to-date amenities, and a choice of sea, garden, or pool view. Rates: From $150 to $300.

Another option is the Doriza Bay hotel and apartments, the newest on the island. Located not far from the Cave of the Apocalyse, guestrooms and suites have a private balcony, refrigerator, satellite TV, and other conveniences. The 1 and 2-bedroom two-story apartments offer a private entrance, kitchenette, and internal stairs. (Ideal for families or two couples.) Rates: $109 to $218.
(Note: 7 and 4-night packages with discounted rates at both hotels are also available.)
Other accommodations to fit any budget can be found at self-catering apartments and villas.

Getting to Patmos: Fly to Athens, take a 7-8 hour ferry ride from Piraeus. Ferries run several times a week - $45 economy seating, $51 lounge chair, $115 cabin. Patmos is also on many cruise ship itineraries.

If you can visualize the beauty and tranquility of Patmos, you may want to experience this bit of paradise on your next vacation to the Greek isles.

Sharon L Slayton

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Movie Tourism - County Cork, Ireland

Moby Dick, Ondine, The Nephew, and War of the Buttons are just a few of the many movies filmed in County Cork and other locations in Ireland. The Wind That Shakes The Barley, starring two brothers Cillian Murphy as Damien and Pádraic Delaney as Teddy, is a powerful story of social and political unrest and divided loyalties in the Irish civil war of the 20th century. The unusual title is based on the songs and poetry by Robert Joyce that symbolized the Irish Republican Army. Directed by Ken Loach, the film won an award at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival and received worldwide success at the box office. We will cover some of the towns in County Cork, the largest of Ireland's counties where scenes were filmed in 2005, as well as tourist attractions nearby.

Cork City, the main seaport and second largest city, is often thought of as the real capital of Ireland. Music plays a huge part in Irish culture and you'll find great entertainment here and throughout County Cork. In June and July, enjoy the Midsummer Festival of Dance, Music, and Theatre, chamber music at various locations in the city, and Cork Live at the Marquee, which has featured many famous stars including Lionel Richie, Tracy Chapman, and Lady Gaga. Visit in October to hear great jazz at hotels such as the Gresham Metropole and Moran's Silver Springs, or drive about 15 miles south to the picturesque town of Kinsale for more music and the gourmet festival of culinary specialties.

A main attraction in Cork City is the 19th century Gaol, the scene of Damien's execution and a wonderful example of Ireland's most famous neo-classical sculptor, John Hogan. Wander through the same halls where prisoners in chains were led to their cells, now occupied by lifelike wax figures. Graffiti remains on the walls where the unfortunate scribbled and drew of their pain and sorrow. The audiovisual presentation adds to the eerie atmosphere as you listen to the history and social injustices of the times.
Hours: Open 7 days, Mar - Oct, 9:30am to 5pm, Nov - Feb, 10am to 4pm.
Tours available in 12 different languages, night & educational tours. Souvenir shop & picnic area. Handicap accessible.
Prices: Adults - $11, Students - $9.50, Children - $6.

Dining: Restaurants in Cork City offer a tempting variety of cuisine from regional to international dishes. Visit the English Market where you'll find numerous stalls selling raw, cooked, and take-out food, or go upstairs to the Farmgate Cafe. Jackie's on the way to Bandon features fresh fish and chips, and Amicus is a family-oriented place for good food and reasonable prices. Other establishments include Lal Quila and the Spice Route for Indian, Nakon Thai, and the Manor Room at the Hayfield Manor Hotel, known for its classic gourmet specialties.

About 20 miles from Cork City lies the small town of Bandon, the gateway to West Cork. Tourism has not yet overtaken Bandon, so this might be a good place to stay, while visiting other places of interest in the area. The music festival, held each year in June since 1996, features many well known groups and a variety of traditional Irish jigs, folk, and rock music. This is certainly one of the best of its kind in Ireland.

Scenes from the movie were also filmed at the delightful village of Timoleague, 8 miles south of Bandon, where the 13th century Franciscan monastery still stands on this inlet from the sea. While here, visit the Castle Gardens, a place for family gatherings and children's play. History of these gardens on the Argideen River dates back to the Earl of Barry and generations of the Travers family from the early 1800's to the 1900's. The new house on the grounds was built in 1926 not far from the old Barry castle. Exotic plants and evergreens flourish from autumn to spring in the mild, humid climate of these informal gardens. Strolling through the terraced gardens, visitors will discover a lily pond, a 19th century walled garden, and a river garden, as well as greenhouses of fruits and vegetables. Free admission. Hours: Easter weekend, mid-May to mid-September. Travelers will find a number of restaurants and pubs in this charming town, a great place for outdoor activities including walking, sailing, golf, and fishing.

While exploring County Cork, you'll recognize scenes from the movie in the quaint thatched roof farmhouses of Coolea, and the ambush in the mountains around the village of Balvourney, where tourists and locals visit St Gobnait's Abbey and well. Among the other activities for tourists to enjoy is the 3-day Cobh People's Regatta in August, a gala festival of music, fireworks, and a queen's coronation. Located at the southern end of the Cork City railway line or about 13 miles from the city, Cobh is a seaport town on the Great Island in Cork Harbor, which is connected to the mainland by the Bevelly Bridge. Cobh has a long maritime and shipbuilding history as a departure point for Irish emigrants to America and the deportations of criminals to Australia. It was the last port for the ill-fated Titanic, a cemetery for bodies recovered from the Lusitania, and a film location for The Eclipse in 2009.

Just as Nellie Bly made it her objective in traveling the world alone in a record 72 days, a visit to County Cork would not be complete without taking time to kiss the Blarney Stone - Blarney Village is a short 5-mile drive northwest from Cork City. Whether Jeremiah the prophet, Cormac MacCarthy the Irish chieftain who built the castle over 600 years ago, or the Crusades actually brought the stone to Ireland, it remains a worldwide national landmark and a precious treasure. Since the stone is set within the castle walls below the parapets, visitors must lean backwards over the iron railing on the walkway to kiss the stone. Everyone from Sir Walter Scott, presidents, and world leaders to international celebrities and millions of tourists have followed the legend of never being at a loss for words by kissing the "stone of eloquence."

Stroll through the castle grounds, stop at the Blarney House, built in 1847 overlooking the lake, and spend time in the Rock Close gardens. Venturing down the "wishing steps" to a magical place beneath the trees, it's easy to imagine a fairyland where Druids and elves once dwelled.
Castle Hours: Mon-Sat: May & Sep, 9am-6:30pm; Jun-Jul-Aug, 9am to 7pm; Oct-Apr, 9am to sunset. Sun: 9am to 5:30pm (summer), 9am to sunset (winter)
Prices: Adults - $13.50, Students & Seniors - $11, Ages 8-14 - $3.50.
Note: More information on Blarney, the Blarney store, or ticket purchase online at blarneycastle.ie/

County Cork Accommodations: Hotels, numerous B&Bs, farmhouses, guesthouses, self-catering apartments, and budget friendly hostels. Highly recommended in Kinsale is the Danabel B&B, conveniently located about 20 minutes from Cork Airport and 30 minutes to the ferries. Tennis, golf, boat trips, beaches, restaurants, and shopping nearby.
Open year round except Christmas. Rates: $40-$61 (dbl room). Special for 7 nights, Oct to Mar, $285-$353.

Flights: Major airline carriers to and from Cork City Airport. Rental cars available.
Ferries: From Cork City to Swansea in Wales, France, and the UK.
Trains from Cork City to Dublin and good connections to many small towns throughout Ireland.

Ireland is a country of incredible beauty, an exciting panorama of rural landscapes, windswept coastlines, mountains, and forests. County Cork in the southwest corner is just one of many popular destinations in Ireland, but each promises travelers an unforgettable vacation experience.

Sharon L Slayton

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Movie Tourism - Canary Islands

Film production and tourism attract over 10 million people year round to the 7 Canary Islands, located just off the coast of Morocco. Known as the Fortunate Islands in classical Greek mythology, they are indeed a delightful vacation destination with a climate typical of subtropical volcanic islands. Tourists will find culture and cuisine similar to the Spanish islands in the Caribbean.

Several movies have been filmed in the Canaries including Planet of the Apes and the Ten Commandments, as well as the more recent remakes of Papillon and Clash of the Titans. This article will focus primarily on Tenerife, "the island of eternal spring," with brief information on Lanzarote, where scenes from the fantasy Clash of the Titans took place. With a cast including Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, and Sam Worthington, the production begun in 2002 was later converted to 3D after the huge success of Avatar.

Mystery surrounds the prehistoric Guanche cavemen who first inhabited Tenerife, where they came from, and why they failed to progress over time. Eventually, the Spanish takeover in 1495 practically eliminated the ancient Guanche culture for some time. With a diverse environment from beaches and natural pools to forest and mountains, there are numerous attractions for travelers to enjoy in colonial Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz, and other towns on Tenerife.

Things to Do: While in Puerto de la Cruz, visit Loro Park, a huge, beautifully maintained botanical garden and zoo founded in 1972. In addition to an impressive variety of plants such as orchids, palms, cacti, and the native Drago trees, the zoo houses all types of animals, as well as the largest parrot collection in the world, a shark tunnel, dolphin aquarium, and the Arctic habitat of Planet Penguin.
Hours: 8:30am - 6:35pm, year round. Admission: $42 - Adults, $28 - Children.
7 restaurants, gift shop, etc.

Museums: We will highlight a few of the many museums on Tenerife, most with free admission.

Museum of Nature and Man - Located in Santa Cruz, the capital and main port of the island. Features significant archaeological artifacts, animal and plant collections, and other items of interest to anthropologists and botanists. Hours: Tues - Sun, 10am to 8pm. Small admission fee.

Museum of the History of Tenerife - Housed in the Casa Lercaro is the island's history from the Spanish in the 15th century through 18th century British to the autonomous Canaries of today (owned by Spain).

Regional Military Museum - Housed within the Almeida Castle is military history with maps, weapons, and flags of the Canaries dating back to Lord Nelson's attack in 1797. Hours: Tues - Sat, 10am to 2pm.

Museum of Wine and Vine (La Baranda) - An old farmhouse where travelers can sample the five regional wines of Tenerife, enjoy concerts and exhibitions at the Casa de Miel (House of Honey), have lunch, or visit the gift shop. Open daily except Mondays. Hours: Tues - Sat, 11am to 8pm. Sun - 11am to 6pm.

Other Attractions: Mt Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounds the dormant Teide volcano, the highest peak of Spain at over 10,000 feet and the third largest volcano in the world. Over 3 million people each year follow the trails up the mountain to the observatory, or take the cable car to within a few feet of the center of the volcano.

Tenerife has its own pyramids in the Ethnographic Park of Guimar, about 15 miles from Santa Cruz. Discovered by renowned anthropologist, Thor Heyerdahl, these pyramids closely resemble those found in Mexico, South America, and Egypt. Also of interest to visitors are the archaeological excavation of a Guanche cave, an exhibition of ancient watercraft, and a replica of Ra II. The park has numerous courtyards, terraces, and balconies, as well as a gift shop and various special events.
Hours: Open daily, except 25 Dec & 1 Jan, 9:30am to 6pm. Admission: Adults - $13, Children - $7. Handicap accessible. (Note: Prices and hours may change.)

Accommodations: No shortage of apartments, hotels, and rural places to stay. Highly recommended is the 5-star luxury Hotel Botanico & Oriental Spa Garden, with guestrooms and elegant penthouse suites, a Thai pagoda, 4 restaurants, and other amenities. Rates: Begin at $193 for deluxe room to $400+ for suites. Packages also available. (For real extravagance, book the Bill Clinton suite, an exclusive, separate wing of the penthouse, complete with a wrap-around terrace, three bedrooms, lounge area, and indoor whirlpool. Call for rates.)

Also mentioned is the 4-star Hotel Beatriz Atlantis & Spa, located in Puerto de la Cruz near Lake Martianez. Buffet restaurant, 2 bars, and glass dome spa facility, with shopping center nearby. Water sports, activities for kids, ideal for families.
Reasonable Rates: From $106 to $145 - double room with sea view.
Others in Puerto de la Cruz with good ratings include the Gran Turquesa Playa - avg rates $74/double room, and the all-suites Las Aguilles, rates from $94 to $260, breakfast included.

Dining & Entertainment:

Restaurants and cafes offer a variety of cuisine, from traditional Spanish to seafood and pork. Try papas arrugadas (crinkly fries), spicy mojo and salmorejo dips, and wine, of course. Highly rated is Lucas Maes, expensive, but excellent food and ambiance. Prices: $25 - $50. Hours: Wed-Sun, 1-3:30pm, 7-11pm.
Enjoy Mediterranean or vegetarian at Mil Sabores, moderately priced from $17, open Mon-Sat, 6:30am to 11pm, or Escondida for Thai & Basque. Prices: $60 - 3 course meal. Live entertainment. Hours: Wed-Mon, 1-4pm, 7pm-2am.

Visitors will find numerous nightspots on Tenerife including casinos, pubs, and bars, many with live music and open until 5 or 6am. If you're familiar with the Caribbean, Rio, or Mardi Gras, you know that Carnival is Big entertainment, with music, street dancing, costumes, and parades. Carnaval de Santa Cruz in 2011 - 10 Feb to 13 Mar. Mostly free admission.

Scenes from Clash of the Titans and Krull were also filmed on Lanzarote, birthplace of famous artist Cesar Manrique whose works contributed to the island's main source of income, tourism. Of interest to visitors are Timanfaya National Park and the submerged volcanic "Tunnel of Atlantis." Other attractions include Manrique's creation of the Cactus Garden, open 10am to 6pm, and the LagOmar Museum with an interesting history of Omar Sharif while filming The Mysterious Island, open 10am to 6pm (winter), 10am to 7pm (summer), Tues - Sun. Admission: Adults - $6, Children - $3.
Visit the 16th century Castillo de San Gabriel and the 18th century Castillo de San Jose, converted into an art gallery by Manrique in 1974. Hours: Daily, 11am to 9pm.

Besides beautiful beaches and incredible scenery, there are the usual fiestas, markets, shops, and theme parks. Rent a bike or drive around the island to appreciate its natural beauty.

Three main resorts, Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, and Playa Blanca, offer numerous things to do and places to stay. At Puerto del Carmen, you'll find over 100 restaurants, great shopping, and water sports, as well as the IronMan international cycling event in May/June, and the July Fiesta de Carmen. Costa Teguise is known for its beaches, windsurfing, cycling, and the only golf course on Lanzarote (to date). Accommodations range from budget to high dollar. Being less crowded, Playa Blanca may be preferred for the upscale atmosphere.

Getting there: Flights from Europe, the UK, and other countries on major airlines including Air France, Alitalia, American, Delta, British Airways, and Spain's national airline, Iberia.
(Ferries & inter-island flights available.)

Sharon L Slayton

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On The Road In Argentina

Filming of Jack Kerouac's On the Road adventure, scheduled for release in 2011, should be completed this month. The cast, which includes Sam Riley, Garrett Hedlund, Kristen Stewart, and Kirsten Dunst, traveled from California, Canada, and Louisiana to Mexico City and further south to Argentina. We will explore a few of the places and attractions featured in the movie.

Movie producers have found Argentina a prime location for film production as seen in the vineyards of Motorcycle Diaries and the mountains of 7 Years in Tibet. Many of the scenes from On the Road take place in and around Bariloche in the beautiful foothills of the magnificent Patagonian Andes. Tourists visit the area year round (the seasons are reversed) for winter skiing at resorts such as Cerro Campanario and summer vacations in the Lake District. Located within Nahuel Huapi National Park, San Carlos de Bariloche is an interesting town of German, Swiss, and English heritage, with numerous hotels, restaurants, and a variety of attractions for the tourist trade. Nahuel Huapi National Park (Island of the Tiger), Argentina's oldest, covers a vast area, over 2900 square miles of lakes, rivers, mountain peaks, and peninsulas. (More information on hiking, camping, and exploring the park can be found online. $10 fee at certain access points.)

In Town:

Dining:

Beef, lamb, wild game, and fish are on the menus of most restaurants in the area. Positive reviews include Kandahar International, Naan, Alberto's Steak House, and Cassis, about 20 minutes from town on the shores of Lago Gutierrez. Travelers enjoy the local Blest beer at the Map Room Irish pub/restaurant, coffee at the Antigua Café, or ice cream at Jauga. Chocolate lovers should visit the shops in Bariloche that feature the best products in Argentina such as Frantom, Mamushka, La Abuela Goye, and Tante Frida.

Civic Center - National Park Headquarters, Tourist Information, and the Museo de la Patagonia Perito Merino, which houses natural science, history, and ethnography displays, as well as colonial period artifacts from the region. .
Museum Hours: 10am - 12:30pm & 2 to 7pm, Tues thru Fri; 10am - 5pm, Sat.
Admission: $3. Gift shop onsite.

Out of Town: If the town of Bariloche seems too touristy, consider exploring the natural beauty of your surroundings by taking the 37-mile road around the Llao Llao peninsula. Cycling is a popular pastime and an excellent way to enjoy the scenery, flora, and fauna of the region. Bicycles can be rented in town; if you prefer, you can hop a local bus or arrange a bus tour of the area. There are trails through the forest where you can stop along the way at an outdoor restaurant for the famous Argentine beef or lamb cooked on the parilla (grill), hike down to the beach at Bahia Lopez, or follow the trail to the Refugio Lopez hut, a shelter for backcountry skiers and mountain climbers

Another option is the free shuttle bus from town to the gondola ride at Cerro Otto for more great views and a visit to the revolving restaurant at the top.
Cost: $15 p/p. Hours: Jan-Feb & Jul-Aug, 9:30am to 6pm. Other months - 10am to 6pm.

To fully appreciate the outdoors, consider renting a car for all day sightseeing around the Seven Lakes through small villages and valleys below interesting rock formations in the cliffs, home to the Andean condor. There are lookout spots and various type of lodging along the way.

The village of Colonia Suiza, about 12 miles out of town, may be of interest to tourists for its Swiss pioneer history and curanto, a time-honored way of cooking in the ground dating back to the late 1800's. Covered with cloth and earth, complete meals are placed beneath the firewood on a layer of branches over hot rocks. Go to this attraction on Wednesday or Sunday at noon to watch the preparation, enjoy the food, buy some handicrafts, or visit the small museum and chapel nearby.

Boating, rafting, and kayaking on the lakes are popular activities for tourists, especially the lake crossing excursion between Argentina and Chile. This one or two-day trip takes you by catamaran from Bariloche across Nahuel Huapi Lake to Puerto Blest, across another lake, and then by bus through several small towns and on into Chile, if you choose.
Approximate cost: $175 p/p - one day. (Full itinerary, reservations, and prices available online.)
Shorter, less expensive excursions on the lakes are also available at rates from $30 to $50 p/p. Tours and guides can be arranged, as well.

Accommodations:

Praised by travelers and recognized by World Travel Awards as the leading golf resort in Argentina for 2010, the very luxurious Llao Llao Hotel offers superb spa services, kayaking on Moreno Lake, skiing at Mt Catedral at over 8,000 feet, spectacular views, and excellent food. Special reservation only events are held at Christmas and New Years in addition to painting, photography, and language lessons. Summer activities in 2011 include yoga sessions, workouts at the Pilates Studio, hiking, Nordic walking, and mountain biking.
Room Rates: $500 lake view, $700 suite. (Golf & spa packages available.)

Posadas Aurelio on Mt Catedral has 5 fully equipped villas that will accommodate from 4 to 6 people. Travelers will find Wi-Fi Internet, satellite TV, linens, and kitchen amenities in each villa. The Mt Catedral Ski Resort nearby offers all types of skiing on 53 runs with 39 lifts, snowboarding, paragliding, day care, and other services for visitors.

While on location, members of the cast spent time in the small, picturesque village of Villa La Angostura, about 50 miles from Bariloche. Although it is considered a mountain village with traditional European wooden architecture, travelers enjoy the leisure and recreation of sport fishing in nearby lakes, canoeing, skiing, and hiking through forests and lush vegetation. Cycling from here to the Myrtle Forest at the entrance to Arrayanes Park, a park within a park, takes about 3 hours. The small deer or pudú-pudú that inhabit the forest are reminiscent of the ones in the movie Bambi.

Accommodations:

The upscale Las Balsas Spa Hotel offers extensive spa services, personal trainers, 2 swimming pools, golf, water sports, and outdoor activities, as well as gourmet food and cooking classes.
Nightly Rates: Lake view rooms - $480, suites - $770.

(Note: Two to 5-star hotels, mountain cabins, apartments, private houses, and hostels with reasonable rates can be found in the vicinity of Bariloche and Villa La Angostura. Numerous campsites are also available.)

Restaurants: Local favorites include Gran Nevada, La Encantada, La Oveja Negra, Los Troncos for venison and trout, and popular regional cuisine at Tinto Bistro.

Going to Bariloche: Regular weekly flights via Aerolineas Argentinas, as well as train and bus service from Buenos Aires, or 16 hours by car. From Chile, you can drive from Osomo to the international mountain pass to Argentina, continuing on to San Martin de los Andes and south to Bariloche (total drive about 170 miles.) Border pass is usually open year round, 9am - 8pm.

Sharon L Slayton

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Movie Tourism - Isle of Man (Mann)

Released in 1998, Waking Ned Devine (Waking Ned outside North America) is pure entertainment, with amusing lines, great music, and an Irish cast featuring Ian Bannen as Jackie, David Kelly as Michael, and Fionnula Flanagan as Maggie. A simple story of a lottery winner in a small Irish village, this delightful movie is filmed entirely on the Isle of Man.

Approximately 33 miles long and 10 miles wide, the island is in the Irish Sea about midway between Ireland and Great Britain, less than 20 miles from Scotland. Often considered a haven for offshore banking, as well as a popular tourist destination for travelers from Europe and the UK, the numerous locations and hilarious scenes from the movie have brought many others to the Isle of Man. The island presents a striking diversity, from the rugged seacoast, fortresses, and burial sites to the deep woods of the Glens and fields of wildflowers and heather in the beautiful countryside. Relive the vivid nautical history and adventures of the island in the legends of the Vikings and tales of shipwrecks and smuggling. Enjoy stories of the "wee folk," and visit the old castles of English nobility. (Readers may recall that Captain Bligh and Fletcher Christian of the HMS Bounty had ties to the island, as well.)

Many scenes from the movie were filmed in the village of Cregneash in the south of Man including Jackie's farmhouse, the barn, post office, and pub. Many of the villagers in Cregneash still live the traditional Manx way of life from the 19th century, carefully preserved as a National Folk Museum. Here, you'll see a living small community of farmers, thatched roof cottages, workshops, and the rare 4-horned Loaghtan sheep, native to the island. Enjoy demonstrations of cooking, gardening, weaving, and crafting, explore the footpaths, take time for refreshments in the tea rooms, and perhaps attend a service at St Peters Church in the center of the village.
Museum Admission: Adults - $4.50, Children under 18 & Students - $3.50, Family of 4 -$13. Open: 6 Apt to Oct, 7 days a week, 10am to 5pm, handicap accessible.

Some of the sets for the interiors of Jackie's house were built at the Old Mill in Laxey, located in the Glen Moaar valley north of Douglas, the capital of Mann. Laxey's main tourist attraction is the "Lady Isabella," named at the time for the Lt Governor's wife, and the largest remaining waterwheel in the world. Designed by Robert Casement and built in 1854 for the Laxey miners, the great wheel, an impressive 72' in diameter, was completely restored in 1965. Visitors can climb the staircase for an amazing view, enter the old mine, or view the wildlife along the Laxey Mines Trail.
Admission: $2.75 - Children under 18 & Students, $5.50 - Adults, $9.50 - Family of 4.

The Niarbyl Visitors Centre on the bay where the beach scene from the movie was filmed provides audio-visual presentations, spectacular views, and a restaurant offering everything from afternoon tea, salads, and sandwiches to full evening menus and an extensive wine list. Try their famous Chocoholic Wotsit concoction for a special dessert.
Reasonable Prices: Most entrees average $13 to $25 p/p.
Open: Easter to October, 7 days a week, 10am-9pm. Nov to Easter, 11am-3pm Mon thru Fri, & 10am to 5pm Sat & Sun.

For a fascinating, exhilarating ride into the past, ideal for cyclists, take the Marine Drive seen in the movie. Heading south from Douglas, you'll follow the road beneath the stone archways of the old Victorian gates, which allowed the tramway and carriages to pass. An estimated 2,000 people paid about $1300 each to ride on the open top, double-decker tram at the grand opening in 1893. Through lack of maintenance and money, the tramway was eventually abolished, but you can still see the ruins of old bridges and electrical cable poles in the rocky hillsides as you walk or cycle along Marine Drive, now with "kissing gates" at both ends.

Other Attractions: The Calf of Man, a small island just off the coast, is a nature reserve and a bird observatory. Castle Rushen, situated in the old capital of Castletown, is a well-preserved fortress completely restored from medieval times. You can follow the mapped route within the castle from the drawbridge to the gatehouse and continue through the guardrooms, prison cells, dining hall, chapel, and treasury.
Hours: 10am to 5pm, Easter to October.
Admission: Adults - $7.50, Children under 18 & Students - $4.00

Accommodations: There are a number of hotels on the island including the Ascot at $80-$115, the Regency at $120-$190, and the Sefton at $140 a night. Others recommended are the Hilton, the Town House, and the Gloucester. Prices range from $50 for smaller establishments to $215 for a large apartment type hotel. Lodging is also available at B&Bs, self-catering apartments, holiday cottages, and hostels.

Things to Do: Although Mann is a small island, there is no end of things to see and do from walking, photography, and bird watching to boating, diving, and motorcycle riding. Isle of Man Tourist Trophy - the TT is considered "the" international motorcycle racing event, a 27-mile course, dating back to 1907 and held in May and June each year. Music, drama, art, and crafts play an important part in Manx culture, as well, and travelers will find a number of festivals and other events are held throughout the year. Visitors will find year round entertainment at the Gaiety Theatre & Opera House in Douglas.

Transportation: Several airlines have flights to Ronaldsway Airport from the British Isles. Average Fares: $47 from Dublin, $41 from Liverpool, less than an hour. Rental cars available at the airport.
Ferries: 3 to 4 hour trip, from Liverpool, Haysham, Dublin, and Belfast.
Average Fares: $26 and up, one way, depending on departure time, location, and type of reservation.

This article has covered many of the film locations from Waking Ned Devine, all worth seeing; yet there is a great deal more that awaits travelers to the Isle of Man.

Sharon L Slayton

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The Ghost Writer - Movie Tourism - North Frisian Islands & The Baltic Sea

Released early this year, The Ghost Writer features an outstanding cast that includes Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, Olivia Williams, Kim Cattrall, and Timothy Hutton. Based on the novel Ghost by Robert Harris, Roman Polanski has produced an intriguing film about war crimes, British politics, and the isolation of exile. Under the capable direction of Roman Polanski while serving a different type of exile, the clever plot weaves a bit of Agatha Christie mystery, romance, and melancholy isolation with the rare humor and irony associated with film makers such as Polanski and Hitchcock. Some of the settings filmed at Babelsberg, the oldest and largest studio in the world, may be familiar to moviegoers who have seen Inglourious Basterds, Valkyrie, and The Pianist. A majority of the other film locations, however, are well known to tourists who travel on holiday from Denmark, Germany, and Poland to the North Sea or the Baltic.

Usedom, used by the German Luftwaffe as a covert research and missile test center in WWII at Pennemunde, lies on the Baltic Sea bordering Germany & Poland. Only 2 to 3 hours by car from Berlin, the island has been a popular resort since the time of German nobility and the Jewish upper class, and it is now a holiday destination for European and other international visitors. Comparable to Brighton and the Hamptons, Usedom is known as "Berlin's Bathtub," offering travelers sunshine, fine beaches, nature reserves, and an interior of historic villages, lakes, and gardens. Familiar sights on Usedom are the handmade canopied wicker chairs "strandkörbe" on the beach where people sit to watch the sun go down and listen to the unique sounds of the "singing sand." After nude bathing became less popular, Usedom developed its own year-round spa culture with visitors flocking to the Puria and the Ostsee Therme spas in the villages of Heringsdorf, Ahlbeck, and Bansin.

Things to Do: Rent a bike and cycle past the villas along the coast and through the villages that are connected by a 5-mile boardwalk. Stop and enjoy schnapps and smoked herring in a beach shack, or dine at one of the more upscale restaurants on Usedom. The Restaurant Stellwerk in the old train station at Heringsdorf is a fascinating place of unusual décor, service, and cuisine. Seated in train car compartments, you're served beer or other beverages from a model train that goes from table to table. Choose from a menu of favorite 19th century recipes for antipasto, crayfish, and duck, or try the odd combination of herring and dark chocolate. Open daily at Noon.
Café Knatter, a combination guesthouse and restaurant, offers German specialties, open air dining, and a private beach for surfing or sailing.
Room Rates: From $95.

You can visit the Botanical Garden, open daily during the summer, or the Pennemunde Technical Information Center where concentration camp and prison inmates were forced to work under deplorable conditions. Today, it is a museum of rocketry history and a cultural center representing world peace and reconciliation, as well as a memorial for the lives lost in the Nazi plan for military supremacy.
Hours: Apr - Sep, 10am to 6pm; Oct - Mar, 10am to 4pm.
Admission: $8 p/p, $22 for families, $42 for guided tours.

Accommodations: Usedom Palace, used by Polanski and crew, is on the water in the village of Zinnowitz. Rates: Around $227 high season, includes breakfast. The Villa Staudt, once visited by Kaiser Wilhelm II, has 13 apartments with summer rates around $140 and $50 during the winter.
(Numerous other historic villas with comparable rates, hotels, and B&Bs are also available.)

Special Events: October - Butterflies from Taiwan Exhibit; Art by the famous 18th century romanticist painter, Phillipp Runge; Designer Fashion Show collections. November - Hotels sponsor Wellness Days. December - Winter Craft & Food Market.

Sylt, another film location in The Ghost Writer, is a 25-mile long Frisian island in the North Sea connected to the mainland and bordering Germany & Denmark. Realistic scenes and houses in the movie were made to resemble those at Martha's Vineyard, as well as the lighthouses found along the coast of Cape Cod where the story takes place. As a World Heritage site, the income from tourism is substantial, with about a million visitors each year. Most come for the summer sunshine and refreshing, healthy air before the cold winter wind sweeps across the island from the North Sea.

Things to Do: Besides hiking, cycling, surfing, and visiting the Ellenbogen nature reserve, there are two museums of interest - a museum of the island's history and the Sylter Heimatmuseum, a restored 18th century sea captain's house behind a gate of gigantic whale ribs - Entry Fee: $4. Visit the Aquarium, prices - $15 & $10, or spend some time shopping at designer boutiques. You can always rent a wicker chair for about $14 and just relax on one of the finest beaches in Europe.

Visitors will find a variety of nightlife at clubs and bars such as Pony, Greta's Rauchfang, the Club Rotes Kliff, and the Compass for the young crowd, as well as the casino at Westerland, the capital and largest town on Sylt. Many join the crowds on the promenade at Westerland to enjoy afternoon concerts and Frisian grog, a strong beverage of rum, sugar, and water.

Recommended Restaurants: The Copper Pot in Kampen, a refurbished WWII bunker by the sea, is fun for socializing with friends, Voigt's Alte Backstube for pancakes and rich desserts, the Gogärtchen, and the elegant Jörg Muller for outstanding seafood and European cuisine, as well as the many Jurgen Gosch fish places. The Wonnemeyer is great for families, with a friendly atmosphere, a beach sauna, and an old ship for the kids to explore.
Accommodations: Over 40 hotels including the upscale Miramar, the Laudhaus Stricker, and the Fahrhaus, as well as hostels, B&Bs, self catering apartments, and camping grounds.

Special Events: July - Children's Circus & Barcardi (Bacardi) beach party. August - German Polo Masters & Catamaran Regatta. September - Surf World Cup at Westerland beach.

Transportation: Sylt offer convenient bus transportation with fares from $2 to $8, or bicycle rental for visitors to the island. Three hour train ride from Hamburg to Westerland, $55. Flights from several major cities in Germany. Car ferry and car train service from Havneby, Denmark to List, at the far northern end of the island.

(Note: Many of the websites for accommodations, restaurants, and attractions are only in German.)

You may not be interested in seeing Polanski's latest endeavor, but the islands where The Ghost Writer was filmed are certainly different and well worth considering as vacation destinations.

Sharon L Slayton

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Movie Tourism In Bruges

The comedy In Bruges, starring Colin Farrell, Ralph Fiennes, and Brendan Gleeson, takes us to various locations in the city of Bruges, Belgium where the movie was filmed. Bruges is a frequent first stop for travelers arriving at Ostende from the UK, or for visitors to Europe from other countries, a short train ride from Brussels. Tourists will find a well-preserved town, a World Heritage Site, remaining relatively untouched by industrialism and the modernism of other tourist destinations. Often called the "Venice of the North," Bruges is known for canals, medieval architecture, music, and art, as well as for over 300 varieties of local beer, fine Belgian lace, and delicious chocolate and pralines. It is a fascinating place with numerous attractions, so we will cover some of these scenes from the movie.

Couples and romanticists will discover the Minnewater "Lake of Love" and park a delightful retreat across the old bridge from town and away from the tourist crowds. Stroll through the grounds or watch the swans that have symbolized Bruges through the years float gracefully on Minnewater. In July, the summer Cactus Festival is a popular 3-day event where people can enjoy a variety of music in outdoor concerts by well known international artists in a beautiful setting.

Admission: $50 - 1 day, $89 - 2 days, $117 - 3 days.

Much of the Old World charm, history, and culture of Bruges can be found in its museums. The significance of beer making dates back to the 15th century and to the wealthy, powerful Gruuthuse families. Lodewiik van Gruuthuse and other lords of Gruuthuse made a fortune in the sale of Gruut, barley or wheat, and built a splendid mansion filled with medieval treasures of art, furniture, lace, and tapestries. In 1865, the Archaeological Society of Bruges recognized the value in these great collections, and by the late 1800's the palace had undergone a complete renovation to become a grand museum. Officially taken over by the city in 1955, the Gruuthuse Museum is now a main attraction in its extensive variety of exhibits and memorabilia from the Middle Ages. Visitors will find impressive wood, ivory, and marble sculpture from the 16th century, different styles of furniture from the 17th and 18th centuries, religious and domestic silver, and an extensive collection of metal objects including the original fireplace and chimney from the kitchen of the Gruuthuse family. The museum also houses ceramics from various regions in Europe such as Holland's Delft, France, and Germany, as well as tapestries, a small stamp collection, and some musical instruments.

Hours: Tues - Sun, 9:30am to 5pm. Admission: $8, Ages 6-15, $1.50, Under 6 free.

Travelers interested in the Fine Arts may want to visit the Groeninge Museum, which features paintings from the 14th through the 20th century. Some of the highlights include masterpieces by the famous Flemish painters, Jan Van Eyck, Memling, and David. Other artwork on display is from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, and the Herbert collection of Flemish expressionist paintings, acquired by the museum in 1985.

Hours: 9:30am to 5pm. Closed 1 Jan, 25 Dec, and most Mondays. Admission: $10 - Adults, $7 - Ages 13 to 26, 60+, and groups of 15 or more.

Featured in the movie is the Relais Bourgondisch Cryce hotel where Farrell and Gleeson, the two hitmen, hide out while in Bruges. Although pictured as a somewhat modest establishment managed by Fiennes, it is actually a highly recommended upscale waterfront hotel on Rosary Quay. Chosen for the Cultures Choice award and the Best Luxury Hotel Worldwide by Travelers Choice in 2008, this small 15th century hotel of 16 guestrooms is elegantly furnished throughout with antiques and designer accessories. A lavish breakfast buffet complete with champagne and famous Belgian waffles is served in the cozy 17th century Flemish tea room of the hotel. Breakfast - $30. A 5-minute walk along the canal takes you to the hotel restaurant, Maria van Bourgondie, with its menu of gourmet specialties. Travelers can find less expensive accommodations in the city, but this family owned hotel has a distinctive, romantic appeal for those interested in the movie and its popular location for photographers, writers, and artists.

Room Rates: Standard - $258, Superior/Classic - $481 and up. (canal view)

Other scenes from In Bruges were filmed at the well known Cafedraal restaurant near the city center, a friendly bistro/bar with an outdoor garden terrace and a choice of soups, seafood, and wild game entrees.

Prices: $30 to $50 Hours: 12Noon - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm. Closed Sundays.

While in Bruges, travelers may be interested in seeing the historic 250-foot Belfort or Belfry Tower, built in the 13th century in the market square and rebuilt three times, as portrayed in Longfellow's poem, "The Belfry of Bruges." The original carillon of the 17th century was replaced by a set of 47 bells in the tower that ring every 15 minutes and where concerts are given throughout the week. A climb up 366 steps takes you past the 2nd floor treasury room of the town's archives to the top for a panoramic view of Bruges and the countryside.

Admission: $11

Of great historical appeal to many is the Basilica of the Holy Blood located in Burg Square. This Catholic shrine consists of two chapels connected by a brick stairway, the lower one first built in simple 12th century Roman style, followed by the upper chapel of more elaborate Gothic architecture, stained glass, and murals. Sealed in an unopened crystal container, the sacred Holy Blood is thought to have been preserved and brought to Bruges from Jerusalem by the Count of Flanders sometime after the 2nd Crusade. The Basilica Museum also houses a golden statue of the Virgin Mary and other religious objects. The annual May celebration of Asuncion Day is a parade of Bruges citizens in historical costumes led by the bishop who portray the Procession and the arrival of the Count in Bruges.

Hours: Open Daily. April - Sep, 9:30am to 12Noon, 2pm to 6pm; Oct - Mar, 10am to Noon, 2pm to 4. Closed Wednesday afternoons.
Admission: Free to the Basilica. Museum - $1.50 & $.75.

Bruges, like most European cities, has a central marketplace or Grote Markt, which is framed by the Belfry Tower and the Provincial Court where ships unloaded and products were stored in the old guildhalls or sold at the open market. Statues of Breydel and de Coninck, the two Flemish leaders in the 14th century uprising against French occupation, stand proudly in the center of the Grote Markt. Here you can spend the day away from city traffic while exploring the restaurants, shops, and the remarkable reconstructions of medieval homes that line the square.

While in Bruges, travelers will enjoy a wide range of things to see and do from museums, churches, and open air markets to excellent food, fun, and Flemish hospitality.

Sharon L Slayton

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The Edge of Love - Dylan Thomas - Movie Tourism in Wales

Released in 2008, The Edge of Love is a story based in part on the much talked about and celebrated life of Dylan Thomas, his wife, and two of their closest friends, filmed primarily on location in Wales. Written by Sharman Macdonald, Knightley's mother and selected for the Edinburgh International Film Festival, the cast includes Keira Knightley as Vera Killick, Thomas' childhood friend and lover; Sienna Miller portrays Thomas' wife Caitlin and Matthew Rhys is Thomas. Many of the scenes take place in and around the seaport town of New Quay on Cardigan Bay in West Wales where Thomas resided at his Majoda home in the 1940's. The film crew used the nearby field to build the sets for the movie. This part of Wales is world famous not only for Dylan Thomas, but for beautiful seascapes, over 400 castles and historical landmarks, nature trails, and meadowlands.

The small towns along Cardigan Bay and within a few miles are very popular vacation spots, with many things to see and do including the harbors, dolphins, boat trips, beaches, colorful Victorian homes, wildflowers, wetlands, and birds. We will cover some points of interest in this article for vacationing in Wales.

Accommodations: The Black Lion Hotel on the Bay has an interesting history probably dating back to the 12th century as the oldest coaching inn or "grog shope" in Wales. Popular with fishermen, cyclists, and nature lovers, this B&B is a good spot from which to explore the countryside and nearby towns. (Note: Please check the website for availability.) Also worth visiting in New Quay is Dylan's Bar for the cozy atmosphere in what was once a very large kitchen at the Black Lion Hotel. Thomas spent a lot of time here drinking with his friends and writing some of his greatest poems and radio scripts. Another favorite watering hole for Dylan and the young Richard Burton was the Blue Bell pub.

The Ty Mawr Hotel, a fully restored Georgian mansion, offers charming accommodations in the countryside not far from the town of Aberaeron. Visitors will find three rooms named after members of the cast, Knightley, Miller, and Rhys, who stayed here for a month while filming The Edge of Love. With three lounges and an upscale restaurant, this small but elegant hotel in a lovely setting offers lavishly decorated rooms and large bathrooms with all the modern amenities. Room Rates: $130 to $180, Suites - $235.

(Note: Other accommodations can be found at B&Bs and guesthouses, as well as numerous holiday cottages for rent.)

Things To Do: Plan on walking, a favorite pastime for locals and tourists, especially along the 6.8 mile coastal trail from New Quay to Aberaeron. You'll have a great view of Cardigan Bay, the harbor, and fishing boats as you follow Glanmore Terrace road lined with restaurants, pubs, and souvenir shops. The trail is carefully marked and easy to follow with a few small bridges and short climbs. In Aberaeron, you can catch the bus back to New Quay or spend a few hours in this quaint village, another favorite hangout for Thomas. The entire 25-mile Dylan Thomas Trail, officially opened in 2003 by his daughter, begins in Llanon and continues on to the market town of Lampeter, Aberaeron, and New Quay. Information placards and a detailed guide are available.

South of New Quay about 18 miles is the small market town of Cardigan where you can visit the Coach House, a heritage center featuring a tapestry display of the area's history. Admission is free. Another attraction near Cardigan is the two towers and ruins of the 13th century Cilgerran Castle on the River Teifi. Hours: 27 Mar - 31 Oct, 10am to 5pm; 1 Nov - 31 Mar, 10am to 4pm. Admission: $4 - Adults, $11 - Family.

Area Attractions: Travelers may want to take a short drive, about an hour and a half to Swansea, the birthplace of the famous Welsh poet (and Catherine Zeta-Jones). Just 10 miles from here on what is known as the "Golden Coast of Wales" are the birthplaces of other famous people including Anthony Hopkins and Richard Burton. Here you can visit the Dylan Thomas Centre, free of charge, between the hours of 10am - 4:30pm to view the permanent exhibition of his life events and a bookshop filled with books, recordings, and other interesting memorabilia. You can have coffee or tea in the Books & Bites café, or stay for a delicious lunch in the Centre's restaurant. From 27 Oct to 9 Nov of this year, the Centre will sponsor an annual festival in his honor and featuring other famous literature from Wales.

Just 28 miles from Swansea at Bronwydd Arms Station, you can take a ride on the Gwili railway, featured in The Edge of Love, Carrie's War, and Heidi. This year marks its 150th anniversary as the only steam railway in South West Wales.
You can have lunch on the train, stop at the picnic spot station along the way, or get snacks and beverages at the Bronwydd Arms Station where you catch the train. Tickets: $8 - Adults, $4 - Children, $20 - Families. 1 hour ride, or all day same price.
Families will enjoy Thomas Day, a special event on 11, 12, 18, & 19 Sep where children are entertained with live characters, animal displays, and puppets in the open-air theater here. Tickets: $14 and $12. (See the website for the timetable and other events such as dinner and jazz on 9 Oct.)

For more of Dylan Thomas, tourists can visit the nearby town of Laugharne, where he "got off the bus and forgot to get back on." Here he and his family spent the last 4 years of his life until 1953 at the Boat House and Writing Shed. Now a museum, gift shop, and tea room, open May to Oct, 10am - 5:30pm, and Nov to Apr, 10:30 to 3:30. Another tourist attraction in Laugharne is the 12th century castle overlooking the River Taf with a history from the Norman Conquest and the Tudors to the gazebo where Thomas wrote, the ruins, and landscaped gardens that remain.
Open: 7 days, 27 Mar - 31 Oct. Admission: $4
(Note - For golf enthusiasts - Wales plays host to the 2010 Ryder Cup for the first time this year, 1-3 Oct in Newport, about 50 miles from Swansea. Although tickets have sold out, travelers might enjoy visiting the Celtic Manor Resort to catch a glimpse of celebrities and royalty. Tickets are still available at $30 to $50 for the Celebration Concert in Cardiff on the 29th of Sep featuring stars of stage and screen.)

Travelers to Wales will find a small, beautiful country with friendly people and a fascinating history in performing arts, literature, and sports.

Sharon L Slayton

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Count of Monte Cristo movie tourism: Adventure Travel In The Maltese Islands

Scenes for the 2002 movie Count of Monte Cristo, based on the classic adventure story by Alexandre Dumas, were filmed at various locations on the Maltese Islands of Gozo, Malta, and Comino, south of Italy in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. All three islands offer travelers a wealth of archaeological and historical treasures, along with beautiful scenery, favorable weather, and a variety of things to see and do. This article will cover some of these points of interest for vacation planning.

Gozo, meaning "Joy," is about 3 miles or 25 minutes by ferry from Malta and popular with travelers for its laid-back rural atmosphere and friendly villagers. Victoria, or Rabat, is the cultural center of activity for shopping, dining, and visiting the many churches, museums, and other attractions of historical interest on the island.

A camera is a must while visiting The Citadel, with a history dating back to the Bronze Age, the Phoenicians, and the Romans, until it was eventually overtaken and much of it destroyed by the Ottoman Turks. Restoration is ongoing, however, and you will get incredible views as far as Malta from the top of the walls. Within these walls stands the Cathedral of the Assumption, built in 1697 on the site of old Roman temples. Cathedral & Museum Hours: Mon - Sat, 10am to 1pm and 1:30 to 4:30.

Located just inside the main gate, tourists will find the Museum of Archaeology, once the town hall for the Knights of St John, filled with exhibits from the various historical eras. Further uphill within the Citadel, you can visit the Folklore Museum, the Natural Science Museum, the Old Prison, Law Courts, and St Joseph's Chapel.
Hours: Mon-Sun, 9am to 5pm. Admission to 3 sites: $5

Accommodations: Several hotels are available such as the Excelsior and the Kempinski, but many travelers choose to rent rustic farmhouses or upscale villas for their vacation. These offer more privacy and freedom to explore the island, take leisurely walks through the countryside, shop at the It-Tokk market, or socialize with the villagers where bars open early and close late.

Restaurants: Highly recommended to travelers is the Ta Rikardu restaurant in the Citadel, offering good food and a small gift shop. A fun place for drinks and snacks is the Two Twenty Two; enjoy the terrace at the Fusion 4 bar/café, or dine on game, seafood, or local specialties at the Country Terrace.

Other Things to Do: Watch the sunset over the rocky cliffs at Dwerja Bay; visit the wineries; sample the Maltese cuisine. Do some rock climbing, or for real adventure, experience the thrill of diving the Blue Hole near Gozo. Come in October for the Olive Oil Harvest Festival. Historians and archaeologists will want to visit the two oldest freestanding temples in the world at Ggantija, a UNESCO Heritage site of megaliths similar to Stonehenge dating back to 3600 B.C. Hours: 9am - 5pm, 7 days a week. Admission: Adults, seniors, & children - $10, $8, and $6. Ages 5 and under free.

Comino, the smallest of the Maltese Islands, lies between Malta and Gozo. Virtually uninhabited except for a few farmers and small wildlife, there are no cars on this tiny island. Famous for the Blue Lagoon, hidden coves, and sandy beaches, travelers come to Comino to spend a day or even longer to unwind and escape the crowds on the larger islands. Besides swimming, picnicking, sailing, and sunbathing, scuba and snorkel diving is extremely popular here, especially around the Santa Maria Caves seen in the movie and the coral reef of Kemmunett Islet. Tourists can take a 20-minute boat trip for about $7 from Malta or Gozo, have lunch and drinks onboard, or leave the boat to hike and explore the hillsides covered with wild herbs and flowers. For vacationers, the only hotel on the island at San Niklav Bay has its own ferry service and offers 4-star quality rooms with balconies, a gym, 10 tennis courts, two swimming pools and private beach, bars, and restaurants. Comino Hotel ferry service rates average $10 for adults. Forty-six fully equipped cottages are also available, about a 10-minute walk or free shuttle bus service to the hotel. Breakfast is served on the terrace for bungalow occupants, lunch and dinner at the hotel.

Open: April to October. (Spring is a perfect time to visit Comino.)
Rates: Reasonably priced from $45 to $75 p/p with ½ board. Special rates in June and July from $50 to $60.

The main attraction on Comino from the movie is St Mary's Tower, used to represent the Chateau d'If where the Count of Monte Cristo (Jim Caviezel) was imprisoned and eventually escaped. Dramatically situated on the cliffs high above the sea, this 17th century Tower served as the vantage point to warn of pirates and Turkish invaders. The Knights of St John used it for a hunting lodge in the peaceful years of the late 1700's, and later by the British until the end of the 19th century.

Mdina, known as the "silent or noble" city on the island of Malta, is a fascinating medieval town with traditions dating back over 4,000 years of rulers and religious orders. Believed to be the refuge for the Apostle St Paul, the old capital of Mdina remains a home for several monasteries. Stroll through the uncrowded streets past old homes and palaces of elegant Baroque architecture and visit the Museum of Natural History, the Medina Cathedral, and the Museum of Roman Antiquities near the walls of Mdina. The Palazzo Falzon, or the Norman House, probably built in the early 13th century, was first occupied by the Frenchman L'Isle Adam in 1530 and was restored in the 16th century by the Knights of St John. The Palazzo is actually medieval in design, with living quarters on the 2nd floor, stables and kitchens below. Museum with a large collection of antiques on the ground floor.
Open: 7 days a week, 10am - 1pm, & 2 to 5pm. Admission: Free

After visiting the attractions, stop for lunch or dessert at the well known Fontanella Tea Rooms, or linger until the street lamps are lit and have a quiet, romantic dinner at the exclusive Bacchus restaurant. The Bacchus is known for fine dining with an impressive wine list, great entrees, and inviting atmosphere. Open: 9am to 11:30pm. Reservations suggested.

Transportation: Ferries from Mediterranean ports to Malta, and flights from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Buses are very inexpensive at less than a $1 for up to an hour's ride; average daily rates for rental cars are $25 to $35, and cabs and water taxis are available for tours and island hopping. You can take the 5-mile tourist train tour in Rabat for $5, leaving every hour from 10am to 5pm, to see some of the various attractions.

Relive history and adventures of the past on your vacation to the Maltese Islands.

Sharon L Slayton

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Visiting Croatia: Beautiful and Damned literary / movie tourism

Currently in film production is the "Beautiful And Damned," based on the book by one of the greatest American novelists, F. Scott Fitzgerald. This is the story of Fitzgerald and Zelda, his problematic wife, as seen in the characters of Anthony Patch and Gloria. They are two of the "Beautiful People," a part of the uninhibited class who entertained, traveled, and indulged in every frivolity and excess of life in the early 1900's. The well known British actress Keira Knightley as Zelda and Leonardo Di Caprio as Scott (if rumors are correct) should do a masterful job in portraying the intensity, the genius, and often harsh reality that characterize Fitzgerald's writing. Although few other details are available, the anticipated release date is some time in 2011.

Scenes are being filmed in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and at the Opatija resort on the Adriatic Sea. There are just under a million people in Zagreb, once a familiar stop for the Orient Express, offering travelers a variety of things to see and do. Divided into Upper and Lower Towns, visitors will find an interesting contrast between the two. Below the hilly streets of old buildings, bars, and cafes, the Lower Town features more hotels, wider and pedestrian only streets, and a nice stretch of park grounds in the center, similar to Central Park, known as the Green Horseshoe.

Accommodations: Most hotels cater to business travelers; however, vacationers can find more luxurious places to stay. The Regent Esplanade and the Hotel Sheraton, both near the train station, offer 5-star amenities and prices to match. The Hotel Westin, part of the Starwood chain, has accommodations and facilities to please most tourists in an excellent location for sightseeing. Guest Rooms & Suites: $200 and up. For comfort and convenience, the Hotel Arcotel Allegra is near the train station, with rooms averaging $140, the Aristos by the airport, and there are several other good, but less expensive hotels in and around Zagreb.

Things to Do: Not far from the train station, travelers will enjoy the pleasant surroundings of the Botanical Gardens. Here you'll find a large area of trees, shrubs, a formal English garden, two ponds, and four rock gardens with over 10,000 native species of plants.
Hours: 1 Apr - 1 Nov, 7 days a week, 9am to 2:30pm Mon & Tues; open to 6pm the rest of the week. Admission is free.

Attractions: Highly recommended by art aficionados is the Strossmayer Gallery of Old Masters located in the old Academy of Science and Art palace, built in 1880. The Gallery on the 2nd floor of this Italian Renaissance palace opened to the public in November 1884 and features works by Bellini, Carpeaux, and Bruegel. The original 284 pieces created by Austrian, German, Dutch, French, and Flemish artists were donated by the Museum's founder, J.J. Strossmayer. Since then, the artwork in the Gallery has increased through the years to over 784 from individual and collector donations. In addition, there are over 4,000 exhibits of paintings, sculpture, and graphics with collections from Uzorinac, Csikos, and the contemporary art of Sebalj. On permanent display in the Gallery are 254, and the rest kept in storage or at other establishments in Croatia. One of the most interesting pieces in the Museum is the Baska stone slab of Croatia's ancient Glagolitic script, displayed in the atrium of the Gallery.
Hours: Tues - Sun, 10am to 1pm, & 5 to 7pm.
Admission: $5 - students & groups, $10 - adults.

Visitors will find fine examples of Croatian culture in folk costumes, tools, and handicrafts in the Ethnographic Museum. You can explore the Archaeological Museum, with its displays of artifacts and the oldest coin collection in Europe. Mimara Museum houses collections of the Far East, archaeology, and the European old masters (restoration, however, is not great, so authenticity has been questioned.)

Restaurants: Very reasonable, with lunch around $5 and a 3-course meal with wine about $15 to $20. Worth mentioning are the Boban for pasta, the Dubravkin Put for fresh seafood, and the popular Kaptolska Klet for traditional cuisine and friendly service.

(Note: Much of the information on museum and restaurant websites is in Croatian.)

Nightlife in Zagreb is inexpensive entertainment, popular from September to June, before the summer when travelers leave the city for the coast. There are bars, dance clubs, pubs, and live music in both the Upper and Lower towns.

Transportation in Zagreb: Besides walking, trams or buses are an option; taxis are usually too expensive. The best way to see Zagreb is by the tourist train, which is free and runs every hour from 9:30am to 7:30pm.

Opatija, a popular tourist spot on the Bay of Kvamer about 125 miles from Zagreb, was also chosen for scenes in the Beautiful And Damned. Easily accessible by car, train, or plane from several major cities in central Europe, Opatija is about 7 miles by bus from Rijeka, with connections to other cities and ferries to Italy. The mild climate, beaches, and gardens of this Adriatic Sea resort have lured travelers since the mid-1800's and the time of Austrian emperors. Besides people watching, sunbathing, water activities, and strolling along Opatija's boardwalk, the 8-mile Lungomare, the town offers an open-air summer theater of comedy, drama, and music, carnivals, and festivals throughout the year. Numerous business, sports, and cultural events are held here, as well as conventions on health and wellness therapy.

Attractions: Among the interesting 19th century buildings still standing is the Villa Angiolina, built in 1844 by a wealthy merchant and later changed into a hotel. As the railroad brought more travelers to the area, other hotels soon followed such as the Hotel Kvarner and the Hotel Imperial. Other attractions include the Maiden with the Seagull by Zvonko Car, overlooking the sea, and The Fountain - Helios and Selena by the Austrian sculptor Rathautsky in 1889 located near the Church of St Jakov on the grounds of an old Benedictine monastery. Opatija even has its own Walk of Fame, with 32 stars for prestigious artists, scientists, and athletes.

Accommodations: There are numerous hotels in the center of town and by the sea including the Hotel Ambassador with rooms and suites from $125 to $400, and the popular Grand Hotel Adriatic, with a casino, fully equipped spa, tennis courts, and convention facilities. Sample packages are reasonably priced at $135 p/p for double room, 4 hours daily at the spa, morning workouts, buffet breakfast and dinner, as well as entrance to the casino and hotel beach. Other hotels include the Bristol and the older Hotels Kvarner and Imperial. Visitors will find a good selection of villas, a few apartments, and hostels for budget travelers in and around Opatija.

Restaurants: Travelers can indulge in a wide variety of excellent seafood, Croatian dishes, Italian and Mediterranean specialties, wild game, and a fine selection of wine at Opatija restaurants. Many of these such as Bevanda, with its unique champagne, vodka, and caviar bar, Ika, Mali Raj, and the Yacht Club have open terraces and wonderful views of the sea. Smaller cafes offer less expensive pizza and pasta.

Entertainment: The Hemmingway Bar next to Angiolina Park is probably the most popular spot for nightlife in Opatija. Since many places close before midnight and drinking laws are strict, this is a good choice for after dark entertainment. Partygoers can find a few other places near the harbor, but Opatija is more about relaxation and leisure fun than the big party scene this Riviera resort might suggest.

Visiting Croatia is something you may not have considered before, but it does offer travelers something different in vacation destinations.

Sharon L Slayton

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Castles, Chateaux, & Chocolat

The movie Chocolat, released in 2000 and based on the book by Joanne Harris, is a story of a single mother, Juliette Binoche as Vianne and her young daughter, whose travels bring them to the picturesque French village of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, only an hour from Dijon in Burgundy. The film and cast received numerous academy nominations and European awards from the Screen Actor's Guild, the British Academy, and Golden Globe.

In spite of the village mayor's beliefs and strong disapproval, Vianne opens La Chocolaterie Maya during Lent, a daring venture with no promise of success. At first, the devout villagers are only curious about this new arrival and the tempting display of chocolat in the shop's window. Before long, unable to resist this temptation, each one discovers a unique pleasure in chocolat, and word quickly spreads of its wonderful flavor and seemingly magical powers. Soon, romance comes to the village as news of Vianne's shop reaches the gypsy camp nearby, and a mysterious visitor Roux, played by Johnny Depp, is lured by the delights of the chocolaterie.

Tourism to this beautiful area of France has always been popular, yet Flavigny has remained relatively unspoiled and is not considered a touristy spot. No doubt with the filming of Chocolat, its quaint charm has brought more visitors to explore this interesting town of medieval architecture, winding streets, and old world appeal. If you do go to Flavigny, be sure and visit the Abbey of St Pierre, the Church of St Genest, and through the old entry gates to the Maison du Donataire. You won't want to miss seeing and tasting aniseed candy, Flavigny's main claim to fame and recognized by the government as one of the top tasting sites in France. Still being made at the Abbey, anise candy is believed to be the world's oldest type of confection with a history that began in Flavigny. Probably dating back to the time of the Roman emperor Flavinius in 50 BC to the founding of the Abbey in 718 AD, anise candy has tempted kings, queens, playwrights, and now the world, for centuries with its distinctive flavor. Today, aniseed candy is exported to over 13 countries and sold in flavors of violette, anise, mint, rose, orange blossom, cinnamon, jasmine, and coffee. Free samples of these delicious small treats are given out to visitors to the Abbey. Open: From 9 to 10:45 am, Monday thru Friday

About 3 miles from Flavigny, you'll find the Bussy-Rabutin Castle, built in 1649 by Roger de Rabutin, a famous author who spent 16 years in exile here writing about Louis XIV and his many affairs. Visit the warriors' drawing room and the King's gallery with portraits of his mistresses.
Hours: 15 May - 14 Sep, 9:15am & 2-6pm. 15 Sep - 14 May, same morning hours, 2-5pm. Closed: 1 Jan, 1 May, 1 & 11 Nov, 25 Dec.
Admission: $10 Concessions: $6

Accommodations: A few including Le Relais de Flavigny hotel, and three B&B's, Couvent des Castafours, L'Ange Souriant, and Béroubis.
Activities: Annual carnival in March, Sunday morning market Apr - October, and St Simon's fair in October.

Visitors to Flavigny will no doubt want to travel through the countryside to enjoy the pleasures of similar villages and attractions of the Cote d'Or, most within 30 miles or less. A short 24-mile drive will take you to Morvan Natural Park, where there's another choice of accommodation at the Chateau d'Island Vezelay, with prices averaging $150 for a double room.

Attractions: Fontenay Abbey, about 12 miles from Flavigny. Founded in 1118 by St Bernard of Clairvaux, the church, cloisters, prison, and kennels of this Cisterician Abbey were almost completely restored after the French Revolution, and it is now listed as a UNESCO heritage site. Fontenay provides a realistic view of monastery life, where visitors can watch demonstrations of old iron production at the forge, explore the dormitories and lodges, enter the church and cloisters, and stroll through the well-kept gardens. Café and gift shop on site.
Guided Tours: Apr - Jun, Sep - mid-Nov, Jul & Aug, 10am to Noon, 2 to 5pm. Price: $13 (Note: Prices and hours always subject to change.)

About 4 miles from Fontenay lies the village of Montbard, home of the 18th century scientist and writer, Georges-Louis, the Count of Buffon. A few things worth seeing are the Parc Buffon, the tower library, his clinic, and the museum.

Accommodations: There are numerous accommodations in the area, so we will only list a few.
Chateau De Malaisy - 17th century chateau, located on 37 acres in the Fontenay Valley. Prices: $140 - $160
Logis Hostellerie D'aussois - moderately priced, about 8 miles from Montbard.
Prices: $150
Hotel-Golf Chateau De Chailly - an authentic medieval Castle recognized as a National Monument, 24 miles from Montbard. Prices: $200

Scenes from Chocolat were also filmed at Beynac-et-Cazenac, another of the most beautiful villages in France. Located on the Dordogne River, this is a popular spot for tourists and artists, where the main attraction is the magnificent Castle built high above the riverbanks. With a history dating back to the 12th century, the Castle is one of the finest in France and has been a National Monument since 1944. Accessible by climbing a short, steep path, visitors will have a wonderful view of the river and village below. Completely restored in 1962 by its new owner, Louis Grosso, you'll find splendid tapestries depicting the lives of the Castle's lords, 17th century apartments with period décor, a large Renaissance fireplace in the main hall, and a small chapel filled with 15th century frescoes including Saint Christopher and the Last Supper. (Beynac Castle has been the scene for other films such as Les Miserables, Jeanne d'Arc, and Ever After.)
Hours: 10am - 6pm, Mar-Sep; Oct-Nov, 10am to dusk; Dec-Feb, Noon to dusk.
Admission: $10

Accommodations: Hotel Bonnet and Hotel Pontet in the village, rooms average
$50 - $75. Hotel du Chateau, located below the Castle, moderately priced with a good restaurant. Self-catering homes and holiday villas are also available, from $800 and up to $2,000 per week. Camping is also popular at Beynac, where campers can enjoy a range of amenities, fishing, rafting, and other outdoor activities along the Dordogne.

Restaurants: The restaurant at the Hotel Bonnet overlooking the river offers elegant dining, with a full gourmet menu of French cuisine from foie gras to dessert and wine, around $100 for two. Hotel Pontet offers a daily menu including wine, dessert, and coffee for less than $40 for two.

(Note: Flights, travel packages, and other information available online.)

Whether you are tempted by chocolate, anise candy, or other delectable sweets, you'll enjoy visiting the Burgundy region of France on your next vacation.

Sharon L Slayton

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Mamma Mia - Summertime Fun In The Greek Isles

You probably know the story from the movie, or the stage production in London and on Broadway, and are no doubt familiar with the unforgettable music of ABBA, but you may not have visited the Greek islands of Skiathos and Skopelos where filming took place. Starring Meryl Streep as Mamma, Amanda Seyfried as daughter Sophie, Pierce Brosnan, and Colin Firth, this romantic comedy was an instant success when released in 2008, and a welcome addition to tourism in Greece.

Open to the public, many of the scenes in the movie were filmed in and around the beaches and harbor at Skiathos. The locals and tourists joined in the fun of watching old taxi cabs and 4-wheel bikes careen through narrow cobblestone alleyways in a frantic chase to the overloaded ferry waiting to dock, while members of the cast were more than willing to sign autographs for the crowds.

Accommodations (used by the cast): 5- star Skiathos Princess - Rates: $182 to $364 deluxe rooms, suites $390 to $500. The Mandraki boutique hotel also received very positive reviews, as a less expensive, more family oriented place to stay. (Availability seems limited, however, probably evidence of its popularity). Of course, you can leave the main part of town and explore the side streets where you'll find accommodations at other hotels and small pensions, with prices to fit your budget.
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Be prepared to do some walking, mostly uphill, once you leave the market square of craft shops, tavernas, and restored seafarers' houses by the harbor, but the climb to the Bell Tower and the small St Nicholas church filled with Greek orthodox religious items is worth the effort. You'll be rewarded with an incredible panorama of white walls, red tile roofs, and the brilliant color of bougainvillea that clings to small verandas of houses on the hillsides above the sea. Returning to the streets below, you'll want to do some shopping, have lunch, or take a stroll across the walkway to the pines of Bourtzi Islet, with its own separate harbor (used primarily for pleasure excursion boats.) Here you'll find the cultural center of Skiathos, with a theatre and statue of Alexandros Papadiamantis, probably the most famous Greek novelist of the 19th century, who lived and died on Skiathos.

Restaurant Recommendations: The Windmill is considered top of the line, offering a fabulous view and a gourmet menu (prices not listed), ideal for special events and romantic evenings. In addition to less expensive and just as popular places, other restaurants recommended include Paraxenos for outdoor dining on Greek and international food, Elados Yefsis for traditional dishes of moussaka and spanakopita, and Portobello, a combination bar, café, and garden type restaurant.

Much of the movie was filmed on the island of Skopelos, or "Kalokari" (summer in Greek), the largest of the Sporades Islands, which include Mykonos and Santorini. Other than some fishing, herding, and production of honey, the overall decline in agriculture and wine production has led to a strong dependence on tourism to bolster the island's economy. Travelers from northern Europe have discovered the climate and beauty of Skopelos as an inviting retirement destination. Besides the wonderful music and great acting, the cinematography in Mamma Mia is spectacular, capturing the beauty of Skopelos, from the deep blue of the Aegean Sea to the dark green of pine forests and the silvery sheen of olive groves.

One of the main attractions on Skopelos is the wedding chapel rebuilt for the film on the site of the Agios Ioannis Prodromos Monastery, rising some 300 feet above the sea near the town of Glossa. A 45-minute ride on the local bus from Skopelos Town brings you to Glossa, situated in the highest altitude of the Sporades Islands. From here, you'll have a breathtaking view of Loutraki, the harbor just below the village, the sea, and rugged coastline

Sun worshippers will want to visit at least one of the legendary beaches of Skopelos, although most of these are pebbled and lack the fine sand of the ones on Skiathos. However, you can follow the steep, dirt pathway down to the sandy Kastani Beach, which was chosen for the majority of the beach scenes. You can catch a bus from town to Glysteri cove for somewhat secluded sun bathing. Stafylos is an easily accessible beach, about 3 miles from town by bus, and the beaches at Amarantos, used in some scenes from the movie, are a good place to soak up the sun and enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings. Families will enjoy a short drive to Panormos beach, where you can find tavernas, mini-marts, and small boats for rent in the village nearby.

In addition to sightseeing, hiking, walking, and mountain biking for the more energetic, you may want to visit the Varvaras, Metamorphosis, or Prodromos monasteries, and the Museum of Cultural Heritage in Glossa, which opened free to the public in July 2008. Most shops are open until midnight, and bars even later. At any time of the year, you'll probably enjoy a village festival, which adds to vacation fun. There are endless opportunities for amazing photography, so a camera is a must.

Accommodations: Numerous cottages and villas on the hillsides overlooking the sea or nestled amid the olive groves are available for rent; prices range from $124 to $168 a day. For example, the Glysteri Pool cottage is located on the hills about a mile from the beach at Glysteri Bay, featured in the movie, and less than 2 miles from town. The cottage has 2 bedrooms, pool, kitchen, and twice a week maid service. Enjoy the open terraces, the nearby tavernas in the village of Agios Konstantinos, and shop at the small museum for local handicrafts.

Villas, sleeping up to 6, with private pools, fully equipped, and beautifully landscaped are available for $178 - $246 per day.
Suites rent for $250 and up at the Skopelos Village Hotel (used by many of he cast and crew), where the air is filled with the aroma of honeysuckle, jasmine, and lavender. The hotel offers numerous amenities including a private beach, two swimming pools, a tennis court, bar, and restaurant.
(Note: Rates fluctuate with on or off-season.)

Tavernas & Restaurants: Agioli (for Italian) at the Skopelos Village Hotel, Agnanti at Glossa, Anna's, Alexander's and Finikas, as well as several other reasonably priced establishments. The Ouzeria Anatoli taverna is popular for live music, dancing, and good food. Ouzo is a very strong type of aperitif, with a distinct flavor (which I never did acquire a taste for while living in Greece)! Good jazz can be found also at some of the tavernas on the island.

Transportation: Besides the local bus, you can rent a car, bike, or moped for sightseeing around the island.
Ferry service: High speed and catamaran ferries available to most of the Greek islands. About 1 hr from Skiathos to Skopelos. Slower ferries average $12 to $20 for pedestrians and $30 for cars, one way.
Flights: From Athens, Volos, and Thessaloniki to Skiathos.
(Holiday packages, tours, booking, prices, and other travel information available online.)

With a pleasant Mediterranean climate cooled by the northerly Meltemia breezes, the enchanting islands of Greece attract tourists everywhere. The filming of Mamma Mia brings renewed interest in visiting these beautiful places and experiencing year-round summertime fun.

Sharon L Slayton

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Italy: The Pleasures of A Simple Life

In 1994, Michael Radford directed the movie Il Postino, a simple, heartwarming story of friendship between the unassuming mailman and the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, while living in political exile in southern Italy. A famous poet and an unsophisticated village mailman would seem to have little in common, but in time the two find much to share and learn from each other.

Filmed on location in Italy, Il Postino has a small cast that included Philippe Noiret as Neruda, Massimo Troisi as Mario the Postino, and Maria Garza Cucinotta as Beatrice, a waitress in the village and the object of the mailman's affection. Choosing not to follow in his father's footsteps as a fisherman, Mario gets a job delivering mail to a single customer, Neruda. Having little education and being none too clever with words or the art of courtship, Mario is eager to learn poetry as a way to woo and eventually marry Beatrice. As he explains to Neruda, "poetry doesn't belong to those who write it; it belongs to those who need it."

Il Postino is a romantic story, much of which was filmed on Salina, the greenest and perhaps the most beautiful of the Aeolian Islands off the coast of Sicily. Loyal fans of Troisi who died the day after filming was completed, a few celebrities, wealthy yacht owners, and tourists visit here, yet Salina has not become a playground for the rich and famous or a tourist trap for the international traveler. It has remained relatively unspoiled even after the worldwide success of the film, which received several academy nominations including best foreign language film. It is simply a great place to relax, enjoy the food and wine, the weather, and the spectacular view overlooking the bay at Pollara. With six volcanoes dormant for thousands of years and a mild Mediterranean climate, the island is rich in over 400 types of vegetation including ferns, pines, chestnuts, and oaks, as well as a home for rare cats, rabbits, and other small wildlife. Travelers can climb the hillsides, explore the caves, visit the black sand beach at Malfa, or take boat excursions around the island.
Accommodations: Small houses, fully equipped, can be rented by the week or longer from $400 to $1500, for two to six people.
Getting there: Ferry service from Naples and Milazo, hydrofoil from Palermo and Messina.

The picturesque island of Procida, the smallest in the Bay of Naples, is remarkably different from many of the better known island vacation spots. Because of its natural beauty, colorful architecture, and friendly villagers, it offered an ideal setting for filming some of the scenes in Il Postino (as well as for the movie The Talented Mr Ripley). Not far from Ischia and Capri, travelers will find Procida quiet and serene in comparison, although some celebrities have villas and a few artsy types live here. Many visitors come on daytrips from Naples, while others find inexpensive accommodations for longer stays. Cottages equipped with kitchenettes can be rented for $30 to $60 p/p; hotel rooms average about the same. Some families will choose the pleasant campgrounds not far from the beach, open from 1 May to 15 Sep. Prices: About $10 p/p, $10.per tent.

Strolling around the ports, travelers will find the scent of lemons fills the air, as the gardens in Procida are famous and celebrated each year in May with the Fiesta del Limone. Besides the market, there are several restaurants on the island such as Il Cantinone, which serves inexpensive good food. Open Monday and Wednesday thru Sunday from 12 pm to 3:30 pm, and 7 pm to Midnight. Full dinner costs around $20. For some fresh seafood, spaghetti or linguine, pizza or a panini, Graziella by the sea is open 7 days a week, Mar thru Nov, from 10 am to Midnight. Prices: Average $7 to $10. A popular attraction in Procida and an excellent place to eat is La Locanda del Postino, the same restaurant/bar where filming of Il Postino took place. Located near the Abbey of St Michael the Archangel, this might be your first choice for atmosphere, a refreshing glass of beer or wine, or a delicious pasta dinner. Open Noon to 4 pm, and 7 pm to 11 pm.

Travelers who like the sand and the sea will find several not too crowded beaches such as Ciraccio, Chiaiolella (considered the best), and one appropriately named Il Postino. Scuba diving is very popular here, as well, available Mon thru Sat, from 9 am to 1 pm, and 3:30 pm to 7 pm. Cost: One dive and equipment provided - $40, and lessons average $68.

The Abbey of St Michael on Terra Murata, the highest point of the island at 300 feet, is just one of many interesting attractions in Procida. Inside this 11th century Benedictine monastery, gold, marble, and lovely old artwork adorn the walls, the apse, and wooden ceiling. You can visit the museum and library or wander through the catacombs of the dungeon below. A very special religious event, a tradition from the 17th century, takes place on Good Friday in the Procession of the Mysteries of Procida. Village people of all ages (mostly males) carry the floats of papier-mâché statues of Christ and other religious figures, which represent the mysteries and depict chapters from the Old Testament.
Hours: Open daily, 9:45 am - 12:45 pm, and 3 - 5 pm. Admission is free.

A main attraction is the Vivara Reserve, a treasure for birdwatchers, naturalists, photographers, and archaeologists. Once connected to the mainland and first populated in the Mycenean Age, this carefully protected islet is now accessible by footbridge from Procida. If you are able to visit here, you will find small paths throughout the reserve, which is inhabited mostly by over 200 species of birds, rabbits, and small animals. The single building on the reserve offers a great view of the sea and coast from the terrace.
Hours: 8:30 am - Noon, Mon thru Sat. (There was conflicting information on this, whether open to all visitors, only those with permits, or closed.)

Other attractions for tourists include the 17th century Santa Maria delle Grazie church, the small fishing village of Marina della Corricella, the Avalos Palace or Castle, the Seafood Festival, and the mid-August Graziella folklife Festival. You can shop for handmade fine lace and embroidery items, stop at a bakery for foccacia bread, or just visit with the locals in the villages. Nightlife is rather laid back, except on the weekends with the younger crowd.

Transportation: Taxis, buses, and rickshaws manage to navigate the winding streets, and bikes and scooters are popular. A 3 to 4 hour boat ride around the island costs about $10, an enjoyable way to view the three separate harbors of Procida, each with its own quaint fishing village.

Ferry service runs at least 5 times a day, a one-hour ride from Naples, $11 p/p.
Hydrofoil service, 7 times a day, a 30-minute ride from Naples, $10 p/p.
(Note: Information and maps available at the Marina Grande where the ferry docks. Open 9 - 12 pm & 4 to 7:20 pm)

Consider adding this small part of Italy to your travel plans - pleasure is often found in the simplest things.

Sharon L Slayton

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Atonement - On Location In The UK

Tourists worldwide visit the UK each year to learn more about the famous people, places, and events that have played such an important role in history, literature, and the performing arts. Based on its appeal and popularity, it is not surprising that locations throughout the UK have been chosen for film production.

Starring Keira Knightley, Saoirse Ronan as the young Briony, Romola Garai as Briony age 18, and veteran actress Vanessa Redgrave as Briony age 77, the Tallis family lived a life of wealth and privilege. The movie also features Scottish actor James McAvoy as Robbie, the not so fortunate housekeeper's son, as well as hundreds of British extras from the town of Redcar where filming took place. Based on the book by Ian McEwan, Atonement directed by Joe Wright won an Oscar for the Best Musical Score in 2007 and Best Film of the Year at the 61st British Academy of Film Awards.

Grand English estates are often chosen as settings for British films as seen in Pride and Prejudice, Lady Chatterley's Lover, and Wuthering Heights. In the movie Atonement, both interior and exterior of the private estate of Stokesay in Shropshire, were used for the Tallis family mansion and the smaller Turner cottage for the housekeeper and her son. Purchased by John Derby-Allcroft, philanthropist and builder of churches in 1886, the mansion was completed in 1892, just 6 months before his death. Wanting to preserve the inherent charm and Victorian décor of an English gentleman's estate, yet abandoning the dismal atmosphere found in similar estates, Stokesay was designed by Thomas Harris to include modern electric lighting and heating. Built to last, Stokesay was used as a hospital and a home for evacuees during the war, as it passed on from generation to generation. By 1992, it became an English Heritage site, and most of the contents including over 60 bibles were sold in 1994 at a Sotheby auction, the proceeds used for much needed repairs. The filming of Atonement at Stokesay Court, occupied by cast and crew in the summer of 2006, has added another chapter to its historical significance and revival as a tourist attraction.

Group Tours: 20 or more - $22 p/p; 30 or more - $21 p/p. (Not recommended for children.) Tours last about an hour and can be booked Tuesday thru Sunday between 10 am - 3:30 pm. Includes coffee or tea and visitors can explore the grounds after the tour.

Individual Tours: In advance by appointment only - dates currently available this year - 6 & 17 Jul, 3 Aug.

(e-mail tours@stokesaycourt.com)

Literary Luncheon: Sponsored by Castle Bookshop, this is an opportunity to meet at Stokesay and visit with well known British authors such as Andrew Taylor, Judith Cutler, and Edward Marston in early fall of this year. Price - $60 p/p.
(Note: Concerts, private parties, and other special events can also be arranged.)

Scenes depicting the French countryside in the late 1930's were filmed from the poppy fields at Gloucestershire to Lincolnshire and the Ouse Washes in the Fens of Cambridgeshire. Avid birdwatchers and nature lovers will want to visit this area and the Nene Washes near Whittlesey, to view migrating birds, birds of prey, wading birds, and other waterfowl. Open 9 am to 5 pm, every day except Christmas and Boxing Day, admission is free.

Over one million pounds were required to construct the realistic settings for the beach scene of Dunkirk in 1940, which were filmed at the seaport town of Redcar. In comparison, the local townspeople were each paid a mere 50 pounds as the extras in the film who waited onshore for rescue ships and evacuation. Once a small fishing village in the 1300's, Redcar was named after the petrified redwood rocks along the shore. Fishing proved extremely profitable for the townspeople, and it soon became a favorite vacation spot for tourists to enjoy a variety of other water sports including sailing, windsurfing, and diving. Visitors will find miles of flat, sandy beaches, comfortable B&Bs, holiday cottages, and great seafood, as well as shopping at high end and specialty stores. Every Wednesday there are bargains in wine, clothing, or fresh fish at the outdoor market in the center of town. Besides receiving the UK Seaside Award for the past eight years, Redcar offers numerous other attractions for vacationers who have been coming here long before the filming of Atonement.

The Kirkleatham Old Hall Museum, opening in October 1981, has three floors of exhibitions of shipyard photographs, ironstone mining, archaeology, and history of the area. From April to October, families can reminisce with 50 years of toys and music on display, in addition to games available to check out and play in the gardens or picnic area outside. There are many activities for children including contests, treasure hunts, and family craft workshops during the year. The Museum has a café, gift shop, and small playground.

Hours: Summer 10 am - 5 pm, Tues thru Sun; Winter 10 am - 4 pm. Free admission. Handicap accessible.

For visitors interested in the maritime history of Redcar, the Zetland Museum features the world's oldest lifeboat, built in 1802 by Henry Greathead. With a crew of 13 to 20, it is estimated that over 500 lives were saved in 80 years. Other displays include a fisherman's cottage, lifesaving equipment, lifelike figures representing rescues off the northeast coast of England, and the Laurie Pickett Gallery of photographs of the old fishing village and crews during the Victorian era.

Hours: May - Oct, 12 Noon to 4 pm. Closed Monday. Free admission. Handicap accessible on ground floor only.

If you are a frequent visitor to the track, and for something different to do, you will enjoy the Redcar Racecourse, a popular destination in Yorkshire for racehorse fans since 1872.

Prices: $22 - grandstand viewing; $5 - closed enclosure. Private suites with all amenities, ideal for groups, are also available. Children under 16 are free when accompanied by an adult. Free parking, restaurants, bars, and snacks. Regular races and featured events are held several times a month from April to October.

The movie Atonement takes travelers past villages and towns to the marshlands and dunes by the sea, as well as to the distant London tourist attractions of Whitehall, University College, Bethnal Green Town Hall, and St John's Church.

Sharon L Slayton

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Travel To "Eat, Pray, Love"

With award-winning actress Julia Roberts and co-stars Jacques Bardem and James Franco, the film "Eat, Pray, Love" should be a box office success scheduled to release 13 Aug of this year. Based on author Elizabeth Gilbert's life story, the movie follows the young divorcee as she escapes the humdrum, familiar life in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, known for Italian meat markets and family owned shops, to the adventure and excitement of "la dolce vita" in Rome. This article will not include all the attractions in Rome or India where filming took place, as the spotlight will be on Bali.

After four months of fun, food, and companionship, a desire for spirituality takes her to the Hindu Ashram Hari Mandir in the suburbs of Pataudi near Mumbai, India. Yoga and meditation sessions taught by native gurus were filmed on the 25 acres of the retreat, as well as scenes from the local market, a Sanskrit school that houses 500 students, a hospital, and a home for the aged.

Visitors to this film location, about 40 miles from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, can indulge themselves with accommodations at the Pataudi Palace, featured in the movie. Built in 1935 by the Nawab Ibrahim Ali Khan of national cricket fame and the official home of the prince of Pataudi, the Palace has been fully restored as a world heritage site. Popular with travelers to this part of India, the hotel has kept much of its old world charm with spacious rooms and verandas overlooking rose gardens and cypress trees. In addition to dining on traditional, exotic Indian cuisine, the Palace provides a peaceful, romantic getaway from the noise of cities and crowded streets.
Rates: $250 double up to $450 single.

After four months at the Ashram, reality sets in, as some balance between earthly pleasures and abstinence is needed - what better place to find it than on the beautiful island of Bali. Travelers have always been fascinated with the customs and mysticism of Bali, a land of volcanoes, sacred temples, nature reserves, and a huge population of monkeys. Based on the movie, a large increase in tourism to the city of Ubud in the district of Gianyar is expected, as it was recently voted Asia's best city destination by Conde Nast. Visitors will want to sightsee, and "Eat, Pray, Love" tours offer interesting itineraries in and around Ubud (meaning "medicine"), considered the center of art and culture on Bali. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy the music and dance, the museums, and the shops filled with clothing, fine jewelry, paintings, and sculpture. You can practice yoga, visit the spas, and even learn from the local shaman that "the resting place of the mind is the heart," bringing you one step closer to nirvana.

A featured attraction in Ubud is the annual Gempita Gianyar festival, a gathering of environmentalists, to be held this year from 2-3 July. Besides dance and music performances, the "Ubud Street Bash" features a carnival and parade down main street, with over 25 fashion designers, 7 musical groups, and hundreds of other participants. Special guests will be honored at a royal heritage dinner, and students, ages 15-17, can attend a 5-day summer art camp as part of the festival.

While filming the movie, Roberts and Bardem stayed at the Puri Saren Agung near Monkey Forest Road on the palace grounds of the Ubud royal family. The B&B style of the hotel offers visitors comfortable, yet modest accommodations in a choice of several bungalows, with evening dance performances in the open courtyard. The landscaped grounds with ornate stone gates, wooden pillars, and statues of Raksaka, lions, and elephants are the main attraction of this colonial style hotel. The hotel is inexpensive, with rates averaging $60/night, but they will probably increase with the film's release worldwide.

A visit to Bali would not be complete without a guided tour that includes some of the ancient temples (over 15,000 on the island), where the Balinese people spend much of their time bringing flowers and food. A four-hour sunset tour includes the Tanah Lot temple overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Tamara Ayun temple, a bat forest, and the Alas Kedaton, a forest filled with hundreds of sacred Macaques monkeys. (Monkeys are considered holy if they live on temple grounds, but otherwise are considered a nuisance by most Balinese.)
Rates: $35 per car (up to 6 people)

The exclusive Pan Pacific Bali Resort, formerly Le Meridien Golf and Spa Resort, near the Tanah Lot temple offers garden and ocean view guest rooms with balconies. Suites, one, and two bedroom private villas, each with garden, pool, and pavilion, are also available. Set amid tropical gardens, terraced rice paddies, and coconut groves, the resort features a beautiful 18-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman. In addition to spa facilities, four pools, and a gym, visitors can enjoy dining at a half dozen restaurants, pubs, or lounges, some with live entertainment by Balinese dancers. Squash, tennis, cycling, and the outdoor seafood market nearby are popular, as well. With all the amenities and so many things to see and do, this would be a wonderful place for a wedding, a honeymoon, or a fabulous vacation.
Sample Rates: $666 - 2-bedroom villa; $604 - 1-bedroom villa, $460 - executive suite.
Golf packages: $400 - $800 for 3 nights, includes buffet breakfast, 2 rounds of golf, and a tour of the Tanah Lot temple.

Spirit Quest tours offer a great travel package for groups of 20 or more to Ubud, which includes round-trip airfare from several major cities, hotel accommodations for 6 nights, breakfasts, and entrance fees. Travelers stay at the Alila Hotel and Spa at the edge of the rain forest in rooms with balconies and private open air showers. You'll dine on Italian food at the Amanusa Resort in nearby Nusa Dua, fresh seafood at the Bali Beach Club, and Balinese at the Lotus. Tourists enjoy shopping at the outdoor market for jewelry, silk sarongs, and crafts, as well as browsing the paintings at the Ayumas studio or the Bali Budaya wood carvings. Your well planned itinerary will include a visit to the Besakih Temple, which is actually 5 temples in one, as well as morning yoga and prayer sessions. You can pamper yourself with a one-hour $50 spa treatment, or request a personal reading by Kitut Liyer, the Balinese spiritual healer featured in Gilbert's book.
Package Price: $3,000 (from Los Angeles). You can find more information on their website.

In her book, Ms Gilbert wrote," I crossed the street to walk in the sunshine," and travel to "Eat, Pray, Love" promises fun and laughter, and perhaps a different perspective on life along the way.

Sharon Slayton

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Scenes From "Australia"

After two years of filming, the much anticipated movie "Australia" was released in 2008. Baz Luhrmann, writer, producer, and director, has created a story of the outback in epic proportions, the largest in this country's film making history.

Starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, and a large cast of supporting Australian actors, the scenes were filmed in 4 of the 8 states or territories, including Northern Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales. This article will cover only a few of the many attractions from the movie. Travelers will want to visit some, if not all, the locations that are portrayed in the wonderful cinematography of the bush country, the coast, the waterfalls and rivers, and the rugged mountain ranges and deep ravines. Boosted by the millions of dollars spent in advertising by the Australian Tourism Commission along with the production of the film, the ongoing interest in Australia and Western Australia, in particular, has increased dramatically.

Much of the movie was filmed in Kimberley, the far northwestern wilderness area often thought of as the last frontier in the Australian outback. The buildings for the Faraway Downs homestead on the Ord River in Kimberley were demolished after the completion of the movie, since the area, as is much of Kimberly, is not accessible during the rainy season (December to April or May). While a replica of the homestead is planned, tourists can spend the day or longer at other cattle stations nearby.

Surrounded by the Cockburn ranges to the west and the Erskine on the east, Diggers Rest is a popular outback station about 40 miles from the town of Wyndham on the King River Road. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, camping, and horseback riding, as well as some of the best barramundi fishing in Australia. Seeing the outback by horseback or with a 4x4 is the best way to explore some of this vast territory and the land of the ancient boab trees, found only in Madagascar, parts of Africa, and this part of Australia. Horseback riding tours can be arranged at Diggers Rest, with rates at $50/hour, or at various rates for longer rides and more advanced riders. Bush country huts, air-conditioned bunkhouses with large porches, and camping sites are available. You can share the community kitchen or have meals prepared at reasonable prices from $18/breakfast to $30/dinner. At the end of the day, enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow travelers at the evening barbeques beside the billabong, or just relax on the front porch and watch the sun set over the splendor of Western Australia.
Rates: Bunkhouses - $150/night; Bush huts - $110/night.

For travelers interested in the aboriginal culture, an important aspect of the movie, the natural history, and looking for a good choice of accommodations, Home Valley Station provides an all weather airstrip for year round tourism. Air charter flights and 4WD vehicles for rent are available at the Kunumurra airport. In addition to horseback riding, guided tours, and scenic flights, as well as food and entertainment at Dusty's Bar & Grill, you'll see the Gibbs River Road crossing at the Pentecost River, featured in the movie.
Rates: Premium castle rooms @ $420 pp (includes 2 breakfasts), guesthouse rooms @ $230 pp, tents for up to 4 people @ $190, and camping fees are $16/adults and $5/children.

Over one million acres, now known as El Questro Wilderness Park, was once a cattle station that changed ownership many times and eventually opened as a park in May 1992. This might be a good place to spend some time while visiting some of the sights in Kimberley. Bushwalkers and campers will find safari style tents or air-conditioned bungalows along the Pentecost River, available from April thru October for around $200 U.S./night. Situated on the Chamberlain River, about 50 miles from Kunumurra, (domestic flights arrive daily), travelers will find the luxurious 5-star El Questro resort and lodge. Accommodations are ultra expensive, from $1300 - $2,000 U.S., which does include all meals, drinks, and guided tours in the area. Couples might consider the Chamberlain Gorge Suite here for a fabulous honeymoon.
Park Permit: $17/adult

(Detailed information on the above outback stations can be found online.)

Besides the opportunity for some great photography while hiking or riding through the rugged landscape along streams and estuaries in the Kimberley area, travelers may want to visit King George Falls. Located in a remote area of the northern coastline, accessible either by helicopter, charter plane, or by sea (best seen by air), these are the tallest falls in Western Australia.

For a change of scene, you could travel about 500 miles further north to the seaport of Darwin, where parts of the movie were filmed at Stokes Hall Wharf. Visitors will find great seafood, shopping, and other things to do while here. Of course, if your vacation takes you in the other direction as far as Sydney, you can visit some of the attractions that were included in the movie, such as the Strickland House, open to the public, and Camelot, a privately owned ranch. Bowen's Waterfront, on the Queensland coast, is another place to see and visit with the local townspeople, many of whom had small parts in the film, and are always glad to share some of their history with you over a piece of pie and a cup of tea.

The scenes in Luhrmann's movie will no doubt stir the wanderlust of any traveler to visit Australia, whether for the first time, or for those who can't wait to return.

Sharon L Slayton

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Visiting The Land Of Robin Hood

The release of the movie Robin Hood in May of this year, starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett and directed by Ridley Scott, promises a steady influx of travelers to the many film's locations and an exciting growth in tourism to the UK. Central to the film is the city of Nottingham where Robin Hood courted and married the Lady Marian in the Church of St Mary in the village of Edwinstowe, and formed his band of rebels to restore freedom and justice to the poor. Visitors can follow the Robin Hood Trail in Nottinghamshire, which features 12 sites along the way based on each of the different themes in the film.

Nottingham is famous for its 17th century castle, built on the same site as the headquarters of the notorious Sheriff. Once a prison for outlaws, quarters for the guards, and storage house for beer, the mansion today houses a permanent collection of art, ceramics, metal ware, and glass. In addition to the Sherwood Foresters Regimental Museum and a children's art gallery, visitors can enjoy the display of costumes, props, and memorabilia from the movie. Throughout the year, artists from the UK and other countries exhibit their work, and historical performances such as the annual Shakespeare Festival and Robin Hood Pageant are held here on the grounds. Tourists can take an interesting guided tour far below the castle through the winding passageways past the Duke of Newcastle's wine cellar, while reliving the shocking stories of King David's Dungeon and Mortimer's Hole. Tours are free, except on weekends and bank holidays when prices are under $5 for adults and half price for children, and operate from Mon - Sat, at 11 am, 2, & 3 pm, with Sunday tours during the summer at 12 Noon, 1, 2, & 3 pm. (Hours & prices may vary.) A narrated video is also available for those who prefer watching this to descending 300 steps to the caverns below on the walking tour.

Just outside the castle, you can stroll through the old market square past the famous 7-foot statue of Robin Hood, which the townspeople refer to as the "world's largest garden gnome," and step into Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem pub, an inn dating back to 1189, where tales were told and ale was shared in the quaint atmosphere of medieval times. The Galleries of Justice Museum nearby provides visitors with a history of the crimes and shocking punishments that existed at the time, where conviction, trial, and hanging on the front steps of the old courthouse and gaol is portrayed through actors and audio. Admission is about $7 for adults, and the hours are from 10:30 am - 5 pm, 7 days a week. The exhibition "Robin Hood: The Legendary Outlaw Returns" is free. In keeping with the theme of Robin Hood, you might want to reserve a place at the Sheriff's Banquet in the Museum. For approximately $65 pp, you get a full 3-course meal, with unlimited beer or cider, or a bottle of wine, along with lively entertainment by wandering musicians and serving maids. The Museum has a café and a gift shop filled with games, books, and Robin Hood and Victorian items for sale.

The towering oaks of Sherwood Forest where Robin Hood and his Merry Men could hunt deer and safely hide from the sheriff is now a Nature Preserve open for all to enjoy. Here you'll find seating in the midst of the forest in the old wooden cart used in the movie and watch the film exhibition (until October 2010), which follows the legendary hero. If visiting in August, join the crowds at the annual Robin Hood Festival for real-life demonstrations of sword fighting and archery. Located just north of Edwinstowe Village, the 450 acres of Sherwood Park are free to visit, with only a small parking fee. The Major Oak hideout of Robin Hood fame still stands among over 900 oak trees as perhaps the most famous tree in England. Trails are well marked, and information is available at the Visitors Center, in addition to two shops and a restaurant.

Besides visiting Hathersage, where Little John was buried, and Will Scarlet's grave at Blidworth (previously mentioned in this blog), you can drive into Yorkshire and Loxley, the birthplace of Robin Hood, and see the Kirklees Estate where it is believed Robin Hood died. If you're interested in the other film locations of Robin Hood, Dovedale in Derbyshire may be on your list. This peaceful place of green meadows, grazing sheep, steep ravines, and the sparkling River Dove running through it was chosen for a fierce battle scene in the movie. After a few hours of walking or cycling through this beautiful area, end your day with a visit to the Green Man pub nearby, just as Russell Crowe did, to join the locals for a pint or two.

Of course, everyone is familiar with the bright Lincoln green of Robin Hood's attire, named after Lincolnshire where the cloth was produced. Travelers will want to visit this historic place, known for its beautiful cathedral and library of famous documents including the schoolbook of 1410, containing the first and only written rhyme still in existence about Robin Hood, "Robin Hood in Sherwood stood, hooded and hated, hosed and shod." This is on display in each year's exhibition along with a copy of King John's (his arch enemy) Magna Carta. Since the city is only 6 miles from Sherwood Forest, it is thought that Robin Hood "robbed from the rich" who lived in Lincolnshire, where he would have gone frequently to seek company and participate in archery and jousting contests.

Ridley Scott spared no expense in filming the spectacular scenes of Robin Hood from Nottingham and Sherwood Forest throughout the countryside of England and Wales to the gardens, lakes, and woodlands of Virginia Water in Surrey. An amazing replica of the Tower Of London, with its fascinating history of notable prisoners and gruesome executions, was created for the film, but travelers to London can visit the real tower beside the Thames for a look back at one of the most horrific of times.

For many, seeing the film may be quite enough, but no doubt some of us will be further inspired to visit the land and legend of Robin Hood.

Sharon L Slayton

See also Mancunian's old article on Nottingham and my recent travel plan for Oxford & Nottingham.

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Blood Ties: TV show set in Toronto

I'm just wondering if anyone here has seen a TV show called Blood Ties? My wife and I got season 1 for Christmas and finished the DVDs a couple of weeks ago. It's a detective / vampire / supernatural magic show set in Toronto.

I thought that was interesting because I can't think of any other TV show I've seen set in Toronto. Seems like 50% are in New York, and then you got a few in DC, Miami, Vegas, or out in California somewhere. Then you've got ones set somewhere that's either fictional or if it is actually a town it never seemed important enough to even wonder if it was real, much less try to visit. I'm thinking specifically of TrueBlood, another vampire TV series though without the detective angle. That one is set in Bon Temps Louisiana.

Anyhow I was thinking I might be bale to fly from Seoul to Toronto and then from Toronto to JFK. This way I get to see friends and family in New York but also see Toronto. I did find a site that seems to specialize in airline tickets for flights departing from Canada.

I was afraid that this might be an expensive idea but it seems that we're talking about a flight just under 2 hours and the price is not too scary. I found this one in August: $228.44 + $100.19 taxes = $328.63 per person.

That's real money but not enough to make me abandon the idea... Interestingly I only remember two blog entries that talk about Toronto, the shopping travel plan and a brief mention of a Nuit Blanche art show.

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Sherlock Holmes movie (or still literary?) tourism

Mancunian wrote about Sherlock Holmes inspired tourism over 3 years ago. With the movie coming out, I guess we'll see an increase in Sherlock Holmes tourism and England seems to be making sure of that with their marketing efforts. Here's a press release:

VisitBritain Invites The World To Enjoy An Adventure In Sherlock Holmes' Britain

Celebrating the release of "Sherlock Holmes," the new action-adventure mystery starring Robert Downey Jr. as the legendary detective, national tourism agency VisitBritain has joined forces with Warner Bros. Pictures to invite tourists to discover Sherlock Holmes' Britain - Past and Present - with a new campaign and online movie map, visitbritain.com/sherlockholmes and a free Great British Film Locations iPhone App. The campaign, showcasing locations with links to Sherlock Holmes and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, comes as the new film premieres in London this week. As part of the partnership, VisitBritain will be working with the film's media and promotional partners globally to award Sherlock Holmes-themed trips to Britain that will include a stay at a luxurious Radisson Edwardian Hotel.

Guy Ritchie, the film's director, commented, "Sherlock Holmes is an iconic British character and bringing our story to life on the streets of London, Liverpool and Manchester was part of the fun of making this film. Given the 150th anniversary of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's birth this year, I'm excited to unleash our version of Sherlock Holmes to audiences in the UK and around the world."

Sherlock Holmes opens in cinemas from 25th December. Sherlock Holmes was filmed on location in London, Liverpool and Manchester with scenes shot at St Paul's Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament, Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, Manchester town hall, Liverpool Docks at Chatham Historic Dockyard in Kent.

Actor Robert Downey Jr added, "Sherlock Holmes has great pride in being English. London is an incredibly fascinating city and the centre of the world at the time our film takes place. Holmes knows every inch of it and feels it's his city. It was great fun filming throughout Britain."

The website features footage from the film, locations from the film and from across Britain linked to the great detective - including the Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221B Baker Street in London. Itineraries to London, Liverpool, Manchester and Edinburgh will help tourists enjoy a short break in Britain with a Sherlock Holmes theme.

VisitBritain's marketing director, Laurence Bresh says: "Today, VisitBritain increasingly uses the UK's world-renowned film and literary heritage - as well as music, fashion and culture - to raise awareness of the appeals of Britain and its destinations. Sherlock Holmes is known around the world as one of Britain's most iconic characters. Our partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures is a great way of helping people discover the secrets of our destinations and entice them into having a fantastic adventure here."

VisitBritain is raising awareness of the new film and Britain's popularity as a 'set-jetting' destination with limited edition Oyster card wallets, VisitBritain is raising awareness of the new film and Britain's popularity as a 'set-jetting' destination as international travel buyers arrive in London for the annual World Travel Market at ExCeL. The film's branding will also appear on limited edition Oyster card wallets distributed by VisitBritain throughout December and January from the Britain and London Visitor Centre and globally via visitbritaindirect.com. The campaign is supported by Radisson Edwardian Hotels, Visit London, Marketing Manchester and The Mersey Partnership.

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Angels and Demons / BA and AA Alliance?

No doubt the long awaited movie Angels and Demons will generate increased interest in traveling to Rome this summer. The movie, which opened in the US and around the world a few days ago, is a sequel to The Da Vinci Code and is set almost entirely in Rome. Tom Hanks reprises his role as Robert Langdon, a symbologist (is that a real profession?) who races around Rome in an affort to solve clues and thwart a diabolical plot directed against Vatican City (Still officially the world's smallest country, despite other contenders).

Several Rome based tour operators are already offering Angels and Demons themed walking tours of Rome, taking in such landmarks as the bustling Piazza Navona, the Castel Sant'Angelo and of course, St. Peter's Square itself. And some Rome hotels are also offering themed packages; the Westin Excelsior Rome, as well as the more famous (and more expensive) Hotel Hassler at the top of the Spanish Steps.

Although much of the movie was filmed in Rome, the Vatican doesn't allow filming in their country, so the production crew constructed a huge model of the façade of St. Peter's Cathedral for some of the exterior shots. I have been to Rome, although it was about 25 years ago (during my backpacking days!) and I'm sure that watching the film will just make me want to go again.

Speaking of evil and diabolical plots, American Airlines and British Airways are once again trying to merge to create one huge airline. The two airlines currently codeshare as well as allow frequent flyer travel on each other' flights. The last attempt by BA and AA to merge was back in 2002; the plan failed due to concern to access to slots at London's Heathrow Airport. Richard Branson, the chairman of Virgin Atlantic recently opposed the idea, saying that he could not guarantee his airline's survival if that happened. I personally don't think the merge would be a good idea; it seems as though it would just be too much of a monopoly with transatlantic flights. And what about all the words that are spelt differently in the US and the UK (color, colour, etc) - just how much confusion would that cause?

Guest entry by Mancunian

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Mexico, Canada, Hawaii

This article recommends a few Mexico family vacations. They have the usual resorts but also some more interesting ideas like jet boat tours along the Puerto Marques Lagoon "down the river where early Tarzan films were shot". I imagine kids would enjoy that kind of movie tourism.

North of the US, this article talks about Canada. Seems like Canada's image is changing to a cooler, more adventurous vacation destination:

The Calgary Stampede, the Montreal International Jazz Festival and the Ford World Men's Curling Championships are all listed as particularly outstanding activities. The book suggests trying out eco-tourist destinations in Churchill, Man., to see polar bears up close or to kayak down the rapid-filled Slave River in the Northwest Territories.

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Movie tourism with an Indiana Jones theme

It may be dorky, but I am a big Indiana Jones fan. I still use the opening scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark to work with my ESL students on active and passive voice (they describe what Indy does and what happens to him).

So anyway, this Kayak blog on Indiana Jones movie tourism obviously caught my attention. They mention some destinations Indiana Jones fans might appreciate a little bit extra:

Egypt - day trips from Cairo, the Egyptian museum, and ruins.

Jordan - the ‘Canyon of the Crescent Moon,’ the purported resting place of the Holy Grail was set in Petra (which hopefully some readers will remember).

Sri Lanka - apparently Temple of Doom was set in India but filmed here.

Nepal - great for trekking (we have a few blog entries about Nepal - I think this is the oldest).

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What books / movies have inspired you to travel?

Now that I think about it most of the movies that inspired me to travel have made we want to go places I haven't been yet.

Before Sunrise really showed some wonderful shots of Vienna. I haven't been there yet, but it has been very high on my list ever since I saw that movie. The sequel, however, Before Sunset wasn't nearly as inspiring for me even though it was set in Paris.

When I was in college I read Jack Kerouac's On the Road which inspired me to travel without a plan (funny considering the name of my blog here but hey now I'm old and like to plan stuff) and I did actually go on a 3-week roadtrip with a friend where our goal was to get to the youth hostel in Orlando. We didn't know it would take 3 weeks to get there but we definitely had fun on the way.

More recently, my wife and I saw Elizabethtown and now we really want to take a road trip - we did drive from New York to Algonquin Park to Ottawa and back but somehow that didn't seem like a real road trip - maybe because it was too scripted.

So what movies have inspired you?

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Hostel rooms in converted prisons

Does anyone here know the TV show, Redemption Hill. I've never seen it, but I learned about it by accident and was surprised to see it is closely related to travel.

Apparently it was filmed in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand at Napier Prison. Apparently travelers can spend the night there: "Accommodation includes converted cells (double rooms with loo and sink), comfortable dormitories, share rooms and original cells for the 'real experience'."

Thinking that some people might enjoy the prison experience without actually getting convicted of a crime I found a few other hostel / prisons:

Langholmens Vandrarhem STF/HI, Stockholm, Sweden

Renovated 1840's prison cells in central Stockholm, 500 meters from the subway. This used to be Sweden’s largest prison. The cafeteria is open 24 hours a day. Rates are cheaper if you are a Hostelling International member.

Jailhouse Accommodation, Christchurch, New Zealand

The old Addington Prison is not really in the city center, but the staff gets good reviews. Some people said that their room (cell?) was kind of loud...

Hostel Celica in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Lonely Planet says this is the hippest hostel in the world. It's in a good location in the center of Ljubljana, near the main station.

Hi-Ottawa Jail Hostel, Ottawa, Canada

Promises a realistic prison experience. They also play up the haunted theme with tours of the prison and its ghost stories.

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The Bucket List

One of our readers, Jill, found this article on The Bucket List, a movie in which Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman play cancer patients who end up traveling together.

According tot he article, if you and a partner were to imitate the trip it would cost the two of you $105,730. That includes $54,320 for 14 days on a private jet, $249 each for skydiving, $1,448 to $1,616 each for a night in Chateau de la Chevre d'Or, Eze, France, $10,465 per person for a safari, $1,299 each for China, $4,795 per person (first class) or $6,795 per person (deluxe) for India, $2,695 per person for Nepal, and $4,335 per person each for Egypt.

Now these are very expensive options. You could go to any of these places for a lot less (though the China price doesn't seem too bad because it includes airfare).

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Botswana to benefit from movie tourism?

Here's an article on Oscar-winning director Anthony Minghella, famous for The English Patient, filming in Botswana. The project is a film version of The Number 1 Ladies' Detective Agency which is Alexander McCall Smith's best-selling novel.

The film should show us Gaborone, Botswana's laidback capital as well as Makgadikgadi Pans - huge salt flats in northern Botswana.

Botswana is known for spectacular wildlife, but certainly not for movie tourism.

Publicist Joey Sapieka said that visitors will be able to visit to the actual set after an agreement to keep it intact for the next decade.

"We have secured a 10-year license, which is also renewable, so people who watched the movie or read the book would still be able to tour the set for years to come," he said.

Botswana Makgadikgadi Pans (not English)

Botswana- Streets of Gaborone

Safari Zambia & Botswana

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Gettysburg Civil War Tourism in Pennsylvania

So I got an email from someone who read this old PA with kids travel plan, and had a slightly different plan. He asked for some advice specifically about Gettysburg, PA:

I was thinking of taking US 15 into Hershey PA this summer and saw it goes through Gettysburg. Is it worth a stop? I'm into all that history stuff but I'm not sure the wife and kids are...

Anyway, here's he plan: Gettysburg, Hershey, Dorney park, 4th of July BBQ and whitewater on the Lehigh. Good times. Didn't realized I'd be passing Gettysburg, so thats a bonus. Screw em! We're stopping. What should we do at Gettysburg?

1. Expect a lot of walking in nature since the land has been preserved. You can also do a car tour where you drive from point to point and listen to the tour guide tell you stuff but you are still just looking at some very nice landscape. If you kids like to play, take them to devels den at the base of litte roundtop, it's a giant rockmaze your kids can climb through.

Watching Gettysburg the movie first with the family could make the trip more meaningful. It is truly a solemn, goose bumpy kind of place. Beautiful and so quiet.

2. There are certified battlefield tour guides for hire at the visitor center. I highly recommend that you hire one. Your wife and kids will then understand a little better what happened there.

3. I have gone several times. Had the kids watch Gettysburg with me their first time...so they were thrilled to be where the 207 Maine charged down the hill...and at sundown we walked the route of Pickets charge together across the field, over the Emmittsburg Road fences and to the same Angle you see in the movie. You can even recreate Picketts charge if you like and realize exactly why it didn't work.

Almost no amenities for good food, or clean bathrooms, but the 'burg is an excellent place to go for the history. Rte 15 could not be an easier drive. The tour guides are great. The town a chotchke infested tourist trap.

4. Rent the audio / car tour... be prepared with water and a lunch. its an all day affair... there are a lot of ghosts there.. be respectful to the fallen. also hit the "Electric Map" place.. will give you a good overview of the battle... climb Little Round Top, walk through the Wheat Field, Devils Den, and go to the "High water mark of the Confederacy".. humbling place.

5. Every July 3rd our reenacting unit traces the steps of the 8th Virginia during Pickett's Charge. We start off from Seminary Ridge with full flags and battle gear, no musketts because the park won't allow it. It's an exhausting and sorrowful experience. By the time we get to the point where the 8th Virginia reached Cemmetary Ridge we are exhausted. You realize that even those Confederate soldiers that did make it to Cemmetary Ridge were probably exhausted by the time they got there.

A separate reenactment is scheduled for the weekend right after the 4th of July. It doesn't take place on the battlefield but at a local farm near by. You might find it interesting if you have never seen one. The reenactment has gone down hill over the years and a lot of reenactors like myself avoid this event which we call Goofysburg because of poor treatment by the organizers.

6. If you have time you may want to visit the Civil War Museum in Harrisburg. It is a few years old and gives you a first hand look at equipment and the military. Harrisburg was the big staging center for the Union when the trains came from the north. I could never imagine the march they had because there was only one train to Gettysburg for the troops.

The South came within the distance of the Susquehanna at Camp Hill of raiding Harrisburg, about 2-3 miles. The day they planned to go over the river was the day Lee called for the invasion of Gettysburg.

7. I love Gettysburg. I find it fascinating. Not sure how kids will react. Depending on how old they are, rent Gettysburg the film (based on The Killer Angels") and maybe that will get them psyched. Then go, hire a tourguide or do the driving tour (buy the CD or tape in the giftshop and drive it). You can do the cyclotron (360 degree painting) while you're there. Richard Dryfus narrates it, and they light up different parts of this massive painting. Kinda cool for setting the stage.

When you're at Little Roundtop, there's a good story I heard. When Chamberlain was Gov. of Maine after the war, he got a letter from an anonymous reb soldier who said he was on the hill that day. He had Chamberlain lined up, but for some reason couldn't pull the trigger. He cursed himself and lined it up again, but again didn't pull the trigger. He said he was now glad he didn't pull the trigger, but he wanted him to know: he had him!

Chamberlain was an amazing American. Wounded by bullet fire six times in the war. He served to the end, became Governor of Maine and later Professor and the President of Bowdoin College. What a life!

There's a nice campground nearby. I like to go camping there and then do the park.

Well that's what I was able to gather - would you like to share your Gettysburg experiences or travel tips?

Posted by James Trotta at 5:50 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

Harry Potter theme park, Charles Dickens theme park, religious theme parks, and your ideas

If you have been to Disney World, Universal Studios and Disneyland and are looking for something a little bit different, some interesting new theme parks have been in the news recently.

A theme park called the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open in 2009 at the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida. The 20 acre park will feature rides and attractions based on the films, rather than the books and initial designs have apparently been approved by JK Rowling, the author of the hugely successful books.

I can imagine a Harry Potter theme park being successful – the books have sold an estimated 325 million copies around the world, and the movies have earned more than $3.5 billion at the cinema.

But I’m not so sure about this next park. A theme park that’s just opened in the UK is based on the novels of one of England’s most famous authors – Charles Dickens. Dickens wrote mostly about squalor, poverty and hardship in Victorian England – subjects that perhaps don’t immediately seem to lend themselves to a theme park.

But Dickens World, built at a cost of around $120 million, on a disused dock close to the town of Chatham, is expected to attract 300,000 visitors a year. The attractions at the park include a recreated jail, a schoolhouse and Ebenezer Scrooge’s haunted house. But the biggest attraction promises to be a boat ride through a recreation of the London sewers.

Religion doesn’t seem to be an obvious subject for a theme park, either. But plans have just been announced for a 25 acre theme park in Northern India, which will "recreate great moments in Hindu mythology" with a mixture of rides, museums, shows and other features. Vietnam already has a Buddhist themed park which, rather ambitiously I think, offers a recreation of heaven on earth as one of its attractions.

Religious theme parks are nothing new – Florida already boasts the Holy Land Experience and several other religious themed parks are being planned or have just opened. In Tennessee, Bible Park USA is in the works, costing $200 million and another religious theme park is proposed for Mesquite, Nevada – some 80 miles from Las Vegas.

A $27 million “Creation” museum opened in May 2007 near Cincinnati, telling the story of creation from the Biblical viewpoint, as opposed to a scientific one. Not surprisingly, the museum attracted thousands of protesters outside its gates – almost as many as the 4000 visitors who went inside on opening day.

I had no idea there were so many theme parks until I started to research this article. Personally speaking, I would be interested in seeing a James Bond themed park. Does anyone else have any other offbeat ideas for theme parks? Or has anyone visited an unusual one?

Guest entry by Mancunian

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Pirates of the Caribbean movie tourism

A recent Kayak.com newsletter recommended some spots in the Caribbean for pirate fans:

Port Royal, in Kingston Jamaica: a setting for the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy that has some real pirate history including St. Peter's Church, Fort Charles, Gallows Point (where pirates were hung), Grogge Shop (where you drink), and Montego Bay (for a Calico Pirates Cruise).

Pirates of the Caribbean II and III were filmed in the Bahamas. Tourists can take a 25-minute boat ride to Blackbeard's Cay, visit the "slightly cheesy but very entertaining Pirates of Nassau Museum", and see Fort Charlotte's underground passages and dungeons.

St. Lucia has the Brig Unicorn, an authentic 140-foot replica of an 18th century ship which was featured in The Curse of the Black Pearl.

Dominica has Shipwreck Cove and a cruise up Pantano River where the Black Pearl anchored.

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Whitewater rafting: Chattooga River and Deliverance movie tourism + Ocoee olympic rafting + more US rivers

The Chattooga River was in the movie Deliverance. Its lesser claim to fame was being the Chattooga was being the first river in the Southeast to be designated "Wild & Scenic" by Congress. The Chattooga is wild and beautiful - as you raft, the Sumter and Chattahoochee National Forests provide a great setting for your whitewater experience.

Cherokee National Forest has several whitewater rivers including the Nolichucky, the French Broad, the Tellico, the Conasauga, and the Hiwassee. However, the most famous is the Ocoee River, where the 1996 Olympic Canoe and Kayak Slalom events were held. Start at the Ocoee Whitewater Center.

Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River from Buena Vista, CO to Salida, CO is another nice run. Expect a full day trip with a lunch stop included. Some of the best water in the country, when the levels are right. The flows usually peak between the 1st and 3rd week of June Its a definite fun day, the most popular commercially run river in the United States.

I have some friends who are doing the Lehigh in PA for the 2nd time this summer. Last time they stopped halfway down in the mountains for a big BBQ picnic, then kept going. It was great. In the spring and fall they do a release on the Lehigh and you can get class 4 and 5 rapids. The various operations only bring out the 10 man rafts for such events. During the summer, you probably go on the 6 person rafts.

I have another friend who recommends the Nolichucky River near Erwin, Tennessee. The Nolichucky is a clean river that winds through North Carolina and Tennessee. There is a variety of whitewater rapids that cut their way through an awesome gorge.

Not far from Erwin, TN is Nantahala Gorge near Bryson City in the NC Smokies. It is good for beginners with a #3 rated difficulty. The water trip takes about 2 hours in a raft. It's a great introduction to whitewater rafting. It's said to be the most popular River in the Southeast - no surprise considering the beauty of Nantahala National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Happy Easter everyone! If you're looking for some conversation ideas while you spend time with the family, ask them about a rafting trip one spring or summer weekend. It could be a nice family outing.

Posted by James Trotta at 2:51 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

Visiting cities from Constellation and Elizabethtown: road trip!

When I wrote about the Elizabethtown-style road trip, I mentioned that my wife and I are seriously considering a roadtrip of our own. We've started to plan things out some including a few ideas from the movie like Elizabethtown & Louisville, KY plus Memphis, Tennessee. But I didn’t mention exactly how I'd get from New York down to Memphis or what I'd do after. Well, I've looked at a few maps and I came up with this. I tried to keep the drives reasonable - I'm not as young as I used to be driving 18 hours straight no longer appeals. Anyway, here are the cities in order and the approximate times from one city to the next:

New York
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (3 hours)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (3 1/4 hours)
Charleston, West Virginia (4 hours)
Louisville, KY (50 minutes)
Elizabethtown, KY (2 1/4 hours)
Nashville, Tennessee (2 hour drive)
Memphis, Tennessee (the link is an old blog about free things to do there - 3 hours to next city)
Huntsville, Alabama (the link is about tourism and the movie Constellation - 4 hours to next city)
Knoxville, Tennessee (6 hours) - Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Richmond, Virginia (2.5 hours)
Baltimore, Maryland (1 3/4 hours)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
New York (home)

Now there may be some great things to see that I don't know about so if I'm driving right by something cool, please leave a comment and let me know.

In the future I'll try to give you a more detailed idea of what we plan to do in each city. To be honest, some of these cities I chose because I recognized the name and they seemed to be in the right place when I looked at the map so I'm not exactly sure what I'll be doing in each city...

Posted by James Trotta at 4:22 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Casino Royale travel contest

Here's a travel contest aimed at promoting Casino Royale (I talked about Italian Casino Royale movie tourism a while back). It only takes a minute to enter and the prize sounds pretty cool:

One (1) Grand Prize Winner and guest will enjoy a 7 night trip valued at over $150,000 for two adults at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas. You'll stay at The Bridge Suite, the world famous $25,000 a night, 4800 square feet suite. In your suite, a 007 welcome arrival briefcase will be waiting, containing a trip dossier. A staff of butlers and personal concierge will be available.

Posted by James Trotta at 10:34 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Romance on the beach vacations

A couple of Filipino film stars I' had never heard of apparently shot a romantic scene in a resort called Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel(in Lian, Batangas). This article reads more like an advertisement but maybe the resort really does deserve all this praise.

The love between Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion may have faded, and the footprints they laid on the sun-kissed sands of Batangas may have long been washed out by the ocean, but the resort wherein they shot their romantic chase scene for the movie P.S. I Love You is still alive and kicking.

Don't go looking for luck though; apparently Cuneta and Concepcion had a very short marriage...

Speaking of romance and luck, if having a baby sounds lucky to you then you might be interested in a procreation vacation. This article will tell you about the "Stork Getaway Package" and a few other ideas.

If you're a babymoon critic like a commenter on this old entry about romantic vacations including babymoons, then maybe you can still enjoy the romance part without the procreation part.

Posted by James Trotta at 5:20 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Huntsville, Alabama: Constellation movie tourism

Constellation was filmed in Huntsville, Alabama. Now Huntsville plans to cash in on movie tourism by providing "self-guided 'Constellation Tour' maps that point visitors to sites that are shown in the movie". According to this article, Huntsville has more to offer tourists than just a few movie locations.

Chief among these is the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. It sounds pretty cool, with flight simulators that I guess people can experience. There's the Space Shot, a kind of ride that "rockets" you 140 feet into the air with four Gs. And then there's a roller coaster with Martians listening to country music - I guess you have to experience that one before you can grok it.

Alabama artist John Moore's mural was in Constellation and you can see it in EarlyWorks museum where you can also try on old costumes and blow up coal mines (simulations I hope).

This local article lists a few more places in Huntsville that were in the movie: "EarlyWorks Children's Museum, Huntsville Museum of Art, North Alabama Railroad Museum, State Black Archives and Museum, U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Melvin's BBQ, Humphrey's Bar & Grill, The Chop House and Glenwood Cemetery."

Digression: That last one, Glenwood Cemetery reminds me of what I wrote a few days ago when I blogged about Central Cemetery in Vienna, Austria. I said most people don't think of putting cemeteries on their travel itineraries, but here's another one. And then there's Pere Lachaise in Paris, a cemetery so cheerful that workers from nearby business go there for lunch.

Anyway, regarding Huntsville. The official Huntsville website has useful information for tourists. You can get discount coupons, sign up for good airfares delivered to you via email, create a travel itinerary online, find nearby golf courses, etc.

To me, Huntsville sounds good. There's stuff to do but it's not likely to be overly crowded with tourists. I don't know how hot it gets down there in the summer, but I'm definitely thinking that if I can't get to Europe (remember the airfares I was writing about a couple of days ago?) I might do a US city like Miami or Chicago and then something smaller, like Huntsville.

Posted by James Trotta at 11:49 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

Boston trying to become more of a movie tourism destination

Here's an interesting article (though I found it when it was over a month old) about how cities are trying to attract tourism dollars by offering tours of movie scenes. Boston, for example, is getting in on the act:

Pop quiz: Name a movie or TV show shot or set in Boston. "Ah ... 'Mystic River'?" answers Matt Lambek of Cambridge, Mass., settling into his seat before a showing of "The Departed," the new Martin Scorsese juggernaut partially filmed here. " 'Good Will Hunting,' " adds his date, Alex Wenger.

Other movie patrons round up the usual suspects: "Boston Legal," "Ally McBeal," and that stranded-in- syndication favorite, "Cheers."

"You can argue that 'Lord of the Rings' was the best unpaid advertisement that New Zealand has ever had," remarks Bruce Lahood, US and Canada regional manager for Tourism New Zealand. "In the last decade New Zealand has been the most successful country to benefit from movie tourism. We've been looked at and case-studied from many angles."

Posted by James Trotta at 11:26 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Movie tourism in Italy: Casino Royale, Star Wars, and more

Here's an interesting blog entry on an Italian vacation that involved lots of movie-related attractions. I'm not talking about the famous places in Rome, but I am talking about places like Villa Balbianello on Lake Como (scenes in the upcoming Casino Royale were shot there). And places like Reggia Caserta where palace grounds, the waterfall, and buildings were used for the coronation scene in Star Wars: Episode One (computer modifications changed the look quite a bit apparently).

Anyway, for some interesting movie tourism ideas in Italy, follow the link above.

Posted by James Trotta at 12:22 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

Movie themed tours

Here's an interesting article on tours that are designed for fans of a certain movie or TV show. Called movie vacation packages, the article mentions Harry Potter themed vacations, Pirates of the Caribbean tours, The Da Vinci Code scavenger hunt vacations, Pride and Prejudice tours, Sideways tours (wineries near Santa Barbara from the movie), Sex and the City lecture tours in new York, and other types of themed travel.

Of course not all themed travel has a movie theme. From farm tours in Iowa to California's old gold mines and ghost towns, there are tons of niche travel experiences waiting for us.

Posted by James Trotta at 12:56 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack