Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the modern Capital of Israel. Jerusalem is one of the most extraordinary cities in the world, presenting a unique combination of ancient history, spiritual sanctity and colorful cultures. Only a few cities inspire as much as Jerusalem.

King David Established Jerusalem 3000 years ago, Jerusalem is a fascinating city of many contrasts and diversities. It is a city where old and new, holy and secular, pure nature and beautiful architecture mix into magical harmony of smells.

Jerusalem is the Holy ciy to the world’s three main religions Jewish, Christian and Muslim. Jerusalem is a captivating city, whose visitors are left touched and inspired by the shining glow of its religious shrines, picturesque scenery and magnificent golden limestone. It is also the Capital of Israel, home to the Israeli parliament (Knesset), the President’s Residence and the government offices.

A visit to Jerusalem, known as the “City of Gold”, is indeed an unforgettable experience.

Greek

Mykonos (Greek: Μύκονος) is a Greek island, part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. The island spans an area of 85.5 km2 (33 sq mi) and rises to an elevation of 341 m (1,119 ft) at its highest point. There are 9,320 inhabitants (2001) most of whom live in the largest town, Mykonos, also known as Chora (i.e. the Town in Greek, a common denomination in Greece when the name of the island itself is the same as the name of the principal town), which lies on the west coast.

Mykonos is world famous for its beautiful golden sandy beaches and transparent waters. There is a beach for every taste and mood. Nudists, round-the-clock party people, families and those seeking a break from the madness of Mykonos will all be able to find a beach that fits their taste.
The beaches on the south shore of the island have the best sand, view and are protected from the Meltemi, the local Cycladic wind. Keep in mind that most people begin to arrive in the early afternoon, and you can avoid the worst of the crowds by going in the morning. The north coast beaches are less developed but just as beautiful. They are less organized and crowded and most suitable for those in search of a bit of calm.

Mykonos Beaches

Megali Ammos Beach: The closest beach to Chora, reachable by a 15 min walk, ideal for those who only have a few hours to spend.

Psarou Beach: Situated within walking distance and just to the right of the Plati Gialos bus terminus. A fully organised beach, offers glamour and prestige. It’s the place to see and to be seen. Nammos the beach restaurant offers the same glamour and prestige as long as you are willing to pay the price. In high season you might have bribe your way to gain access to your spot on the beach.

Platis Gialos Beach: About 4 km from Mykonos town, a very popular beach on the south side. It is also one of the longest on Mykonos. It was once a family beach, but nowadays it’s becoming more cosmopolitan. From here one may hire a small boat to visit other beaches like Paradise, Super Paradise etc. That was the only way to visit those beaches before roads were built. Good connection by bus with Mykonos town, till very late at night.

Paranga Beach: One of the smallest beaches, a combination of two sandy beaches separated by a headland. Although organised, it has a new-age feel about it, with fine sand and huge rocks juxtaposed with blue water. In the spring time it reminds you of the old days, but in the summer it’s crowded with Italians.It can be reached by bus or by a 15 minute walk from Platis Gialos. 

Ireland

I first visited Ireland in 1975, when it was a poor country disconnected from the modern world. You may be surprised to find that today, it’s one of the wealthiest nations on earth! (or, at least, it was until the current recession hit)

I hope the facts about Ireland and articles here will show you lots of subtle ways that Irish culture stays strong, even if it’s hidden a beneath the surface more than it once was. Along the way, you won’t find flying shamrocks and dancing leprechauns here. Irish culture is more surprising – and more fun - when you look past the kitsch imagery.

Covering What's Fun & Interesting About Ireland

I look for short, offbeat news pieces about Ireland and also do full-length articles about Irish culture. Travel stories are also included here -- mainly personal accounts of less-known destinations to visit in Ireland.

What helps make the site special is all the help I get on it from Irish experts. I’ve gotten the inside story on the best Celtic music by meeting and talking to John Doyle, one of the greatest guitarists ever to come out of Ireland, explored golf courses nobody knows about in Ireland like Carne with a friend who’s one of the best golf tour operators in the world, and run an article about the great “gourmet farms” in West Cork, by another friend who does culinary TV shows in Ireland.

I've compiled all my best Ireland material into a book - if you sign up on the right of this page I'll send you some samples of the most enjoyable content over the next few weeks. I promise not to send you spam if you sign up, and I absolutely never sell or give e-mail addresses to anyone – ever. 

Good Craic

When I first went to my grandfather's hometown in County Kerry back in the 1970's, I got hooked on the country. Thirty two years later, Irish culture shows no signs of fading out as far as I can see. As they say, “the Craic is mighty.”

Get Sidetracked Into Ireland!

Whenever you're on your way to do one thing in Ireland, you always get sidetracked into something else – and wind up having a bigger adventure than you were planning in the first place. I hope this site helps YOU get sidetracked into the sense of humor of the Irish people, as well as the history and delightful chaos of the place. 

Saint Basil’s Cathedral – Moscow – Russia

The Cathedral of the Protection of Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat (Russian: Собор Покрова пресвятой Богородицы, что на Рву), popularly known as Saint Basil’s Cathedral (Russian: Собор Василия Блаженного), is a Russian Orthodox church erected on the Red Square in Moscow in 1555–61. Built on the order of Ivan IV of Russia to commemorate the capture of Kazan and Astrakhan, it marks the geometric center of the city and the hub of its growth since the 14th century. It was the tallest building in Moscow until the completion of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower in 1600.

The original building, known as “Trinity Church” and later “Trinity Cathedral”, contained eight side churches arranged around the ninth, central church of Intercession; the tenth church was erected in 1588 over the grave of venerated local saint Vasily (Basil). In the 16th and the 17th centuries the church, perceived as the earthly symbol of the Heavenly City, was popularly known as the “Jerusalem” and served as an allegory of the Jerusalem Temple in the annual Palm Sunday parade attended by the Patriarch of Moscow and the tsar.

The building’s design, shaped as a flame of a bonfire rising into the sky, has no analogues in Russian

architecture: “It is like no other Russian building. Nothing similar can be found in the entire millennium of 

Byzantine tradition from the fifth to fifteenth century … a strangeness that astonishes by its unexpectedness, 

complexity and dazzling interleaving of the manifold details of its design.” The cathedral foreshadowed the climax 

of Russian national architecture in the 17th century.