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Top Romantic Vacations in Canada

Saturday, January 16th, 2010

Though Canada is known for its large share of deep winter freeze, it is also among the most popular places with spectacular natural vistas. It is also one of the most sought after honeymoon destinations, because of the sensual delight associated with cities such as Quebec City, Vancouver, and Niagara Falls.
Those who assume that Canada is just another version of the USA, are greatly mistaken. The country’s wild northern frontier has successfully etched itself into the national psyche. Its distinct patchwork comprising different people has shaped a country that is decidedly distinguishing from its neighbor.
Canada’s three-dimensional character edging between the nation’s indigenous tradition, and that of a mix of British and French traditions, make it both remarkable and complex. This, together with a plethora of traditions brought by the migrants and by the continuous infusion of US culture, make up for the nation’s multicultural society.
Romantic Vacation in Quebec City
Quebec City offers a blend of aristocracy and the charm of Montreal, and is easily accessible from Montreal. Visitors can travel to Quebec City either by road (takes two hours and a half) or take a plane or train, all of which are comfortable. This city with its backdrop a distinct European charm, makes the perfect setting for a romantic interlude in the winter, lighting or rekindling the flames of love in hearts.
In Quebec City, you can spend the day exploring boutiques and shops, riding the romantic calèche (a horsedrawn carriage) through the old Quebec City, relaxing in a spa, strolling hand-in-hand with your loved one through the streets admiring the gracious old buildings and forts. Take up to any activity, the aura of the city is such, that there is got to be romance everywhere.
During your visit to Quebec City, you have to savor its dining experience that is amongst the finest in North America. The intimate tête-à-tête with your beloved will surely set the mood for love. If you enjoy crafts and art, you will be delighted to know that the city often takes up to hosting cultural shows, exhibitions, as well as performances by musicians and dance troupes. Whichever time of the year you visit Quebec City, you will have something to enjoy.
Romantic Vacation in Vancouver
Vancouver with its fresh ocean air, green mountains, variety of eateries and accommodation facilities, and abundant recreation is simply great for romantic vacations. The most unique aspect of Vancouver is its location, surrounded by spectacular natural beauty. Besides breathtaking sceneries, the city offers great sports such as golfing, hiking, skiing, and sailing to its visitors. One can drive down to Whistler easily, within an hour and a half, and a ferry to Victoria takes only a 30 km trip southwards. There is plenty to enjoy in beautiful and romantic Vancouver.
Romantic Getaway to Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is renowned as the honeymoon capital of the world with its dramatic views and scenic tunnels. The first thing to do on a romantic Niagara Falls getaway is to focus on the falls themselves. This is where the romance and magic lives. It is not possible to describe the feeling of wonder that comes over you when standing on the “Maid of the Mist” boat and seeing all that water cascading over the falls, and no there is better way of seeing it than with the person you love. It truly is an unforgettable experience and romantic way to start your getaway.
Apart from the great natural wonder of the falls, the Niagara area also has tons of restaurants and hotels. There are shows and casinos to keep you busy not to mention lots of scenic trails and even day trips where you can visit some of Ontario’s major wine regions. Close by is the beautiful quaint town of Niagara on the Lake. If you still need more to do, there is always the IMAX theatre where you will be hanging onto your seat, and a host of additional museums and Niagara Falls exhibits to meander through.

Top 25 Most Visited Tourist Destinations in America

Sunday, January 3rd, 2010

Here is the list of top 25 most visited tourist destinations in America according to Forbes. The list includes the thundering falls of Niagara, it also features the harrowing water-chutes of Disneyland’s and Pirates of the Caribbean.Seven of the 25 attractions are amusement parks; Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, remains on top in the theme-park world. Tourists appreciate renowned art collections and sunny beaches in equal measure.Many foreign visitors are interested in seeing the natural scenic attractions like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Yellowstone National Parks.1. Times Square, New York City, N.YTimes Square, the most bustling square of New York, is known for its many Broadway theatres, cinemas and super signs.Times Square has all sorts of fun, exciting and informative tours to explore other parts of the city. You can Choose from walking, bike, bus, food, limo, TV, landmark, ethnic or water tours.Times Square Alliance estimates an average of more than 2,000 pedestrians traversing a block of 7th Avenue during a 15-minute weekday period.2. The Las Vegas Strip, NevadaLas Vegas is the most populous city in the state of Nevada, the seat of Clark County, and an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and entertainment.Enticing over 31 million visitors, about 80 percent of the city’s total (39.2 million) visitors, a year with its million-gigawatt smile and globetrotting attractions, Las Vegas Strip is more than glitz and gambling. – [Source: National Scenic Byways Program]3. National Mall and Memorial Parks, Washington, D.C.National Mall & Memorial Parks contains some of the oldest protected park lands in the National Park Service.Many of the nation’s iconic public landmarks are found in the 1,000-plus acres of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, including the Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson Memorials, and the Korean and Vietnam War Veterans Memorials.4. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, MAFaneuil Hall Marketplace, which gets 20 million visitors, encompasses four historic places in one location — Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market and South Market, all set around a quaint cobblestone promenade where jugglers, magicians and musicians entertain the visitors.There are more than 100 places to eat, shop and drink at this historic site.5. Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista, FLThe most popular of Disney’s Florida attractions saw a 2.5 percent increase [17.1 million] in visitation compared with 2006, according to the TEA/ERA Theme Park Attendance Report.How the Magic Kingdom has managed to maintain its charm and appeal over the years is a lesson in simplicity. It has stayed true to its original vision, a place where families could gather in a clean and safe environment to enjoy the time they spend together.6. Disneyland Park, Anaheim, CAWalt Disney’s original theme park features eight themed lands with classic Disney characters, favorite attractions, live entertainment, and parades.With nearly 15 million visitors last year, the original Disney park, had a record season according to the TEA/ERA.Currently the park has been visited by more than 515 million guests since it opened, including presidents, royalty and other heads of state.7. Fisherman’s Wharf/Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco, CAThe Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) is a U.S. National Recreation Area administered by the National Park Service that surrounds the San Francisco Bay area.The Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which includes the famous orange bridge along with numerous other spaces throughout the Bay Area, draws 14.3 million visitors annually.8. Niagara Falls, N.Y.The Falls, which straddle the U.S.-Canadian border, have been a tourist mecca since the mid-19th century. With statistics from the Niagara Falls Tourism Bureau and Niagara Falls Brige Commission, visitors are approximated at 12 million a year.9. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tenn./N.C.America’s most visited national park is neither the Grand Canyon nor Yosemite. The natural beauty and the four distinct seasons enjoyed in the GSMNP is unmatched!With more than 800 miles of protected trails, this natural wonder hosted nearly 10 million hikers, birders and drivers last year.10. Navy Pier, Chicago, ILOpened in 1916, this Chicago landmark on the shore of Lake Michigan has served as a campus and military training facility.With 8.6 million visitors, From rides to restaurants, exhibitions to entertainment, shopping to dining cruises and tour boats Navy Pier has it all – in a location unlike any other!11. Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Ariz./Nev.Thirty miles southeast of Las Vegas lies the U.S.’s largest man-made lake and reservoir, a recreational mecca for boaters, swimmers, fishermen and naturalists attracts 7.6 million.Lake Mead flooded a large area of desert, covering many canyons, several small villages and relics of ancient settlements.Some more views of Lake Mead.12. Universal Studios Orlando/Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando, FLLike its rival Disney, Universal houses what ERA’s Christian Aaen calls a “destination complex” in Orlando, where two theme parks, Universal Studios Orlando and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, vie for 6.2 million thrill-seeking tourists.13. SeaWorld Florida, Orlando, FLAttendance was up one percent from the previous year for this watery theme park-one of several Orlando sites on our list. The TEA/ERA puts SeaWorld’s 2007 attendance at 5.8 million.14. San Antonio River Walk, TexasThe Riverwalk is one of the most visited places in all of Texas and the greater San Antonio area has a world of fun and exciting things to do and see.The San Antonio River Walk (also known as Paseo del Río) is a network of walkways around the San Antonio River, linking several major attractions one story beneath downtown San Antonio, Texas. Lined by bars, shops and restaurants.The River Walk proclaims itself the “Number One entertainment destination in Texas,” with 5.1 million visitors a year.15. Temple Square, Salt Lake City, UTTemple Square is the most popular attraction in the state with five million annual visitors. This ten-acre block located in the middle of downtown Salt Lake City is Utah’s number one tourist attraction.The Mormon church’s headquarters are here, but Temple Square is more than just a destination for Latter Day Saints.16. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Penn./N.J.Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a beautiful part of the Appalachian Mountains with all kinds of outdoors recreation available.This park preserves 40 miles of the middle Delaware River and almost 70,000 acres of land along the river’s New Jersey and Pennsylvania shores.River-focused recreation is what draws nearly five million tourists to this Appalachian-ridge park on the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.17. Universal Studios, Hollywood, CAIts official marketing headline is “The Entertainment Capital of LA,” though during the summer it is often advertised as “The Coolest Place in LA.”Nearly five million star gazers and thrill seekers came last year to tour the sets of “Desperate Housewives,” “King Kong” and other Universal productions.18. Metropolitan Museum, New York, N.Y.Founded in 1870 (and moved to its current home in Central Park in 1880), the Met’s vast stores of art include more than two million works in its two-million-square-foot building.It has a permanent collection containing more than two million works of art, divided into nineteen curatorial departments. The museum is also home to encyclopedic collections of musical instruments, costumes and accessories, and antique weapons and armor from around the world.Four and a half million visitors came to peruse some of the world’s greatest art collections, from American and European to Egyptian and the newly refurbished Greek and Roman Galleries.19. Waikiki Beach, Oahu, HawaiiWaikiki Beach is a legendary tourist zone on the south shore of Oahu in Hawaii. This iconic Hawaiian tourist destination, on the edge of the Honolulu neighborhood that shares is name, offers splendid views of the volcanic cone, Diamond Head.With its droves of tourists, it also made Forbes Traveler’s list of over-hyped beaches. Upwards of 4.5 million sunbathers try to relax on its sands each year.20. Grand Canyon, AZThe canyon is the most famous natural attraction in the USA and possibly in the world. The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided gorge carved by the Colorado River in the U.S. state of Arizona.It is largely contained within the Grand Canyon National Park one of the first national parks in the United States. Tourists have arrived at a much quicker rate since the canyon achieved National Park status in 1919.A horseshoe-shaped glass Skywalk, opened in 2007, allows the nearly 4.5 million visitors a chance to experience vertigo.21. Busch Gardens Africa, Tampa Bay, FLBusch Gardens is the ultimate family adventure park offering an array of fascinating attractions based on exotic encounters with the African continent.This Africa-themed park, which houses over 2,700 animals alongside the usual array of rides, restaurants and shows, attracts 4.4 million every year.22. Cape Cod National Seashore, MACape Cod National Seashore is made up of a number of beautiful beaches. It is a land of parabolic sand dunes, 19th-century lighthouses, shipwrecks, pilgrims, and piping plovers.Sightseeing, trail and beach walking, swimming, historic building tours, fishing, and bicycling are all key activities that can be enjoyed here. The bicycle and hiking trails and sandy beaches enticed more than 4 million visitors last year.23. SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego, CASeaWorld San Diego is one of the world’s premier marine adventure parks with 200 acres of world-class shows, thrilling rides and unforgettable animal encounters.More than 4 million visitors explore the mysteries of the sea every year, with up-close animal interactions and exhilarating thrills.24. American Museum of Natural History, NYAmerican Museum of Natural History, which attract 4 million visitors, has been one of the world’s preeminent science and research institutions, renowned for its collections and exhibitions that illuminate millions of years of the earth’s evolution, from the birth of the planet through the present day.The AMNH’s 45 permanent exhibit halls contain a vast record of world history, from dinosaur fossils to the human genome.The 18-acre campus is located in Theodore Roosevelt Park on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and its popular overnight program gives eight-to-12-year-olds the thrill of “falling asleep in the darkened halls of one of the world’s most famous museums.”25. Atlantic City Boardwalk, New JerseyThe Boardwalk (immortalized in the Monopoly board game) runs along the beach for four miles, skirting past casinos, hotels and shops, and connects with the Garden Pier, home to the Atlantic City Historical Museum and the Atlantic City Art Center.Although boardwalks can be found around the world, they are especially common along the East Coast of the United States in North America, where they have many of the functions of a city street and are often tourist attractions themselves. It get 4 million visitors every year.

Mind your Manners: British Etiquette

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

Everyday Etiquette: Great Britain

Meeting People

In general the British prefer to be introduced to strangers, if at all possible wait for a third party introduction when meeting someone new.

Physical Greetings

Great Britain (especially England) is a non touching culture. When greeting someone a handshake accompanied by a “Pleased to meet you” is appropriate. When departing be sure to shake everyone’s hand, a general group wave as is often done in the United States is not looked on favorably.

Physical Space

The British value space between one another.

Eye Contact

Strong eye contact is not overly common among strangers and casual acquaintances, too much eye contact is considered and invasion of privacy. Eye contact is used when one really wants to make a point, when speaking with close friends, and when interest in a person or topic wants to be stressed.

Good Topics of Discussion

If all else fails mention the weather!

Bad Topics of Discussion

Politics, religion, and sex. Also the common American question “what do you do?” is considered rude and too personal.

Communication Style

The British are a big fan of the understatement; this is shown in their choice of words (“indeed”, “quite”), their volume (almost always quieter than other cultures) and body language (when first meeting facial expressions are kept to a minimum). Gestures are kept to a minimum and a polite self possessed manner is strived for.

Waiting in Line

Waiting in line (or queuing) is a never ending occurrence in the UK. You will find lines at every public facility, event, meet-up, etc. No matter how long the line is always go to the back and wait, and stay in line no matter how long it takes.

Walking

In the United Kingdom one walks on the left hand side and passes on the right.

Shopping

Customer service is not as “in your face” as it is in the United States. Generally a salesclerk will ignore you until eye contact is made signaling service is required.

When shopping at the grocery store be aware that if you touch the fruits or vegetables—you buy them.

Public Transportation

Always wait in line for a taxi, bus or train. When on the bus or train it is polite to give up your seat for the elderly, handicapped, pregnant women and parents with children.

When you board a taxi cab be sure to enter the cab from the opposite side of the driver and to sit in the back.

Tipping

Standard amounts are 10 to 15 percent. Services that are tipped are generally the same as those that are tipped for in the United States.

At a hotel bellmen are generally tipped 1 to 2 pounds per bag.

Appropriate Dress

Styles of dress are similar to those of the USA; however colors are often more muted (especially outside London).

Meal Time

Breakfast is typically from 7 to 9 AM.

A traditional “English Breakfast” is a large hearty meal consisting of: bacon, sausage (“bangers”) toast/croissants/muffins/scones, juice, fried potatoes, eggs, cereal and juice. Tea & coffee are also commonly taken.

A traditional “Irish Breakfast” is called a “fry up” and consists of fried eggs, bacon (boiled pork, the name for American style “bacon” is “rashers”) tomatoes, hot cereal, potatoes and juice.

Lunch is typically from 12 to 2 PM

Standard pub fare tend to make up Lunch—sandwiches, salads, etc.

High Tea & Regular Tea

Standard “Tea” is taken between 4 and 5 PM and consists of cakes, sweets, finger sandwiches and of course—tea.

Traditional High Tea is taken around 5 PM and is often a substitute for Dinner. High Tea includes all the fixings of a standard tea but includes a hot dish as well (pot pie, etc.)

Dinner is typically from 7-9 PM, with 8:00 being the traditional time. Formal dinners begin with an alcoholic drink followed by an appetizer.

Table Manners

The British do not switch their knife and fork as people do in the States. The fork remains in the left hand and the knife in the right hand.

Placing your utensils down on your plate signifies to wait staff that you are finished.

When not in use keep your hands in your lap and pass dishes to the left.

Who Pays?

In general the person who did the inviting is the person that pays.

Punctuality

It is very important to be on time.

English American English

Lift Elevator

Toilet/WC/Loo Restroom/Bathroom

Fortnight 2 weeks

To Knock Up To Wake Up

Surgery Doctor’s Office

Kiosk Telephone Booth

Tube Subway

Subway Underground Walkway

Pants Men’s Underwear

Trousers Pants

Napkin Diaper

Lorry Truck

Flat Apartment

Chips French Fries

Biscuit Cookie

To Ring To Call (on the telephone)

For more travel tips about Great Britain visit Glamour Getaways at http://www.glamourgetaways.com

Thessaloniki- Some European Flavor in your Vacation!

Monday, December 21st, 2009

WHERE

Thessaloniki is located on the northern part of the Greek mainland, in the gulf of Thermaikos which is a major port in imports and exports. The city was set up in 316 BC and is the capital of Macedonia and the second big city in Greece after Athens.

WHY GO

European culture combined with a variety of other cultures from the north and east, international events such as trade exhibitions and art displays , local festivals all year round, business and fun –extensive nightlife-all these blended together in the unique picturesque setting of Thermaikos gulf in the deep blue of the Aegean and the extensive historic places of interest in and out of the city.

WHEN TO GO

The best seasons to visit are spring, when it is sunny and warm and you can explore the area around the city as well, summer , when you can swim at magic sandy beaches within easy reach of the city, and fall, when international exhibitions take place. In winter months it is cold –sometimes below zero- but it is sunny most of the time.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

By air

There are direct flights from the UK and other European countries and regular connections from the USA and eastern and northern countries as well.

Departures guide at: http://users.otenet.gr/~cpnchris/skgd.html

Airport info at: http://users.otenet.gr/-cpnchris/skg.html

Olympic airways at www.olympic-airways.gr/passengers_info/oapaxaptskguk.htm

By train

There is a train connection from Europe and the East on a regular basis.

Getting Around

Local buses run on a daily basis schedule to and from all suburbs and resorts, towns and cities. The bus service is a good one and the easiest way to move around the city.

See info at: www.ktel.org/fokis/en/thessaloniki.htm

Train services are for distant locations only, not for urban use.

However, the metro runs in the city connecting busy to remote areas.

Visit: www.metrolpa.net/eu/the/thessal/htm

Taxis are easy to find , and if you need a taxi at a certain time you can call the station and reserve it. They are punctual and trustworthy. Call at White Tower station, tel: 0310 214900. See also http://users.forthnet.gr/the/dsilvestriadis/thessaloniki

However, if you want to see everything , you should walk. It’s not difficult to follow a route a day and explore the inner part of the city on foot.

Cycling is not recommended in the down town area as there is a lot of traffic. Rent-a-car agencies are easy to find at the airport and bus and railway stations, and it is a good idea to self-drive around the city and the suburbs.

See www.kosmos-carrental.com/thessaloniki/html

BEST MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

The visitor shouldn’t miss to see the round White Tower, a remnant of the ancient walls of the city dated back to 1866, which is now the characteristic symbol of the city. There are more towers around the city but they are all square shaped apart from two of them.

The Triumphal Arc of Galerius is in the middle of the city, an imposing monument dating back to the third century.

Ayios Dimitrios church, down town, attracts a lot of people, both tourists and locals. It was built in the 5th century and has great architectural value. Worth visiting the catacombs dug under the church which were the hiding place of the first Christians at that time.

St Sophia church, is also a building you shouldn’t miss.

There is a number of museums all over the city such as the Rotonda ,which is a church for St George, and the Museum of Salonica.

Visit www.greekembassy.org/culture/northgreece/thessaloniki.html

BEST UNUSUAL ATTRACTIONS

The Technology park, visit the site at: www.techpark.gr

The Technology Museum, see site at www.tmth.edu.gr/en

The International Trade Exhibition, a big international event, was set up in 1926 and has been running annually in September since then offering a great range of goods and services. It attracts a great number of people every year both business and fun lovers. See www.helexpo.gr

Also the World Trade center , visit site at http://iserve.wtca.org/wtc/thessaloniki_contacts.html

Mt Athos, within easy reach of the city , is a monastery for monks located on the Halkidiki peninsula . It is a well known for the famous ancient items that are displayed there, and it constitutes a small independed community on its own run by monks. They offer free lodgings and meals to all visitors . Female visitors are not allowed in. Prince Charles of UK has visited Athos many times, as well as other famous people.

See http://poseidon.csd.auth.gr/athos

www.medialab.ntua.gr/athos.html

www.bates.edu/-rallison/friends

www.culture.gr/2/21/218/e21800.html

Halkidiki peninsula beaches are sandy , extensive and ideal for summer vacations. The perfect place for camping lovers.

www.huntsidway.com/travel.html

BEST ACTIVITY AND TOUR

• A tour in the city to see the sights. Visit www.greekhotel.com/mainland/thessaloniki/home.htm

www.greekembassy.org/culture/northgreece/thessaloniki.html

For luxury tours-hotels,

www.luxury.gr/thessaloniki-hotels.html

• For sport lovers, Toumba stadium is renowned for the local team of PAOK . There are two more local teams, ARIS and IRAKLIS. For more activities, see

www.medcollection.com/region.asp?lc=53

BEST ALTERNATIVE

• Mt Athos www.it.uom.gr/project/chalkidiki/visit_Athos.htm

• The Aristotle University which is popular for Medicine, Literature, Law, Theology and other studies.

• The University of Macedonia which is the best for Ecomonics and Social studies,as well as for Computer programming.

www.uom.gr

• The concert Hall http://virtuals.compulink.gr/ommth

BEST LOCAL HAUNT

Kalamaria area , on the east of the city is the best place to enjoy seafood by the sea. Michaniona , one hour by bus from the city center , offers fresh fish by the sea as well traditional dishes restaurants along the bay.

BEST LODGINGS

Park hotel, in the center of the city , within easy reach of all the sights.

Contact: Tel 0310 52412

City, downtown area.

Tel: 0310 269421

Elektra, a higher class hotel in the city.

Tel: 0310 232221

Hyatt, a big hotel.

Website: www.thessaloniki.hyatt.com

See other hotels at: www.greecetravelonline.com/accommodation/hotelbyarea.asp?combArea=Thessaloniki

BEST EATS

Looking for fresh fish? Don’t miss the fish tavernas at Kalamaria, a popular suburb by the sea.

Down town there is a big number of restaurants offering all kinds of tasty dishes, from grilled meat to fish and sea food. Bakeries and pastry shops offer a wide range of traditional cakes that can be found only in Salonica, as well as homemade fruit jams.

Try To Horio (the village ) at tel: 0310 327080, and Ta kalivia, at Tel: 0310 845310, for a wide range of dishes, traditional and European ones.

So , what’s the best speciality to try?

A kind of pie called ‘trigona’ (triangles). It’s got a filo wrapping outside and rich creme inside. They are sweet and tasty and are kept in the fridge.

‘Touloumba’ is another sweet dessert . It’s a kind of pastry roll with no filling inside but dipped in heavy syrup. It’s like ‘Baklavas’ in taste, which is a typical Greek sweet in syrup.

Chocolate speaking the ‘anomala’ bits are delicious. They are small unshaped choco bites made of plain dark chocolate and have a filling of whole almonds.

The best meat dishes are Giros and Souvlaki pittas, and the appetizing Greek salad topped with feta cheese.

Take aways are very popular with the students and the locals. Freshly made dishes delivered to your place –hotels included!

You can call To Fournaki tis Giagias at tel: 0310 311 999 for grilled meat and traditional cuisine . Take away too.

Trocadero is a well known creperie. Tel: 0310 942001, and Pizza Hut is international at tel: 0310 049222.

BEST ENTERTAINMENT

The International Trade Exhibition is the most popular event in Thessaloniki. It attracts visitors from all over the world and has been running annually in September since 1926. Many art festivals take place at that time and it is difficult to find accommodation if you have not booked it a month or so in advance.

For more info visit website at: www.helexpo.gr

BEST SHOPPING

There is an extensive variety of shops downtown offering whatever one may think, from clothes and leather goods to trade products and machinery. See the link below for a guide to shopping in the city.: http://users.forthnet.gr/the/dsilvestriadis/thessaloniki

HEALTH AND SAFETY

There is no need to take any special precautions apart from the regular ones when you travel abroad. A Health Insurance will help if you need Private –Hospital medical care, but there are a lot of public hospitals that can help in emergencies.

During the summer months you should take care of the tap water. It is safer to buy bottled mineral water and avoid the sun at noon. A sun block cream and dark sunglasses is a must for everyboby staying in Greece.

MONEY AND COMMUNICATIONS

There is no problem with currency exchange as there are many banks around the city , at the airport and at the stations as well. Most shops accept credit cards and travelers’checks and most hotels change cash for you at low rates.

International phone calls are easy to make as there are phone booths in the streets and e-mails are easy to send as you can find Internet cafes all around the city. The post office service is reliable but there are many private couriers around the city that offer immediate delivery service locally or worldwide.

www.tnn.gr net news

www.wunderground.com/global/stations/16622.html

Weather report

BEST RESOURCES

WWW.THESSALONIKI.GR

History at http://philippos.mpa.gr/gr/recovered/thessaliniki/try(5)/eng

Hotels +apartments at www.greecead.com/gadhome/thessaloniki

American Consulate at http://virtuals.compulink.gr/us-consulate