Although known to Arab and Malay sailors as early as the 10th century, Mauritius was first explored by the Portuguese in the 16th century and subsequently settled by the Dutch - who named it in honor of Prince Maurits van Nassau - in the 17th century. These days it's a stable democracy that offers the dedicated traveler many delightful destinations to visit. Where in Mauritius would you most like to go?
Mauritius remained a strategically important British naval base, and later an air station, playing an important role during World War II for anti-submarine and convoy operations, as well as the collection of signals intelligence. Although the country is now a peaceful nation, there remains discontent among creole populations. Which of their island's scenic attractions would to you most desire to see?
Mauritius is an island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. The terrain is mostly small coastal plain rising to discontinuous mountains encircling a central plateau. The highest point on the island is Mont Piton at 828m. This affords many locations for spectacular sites and wonderful vistas. Which of these Mauritian locales would you most like to become familiar with?
In 1834 Mauritius was engaged by the British crown to initiate the great depopulation of the Indian subcontinent through the deceptive mechanic of indentured service. Thus did over half a million persons disperse from India to all manner of degrading and embattled labor in harsh foreign climes. While you're enjoying the country's many great attractions, be sure to take a moment to consider its place as the linchpin in the modern economic complication of the Indian oceanic basin. At which site would you most like to contemplate the difference between work and travel?
Mauritius' main island, from which the country derives its name, is of volcanic origin and is almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs. It was the home of the dodo, a large flightless bird related to pigeons, driven to extinction by the end of the 17th century through a combination of hunting and the introduction of predatory species. All in all, the island is a great place to contemplate the impermanence of life. Where on the island would you most like to do that?
The Perhentian Islands: Malaysia's Perfect Beach Destination
Asia is a great place, and there are many lovely beaches there for you to enjoy. If the beach is not the primary reason for your travel there, you might want to work on making your itinerary friendlier to the ocean. The sea is our mother, the crucible of life, the womb from which we all crawled together. It's important to return from time to time and recreate that connection. Which of these great beaches do you like best for getting back in touch with the sea?
The lands that today comprise Croatia were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the close of World War I. In 1918, the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom known after 1929 as Yugoslavia. These days the country is known as Croatia and is full of friendly people who want to share their heritage with you. Which of these great Croatian sites would you most like to visit?
New Zealand is located in Oceania comprising a pair of major islands islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia. The terrain is predominately mountainous with some large coastal plains. It is full of wonderful natural examples of supreme fecundity, and many wonderful sites to see. Which of these locations on the northern island of New Zealand would you most like to visit?
Thailand is a beautiful country, with many breathtaking vistas and other great locations for personal travel photos and just taking some time away from everything. An escape to Thailand is a chance to disconnect from the petty concerns of the work week and get back in touch with the natural cycles of the world. Which of these great locations in Thailand would you most like to visit for a chance to relax and unwind?
Traveling in Europe is a great excuse for seeing a lot of great beaches. There are many different beaches about, and with a little planning you can hit three or four inside of a week. If you live for the sun and surf (and who doesn't really?) you should try to check out as many of these fine beaches as possible. Which of these great European beaches do you like the best?
