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Athens Taxi Ride – Extreme Sports
Athens is a huge, congested city and the local taxis are your main means of getting around. The average Athens tax ride is inexpensive, just bring your helmet. Living on the Edge I had just arrived in Athens with a couple who’ll remain...
Exploring Myriad Facets Of Indian Culture Through Desiya.com
India is unified by its diversity. Although that might sound a little too contradictory, the uniqueness of Indian culture lies in the underlying harmony on the face of apparent multiplicity of language, literature, music, visual arts and religion....
Shanghai China, An Amazing Place To Live
Travel Shanghai China, An amazing city. I live, work, play in Shanghai, China’s largest city, largest port; a city of 16 million people, (many millions more during holidays and festivals), a city wanting to be the biggest, best and most important...
Vacations - France, Annecy
If you find yourself traveling in the region of Savoy (the high
Alps) in France, you should make time to visit the city of
Annecy.
Sitting on the edge of the clear blue waters of the Lac d'
Annecy (Annecy Lake), near the Swiss and Italian...
Why Car Share?
Around 60% of drivers of the 31 million cars on Britain’s roads travel alone, and with the number increasing every year, the idea of car sharing as an option is being promoted by County Councils as well as Friends of the Earth and Carplus.
Car...
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Santa Catalina - Island of Dreams
This beautiful island lies just 26 miles across the ocean from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. Yet it might be thousands of miles away.
As soon as you step ashore you can feel the pace of life slow perceptibly. Even the name of the main 'town' on the island is evocative - Avalon.
The 76 square mile island was originally owned by the Wrigley Family (of chewing gum fame) but over 80% is now owned by The Santa Catalina Island Conservancy. The island's interior is unspoilt and protected as a wildlife natural habitat.
There are very few cars on the island - transport is mainly by bike or electric golf cart(!). But you can easily explore Avalon on foot, and the only way to enjoy the shops, bars and restaurants along The Crescent.
Tours include a guided tour of the Casino, glass-bottomed boat trip from the pier to some kelp fields to see fish being fed from the boats and various bus tours into the interior of the island.
Tours can be purchased from the tourist office located by the pier. The
problem is trying to fit everything in before your return ferry!
The Casino is a must visit. Not actually ever a gambling casino, the three-storey Art Deco style building is home to a movie theatre and the world's largest circular ballroom. At its heyday up to 6000 dancers enjoyed the Big Bands in the 1920s to 1950s.
Guided tours are available and well worth going on to see the place and learn something of its wonderful history.
Aside from the usual tee-shirt shops selling souvenirs the island is known for its coloured ceramic tiles. These can make good mementos of your visit.
There are several boat services linking Catalina to the mainland, all take approximately 1 hour 15 minutes and cost about $42 per adult or - for $132 round trip you can arrive in style by a 15 minute helicopter flight from San Pedro.
About the Author
Tony works for Strathlorn Travel, an online travel agency which specialises in travel for the independent traveller.
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