Surviving Thailand

One of the reasons people travel is to explore other cultures and establish how other countries and cultures do things. It is then quite remarkable then to see people wandering around the country they visit imposing their cultural approach on the situations and events they encounter. Often these leads to confusion, worse, it sometimes leads to ugly scenes that are entirely avoidable.The Thai are an easy-going lot on the whole, usually minding their own business and going about their daily chores without fuss or complaint. They are warm and friendly. But at the same time no one would like to be offended, especially where revered customs and habits are concerned. Most importantly of all, be particularly careful about respecting Buddhism and the Thai Royal Family. This is important to bear in mind from the very beginning. Anyone can be offended if their customs and beliefs are looked down upon, made fun of or disobeyed.

Attractions in Athens

Life in Athens takes place on the street. The best way to experience the city is to join in this intoxicating mix that’s somewhere between bedlam and joie de vivre. Get yourself in the mood with an afternoon volta (stroll) along the Ancient Promenade. Circling the heart of the ancient city, the pedestrianized route takes in The Temple of Olympian Zeus, the mighty Acropolis and the Ancient Agora. You’ll also find plenty of modernity here, with open-air art exhibitions, book fairs, buskers and street traders, lending the promenade a festival air. It is the oldest city in Europe, yet still in a state of transition. It’s one of Europe’s safest and liveliest cities – a heady mix of grunge and grace with an undeniable urban soul. Most visitors will leave impressed with its vibrant street life and relaxed lifestyle, where people take time out for endless coffees and evening strolls, dine out until late and enjoy the city’s nightlife, long after the rest of Europe has gone to bed. Athens has improved in its social amenities and infrastructure so much, that it has become one of the most popular tourist spots. Omonoia, Psirri and Gazi, Syntagma are few remarkable Sightseeing in Athens. Still there are many hills, old museums and universities to be visited. After Marathon and Olympics fame, Athens has become the most wanted place to visit.

Surviving South Korea

Observance of social convention is important if you wish to show respect or make an impression. Despite their ultra-modern city, the people of Seoul remain part of a strongly neo-Confucian social tradition where the concept of ‘face’ is important. Always act respectfully and avoid any words or actions that could make any party appear in a negative light. Koreans have intensely sensitive antennae. This also applies to the country as a whole. Despite their youth, they are a conservative bunch. Odd or unusual dress will probably be frowned upon, as are open signs of affection in public. Despite on going improvements, Korea remains very much a male-dominated society. One of the most important things to remember is : Don’t compare Korea with Japan. 

Surviving Singapore

Singapore is a huge tourist and business destination. As both play two of the largest roles in the Singaporean economy, every effort has been made to make every guest to this country comfortable and safe. Some of the rules and regulations implemented in Singapore are found nowhere else in the world so it's a good idea to become acquainted with them before you step off the plane. Singapore is a very clean, safe and efficient city due to the strictly enforced laws. There are several things a visitor must not do, to ensure a pleasant and memorable stay. Just a few pointers to keep you ahead.

Delights of Portuguese Cuisine

One of the ideal places on earth to enjoy food and drink is Portugal. Portuguese cuisine is hugely underrepresented outside Portugal. Often confused with Spanish cooking, it is, in fact, quite distinct. At its best, Portuguese food is simple ingredients impeccably prepared. Based on regional produce, emphasising fish, meat, olive oil, tomato, and spices, it features hearty soups, homemade bread and cheeses, as well as unexpected combinations of meat and shellfish. Most regions have their own special dishes but some dishes are common to the country. Their dishes are characterised by rich flavours and are closely related to Mediterranean cuisine. Stopping at one of the legendary cafés in Lisbon is mandatory. In addition to the best coffee in Europe, Lisbon's coffee bars inexpensively & efficiently serve-up sopas (soups), tostas (grilled sandwiches), maças (baked apples) and melons all through the daylight hours. The Portuguese don’t have an elaborate breakfast, just coffee, fresh fruits and some fresh pastries from one of the many pastelerias or confeitarias.

Shopping in Lisbon

Although Lisbon is a small city, it offers variety of shopping. You will be both surprised and delighted by the number and the variety of shops and shopping malls to suit all tastes from the cheaper brands to top international fashion brands in this city. In fact, even if you don’t like shopping, it is very likely to find yourself buying a couple of items after seeing the cheap prices. Lisbon remains Western Europe's least expensive capital, and wandering around the traditional and specialist shops. Downtown is a refreshing experience. Many shops are even worth going into for their distinctive decoration alone such as Luvaria Ulises, Ourivesaria Aliança, and Casa das Velas do Loreto. There are some areas in Lisbon specially devoted to shopping. Some of the best bargains are handmade goods which also make excellent souvenirs. Look for antique and contemporary hand-painted tiles, distinctive regional ceramics and textiles such as tablecloths and embroidery, and don't forget that all gold sold in Portugal is at least 19.2 karats and is one of the best buys in the country. 

Art in Lisbon

Throughout the centuries, Portugal's arts have been enriched by foreign influences, including Flemish, French and Italian. The voyages of the Portuguese discoverers opened the country to Oriental influences and the revelation of Brazil's wealth of gold and jewels fed the Baroque flame in decoration. Portuguese culture is based on a past that dates from prehistoric times into the eras of Roman and Moorish invasion. All have left their traces in a rich legacy of archaeological remains, including prehistoric cave paintings at Escoral, the Roman township of Conimbriga, the Temple of Diana in Évora and the typical Moorish architecture of such southern towns as Olhão and Tavira. Lisbon also hosts a great number of remarkable museums of ancient and modern art, some of which are Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, National Museum of Contemporary Art, National Coach Museum, Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and Carmo Archaeological Museum. But, Lisbon isn't all culture and history; Bairro Alto is the center of nightlife with various restaurants and bars where melancholic traditional Portuguese music, Fado, is played.

Portuguese Culture

Portugal is a very popular destination, located on the West Coast of the Iberian Peninsula, which it shares with Spain. Portuguese culture is closely related to Spanish culture and has been influenced by the three primary cultures from which it derives: the Latin, the Visigoth, and the Muslim. The whole length of the western side of the country is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, the Mediterranean and oceanic climate, the beaches as well as the inland mountainous terrains mean that Portugal is has much to offer those seeking lots of sun, sand and ski. Whether a potential resident or tourist, it is polite to learn what the basic Portuguese ideals concerning social customs and etiquette are. The official language of Portugal is Portuguese, although there are some regional languages. As a sign of respect and courtesy, you should try and learn some Portuguese phrases before visiting the country. Be very aware that although there are some similarities, Portuguese and Spanish are two very distinct languages. Never make the mistake of speaking Spanish to a Portuguese person, as this would be considered as very rude and ignorant.