The Langebaan Lagoon was formed by the rising and falling of sea levels during pre-historic times. This is unlike most lagoons which form where fresh water rivers enter the sea (like Milnerton lagoon). As a result, Langebaan Lagoon is a purely salt water lagoon.

As far back as 500 000 years ago, early Homo sapiens were probably present in the area, living in groups and hunting small game, displacing carnivores, such as lions, from their kills and gathering plant foods. They made fire as protection and for cooking and probably made simple shelters from branches. They probably used animal skins for warmth and clothing. They made wooden and stone tools.

The town’s European history began about 400 years back. In the 1600’s, the Dutch East India Company used Saldanha Bay’s calm waters as a repair location for their sailing ships. The French used Schaapeneiland (situated a stone’s throw from Langebaan beach) as a storage place for whale oil and seal hides (they called it “Isle ? la Biche”). More recently, the whaling station was situated at Donkergat and is still visible from the town. A reminder of Langebaan’s whaling history is the harpoon gun outside the Municipal Buildings.

The Langebaan Lagoon was formed by the rising and falling of sea levels during pre-historic times. This is unlike most lagoons which form where fresh water rivers enter the sea (like Milnerton lagoon). As a result, Langebaan Lagoon is a purely salt water lagoon.

As far back as 500 000 years ago, early Homo sapiens were probably present in the area, living in groups and hunting small game, displacing carnivores, such as lions, from their kills and gathering plant foods. They made fire as protection and for cooking and probably made simple shelters from branches. They probably used animal skins for warmth and clothing. They made wooden and stone tools.

The town’s European history began about 400 years back. In the 1600’s, the Dutch East India Company used Saldanha Bay’s calm waters as a repair location for their sailing ships. The French used Schaapeneiland (situated a stone’s throw from Langebaan beach) as a storage place for whale oil and seal hides (they called it “Isle ? la Biche”). More recently, the whaling station was situated at Donkergat and is still visible from the town. A reminder of Langebaan’s whaling history is the harpoon gun outside the Municipal Buildings.

When packing for a trip to Europe you need to consider the weather, as well as the activities you are planning to participate in.

One important thing to keep in mind for all air travel (not only to Europe) is not to over-pack. Most carriers allow only 20 kilo or 45 lb if you?re traveling economy. Furthermore you want to travel as light as possible in case you have to drag your luggage around with you.

I travel for business and private reasons at least 30 times a year and here are my most important recommendations:

1. Don?t pack last minute.
This will give you the chance to buy some things you need before your departure.

2. Start with the things you need for every vacation
Toiletries, underwear, socks, medicine. Always take sunscreen: As a working person you probably spend most of your time indoors and aren?t used to the sun.

3. Chose your main colors
In order to be able to combine all the pieces, try to stick to three main colors. Black and white are always two of my main colors, because they go wit everything. Add your favorite color like red, pink, green or blue.

4. Chose the basic everyday outfits
For short journeys (up to one week) pack one complete outfit for every day. For longer journeys, take one complete outfit for every day of the first week. Afterwards you?ll have to repeat clothes or go to a laundry.

You?ll probably spend most of your time outdoors and walking around, visiting the different sights. Therefore your basic outfit could consist in jeans and T-shirt. Don?t forget to pack a set of underwear and socks for each day.

5. Pack to evening outfits
If you plan to go to a fancy restaurant, the opera or a discotheque, you?ll need an evening outfit. Don?t take more than two or three of them and make them simple yet stunning: black pants/skirts and a glamorous top.

6. Don?t forget bad weather gear
Always take at least two sweaters, if the weather gets cold. An umbrella or rain jacket will be suitable as well.

7. What about sports?
Never go anywhere without a bathing suit! It?s so tiny and you never know when you can use it. Maybe the weather is really hot and you want to go to the beach (at a lake) or the weather is really bad and you want to enjoy tropical feeling in an indoors swimming pool.

8. Chose three pairs of shoes
Take one or two comfortable shoes or sneakers for the everyday activities and one nice pair for the evening and maybe some really glitzy high heels for the occasional night life event.

9. Take as little jewelry as possible
Carrying your fine jewelry all across the world and taking it in and out the hotel safe might make yourself a target for theft. Don?t ruin your vacation! Chose some basic pieces of jewelry and travel with those.

10. Spread out all clothes to consider onto your bed
Once everything is spread out on your bed, start packing your suitcase. Count the number of pieces and ask yourself:

Do I really need 20 T-shirts for a 2 week vacation? Then start putting half of the pieces back into the closet. This way you make sure you pack only what is necessary.

Garmisch, Germany boasts of many things ? the breathtaking Bavarian Alps, perfectly-carved wooden houses with flowerboxes that spill over with color, the delicate edelweiss alpine blossoms, mouth-watering schnitzel, stout German beer, and a myriad of talented local craftsmen. But did you know that at the edge of this quaint, picture-perfect town lies a violent display of Mother Nature? Known in German as the ?Partnachklamm?, it hides behind the old Olympic Stadium and attracts hundreds of hikers each year.

So what exactly is the Partnachklamm? In a nutshell, it?s a struggle to the death ? a knock-down, drag-out brawl between the Partnach River and a limestone gorge. The river peacefully runs through the trees until it hits the 262-foot tall gorge. From there the river?s personality turns to fury as it slams into the rock walls, throwing its temper tantrum for over 2,300 feet before calming down again and continuing to flow through the Bavarian countryside. Visitors follow a carved-out rock path from the entrance to the gorge and up a gradual incline to experience firsthand what nature is capable of. Don?t forget your raincoat, though! You may be able to avoid the mist from the tumbling cascades but the spray from the waterfalls above will most definitely christen you!

There are several ways to experience the Partnachklamm, each holding its own delight for the visitor. Late spring through summer will provide a green backdrop on the limestone rocks while the chilly alpine waters almost deafen its company. In colder months, the gorge becomes an enchanting world of icicles and snow. Check first before showing up during the winter, though?too much snow and ice will force the gorge to close for safety reasons. It?s also possible to visit during the day or the night ? daytime offers better views while the warming sunbeams force their way through the foliage. After dark, torch-lit tours are offered, giving the gorge a mystical quality. Regardless of season or time of day, once you?ve made your way through this hidden natural treasure, continue up the mountain for a robust hike and then relax at the Forsthaus Graseck?s restaurant. The food is excellent and the views are breathtaking. While indulging in their cuisine, ponder how you?ll get back down ? take the same path through the gorge or a restful two-minute ride down in the cable car. Either way, a trip to the Partnachklamm is well worth it!

Oxford Street, located in the City of Westminster, existed from Roman times until the 17th century primarily as a westwards route out of the City of London towards Oxford, hence its name. Today, Oxford Street is one of the busiest shopping districts and the world?s largest shopping street, having more than 300 shops that attract annually around 200 million of consumers.

The development of Oxford Street as a prime shopping area began at the start of 20th century, when the first furnishing specialists, Waring & Gillow, opened its doors in 1906. In recent years, Oxford Street represents the heart of London?s West End shopping, running for approximately a mile and a half from Marble Arch at the north east corner of Hyde Park, through Oxford Circus to St Giles? Circus, at the intersection with Charing Cross Road and Tottenham Court Road. Opposite to the Tottenham?s tube station, the recently refurnished, ?The Tottenham? pub claims to be the only pub on the whole Oxford Street. But, with numerous clothes shops, record shops, like the famous Virgin Megastore and the HMV unit, which is the largest music store at 50,000 square feet, multiple computer games shops and department stores, including Selfridges, Oxford Street is an ideal location for those on leisure travel and time to browse through its colorful shopping windows. But although the street has multiple stores for one to choose from, these are not the most fashionable or the most expensive in the city of London. For those interested in other principal shopping areas, Knightsbridge is an excellent choice, especially because it is there where the famous Harrods department store is located.

Famous for its celebrity launches and promotions, Oxford Street becomes the focal point during the Christmas period because of the wonderful Christmas lighting tradition that began in 1959. Decorated with thousands of festive lights Oxford Street celebrates the Christmas spirit at a heavily publicized ?turning-on? ceremony in mid-to-late November, when a chosen celebrity flicks a switch that illuminates the rays of light that go on until January 6.

Plans have been announced in 2005 for what could be an audacious new move to change Oxford Street from its current traffic clogged state into a pedestrian paradise. Proposals to end the gridlock feature closing the street entirely to all traffic, even buses and build a new monorail stretching from one end to the other to transport people along. Critics however have pointed out that a monorail simply caters for shoppers too lazy to walk down the entire length of the street and that this is already well served by tube which would simply require improved accessibility to existing stations and perhaps a new station half way up the street.

India is a vast country with many tourist places. With millions of tourists per year from different countries, India can be considered as one of the most fascinating tourist attraction in the world for its history, heritage, culture, sightseeing and peoples. Travel attractions includes -

a) Rajasthan tour ? In terms of area, Rajasthan, located in West India, is the largest state of India. With stunning forts, palaces and monuments, Rajasthan is the most preferred vibrant desert destination of many tourists. Some of palaces and havelis are now converted into hotels and resorts for visitor?s royal stay. Popular attractions are Hawa Mahal, Amber fort, Jaisalmer fort, Jal Mahal, camel safari, camel fairs, Palace on wheels and much more.

b) Pilgrimage tours – India is a country with many religions and culture and home to many pilgrim sites like rishikesh, haridwar, varanasi, golden temple amritsar with Buddhist pilgrim destinations. You can enjoy the beautifully and artistically designed temples here, which are not only places of worship but also marvels of architecture.

c) Wildlife tours – India is a country with over 500 animal sanctuaries and 80 national parks offering a stunning array of wildlife. Get in touch with the wild side of nature with a visit to some of the famous wildlife reserves in India. Bandhavgarh and Kanha sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh; Sariska and Ranthambore in Rajasthan and Corbett Park and Dudhwa in Uttar Pradesh are some of the country?s best known tiger reserves. Enjoy trekking and safari tours with exciting wildlife destinations of India.

d) Ayurvedic and Yoga tours – India has many ayurvedic colleges, hospitals and health resorts with idyllic surroundings providing ayurvedic treatments and recreational holidays. Get ayurvedic treatment tours at popular ayurveda centres in Kerala, South India for refreshing your body.

e) South India tours – South India is a sprawling region that comes packed with overwhelming depths of culture, religion, festivals and food. Popular with all tourists to India. Visit all south india temples, monuments, beaches, wildlife, Kerala delight with luxury resorts stay.

f) Architectural tours – See amazing architecture and heritage of India with sightseeing of south India temples, Taj Mahal in Agra, Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, majestic forts, carved temples, decorated havelis of Rajasthan and more architectural wonders.

g) Taj Mahal tours – Enjoy the special tour of Taj Mahal, a monument of love located in North India in Agra city and built by the Mughal emperor Shahjahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal which is famous all around the world and counts in the world?s seven wonders.

Travel to India for the exciting holidays and ultimate travel experiences.

For any visitor that comes to Ireland, Cork should always be on ones travel iterniary as a place to visit. Being Irelands largest county, Cork is located in the South West of Ireland and offers many different attractions for visitors of all ages. If you are keen on Irish history then Cork has many historic sites to visit and to learn of times that have past. Such historic places include the Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone for Good Luck but other places include the stone circles of Bohonagh, the famous Abbeystrewery and the tombs of Labbacalle.

In 2005 Cork was awarded the European captial of Culture which comes as no surprise for those who have experienced the culture of Cork first hand and seen that Music, Dance, theatre and film play a huge role within the city of Cork. You can be sure when visiting the city of Cork there are always things to do and see, whatever your interests are and there is no better way to getting around than using a car rental.

If you are someone who loves sports then you will not be disappointed when seeing sporting games being played in the area. Cork have some very strong GAA teams and have won many trophies over the years but the area of Cork also takes pride with some of the greatest golfing greens in Ireland and the best Salmon and trout fishing to be found in the area.

The best way of site seeing in Cork would be to hire a car either in the City Centre or Cork Airport, giving you more options of places to visit in such a wonderful county.

South Africa was once divided into two British Colonies, namely the Colony of Natal and the Cape Colony, and two “Boer” Afrikaner Republics, namely the Orange Free State and the Transvaal. The Union of South Africa was formed in 1910 after 8 years of negotiations after the Anglo-Boer War of 1899 – 1902. The Republic of South Africa as it is today was form in 1961, which covers the southern tip of Africa and an area of 1,2 million square kilometers.

The country was divided into 9 provinces (states) in 1994 when we had our first democratic elections and Mr. Nelson Mandela became president. The provinces are: Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu Natal, Mpumalanga, North West, Limpopo and Gauteng. Each province has its own capital and the country has three capital cities, namely Pretoria the administrative capital, Bloemfontein the judicial capital and Cape Town the legislative capital.

The population is about 45,3 million people and is made up of 13 different groups, namely the Zulu, Xhosa, Shangaan, Ndebele, Swazi, Pedi, South Sotho, Tswana, Venda, Khoisan, Coloured, Asian and White. To mix things up even more, we have 11 official languages of which English is the most commonly spoken. Afrikaans is mainly spoken between your white and coloured people and it is derived from Dutch, German and French.

South Africa has 6 neighbouring countries, namely Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Swaziland, Lesotho and unfortunately poor old Zimbabwe. Its 2700-kilometer coastline includes four of Africa’s largest harbours – Durban and Richards Bay along the Indian Ocean and Cape Town and Saldanha Bay along the Atlantic Ocean.

South Africa has a moderate climate with three rainfall regions, the majority of the country has summer rainfall, the South Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate with winter rain and a very small area along the south eastern coastline know as the “Garden Route” has all year round rainfall. Summer is basically from October to April and winter is June, July and August.

South Africa has a two tier government, a national government with a democratically elected president and each province has its own provincial legislature. Since the political change of 1994 the South African society has made great strides towards a democratic, socially more equitable and economically more globally competitive country. It has, in fact, become a leader in many spheres of international north-south relations. Recent growth of the South African economy is largely based on the tourism sector, a gradually diversifying and increasingly competitive manufacturing sector, value-adding beneficiation of mineral and agricultural raw materials and a sophisticated trading, financial and professional services sector. Internationally South Africa can be ranked amongst “upper middle income countries” like Chile, Portugal, Korea, Malaysia, Turkey, Brazil and Poland.