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Kelimutu

Kelimutu is a volcano on the island of Flores in Indonesia. Kelimutu is Keli=Mount and Mutu=Boiling means mount is always active. It is a good base for a trip to the coloured craters of the volcano. There are three craters which are usually dark red, green and light green, but the colours are not fixed and depend on the activities of the volcano, so the colour changes from lighter or darker. The similar Kawah Putih (White Crater) near Ciwidey on the island of Java has only one lake, with light green to white colour.

Get in
Airplanes from Denpasar to Maumere and Ende are limited. The ticket price is more than Rp 1 million to more than Rp 2 million for one way trip.

Buses from Bajawa (3-4 hr, Rp 80,000) start at 06:00. Gunung Mas runs 12-seater "Travel Bus" from Ruteng to Kelimutu (continuing to Maumere) at 07:00 and 13:30-14:00. Your accommodation may be able to arrange a "Travel" shared car for Rp 100,000 per person (as of Nov 2018).

From Ende there are more options. Public cars (2 hr, Rp 40,000), Toyota Kijang are the normally the most comfortable option. Bemos (Rp 20,000) and buses (Rp 30,000) also ply the route in 2½ hr. If you're feeling adventurous ojeks will take you there for Rp 100,000 letting you make your way in your own pace and stop for photos along the very scenic route.

From Maumere (3-4 hr) there is the same plethora of buses (Rp 30,000) and public cars (Rp 50,000), just ask at your hotel.

From Riung, the public bus to Ende (Rp 50,000) leaves at 06:00 and you can catch a bus to Kelimutu from there.

Your hotel can arrange transport for you in the public cars, but the downside is that the car will save a seat for you from their start in Maumere/Ende, so you have to pay the price of the full route even though you only get on in Kelimutu. Given that enough people get off in Kelimutu, it is better to just flag a car/bus in Kelimutu when you are ready to leave. It might take you an hour to do so, but there is also no guarantee that the car your hotel arranges for you will arrive at a specific time. This is Indonesia.

Get around
The ubiquitous ojek is never far away. Depending on your guesthouse's proximity to the national park, ojeks are between Rp 25,000-35,000 (1 way) for a ride up to see the sunrise at 04:30. It's best to walk back since it's a nice walk, and there's nothing worse than having an eager ojek driver pulling at you to leave the beautiful lakes just as the light is getting perfect for that moment.

You can rent a motorbike at many places around town for Rp 100,000 for the day.

The cars licensed to carry public transport passengers are the ones with yellow license plates. (However, it seems everyone is willing to stop and let you on for a price).

Some hikers sometimes hike down from Kelimutu to Ende on foot. This is not so difficult, because the hike goes down and the forest is light.

See

 * — Bewitched, or Enchanted Lake
 * — Lake of Young Men and Maiden
 * — Lake of Old People
 * — Lake of Old People

Buy
Not far from Kelimutu (about 5 km in the Ende direction), the big fruit and vegetable market is where the villagers sell the produce from their gardens. Everything is fresh, tasty and picked daily.

Ikat sarongs and scarfs woven by the local women in the surrounding villages are easy to find. They come in 2 qualities, natural dye and chemical dye. If you don't know the difference, opt for the cheaper chemical dye.

Eat
Besides the guesthouses, there are several good restaurants around Kelimutu offering western and local menus. And of course a couple of warungs peddling the cheap and tasty Bakso and Soto Ayam.

Try the traditional Moni dinner offered by a young local called Ivan, the son of the owner of "Marias Inn" guesthouse - he will do vegetarian on request.

Sleep
Accommodation in Kelimutu is plentiful, although fairly spread out over 2 km along the main road. Prices are per room, and all have private bathrooms with western toilets. This lists accommodations in the order you approach them when arriving from Ende. Take your own covers or wear a sweater to bed, as the blankets these lodges provide for you are usually too thin to warm you up.

 * Santiago Dorm, cheap, though very simple dorm beds. Rp 50,000, breakfast not included.
 * Santiago Dorm, cheap, though very simple dorm beds. Rp 50,000, breakfast not included.
 * Santiago Dorm, cheap, though very simple dorm beds. Rp 50,000, breakfast not included.
 * Santiago Dorm, cheap, though very simple dorm beds. Rp 50,000, breakfast not included.
 * Santiago Dorm, cheap, though very simple dorm beds. Rp 50,000, breakfast not included.
 * Santiago Dorm, cheap, though very simple dorm beds. Rp 50,000, breakfast not included.
 * Santiago Dorm, cheap, though very simple dorm beds. Rp 50,000, breakfast not included.

Go next

 * Maumere, 3 hours
 * Ende, 2 hours, Rp 30,000 to take bemo/minibus or "Travel" car may pick you up for Rp 50,000. Wait on the side of main street (as of Nov 2018). Some travelers sometimes hike down from Kelimutu to Ende on foot and is not so difficult.

title: Kelimutu


text:
Monju

Monju also Monjo (2800m) is a village in Khumbu. It is located between the villages of Lukla and Namche Bazaar.

Understand
The Sagarmatha National Park entrance is just outside the village. Here, travelers are required to show their passports and pay a 1,000rps entrance fee. The entrance fee can be paid in advance at the offices of Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu.

Get in
A five-hour walk from Lukla - mostly either downhill or flat, but there a short but steep climb before entering the village.

See
There is nothing special to see in this village. Enjoy the view of the mountains and spend some time in the Lodge's restaurant chatting, sipping tea and resting.

Eat
Usually dinner and breakfast are made in the accommodation you choose to spend the night. If you are just passing through you can stop at one them and have a quick snack or a tea or coffee.

Sleep
There are several lodge with the price ranging from 200 to 500 rupees for a room.
 * Mount Kailash Lodge. A solar-lit lodge located on the left near the centre of the village. Mount Kailash is an old favorite and can offer rooms with attached bathrooms. Ask for their speciality coffee: 'Sherpaccino.'
 * Top Hill Lodge and Restaurant. A family owned lodge located in near the center of the village. Top Hill has been providing accommodation for trekkers for over fifteen years.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Monju


text:
Monkey Bay

Monkey Bay is at the southern end of Lake Malawi (Lake Nyasa), in the Southern Region of Malawi. It is a small port town, home to large monkey population and gateway to Cape Maclear and the world heritage listed Lake Malawi National Park.

Get in
The M/S Ilala is still calling at Monkey Bay port on its way to Karonga. The much more modern M/S Mtendere has been mothballed.

There is daily "AXA" bus from Lilongwe bus terminal, starting at 08:00, arriving to Monkey Bay around 14:00.

Do
The best thing to do on the lake and in Monkey Bay is kayak to the surrounding rocky outcrops and small islands and snorkel to see the amazing fish. Take a snorkel and goggles along - the water is so calm that fins are unnecessary. Kayaks can be hired for the day from Venice Beach backpackers for around US$10.

You can also board the MV Mangunda in Monkey Bay. The ship is available for sunset "booze cruises," daytrips to Cape Maclear and the islands, or extended trips to Liwonde National Park.

Sleep

 * Hakuna Matata Backpackers, near the bus stop, a friendly, South African-run place, K350 single, K500 double (and very simple accommodations from K150), meals at moderate prices. On the entertainment side, a lively bar with two pool tables, darts and juke box. The meeting place for travellers in Malawi.
 * Hakuna Matata Backpackers, near the bus stop, a friendly, South African-run place, K350 single, K500 double (and very simple accommodations from K150), meals at moderate prices. On the entertainment side, a lively bar with two pool tables, darts and juke box. The meeting place for travellers in Malawi.
 * Hakuna Matata Backpackers, near the bus stop, a friendly, South African-run place, K350 single, K500 double (and very simple accommodations from K150), meals at moderate prices. On the entertainment side, a lively bar with two pool tables, darts and juke box. The meeting place for travellers in Malawi.

 * Tropex, the resort's plant nursery just outside the main gate, is a great place to pick up your own sapplings and start your own tropical forest. Day visitors are able to use the facilities, including the lovely pool. Prices are K400 per adult per day, children are K200 each. Meals are acceptable, though the portions a bit small for the price.
 * Andrews Holiday Resort, /445/469/244/447, 09-971-012/0161594372 / 09-941-264 / 08-824-962.
 * Andrews Holiday Resort, /445/469/244/447, 09-971-012/0161594372 / 09-941-264 / 08-824-962.
 * Andrews Holiday Resort, /445/469/244/447, 09-971-012/0161594372 / 09-941-264 / 08-824-962.

title: Monkey Bay


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Monmouth

There's more than one place called Monmouth:

United Kingdom

 * Monmouth (Wales) - the county town of Monmouthshire, South Wales
 * Monmouthshire - the historic county

United States of America

 * Monmouth (Illinois) - a town in Warren County, Illinois
 * Monmouth (Maine) - a town in Kennebec County, Kennebec and Moose River Valleys, Maine
 * Monmouth (Oregon) - a city in Polk County, Oregon
 * Monmouth County - in the Jersey Shore region of New Jersey

title: Monmouth


text:
Monmouth (Maine)

Monmouth is a city in the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys of Maine.

title: Monmouth (Maine)


text:
Monmouth (Wales)

Monmouth (Welsh: Trefynwy) is the county town of Monmouthshire in Wales.

Understand
Monmouth is a delightful, bustling, market town near where the three rivers Wye, Monnow and Trothy meet on the border with England. On a sunny day it can be packed with tourists strolling up and down the narrow pavements of Monnow Street, Agincourt Square and Church Street. It has an iconic which has relieved of motor traffic by the building of a second bridge over the Monnow after the cattle market closed. Little is left of the Norman castle around which the town grew.

Monmouth museum displays artefacts associated with Admiral Lord Nelson and Charles Rolls of Rolls Royce fame.

The whole town has free Wi-Fi, as a result of Monmouthpedia, a project to use QRpedia QR codes "to provide multilingual smart phone access to Wikipedia articles covering notable subjects in Monmouth, such as places, people, artefacts, flora and fauna" according to Wikipedia. This 2012 project led to Monmouth being described as the "world's first Wikipedia town".

By bus
There are buses from Newport, Abergavenny, Chepstow, Hereford, and many towns in the Forest of Dean. For detailed timetables.

By coach
National Express coach 323 calls daily at Monmouth - in the morning on its route via Ross-on-Wye, Worcester and Birmingham towards Liverpool, and in the evening on its return run towards Newport and Cardiff.

By train
Since there is no train station, Chepstow and Abergavenny are the best options. Both stations are about 30 minutes drive away. Faster trains call at Newport and Bristol Parkway

Get around
The closest railway station is Abergavenny which is on the Cardiff to Manchester line.

 * Monmouth Trefynwy Taxis

Do

 * Offa's Dyke Path follows the entire Welsh border up hill down dale. Its south terminus is at Chepstow; it follows the east river bank and plunges through Tidenham Tunnel to Tintern; this section is also called Wye Valley Walk. From there it crosses the fields for ten miles to Monmouth, continuing north to Pandy.

Go next

 * Forest of Dean
 * Chepstow
 * Abergavenny

title: Monmouth (Wales)


text:
Monmouth County

Monmouth County is on the Jersey Shore. Monmouth County has miles and miles of beautiful beaches on the Atlantic coast.

Western Monmouth County

 * — the hometown of Bruce Springsteen, it features quaint Victorian houses, trendy dining spots, museums, and antique art galleries. Also home to Freehold Raceway and Freehold Raceway Mall.
 * - a quaint mill town in far southwestern Monmouth County. Home to restaurants, bars, 'mom & pop shops', and the Horse Park of New Jersey. Equidistant between Philadelphia and New York City.
 * - a wealthy agricultural community, known for its horse farms, orchards, wineries, and distilleries.
 * - home to the Englishtown Auction and Old Bridge Racetrack.

Bayshore

 * — see Keansburg; a residential community in Northern Monmouth County, with many great restaurants and shopping "strip malls" to browse. Its close location to many beach towns makes it an ideal place for Jersey Shore travelers to rest overnight.
 * — see Middletown; One of the earliest known discoveries of the state of New Jersey that was made by Henry Hudson. This hilly and wealthy bedroom community is known for its trendy boutiques, its beautiful coastline, and its remarkable views of New York City.
 * - home to PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel Park, and the famous Bell Labs Complex.
 * — located on Raritan Bay, north of Sandy Hook, offering an amusement park, and a water park.
 * - an historic 18th century community turned popular 21st century commuter town for Millennials. Home to many boutique shops and for its historic sites on Main Street.
 * - advertises itself as "the biggest small town in New Jersey".

Jersey Shore

 * — Stately 19th-century homes, magnificent beaches and residential neighborhoods give Allenhurst a unique "hometown" feel. The beaches feature bathhouses, a promenade, and snack bars.
 * — this town was an early 20th-century Victorian resort, and a rough-and-tumble rock-and-roll town.
 * — a four-season, seaside, Victorian community.
 * — a great beach that buzzes with many families during the Summer season. It features a boardwalk, snackbars and picnicking. It is the perfect vacation location with many different restaurants and businesses just across the street from the beach.
 * — enjoyable for a daily fee of $7, and has a boardwalk, mini golf, and picnicking.
 * — a tiny borough mainly inhabited by Sephardi Jews, mainly of Syrian heritage.
 * — Manasquan has been a popular destination for the under-30 crowd for many years, with its beautiful beaches and hip club scene. Manasquan's beach has fishing, a snack bar and tennis courts.
 * — God's Square mile in New Jersey. Great Shoppes and music all year long.
 * — A picturesque community on the Atlantic Ocean.
 * — Home of the Wall Stadium Speedway.

Two River Region

 * — a "hip city" full of antique shops and cafes, it is pleasant to stroll around.
 * — once a summer colony for New Yorkers, it is now an upscale commuter suburb.
 * — one of the original townships of Monmouth County has become an upper-middle class commuter town with boutiques and historical sites.
 * — a diverse middle class suburb in the heart of Monmouth County. Home to the Monmouth Mall and Fort Monmouth.
 * — is a borough in Monmouth County along the Navesink River.
 * — a nice little sea side community, and a former retreat for presidents during the Gilded Age.

Other destinations
Gateway National Recreation Area — The Sandy Hook section is in Monmouth County.

Understand
Monmouth County is in the midst of a residential housing explosion. Former horse and produce farms are rapidly transforming into gated communities for the rising influx of wealthy white collar workers. Nonetheless the area retains its natural beauty.

Get in
Monmouth County is pretty much accessible via any mode of transportation. By air, by road, even by water, you can get to this wonderful region and enjoy all it has to offer!

By plane

 * Newark-Liberty International Airport, Newark-Elizabeth, New Jersey - This is the most convenient option when flying to Monmouth County. AirTrain service connects to New Jersey Transit's North Jersey Coast Line which can take you to the following towns in Monmouth County: Aberdeen-Matawan, Hazlet, Middletown, Red Bank, Little Silver, Monmouth Park Racetrack (Seasonal), Long Branch, Elberon, Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Belmar, Spring Lake and Manasquan. In addition to the North Jersey Coast Line, the #67 New Jersey Transit bus connects from Newark-Liberty International Airport to Monmouth County, serving the following towns: Marlboro, Manalapan, Freehold Boro, Freehold Township and Howell.
 * John F. Kennedy International Airport, Queens, New York
 * LaGuardia Airport, Queens, New York
 * Atlantic City International Airport, Egg Harbor City, New Jersey - This airport has more limited destinations, but it is not as crowded as Newark, the New York City airports and Philadelphia.
 * Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - This is the most convenient option if traveling to the southwestern part of the county. Take SEPTA's R1 train to 30th Street Station from the airport, connect at 30th Street to the R7 train to Trenton station. There are no public transit options from Trenton station to Monmouth County. If you need a public transit connection into the county, use Newark-Liberty International Airport.

By road
Garden State Parkway - Exits 98 (Belmar/Wall) - 117A (Aberdeen/Keyport/Hazlet) serve Monmouth County.

New Jersey Turnpike - If you are coming from North Jersey & New York, use Exit 11 to access the Garden State Parkway South which will take you to Monmouth County. If you are coming from South Jersey & Philadelphia, use Exit 7A to access Interstate 195 East which will take you to Monmouth County. Exit 8 puts you on State Route 33 East which serves Freehold & various Shore Points.

By bus
New Jersey Transit & Academy run buses from New York City's Port Authority Bus Terminal to various destinations throughout the county. Buses also run from Monmouth County to Atlantic City operated by New Jersey Transit and Academy. For More Information: New Jersey Transit:, Academy:

New Jersey Transit also runs local bus service throughout the county, with hubs in Red Bank (Red Bank Train Station), Freehold (Freehold Center) and Asbury Park (Asbury Park Transportation Center.) Visit New Jersey Transit's website,, for more information about specific routes, times and fares.

Intercity
Amtrak - There are no Amtrak stations in Monmouth County. The closest is in Middlesex County, Metropark-Iselin, which is about a half-hour to an hours drive from Monmouth County.

If you are visiting the southwestern part of the county, it is most convenient for you to use the Trenton station in Mercer County.

However, since there are no public transit options from either Metropark or Trenton station to Monmouth County, if you need to use public transportation to get to Monmouth County, you must take Amtrak to Newark-Penn Station which is also served by New Jersey Transit's North Jersey Coast Line, which will take you to following stations in Monmouth County: Aberdeen-Matawan, Hazlet, Middletown, Red Bank, Little Silver, Monmouth Park Racetrack (Seasonal), Long Branch, Elberon, Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Belmar, Spring Lake and Manasquan.

In addition to the North Jersey Coast Line, the #67 New Jersey Transit bus connects from Newark Penn Station to Monmouth County, serving the following towns: Marlboro, Manalapan, Freehold Boro, Freehold Township and Howell.

For information about Amtrak service, visit

Local/Commuter
New Jersey Transit – North Jersey Coast Line: Line runs from Penn Station, NY to Bay Head, NJ. Stops in Monmouth County: Aberdeen-Matawan, Hazlet, Middletown, Red Bank, Little Silver, Monmouth Park Racetrack (Seasonal), Long Branch, Elberon, Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Belmar, Spring Lake and Manasquan.

For information about New Jersey Transit, visit

By ferry
New York Waterway

Belford Terminal, 10 Harbor Way, Belford. Free parking for 500 cars. Direct service to Pier 11, Wall Street & Midtown-West 39th Street. Connections to Brooklyn, Queens, and Jersey City. Free shuttle service from ferry terminals to various Midtown and Downtown destinations.

for more information.

Seastreak: Serves Atlantic Highlands and Highlands to Pier 11 Wall Street, East 34th Street, NYC.

for more information

Get around
Besides limited rail destinations & limited local bus services, you will most definitely need access to a car to access most of Monmouth County.

See

 * Jersey Shore - Monmouth County has miles and miles of beautiful beaches on the Atlantic coast. Starting at Sandy Hook (Gateway National Recreation Area), Monmouth County's share of the Jersey Shore includes (from North to South): Sea Bright, Monmouth Beach, Long Branch, Elberon, Deal, Allenhurst, Loch Arbor, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach, Avon-by-the-Sea, Belmar, Lake Como, Spring Lake, Sea Girt, and Manasquan. Some towns have free beaches however most charge a daily fee, which varies by town. Check with the individual beach you are interested in going to to find out the beach fee.
 * Keansburg Amusement Park/Runaway Rapids Waterpark - The water park is small but very clean and nice. Great for younger kids. Admission is $21.95 for 2-hours and $23.95 for 3-hours. The amusement park features the fun and popular Fast Trax Go Carts, which are fun for people of all ages. Overall a nice day trip. For more information
 * Monmouth Battlefield State Park
 * Allaire State Park
 * Keansburg Amusement Park & Runaway Rapids
 * PNC Bank Arts Center
 * Pier Village
 * Asbury Park Boardwalk
 * Gateway National Recreation Area (Sandy Hook)
 * Holmdel Park

Do

 * Golf - Monmouth County is home to a lot of nice golf courses. Public courses include: Colts Neck Golf Club in Colts Neck, Charleston Springs Golf Course in Millstone, Hominy Hill Golf Course in Colts Neck, Howell Park Golf Course in Howell, Pebble Creek Golf Club in Colts Neck, and Shark River Golf Course in Neptune. Executive courses include Bel Aire Golf Course in Wall, Pine Brook Golf Course in Manalapan, and Quail Ridge Golf World in Wall. Driving ranges include Hole in One Golf Center in Millstone and Twin Brook Golf Center in Tinton Falls. Both driving ranges include mini golf courses and Par-3 courses.
 * Horse racing- Monmouth County contains two nice race tracks. Oceanport is home to Monmouth Park Racetrack, a thoroughbred race track home to the famed race every August, the Haskell. Freehold Raceway in Freehold has trotters racing.
 * - located in Ocean Township
 * America's Keswick Retreat & Conference Center Christian retreat center in New Jersey (near the shore). Host your retreat or take part in one of theirs. They also host Christian concerts, day-long & overnight Christian conferences, road trips, and other events. Church retreats, family getaways, marriage retreats, men's retreats, women's retreats, Christian school field trips & more.

Eat
Inland, Red Bank and Freehold Boro have a nice variety of restaurants and Red Bank is especially good for nightlife. Keyport Boro and Matawan Boro are both smaller but have a few nice restaurants. Most towns have at least one strip mall with various shops and restaurants. On the shore, Asbury Park has a hip and up and coming night life scene. Most shore towns have nice bars & restaurants. Pier Village in Long Branch is very nice, but most of the restaurants are a bit on the pricey side.

Buy
Most towns have strip malls typical to the suburban New York-New Jersey metro area. You have the Monmouth Mall in Eatontown and the Freehold Raceway Mall in Freehold Township, both of which are nice big shopping malls. Also, Tinton Falls/Neptune is home to the Jersey Shore Premium Outlet Mall which is very nice.

Sleep
It may be a bit hard to find a name-brand hotel room down the shore. A few miles inland, you will find Residence Inns in Tinton Falls and in Neptune, and a Courtyard by Marriott in Wall Township. These hotels are all convenient (15-20 minute range) to the beaches. Most hotels right on the shore are the old-fashioned mom and pop type and amenities vary from hotel to hotel. Check with a reputable source such as AAA before you book any hotel. Many beautiful houses are available for summer rental; a little internet searching will help you find one that suits your needs. Most people who stay on the Jersey Shore do stay in rented houses, not hotels. However, farther inland, name-brand hotels are available. In Hazlet Township, a Holiday Inn and a Best Western are on Route 35 with convenient Parkway access via Exit 117. In Middletown Township, a Best Western is on Route 35 and a Courtyard by Marriott and an Extended Stay America are in Lincroft, in the southern portion of the township a short distance from Parkway Exit 109. Red Bank has the Oyster Pointe Hotel and the Molly Pitcher Inn. Tinton Falls also has another Courtyard by Marriott & a Holiday Inn, which are right off of Parkway Exit 105. Eatontown has a Sheraton hotel. Freehold Township has a Radisson on Route 537 and a Days Inn on Route 9, which are convenient if you're going to Six Flags Great Adventure.

Stay safe
Monmouth County is very safe, however, just use some caution in areas of Asbury Park, Keansburg and  Long Branch away from the beaches, especially at night as these areas tend to be a little bit rougher than the rest of the county. Although Monmouth County contains a fair deal of wildlife none of it is dangerous, poisonous, or significantly aggressive enough to cause any regular harm. Weather conditions are typically stable although some flooding does regularly occur at low sea-levels. As of January 1st 2012, the majority of the hazards caused by Hurricane Sandy have been cleared; although hikers, campers, tramps, and hobos should be aware that many trees are still unstable and large patches of forested areas and even residential parks still have branches hanging. The Police in Monmouth County are fairly friendly, and largely much like those encountered in the rest of the state, although speeding while operating a motor vehicle is taken somewhat more seriously and its enforcement is strict. Loitering by-laws are enforced more in the town centers and shopping areas than in public parks or beach areas but traveler types can often find friendly places here.

Go next

 * Six Flags Great Adventure - Right outside the county in neighboring Ocean County, this 2,200-acre theme park contains the tallest roller coaster in the world, Kingda Ka.
 * New York City - The "City that Never Sleeps" is only an hour away
 * Atlantic City - About an hour to an hour and a half away
 * Philadelphia - The "City of Brotherly Love" is about an hour and a half away

title: Monmouth County


text:
Monmouthshire

Monmouthshire (Welsh: Sir Fynwy) is a historic county in the south east of Wales, adjacent to the English counties of Gloucestershire and Herefordshire. It is sometimes known as Gwent, which was a medieval Welsh kingdom situated in roughly the same area, though the two regions' borders don't quite match up. Monmouthshire is well known for its pastoral scenery, particularly along the Wye Valley and at the borders of the Brecon Beacons, and historic towns and villages such as Monmouth, Abergavenny, and Tintern, the site of a 12th-century Cistercian abbey.

Cities

 * (Welsh: Casnewydd)

Towns

 * (Trefynwy) – county town of Monmouthshire

 * (Y Fenni)
 * (Blaenafon) – UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its industrial history
 * (Cil-y-coed)
 * (Cas-gwent) – known for its castle
 * (Cwmbrân)
 * (Glyn Ebwy)
 * (Pont-y-pŵl)
 * (Brynbuga)
 * (Brynbuga)
 * (Brynbuga)

Villages

 * (Rhaglan) – known for its castle
 * (Tyndyrn) – site of abbey ruins

Understand
Gwent no longer exists as an administrative area, though the name is preserved for certain ceremonial and sporting titles, such as Gwent Police and Royal Gwent Hospital. The county is divided into five administrative districts: Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Newport, Monmouthshire and Torfaen

Talk
The population of Monmouthshire is overwhelmingly monolingual English, and the county has the lowest percentage (8%) of Welsh speakers in Wales.

By car
Monmouthshire is well served by the motorway system and can easily be accessed by junctions 23a to 28 of the M4 and junction 2 of the M48. It also lies on the A40/A449 trunk road from the West Midlands and the A465 Heads of the Valleys road between Hereford and the Glamorgan valleys.

By train
The Great Western main railway line passes through the county affording easy access to Cardiff, Swansea and Pembrokeshire in the west and Bristol and London in the east. The Welsh Marches railway line also connects with the Midlands and the rest of Great Britain.

By plane
The nearest major airports are  and.

Get around

 * Monmouthshire council bus timetables

See

 * Tintern Abbey, ruined 12th-century Cistercian Abbey
 * Tredegar House, Newport, 17th-century Charles II country house mansion
 * Newport Transporter Bridge, Grade I listed aerial ferry bridge, one of only eight in the world.
 * Caerleon Roman Fortress near Newport
 * Big Pit mining museum Blaenavon
 * Raglan Castle
 * Raglan Castle

Go next

 * Glamorgan
 * Powys
 * Gloucestershire
 * Herefordshire

title: Monmouthshire


text:
Monnickendam

Monnickendam is a town in the Zaanstreek-Waterland region in the province of North Holland, Netherlands.

Understand
With about 10,000 inhabitants (2012), Monnickendam is a rather small place, not far from the huge city of Amsterdam. Its history however, is long and rich and today it is a monumental little place. Some 74 buildings have gained national heritage site status, many in the centre.

The town received city rights in 1355, providing it with a number of benefits and the village quickly grew larger. Large fires destroyed most of the city in the late 15th and early 16th century, the last one leaving no more than 80 house intact. Nevertheless, the town was rebuilt and flourished the rest of the 16th century, when the production of cheese and the smoking of fish brought economic wealth, together with the emerging shipyards. Since the current IJsselmeer was still a sea (Zuiderzee) then, and it was connected to Purmerend and Alkmaar through rivers and lakes, Monnickendam could be easily reached by large vessels. Trade developed between the village and the countries around the Baltic Sea. Many of the historic buildings today have their origin in those prosperous times.

Later, dams and dikes that were built to protect the region from the water, brought an end to Monnickendam's connection to outer sea and an area of economic downfall began. From those days on, like other towns in the region, cattle stock and the production of dairy became the town's primary activity. A canal was dug to allow so called "tugboats" to reach Amsterdam.

Get in
The main access road is the N247, which connects the village directly to Amsterdam in the south and passes along Broek in Waterland in between. To the north, that same N247 connects Monnickendam to Edam-Volendam and ultimately, close to Hoorn, to the A7/E22

Bus connections are ample, many of them passing by on their way from Amsterdam to other destinations in the area. Some of them only stop on the side of town, on the Bernardbrug only, but that's still an easy walking distance. Coming from Amsterdam, line 115 runs directly between Monnickendam and Amsterdam, and will bring you right up to the church. Alternatively:
 * Line 110, 118 and 210 pass by on their way from Amsterdam to Edam and back
 * Line 111 passes by on its way from Amsterdam to Marken and back
 * Lines 114 and 117 pass by on their way from Amsterdam to Hoorn and back

A great way to get to Monnickendam is by bike. There are many cycle routes that will take you there:
 * From Purmerend train station - Volendam Cycle Route (45 or 37 km).

Get around
This small town can be explored well on foot, but a bike is a good alternative.

Bikes can be hired at the bike shop near the Museum De Speeltoren or from Zag Zag (see below.)

Canoes can also be hired from Zag Zag (see below).

See
Just wandering or biking through town will quickly show the main merits of this place. Make sure not to miss:

Do

 * Exploring the surroundings if of course often done by bike, but the abundance of water in the region make boat trips a lovely activity too. They will not help you to get around Monnickendam itself so much, but from the town's harbour plenty of boat options are available for a trip through Waterland. If your budget allows, a traditional sailing boat is nice, but smaller electric boats are available too. Renting agencies are plentiful and the local tourist information office can he helpful in choosing the one best fitting your wishes. However, call ahead.

Buy
Foreign language newspapers and magazines are for sale in the bookshop on Kerkstraat heading away from the Bell Tower.

There is an ATM the opposite side of the water from De Wergh, by the bridge, marked "Geld opnemen".

Good local beers from the local microbreweries are for sale in the Zuid Delicatessen on Zuideinde 16.

Go next
Nearby destinations include:
 * Amsterdam
 * Broek in Waterland
 * Edam
 * Hoorn
 * Marken
 * Volendam

title: Monnickendam


text:
Mono County

Mono County is in the Eastern Sierra region of California.

This is High Plains Drifter country, made famous by Clint Eastwood's motion picture. It is a land of sage-brush-covered plains leading to towering, snow-flecked sawtooth ranges and dormant volcanoes. Mono County was named for the Indian people who lived here prior to the arrival of American pioneers. The Mono people were a band of the Paiute-Shoshone Indians.

Cities

 * - the county seat with a classic white courthouse in use since 1880. The countryside surrounding it is speckled with hundreds, nay thousands, nay... Oh well, lots and lots of cattle, and in the background the high alpine peaks of Yosemite National Park.  Can you say "cowboy country?"
 * - a ranching town in the Antelope Valley.
 * - California's classic Eastern Sierra fish camp and small ski town.
 * - the eastern gateway to Yosemite National Park (road closed Nov. - May) and the ideal base for exploring Mono Lake. Classic curio shops, Mono Lake visitor centers, gas, motels, Lee Vining has everything you need to provision a stay on the East Side.
 * - the largest town in Mono County. Mammoth Lakes was originally a fish camp, but has become a major resort town serving skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, anglers, golfers, horseback riders, hikers, mountain bikers, road bikers and people otherwise looking for inspirational relaxation.
 * - trading posts, art galleries and eat a Walker burger in a forested setting surrounded by bird houses.

Other destinations

 * - We're talkin' a lake that's truly bizarre-a-mundo! At several points around it odd, Seussian-like towers of limestone rise from the water. Rent a canoe or kayak in Mammoth Lakes or take one of the Mono Lake Committee's canoe tours to see these "Tufa towers" close up. Millions of birds stop at the lake to munch on the trillions of brine shrimp living in its salty waters. If you're a birder, plan to attend the Mono Lake Bird Chatauqua on the third weekend of June. It sells out, so reserve early to join walks, talks and otherwise birdy things.
 * - We're talkin' a lake that's truly bizarre-a-mundo! At several points around it odd, Seussian-like towers of limestone rise from the water. Rent a canoe or kayak in Mammoth Lakes or take one of the Mono Lake Committee's canoe tours to see these "Tufa towers" close up. Millions of birds stop at the lake to munch on the trillions of brine shrimp living in its salty waters. If you're a birder, plan to attend the Mono Lake Bird Chatauqua on the third weekend of June. It sells out, so reserve early to join walks, talks and otherwise birdy things.

Understand
Two national forests, the Inyo National Forest and the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, as well as three wilderness areas, the Hoover Wilderness, Ansel Adams Wilderness and John Muir Wilderness can be explored in Mono County. Nearly all the two million acres in Mono County are government owned. What isn't is ranchland for cattle and sheep or supports the county's largest industry... tourism.

Mono Lake, the largest natural lake entirely within California, attracts millions of migratory birds including 90 percent of the California Gull population to nest there. Mono Lake is also downright bizarre, with surreal tufa columns that rise from the water's edge and a chemistry so unusual that NASA has run tests in its murky depths in order to determine whether life might exist on other planets.

Signs of geologic activity can be seen throughout Mono County... steaming hot springs, volcanic flows, obsidian domes, ancient craters, and open faults. There's even a geothermal power plant to tour by calling (760) 934-4893.

Mammoth Mountain (11,053 ft) in the town of Mammoth Lakes is one of the largest ski areas in the U.S. In summer, the ski runs become mountain biking trails at one of the most extreme mountain biking experiences in the U.S. June Mountain, near the town of June Lake, is a favorite of snowboarders, families and backcountry skiers (yes, guided off-piste skiing is permitted there). Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice-climbing, backcountry skiing, snowplay, dog sledding and snowmobiling are other popular winter activities.

Mono County is home to California's legendary Alpers Trout, raised by local aquaculturist, Tim Alpers on the historic Conway Ranch. These lunkers are prized for their beefy shape, massive size and fight. Because so many "Alpers Trout" are stocked there and due to its clear water and many lakes and streams, anglers consider Mono County and the Eastern Sierra to be prime fly and bait fishing territory. The region is so renowned for its fishing that field testing of many synthetic baits and lures occurs there. Hiking, horseback riding and wilderness pack trips, backpacking, cycling, motor touring, off-roading, camping, orienteering, golfing, kayaking, water-skiing, jet-skiing, rock-climbing and bouldering are popular summer activities.

Bodie is Mono County's most notorious town, yet only caretakers live there, today. It was one of the wildest towns in the West in the late 1800s, but today is a ghost town managed by the California State Parks, as is the Tufa State Reserve at Mono Lake.

California's finest displays of fall color can be found here. From early September through October (usually peaking in early October), spectacular displays of yellow, orange, red, pink, auburn and green leaves descend from the high up in the Eastern Sierra, down canyons to near U.S. 395.

Visitor Information
There are seven visitor information centers in Mono County: the Bridgeport Ranger Station, the Bridgeport Visitor Center, The Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center in Lone Pine, The June Lake Visitor Center, The Mammoth Lakes California Welcome Center, The Mono Basin Scenic Area Ranger Station and Visitor Center and The White Mountain Ranger Station.

By plane

 * Mammoth Yosemite Airport is just east of US-395 near Mammoth with commercial flights provided by JSX and United Express. Schedules vary by season, but Los Angeles International Airport is served year-round by United Express.

By road

 * US 395 bisects the county on a north-south axis allowing access to the county from Southern California to the south and Carson and Reno to the north. 395 is the only year-round highway entering Mono County from California.
 * California State Route 108 provides access to Mono County from California's Central Valley over the Sierra Nevada range but is closed during the height of winter.
 * US 6 and California State Route 167/Nevada 359 enter Mono County from the sparsely populated western region of Nevada.

See

 * Lundy Lake Beaver dam and ponds
 * Twin Lakes - Two, almost identically sized lakes are found 14 miles southwest of Bridgeport. Located at 7,000 ft. in elevation, the lakes are favorite places for shore, float and boat fishing.
 * United States Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center - Established in 1951 specifically to provide mountain and cold weather training for replacement personnel bound for Korea, this intense training ground is one of the U.S. Marine Corps’ most remote and isolated posts, and one of its most difficult training grounds. The Center is located at 6,762 feet, on 46,000 acres of the Toiyabe National Forest. Lowest course elevation is 6,800 ft, and highest elevation is 7,800 ft. Average temperature in May is 53 degrees. This is where the U.S. Marines receive high-altitude training before heading to battle the Taliban and Al Qaeda in the mountains of Afghanistan.  On this terrain is run one of the most challenging 10K runs, anywhere.  It's open not only to military athletes, but to anyone willing to take on a Marine Corps-sized challenge.  The gain is 1,100 feet beginning at 6,800 ft. and climbing to 7,600 ft in just 2.3 miles.  The Marines have named this stretch, "Heart Attack Hill."  About the time you hit the first water station at only one mile up the hill, you've hit the runner's proverbial wall and are thankful you're just a marathoner and not one of the Marines stationed here who, in the course of their arduous training, have to do similar things carrying full combat gear.  You settle in and begin to understand what the Marines mean when they call each other grunts and experience a little of what it's about to be one of the few, the proud.
 * Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
 * Inyo National Forest
 * Virginia Lakes
 * Lundy Canyon
 * June Lakes
 * McGee Creek
 * Crowley Lake
 * Mono Craters
 * Benton Hot Springs - the name says it all. You can soak in natural hot springs that are temperature regulated.
 * Toms Place - Too-kewl general store, bar and cafe. Stop here for prime rib and burgers, rated tops by local newspapers.
 * Topaz - a fishing town (population 50) at the south end of Topaz lake, just minutes from a Nevada casino.

Go next

 * - Mono County's southern neighbor is a land of extremes, covering a massive 10,000 square mile expanse of the Eastern Sierra and California Desert. Inyo County is home to Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower-48 states, as well as Death Valley National Park, the largest national park in the lower-48 states and host to earth's hottest temperatures and the continent's lowest elevation. In addition, ancient bristlecone pine trees can be found within the White Mountains, the oldest of which is estimated to be around 5,000 years old.
 * - Mono County's neighbor to the southwest, sprawling Fresno County is home to Fresno, California's fifth-largest city, and vast agricultural areas. The eastern side of the county is mountainous, featuring the remote wilderness of Kings Canyon National Park, which attracts visitors to its giant sequoias and unspoiled meadows that lie at the crest of the Sierra Nevada range.
 * - West of Mono County lies Madera County, whose agricultural western half offers plenty of hotels and amenities for travelers, while the mountainous eastern half features unspoiled Sierra Nevada wilderness that is home to portions of Yosemite National Park, the Ansel Adams Wilderness, and Devils Postpile National Monument with its impressive basalt columns and iconic Rainbow Falls. Be aware that there are no roads crossing the county from west to east, so it may be a very circuitous route for those who want to see everything Madera has to offer!
 * - Located west of Mono County, Mariposa was the largest county in California at the time of statehood in 1850, but later ceded land that formed twelve other counties. Today it maintains a relatively small footprint in the Sierra Nevada foothills, but has kept one of the state's treasures: Yosemite National Park, home to impossibly tall granite cliffs, remote alpine wilderness, and an iconic valley.
 * - Mono County's western neighbor is accessible via California State Route 120 through Yosemite National Park, although Tioga Pass is closed after the first snow in winter. Tuolumne County was one of California's original counties at the time of statehood, and today offers a glimpse into the region's gold mining and logging history, as well as numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation.  With limited parking and lodging inside of Yosemite, the YARTS shuttle system makes the county's towns an option to consider for park visitors.
 * - Located northwest of Mono County, sparsely populated Alpine County advertises itself with the slogan "two people per square mile and you", making it a good option for a quiet mountain getaway. Attractions include the hot spring pools at Grover Hot Springs State Park, amazing views of the Sierras from the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway, and the excellent winter skiing at Kirkwood Mountain Resort.
 * - Home to Carson City, the capitol of the State of Nevada.

title: Mono County


text:
Mono Lake

Mono Lake is a massive lake that sits at over 6,000 feet (1,829 m) elevation in the Eastern Sierra region of California, just east of Yosemite National Park. There are no rivers or streams to drain the lake's waters, resulting in high saline (salt) concentrations. The lake is renowned for its scenic beauty, unusual tufa rock formations, and the estimated two million migratory birds that visit each year.

History
Starting in 1941 the streams that fed Mono Lake were diverted for use by the city of Los Angeles. With a yearly evaporation rate of, the lake level quickly dropped, going from an elevation of 6,417 feet (1,956m) above sea level to a low point of 6,372 feet (1,942m) above sea level. The accompanying 31% loss of surface area and 50% loss of water volume had a devastating effect on the estimated two million birds that used the lake each year, as well as causing air quality problems due to the dust from the now-exposed lakebed. In 1994 a court ordered that the lake be returned to a level of 6,392 feet (1,948 m) above sea level.

Landscape
The lake is believed to have formed 760,000 years ago, although it may be a remnant of a larger lake that formed 1-3 million years ago, thus making it one of the oldest lakes in North America. It is a saline lake with no outlets, fed solely by runoff from the surrounding mountains. One unusual feature of the lake is its many tufa rock formations. These rock towers form when underwater springs rich in calcium mix with the waters of the lake, which are rich in carbonates. The resulting reaction forms limestone. Over time the buildup of limestone forms a tower, and with the drop in lake level the towers have become exposed.

Flora and fauna
Mono Lake is a noted bird-watching destination. Brine shrimp and brine fly larva in the water and brine flies on the shorelines provide abundant food for hungry migrants that stop to refuel before moving on. Although Negit Island has become land-bridged (and thus accessible to predators) due to lake level decrease, the area's islands remain important breeding areas for birds. Approximately 85% of the state's population of California gulls cross the Sierras each year to breed here, as do a significant portion of the state's snowy plovers. In addition, between 1.5 to 2 million eared grebes use the lake during migration each year, as do 80,000 Wilson's phalaropes, 60,000 red-necked phalaropes, and nearly 80 other species of waterbirds.

The lake's food chain begins with algae that bloom in summer months. This algae becomes food for the 4-6 trillion brine shrimp that inhabit the lake, as well as the brine flies that gather on the shoreline. In summer months these flies rise up in black clouds when approached, although luckily they aren't biting insects and thus are not a nuisance to humans.

Climate
With little more than desert scrub in the basin, there is no shelter from the elements.

Winds routinely rip through the basin in all seasons. Choking alkali dust clouds can be lifted out of basin by the winds. Usually, the wind direction sends these clouds out to the east away from the most visited parts, but there's no guarantee that the direction won't change and provide you with a much more intimate opportunity to study the clouds firsthand.

In winter, snow occasionally covers the ground. Chains may be required to get around the basin, and are frequently required to cross the passes to get in and out of the region. State Route 120 is closed just west of US 395 all winter (and often all spring), and is closed east of the South Tufa area for much of the winter too.

In summer, if the wind stops suddenly, a cold day can suddenly turn into a scorcher.

Get in
The primary access to Mono Lake is provided by Highway 395, which runs north and south along the Eastern Sierra. During the summer months the lake can also be reached from Yosemite National Park using Highway 120 (Tioga Pass), but this route closes with the year's first snowfall and doesn't re-open until the following May or June.

Fees and permits
There are no fees charged to visit Mono Lake.

Boating
Mono Lake can be a challenging environment for boaters - the high salt content of the lake, strong winds, and submerged rock formations combine to test the skills of boaters. Most boaters exit the lake by early afternoon to avoid the rough winds that are common. Due to the lake conditions, canoes and kayaks are the most popular types of craft for venturing out on the lake. Boaters should also be aware that from April 1 through August 1 the lake's islands are closed to protect nesting birds.

Nature
Naturalist-led walks are offered daily in the summer by the forest service, the state reserve staff, and the Mono Lake Committee. In addition, the Mono Lake Committee offers three-day seminars covering topics including geology, human history, and wildlife of the Mono Lake area.

Buy
Supplies and other necessities can be purchased in the town of Lee Vining. Gas is available year-round, but many establishments are open only during the summer season.

Eat
Restaurants and groceries can be found in Lee Vining.

Drink
Drinking water is available at the visitor centers. For stronger fare the town of Lee Vining has seasonal options.

Lodging
Lodgings are available in the city of Lee Vining, some of which overlook the lake.

Camping
The following campgrounds are open only during the summer - check in advance for opening and closing dates as they vary with conditions.

Backcountry
Since this is a preserve, no camping is permitted anywhere within the Mono Lake Natural Reserve. Dispersed camping is allowed in most areas above the lakebed within the State Scenic area.

Go next

 * Lee Vining. Along the lake shore, this town offers services and information about the lake.
 * Yosemite National Park. The Tioga Pass entrance to the park is just south of the lake, but is closed from the first snow until the roads can be cleared in the Spring (usually around May).

title: Mono Lake


text:
Monongahela National Forest

The Monongahela National Forest is in the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia. There are campgrounds, picnic areas, and over of hiking trails, in addition to mountain climbing, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, boating, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, hunting, and fishing.

Connect
White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986, +1 304-536-2144
 * Monongahela National Forest, 200 Sycamore Street, +1 304-636-1800.
 * Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, Intersection of Route 33 and Route 55, +1 304-567-2827
 * Cheat Ranger District, On US Route 219 just east of Parsons, +1 304-478-3251
 * Gauley Ranger District, 932 North Fork Cherry Road Richwood, WV 26261, +1 304-846-2695
 * Greenbrier Ranger District, On Rt 92/250 just east of Bartow, +1 304-456-3335
 * Marlinton Ranger District, On Cemetery Road off Rt 39 at the eastern edge of Marlinton, +1 304-799-4334
 * Potomac Ranger District, 1.5 miles south of Petersburg off Rt. 28/55, +1 304-257-4488
 * White Sulphur Springs District, 410 E. Main Street

 * Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, At the intersection of Rt 39/55 and Rt 150, +1 304-653-4826

Understand
The MNF is more than and encompasses several wilderness areas, including Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob. Within the forest are many small communities that have limited lodging, restaurants and small shops. Before hiking, camping, fishing, etc., be sure you are not trespassing on private land.

Get in
The MNF is about an hour east of Elkins. Take US-33 West.

Eat
The Monongahela National Forest covers an enormous area; therefore any list of restaurants serving the MNF will include food from numerous locations. Outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Smokehole Caverns (north-west section of the MNF) will find sustenance nearby in Petersburg, while hikers or hunters in the northern most reaches of the park will find great dining options in Thomas or Davis.

Camping
There are more than 20 campgrounds in the MNF. Accessibility of campgrounds varies.

Backcountry
Backcountry camping is allowed in most areas, provided you stay so far off the road and leave-no-trace.

Go next
Understand that given the large size of the Monongahela National Forest a short get away in one location may be pretty far from another location. Therefore, giving directions are tough and distinguishing approximate drive times would be inaccurate. Here are some relatively close destinations. Check elsewhere for more detailed drive directions and drive times.

 * Harrisonburg, Virginia is east of the MNF, and home to James Madison University.
 * Beckley, West Virginia is south-west of the MNF and has an exhibition coal mine where visitors have the opportunity to experience the life of a turn of a century miner.
 * Charleston, West Virginia is also south-west of the MNF, and the capital of the Mountain State.
 * Roanoke, Virginia, called the Star City of the South, is south of the MNF, not too far into Virginia.
 * Morgantown, West Virginia, is north-west of the MNF, and home to WVU and the Mountaineers.
 * Cumberland, Maryland, is north-east of the MNF, and is where the Great Allegany Passage and C & O Towpath trails meet.

title: Monongahela National Forest


text:
Monopoli

 Monopoli is a town of 48,000 people (2020) in the province of Bari. Monopoli is an old fishing village with several very picturesque beaches. In comparison to the western side of Italy it retains its Italian old town feel and is relatively untouched by tourism. You are more likely to meet other Italians on holiday here rather than English or Germans.

Get in
Monopoli can be easily reached by car or train. Bari is the closest airport/train interchange. Bari Airport to Bari Train station takes about 30 minutes and the train from Bari to Monopoli takes approximately 30 minutes. Monopoli old town is within walking distance of Monopoli train station.

Get around
Walking is without any doubt the best way of visiting the old city and its tightened and tangled roads. Although a car could be necessary if you're going to visit the coast or the countryside. From June to August a bus service connects the train station to the beaches in the south of the city.

See

 * Castle of Charles V. Finished in 1525, it has a pentagonal plan. It is on a promontory which was separated from the medieval city. It was restored and enlarged in the 17th century. Starting from the early 19th century, it was used as a jail, a status it kept until 1969. It is the seat of an art exhibition and cultural events.
 * Coastal castle of St. Stephen, built by the Norman lord Godfrey of Conversano in 1086. It was later turned into a Benedictine monastery.
 * Jerusalem Hospital, founded in 1350 by the Hospitallers
 * Monopoli Cathedral (18th century), minor basilica
 * Palazzo Palmieri (18th century)
 * Monte San Nicola (Mount St. Nicholas) faunal reserve. The reserve, lying on the summit of a hill, 290 metres (950 ft) high in the Murge plateau, is important for the presence of some endemic plants.
 * Port
 * Old city
 * Church of S. Domenico
 * Sea and beaches
 * Basilian underground churches and villages
 * Spanish manors

Do
Go to the beach! There are plenty of small beaches (both free beaches and beach clubs) within walking distance south of Monopoli

title: Monopoli


text:
Monpazier

Monpazier is one of the finest examples of a bastide town and a commune in the Dordogne département of France. Built in 1284 by Edward I of England it follows the classic plan of a bastide, built round a square surrounded by arcades, with a large church near the centre. Despite being involved in numerous wars throughout the Middle Ages it remains largely untouched. It can be considered one of the prettiest towns in the Dordogne region.

By plane
Nearest airport is Bergerac around 40 km away.

By train
Bergerac has good connections to Bordeaux and fast trains to Paris and London.

By car
There are no bus services serving Monpazier and no local taxi in the village.

See
The chief attraction of Monpazier is the village itself. One of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France", Monpazier is generally regarded as the best preserved of all the Bastides of the south-west and sits at the centre of the Bastide country of the Dordogne. Bastides are fortified mediaeval villages (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bastide) and most are well worth a visit. Belvès, Beaumont-du-Périgord, Villeréal, Issigeac and Villefranche-du-Périgord are all less than 30 minutes drive.

Do
Like many small rural French villages, life in Monpazier is extremely seasonal. Between Christmas and Easter the village goes to sleep with only a sparsely attended Thursday market to mark the weeks. However, as the weather warms up, so does Monpazier's social life - and the Thursday market becomes a colourful vibrant affair that takes over much of the village. Visit the official Monpazier site for current information of events which every year includes:

 * Medieval Festival
 * Professional night bicycle race
 * One of only 2 cep (porcini mushroom) markets in the region
 * Book Fair
 * Several brocante (antique fairs) and vide greniers ('Empty your attic", the French equivalent of a car boot sale)

Go next

 * Bordeaux – The city of castles

title: Monpazier


text:
Monroe

There is more than one place called Monroe:

United States of America

 * Monroe (Clermont County) - a township in Ohio
 * Monroe (Connecticut) — A town in the Fairfield County region of Connecticut.
 * Monroe (Louisiana) — A city in Louisiana.
 * Monroe (Michigan) — A city in Michigan.
 * Monroe (North Carolina) — A town in the state of North Carolina.
 * Monroe (Ohio) — A city in Butler County, Southwest Ohio.
 * Monroe (Washington) — A town in the state of Washington.
 * Monroe (Wisconsin) - A city in the state of Wisconsin.

See also: Monroe County.

title: Monroe


text:
Monroe (Louisiana)

Monroe is the third-largest city in Northern Louisiana, largest city in Northeast Louisiana, and the parish seat of Ouachita Parish. It is also home to the University of Louisiana at Monroe and their sports team, the ULM Warhawks. Founded as Fort Miro, it took on the name of Monroe after the paddle-wheeler James Monroe that came to town in the early 19th century, and, by extrapolation, the former president James Monroe. An interesting bit of trivia is that Monroe was once the headquarters of Delta Airlines, which got its start as the crop dusting operation Delta Dusters in nearby Tallulah.

Slathered down with highly religious views and the effects of years of racial inequality, Monroe can have a rather gritty appearance imbued with a fragrant aroma from its paper mill, but, well, take heart, Wikivoyage traveler.

By car
Monroe is located on Interstate 20, about 100 miles east of Shreveport and 75 miles west of Vicksburg.

Get around
Monroe Transit has several routes to get you around the metro area.

Do
Try a Warhawk game at the

Explore an intriguing forested parkland with pond, covered and suspension bridges, and nature trails at at 820 Kiroli Rd in West Monroe, or check out  with its impressive swampy boardwalk at 700 Downing Pines Rd nearby.

Or for a real treat, try or. You'll be able to capture some eerie shots of bald cypresses rising out of a swamp that is quintessential Louisiana, along trails or at various viewpoints, but actually the experience might be enhanced with a boat or at least mosquito spray.

title: Monroe (Louisiana)


text:
Monroe (Michigan)

Monroe is the county seat of Monroe County.

Understand
Birthplace of General Custer and, unsurprisingly by extension, the Celebratory Hub of Custer Week. Monroe is also home to La-Z-Boy and Monroe Shocks & Struts.

By bus
Lake Erie Transit buses near any drive-by address.

By car
Parking in downtown Monroe is free for one hour; just don't park by a fire hydrant or on a sidewalk.

Connect
The area code is 734.

Monroe News and the Monroe County Library System as third-party back-up (all while trying to sleep, though).

title: Monroe (Michigan)


text:
Monroe (North Carolina)

Monroe is a small city in North Carolina. It is in Union County, on U.S. Highway 74. It has a close association with Charlotte, which is about 30 minutes away by car. Monroe's population is slightly under 27,000. It used to be populated mostly by White and African-Americans; however, the city's Hispanic population has spiked dramatically.

Get in
Though Monroe has a small airport, the vast majority of visitors will arrive there by car. The primary artery through the city is US-74, though there are smaller roads connecting it to other nearby towns.

Get around
Cars are the only practical form of transportation in Monroe. There is no public transit. Biking or walking is possible in some areas -- especially in the Historic Downtown -- but not recommended for visitors limiting themselves to the businesses and shopping found along the 74 corridor.

See
Monroe maintains its historic downtown, though it has seen better days. The Union County Courthouse has an impressive bell tower, and is in a picturesque downtown district. The stores along Main St. bear the feeling of a 1940s town, and are reasonably well preserved. Also, the original Belk's Department Store can be found there.

There is a movie theater near the Monroe Mall on Highway 74.

Do
Monroe is not a tourist center, and there is relatively little for a visitor to do there besides shop. The Monroe Mall and Union County Farmers' Market are probably your best bet aside from strolling through the downtown area. High-school football games are also an event of interest for those looking for exposure to Southern culture.

Buy
The historic downtown of the city has some shopping, and is worth visiting for a casual afternoon. Of particular interest are independently owned boutiques, antique stores, and day spas that populate the Historic Downtown.

Monroe's other shopping district can be found along the US-74 corridor. The Monroe Mall offers some department store retail, and has a few interesting stores. Other bog box and chain retail stores can be found at Poplin Place.

Eat
The strip along US-74 has many chain restaurants. If you are looking for chain food, there is no need to plan ahead; just drive down 74 and look for what you want.

For more personal dining, try exploring the historic downtown area. There are a few good cafes to be found there and on surrounding streets.

Drink

 * The Courthouse Self-Pour Beer & Wine, 101 W Franklin St. Kind of an unusual establishment with a self-pour process. Tel: +1 980-269-8386.

Sleep
There are a variety of hotels along US-74 approaching Charlotte.

Go next
Almost all visitors will leave town via either US-74 or the Old Charlotte Highway (which, obviously, goes to Charlotte and becomes Monroe Rd. in Mecklenburg County). Driving west on US-74 will also bring you to Charlotte; heading east will eventually take you toward Wilmington and the coast. The next nearest town to the east is Wadesboro.

title: Monroe (North Carolina)


text:
Monroe (Washington)

Monroe is a city in the Puget Sound region of Washington State.

By car

 * US 2.svg connects Monroe to the northwest (Cities of Snohomish and Everett) and to the southeast (Cities of Leavenworth, Wenatchee and eventually to Spokane and Idaho) through the beautiful Cascade Mountain range via Steven's Pass. The drive from Snohomish to Monroe is mostly farmland, while the drive east and beyond is mostly forest.  Monroe is generally considered the last stop for east-bound travelers, as it has the most options for food, lodging, bathrooms, or gasoline before trekking over the mountain pass and reaching the next big city of Leavenworth (1.5 - 2 hrs of driving).
 * WA-522.svg comes from the southwest originating from I-405 in Woodinville and ending at Highway 2 at the beginning of Monroe's newer retail area.
 * WA-203.svg Monroe-Duvall Rd originates further south at I-90 in Snoqualmie and winds up into Monroe through Pleasant Hill, Carnation, and Duvall. It crosses the Skykomish River and enters into Monroe as Lewis St,. It ends at its intersection with US Hwy 2.

Get around

 * Bus routes travel to Monroe from Everett (270, 271) via Snohomish, and express buses from Seattle (424) via Kirkland and Woodinville.
 * Bus routes travel to Monroe from Everett (270, 271) via Snohomish, and express buses from Seattle (424) via Kirkland and Woodinville.

title: Monroe (Washington)


text:
Monroe County

There is more than one place called Monroe County:

United States of America

 * Monroe County (Alabama)
 * Monroe County (Arkansas)
 * Monroe County (Florida)
 * Monroe County (Georgia)
 * Monroe County (Illinois)
 * Monroe County (Indiana)
 * Monroe County (Iowa)
 * Monroe County (Kentucky)
 * Monroe County (Michigan)
 * Monroe County (Mississippi)
 * Monroe County (Missouri)
 * Monroe County (New York)
 * Monroe County (Ohio)
 * Monroe County (Pennsylvania)
 * Monroe County (Tennessee)
 * Monroe County (West Virginia)
 * Monroe County (Wisconsin)

title: Monroe County


text:
Monroe County (Michigan)

Monroe County is in Southeast Michigan.

Cities

 * — the county seat
 * — the county seat
 * — the county seat
 * — the county seat
 * — the county seat
 * — the county seat

Other destinations

 * - the only state park on Lake Erie

Understand
This county was established in 1817 of July as a part of organizing Michigan's L.P. region after the War of 1812 (most notably after the River Raisin Rallying Cry, of course).

Get in

Interstate Highway 75

By Bus
Lake Erie Transit is the avenue for those who don't have a car (or who don't intend to drive at all).

See

 * Cemeteries with headstones in the German language, such as one on Jackman Road at the intersection with Albain Road.

Eat
Historically, Catholics in the region have enjoyed muskrats on Fridays, in addition to fish. At some events and local dinners, you may get a chance to try it.

Stay safe
Here's either Monroe News or the Monroe County Library System as optional, third-party back-up (but feel free to warm up to any tune, though).

Go next

 * Metro Detroit
 * Lenawee County
 * Washtenaw County
 * Toledo, Ohio

title: Monroe County (Michigan)


text:
Monroeville

Monroeville is a city in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, 12 miles east of Pittsburgh. It is a suburb of Pittsburgh, situated at the intersection of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) and the Parkway East (I-376) which runs to Downtown Pittsburgh.

Get in
Driving is the easiest way to access Monroeville, being at the intersection of two freeways: the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) and the Parkway East (I-376). Several Port Authority routes serve Monroeville, but all either don't run very often or only operate during rush hours.

Buy

 * Monroeville Mall - at US Business Route 22 (William Penn Hwy) and Mall Boulevard.

title: Monroeville


text:
Monrovia

Monrovia is the capital, and with a population of around 1.6 million (2021), also the largest city in Liberia.

The city center is the image of a tropical capital, melting in the hot sun. Monrovia is a low-rise capital on the sea, lined with palm trees and paint-chipped buildings of no more than three stories. The city has a vibrant vibe on the street.

Understand
From the harbor city's establishment in 1822 to Liberia's 1847 declaration of independence, the American Colonization Society resettled approximately 3200 former African-American and Caribbean slaves and their descendants. The city was named Monrovia in 1824 after US president James Monroe, then a prominent supporter of the colony. Approximately 29% of the Liberian population live in the 5-square-mile (13 km²) capital city.

There are a number of merchants lining the streets of downtown, selling used clothes, household wares, and an interesting selection of DVDs. Waterside market is the largest local indoor/outdoor market, with narrow walkways between busy stalls. There are two large, well-stocked supermarkets in the city center to offer a surprising selection of Western foods.

Despite its woes, Liberia has the feeling of a country on the ascent. Billboards line the streets, inviting citizens to pay their taxes to make their country stronger and to take pride in their success. It is not cliché to say that Liberians are extremely friendly, so the streets are vibrant.

Climate
Monrovia has a year-round hot and humid tropical climate and is considered one of the rainiest capital cities in the world, with over 4,600 millimeters (181 inches) of annual rainfall per year. Temperatures do not vary much throughout the year, with a daily average of 26.4 °C (79.5 °F). The rainy season lasts between April and December.

By plane
Brussels Airlines offers a flight from Brussels, Belgium. Monrovia is connected to Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc. From there, connections exist to Europe and North America.

There is a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi-Accra-Monrovia and a return to four flights a week on Brussels Airlines.

Get around
Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive but there have been rumors of robberies and pickpocketing in taxis. If you do take a taxi, don't take a shared taxi but rather hire one just for yourself.

Eat
Dining options in Monrovia are reasonable, although anything other than Lebanese and Liberian tends to be expensive, but there are a few reasonable places.

There are hundreds of "cook shops" serving Liberian fare, but if you're yearning for something other than spicy sauces and rice, consider the following (in no particular order):

Self-catering
The best produce (salad, vegetables, herbs, fruit, squash, etc.) can be found on Benson St., around Newport St. Raw honey is available outside the mosque (you'll need to strain it).

There is an excellent strip of butchers on Somalia Drive, near the port, where they slaughter and sell fresh cow, goat, and sheep meet. A butcher shop on Benson St. in town sells meat from these butchers (freshest W Sa).

Fresh fish is available in Sinkor just past the Vavoma building (where Sinkor becomes Congo Town), on the beach side of Tubman Blvd. Or call Moses at 06368158.

There are several supermarkets that sell imported (usually American, Lebanese, and some Western European) goods.

Go next
Careysburg is a town founded by freed slaves in 1859, about 30 minutes from Monrovia. The sleepy city and nearby townships have examples of homes and churches built in the style of the American South, set against a cool, lush landscape. The Quelu and Wulki Farms both offer accommodations with swimming pools and horseback riding.

title: Monrovia


text:
Monrovia (California)

Monrovia is a city in Los Angeles County in Southern California.

Get in
Take the Myrtle Avenue off ramp from the 210 freeway and go north. Old Town is less than a mile from the freeway. The Metro Gold Line light rail service to Pasadena and Downtown L.A. stops in Monrovia with a stop at Myrtle Avenue and Duarte Road.

Get around
Once you get into Old Town you will see that parking is free, and much of the town can be seen on foot. There is a free trolley that runs during the day, that will port you from Old Town to other shopping areas.

title: Monrovia (California)


text:
Monrovia (disambiguation)

There is more than one place called Monrovia:

Liberia

 * Monrovia - the capital of Liberia.

United States of America

 * Monrovia (Alabama) - A town in the state of Alabama.
 * Monrovia (California) - A town in the state of California located near Los Angeles.
 * Monrovia (Maryland) - A town in the state of Maryland.
 * Monrovia (Indiana) - A town in the state of Indiana.

title: Monrovia (disambiguation)


text:
Mons

 Mons (Dutch: Bergen, not to be confused with the namesake city in Norway) is the capital of the Belgian province of Hainaut, in the region of Wallonia. The town is a worthy place to base yourself for a multi-day exploration of the Hainaut region.

Understand
Mons was the European Capital of Culture in 2015, together with Plzeň in the Czech Republic.
 * Mons city government website

Airports

 * Brussels Airport
 * Brussels South Charleroi Airport

By car
Take the Mons exit from the E19/E42

Get around
A free shuttle service runs between 07:00 and 21:00. The shuttles run along three circuits, all of which terminate at the train station Gare B. All run past Sainte Waudru and the Grand Place.

Events

 * The Ducasse de Mons or Doudou is the name of a week-long series of festivities or Ducasse, which originates from the 14th century and takes place every year on Trinity Sunday. Highlights include:
 * The entrusting of the reliquary of Saint Waltrude to the mayor of the city on the eve of the procession.
 * The placement of the reliquary on the Car d’Or (golden carriage), before it is carried in the city streets in a colourful procession that counts more than a thousand costumed participants.
 * The lifting of the Car d’Or on a paved area near the church of Saint Waltrude; tradition holds that this operation must be successful for the city to prosper.
 * The Lumeçon fight, where Saint George confronts the dragon. The fight lasts for about half an hour, accompanied by the rhythmic "Doudou" music.  The tradition of the processional dragon is listed among the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Go next

 * The historic town of Nimy is a few kilometers to the north up the N6.
 * The Grand-Large Marina is close to the Imagipark amusement park, and is a good place to start a canal tour of the local waterways.
 * The MAC's in Grand-Hornu (via TEC Bus lines 7 and 9) is a beautiful museum in a superb historic industrial coal site. Visit also the places near Grand-Hornu where Vincent Van Gogh lived.
 * Cambron-Casteau — home to Pairi Daiza, a popular animal park north of Mons on the way to Ath.

title: Mons


text:
Idanha-a-Nova

Idanha-a-Nova is a municipality in the Beira Baixa, a region of Central Portugal. It includes Monsanto, an ancient fortified village perched on the side of the mountain. The tiny streets are carved from and in the rocks. The houses are squeezed between gigantic boulders. This historical village is often mentioned as the most Portuguese village in the country.

Understand

Idanha-a-Nova (/i.ˈdɐ.ɲɐ ɐ ˈno.vɐ/, ee-DUH-nyuh uh NOH-vuh) has a population of 9,716 (2011). In 2015, the town was added to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for its music.

Monsanto's (/mõ.ˈsɐ̃.tu/, mohn-SUHN-too) appearance has not changed in centuries. In 2011, it was home to about 800 people.

At the top of the -high hill, stands a very old square built fortress or castle, that played an important role in Medieval times; it's said to have been built by the Templars Grand Master and withstood several battles, including the Napoleonic invasions. The walk up to the castle is rewarded by gorgeous views in the whole region.

By plane
Fly to Lisbon Airport and then take the train/bus to Castelo Branco. Monsanto is northeast of Castelo Branco.

By car
The easiest way to reach Monsanto is by car. Portugal is one of Europe's cheapest countries for renting a car. Buy and use a normal road map over Portugal. There is free parking in the beginning of the mediaeval village.

By rail
If you will not or cannot drive a car, it is possible to arrive to Monsanto by public transportation: trains and buses, but first you have to get to Castelo Branco. From Lisbon, take the train to Castelo Branco. The latest time table shows trains operating between 08:00 and 19:30 and will take approximately 3 hours from Lisbon.

Intercity Trains operate from Lisbon (Gare do Oriente) to Castelo Branco. From Porto, the train journey takes approximately 5 hours.

By bus
From Lisbon, take the Metro from the airport to Seite Rios. Express bus at 09:50 (all working days and Saturdays - if not a holiday) from "Terminal Rodoviario de Seite Rios" in Seite Rios (near the Lisbon Zoo) to Castelo Branco. Change to the bus to Monsanto at 12:25.

Express bus at 14:00 (all working days but Friday if it is a holiday) Change in Castelo Branco to the bus to Monsanto at 17:15. As of February 2023, the bus runs at 15:15 and requires a change at Idanha A Nova. Take the Idanha A Nova bus from platform 7 of Castelo Branco station then catch the bus that takes the children home from high school once you reach Idanha A Nova.

From Porto, the bus journey takes approximately 4 hr 30 min.

See

 * Other interesting villages in the area: Idanha-a-Velha and Penha Garcia, distance about 10 km and 15 km from Monsanto.
 * Other interesting villages in the area: Idanha-a-Velha and Penha Garcia, distance about 10 km and 15 km from Monsanto.
 * Other interesting villages in the area: Idanha-a-Velha and Penha Garcia, distance about 10 km and 15 km from Monsanto.
 * Other interesting villages in the area: Idanha-a-Velha and Penha Garcia, distance about 10 km and 15 km from Monsanto.
 * Other interesting villages in the area: Idanha-a-Velha and Penha Garcia, distance about 10 km and 15 km from Monsanto.
 * Other interesting villages in the area: Idanha-a-Velha and Penha Garcia, distance about 10 km and 15 km from Monsanto.

Drink
Same places as mentioned above

Go next

 * Beira Alta
 * Beira Baixa
 * Penha Garcia
 * Serra da Estrela
 * Castelo Branco
 * Fátima

title: Idanha-a-Nova


text:
Reguengos de Monsaraz

Reguengos de Monsaraz is a municipality of almost 11,000 people (2011) in Alto Alentejo on the right bank of the Guadiana River in the Portuguese Alentejo region, near its border with Spain. It includes the town of Monsaraz, which has under 800 residents.

Understand

Reguengos de Monsaraz (/ʁɨˈɣẽɡuʒ ðɨ mõsɐˈɾaʃ/, rrih-GEHN-goozh thih mohn-suh-RAHZH) is one of the oldest Portuguese settlements of the southern Portugal, occupied since prehistory. Examples of permanent habitation include hundreds of megalithic monuments. These include the neolithic remains of: Megalithic Monuments of Herdade de Xerez, Olival da Pega Dolmens, Menhir of Bulhoa, Rocha dos Namorados Menhir and Outeiro Menhir. The hill, on which the main settlement is located, was a prehistoric fortification, or castro, that was the basis of pre-Roman occupation and funerary temples, carved from the local rock.

The name Monsaraz originates from the word Xarez or Xerez, the Iberian transliteration of the Arabic Saris or Sharish, for the Gum Rockrose (Cistus ladanifer L.), a plant that still today prospers in poor, dry, acidic slate-based soil that surrounds Monsaraz. The Iberian words Xarez/Xerez latter evolved to the Portuguese Xaraz and to the Spanish (Castilian) Jerez (the Spanish name for the sherry wine). The settlement therefore came to be known as Monsaraz, originating from Monte Xaraz, i.e., fortified hill surrounded by Gum Rockroses. Its naturally prominent position, being the highest hill in the area as well as its proximity to the deep Guadiana valley, made it a location of strategic importance.

Get in
Rede Expressos provides bus service from places such as Lisbon and Évora.

Rodoviária do Alentejo offers bus service from Évora and other regional cities.

See

 * Watchtower of São Gens do Xarez (Atalaia de São Gens/Torre de São Gens do Xarez), a simple, square watchtower oriented to the cardinal points, but in a state of ruin, making reconstitution difficult, likely built in 1646 to guard the Guadiana River.
 * Chapel of São Bento (Capela de São Bento/Ermida de São Bento), a rural chapel constructed at the end of the 16th century-beginning of the 17th century, through contributions of many of the local residents of Arrabalde da Vila, that includes frescos in a vaulted ceiling. After the 1755 Lisbon earthquake the building was left seriously damaged.

title: Reguengos de Monsaraz


text:
Monsey

Monsey is a hamlet in the town of Ramapo in Rockland County, New York.

Understand
Monsey is a historic place, once home to Lenape Native Americans, whose encampment at Monsey Glen can be visited. Today, the hamlet is largely populated by Chasidic Jews. If you know some Yiddish, this is one place where you can use your knowledge.

See
On Maple Avenue at Blauvelt Road stands an old house. The story goes that President George Washington slept there one night during the Revolutionary War. Today, there is an elderly couple living there.

Buy
There are lots of shopping centers in Monsey, for example the Shoppers Haven Mall, which includes the Rockland Kosher Supermarket and a variety of different stores. Another shopping center is The Town Square, which includes the Evergreen Supermarket' and a variety of different stores.

title: Monsey


text:
Monson

Monson is a city in Maine.

Get in
Hike in on the Appalachian Trail, or drive.

Do
Hike on the AT, which used to go through town, but now bypasses on a ridge 2 miles west.

Buy
There is one little gas station in town that sells stuff.

title: Monson


text:
Monsummano

Monsummano is a city in Tuscany and is set in the central-eastern Valdinievole and is bound to the north from the hills of Montalbano, south of the Padule Fucecchio - an important wildlife reserve where you can enjoy birdwatching - in the west are the plains of Lucca, and in the east, semi-hilly areas of the municipality of Larciano.

From an economic point of view, the territory of Monsummano witnessed the development of a prosperous and important shoe industry, during the first half of the twentieth century. The Grotto’s Giusti and Parlanti,  which over time have characterized another socio-economic  presence in the area.

Grotta Giusti, which takes its name from the poet Giuseppe Giusti, is a fraction of the municipality of Monsummano, close to the tourist complex of caves and thermal baths. The cave is open all year, and includes three routes, which will take about two hours to navigate: Trescolli, Bollogno, and Grotto. Given the nature and characteristics of the water, it is considered a thermal bath. The three main caves are called "Paradise," "Purgatory" and "Inferno" by the temperature characteristics of each one.

See
the caves
 * The Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Fontenuova,
 * The Church of St. Michele and Lorenzo
 * The Oratory of the Madonna della Neve
 * The Villa Medici in Montevettolini
 * The house and Museum of Giuseppe Giusti
 * Teatro Yves Montand
 * The Castle of Alto Monsummano, Grotta Giusti and the entrance of
 * The Museum of cContemporary Art and the Twentieth Century
 * The Museum of the city and Territory.

Do

 * Among the tourist events to mark on the calendar, is the ‘Cioccolosità’, held usually in February. It is a festival of chocolate in which Italian and foreign craftsmen come together to show off their skills.

title: Monsummano


text:
Montagu

Montagu is the gateway to the Little (Klein) Karoo on Route 62 between Cape Town and the Garden Route with many fine examples of Cape-Dutch architecture. This friendly country town features silent mountain sides, clear night skies, tasty food and pretty fruit and flowers. The town is very well known for the large amount of high quality rock climbing routes in the area plenty of adventure activities. The village also has a medicinal herb museum and many worthwhile art galleries.

By car
This is the way to come to Montagu and it's a 2– to 3-hour drive from Cape Town. Going east on the famous Route 62 will bring you to Oudtshoorn (this is an interesting drive through the semi-desert Western Cape Karoo and worth some extra km/miles)

By bus
The big bus companies offer limited services to Montagu so it's advisable to check the current situation.

Munnik's InterTown Coaches runs a scheduled bus service between Bellville (with pick up points in Athlone and Mitchel's Plein) and Montagu on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. Enquires & Reservations - or.

Otherwise Translux (and CitytoCity) have a stop in nearby Ashton.

By plane
There is no airport in Montagu, the nearest airports are in Cape Town and George.

Robertson Airfield (28 km by road, to the west of Montagu), licensed according to South African Civil Aviation Authority standards, is an unmanned municipal airport 1 km to the east of the Western Cape town of Robertson in South Africa. (Airfield details: Code: ROD, Elevation: 640 m, Phone:, Owner: Langeberg Municipality)

By rail
The closest train mainline station is in Worcester some 75 km away,Ashton 10 km away has a station-but trains run weekly so this is not the way to go to Montagu.

Get around
The village is best explored walking. There is no public transport in Montagu so for longer trips rent a car. Alternative rent a (mountain-)bike as there are some interesting trails.

See
Montagu houses some very fine examples of Dutch-Cape architecture and it's no problem to visit them on a walk through the streets (especially Long Street).

Do
Hike along one of the many trails in the neighbouring mountains. Two of the nearby hiking routes, Bloupunt and Cogmanskloof trail start at Joubert Park just at the edge of the town. Further afield in the Koo valley you find the Gecko Trail as well as Nuy River Gorge Kloofing and Abseiling Take a dip at the hot springs some 3 km out of town. Climb some of over 400 sport climbing routes.

Buy
Every Saturday 08:00-12:30 you'll find the Montagu Village Market in Euvard Park on Bath street opposite the Information bureau. Here you'll find a fantastic selection of local farm produce, art and delicious foods as well as clothing and craft.

Eat
Montagu offers some very classy restaurants. Becoming more and more popular with tourists, the prices get classy, too.

Sleep
There are several hotels and guesthouses in Montagu and some more a little bit out of town but there is a little shortage of backpacker accommodation. If on a budget, look for one of the self-catering cottages.

Go next
Montagu an ideal stop over on the famous Route 62 between Cape Town and the Garden Route. Alternatively there's the R318 route, a slower but more scenic road via the Keisie and Koo Valleys towards the N1 and Hex River Valley. But there are lots of reason to stay for 2, 3 or more nights. You can go for walks in the mountains, swimming at the hot mineral springs, horse riding, boat trips on the Breede River, tractor/trailer trip to the mountain summit, visit a wide variety of wineries with some of the best wines that you can get, or relax and enjoy the sunshine and beauty of the town and area.

title: Montagu


text:
Montague Island

Montague Island is an island off the Eurobodalla region of New South Wales. It is known as a nesting ground for birds (including penguins) and as the home of a fur seal colony.

Get in
Travel to the island is restricted to organised tours and there are no lodgings or facilities independent of the tours. Tours are guided by a National Parks and Wildlife ranger. You arrive by boat from Narooma (9 kilometers). Book a single day tour through

The bar exiting Narooma is the most dangerous in New South Wales, and it is not uncommon for boat journeys to Montague Island to be called off. Flexible plans will be helpful in eventually getting you there. Even when the tour does run, crossing the bar can be an exciting experience. Expect to have to wear a life jacket and remain seated for that part of the journey.

See

 * The lighthouse, built in 1881 and still active. It was automated in 1986 and in 1987 the last keepers were transferred off the island. Tours of the lighthouse are part of the single day tours of the island.
 * Whales migrating south from September to November each year. They can be seen from the island, and whale watching tours to the surrounding waters leave from Narooma.

Do

 * Take the 3.5 hour walk from the landing to the lighthouse and then to the penguin breeding boxes. This is the standard day tour of the island.
 * The boat trip will usually take you past the fur seal colony, to see it from the water.
 * Participate in conservation research, mostly surrounding the survival of the bird colonies that nest on the island. This is a core part of the overnight tours.
 * Scuba dive with the fur seal colony that lives in the surrounding water in winter and spring, or with the temperate and tropical sealife brought south by the currents during summer. The seal colony is an all male colony consisting of young male seals without a harem: there are no female seals or pups that live there. The lack of pups mean that sharks are rare. Scuba diving day trips leave from Narooma and Bermagui. Overnight visitors can scuba dive or snorkel as an optional extra part of their stay.

Eat
There are no independent restaurants or food outlets on the island. Meals will be provided as part of your tour.

Drink
The only drinking you'll be doing is over dinner at the keeper's lodgings.

Sleep
Overnight stays on Montague Island are only organised as part of conversation volunteer trips. Volunteers stay in the lighthouse keeper's quarters for up to two nights.

Go next

 * Your only option is to head back to the mainland.

title: Montague Island


text:
Rodriguez

Rodriguez, formerly but still sometimes called Montalban, is a town at the foothills of the Sierra Madre at the province of Rizal.

Understand
Lying at the northern edges of Rizal, Rodriguez hugs at the foothills of the Sierra Madre and is a refuge from Manila's sprawl; however, the town itself forms already a huge part of the mess which spilled eastward. The municipal area covers already 26% of Rizal's land area, big enough for space for various developments.

Get in
Mode of transportation is via jeepneys, suv's (FX), bus & tricycle-pedicab if moving within the locality.

There are many entrance points in getting Montalban

Via Araneta Center, Cubao, QC Take FX or jeepneys with signboard "Montalban" along Aurora Blvrd. Some areas in Araneta Center, like Alimall, & Farmers Market had terminals of FX too.

Via Sta Lucia Mall/Robinson Metro East in CAINTA, Rizal Take FX or jeepneys along Marcos Hi-way with signboard "MONTALBAN"

Via Commonwealth Avenue, Litex Road Take jeepney at the terminal along Litex road going to "MONTALBAN"

Get around
You can take tricycle for small distance from main road, J.P. Rizal Avenue to any point of Montalban in the downtown area like San Jose, Rosario, Balite, Manggahan, & Geronimo.

Getting in to some subdivision requires you to take pedicab, a tricycle type vehicle but it is run by human power using bicycle.

To get along far flung areas like Puray, Mascap & San Isidro, a mountainous barangay, there are special jeepneys at San Rafael Public Market.

Other mode of transportation to move around is always a jeepneys with signboard WAWA, BUKID, & SUB-URBAN

Do
Many outdoor activities can be done in Montalban including:

 * Mountain Climbing

 * Outdoor Camping

 * Mountain Hiking

 * Searching for History

 * Malling

 * Caving

 * Mountaing Biking

 * Indoor Activities
 * Basketball Games
 * Table Tennis

Buy
There are various shops where you can enjoy shopping in Montalban such as:

 * Montalban Town Center Mall
 * Puregold Montalban
 * National Bookstore
 * Handyman Do It Best Center
 * Metrostar Department Store
 * Rusty Lopez
 * Leaveland
 * RRJ & Mr.Lee
 * Ministop
 * Broadway Gems
 * Sandugo
 * Aficionado
 * Time Concept
 * Hbc
 * F Shop
 * Mercury Drug
 * Robinson's South Star Drug

Eat
When visiting Montalban, don't forget to drop by at pasulubong area

 * Ivy Chris Bakeshop & Restaurant

 * F4 Panciteria

There are other fast food and restaurants such us:

 * Jollibee
 * Greenwich
 * Mang Inasal
 * Goldilocks
 * Red Ribbon
 * Tropical Hut Hamburger
 * Reyes Barbecue
 * Pizza's Smile
 * Slice n Dice
 * Manok Manok Grill & Restaurant
 * Don Jose Restobar
 * Popoy's Grill
 * Gudsilog Restaurant
 * Fuzzione Cafe
 * Pancit Ng Taga Malabon
 * TK Takoyaki
 * Siomai House
 * Master Siomai
 * Fruitas
 * Hongkong Style Noodles

Other local places to eat:

 * Goto Nga
 * Boguyz Panciteria & Japanese Cuisine

Other karenderia are abundant in all major thoroughfares with very affordable and budget wise prizes.

title: Rodriguez


text:
Montalcino

Montalcino is a quiet hill top village in Tuscany, Italy. It is known above all for its exquisite wine, Brunello.

Get in
Montalcino is close to Siena.

You can enter the city through its original fortified wall.

See

Go next
Nearby is another Tuscan wine town and Montalcino's rival, Montepulciano.

title: Montalcino