text:
Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands are a group of atolls and reefs in the Pacific Ocean, about half-way between Hawaii and Australia. The charm of the Marshall Islands lies not in a great number of attractions. This small country, home to fewer than 70,000 people and comprising 1,156 islands and islets, is, however, unique. Don't expect any spectacular sights, but enjoy the pristine beauty of picture-perfect tropical islands, great scuba diving and windsurfing opportunities and the warm hospitality of the people.

Understand
After almost four decades under US administration as the easternmost part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the Marshall Islands attained independence in 1986 under a Compact of Free Association. Compensation claims continue as a result of US nuclear testing on some of the atolls between 1947 and 1962, which displaced some Marshallese citizens and exposed them to deadly radiation. The Marshall Islands have been home to the US Army Post Kwajalein (USAKA) since 1964. A number of islands are off-limits to tourism (and even to locals) due to US military presence or the residue of nuclear testing.

Climate
Wet season from May to November; hot and humid; islands border typhoon belt.

Landscape
The Marshall Islands consist of two island chains of 30 atolls and 1,152 islands, of low coral limestone and sand. Bikini and Enewetak are former US nuclear test sites; Kwajalein, the famous World War II battleground, is now used as a US missile test range.

Visitor information

 * Visit Marshall Islands website

Regions
The Marshall Islands consists of 29 atolls and 5 isolated islands, of which 24 are inhabited. They can be grouped into two island chains:

Visas
Everyone is required to possess a valid passport.

Citizens of the United States and all its territories, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, the Schengen area, and Pacific Islands Forum Countries including Australia and New Zealand passport holders can enter the country without a visa.

Entry visas will be issued upon arrival to citizens of Japan, Korea, the Republic of China (ROC), the Philippines and some others provided that the duration of the intended visit is no more than 30 days and the visitor has a round-trip or transit ticket and a passport valid for at least six months. Citizens of countries not listed above must present a passport valid for at least six months with an entry visa and a round-trip or transit ticket before boarding and travelling to the Marshall Islands. The entry visa to Majuro is issued by their Attorney General in the Marshall Islands. It suggested that you email the Immigration Director to request the issuance of an entry visa upon arrival at Majuro Airport. Send by email to [mailto:agoffice@ntamar.net agoffice@ntamar.net] or [mailto:rmiimmig@ntamar.net agoffice@ntamar.net] a request for issuance of a visa upon arrival and an attached copy of your passport, visa application, itinerary and entry visa to the next country stop. You will be given a confirmation via email on the issuance of the visa upon arrival.

Visas cost $25 for a tourist visa that lasts 3 months. Business visas cost $50. Visas are valid for 30 days, but can be extended for up to 90 days once in the Marshall Islands. You must show that you can pay for your entire time in the Marshall Islands and that you can pay for a departure ticket, or demonstrate that you already have a purchased one. There is a departure tax of $20 tax, although those over 60 years old are exempt.

If you come from a country infected with cholera, you must present an immunization certificate. You must get an HIV test if you plan to work or live in the Marshall Islands, or if you will be staying for more than 30 days.

By plane
Flights are available between Honolulu and the Marshall Islands and to Fiji via Kiribati and Tuvalu. United Airlines stops in Majuro and Kwajalein on its island-hopper service between Guam and Honolulu.

Approximate flight times: from New York to Majuro is 14 hours; from Tokyo it is 11; from Guam it is eight hours to Majuro and five hours from Honolulu.

International airports: Majuro International Airport. There are taxis and hotel transport from the airport to the town.

By plane
Air travel between the islands is provided by Air Marshall Islands. However, the company is fraught with financial and technical problems, and one or both of the two planes in the fleet are often grounded for days, weeks or months at a time.

By boat
Transportation by ship is also available. Field trip ships travel throughout the islands, typically to pick up copra and deliver supplies; they usually provide passenger service as well.

To give a sense of scale, the journey from Majuro to Jaluit is approximately 40 minutes by plane and 24 hours by boat.

On Majuro There is a plethora of taxis available on the main road that travels the length of Majuro Atoll, and anywhere in the Majuro city area will cost no more than seventy-five cents. To get to Laura, on the other end of the island, there is a bus that leaves about once an hour from Robert Reimers Hotel.

Talk
Most Marshallese speak Marshallese and English. One important word in Marshallese is "yokwe" which is similar to the Hawaiian "aloha" and means "hello", "goodbye" and "love".

See

Watch the sunset from your beachchair in one of the luxurious resorts or make your way to one of the more deserted beaches for a day of almost Robinson Crusoe-like tranquillity. On the far west side of the Majuro-atoll, the quiet beaches of Laura are a fine choice. If you've had enough of sun and sand, head to the capital Majuro for some shopping.

Head to the Longar area on Arno, where young women were once taught the tips and tricks for a happy sexual life in so-called love schools. This is a perfect place for deep-sea fishing too. In Uliga you'll find the Alele Museum and Public Library. Although small, it has some nice artefacts of the nation's culture on display. Note the stick charts, used by the indigenous people to help remember the complex wave patterns between the many atolls.

Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site
The Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site in the Ralik island chain is the first UNESCO world heritage site of Marshall Islands added to the list in 2010. It contains many reminders of the 20th-century Cold War nuclear weapon race and the destructive power of nuclear weapons. Part of the landscape are sunken ships sent to the bottom of the lagoon by the explosions and a huge crater formed by 1954 Castle Bravo test.

Money
The Marshall Islands use the U.S. dollar ("$", ISO currency code: USD). It is divided into 100 cents.

Shopping
There are some markets selling handicrafts and fresh produce.

Eat
There are many types of different fruits that are available in the different seasons. There are also farms that produce vegetable or raise pigs. Most, if not all, the produce are: breadfruit, pandanus, coconut, corn, tomato, sweet potato, cassava, papaya, pumpkin, "nin" (noni), lime, pigs and chicken. In addition to these, there are stands that sell fruit and traditional food along the road from Ajeltake to Laura.

The Marshall Islands was once known as the world's "fishiest" place, meaning that there was an over-abundance of species of fish that dwell in Marshallese waters. However, there is great uncertainty as to whether this is still true due to concern over overfishing and destruction of natural habitat by ships' anchors, harmful chemicals & climate change.

There are several restaurants that serve international food. The Marshall Islands Resort's (MIR) Enra Restaurant, Yummy BBQ, Jitak Take-Out, DAR Restaurant, and Robert Reimers Enterprises' (RRE) Tide Table are among the most well known.

Non-Marshallese owned restaurants include Monica's (Chinese), La Bojie's (Filipino), China Restaurant (Chinese), Special Restaurant (Chinese), Won Hai Shen (Chinese), The Stone House (Japanese), Jay's Restaurant (Indian), Island Star Restaurant (Chinese), Eastern Restaurant, and Aliang Restaurant (Chinese).

Work
It is possible for Americans to get work on either Kwajalein or Roi-Namur Islands in Kwajalein Atoll. Only citizens of the Marshall Islands and US Military personnel are allowed to work at Kwajalein Atoll.

Stay safe
Beware of storm surges or high tides. Flooding is common due to rising sea level.

Stay healthy
Tap water is not drinkable. It's recommended to use bottled water even for brushing your teeth.

Connect
Mobile phone service is available from the National Telecommunications Authority. Visitors with a foreign SIM card may receive a SMS offering a local number for use with their foreign SIM card. You just need to top up the account to activate the service. Follow the instructions in the SMS. It may take a few attempts to make it work.

NTA offer internet through a chain of wifi hotspots. There are 3 ways to connect:
 * Buy a card which will give time limited connection - $5 for 50 minutes.
 * Buy a fixed amount of data online. the service will be offered when connecting to one of the NTA-UniFi hotspots. $10 give 100MB. Credit cards or Paypal are accepted.
 * Register for a months access at the NTA office. This costs $35 per month, plus $5 setup charge. The MAC address of your device will be programmed into the NTA system, giving access to just that device. It might take a few attempts to get this to work.

Internet speeds can be quite good, but the system is not wholly reliable.

Post is provided by the United States Postal Service.

Consulates

 * 🇵🇭 Philippines
 * 🇺🇸 United States

title: Marshall Islands


text:
Marshalltown

Marshalltown is a city in Central Iowa.

By plane
There is no commercial aviation to Ames; the nearest major airport is located in Des Moines. After landing at Des Moines, rent a car or take the Burlington Trailways bus to Marshalltown. The Trailways bus stop is at 1501 2nd Ave, a few blocks north of East Grand Ave in downtown. You can take the free D-Line bus to 2nd Ave and East Grand Ave, then walk north.

By bus

 * Greyhound Bus Lines (1-800-231-2222) stops at 2101 South Center St.
 * Burlington Trailways also has a stop at 2101 South Center St. Buses run from several cities Nebraska and Iowa including Omaha, Nebraska, Des Moines, Iowa, Ames, Iowa and Iowa City, Iowa.

By bus
Marshalltown Municipal Transit, MMT operates several routes Monday through Friday between 8 AM to 6 PM or so.

Eat
Taylor's Made Rite Restaurant has great loose meat sandwiches

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

title: Marshalltown


text:
Marshallville

Marshallville is a village in Wayne County in Northeast Ohio. The population was 826 at the 2000 census. The village has a total area of 0.6 mi2, all land.

Get in
Route 94 runs north to south through town; interchanging at 585 and continuing into Wadsworth, North Royalton, Parma, and Cleveland to the north, and interchanging in Dalton and continuing into Amish country to the south.

Get around
Car, Walk, Bike

See

 * Countryside
 * Amish

Do

 * Double Gold King Farm - Horse stables and riding, 10634 Akron Rd, +1 330 855-5583

Drink
Bars in nearby Orrville.

Go next

 * Orrville (west)
 * Wooster (west)
 * Cleveland (north)
 * Akron (northeast)
 * Canton (east)
 * Amish Country

title: Marshallville


text:
Marshfield

There is more than one place called Marshfield:

United Kingdom

 * Marshfield (Wales)
 * Marshfield (England)

United States of America

 * Marshfield (Massachusetts) - A town in Massachusetts
 * Marshfield (Missouri) - A town in Missouri
 * Marshfield (Vermont) - A town in Vermont
 * Marshfield (Wisconsin) - A town in Wisconsin

title: Marshfield


text:
Marshfield (Massachusetts)

Marshfield is a town on the South Shore of Massachusetts in Plymouth County. It includes the villages of Brant Rock, Green Harbor, Ocean Bluffs, North Marshfield, and Marshfield Hills. It is best known as the home of Daniel Webster an important national political figure from 1832 until his death in 1852. He was also known as "the farmer of Marshfield." Marshfield has a yearly population of 25,000 people (2010) which grows to about 40,000 during the summer because of its location on the coast.

Get in
Marshfield is on Route 3. From Boston go south on Interstate 93, then south on Route 3.

The MBTA has stops in North Scituate and greenbush (town next to marshfield.) South Station to Greenbush one way for adults $6.75 South Station to North Scituate one way adults $6.25, children under 12 free with an adult.

Get around
Taxi, Traveler Transportation 781-834-1900

Do

 * Marshfield Fair, end of August at the Marshfield fair grounds, lasts about 10 days, rides, games and food.
 * Marshfield Fair, end of August at the Marshfield fair grounds, lasts about 10 days, rides, games and food.
 * Marshfield Fair, end of August at the Marshfield fair grounds, lasts about 10 days, rides, games and food.

Beaches

 * Brant Rock Beach runs parallel to Rt. 139. It is pebbly and narrow at high tide. A general store and ice cream shops are nearby. There is a parking lot available for non-residents. Lifeguards in summer. Smaller private beach in Brant Rock called Blue fish Cove- go around the esplanade, bear right, straight until end of road and take a left then first right, there is a huge rock that you can jump off of during high tide, tons of people, really fun!
 * Green Harbor Beach is a long sandy beach. Parking at the Green Harbor Lobster Pound is $15 weekdays, $20 on weekends and holidays.
 * Rexhame Beach is a sandy beach on the northern coast of Marshfield. Snack bar and restrooms. Lifeguards in summer. Restaurant and stores are nearby on Ocean Street. A 25 non-resident parking spaces are available. M-F $10; Sa-Su $15.
 * Humarock Beach, long sandy beach but pebbly at high tide, right off of ferry St turn right on Fiver Street, parking available, Sands End restaurant, convenient store and ice cream shop across from parking lot. Small, but good food, cheap prices!

Buy

 * Webster Square Shopping Plaza, Marshalls, Radio Shack, The Job Lot, Star Market and Family Dollar.
 * Webster Square Shopping Plaza, Marshalls, Radio Shack, The Job Lot, Star Market and Family Dollar.
 * Webster Square Shopping Plaza, Marshalls, Radio Shack, The Job Lot, Star Market and Family Dollar.

Eat
Lunch/Dinner
 * Green Harbor Lobster Pound right across the bridge at green harbor beach, awesome chicken nuggets and fries to grab if your hungry at the beach, and really cheap!
 * Green Harbor Lobster Pound right across the bridge at green harbor beach, awesome chicken nuggets and fries to grab if your hungry at the beach, and really cheap!
 * Green Harbor Lobster Pound right across the bridge at green harbor beach, awesome chicken nuggets and fries to grab if your hungry at the beach, and really cheap!
 * Green Harbor Lobster Pound right across the bridge at green harbor beach, awesome chicken nuggets and fries to grab if your hungry at the beach, and really cheap!
 * Green Harbor Lobster Pound right across the bridge at green harbor beach, awesome chicken nuggets and fries to grab if your hungry at the beach, and really cheap!
 * Green Harbor Lobster Pound right across the bridge at green harbor beach, awesome chicken nuggets and fries to grab if your hungry at the beach, and really cheap!
 * Green Harbor Lobster Pound right across the bridge at green harbor beach, awesome chicken nuggets and fries to grab if your hungry at the beach, and really cheap!
 * Green Harbor Lobster Pound right across the bridge at green harbor beach, awesome chicken nuggets and fries to grab if your hungry at the beach, and really cheap!
 * Green Harbor Lobster Pound right across the bridge at green harbor beach, awesome chicken nuggets and fries to grab if your hungry at the beach, and really cheap!
 * Green Harbor Lobster Pound right across the bridge at green harbor beach, awesome chicken nuggets and fries to grab if your hungry at the beach, and really cheap!
 * Green Harbor Lobster Pound right across the bridge at green harbor beach, awesome chicken nuggets and fries to grab if your hungry at the beach, and really cheap!
 * Green Harbor Lobster Pound right across the bridge at green harbor beach, awesome chicken nuggets and fries to grab if your hungry at the beach, and really cheap!
 * Green Harbor Lobster Pound right across the bridge at green harbor beach, awesome chicken nuggets and fries to grab if your hungry at the beach, and really cheap!
 * Green Harbor Lobster Pound right across the bridge at green harbor beach, awesome chicken nuggets and fries to grab if your hungry at the beach, and really cheap!

Breakfast

Dessert

 * The Latest Scoop, ice cream shop, 263 Ocean Street, +1 781-837-7705, small but cute ice cream shop right on the esplanade going to Brant Rock Beach, known for their great ice cream selection!

Drink

 * No clubs in Marshfield but The Venus, The Ocean Deck and the Tavern all have bars that are very popular spots on Fridays and Saturdays, all close at 1AM.
 * No clubs in Marshfield but The Venus, The Ocean Deck and the Tavern all have bars that are very popular spots on Fridays and Saturdays, all close at 1AM.
 * No clubs in Marshfield but The Venus, The Ocean Deck and the Tavern all have bars that are very popular spots on Fridays and Saturdays, all close at 1AM.
 * No clubs in Marshfield but The Venus, The Ocean Deck and the Tavern all have bars that are very popular spots on Fridays and Saturdays, all close at 1AM.

Go next

 * Boston
 * Plymouth
 * Cape Cod

title: Marshfield (Massachusetts)


text:
Marshfield (Missouri)

Marshfield is a city in Southwest Missouri.

title: Marshfield (Missouri)


text:
Mars Hill

There is more than one place called Mars Hill:

United States of America

 * Mars Hill (Maine) - A town in the state of Maine.
 * Mars Hill (North Carolina) - A town in the state of North Carolina.

title: Mars Hill


text:
Mars Hill (North Carolina)

Mars Hill is a city in North Carolina.

See
==Do=
 * Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre (Owen Theatre), 44 College St. Performing arts venue on Mars Hill University often depicting Southern Appalachian life. +1 828-537-2547

Go next

 * Marshall

title: Mars Hill (North Carolina)


text:
Marstrand

Marstrand is in the municipality of Kungälv, in Bohuslän on the west coast of Sweden. Many tourists come here in the summer to swim in the ocean.

By car

 * E6 to Kungälv, take road 168 for 25 km to the island of Koön, take the 200 m foot and vehicle ferry to island of Marstrand. This costs 20 kr for a return ticket and operates about every 15 minutes during the day. Private cars are not allowed on the island. There are severe parking restrictions on Koön for 500 m around the ferry.
 * E6 to Stenungsund, take road 160 and then 169 for 25 km to Rönnäng on the island of Tjörn, take the 5-km foot ferry. Rönnäng is a small place with limited parking.

By boat

 * Using your own boat or yacht - Marstrand has a popular tourist harbour

Get around

 * By foot - the town is about 500 m by 500 m in size and the island about 1500 m by 750 m.

See
In addition to the view of the island and coastine from Carstens Fort and the attractive wooden houses, shops and hotels on the harbour front

Do
Take the 5-km foot ferry to Rönnäng, on the island of Tjörn.

title: Marstrand


text:
Martapura

Martapura is a town in South Kalimantan, serving as the capital of Banjar regency.

Understand
Martapura is famous for its gemstones. It has a strong Islamic flavor. The city is about 1 hour drive from Banjarmasin and only 15 minutes from Banjarbaru.

By public transport
There are plenty of intercity minivans (taksi antarkota, orange-coloured minivans) from Banjarmasin, and vice versa.

By car
Hire car with driver.

By taksi kota/angkot
Taksi kota is a minivan with green color. The route is from Martapura to Liang Anggang, via Banjarbaru and vice versa. You can hail and stop it anywhere along the routes. The fare is based on how far you travel. To hail and to stop a taksi kota, just raise your hand and they will stop. When you're inside and want to stop, just say 'kiri' (key-ree) or simply 'stop' out loud. You need to know the place you want to go. Make sure you have exact money to pay the taksi kota, handout to the driver when you get to your destination. Usually taksi kota drivers don't speak English.

By becak
Becaks (rickshaw or pedicab) are scattered around the Martapura's main market. It's a good choice for a short ride but you have to be good negotiator if you want to ride on becak, fare depending on the destination (near or far). Usually becak drivers don't speak English.

Buy

 * Gemstones and souvenirs at Cahaya Bumi Selamat shopping center.

Eat

 * Traditional cakes at Martapura's main market.

title: Martapura


text:
Martínez (Argentina)

Martínez is a suburb of Buenos Aires, in Buenos Aires Province.

History
Its first settlers were the Guaraní Indians, whose main activity was agriculture along with hunting and fishing. The history of San Isidro begins in 1580 when Juan de Garay distributes the land north of Santísima Trinidad, today known as the city of Buenos Aires. What was called “Pago of the Coast or Monte Grande” is today known as the San Isidro district. In his memoirs, Garay recalls that he crossed paths with a Spanish Captain, Domingo de Acassuso, who promised to build a chapel in honor of San Isidro, and as a result becoming the main origin of the district. Today nothing remains of the first chapel constructed in 1707, but its location was respected and in its place stands the Cathedral of San Isidro.

By the end of the 18th century, San Isidro was already important, its territory included the present districts of Vicente Lopez, San Fernando, part of 3 de Febrero and also Belgrano. In all these years, the land destined for farming happened to be the place of rest and leisure of the families of the Buenosairean aristocracy. Additionally, important residences surrounded by immense gardens were constructed that gave San Isidro that particular aspect that with time got to distinguish it.

Get in

 * Tren de la Costa (Coastal Train) - The route runs along the Plate River. First serviced by British-built trains, the line was cancelled in the 1980s when cost exceeded revenues. In the early 2000s operational rights were bought out by another corporation and a tourist/sightseer train line was brought into service connecting Olivos and Tigre with 11 stops/stations in between. The old English-style stations were refurbished and some constructed anew. The vintage stations have a certain charm with their small shops selling refreshments and gifts, making them attractions in themselves.

Get around
The “Tren de la Costa” (turistic-passenger train) travels across Martínez in the way from Olivos to Tigre. Mitre train, in Tigre’s branch, has it own station in Martínez and is the quickest way to go to downtown Buenos Aires and the “Delta”. The main avenues, Santa Fe and Del Libertador, are the axis in Northern Suburbs the way to get to Downtown if you travel by car or bus (connection with subway).

Tourist Information: Ituzaingo 608 (Esq. Av. of the Liberador) Phone.: 4512-3209/3262

See

 * Cathedral of San Isidro: Av. of Liberador 16,200 Phone: 4743-0291/4990. Schedule: Every day from 08:00 to 19:00.

 * Town Council Hall:
 * Deliberative Council: 25 de Mayo 459 Phone.: 4512-3336 Schedule: from 08:00 to 14:00.
 * Theater of the Old Council: 9 de Julio 512 Phone.: 4512-3215

 * Municipal Historical Museum: Rivera Indarte 48 Phone: 4512-3131 Free entry.

 * Town Library, Archives and Library Museum: Av. Del Libertador 16362 Phone.: 4512-3282/3283 SLibrary and Historical Archive: Monday-Friday from 10:00 to 18:00. Free entry.

Do
San Isidro is home to a historically prominent Jockey Club.

Buy

 * Unicenter: The shopping center is Martínez's biggest and count among Argenitina's most important retail center. Shoppers can hunt for clothes, electronics, home decorations and furnishings. Unicenter also hosts the large supermarket, aptly named Jumbo, a food court and a fourteen-screen cinema complex. Paraná 3745, Martínez. Information: 4733-1111.

Go next

 * Tigre - a quaint town just up the river that serves as the gateway to the vast Paraná Delta, conveniently just a couple stops away on the Tren de la Costa!
 * Lujan - famous for its incredible (although controversial) zoo and its world famous cathedral.
 * San Antonio de Areco - just under 100km away, Areco is an old-fashioned village filled with ancient houses with colonial fences and narrow footpaths that speak of historic times.
 * Capilla del Señor - a snapshot of rural Argentine life on the pampas, it has been designated as the "First National Historical Town" in Argentina. With many cute cafes and restaurants surrounding central Plaza San Martín, many wealthy Argentines have their country houses here to facilitate the perfect weekend getaway.

title: Martínez (Argentina)


text:
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is an island 8 miles off the Cape Cod peninsula in Massachusetts. Once a whaling center, it has become a vacation hotspot and a favorite summertime haven of many celebrities. Due to this, it has picked up the nickname "Hollywood East". It is the third largest on the eastern seaboard. It is believed to have been the inspiration of Amity Island, from the movie Jaws.

Towns
Martha's Vineyard is made up of six towns, each with a selection of restaurants and accommodations.

 * — formerly known as Gay Head
 * — including the fishing village of Menemsha
 * — which includes Chappaquiddick Island
 * — often mistakenly referred to as Oaks Bluff
 * — including the main village of Vineyard Haven in the town center
 * — the longstanding agricultural area of the island

Understand
Residents have come to say "up island" to mean western areas of the island -- Aquinnah, Chilmark and West Tisbury. Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and Tisbury are "down island." These terms refer not to north or south, but to longitude. (From the island's whaling past....)

Celebrities have been coming to Martha's Vineyard for decades. Locals have gotten used to them and scarcely seem to notice any more. It's considered impolite to stare.

South-facing beaches have the most surf. Uncle Seth's Pond on Lambert's Cove Road is the only freshwater beach and has only very limited parking.

Ferries
Vineyard Haven, also called Tisbury, is the main port of entry for the Steamship Authority Ferries.

By plane

 * Cape Air, . Regional airline serving Hyannis, Provincetown, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket with service also to the off cape cities of Boston, Providence (seasonal), and New Bedford.
 * American Airlines, Service from Washington (DCA).
 * JetBlue, offers seasonal service from JFK and BOS on its 100-seat Embraer E190 Jet aircraft.
 * JetBlue, offers seasonal service from JFK and BOS on its 100-seat Embraer E190 Jet aircraft.

Taxi

 * Adamcab,,.
 * All Island Taxi,,.
 * Atlantic Cab,,.
 * Bluefish Taxi,.
 * Jon's Taxi,,.
 * Mario's Taxi,, ,.
 * Martha's Vineyard Taxi Company,,.
 * Stagecoach Taxi,,.
 * Tisbury Taxi,,.
 * Your Taxi,,.
 * Admiral Taxi,.

By bicycle or moped
Most of the vineyard's roads are accompanied by a bike path. Bike and moped rentals are available in several towns.

By car

 * A-A Island Auto Rental,, , info@mvautorental.com. Locations in Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown

By ferry

 * Menemsha Bike Ferry: : a small ferry carries bicycles and pedestrians from North Road on the northeastern side of Menemsha Harbor to West Basin Road on the southwestern side of the harbor.
 * The Chappy Ferry: : carries pedestrians, cyclists, and up to three cars between Edgartown and Chappaquiddick.

See
The Gay Head cliffs at Aquinnah are a "must see". Moshup Beach below the cliffs was also named as at top ten "walking beach" by the Travel Channel in 2003, beating out beaches in Hermosa Beach, California, and Maui. Menemsha is one of the few places on the east coast where you can see the sunset over the water.

The Martha's Vineyard Museum in Edgartown has excellent exhibits including the Thomas Cooke house, the Francis Foster Museum, the Captain Francis Pease House and Carriage Shed with coverage of whaling and Wampanoag history as well.

Lighthouses
There are five lighthouses around the island: Cape Poge Lighthouse at the northern tip of Chappaquiddick near Edgartown, Edgartown Lighthouse in the town, Gay Head Lighthouse at thecwest end of the island near Aquinnah, East Chop Lighthouse in Oak Bluffs, and West Chop Lighthouse in Vineyard Haven (Tisbury).

Beaches
The Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce lists 19 beaches. They include:
 * South Beach, in the Katama section of Edgartown, is a large public beach with good surf. Free parking, a few miles bike ride from downtown Edgartown, or via the MV bus system.
 * State Beach, between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, on Oak Bluffs Edgartown Rd, is a large public beach with practically no waves. A good beach for young children.  Free parking available along Oak Bluffs Edgartown Rd.
 * Aquinnah Beach (Moshup Beach), at the far western end of the island, is a public beach with pay parking available. A small walk is required from the pay lots to the beach.  This beach is known for the picturesque clay cliffs that rise up from the edge of the beach. Nudity has at times been common and tolerated on the northern end of the beach.
 * Lucy Vincent Beach, off South Rd in Chilmark (listed as Lucy Vincent Rd on some maps, it is a dirt road just before the big bend at Windy Gates Rd), is a private beach for town residents during the summer. Nudity is allowed in the area that is more than 1,500 feet from the entrance. It is open to the public during the off-season, October 1 through May 31. A great beach.

Do

 * Charter fishing
 * Horseback riding in West Tisbury.
 * Art galleries: The island also offers several first class art galleries for the art lovers making a visit. Several of the best are:
 * Island Art Gallery (Tisbury/Vineyard Haven)
 * All Things Millie Briggs: (Tisbury/Vineyard Haven)
 * Chilmark Gallery: (Chilmark)
 * Edgartown Scrimshaw Gallery: (Edgartown)
 * Golf: For those who like to add a challenge to their walks, the island offers several public golf courses.
 * Farm Neck Golf Course: (Oak Bluffs)
 * Island Cove Mini Golf: (Tisbury/Vineyard Haven)
 * Mink Meadows Golf Course: (Tisbury/Vineyard Haven)
 * Bicycling. As small as people think the Vineyard is, it covers 100 square miles and offers a great cycling opportunity to visitors. Most of the islands roads are accompanied by a bike path.  With most of the island being relatively flat, this is a great opportunity for cyclists of all ages and levels to see the island in a different way and help reduce traffic congestion while doing so.  The terrain up island tends to be a bit more hilly and windy.  During tourist season the roads do get congested and care should be taken to keep an eye on street traffic and on pedestrians.  Also, be sure to obey all traffic laws as they also apply to cyclists and be aware that all cyclists under 16 must wear a helmet.
 * Hiking: Several local groups have helped preserve many acres of land on the island, including miles of shoreline, for public use. This makes the Vineyard a great place to see on foot.  Whether hiking the cliffs of Aquinnah or walking down to one of the great fishing spots available there is a hike to suit all visitors to the island.
 * Waskosim's Rock Reservation, Chilmark. Stand atop one of the highest peaks on the Island, travel alongside a pretty brook and trek across foothills and valleys on this 184-acre preserve.
 * Cedar Creek Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, West Tisbury. Miles of trails lead you over hills, alongside brooks and bogs and to a wonderful rocky beach on Vineyard Sound overlooking the Elizabeth Islands.
 * Aquinnah Cliffs and Beach. A spectacular view awaits at the top of these 150-foot cliffs, while miles of shoreline below invite walkers.
 * Public programs available all month long at the Massachusetts’ Audubon Center at Felix Neck.

All towns

 * Annual Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby (Sep 15 - Oct 15)

Aquinnah

 * Aquinnah Music Festival

Chilmark
Edgartown
 * Chilmark Road Race (August)
 * 4th of July parade and fireworks
 * 12 Meter Boat Race at the Edgartown Yacht Club (featuring many winning America's Cup boats)
 * Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby (early Fall)

Oak Bluffs

 * Midsummer Faerie Festival
 * Oak Bluffs Harbor Festival
 * Summer Solstice Celebration
 * Fireworks at Ocean Park by the Sea
 * Built on Stilts dance festival

West Tisbury

 * West Tisbury Farmers Market

Eat
The island supports a full range of restaurants from casual to fine dining.

Drink
There are two towns on the Island that permit the selling of alcohol: Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. A third town, Vineyard Haven, permits the serving of beer and wine (but no hard liquor) at restaurants, and only with meals. The remaining three towns -- West Tisbury, Chilmark and Aquinnah -- have a "BYO" policy at most restaurants, enabling diners to bring their own alcoholic beverages.

Sleep
The island's only campground is in Tisbury.

The island of Martha's Vineyard features a surprising number of options for lodging. Victorian inns, sizable resorts, and private cottages are all available, residing mostly in Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven (Tisbury).

Connect

 * The island's newspaper since 1847 has been The Vineyard Gazette, 34 South Summer St., Edgartown.
 * A less stylized, more newsy island newspaper is the 'Martha's Vineyard Times.
 * Martha's Vineyard is home to one of the oldest "freeform" independent radio stations and early adopters of internet radio, WMVY at 88.7 FM and at mvyradio.com.
 * Martha's Vineyard has a unique low-power FM community radio station, WVVY at 93.7 FM. Its signal can also be heard clearly in Woods Hole and parts of Falmouth on the cape.  Highly varied, eclectic music and news/affairs programming 7/24.

Stay safe

 * There is very little crime anywhere on Martha's Vineyard.
 * Beware of poison ivy, a low-growing vine (which may climb) with three shiny leaves. It can cause skin inflammation at any time.
 * Ticks can be a problem and may carry Lyme Disease. Also, ticks in Aquinnah, particularly at Moshup Beach, may carry Tularemia. Martha's Vineyard is the only place in the continental US where Tularemia has been known to be carried and transmitted by tick bite.
 * When you are at the beach, swimmers should be aware of jellyfish that float north in the summer. Jellyfish are common at the State Beach, on the Edgartown-Oak Bluffs connector.

Go next

 * Cape Cod
 * Boston

title: Martha's Vineyard


text:
Martin

There's more than one place called Martin:

Slovakia

 * Martin (Slovakia) - a town in Slovakia.

United Kingdom

 * Martin (Hampshire) - a town in Hampshire
 * Martin (Kent) - a town in Kent
 * Martin (Lincolnshire) - a town in Lincolnshire

United States of America

 * Martin (Kentucky) - a town in the state of Kentucky.
 * Martin (Louisiana) - a town in the state of Louisiana.
 * Martin (Michigan) - a town in the state of Michigan.
 * Martin (North Dakota) - a town in the state of North Dakota.
 * Martin (South Dakota) - a town in the state of South Dakota.
 * Martin (Tennessee) - a town in the state of Tennessee.

title: Martin


text:
Martin County

There's more than one place called Martin County:

 * Martin County (Florida)
 * Martin County (Indiana)
 * Martin County (Kentucky)
 * Martin County (Minnesota)
 * Martin County (North Carolina)
 * Martin County (Texas)

title: Martin County


text:
Martinez

There is more than one place in the world called Martinez. You may be looking for:

 * 1) Martinez (California), a city in Contra Costa County in the San Francisco Bay Area of California in the United States of America.
 * 2) Martinez (Georgia) in the state of Georgia, USA.
 * 3) Martínez (Argentina) in Argentina.

title: Martinez


text:
Martinez (California)

Martinez is in the outer East Bay in the San Francisco Bay Area in California. Martinez has easy access to nature, so it's no wonder the famed naturalist John Muir decided to settle here.

By train

 * Routes stopping in Martinez:
 * Coast Starlight operates daily between Seattle and Los Angeles. Stops include Tacoma, Lacey, Centralia, Kelso, Vancouver, WA, Portland, Salem, Albany, Eugene, Klamath Falls, Dunsmuir, Redding, Chico, Sacramento, Davis, Martinez, San Francisco (Emeryville), Oakland, San Jose, Salinas, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Van Nuys, and Burbank.
 * Capitol Corridor operates 11 to 12 round trips daily between Sacramento and San Jose, via Oakland.
 * California Zephyr operates a daily train between Emeryville and Chicago.
 * California Zephyr operates a daily train between Emeryville and Chicago.

By bus/BART
Martinez is connected by County Connection buses to the town of Concord, as well as the North Concord/Martinez BART Station, Pleasant Hill BART Station, and Walnut Creek BART Station. Bus 16 is free, and buses 16 and 98X both go by John Muir National Historic Site.

By car
Accessible by Highway 4 and Interstate 680.

By plane
The nearest airport is Buchanan Field in Concord (small aircraft). The closest major airport is Oakland International. Note that San Francisco International Airport is the terminus of the BART line that serves the North Concord/Martinez Station.

Get around
Downtown Martinez is very walkable, and some other attractions, including the John Muir historic site, can be reached by County Connection bus service (+1 925 676-7500). Some of the nature in Martinez is easy to get to without a car, including Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline, Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline, and Mount Wanda.

Do
"The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness."

- John Muir

Stay safe
Exercise caution in downtown during nighttime as it's dimly lit. It's the crime hotspot of the city, but just use smart judgement and you should be safe.

Go next
"The mountains are calling and I must go."

- John Muir

 * - Visible across the Carquinez Strait at the north end of the Martinez-Benicia Bridge.
 * - This neighboring town is primarily a typical family suburb, but it does offer options for food and shopping.
 * - One of the largest cities in the East Bay, offering a variety of shopping and dining options.
 * - The downtown Walnut Creek area offers shopping, bars, and restaurants.
 * - This 20,000-acre park provides great hiking opportunities on a mountain that dominates the landscape for most of central and eastern Contra Costa County. It offers an incredible viewshed, with views on clear days stretching 181 miles to Mount Lassen.
 * - Eclectic, political and always interesting, Berkeley is only a 20- to 25-minute drive away. Alternatively, using BART, either a) transfer at the MacArthur station and exit at Downtown Berkeley, or b) exit at Rockridge and walk ~2 miles (~3 km) to downtown.
 * - Although "the City" feels a world away, it's just a 46-minute BART ride (from North Concord/Martinez station) to the Embarcadero or a 35-90-minute-drive, depending on traffic.
 * - Although "the City" feels a world away, it's just a 46-minute BART ride (from North Concord/Martinez station) to the Embarcadero or a 35-90-minute-drive, depending on traffic.

title: Martinez (California)


text:
Martinique

Martinique is a Caribbean island that is an overseas department of France in the Caribbean Sea, north of Saint Lucia and south of Dominica.

The island is dominated by Mount Pelee, which on 8 May 1902 erupted and completely destroyed the city of Saint Pierre, killing 30,000 inhabitants. In the south of the island, there are many beautiful beaches with a lot of tourists. In the north, the rain forests and the black sand beaches are worth seeing. The interior of the island is mountainous.

Understand
Martinique is an overseas department of France and retains both French and Caribbean culture. The island cuisine is a superb blend of French and Creole cooking that is worth trying. The north part of island lures hikers who seek to climb the mountains and explore the rain forests while the southern portions offer shopping and beaches for those who chose to just relax.

Climate
Tropical and humid with an average temperature of 23°C to 30°C. The climate is moderated by trade winds. The rainy season is from June to October and the island is vulnerable to devastating cyclones (hurricanes) every eight years on average.

Seasons

There are two climatic and three tourist seasons on Martinique. The high season is between December and the end of April, with soaring prices and great crowds of travellers. From May to the end of November, Europeans tend to go elsewhere, as the weather is fine back home and travel possibilities are numerous. Summer months (July and August) are a sort of intermediate season, as Martinique and Guadeloupe residents often take advantage of the good weather to visit the mainland. Prices and tourist services, as well as airplane tickets tend to be rather pricey, or even extremely expensive at this period, so be sure to book in advance to avoid paying double.

All in all, if you wish to avoid tourist masses but still take advantage of a pleasant temperature, we would advise you to visit the island in May and June, as the climate in this period of the year is rather dry with an acceptable level of humidity, and tariffs are still quite on the low side. July and August are hot and humid months, but don’t be discouraged by tourist clichés saying that the so-called “cyclone” period is a horrible one: it does rain rather often, but the weather is still rather pleasant especially if you are planning to sightsee. Don’t count on taking a cruise ship in September, though, as you have considerably higher chances of meeting up with a hurricane or a tropical thunderstorm in this season.

Terrain
Mountainous with indented coastline and a quiet but still dangerous volcano as well as related volcanic activity.
 * Highest point: Montagne Pelee 1,397 m

History
Martinique was discovered on 15 January 1502 by Christopher Columbus. When he landed on the island, he found Martinique to be hostile and heavily infested with snakes and therefore only stayed three days. He baptised the island with the name given to the indigenous people, Matino (the island of women) or Madinina (the island of flowers).

The indigenous occupants were part of two different tribes. The Arawaks were described as gentle timorous Indians and the Caribbeans as ferocious cannibal warriors. The Arawaks came from Central America in the beginning of the Christian era and the Caribbeans came from the Venezuela coast around the 11th century. When Columbus arrived, the Caribbeans had massacred many of their adversaries, sparing the women, whom they kept for their personal or domestic use.

After the discovery by Christopher Columbus, Martinique remained unexplored until 1632, when an expedition led by Pierre Belain d'Estambuc landed on the island at the same time that Lienard de l'Olive and du Plessis took possession of Guadeloupe. The French settled in the north west of the island at the mouth of Roxelane and built fortifications, which later became known as Saint-Pierre. D'Estambucs nephew, du Parquet, acquired Martinique and became its first governor. He made agreement with the Caribbeans and their chief and set about developing the island. Rapidly however, the Caribbeans' territory was threatened and revolt burst out. The courageous Caribbeans were no match for the power of the muskets and they were apparently pushed back to the cliffs and threw themselves in the sea. Some 240 years later, some say as a resulting curse, Montagne Pelée erupted causing the total devastation of Saint-Pierre. Everybody who lived in the city lost their lives, with the exception of one person held in the city's jail.

Like the other West Indian islands, Martinique experienced a large economic boom due to its tobacco, indigo, cotton production and sugar cane. The lack of labour instigated the black slave trade from Africa between 1686 and 1720. Martinique's wealth resulted in rivalry between the other European nations who shared the West Indies. In 1674 the Dutch landed on Martinique, defended by just a handful of soldiers. They attacked a storage shelter and discovered barrels of rum. Completely drunk the Dutch were thrown into the sea by defenders of Fort Royal, which later became Fort-de-France after the revolution.

The revolution in 1789 never arrived in Martinique. During the revolution they decided to hand over sovereignty to the British to avoid being attacked by the revolutionists who had already attacked Guadeloupe. The British also occupied the island in 1804 and then withdrew in 1814.

During this time a beautiful Creole girl from Martinique, Marie Josèphe Rose married Napoleon Bonaparte in 1796 and became Empress Josephine in 1804. Slavery, which was abolished after the revolution, was re-introduced by Napoleon in 1802, apparently under recommendation of Joséphine. However, the temporary abolishment of slavery had only minor effect on French colonies that weren't Haiti (where an army of former slaves told Napoleon and his army in no uncertain terms what they thought of re-enslavement) as the local white elites simply ignored the decrees from the metropole.

The British abolished slavery in 1833. This measure encouraged the creation of pro-abolition movements in France where slavery was finally abolished in 1848.

Tourist information

 * Martinique Tourism website

Cities

 * Capital.
 * Beach town facing the iconic Diamond Rock.
 * The main harbour for sailboats, located in a bay.
 * Access to the Montagne Pelée.
 * Perhaps the most touristy town as it is the access point to all the white sand beaches of the south, including the most famous but crowded Les salines.
 * Former capital that was destroyed by the 1902 eruption, many historic remains.
 * : Across the bay from Fort de France and reachable by ferry. Tourist town with big resorts, restaurants and casino.
 * : Across the bay from Fort de France and reachable by ferry. Tourist town with big resorts, restaurants and casino.

Other destinations

 * , a former tobacco town, is a great look-out place with a great view of seas and mountains. On a clear day, you can see the neighbouring island, Dominica.
 * , a serene little town with a church built to remember those who died in World War I and the Jardin de Balata a garden with thousands of tropical plants.
 * , easy 30-min walk up to the lighthouse where you get a view of the whole island.
 * , fishing village where you'll find the most consistent surfing.

Get in
Being an integrated part of the French Republic, Martininque is considered as European as Paris politically, therefore European Union immigration rules apply. In short, EU citizens and citizens of many other industrialised nations can visit Martinique visa-free, others need a Schengen Visa. For more details, see the European Union article as well as Travelling around the Schengen Area.

By plane

 * From Paris (Orly): Air Caraïbes, Air France, Corsair International, LEVEL from €450 round trip
 * From Caribbean: Air Antilles Express and Air Caraïbes ~€150 round trip.
 * From Belgium (Charleroi): Air Belgium
 * From USA (Miami), American Airlines/(American Eagle)
 * From Canada (Montreal-Trudeau and Toronto-Pearson): Air Canada and Air Transat
 * From South America (Cayenne), (French Guiana): Air France. Codeshares with Air Antilles.
 * From South America (Cayenne), (French Guiana): Air France. Codeshares with Air Antilles.

By boat
From the surrounding islands, you can use this ferry company:
 * Express des Iles

Cruise ships often visit "in season". Modest-sized ships can dock near downtown, and others moor in the Fort de France harbor, with passengers tendered to docks also close to downtown.

Get around
Public transport in Martinique is very limited, which could explain the reason why there are more cars registered in Martinique per person than anywhere else in France. Public transportation from the airport is via the TCSP Rapid Bus Transit system. Cost is €1.45 for a ticket, which can be purchased at the TCSP stop just outside of the terminal on the other side of the parking lot via a vending machine.

By car
Despite the traffic, if you are going to make the most of your stay in Martinique, it is recommended that you hire a car. Without a car you will miss some of Martinique's best landscapes and scenery. Driving in Martinique will be a pleasure in comparison to other Caribbean islands. The majority of roads are of an excellent standard.

Your driving licence from your home country is valid in Martinique. Driving laws are the same as in France and you have to drive on the right hand side of the road. There are several speed cameras on the island and the Gendarmerie are carrying out an increasing number of speed checks, so you should always watch your speed. Unless otherwise stated, the speed limit is generally 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on major roads and 110 km/h on the autoroute between the airport and Fort-de-France.

When travelling to the airport during rush hours, allow plenty of time. The N5 and Lamentin can get very busy. It is particularly busy between 06:30 and 09:30 and between 15:30 and 18:30.

By taxi
Taxis in Martinique are not cheap. The taxi fare from the airport to Fort-de-France is around €20, €38 to Pointe du Bout and Le Francois and €55 to Sainte-Anne. Taxis apply a 40% surcharge between 20:00 and 06:00 as well as on Sundays and public holidays. To call a taxi 24 hr dial 0596 63 10 10 or 0596 63 63 62.

By bus
There are very few buses in Martinique. Most bus services are mini buses marked "TC", which stands for "Taxi Collectifs". The destinations of the buses are marked on a board either on the front window or on the side door. Bus stops (arret autobus) are normally a square blue sign with a picture of a bus in white. Most Taxi Collectifs depart and arrive at the Taxi Collectif Terminal at Pointe Sinon in Fort-de-France. They cost approximately €5 to Saint-Pierre, Pointe du Bout and Diamant, €7 to Sainte-Anne and €9 to Grand-Rivière. There are no timetables and the service can be unreliable. Most services are finished by 18:00 weekdays and 13:00 on Saturday. There are no services on Sundays.

By boat
There are shuttle boats every 30 min from Pointe du Bout and Trois Ilet to Fort-de-France. It is a very pleasant way of getting to Fort-de-France and also avoids the traffic. Services finish between 17:45 and 20:00 depending upon the day.
 * Windward Islands - Windward Islands, one of the worlds largest yacht charter companies, can take care of all charter requirements, from bareboat to crewed in Martinique, Guadeloupe and St Martin. Operating from 8 international offices (USA, UK, Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, Caribbean, Monaco).

By thumb
Hitchhiking is very common in Martinique, although like anywhere in the world not recommended. If you are going to hitchhike, take lots of water and try to stay out of the sun. There are very few footpaths in Martinique, so be careful and take the usual precautions that you have to take when hitchhiking anywhere. If you are unsure about getting into a car, just keep walking or wait for another car.

Talk
French and Creole patois are spoken on the islands; English is known by some inhabitants.

They speak very fast, so tell them that you do not know French well.

Money

Like the rest of France, the official currency is the euro ("€", ISO currency code: EUR). It is divided into 100 cents.

US dollars are not accepted in shops, but some stores and many restaurants and hotels take credit cards. The best exchange rates can be done in banks. Not all banks will do foreign exchanges and may direct you to Fort-de-France to do such transactions.

Shopping
The best offerings include French luxury imports (e.g., perfumes, fashions, wines) and items made on the island, e.g., spices and rum. And some merchants offer 20 percent tax refunds for purchases made by credit card or travelers checks, though many may not accept the latter.

Shopping opportunities include:

 * Galleria, in Lamentin (near airport), is the island's largest mall, with several European branded stores and others.
 * Fort-de-France's Spice Market offers stalls full of local/unique flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables, and herbs and spices.
 * Rue Victor Hugo: Fort-de-France's main shopping street - a strip of sometimes tiny, Paris-like boutiques, island shops and vendors of fresh fruit and flowers

As a decidedly Catholic island, very few stores are open on Sundays or holidays celebrated in France.

Business hours: Sundays may find many stores closed. Check in-advance before hiring transport to any particular store or shopping area.

Eat
Martinique is unique in contrast to the majority of the other Caribbean islands in that it has a wide variety of dining options. Restaurants in Martinique range from the exclusive, high-end gourmet restaurants to the crêpes, accras, boudin, fruit juices, and coconut milk you can purchase from food merchants on the beach or at snack stands or restaurants in town.

The abundance of Créole and French restaurants reflects the predominance of French tourists in Martinique and the island’s status as a French DOM. There has been a growing interest in the traditional dishes of the island, and therefore, a profusion of the number of Créole restaurants. Many of the restaurants tailor their menus to cater to both Créole and French tastes.

Restaurants in Martinique offer French and other International cuisines, and the possibility of consuming the foods that the Martiniquans eat. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes reality of Martiniquan culinary practices through an ‘authentic’ Créole cuisine.

Restaurants, Créole cookbooks, public fairs and festivities, and the expensive dining rooms of foreign-owned luxury hotels where food is served, all present themselves as crucial staging grounds where ideas about Martiniquan cuisine, and therefore, identity, authenticity and place are continuously tested.

Drink
As in mainland France, water is safe to drink from the tap, and restaurants will happily serve this at no extra charge (l'eau du robinet).

Fresh fruit juices are also very popular on the island along with jus de canne which is a delicious sugar cane drink which is often sold in vans in lay-bys off the main roads. This juice does not stay fresh for long, so ask for it to be made fresh while you wait and drink it as quickly as possible with some ice cubes and a squeeze of lime. Try their sugar cane juice, it is quite refreshing. Don't hesitate stopping on the side of the road to buy a drink off the locals who will make it in front of you.

Martinique is famous for its world class rums and the island today still hosts a large number of distilleries inviting tourist to explore its history. Production methods emphasize use of fresh juice from sugar cane to produce "rhum agricole", rather than molasses widely used elsewhere.

Although rum is far more popular, the local beer in Martinique is Bière Lorraine.

 * Karaoke-Café, quartier Basse Gondeau 97232 Le Lamentin, 0596 50 07 71, bar/restaurant/nightclub, is the trendiest place (but not the most typical). Live music, Karaoke, 80s, dance, techno, worldmusic. Entrance €20 with a drink.

Sleep
Camping is available in both mountain and beach settings. Setting up just anywhere is not permitted. For details call Office National des Forets, Fort-de-France, (33) 596 71 34 50. A small fee is charged.

In addition there are hotels, bed and breakfasts (French: gites), villas and even private islands, Ilet Oscar and Ilet Thierry, for rent.

The cheapest rooms you will find in Martinique cost around €25 per night, they are often offered by families who want to make some extra money, you will need to search carefully online or ask for taxi drivers.

Learn

 * Universite des Antilles

Work
For European people coming from an EU country, working in Martinique isn't a problem. If you're from outside the EU, you will probably need a work permit - check with the French Embassy in your country. Do not forget though that the unemployment rate is high. But if you work in the health sector (doctor, nurse), it will be much easier.

Voluntary service: Volontariat Civil à l'Aide Technique (VCAT). Only for EU/EEA-citizens. You must be over 18 and under 28 years old (inclusive). You must not have had your civic rights revoked by a court or have been convicted of certain offences.

Stay safe
Bring lots of sunscreen!

There are Metropole-style pharmacies which carry top of the line French sunscreen, that can be expensive.

Also, keep hydrated, especially when hiking in the mountainous areas. A hat is often a good thing to have because the sun can get extremely hot.

Watch out not to get caught in Paris Airport buying expensive overpriced sun cream when you can buy the same one locally at reduced cost

Stay healthy
See the above mentioned section. Heat prostration and sunburns can be a real threat to those not used to the climate.

Mosquito repellent is a good thing to have if you are sensitive to bites. There is no malaria on this island but other mosquito borne diseases such as Dengue Fever are present.

Watch out for the palétuviers or mancenilliers (manchineel trees). They are among the most poisonous plants in the world. Their sap is corrosive like acid! In Martinique and Guadeloupe, the manchineel trees have a red stripe painted on the trunk to warn tourists of danger. If it rains make sure you don't go shelter under one of them as you will regret for the rest of your life!

Respect
Polite manners will go very far in this jewel of the Caribbean. When entering a business establishment, always say, 'Bonjour' and 'Merci, au revoir' when departing. Also note that things often run a lot slower in warm climates, so patience is a must. Also, don't expect kowtowing, smiling 'natives'. The Martiniquais are a very proud, dignified people and are often wary of impatient tourists without manners.

Unaccompanied women in tourist and beach areas are likely to experience frequent cat-calling and similar attention from men. A popularly stated reason for this is that there are a greater number of women than men on the island. The best way to deal with unwanted attention is to ignore the attention or firmly state a lack of interest.

title: Martinique


text:
Martinsburg

There is more than one place called Martinsburg:

United States of America

 * Martinsburg (New York) - A town in New York.
 * Martinsburg (Pennsylvania) - A town in Pennsylvania.
 * Martinsburg (West Virginia) - A town in West Virginia.

title: Martinsburg


text:
Martinsburg (West Virginia)

Martinsburg is a city of 17,000 people (as of 2019) in West Virginia. Founded in 1778, it was named in honor of Colonel Thomas Bryan Martin, a nephew of Lord Fairfax from Kent, who had moved to the general area around 1735.

Get in
Martinsburg is on I-81 between Hagerstown, Maryland to the north and Winchester, Virginia to the south.

By train

 * Train operators
 * Routes stopping at Martinsburg:
 * Capitol Limited operates daily between Chicago and Washington, D.C. including stops in South Bend, Elkhart, Waterloo, Toledo, Sandusky, Elyria, Cleveland, Alliance, Pittsburgh, Connellsville, Cumberland, Martinsburg, Harpers Ferry, and Rockville.
 * Maryland Rail Commuter (MARC), +1 304-263-3376, . Open M-F 5AM to 9AM and 6PM to 8:30PM. Martinsburg is on the Brunswick line, which ferries passengers to Washington, D.C..

Get around

 * Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority, aka PanTran, 446 Novak Drive, +1 304-263-0876. Buses run from 6AM to 9PM on weekdays, and 8AM to 5:30PM on weekends (precise times vary by route). Serving north and south Martinsburg, Berkeley and Jefferson counties, Bolivar and Harpers Ferry. Fares $1-3.

Events

 * Downtown Martinsburg Chili Cook-off, downtown Martinsburg, +1 304-262-4200. Held in mid-July. Professional and amateur chili chefs compete to create the best chili in town; spectators can purchase ballot cards to taste and vote on the chilis. Admission $5.

Learn

 * The local newspaper is the Journal News, 207 W King Street, +1 304-263-8931 or +1-800-448-1895.

Go next

 * Charles Town is about 30 minutes southeast on WV-9.
 * Hagerstown, Maryland is about 30 minutes north on I-81.
 * Winchester, Virginia is about 30 minutes south on I-81.
 * Harpers Ferry is about 40 minutes southeast on WV-9.
 * Berkeley Springs is about 30 minutes northwest on WV-9.
 * Frederick, Maryland is about 50 minutes east on I-81, then south on I-70.
 * Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is about 1½ hours northeast on I-81.
 * Washington, D.C. is about 2 hours east on I-81, then south on I-70, I-270.

title: Martinsburg (West Virginia)


text:
Martinsville

There is more than one place called Martinsville:

United States of America

 * Martinsville (Indiana) - A town in the Nine-County Region of Indiana.
 * Martinsville (Virginia) - A town in Virginia

title: Martinsville


text:
Martinsville (Indiana)

Martinsville is a small town southwest of Indianapolis in the Nine-County Region of Indiana.

Get in
State Roads 67 and 37 both lead to here directly from Indianapolis. Interstate 69 leads south to Bloomington. From I-70, take IN-39.

Go next
The obvious next destinations, naturally, are Indianapolis to the north and Bloomington to the south.

title: Martinsville (Indiana)


text:
Maruata

Maruata is a Nahuat indigenous town on the coast of Michoacán, Mexico. It's part of the Pomaro indigenous community; an isolated, autonomous group of towns that banded together following the genocidal "motines" era of the 16th century. Pomaro and the nearby indigenous communities of Coire and Ostula still hold communal titles to their lands. They have so far rejected outside offers to create large-scale tourist developments in their territory. Maruata retains much of its rustic character, as it slowly develops into a locally run eco-tourism center.

Understand
The ecosystem is subtropical desert with lots of cactus and thorny, acacia-like trees, but remains fresh due to the constant sea breeze and seasonal rains. June to November is hurricane season in the eastern pacific hurricane region. The last one to hit nearby, did so in 2002, and rearranged the sand in one of the beaches, creating an inner lagoon.

Its inhabitants are mainly first- or second-generation Nahuatl immigrants that came from the nearby towns in the dry sierra, but it's mostly the old people that remain bilingual, speaking Nahuatl & Spanish, as the young people speak almost exclusively Spanish.

The main economic activities are fishing and agriculture, but over the past few years, backpack tourism has increased as an income source for many families.

Maruata is a major nesting beach for the pacific green sea turtle as well as ridleys and the occasional leatherback. A small contingent of marines is based here, for the protection of the nesting turtles and the volunteers who collect the turtle eggs and operate the hatchery.

Get in

 * Most people drive to Maruata. It is located at KM 150 on coastal highway MEX 200. There may be local second-class bus service from Lazaro Cardenas (4 hours to the south) and from Tecoman (2 hours to the north).
 * The nearest airport is in Lazaro Cardenas, Michoacan. Guadalajara (via Tecoman) is about 6 hours from Maruata by road.

Eat
There are many palapas that serve full seafood meals M$80-150. There are also children selling a local delicacy: pescadillas (fried fish tacos) for M$3-6 each, but they do not make the rounds every day.

A few tienditas (grocery stores) sell beer, sodas and anything you need for a camping weekend at the beach.

Stay safe
Maruata is a popular camping beach in the territory of the Pomaro indigenous community. This is a rural zone lacking the amenities of more developed areas. Infrastructure is minimal, services mostly unavailable.

There is a new IMSS hospital here, as well as a medic at the small marine base on the beach east of town and a small naval station is being built in Maruata.

The nahua communities of the coast have had their own police force for many years- the federales auxiliares. Federal police regularly patrol through here and army troops sometimes pass through with heavy equipment. Occasionally agents of the PGR will touch down here in their helicopters.

Maruata is a traditional community rapidly transitioning into the modern world. The highway arrived here in 1980, electricity in 1996. Rapid change has brought various problems, including sewage, contamination and crime. Alcoholism and drug abuse are fairly common, as in most of north america.

Burglary is a real concern if you are camping here. Money, passports and valuable electronic items should never be left unattended. A money belt and a small daypack are useful here.

Food should never be left in tents. Free range pigs have destroyed many tents here, in their insatiable quest for food. Hang food bags from the ceiling of the camping ramada.

Drink
A man will come by twice a week and will sell drinking water out of a truck.

Sleep
There are no real hotels, but you can get a room for M$100-300 in one of the many local houses near the beaches. Also, there are plenty of palapas (simple wooden structures supporting a palm leaf roof) that for M$30-40 per night per person provide covered tent space, showers and toilets for campers.

Camping restaurants offer fairly marginal security, but it's usually best to camp among other campers. Camping alone out on the beach may make you susceptible to harassment or robbery. Camp high on the beach to avoid large waves.

Go next

 * Uruapan
 * Lazaro Cardenas

There are several small beach towns along the Michoacan coast, but probably Maruata is one of the least developed. 60 km north is Playa Ticla, a beach that surfers like to visit. Nature lovers interested in sea turtle nesting areas might also want to visit Playa Ixtapilla.

title: Maruata


text:
Marugame

Marugame (丸亀市) is a city in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan.

Tourist information site
The local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site with integrated Google Translate. Its Pamphlet section has some materials in English.

By plane
The closest domestic airport to Marugame is in Takamatsu. Limousine buses operated by Kotosan Bus run directly to Marugame (1 hr 15 min, ¥1200).

The nearest international airport is Kansai International Airport in Osaka. You can reach Marugame in as little as 3 hrs by JR using a combination of shinkansen and limited express trains (¥10450 reserved seats, no charge with the Japan Rail Pass). Cheaper is to head out by bus: for example, you could take an airport limousine bus to Takamatsu station (3 hr 30 min, ¥5150, six trips daily) and change to the JR train (25 min, ¥550).

By train
Marugame is located on the JR Yosan Line, close to where the Seto-Ohashi Bridge links Shikoku with Honshu, the Japanese mainland.

Marugame is served from Okayama, a major stop on the bullet train, every 30 minutes or so by Shiokaze and Nanpu limited express services (about 40 min, ¥2250). Local services leave less frequently and may require a transfer along the way, but are only slightly slower than the limited express. With a direct local train, or by taking a Takamatsu-bound Marine Liner and changing at Sakaide to a local train towards Utazu, you can reach Marugame in about 50-60 min for only ¥980.

From Takamatsu, local and rapid trains leave regularly towards Marugame. Direct rapid services take as little as 25 min and cost ¥550.

Marugame can be used as a base for traveling to Matsuyama (2 hr via Shiokaze limited express, ¥5860) and Kochi (2 hr via Nanpu limited express, ¥4780).

The above trips can be taken at no charge with a Japan Rail Pass. Trips entirely within Shikoku are valid with the JR Shikoku Rail Pass, known as the Shikoku Free Kippu.

By bus
Highway buses services to Marugame are offered primarily by Shikoku Kousoku Bus.

Buses run to JR Marugame Station from Kobe's Sannomiya Bus Terminal (3 hr, ¥3800), and from both JR Namba and Hankyu Umeda stations in Osaka (4 hr 15 min from Umeda, ¥4200).

An overnight bus runs to Marugame from Tokyo (Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal and Hachioji) and Yokohama (11 hr 45 min from Shinjuku, starting at ¥9400). An overnight service also runs from Meitetsu Bus Center in Nagoya (8 hr, starting at ¥5600), and from Fukuoka and Kitakyushu on the island of Kyushu (8 hr from Fukuoka, starting at ¥7200).

Go next

 * Sakaide
 * Kotohira
 * Takamatsu
 * Ikeda
 * Oboke and Koboke
 * Iya Valley
 * Kurashiki
 * Okayama

title: Marugame


text:
Marulan

Marulan is a town of 1,200 people (2016) in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. Squeezed between the Shoalhaven Gorge to the south, and the ranges to the north, just about every trip from Sydney heading south-west towards Melbourne or Canberra must pass through Marulan. Even those taking the scenic country roads, must join the freeway for the short Marulan section.

As a result Marulan is well known as a rest stop on the Hume Highway. It is the truckers milestone, and a Hungry Jacks services. However, if you spend an extra sixty seconds to exit into the town, you'll find an attractive town centre, with a small park, cafe, and a curiosity shop. Spend a little longer, and you can explore the gorges and hills that make the Marulan area an interesting natural location.

Get in
Due to its geography, both the Hume Highway and the railway pass through Marulan. Northbound take the services exit. Southbound the town has its own.

The railway station sees the unbooked train services to Goulburn a few times a day. The booked services to Canberra, Melbourne and points south don't stop here. You can put your bike on the trains, but there is limited room on some popular services. On the weekend and some weekday services the trains are replaced by buses. The coach drivers are usually helpful in placing the bikes on the buses if they can, but there is limited room and the service comes with the proviso that they are only carried in the available space.

The Greyhound bus to Canberra will stop on request.

Get around
The town centre can be seen on foot. To see the surrounding area requires a motor vehicle, or push-bike with fit legs. The train services follow the line towards Sydney and Goulburn, offering some very limited public transport opportunities. There are no bus or taxi services.

See
There is a town walk, exploring the history of the various buildings.

The toilet block in Marulan is painted with a mural symbolising the town's placement on the 150º meridian.

The town also hosts the largest piece of limestone ever transported by road in the Southern Hemisphere, a boulder weighing 30 tonnes. It incorporates a large clock and was presented to the town in 1991 to commemorate ten years of the Lions Club in the area.

There are many natural attractions of the surrounding Southern Highlands area.

Buy
Curiosities and antiques - at the shop in the town centre.

On the freeway
There are highway services directly on both sides of the freeway at Marulan. Fuel, fast food, nothing out of the ordinary. It is available 24-hours though, and if you are passing through early morning or late at night it is your only option.

In town
The Meridian Cafe in town is nice enough, and makes a quality alternative to the freeway services for those passing through. It isn't cheap though, with mains around $20 making it a little more than a casual quick-stop affair. Marulan isn't any longer the preserve of the bush farmer, and the cafe is just as likely to be the Sunday morning haunt of the hobby farmer from Sydney's eastern suburbs. The lattes are made (and priced) to match.

There is a take-away place in the general store, and you can eat across the road in the park.

The historic pub in the centre of town serves reasonable meals.

title: Marulan


text:
Marvão

Marvão is a mountain village of 3,000 people (2019) in Alentejo perched on a quartzite crag of the Serra de São Mamede.

Understand

Marvão's (muhr-VUHNOOW, /maɾ.ˈvɐ̃w/) name is derived from an 8th-century Muwallad rebel, named Ibn Marwan. Ibn Marwan, who constructed the Castle of Marvão, likely on the site of an earlier Roman watchtower, as a power base when establishing an independent statelet ("emirate", duchy) covering much of modern-day Portugal during the Emirate of Cordoba (884-931 CE). The castle and walled village were further fortified through the centuries, notably under Sancho II of Portugal (13th century) and Denis of Portugal.

The village has generated significant tourist interest: it was included in the 2003 book, 1000 Places to see Before you Die. Nobel prize-winning author José Saramago (1922-2010) wrote of the village "From Marvão one can see the entire land.... It is understandable that from this place, high up in the keep at Marvão Castle, visitors may respectfully murmur, 'How great is the world.'"

Get in
The company Rede Expressos makes a daily direct connection between Lisbon and Marvão with several stops, including Portalegre and Castelo de Vide. The bus departs from Lisbon at 07:30, arriving at Marvão at 11:50. On the return trip the bus departs from Marvão at 15:50, arriving in Lisbon at 20:15.

There are also local buses between Marvão and Portalegre among other villages and towns but they are infrequent

There are no trains between Lisbon and Marvão.

See
The village is completely walled and there is a short ridge across the top from the castle to beyond the church.

Do
An annual international classical music festival, under the artistic direction of German conductor Christoph Poppen, was launched in Marvão in July 2014. The village also hosts an international film festival, Periferías, in August each year. Other annual festivals in Marvão include 'Al-Mossassa'- a celebration of the town's Moorish past, held jointly with the Spanish city of Badajoz (also founded by Ibn Marwan) - in early October, and a chestnut festival in early November.

title: Marvão


text:
Mary

Mary  is a city in Mary Province, Turkmenistan. Most travellers' main reason to visit it is to reach the ruins of the ancient city of Merv, which are 35 km to the east.

By plane
Turkmenistan Airlines operates two flights per day from Ashgabat. If you are short of time, you can fly from Ashgabat to Mary in the morning, visit Merv, and return to Ashgabat in the same evening. The airport is 5 km out of town on the road to Bairam Ali. A taxi to the city should cost about US$3.50.

By rail
Turkmendemiryollari (Turkmenistan Zeleznice) (Ashgabat, phone +993 12 255545, fax 473858) runs trains from Ashgabat to Turkmenabat via Mary. Night trains leave Ashgabat at 18:00 and 20:00 for Mary. They arrive in Mary at 01:15 and 03:15. Kupe (2nd class fare) is 32.5 manat per seat/sleeper (updated August 2018).

Trains to Mary leave Moscow at 07:40 daily, arriving at Mary at 17:00. Train 21 leaves Ashgabat every second day at 22:10, and arrives at Mary at 05:25 next morning. Train 212 leaves Turkmenabat at 04:20 daily, arriving at Mary at 10:23. Train 196 leaves Turkmenabat at 18:00 daily, arriving at Mary at 00:25. Train 22 leaves Turkmenabat at 21:55 daily, arriving at Mary at 02:51.

The railways station is near Hotel Sultan Sanjar.

From Iran
Take the bus from Mashad bus station to Sarakhs (3½ hours, 6500 rials). The bus will drop you in the center of the village. Walk or take a shared taxi to the Iran-Turkmenistan border crossing. You have to pay a fee US$10 to enter Turkmenistan. Change as little money as possible from the money changers on the Turkmen side of the border. Take a taxi to Mary.

By plane
Turkmenistan Airlines operates three flights per day to Ashgabat. If The airport is 5 km out of town on the road to Bairam Ali. A taxi from the city should cost about US$2.

By rail
Turkmendemiryollari (Turkmenistan Zeleznice) (Ashgabat, phone +993 12 255545, fax 473858) runs trains from Ashgabat to Turkmenabat via Mary and return.

Trains to Mary leave Ashgabat at 07:40 daily, arriving at Mary at 17:00. Train 21 leaves Ashgabat every second day at 22:10, and arrives at Mary at 05:25 next morning.

Train 212 leaves Turkmenabat at 04:20 daily, arriving at Mary at 10:23. Train 196 leaves Turkmenabat at 18:00 daily, arriving at Mary at 00:25. Train 22 leaves Turkmenabat at 21:55 daily, arriving at Mary at 02:51.

The railway station is near Hotel Sultan Sanjar.

By car
It is a full day drive on a poor quality road from Mary to Ashgabat in a private car.

title: Mary


text:
Maryborough (Queensland)

Maryborough is a city in Central Queensland.

Understand
Located three hours from Brisbane, Maryborough was a major immigration port and a visit to the Wharf Street Precinct retains many reminders of this period.

Much of Maryborough's character has been preserved in classic Queenslander houses, mostly built of local timber in a range of sizes and designs. Gracing the city's broad tree-lined streets, these homes have given Maryborough a reputation as one of the most beautiful historic locations in Queensland.

Within minutes of the city centre are rich farmlands, gold beaches, rainforests, islands and national parks. Beautifully restored 'Queenslanders' (the unique houses built for tropical Queensland), graceful commercial buildings and lovely old churches are three of Maryborough's great drawcards.

By train
The Tilt Train stops at Maryborough West Station and a shuttle bus transports travellers into Maryborough CBD.

By plane
Hervey Bay Airport (HVB) airport is around 30 min from Maryborough.

 * Qantaslink flies from Brisbane.
 * Jststar operates services from Sydney. Often flights to Hervey Bay from Sydney are cheaper than flights to Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast.

Shuttles are available from Maryborough to the Airport.

By car
About 2 hours drive north from the Sunshine Coast, and 3 hours drive north from Brisbane.

By bus
Coach services running north from Brisbane stop in Maryborough.

By car
Car rental facilities are easily available. Avis, Hertz, & Budget all have car rental depots.

By taxi
Taxis are available. Call the national 131 008 taxi number for service.

By bus
The local bus company is Wide Bay Transit and travel many different routes.

See
The wonderful colonial architecture of our commercial buildings and magnificent Queenslander homes.

The Mary Poppins statue is outside the building where Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers was born.

Do

 * Take a walk or relax by the river in majestic Queens Park, one of Australia's first botanic gardens, and still an expansive garden that's well worth a visit.
 * Sunday in the Park is a lazy Sunday morning of fun, food, brass bands, steam train rides and river cruises held every last Sunday of the month in Queens Park.

Hear the big bang of the historic time cannon.

Meet city ambassadors - Mary Heritage and the Town Crier.

Snag a bargain at the city's famous weekly Heritage City Markets every Thursday morning.

Have your photo taken with the Mary Poppins Statue.

See the best collection of "Old Queenslander" homes in the state.

Visit the many museums.

Visit Portside - the heritage precinct - which was once voted as one of the top "Must Do" experiences in Queensland.

Buy
A well developed service centre, you can find a comprehensive shopping area for supplies and a bit extra. Banks, ATMs and currency exchange are all available.

title: Maryborough (Queensland)