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Abadan

Abadan (Persian: آبادان) is a city of 230,000 people (2016) in Khuzestan, in the southwest of Iran. It is a port city and oil refining center. During the 1980 Iran-Iraq war, the city was emptied of people and heavily damaged.

Understand
Abadan is the capital of Abadan County. It is on Abadan Island (68 km or 42 mi long, 3–19 km or 2–12 miles wide). The island is bounded in the west by the Arvand waterway and to the east by the Bahmanshir outlet of the Karun River (the Arvand Rood), 53 km (33 mi) from the Persian Gulf, near the Iran–Iraq border. Abadan is 140 km from the provincial capital city of Ahvaz.

In September 1980, Abadan was almost overrun during a surprise attack on Khuzestan by Iraq, marking the beginning of the Iran–Iraq War. For 12 months, Abadan was besieged, but never captured, by Iraqi forces, and in September 1981, the Iranians broke the siege of Abadan. Much of the city, including the oil refinery, which was the world's largest refinery with capacity of 628,000 barrels per day, was badly damaged or destroyed by the siege and by bombing. Prior to the war, the city's civilian population was about 300,000, but at the war's end nearly the entire populace had sought refuge elsewhere in Iran.

Climate
The climate in Abadan is arid and similar to Baghdad's, but slightly hotter due to Abadan's lower latitude. Summers are dry and extremely hot, with temperatures above 45 °C (113 °F) almost daily and temperatures above 50 °C (122 °F) can be almost common. Abadan is notably one of the few hottest populated places on earth and experiences a few sand and dust storms per year. Winters are mildly wet and spring-like, though subject to cold spells. Winter temperatures are around 16–20 °C (61–68 °F).).

By train
Nearest railway station is in Khorramshahr, about 10 km north of Abadan. Daytime trains from Ahvaz as well as overnight trains from Tehran and Mashad are available.

By ferry
There are river ferries from Basra, in Iraq, to nearby Khorramshahr several times per week. The ferry is run by Valfajr Shipping Company and journey time is just under one hour.

See
Traditional bazaar

Do
Play golf

Visit Shadegan wetland (bird watching)

Buy
Khuzestan handicrafts

Eat
Lots of seafoods like: and lots of desserts made of local dates.
 * ghaliye mahi (Southern Iranian spicy fish and herb stew)
 * medfune
 * khoroshte bamie
 * 4-mahi sobur (barbecued fish)

Drink
High quality tea is available anywhere.

Go next

 * Umm Qasr

title: Abadan


text:
Abadeh

Abadeh is a city in the Fars province of Iran.

Get in
By bus or car as Abadeh is on the main road of Isfahan-Shiraz.

See
Abadeh historical monuments include Emirate Kolah Farangi, Tymcheh Sarafyan and Khaje tomb, located in the Khoja mountains.

Buy
Famous carved wood-work, made of the wood of pear and box trees.

Sesame oil, castor oil, grain, and various fruits

Abadeh crafts can be embroidered in cotton. The town also produces Abadeh rugs.

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

title: Abadeh


text:
Abaiang

Abaiang is an island in the Polynesian country of Kiribati.

Right next door to the capital, Tarawa, is famous for having pristine beaches and a sparkling blue lagoon. It's also home to the two most famous resorts in Kiribati, Ouba Islet Resort and Teirio Beach Resort.

Understand
A good glimpse of one of it very beautiful and white sandy beaches can also be seen when looking at the island’s direction from the north end tip of South Tarawa. It is in Abaiang that you can see historical landmarks made by the white colonizers of the island, a Negro cannibal who landed on Abaiang in the early days and founders of Protestant Church in Kiribati. Abaiang is also known to all as a house of the first church in Kiribati and also has a distinction of being one of the cradles of Christianity and schools both of Protestants and Catholics in the Kiribati group. Other visible attractions include shrines, well of high chief of Abaiang in the early days and sites of pioneers of the island. With a wide range of historical and cultural cultural attractions seen, the only home for two famous resorts in Kiribati and its closeness to the capital, Abaiang is considered one the marvellous and convenient laid-back hideaways in Kiribati.

Geography
Abaiang Island has a total land area of 16 square kilometres and an estimated distance of about 23 miles from North to South. The main government centre is located at Taburao village. The island also serves as a home for two secondary schools, each of them owned either by Roman Catholic Church or Kiribati Protestant Church. The island has a population of 5,568 (2015 census).

History
The history of Abaiang Island started with the belief that ancestors living on it were known to be spirits, some of them created in Samoa and some in Abaiang. Years passed by and then real people came along followed then by the arrival of Reverend Dr. Bingham and his team, international traders, beachcombers, whalers and even labour traders. Colonizers then came along too and hoisted Union Jack on the island.

The first church in Kiribati also established on Abaiang Island in 1859 by Reverend Dr Hiram Bingham and his team. Reverend Dr. Bingham, his wife and his team were sent from America in 1856 to set up a mission in Kiribati. Their arrival in Abaiang was coincided with a war between Ten Temaua and Ten Teiwaki. Reverend Bingham and his team stayed with Ten Temaua. Ten Teiwaki took immediate fancy for Mrs. Bingham and announced that he will take her as his wife only if he won the war but unfortunately, he lost it. Their arrival on Abaiang also marked the important era in the establishment of the first Protestant Church in Kiribati.

In a traditional context of Abaiang Island, it was a paramount chief who ruled and provided overall leadership of the island in the past. Following independence of Kiribati, the overall leadership of Abaiang changed whereby the Mayor (formerly Chief Councilor) and the elderly men are now playing the role of providing political leadership for the island. Abaiang island still values the importance of family and respect of the elderly, guest hospitality, cultural practices and coming together under the maneaba (traditional meeting house) to socialise and feast.

Culture
Dress code is also restricted on the island. Casual wear is preferable and women are not allowed to walk around with bikinis, mini skirts or shorts. A skirt/short covered down to your knees or wrap around sulus and T-Shirts are preferable.

Traditional welcome for first time visitors
a) The traditional welcoming custom of Abaiang is known as “Te Karaaun”.

b) Garlanded with Ten Tanini.

c) Escorted to Ribono village and taken around the village in an anticlockwise manner (the only village to do the anti-clockwise escort).

d) Te Karaaun starts from Tekabwarinuea maneaba, then to shrines such as Beiamatekaai, Rianaba islet, Kaiea’s well, Maatere the cannibal, Naikamawa, Moua’s Kautae (fishing scoop net), Moua’s tangana (traditional pudding made from babai or taro), the King’s hook, Naikamawa site and Naibunaki site and then back again to Tekabwarinuea Maneaba.

e) Escorted to Tekarano village. Visitors should aware that garlanding will be done here if not done at Ribono village.

f) Escorted to the rest of the villages to visit shrines and other cultural and historical sites.

There are assigned persons to do Te Karaaun to visitors and this will be done on your first day of arrival to ensure that guests are safe during their stay on Abaiang. If not on the first day of arrival, then this will be done early on the second day of arrival. Visitors should prepare to leave gifts such as sticks of tobacco especially at each of the shrines.

Do

 * Te Karaaun
 * Island trips – either by Motor bikes or trucks
 * Island walking
 * Beach games
 * Snorkelling
 * Visits to cultural and historical sites
 * Picnics at recommended spots (needs to be arranged)
 * Boats trips to nearby islets (to be arranged)

Stay safe
Facilities and services are limited and the island is remote in nature. You will need flexibility in your plans to allow for instances where there may be transport delays. It is highly recommended that you take additional supplies of drinking water. Medical facilities are limited on the islands to a local clinic and village nurse. Pharmaceuticals are not available and you will to ensure you have any medications you may require and basic medical supplies. Please also ensure you have advised family and friends of your travel plans and when you expect to return.

Respect
It is important to that, as a sign of respect, you will need to leave offerings at any shrines you visit. Tobacco/cigarettes are the traditional offering. If you are interested in participating in any cultural activity please have it arranged prior your travel or you can ask around the local people and they are usually most obliging.

Connect
Communications while on the island may be limited; however some villages will have a public phone.

title: Abaiang


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Abakan

Abakan (Russian: Абака́н uh-buh-KAHN) is the capital city of Khakassia, Russia.

By rail
The principal rail route is from Moscow with the fast Sayany train, journey time is 75 hours. The train departs Moskva Yaroslavsky station at 10:55PM and arrives 6PM three nights later. The train makes stop-overs in Yekaterinburg (45 h), Omsk (31 h) and Novosibirsk (22 h) along its way. Take care as the train does not start daily.

By bus
You may come from Kyzyl by bus. There are several buses daily, and two stops in Abakan: one is at the railway station and the other is at the bus station.

Get around
There is a reliable bus system and locals may help you with the directions. You may use it to go from the train station to the Holy transfiguration Cathedral. Remember to have pictures to show, because almost no one will speak Russian.

There are also taxis available.

Do
You can walk around but there isn't so much to see. Remember not to miss your onward connection, as Abakan is not served so often by onward transport, especially train.

Buy
There are some supermarkets with fresh fruits.

title: Abakan


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Abancay

Abancay is in the department of Apurimac, Peru in a valley over the Pachachaca river. The population is 58,000, and with an altitude of 2,378 m.

Abancay is part of Peru's Southern Sierra.

Understand
The Tourist Office is next to the Plaza de Armas.

Get in
All buses on the Lima-Nasca-Cusco Interoceánica Sur line pass through Abancay. The road is well paved.

There are daily buses from and to Andahuaylas, one of the closest airports . This journey takes 5 to 6 hours on an unpaved road. The closest airport is in Cusco, a 4½-5 hour drive on a bus or a 3½-4 hour drive in a "colectivo" (taxi car)

Get around
Distances are short, so walking is your best options for getting around. If you need a taxi, don't pay more than S/3 (soles) in the city.

See

 * AMPAY (mountain and tree species) protected area (sanctuary). Get the collectivo 2 (70 centimos) to Sawanay. From there ask for "camino del ampay". You'll reach the park's house. If somebody is at the hut at the entrance the fee would be S/30 to enter, it's better to go because the way begin in this place, and they'll give you informations if you're going by yourself (you can also pay a guide in the municipalidad, S/30 for the day). The way is hard, 3 km for the first laguna, 4 more to the second and you'll see the Nevada Ampay. Possible to make a loop but long (more than 20 km). Better in dry season.

Do

 * Swimming in natural water pool

Eat
Avenida Arenas, which turns into Arequipa, is the main drag through town. You can find all manner of restaurants and bars along this strip. Also a market for picking up fruits and vegetables. There are also a couple of supermarkets along this street. Paralleling this street one block further uphill is another avenue with a fair amount of shops and restaurants, including a vegetarian one.

Sleep

 * El Dorado, Av. Arenas, good and safe, ca. US$5.
 * Hotel Turistas (old hacienda), splurge with hot water and dining-room.
 * Hotel Paraiso, across from the bus terminal. S/30 for a matrimonial with bano privado. Nice place, television, but lacked hot water despite the claims.

Go next
You can visit the Canyon of Apurimac (Cañon de Apurimac) and cross it on a hanging bridge. Take a bus towards Cusco and exit after ca. 1h at the village of Curuahuasi. Then go to Cachora - you can rent mules, horses and guides (canyon depth approx. 1000 m - one of the deepest in the world)

If you have 3 days, you can climb the canyon at the other side and visit the ruins of Choquequirao, an Inca city, which have only been partly excavated. Guides are easily found via the tourist office in Abancay. It is similar in structure and architecture to Machu Picchu.

From Abancay to Puquio the bus costs S/40 and the first one of the day leaves at 12:00 (Palamino). The views and country along this route are great, but it is windy.

title: Abancay


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Abashiri

Abashiri (網走) is a small city on the northern coast of Hokkaido, Japan.

Understand
Abashiri is the capital city of Okhotsk Subprefecture. Once unimaginably far in the back of beyond, the name Abashiri used to strike terror into the hearts of suspected lawbreakers: it was the site of Japan's first maximum-security prison, built in 1890 when the enlightened Meiji era leaders decided to copy Western ways instead of simply executing convicted criminals. Enlightenment in this case, however, translated into backbreaking hard labor (mostly road construction) and, for difficult cases like political prisoners, unheated cells in a region where winter temperatures often fall below -20 ° (-4 °F). The prison was finally closed in 1984, though a newly constructed prison continues the tradition.

Today's Abashiri is an unattractive modern town filled with the implements and smells of its largest industry, fishing.

Tourist information site
The local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site.

Get in
Abashiri is the closest thing in northern Hokkaido to a transport hub.

By plane
The nearest airport is Memanbetsu, 16 km south of Abashiri. Buses connect to the train station before and after flights (25 minutes, ¥880).

By train
Abashiri is the terminus of the JR Sekihoku Line (石北本線) from Asahikawa and a junction of the Senmo Line (釧網本線) to Kushiro via Akan National Park.

Four Limited Express trains run daily: Two Okhotsk services to/from Sapporo (5 hr 30 min, ¥9910), and two Taisetsu services to/from Asahikawa (4 hr, ¥7970, change at Asahikawa for Sapporo). There is no charge for these services with the Japan Rail Pass.

By bus
Night buses from Sapporo (around ¥8000) are the cheapest way to get to Abashiri. Buses arrive and depart from Abashiri Bus Terminal, a short walk east from JR Abashiri Station.

Get around
Abashiri is fairly spread out. A network of buses radiates out from JR Abashiri Station.

Eat
Being a fishing port, the thing to eat here is fresh seafood, particularly crab. There's a morning market (網走感動朝市) with great selection.

Go next
The best reasons to come to Abashiri are the natural attractions near it.
 * Shiretoko National Park, to the east, is one of Japan's best yet least visited national parks.
 * Akan National Park, to the south, is known for its three mysterious lakes.
 * The onsen village of Utoro in Shari is popular with onsen lovers.

title: Abashiri


text:
Abastumani

Abastumani is a small Czarist-era spa town and Soviet-built astrophysical observatory in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region.

Understand
Relatively undiscovered by foreign tourists, Abastumani was a thriving spa and resort town during the last decades of the Russian czars. Today it sits quiet for most of the year waiting for the summer rush of Georgian tourists who come to breathe it's clean air and walk in the pristine forests.

Get in
Abastumani is reached by either taxi or marshutka (mini-bus) from the Akhaltsikhe bus station. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes in a taxi or around 50 minutes in the marshutka depending on how many stops it makes.

Get around
The lower town is 7 km from one end to the other and relatively flat so it is easily walkable. The observatory is 4 km above the town. To reach it you can either take a cable car which has a sporadic schedule, or walk one hour up a trail or a little longer by road.

See
There are many wooden, mostly abandoned, Czarist-era buildings to view and photograph. Visit the Czar's Bath that is now under renovation but the guard will probably let you look around. Ride up the cable car and walk around the surreal and seemingly abandoned astrophysical observatory complex. The Romanov palace complex was probably once a great site but it barely warrants the walk out of town to visit them. Of the three original buildings only one remains in its former state and lies fenced off, without any windows and is slowly deteriorating. Several years ago one building caught fire and is being rebuilt. The main house was sold to private owners who have altered the original appearance beyond recognition.

Buy
There is a small bazaar on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday from 08:00-12:30 where you can buy local products such as fresh cheese, milk, vegetable, wine, and honey.

title: Abastumani


text:
Abbeville

Abbeville is a city in Hauts-de-France which is primarily on the east bank of the Somme River. It's the former capital of the County of Ponthieu, and has a population of approximately 23,000.

Get in
Abbeville, 20 km south of the English Channel, can be reached by car from the north or the southeast by the A16 or from the southwest by the A28 or E402. You can also come to town by rail. The ride from Paris to Abbeville takes about 90 min. There is no international airport in Abbeville, but you can get a connection from Paris.

Get around
The city centre is quite compact, so walking or renting a bike will be perfectly suitable for exploring the area. If you do have a car, most hotels and restaurants have parking available, but it sometimes costs a fee.

Buy
There is not too much shopping to be had in town, but you can find some very interesting markets nearby, depending on the day and the season.

Eat
Abbeville is a great place to sample some traditional, more rustic French cuisine, in a homey atmosphere that is in no way pretentious. Try duck and fish from the area, or some of their specialty baked goods, such as beaten cake or macaroons.

Drink
The few bars in town can be found along the main avenue, Chausée du Bois, mostly between Rue Saint-Gilles and Boulevard Vauban.

Go next
Drive to other locations in Somme or Picardy, or take the train from the station on the West side of the Canal du Transit, on Boulevard de la Portelette. Go to Paris for your international flight connection. Some interesting places nearby are the larger town of Amiens, the medieval towns and marshland along the bay. You can take a ferry across the Channel from Dieppe or Le Havre, or take the Channel Tunnel from Calais.

title: Abbeville


text:
Abbeyleix

Abbeyleix (pronounced "Abbi-leesh") is a town in County Laois in the midlands of Ireland, with a population of 1770 in 2016. The abbey was Cistercian, founded in 1183 in the valley of the River Nore, and the original settlement grew up around it. Nothing remains of these, as the valley was flood-prone, and around 1790 the landowner Viscount de Vesci moved Abbeyleix onto higher ground 2 km east; it was thus one of the earliest examples of a "planned village". The de Vescis also established local industries such as carpet weaving.

The new Abbeyleix, 14 km south of Portlaoise, came to lie on the main Dublin to Cork road, and was an infamous bottleneck until 2010 when it was bypassed by M7 / M8.

Get in
M&A Coach 828 runs from Portlaoise (for buses and trains from Dublin) to Abbeyleix (30 min), Durrow, Urlingford and Cashel. There are five M-Sa and two on Sunday.

Slieve Bloom Coach 825 runs from Portlaoise to Abbeyleix, Ballinakill, Durrow, Rathdowney and Borris-in-Ossory, with three M-F.

is the main bus stop in Abbeyleix.

By road from Dublin follow N7 / M7 to Portlaoise then N77 south.

Get around
The bog is in walking distance and the bus runs to Durrow. You need wheels to reach Heywood Gardens, a bike would do.

See

 * Durrow is an attractive small village 10 km south of Abbeyleix on N77, but its main sight the castle is now a plush hotel, see Sleep. Durrow Abbey isn't here, but north of Tullamore - Durrow or Derry means "oak grove", doire, so it's a common placename.
 * is the crumbling ruin of a five-storey tower house built in 1425 and wrecked by Cromwell in 1650. It's just off the road south to Thurles and Cashel.
 * is a similar five-storey ruin along a back lane near Liscolman. It's in a private field but you see enough from the lane looping round it.
 * Durrow is an attractive small village 10 km south of Abbeyleix on N77, but its main sight the castle is now a plush hotel, see Sleep. Durrow Abbey isn't here, but north of Tullamore - Durrow or Derry means "oak grove", doire, so it's a common placename.
 * is the crumbling ruin of a five-storey tower house built in 1425 and wrecked by Cromwell in 1650. It's just off the road south to Thurles and Cashel.
 * is a similar five-storey ruin along a back lane near Liscolman. It's in a private field but you see enough from the lane looping round it.
 * Durrow is an attractive small village 10 km south of Abbeyleix on N77, but its main sight the castle is now a plush hotel, see Sleep. Durrow Abbey isn't here, but north of Tullamore - Durrow or Derry means "oak grove", doire, so it's a common placename.
 * is the crumbling ruin of a five-storey tower house built in 1425 and wrecked by Cromwell in 1650. It's just off the road south to Thurles and Cashel.
 * is a similar five-storey ruin along a back lane near Liscolman. It's in a private field but you see enough from the lane looping round it.

Do

 * Golf: Abbeyleix Golf Club is north side of the village, purple tees 6236 yards, par 72.
 * Durrow Scarecrow Festival is in late July, with six categories for scarecrows to try out for, and a side competition for dressing up round bales of hay. The next event is 28 July - 8 Aug 2024.
 * Power of Words is a poetry and creative writing festival in Abbeyleix in late August. 2024 dates to be announced.

Buy

 * Breslin's SuperValu is in village centre, open M-Sa 7AM-9PM, Su 8:30AM-9PM.

Eat

 * Others in Abbeyleix are Jade Palace, Tasty Spice, Capri Grill, Mueller and O'Connell Bakery, Papa Noni and McEvoy's Steak & Wine Bar.
 * Durrow has Kim's and Bowe's Cafe, but the tops are Ashbrook Arms and Durrow Castle, see Sleep.
 * Durrow has Kim's and Bowe's Cafe, but the tops are Ashbrook Arms and Durrow Castle, see Sleep.

Drink

 * Abbeyleix also has Benny's pub.
 * Durrow pubs are Durrow Inn, Dec's and Bob's Bar.
 * First Ireland Spirits produce liqueurs and pre-mixed cocktails on the industrial estate northwest of Abbeyleix. No tours.
 * First Ireland Spirits produce liqueurs and pre-mixed cocktails on the industrial estate northwest of Abbeyleix. No tours.

Sleep

 * B&Bs in Abbeyleix didn't open in 2021. They include Hillview House on Ballinakill Rd, and Sandymount House west at Tullyroe; Fountain House has closed.
 * Ashbrook Arms is also on The Square in Durrow.
 * Ashbrook Arms is also on The Square in Durrow.
 * Ashbrook Arms is also on The Square in Durrow.

Connect
As of June 2021, Abbeyleix has 4G from all Irish carriers. 5G has not reached this area.

Go next

 * Kilkenny is an attractive small city with a castle and other medieval heritage.
 * Mountrath is the access point for trails on the south slopes of the Slieve Bloom Mountains.
 * Portlaoise the county town is a transport hub and its sights (such as Rock of Dunamase) are some way out. Continue north to Mountmellick to access the north slopes of the mountains.

title: Abbeyleix


text:
Abbotsford

Abbotsford is a city of about 165,000 people (2021) in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia. With mountains visible in nearly every direction, it is in one of the most geographically stunning regions of British Columbia. Abbotsford is an agriculture-based city that is a popular visitor stop over point for U.S. travellers north bound to the Yukon and Alaska and Canadians travelling east and west along the Trans-Canada Highway.

History
Abbotsford's colonial development began when the Royal Engineers surveyed the area in response to the gold rush along the Fraser River in 1858. This led to the building of Yale Road (today Old Yale Road), the first transportation route to link the Fraser Valley. The settlement grew and the production of butter, milk and tobacco began by the late 1860s. In 1889, former Royal Engineer John Cunningham Maclure applied for a Crown grant to obtain the 160 acres (0.65 km²) that would become Abbotsford.

There is some controversy over the origin of the Abbotsford name. The most commonly cited origin is that Maclure named the land "Abbotsford" after family friend Henry Braithwaite Abbott, the western superintendent of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Until 1922 the name was spelled Abottsford. Maclure's sons later stated that the property had been named for Sir Walter Scott's home, Abbotsford, and pronounced it with the accent on ford, while in his later years Maclure claimed that the naming had been "a combination of two ideas".

The title passed hands to Robert Ward, who filed a townsite subdivision on July 9, 1891. Also in 1891, the CPR built a railway line through the area that connected Mission with the Seattle, Lake Shore and Eastern Railway at Sumas, Washington. This route was the only rail connection between Vancouver and Seattle until 1904. In 1892, Robert Ward sold many of the lots to private investors, and sold a significant portion to the Great Northern Railway’s subsidiary company the Vancouver, Victoria and Eastern Railway. The British Columbia Electric Railway (BCER) arrived in 1910. The Interurban, as the BCER tram linking Abbotsford with Vancouver and Chilliwack was called, was discontinued in 1950.

Airport
Daily, non-stop flights to Abbotsford from Edmonton (1.5 hours), Calgary (1.25 hours), and Hamilton (5 hours), plus connections and stop over flights to other domestic and international destinations. Weekly winter charter flights are offered to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Airlines
Canadian airlines operating to Abbotsford:

Ground transportation
In-terminal auto rentals include Avis, Budget and National.

Taxi service is available, but there is no shuttle service nor is there any public transit serving the airport. Two inter-city bus operators stop at the airport, see "By bus" below.

Abbotsford International Airport is approximately 80 minutes drive away from Vancouver International Airport, 60 minutes from downtown Vancouver, 10 minutes from the city centre of Abbotsford, 2 1/2 hours from Whistler, 45 minutes from Harrison Hot Springs, and 40 minutes from Bellingham Airport in Washington state.

By car
The city is on Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway), roughly 90 km east of Vancouver (a 60-75 min drive). BC Highway 11 heads south to the U.S. border, where it becomes Washington state highway 9. The drive to Seattle is about 2½-hours.

From the US
If you're coming from Seattle or elsewhere along the US West Coast, don't waste your time and money taking transit north to Vancouver and then east to Abbotsford. Instead, save several hours and $50-100 by taking a local bus from Bellingham, WA to the Sumas-Hungtingdon border crossing, crossing on foot, then taking an Abbostford local bus into town. Bus 71x leaves Bellingham's Cordata Station for Sumas four times a day Monday through Friday, twice a day on Saturday (make sure to check the schedules online or with Google Maps before you go). As of July 2019 it costs US$1.00 and takes about 1 hour. From the stop at 1st and Cherry St. in Sumas, walk a few blocks to the border. After passing through, just a couple blocks on the other side you can catch Bus 3 into downtown Abbotsford for C$2.50. It leaves almost every hour, and the fare includes free transfers. The whole process takes less than three hours and costs only a few dollars.

By train

 * West Coast Express commuter trains travel between in Mission (located north of Abbotsford, across the Fraser River) and Waterfront station in Vancouver. Trips operate Monday to Friday. Trains travel from Mission to Vancouver during the morning rush hour and travel from Vancouver to Mission during the afternoon rush hour. Fare prices for travel from Vancouver's Waterfront Station are: $10.25 one-way, $19.00 return (adult).
 * West Coast Express commuter trains travel between in Mission (located north of Abbotsford, across the Fraser River) and Waterfront station in Vancouver. Trips operate Monday to Friday. Trains travel from Mission to Vancouver during the morning rush hour and travel from Vancouver to Mission during the afternoon rush hour. Fare prices for travel from Vancouver's Waterfront Station are: $10.25 one-way, $19.00 return (adult).

 * For westbound trips from Toronto to Vancouver, the train stops at
 * For eastbound trips from Vancouver to Toronto, the nearest station where train stops is north of the Fraser River at station in Mission.
 * For eastbound trips from Vancouver to Toronto, the nearest station where train stops is north of the Fraser River at station in Mission.

Get around
Abbotsford is rather spread out, so a car is helpful.

The widest selection of auto rentals are available at and near the Abbotsford International Airport (YXX). Some auto rentals are in the city.

By public transit

 * Operates bus route 21 between Abbotsford and the Aldergrove (central east) area of Langley. Stops in those cities allow riders to transfer to the TransLink public transit network serving those cities. Operates multiple times daily.
 * Operates bus route 31 between Abbotsford and Mission. Operates multiple times daily.
 * Operates bus route 66 between Burnaby and Chilliwack with stops in north Langley and Abbotsford. Operates multiple times daily.

See
Abbotsford is well known for its agri-tourism attractions. Tourism Abbotsford publishes annually a Circle Farm Tour Guide highlighting some of British Columbia's most unique rural attractions during the summer. A winter version of the publication is available, named Passport to Christmas.

Abbotsford boasts some of the finest sports facilities and parks in British Columbia which are popular among visitors. Known also as "Sports Town Canada," Abbotsford attracts dozens of provincial and national sports events annually.

During a visit to Abbotsford, be sure to learn more about the City's history, attractions and ethnic diversity by stopping at one of the City's two Visitor Centres on Sumas Way (Highway 11) and domestic arrivals lounge in the Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) Terminal.

Do

 * Mill lake panorama abbotsford.jpg
 * Mill lake panorama abbotsford.jpg
 * Mill lake panorama abbotsford.jpg
 * Mill lake panorama abbotsford.jpg
 * Mill lake panorama abbotsford.jpg
 * Mill lake panorama abbotsford.jpg

Buy
For a unique shopping experience, be sure to check out.

For the literary crowd, Hemingway's New and Used Bookstore, located in the heart of Historic Downtown Abbotsford, has one of the largest selections of new and used books in the area. Specializing in fiction and military history, the store holds thousands of titles in numerous categories, and is open 7 days a week.

Rural retailers can be found throughout the City's agricultural areas. Refer to the Passport to Christmas and Circle Farm Tour Guide available at one of two Visitor Centres on Sumas Way (Highway 11) or in the Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) Terminal.

Abbotsford boasts many large shopping plazas. Almost all of Canada's major retailers can be found in Abbotsford.

Eat
There are many places to eat in Abbotsford.

Sleep

 * For RV travellers, Walmart offers free overnight parking. There are two Walmarts in town, including.
 * For RV travellers, Walmart offers free overnight parking. There are two Walmarts in town, including.
 * For RV travellers, Walmart offers free overnight parking. There are two Walmarts in town, including.
 * For RV travellers, Walmart offers free overnight parking. There are two Walmarts in town, including.
 * For RV travellers, Walmart offers free overnight parking. There are two Walmarts in town, including.
 * For RV travellers, Walmart offers free overnight parking. There are two Walmarts in town, including.
 * For RV travellers, Walmart offers free overnight parking. There are two Walmarts in town, including.
 * For RV travellers, Walmart offers free overnight parking. There are two Walmarts in town, including.

title: Abbotsford


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Abbottabad

Abbottabad is a city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of Pakistan, north of Islamabad on the Karakoram Highway. The town is at an altitude of 1250 m (4150 feet) and gets quite a lot of Pakistani tourism, mainly people escaping the hot season in nearby Islamabad, Rawalpindi or Peshawar.

Abroad, the city has gained fame as the place where Osama bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaeda, was shot and killed.

Understand
The town was founded as a British district headquarters and military base in the 1850s. It was named for the founder, Major James Abbott (later General Sir James Abbott).

At one time, the city was quite important as a transport hub, a stop on the main route north toward Gilgit and China. Its importance in this role has been somewhat diminished by the completion of the Karakoram Highway.

Get in
From Rawalpindi or Islamabad you can reach Abbottabad by road in less than 3 hours. Daewoo bus service operates more than three services daily for under Rs. 500 per passenger. It is an hour's drive from Nathia Gali which is about 34 km dropping steeply through the beautiful valleys with few trees to the river bed.

Abbottabad is the junction from where you can go to places like Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu and Indus Kohistan, of the Karakoram Range. You can reach Swat, Swati Kohistan, Dir and Chitral of the Hindu Kush. And approach Naran, Saif-ul-Muluk, Shogran and Babusar Pass of the Himalayan Range. Neelum, Lipa and Jhelum Valley of beautiful Azad Kashmir are also connected through Abbottabad.

There is no railway service to Abbottabad, trains terminate in Havelian which is about 30 minutes south of the city.

See

 * Mukeshpuri 9800 feet and Miranjani 9750 feet are its highest peaks.
 * Ilysi Mosque, Shimla Pahari hill)
 * Takaya
 * Dodheyal
 * Nawansheher Bazaar stairs
 * Harno (tourist area with open water)
 * Thandiani (~25 km)
 * Dhamtoor
 * Swinging Bridge near Harno

Do
Trekking, Hiking, Camping, Photography, Golf, Picnic

Abbottabad in addition to being a hill station has some of Pakistan's best educational institutions (e.g. Army Burn Hall School & College, Abbottabad Public School, International Public School, Ayub Medical College, Frontier Medical College, Hazara University). It has therefore become a leading learning seat in Pakistan.

Eat

 * Pakoras and fish at Ilyasi Masjid. A lot of people gather there to enjoy those tasty pakoras.
 * Kebab of Qalandarabad.

Sleep

 * Sarban Hotel
 * Jan's Continental Guest House
 * Pearl Continental Motel
 * Pine Inn Guest House
 * Shelton Inn Guest House
 * Snow Land Guest House
 * Alaf Laila Guest House kaghan colony, opp usmania restaurant, 03459566871
 * Devgru Resort & Spa

Go next

 * Nathiagali

title: Abbottabad


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ABC Islands

There are (at least) two sets of ABC Islands:

Caribbean
In the Leeward Antilles, the southerly islands of the Lesser Antilles:

 * Aruba - an autonomous dependency of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
 * Bonaire - a "special municipality" of the Netherlands
 * Curaçao - an autonomous dependency of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

United States of America
In the Alexander Archipelago, in Southeastern Alaska:

 * Admiralty Island
 * Baranof (also Baranov or Sitka) Island - largest city: Sitka
 * Chichagof Island

title: ABC Islands


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Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park is in the Nelson Bays region of the South Island of New Zealand, between Golden Bay and Tasman Bay.

Understand

Located in the Tasman District on the northern tip of the South Island. The park is closed to vehicles, and access is either on foot (from one of the various carparks mentioned below) or by boat, or if you've got money to spend it is possible to charter a helicopter or small plane (Awaroa only).

Some of the land in the park is privately owned - mainly in Awaroa Bay and Torrent Bay. It is important to remember this when visiting the park - the locals are friendly but they don't want loads of travellers walking through their backyards all the time! However these areas are clearly marked so you shouldn't have any problems.

History
Abel Tasman, a Dutch explorer, was the first European to visit New Zealand, and he anchored in Golden Bay on 18 December 1642. He encountered the native Maori people there, who attacked the foreign intruders. Tasman sailed on up the west coast of the North Island, avoiding further contact with native New Zealanders.

Around 1855, more Europeans began to arrive and permanent settlements began to spring up. These settlements began to pillage the land's resources - logging for homes and ships, mining of granite, and creation of pasture through burning.

The park, created out of protest due to concerns about heavy logging in the area, was officially opened on 18 December 1942, exactly 300 years after Abel Tasman's visit. The initial grant was 15,000 hectares of government land and the park has since grown to over 22,000 hectares, though it is still New Zealand's smallest national park.

Landscape

The most notable feature of the park are its beaches. The golden sands bring many visitors, some for just a day, others for overnight trips. However, moving away from the beaches and inland, the park is mountainous and rough.

Some areas of the park are very tidal. Watch out in particular for the estuaries at Torrent Bay and Awaroa - these can drain almost completely at low tide! So be aware of this before anchoring your boat in some places. In fact, at low tide it is possible to walk from Torrent Bay to Anchorage by walking across the empty estuary - this takes about 25 minutes, whereas the track around the outside of the estuary takes closer to 2 hours. Some beaches also have unusual sand bars - if in doubt, don't go too close to shore in your boat, or you might run aground unexpectedly!

Flora and fauna

Much of the nature vegetation was destroyed by the area's early inhabitants, but the park is now slowly renewing itself. All four species of New Zealand beech trees (Nothofagus) grow in the park, an unusual find.

Wildlife consists mostly of avian life, but rare birds such as the kiwi are not present. Other wildlife, such as the blue penguin, can be found in the more isolated areas of the park now that their population have begun to dwindle. You can still see (and hear!) lots of birds - keep an eye out for wood pigeons, tuis (you will definitely hear these even if you don't see them), bellbirds, wekas (rare flightless birds), pukekos, oystercatchers (by the sea) and cormorants.

Much of New Zealand's native wildlife is under attack by introduced species and the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) are trying desperately to halt these attacks. Stoats, a relative of the ferret, were introduced into New Zealand to control rabbits in the 1880s. However, those stoats, then and today, prefer the native animal populations such as the blue penguins over rabbits or their other "normal" prey.

When exploring Abel Tasman or any other national park, you may see traps for introduced species such as the stoat or the possum. Please do not disturb these efforts to maintain New Zealand's natural wildlife.

Climate
The Abel Tasman National Park is in one of the sunniest places in the country with over 2000 hours of sunlight per year. There is moderate rainfall that is spread out over the year and occasionally snow at higher elevations.

 * Average temperatures
 * Summer, December–February. High: 72F, 22C. Low: 55F, 13C.
 * Fall, March–May. High: 64F, 18C. Low: 46F, 8C.
 * Winter, June–August. High: 55F, 13C. Low: 37F, 3C.
 * Spring, September–November. High: 63F, 17C.  Low: 45F, 7C.

By car
There are four carpark entrances to the park. From here, you walk into the park.
 * Marahau. The southern entrance, 67 km on a sealed road from Nelson.
 * Wainui. 21 km from Takaka.  The road is sealed for all but the final 2 km.
 * Totaranui. 32 km from Takaka.  The road is sealed for all but the final 13 km.
 * Awaroa. 31 km from Takaka.  The road is sealed for all but the rough, final 12 km.  This road has two fords which are susceptible to flooding.

By boat
Most companies depart from Marahau or Kaiteriteri going to the main beaches of the park. Some arrange tours also in the park, see below.

Fees and permits
There are no fees to enter the park.

See

 * Seals. Fur seals can be seen in a number of places in the park and there is a large colony at Tonga Island.  Do not get closer than 20 metres of the seals.
 * Tonga Island Marine Reserve.
 * Approach on foot. Start from Awaroa Hut toward Venture Creek and then over Tonga Saddle to Onetahuti Beach.  If coming from the carpark at Tonga Quarry, a low tide crossing is required.
 * Approach by sea. The nearest boat ramp is at Totaranui and caution should be used due to unmarked reefs as well as strong winds.
 * By bus or hired boat. Consult the visitor centres in Motueka, Takaka, or Nelson.
 * Cleopatra's Pool. This is a beautiful rock pool with a natural, moss-lined waterslide! It is about 1 hour's walk from Torrent Bay and from Anchorage. If you follow the high tide track between these two places, you will eventually reach the turn-off to Cleopatra's. A couple of things to be aware of - firstly, the track to the pool crosses the river (there's no bridge, you have to hop across a few rocks), so if it has been raining over the last couple of days, it can be quite dangerous to cross. Secondly, the bottom of the 'waterslide' sometimes has a few hidden rocks - check it and clear away any big rocks before using the slide.
 * Falls River bridge. An impressive footbridge which crosses the Falls River. It is on the track between Bark Bay and Torrent Bay.
 * Cascade Falls. A beautiful waterfall hidden in among stunning bush. The river, while cold, is also a good spot to cool off. Cascade Falls is located about 1½ hours walk from Torrent Bay. This is one of the more difficult tracks as it is quite steep in parts, but it is definitely worth the hike! Set out from Torrent Bay on the High Tide track to Anchorage and follow the signs - the turnoff to Cascade Falls is approximately 15 minutes from the Torrent Bay campsite.

Do

 * Abel Tasman Coast Track. A 51 km walking track that is one of the Department of Conservation's Great Walks. Plan on 3 to 5 days to walk the entire track. There are several crossing that are dependent on the tide.
 * Abel Tasman Inland Track. An easy to moderate 3 to 5 days through the park's hilly interior.
 * Hunting. This is allowed in 2 sections of the park, by permit only, most of the year, but not from the 3rd Mon in Dec until 6 Feb (Waitangi Day). Check local papers for specific dates. An additional permit is required to bring a hunting dog. The game is red deer, feral pigs and feral goats.
 * Mountain biking. This is permitted at two places. A section of the Moa Park Track can be used year-round. The Gibbs Hill Track can be used between 1 May and 1 Oct.
 * Swim. The beaches are safe – the surf is minimal and there is little risk of riptides. The water is warm in summer. Some of the more tidal beaches are shallow just before and after high tide, so are great for young children.
 * No horse riding. This is not allowed in the park.
 * No horse riding. This is not allowed in the park.
 * No horse riding. This is not allowed in the park.

Buy

 * There is nothing to buy anywhere inside the park.

Eat

 * All food must be carried into the park. There are no shops at which to purchase food or supplies. However, there is a cafe at Awaroa Lodge in Awaroa Bay. You don't have to be a guest at the lodge in order to eat here. It is definitely not cheap, compared with similar style cafes outside of the Park.

Please help to maintain the park's natural beauty - take all your rubbish out with you!

Huts

 * Department of Conservation huts. Four on the Coast track, and another four on the Inland track. All have heating, mattresses, flush toilets and washbasins with cold water. There are no cooking facilities or lighting. Two nights maximum stay in each.
 * Anchorage Hut. 34 bunks.
 * Bark Bay Hut. 28 bunks.
 * Awaroa Hut. 22 bunks.
 * Whariwharangi Hut. 19 bunks.
 * Inland Track. $5 per night.
 * Awapoto Hut. 12 bunks.
 * Castle Rock Hut. 8 bunks.
 * Moa Park Hut. 4 bunks.
 * Wainui Hut. 4 bunks.
 * Wainui Hut. 4 bunks.

Camping

 * Totaranui Campground. Camp office, potable water, flush toilets, cold showers, fireplaces and car parking, but no electricity. Totaranui is split into two sections:
 * Coast Track Campground. This section of Totaranui is used by trampers on the Coast Track and is limited to one night. Bookings are required year round.
 * Main Campground. An extremely popular 850 site campground at Totaranui. A ballot system is in place for bookings between December 1 and February 10. Stays longer than one night are allowed.
 * Other DoC campsites. All sites have water supply (mostly untreated) and toilets. Some have cooking shelters and fireplaces. Bookings are required year round. Campers do not have permission to use hut facilities. Camping limited to two consecutive nights at any given campsite. $14 (under 18s free, but booking required).
 * Apple Tree Bay. 15 tent spaces.
 * Stilwell Bay. 3 tent spaces.
 * Akersten Bay. 3 tent spaces.
 * Observation Beach. 6 tent spaces.
 * Watering Cove. 5 tent spaces.
 * Te Pukatea Bay. 7 tent spaces.
 * Anchorage. 50 tent spaces.
 * Torrent Bay Estuary. 6 tent spaces.
 * Torrent Bay Village. 10 tent spaces.
 * Medlands Beach. 5 tent spaces.
 * Bark Bay. 40 tent spaces.
 * Mosquito Bay. 20 tent spaces.
 * Tonga Quarry. 10 tent spaces.
 * Onetahuti Bay. 20 tent spaces.
 * Awaroa. 18 tent spaces.
 * Waiharakeke Bay. 10 tent spaces.
 * Anapai Bay. 6 tent spaces.
 * Mutton Cove. 20 tent spaces.
 * Whariwharangi Bay. 20 tent spaces.
 * Backcountry campsites. Expect to pay about $7 per night. Adhere to standard leave-no-trace camping and hiking. Do not stray from the beaten path as this practice causes permanent damage to the landscape. Be sure to carry out all trash and pick up after others.

Stay safe

 * Safety is your responsibility - always let someone know before you head into the backcountry. Leave your intentions with a local DoC office.
 * Be prepared. Check the weather and consider your equipment. On the coast track be sure to consider the tide schedule before starting - there are two crossing that must be made during low tide.
 * Insect repellent. Sandflies (small biting insects) tend to be very bothersome.
 * Sunscreen. The sun can be very powerful.
 * Spare food and fuel. Always be prepared to stay an extra day or two.
 * Potable water is usually provided at the huts, but be prepared to treat drinking water through boiling, chemical, or filtering.
 * As always, be sure to consume plenty of water during your hike, whether overnight or just for the day.

Connect
Cellphone coverage by Telecom (XT network) and Vodafone (2 degrees, Skinny and Vodafone networks) is patchy at sea level but you can often receive texts at some high points of the coastal path and in higher reaches inland.

There are Wi-Fi facilities at Marahau and in Anchorage Hut for the walled garden of the Project Janszoon “Virtual Visitor Centre” app to provide up-to-date information on weather, tides, points of interest, history, plants, wildlife and walking times on Android and Apple devices. The app also works offline and will update itself when in range of a hotspot. The Wi-Fi spots don't give full internet access, but you can browse the websites of:
 * Project Janszoon
 * Department of Conservation
 * Metservice
 * Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust (listen to a live link of birdsong from Adele Island)
 * E-Bird and
 * NZ Birds Online

Go next

 * Kaiteriteri. You can pick up petrol, some groceries and find accommodation here.
 * Marahau. Accommodation and shopping here.
 * Takaka.
 * Kahurangi National Park – for more hiking, the Heaphy Track is a 4–6 day walk to the West Coast
 * Nelson if you want some urban excitement and culture

title: Abel Tasman National Park


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Abemama

Abemama (pronounced Apamama), Gilbert Islands, the land of the moon-light, is an atoll in Kiribati. The island is well known for its pristine beach and crystal clear blue lagoon. In Abemama, you still can find physical evidence of American and Japanese WWII relics, cultural shrines and sites/monuments relating to their traditional spirits and famous King Binoka. The island is considered one of the popular weekend hideaways for expatriate from Tarawa, the capital. It is usually visited by cruising yachts due to its very sheltered lagoon bay. It also has the potential to host fly fishermen due its abundance of bonefishes.

Get in
Bonriki International Airport on South Tarawa is the only international airport for Kiribati. Air Kiribati and Coral Sun Airways serve passengers between islands, usually with weekly flights.

Understand
Abemama has 3 main islets. The main islet has 11 villages. Abatiku and Biike are on the southwestern side of the atoll.

Geography
Abemama has an area of 16 square kilometers and an estimated population 3,299 (census 2016). The islets surround a deep lagoon.

The eastern part of the atoll of Abemama is linked by causeways making automobile traffic possible between the different islets. The outlying islands of Abatiku and Bike are situated on the southwestern side of the atoll. The village of Kariatebike serves as the government center for the atoll which includes an administration building, the police station and a hospital. Next to Kariatebike on the eastern side is Chevalier College and the western side is the only government Junior Secondary School.

History, tradition and culture
Abemama is known as the island where the Declaration of a British Protectorate made by Captain Davis of Royalist on 27 May 1892. The first British Resident Commissioner was CR Swayne who was appointed in 1893. To rule such a scattered empire, which included Ellice Islands at a time of very poor shipping was a near impossibility. The Resident Commissioner therefore started to appoint Island officials. In Abemama, officials were automatically chosen from the chiefly family.

In 1889, it was also the home of Robert Louis Stevenson. Near Tabontebike is the tomb of a tyrant-chief Tem Binoka, who was immortalized by Stevenson in his novel “In the South Seas”. During WWII the American submarine USS Nautilus landed a force of 78 Marine Amphibious Reconnaissance Scouts to seize the island on 21 November 1943. On the morning of 25 November, a native reported to the Marines that the remaining Japanese committed suicide.

In most of the northern islands, there are several district leaders, each of whom led a group of Kainga. On Abemama – Kuria – Aranuka one chief was recognized as paramount. The chiefly dynasty of Abemama, Kuria and Aranuka was only consolidated after the arrival of Europeans. The heads of the Kainga were always consulted on matters affecting the community and could initiate action, but always they were obliged to seek the approval of the chief, who provided overall leadership and regulated relationships amongst the kainga. Strong evidence of these early activities can still be physically seen on the ground and stories related to them transcend from one generation to another. In Abemama, the chiefly family and its present generation are still highly regarded and respected status among the community is still intact and recognized.

Traditional welcome for first-time visitors
a) Any tour of the island for first time visitors should start from Kabangaki village

b)Traditional shrines and cultural sites are recommended sites to visit/see and all visitors are advised to bring sticks of tobacco (3) as offering gifts at the shrines.

c) All visitors are advised to drive slowly when passing through a village or a maneaba where a meeting of the community elders is held.

d) Visitors especially women are advised to appropriately cover their body when walking around the villages (bikinis are not acceptable).

e) The sitting protocol for every maneaba or homes of the local people is that you have to sit and fold your legs probably and it’s considered insulting to stretch out your legs while sitting.

Do
This gorgeous location provides more activities besides lounging on the beach -which you will absolutely want to do.

 * Learn te Kamei dancing. Abemama is one of a few places in Kiribati known for te Kamei dancing.

 * Learn how to make mats and baskets with the palm-like pandanus leaves.

 * Fishing
 * Playing local games
 * Experiencing traditional lifestyles/local practices.
 * Kayaking
 * Snorkeling

Stay safe
Visitors should aware when traveling to Abemama that facilities and services are limited and the island is remote in nature. You will need flexibility in your plans to allow for instances where there may be transport delays. It is highly recommended that you take additional supplies of drinking water. Medical facilities are limited on the islands to a local clinic and village nurse. Pharmaceuticals are not available and you will to ensure you have any medications you may require and basic medical supplies. Please also ensure you have advised family and friends of your travel plans and when you expect to return.

Respect
It is also important to note that as a sign of respect you will need to leave offerings at a number of the shrines you visit. Tobacco/cigarettes are the traditional offering. If you are interested in participating in any cultural activity, have it arranged prior your travel or you can ask around the local people and they are usually most obliging.

Connect
Communications while on the island may be limited; however some villages will have a public phone.

title: Abemama


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Aberaeron

Aberaeron is a coastal town in Ceredigion, Wales.

Understand
Aberaeron is a Welsh-speaking seaside town, with multicoloured houses, a harbour and many small independent shops.

Get in
There is no train station. The nearest is in Aberystwyth, from where there are buses. By road, the main A487 runs through the town.

Get around
It's about a 20 minute drive to Aberystwyth. To the south there are good beaches at Llangrannog and Cwmtydu.

See

 * The town and harbour. Aberaeron is well known for its multicoloured houses and buildings. Take a stroll down the High Street and around the harbour. Look out for the local family of Bottle-nosed Dolphins out to sea.

Go next

 * New Quay
 * Aberystwyth

title: Aberaeron


text:
Abercrombie

Abercrombie is a small township in the Red River Valley of North Dakota.

Understand
The community has a population of 296 people.

By car
Take I-29 from Fargo.

title: Abercrombie


text:
Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park is a 767-km² national park in the central highlands west of Mount Kenya, 180 km from Nairobi

Understand
The park is open daily from 6AM-7PM. No entry is allowed on foot and no visitor will be allowed into the park after 6:15PM.

Flora and fauna
Include blue and Columbus monkey, Leopard, Lion, Elephant, Warthog, Black Rhino, Giant Forest Hog, bushbuck, Buffalo, Red Duiker, Suni, Serval, Reedbuck, Eland, and the rare bongo antelope. The prolific bird life features 250 recorded species.

Climate
Cool climate with rains in March–June and September to December. Vegetation is Rich Alpine and Sub alpine flora giving way to Bamboo and Mountain

By car
Take the A2 out of Nairobi via Thika in Nyeri. Then Take Nyeri-Nyahururu road out of Nyeri. Ruhuruini, Arkand treetops gates are signs posted off this road. You can also take Uber taxis that are convenient and all around the city.

By plane
The nearest air strip is at Mweiga.

Get around
The Park often becomes impassible for 2WD vehicles and thus 4WD vehicles are recommended.

Fees and permits
Residents of Kenya: adults Ksh 200, Kenyan student and organized groups Ksh 50, Kenyan children Ksh 50. Non-residents: US$40, children US$20, students and organized groups US$10. Entry to the park is by smart card only. Smartcard may be obtained and loaded at the main gate.

See
Karuru, Gura, Chania and Magura are spectacular waterfalls. The Aberdare Mountains are breathtaking. Wildlife include four of the Big 5 (Elephants and Buffalo are numerous, Black Rhino and Leopard are less common), Genets, Defassa Waterbuck, Common Duiker, Warthog, Spotted Hyena, Bushbuck as well as species that are not found elsewhere in Kenya (though even here they are difficult to spot), i.e., Eastern Bongo, Golden Cat and Giant Forest Hog. Lions are no longer present in the park as their reintroduction severely hurt Bongo populations.

Do
Hiking fishing, mountain climbing, walking, game drives.

 * Fishing The streams are well stocked with brown and rainbow trout.

Eat
Food should be brought by oneself, unless you are staying at one of the lodges where meals are provided.

Drink
Drinks should be brought when visiting the park, unless you are staying at one of the lodges where drinks are provided.

Lodges
There are two main hotels in the park. 'The Ark' is a lodge reminiscent of colonial times, where visitors spend the night with views of a salt lick where wildlife congregates. The lodge has three main viewing platforms. Each room has been fitted with electricity and running water. If an animal of interest appear during the night, you will be alerted by a buzzer. The second hotel is the famous Treetops, which is situated at the border of the park (Nyeri town can be seen). Like the Ark it has a view of a saltlick, however all rooms (excluding the suites) are not fitted with running water and thus facilities such as showers and toilets are communal.

Connect
The warden: P.O. Box 22 Nyeri. Tel: +254(0)6155024121

title: Aberdare National Park


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Aberdeen

Aberdeen (Scottish Gaelic: Obar Dheathain, Scots: Aiberdeen) is the third-largest city in Scotland, United Kingdom, with a population of almost 200,000 (2018). It is a harbour city on Scotland's north-east coast, approximately 120 miles (190 km) north of Edinburgh and 400 miles (650 km) north of London, where the Rivers Dee and Don meet the North Sea. It is an important sea port, regional centre, and the hub of the North Sea oil industry.

Although remote by UK standards, this is no backwater; Aberdeen is a prosperous and cosmopolitan city (partly due to North Sea oil) and is characterised by its grand and ornate architecture. Most buildings are constructed out of granite quarried in and around the city, and as a result, Aberdeen is often referred to as The Granite City. It is also known for its many outstanding parks, gardens and floral displays throughout the city, and for its long, sandy beach. Aberdeen boasts the title of Oil Capital of Europe and has been voted in several polls as the happiest place in Britain, with a 2006 poll citing access to large areas of greenery and community spirit. It has won the Britain in Bloom competition 10 times.

Aberdeen does not attract as many tourists as other Scottish destinations such as Edinburgh or St Andrews, and can feel more authentic. It is a great place to stop for a couple of days on a tour of Scotland, and especially good as a base for exploring the wider region to take advantage of the castles, golf, whisky distilleries, scenery, mountains (including skiing and snowboarding), coast and other attractions in Aberdeenshire and Royal Deeside. Alternatively, Aberdeen's remoteness yet comforts and cosmopolitan nature makes it an interesting destination for a short city break if you really want to get away from the stress.

Understand
Aberdeen is set in fertile lowlands and is the natural regional centre, becoming a city in 1179 when two villages grew into each other. Old Aberdeen is north, by the mouth of the River Don, and home to the University since 1495. New Aberdeen developed from 1136 two miles south near the mouth of the River Dee: this has a much better harbour and became the city centre. It was bashed about in conflicts until 1745, but then followed a long spell of peace and prosperity. Aberdeen was rebuilt in its signature grey granite along the broad axis of Union Street east-west, which intersects the historic coast road then at Castlegate turns north along King Street. So grand and confident were these buildings, they bankrupted the city in 1817, probably a civic first. Aberdeen recovered through its traditional industries based on farming, fishing, knitware and paper, but by the late 20th century these were in decline. The city was out on a limb, a long way from markets, materials and labour... and then they struck oil.

In the 1960s the North Sea was shown to have commercially exciting reserves of gas to the south and oil to the north, and the quirks of international frontiers awarded Britain the lion's share. This transformed UK politics and the economy, nowhere more so than in Aberdeen. The oilfields lay many miles offshore, but in a relatively shallow sea, and technology advanced to exploit them. Oil was brought ashore at Sullom Voe in Shetland and at Grangemouth on the Firth of Forth. It never came through Aberdeen: the city's role was as a support base for the oil platforms, and centre of industrial innovation as the quest for new fields moved into deeper darker waters. The skies were busy with the chatter of helicopters ferrying workers to and from the rigs. The city was a boom town and property prices soared.

"It's Scotland's Oil!" became a rallying cry, OPEC quotas drove up the oil price and until 2014 it looked as if oil could fuel the vehicle of Scottish independence. But a referendum voted against it, and the price later collapsed. The price, and Aberdeen's fortunes, have been up and down since, illustrating the risks around a single cash crop. Moreover, sentiment turned against oil as a carbon-based fuel from a dwindling non-renewable source. The industry remains a big player here, but the city needs to diversify.

Aberdeen is a year-round destination, provided you've got enough weather-proof clothing. Its winters are mild compared to other cities at about 56-57 North such as Riga, Gothenburg, Juneau or Novosibirsk, but by British standards it's cool. It's sheltered from the prevailing southwesterly airstream, so it has many sunny days when the granite buildings sparkle; the parks and gardens are glorious in early summer. Mid-summer days are 18 hours long and the nights no more than twilight. In still conditions a fog bank or haar forms over the cold North Sea, and the evening breeze brings it onshore to cloak the city, until the daytime offshore breeze pushes it out again. Northeasterly winds bring the worst of the dreich, a word worth practising before you arrive, and the midwinter sun often fails to get out of bed for its allotted shift of 8:30AM-3:30PM. Between the louring low grey clouds, drizzle and churning grey sea, you can pretty much lose the entire grey city.

Even then, you'll still know where you are because of the unique dialect known as "Doric". This is even more marked in the countryside, so see Aberdeenshire for the gen on Doric, which to date defies machine translation.

Vistor information

 * Visit Scotland guide to Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire

Read

 * Sunset Song is the classic novel of this region in the last days of horse-drawn farming, and the onslaught of the First World War. Written by Lewis Grassic Gibbon (James Leslie Mitchell 1901-35) and published in 1932, it's been voted Scotland's favourite novel. It may also be the most "given up on" novel, problems being the artificial diction used to render Mearns country speech, and the "Cold Comfort Farm" heaping up of misfortunes; but it's worth persevering or a second go.
 * Cloud Howe (1933) is the second of Gibbon's "Scots Quair" trilogy and Grey Granite (1934) the third, as the heroine rebuilds her life and moves to the city. They're not as well regarded but all have been adapted for TV. And then young Gibbon upped and died, with so much creative output yet before him.
 * Logan McRae is the fictional Detective Sergeant who probes the city streets in the thrillers by Stuart MacBride (b 1969). These include Cold Granite (2005), Dying Light (2006), Blind Eye (2009), Shatter the Bones (2011), Close to the Bone (2013) and The Missing and the Dead (2015).
 * Stonemouth (2012, televised 2015) is a novel by Iain Banks (1954-2013), following a man returning to a small seaport (loosely based on Stonehaven) having fled after a sex scandal.
 * Silver: An Aberdeen Anthology (2009) is a collection of poems old and new, edited by Alan Spence and Hazel Hutchison.
 * Architecture: look for Aberdeen: The Illustrated Architectural Guide by W. A. Brogden (4th edition, 2012) and The Granite Mile: The Story of Aberdeen's Union Street (2010) by Diane Morgan, among others.
 * Find them in Waterstone's bookstore (Union Street/Trinity Shopping Centre) or WH Smith (in St Nicholas Centre) "local interest" sections. Central Library on Rosemount Viaduct has a local section just inside the doorway.

By plane
There are direct international flights to Aberdeen from Amsterdam, Bergen, Burgas, Copenhagen, Dublin, Esbjerg, Gdansk, Geneva, Groningen, Haugesund, Paris CDG, Riga, Oslo, and Stavanger, plus seasonal flights to the Mediterranean.

There's a good range of UK flights, as Aberdeen is far to reach by rail. These include London Heathrow (with BA), London Gatwick and Luton (with easyJet), Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Durham, Humberside, Kirkwall on Orkney, Leeds, Manchester, Norwich, Newcastle, Southampton, Stornoway on Lewis, Sumburgh on Shetland, and Wick.

Aberdeen is also a hub for transfers to the weird sounding destinations of Apache, Hurricane, Ineos, and Nexen. These are the names of oil and gas rigs out in the North Sea, served by helicopter from here.

is at Dyce, 7 miles (11 km) northwest from the city centre. There are car rental desks here but their stock is limited, best book in advance.

Between airport and city centre, take the bus. The Jet 727 is a big blue Stagecoach bus, running every 10-30 min to the main bus station in Union Square, next to the railway station. It runs daily between 4AM and midnight, taking 30 min. In early 2019, a single ticket costs £3.40 and a return (good for 28 days) costs £5. Bus 747 / 757 runs south from the airport direct to Stonehaven and Montrose, and north to Ellon with some buses continuing to Peterhead.

Dyce has a railway station, but it's wrong side of the runway from the terminal, a 45-min walk with no public transport. You could take a taxi there: you'd only do this to pick up a northbound train without going into city centre. The Aberdeen to Inverness trains stop at Dyce, Inverurie, Insch, Huntly, Keith, Forres and Nairn.

A taxi to town will cost about £20.

By train

 * Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in Great Britain.

Aberdeen has trains hourly from Edinburgh and Glasgow Queen Street, both taking 2 hr 30 min, via Dundee. From England it's usually quicker to change in Edinburgh, but there are a few direct daytime trains from London King's Cross (via Peterborough, York and Newcastle) taking 7 hours. Likewise from the Midlands, with two or three trains winding all the way from Penzance via Exeter, Bristol, Birmingham, Sheffield, Leeds, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh. Trains also run from Inverness to Aberdeen every couple of hours, taking about 2 hours.

The Dundee-Aberdeen railway was closed for 12 weeks following a landslide and serious rail accident near Stonehaven on 12 Aug 2020, but it re-opened in November.

The Caledonian Highland Sleeper runs Su-F from London Euston, departing around 9:30PM to arrive by 7:40AM. (Other portions run to Inverness and Fort William; they divide or join at Edinburgh.) The southbound train leaves around 9:30PM to reach Euston towards 8AM. No trains on Saturday night. New rolling stock was introduced on all the sleeper routes in 2019. Compartments have two berths and are sold like hotel rooms: you pay extra for single occupancy, and you won't be sharing with a stranger. Tickets can be booked at any UK mainline railway station or online: a single sleeper fare is around £200 for one or £250 for two people (as of June 2022). You can also just use the sitting saloon, single £75. If you have an existing ticket for a daytime train you need to buy a sleeper supplement. Pricing is dynamic: weekends cost more, if indeed there are berths available. Booking is open 12 months ahead: you need to print out your e-ticket to present on boarding.

is in the city centre on Guild Street, one block from Union Street, very close to the bus station and ferry terminal. There's a Travel Centre (M-F 6:30AM-9:30PM, Sa 6:30AM-7PM, Su 9AM-21

9:30PM), a left-luggage facility (M-Sa 7:30AM-9:30PM, Su 9AM-9PM), ticket machines, ATMs, a WH Smith store selling books, magazines and snacks, a café and toilets. Lots more convenience stores and quick eats in the adjoining Union Square retail complex.

By bus
Buses from London Victoria take about 13 hours; they pick up at intermediate points, for example, Manchester, but routes vary. Megabus has two direct buses per day and three with a change (two of them overnight). National Express has one daytime and one overnight direct bus, daily.

Buses from Edinburgh take 3 hours, all via Dundee, but bypassing Perth. Megabus G92 runs four times M-Sa, thrice on Sunday. Scottish Citylink also have some half-a-dozen buses, so it's an hourly service.

Buses from Glasgow likewise take 3 hours. Megabus G9 has six buses daily, mostly bypassing Perth and Dundee. Scottish Citylink run almost hourly and do serve Perth and Dundee.

From Inverness take Stagecoach Bus 10. On Saturday only this runs hourly direct to Aberdeen, taking four hours. Other days it only runs to Inverurie, to connect with Bus 37 to Aberdeen. There are 3 connecting services M-F and one on Sunday.

Stagecoach buses fan out from Aberdeen all across the county, see "Get in" details for individual towns. is on Guild St, Union Square, next to the railway station. So you can use all the facilities there, e.g. the left-luggage office.

By car

From 30 May 2024, the city centre will be a Low Emission Zone. There will be a £60 penalty charge for driving into the city centre in a non-compliant car or van. Cars built after 2015 generally are compliant, but check online. The zone covers an area of a few blocks around Union Street.

The main road to Aberdeen from the south is A90, running from Edinburgh via the new Queen's Crossing (replacing the Forth Road Bridge), across Fife to bypass Perth and Dundee, inland to Forfar then Stonehaven, then turn onto A92 for the last stretch into Aberdeen. It's dual carriageway as far as Dundee, variable thereafter, with lower speed limits and many speed cameras on the Dundee section. Reckon 3 hours from Edinburgh and 3 hr 30 min from Glasgow.

In Feb 2019 the A90 was re-routed away from Aberdeen, with the opening of the "Aberdeen Western Peripheral Road" to relieve the congested A92. Expect glitches in road signage and Satnav directions for a few months yet.

Another route from the south is to take A93 north from Perth over Glenshee to Braemar, Balmoral and the Dee valley. It's scenic in summer but often difficult in winter, when the Glenshee section may be closed by snow.

From the north-west, take A96 via the airport at Dyce. Reckon up to four hours from Inverness, as it's single-carriageway and serves commuter villages that are short on public transport, so traffic is heavy at rush hour.

By boat
Aberdeen Harbour is right in the city centre, just about the first thing you see on leaving the bus station. The ferry terminal is off Market Street, next to the Union St car park entrance.

NorthLink car ferries sail overnight, year-round, to Lerwick in the Shetland Islands. Three or four nights a week they depart at 5PM and also call at Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands on the way; the other nights they depart at 7PM and sail non-stop to Lerwick. (They never call at tiny midway Fair Isle, which is reached via Shetland.) For practicalities of using these ferries, see Shetland Islands and Kirkwall.

Cruise ships often call at the harbour in summer. Check operators' websites to see if a point-to-point journey to Aberdeen is feasible.

On foot
Walking is an excellent way to get around Aberdeen, particularly around central areas, as the city centre is relatively compact. Walking is also by far the best way to appreciate the grand architecture of the city. However, the city is not that small (e.g. Union Street is one mile long) so for journeys outside of the city centre, wheeled transport may be useful.

Aberdeen has a mediaeval layout like many cities in the UK, so for the first-time visitor, a map is helpful. There are quite a few of these on signs around the city centre, mainly in points of interest (e.g. the Castlegate). However, it is very useful to have a map of the city to carry with you. You can buy maps from the Tourist Information Centre on the corner of Union Street and Shiprow, or from city bookstores.

By bus
Most city buses are operated by First Aberdeen. Pay on entry by cash (no change given), contactless bank card or mTicket. In 2021 the single fare by cash is adult £1.70, child £1.25; a day ticket is adult £4.40, child £2.60. These don't include night buses, or the Park & Ride which is £3.60.

The mTicket (for day tickets or longer) doesn't save much, but avoids fumbling for the right change. You buy online or at Paypoint outlets, and display it on your phone.

Useful routes are Buses 1 and 2 from Robert Gordon University in the south, through Union Square transport hub, then north up King St to Bridge of Don, Old Aberdeen and the University of Aberdeen.

Stagecoach run the buses to other towns across Aberdeenshire, see "Get in" options for each town. These are sometimes better for edge-of-city transport.

By taxi
Taxis wait at the railway station, Back Wynd (off central Union Street), Chapel St (west end of Union St), Hadden Street (off Market Street) and at the airport. They're saloons or people-carriers of any colour, not London-style black cabs. Taxis and drivers must be registered with the City Council and carry an official registration plate, which is usually on the back.

The main taxi companies are Aberdeen Taxis +44 1224 200200 and Rainbow City +44 1224 878787. Uber does not operate here.

Fares are regulated: in Jan 2022 it's £2.40 for the first 950 yards then 20p for every 180.5 yards, so reckon £3.40 for the first mile and £2 per subsequent mile.

Good luck finding one when the pubs are closing: at night taxis won't pick up waifs and strays flagging them in the street. So either queue at a rank or phone, and be prepared for a long wait either way.

By bicycle
This is fraught in city centre traffic, where walking is first choice, but more helpful further out. Aberdeen City Council publishes a map of local cycle routes, which is also available in public libraries and at council offices. See below for the Deeside Way cycling and walking route to Banchory and Ballater.

Bike hire is available from Macdui or BeCycle.

There isn't a bike-share scheme. Bike lockers at the Park & Rides are for a year's hire, so they're designed for regular commuters not brief visitors.

See

 * Granite architecture is the defining feature of the city, though much is showing its age. See Read above for more on city architecture. Highlights are:
 * Union Street has a mile-long stretch: but look up, the street frontage in many places is modern. Town House (city hall) is a confident Victorian example. Each building has its own style and scale, it's not like, say, Grey Street in Newcastle upon Tyne with a unified style.
 * Marischal College on Broad Street has been nicely cleaned up. It was acclaimed by Betjeman as "tower on tower, forests of pinnacles, a group of palatial buildings rivalled only by the Houses of Parliament at Westminster".
 * Castlegate has the baronial Salvation Army Citadel.
 * Rosemount Viaduct has the elegant cluster of His Majesty's Theatre, St Mark's Church and the Central Library.

 * stretches for two miles from Footdee by the harbour and mouth of the Dee to Donmouth near Old Aberdeen. It's sandy and popular for surfing and windsurfing; you'll need a wet suit as the North Sea is cold (not that you'd guess from those iconic 1920s railway publicity posters). It's flanked by an Esplanade, good for walking or running. The south Footdee end has a funfair, ice rink, and leisure centre, plus city facilities such as restaurants and a cinema. The quieter north end is flanked by King Links golf course and ends at the Donmouth wildlife reserve.
 * (pronounced "Fitty") is a well-preserved fishing village laid out in 1809, in a pleasing unity of style. The name is a conflation of "St Fittick", "Foot of Dee" (ie the estuary) and "Fish Town".
 * is the headland south of the Dee estuary. Torry Battery guarding the harbour entrance was built in medieval times. In 1860 it was re-fortified against no-one in particular, and got to fire its guns just once, in 1941, against two friendly approaching vessels that failed to identify themselves. The Ness ends with the 1833 Stevenson Lighthouse, which has a range of 25 miles and was automated in 1991. Nigg Golf Club plays on the Ness, see below.
 * Duthie Park is a pleasant green space on the north bank of the Dee. Its highlight is the Winter Gardens.
 * Duthie Park is a pleasant green space on the north bank of the Dee. Its highlight is the Winter Gardens.

Old Aberdeen

 * is the most attractive part of the city, home to the University of Aberdeen's King's College Campus, but it's a misnomer. It was chartered as a burgh in 1489, later than the medieval city centre, but called "Aulton", the town by the pool, which morphed into "old town". Get here on Bus 1 or 2 from Union St or Bus 20 from Broad St. The core of it is along High Street.
 * Powis Gates are a pair of minaret-cum-chesspiece-cum-candlesticks, erected in 1834 as the entrance to a genteel estate, and now the gateway to university Halls of Residence.
 * King's College Chapel was consecrated in 1509: its Crown Tower is a symbol of the city and of the university. It has a well-preserved medieval interior.
 * Sir Duncan Rice Library is the striking modern building by St Machar Park west side of the campus. It's accessible to the public, with a ground floor gallery for exhibitions. Open M-F 8AM-10PM, Sa 9AM-10PM, Su 11AM-10PM.
 * Cruikshank Botanic Garden is east side of the museum and open daily 09:00-16:30.
 * is on The Chanonry, the northern continuation of High St. It's mostly from 1530, and was built larger but partly collapsed. It's Church of Scotland and a "High Kirk", not actually a cathedral, as the C of S doesn't have bishops.
 * Cathedral Walk north of St Machar's crosses the park to the student village in a loop of the river.
 * is on The Chanonry, the northern continuation of High St. It's mostly from 1530, and was built larger but partly collapsed. It's Church of Scotland and a "High Kirk", not actually a cathedral, as the C of S doesn't have bishops.
 * Cathedral Walk north of St Machar's crosses the park to the student village in a loop of the river.

Do

 * What's on? For local events listen to Northsound 1 on 96.9, 97.6 & 103 FM, Northsound 2 on 1035 AM, and Original 106 on 106.8 & 106.3 FM. Or read the Press & Journal, which also publishes Evening Express.
 * Deeside Way is a walking and cycling path from Aberdeen to Ballater along an old railway trackbed. The first section is along the north bank of the Dee, starting from the Polmuir Rd entrance to Duthie Park. It heads pretty much straight through Peterculter, Coalford and Dalmaik to Drumoak near Drum Castle, 10.6 miles. See Banchory for the next section west.
 * Deeside Way is a walking and cycling path from Aberdeen to Ballater along an old railway trackbed. The first section is along the north bank of the Dee, starting from the Polmuir Rd entrance to Duthie Park. It heads pretty much straight through Peterculter, Coalford and Dalmaik to Drumoak near Drum Castle, 10.6 miles. See Banchory for the next section west.
 * Deeside Way is a walking and cycling path from Aberdeen to Ballater along an old railway trackbed. The first section is along the north bank of the Dee, starting from the Polmuir Rd entrance to Duthie Park. It heads pretty much straight through Peterculter, Coalford and Dalmaik to Drumoak near Drum Castle, 10.6 miles. See Banchory for the next section west.
 * Deeside Way is a walking and cycling path from Aberdeen to Ballater along an old railway trackbed. The first section is along the north bank of the Dee, starting from the Polmuir Rd entrance to Duthie Park. It heads pretty much straight through Peterculter, Coalford and Dalmaik to Drumoak near Drum Castle, 10.6 miles. See Banchory for the next section west.
 * Deeside Way is a walking and cycling path from Aberdeen to Ballater along an old railway trackbed. The first section is along the north bank of the Dee, starting from the Polmuir Rd entrance to Duthie Park. It heads pretty much straight through Peterculter, Coalford and Dalmaik to Drumoak near Drum Castle, 10.6 miles. See Banchory for the next section west.

Events

 * Spectra is a long weekend of indoor and outdoor illumination artworks. The next is probably 7-10 Feb 2025, tbc.
 * Aberdeen Jazz Festival has live jazz at several city venues. It's held in March, with the next probably on 13-23 March 2025, tbc.
 * May Festival is organised by the University of Aberdeen and staged at various venues. It covers science, music, literature, film, Gaelic, sport, food and nutrition, and is suitable for all ages. It's in late May but unlikely to run in 2024.
 * Nuart Aberdeen in June is about street art in all its guises. Several dozen murals are commissioned each year, which are painted on walls around the city centre. The murals from previous years can still be seen on walls at any time - pick up a map locally. The next is 6-9 June 2024.
 * Light the Blue is art by people aged 5-25. It's next held 8-16 June 2024.
 * Aberdeen Highland Games are held in June in Hazelhead Park, with the next on Su 16 June 2024.
 * Offshore Europe is a big biennial conference and trade fair for the offshore oil and gas industries, although given the span of technologies involved, there might be something for you. It's held at P&J Live in Bucksburn in September in odd-numbered years, and its main relevance for travellers is that city accommodation is choc-a-bloc when it's on.

Sports

 * Football:
 * Cove Rangers are the city's other soccer team. They play in League One, the third tier. Their home ground is Balmoral Stadium (capacity 2600) in Cove Bay two miles south of city centre.
 * Rugby: Gordonians play in National League 2, Scotland's third tier for amateurs. They play at Countesswells Road, west edge of the town.
 * Cricket: Scotland sometimes play internationals at Mannofield Park, on Morningside Rd off A93 west towards Banchory.
 * Scottish Super 10 is a T10 tournament, with six men's and two women's franchise teams. The inaugural tournament is hosted by Aberdeen 16-31 Aug 2024.
 * Cricket: Scotland sometimes play internationals at Mannofield Park, on Morningside Rd off A93 west towards Banchory.
 * Scottish Super 10 is a T10 tournament, with six men's and two women's franchise teams. The inaugural tournament is hosted by Aberdeen 16-31 Aug 2024.
 * Scottish Super 10 is a T10 tournament, with six men's and two women's franchise teams. The inaugural tournament is hosted by Aberdeen 16-31 Aug 2024.

Performing arts

 * Aberdeen Performing Arts list events and act as Box Office for several city venues.

 * Breakneck Comedy Club is on King St 100 yards north of Mercat Cross.
 * Breakneck Comedy Club is on King St 100 yards north of Mercat Cross.
 * Breakneck Comedy Club is on King St 100 yards north of Mercat Cross.
 * Breakneck Comedy Club is on King St 100 yards north of Mercat Cross.
 * Breakneck Comedy Club is on King St 100 yards north of Mercat Cross.

Golf

 * Nigg Bay GC is in Walker Park south of the Dee estuary.
 * Kings Links is on the coast a mile north of the centre.
 * Auchenmill GC is on A96 towards the airport.
 * Hazelhead GC is off B9119 west edge of the city.
 * Auchenmill GC is on A96 towards the airport.
 * Hazelhead GC is off B9119 west edge of the city.

Fitness

 * For casual running, try the Esplanade along the beach, or Duthie Park (entrances on Polmuir Road and Riverside Drive), or Hazlehead Park in the western part of the city.
 * Other private gyms in the city are DW Fitness, David Lloyd, and Bannatyne's.
 * Council-run services (Sport Aberdeen include leisure centres, swimming pools and an ice-skating arena. One of the most popular is
 * Council-run services (Sport Aberdeen include leisure centres, swimming pools and an ice-skating arena. One of the most popular is
 * Council-run services (Sport Aberdeen include leisure centres, swimming pools and an ice-skating arena. One of the most popular is
 * Council-run services (Sport Aberdeen include leisure centres, swimming pools and an ice-skating arena. One of the most popular is

Buy

Union Street is the traditional shopping strip, but like High streets across Britain it's become hollowed out. The big stores have moved into the malls, while the independents have moved back a block or so, or folded.

Malls in city centre are Bon Accord Centre (entrances on Upperkirkgate and George Street), St Nicholas Centre (entrances on Upperkirkgate and St Nicholas Square), Trinity Centre (entrances on Union Street and Guild Street), The Academy (entrance on Schoolhill) and Union Square on Guild Street.

Independents: look for them on Rosemount Viaduct, Holburn Street, Rose Street, Chapel Street, Belmont Street, Upperkirkgate and The Green, with Rosemount Place further north.

Money: the major banks are found on Union St and Union Square, with half-a-dozen ATMs. Bank hours are typically M-F 9:30AM-4:30PM, with some open Saturday morning.

Markets: Castlegate has a general outdoor market Friday mornings. The Farmers Market is on Belmont St last Saturday of the month 9AM-5PM.

Supermarkets

 * Co-op Food at 204 Union Street is a small supermarket open daily 6AM-11PM. They have five others further out.
 * Marks & Spencer are in Union Square (M-Sa 8AM-8PM, Su 9AM-6PM), and St Nicholas Square (M-Sa 8:30AM-7PM, Su 9AM-6PM) with another by the Royal Infirmary.
 * Morrisons at 215 King Street are open M-Sa 7AM-11PM; Su 8AM-10PM.
 * Asda is in the Beach Retail Park behind the funfair, open daily 8AM-8PM. Their store at Garthdee Road by the Bridge of Dee roundabout is open till midnight.
 * Sainsbury's Local and Tesco Express are mini-supermarkets or convenience stores in city centre.

Eat

 * The Aberdeen buttery or rowie is a cross between a pancake and a croissant. They have a flaky yet heavy texture and are very salty. They're served plain or with butter or jam to make a tea-time or mid-afternoon snack. They're seldom found in cafes or restaurants, you buy them in bakeries or supermarkets to eat at home or on the go.

Budget

 * Union Square upstairs has the usual chains including Ask, Yo! Sushi, Wagamama, Nando's and TGI Fridays.

Mid-range

 * Saigon and Namaste Delhi are in the same block as Nazma.
 * Saigon and Namaste Delhi are in the same block as Nazma.
 * Saigon and Namaste Delhi are in the same block as Nazma.
 * Saigon and Namaste Delhi are in the same block as Nazma.
 * Saigon and Namaste Delhi are in the same block as Nazma.
 * Saigon and Namaste Delhi are in the same block as Nazma.

Drink

 * Oh, Samson was a mighty man, he fad on fish 'n chips
 * and walkit doon the Gallowgate, picking up the nips
 * - most Bible scholars place this episode in Glasgow, but it could be anywhere with a low opinion of Edinburgh

As elsewhere, smoking is illegal indoors in pubs. It may be permitted outdoors in the beer garden.

Belmont Street is the drinking strip north side of Union St, near the bus and railway stations. Watch out for drunken belligerent fellows like Samson, staggering towards his last bus for Gaza after a drouthy evening getting eyeless.
 * Siberia Vodka Bar at 9 Belmont Street has rooms, see Sleep.
 * Revolución de Cuba is a separate tapas place across the street in Academy Shopping Centre.
 * Revolución de Cuba is a separate tapas place across the street in Academy Shopping Centre.
 * Revolución de Cuba is a separate tapas place across the street in Academy Shopping Centre.
 * Revolución de Cuba is a separate tapas place across the street in Academy Shopping Centre.
 * Revolución de Cuba is a separate tapas place across the street in Academy Shopping Centre.

Old city centre is a little further east, where Union St meets Castle St. Two blocks south are The Quays. West where Union St gets over the 200 numbers has another strip, along with Langstane Place a block south.

Distilleries: The big-name whisky distilleries are some miles northwest towards the Grampians and Spey Valley.
 * City of Aberdeen Distillery makes gin and offers tours. It's on Palmerston Rd (east side of railway) one block south of Union Square.
 * House of Elrick distils gin in Newmachar north of the airport.

Mid-range

 * Atholl Hotel on Kings Gate is a Victorian Gothic affair a mile west of Union Square.
 * Atholl Hotel on Kings Gate is a Victorian Gothic affair a mile west of Union Square.
 * Atholl Hotel on Kings Gate is a Victorian Gothic affair a mile west of Union Square.
 * Atholl Hotel on Kings Gate is a Victorian Gothic affair a mile west of Union Square.
 * Atholl Hotel on Kings Gate is a Victorian Gothic affair a mile west of Union Square.
 * Atholl Hotel on Kings Gate is a Victorian Gothic affair a mile west of Union Square.
 * Atholl Hotel on Kings Gate is a Victorian Gothic affair a mile west of Union Square.
 * Atholl Hotel on Kings Gate is a Victorian Gothic affair a mile west of Union Square.

Airport

 * Travelodge is at the junction of A96 and A947 south of the airport. They also have two in city centre.
 * Travelodge is at the junction of A96 and A947 south of the airport. They also have two in city centre.
 * Travelodge is at the junction of A96 and A947 south of the airport. They also have two in city centre.

Stay safe
Aberdeen is broadly safe, but you need to use your street sense. There is the usual motley crowd of drunks, beggars, rough sleepers and sex workers. Aggressive drunks are the main hassle, especially at weekends: the centre is heavily policed but trouble can flare in a moment. Some drunks are capable of assaulting lampposts that they reckon have looked at them amiss, so English football colours are a red rag to a bull. Above all don't be drunk or drugged yourself.

Areas to avoid, especially after dark, are Tillydrone (north of Bedford Road and east of St Machar Drive) and Torry (the south bank of River Dee).

Connect
As of Oct 2021, city centre has 5G from all UK carriers. This doesn't extend very far out but all the burbs and the airport have 4G. Wifi is widely available in public places.

Post offices
The main city post office is at the west end of Union Street close to the junction with Holburn Street. There's another in the basement of WH Smith in the St Nicholas Centre. There is a smaller post office in the back of RS McColl on the Castlegate. Post offices are usually open M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-12:30PM.

Golden post boxes honour local winners of gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics: on Castlegate for rower Katherine Grainger, on Golden Square for Paralympic cyclist Neil Fachie, and in the nearby town of Westhill for canoeist Tim Baillie.

Places of worship
There are some 140 active churches in Aberdeen, two mosques, one synagogue and one Buddhist temple.

The three cathedrals are St Machar's in Old Aberdeen (Presbyterian, so ecclesiastically it's not a cathedral), St Mary's on Huntly Street (Roman Catholic) and St Andrew's on King Street (Episcopalian).

Go next
See Aberdeenshire for the full range of castles, scenery, whisky distilleries, golf resorts, and what you will. Some within a day trip are:

 * Stonehaven, a picturesque fishing port 15 miles south, with Dunottar Castle.
 * Banchory for Crathes Castle and Ballater for Balmoral.
 * Cairngorms National Park starts 30 miles west of the city, and its Aberdeenshire side lends itself to day-trips, whereas the Spey Valley side needs a longer stay, e.g. in Aviemore.

title: Aberdeen


text:
Aberdeen (disambiguation)

There is more than one place called Aberdeen:

United Kingdom

 * Aberdeen - A large city in Scotland.
 * Aberdeenshire - A county in North East Scotland.

United States of America

 * Aberdeen (Ohio) - A town in Ohio.
 * Aberdeen (Maryland) - A city in Maryland
 * Aberdeen (North Carolina) - A town in North Carolina.
 * Aberdeen (South Dakota) - A town in South Dakota.
 * Aberdeen (Washington) - A town in Washington

Hong Kong, China

 * Aberdeen (Hong Kong) - A town in Southern Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong.

South Africa

 * Aberdeen (Eastern Cape) - A town in Eastern Cape.

title: Aberdeen (disambiguation)


text:
Aberdeen (South Dakota)

Aberdeen is a city in South Dakota. It is home to Northern State University.

By bus
Aberdeen is served by Jefferson Lines.

Get around
There is very little public transportation available in Aberdeen, so transportation relies on cars. Rental vehicles are the best means of travel in Aberdeen, as the cab system is somewhat sketchy.

Eat
The city's best restaurants include:

title: Aberdeen (South Dakota)


text:
Aberdeen (Washington)

Aberdeen is a city in the Olympic Peninsula region of Washington. The city is the economic center of Grays Harbor County, bordering the cities of Hoquiam and Cosmopolis. The population was about 17,000 in 2019.

Understand
Aberdeen is called the "Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula", because of its proximity to the southern end of the peninsula and to Olympic National Park. Since the late 1980s, Aberdeen has been famous as being the "Birthplace of Grunge", and the hometown of Nirvana members Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic. A sign welcoming visitors to Aberdeen proclaims "Come As You Are" as a tribute to the band. Professional wrestling fans will know it as the hometown of Bryan Danielson, now performing under his real name in All Elite Wrestling but perhaps better known for his long run in WWE as Daniel Bryan.

Although it's hard to imagine today, at one point Aberdeen was a notorious Western outpost at the turn of the 20th century, with a number of saloons, brothels, and gambling halls in and around the town. Because of the wild atmosphere associated with these establishments, Aberdeen was nicknamed "The Hellhole of the Pacific."

By plane
The nearest major airport for commercial flights is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which is about 80 miles away. While it's possible to get to Aberdeen via a number of different bus routes, your best bet is to rent a car, especially if you are using Aberdeen as a jumping point into Olympic National Park as public transportation inside the park is unavailable.

By car
From Seattle, Interstate 5 provides access to Olympia, where you can take US Hwy 101, which becomes State Route 8 after passing the Shelton Exit into or along U.S. Route 12 from Exit #88 (especially if coming from south of Olympia) west into the city.

By bus
If traveling into Aberdeen without a car from Sea-Tac take:

The Aberdeen (bus) Station for Grays Harbor Transit and Pacific Transit occupies an entire city block at Wishkah & G Streets, across the street from Rite Aid in downtown Aberdeen:

 * Grays Harbor Transit provides onward bus services to Hoquiam (Rt #20); Ocean Shores (Rt #60); Quinault (Rt #50) (with connections to Forks and Port Angeles on Jefferson Transit-Olympic Connection at Amanda Park Mercantile); Westport & Grayland (Rt #70); Olympia (via Elma and Montesano) (Rt #40); and to Centralia (via Oakville & Rochester on Rt#45).  Nearest point for connections to Greyhound, Amtrak and other bus lines are in Olympia.
 * Pacific Transit #14 goes south to Raymond in Pacific County along Hwy 101. Transfer to Pacific Transit Rt #32 (to South Bend only on Saturdays) or #50 (weekdays only to Ilwaco via South Bend and Astoria) from Raymond.

By public transit

 * Grays Harbor Transit provides local bus services in and around Aberdeen (Rt #5, 10A, 10B, 20); Cosmopolis (#30) and Hoquiam (Rt #20, 40, 50, 60, 70)

See
Aberdeen is well known for its lovely harbor, spread glittering and gray along the west edge of town, where the bay bobs with sailboats and speed cruisers.

Buy

 * Cannabis 21, 1000 E. Wishkah. Recreational marijuana retail store.
 * Cannabis 21, 1000 E. Wishkah. Recreational marijuana retail store.
 * Cannabis 21, 1000 E. Wishkah. Recreational marijuana retail store.
 * Cannabis 21, 1000 E. Wishkah. Recreational marijuana retail store.

Go next
Aberdeen has been referred to as the 'Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula' and is a great stop off before venturing into this impressive range. The Olympic Peninsula is home to some of the few temperate rain forests in the world, including the Hoh, Queets, and Quinault. The Olympic mountain range sits in the center of the Olympic Peninsula. This range is the second largest in Washington State. Its highest peak is Mt. Olympus.

 * Hoquiam - sharing a border with Aberdeen, Hoquiam maintains its own identity but shares a history in the lumber industry.
 * Westport - located fifteen miles west of Aberdeen, Westport is situated on a peninsula on the south side of the entrance to Grays Harbor from the Pacific Ocean and is home to Washington's tallest lighthouse.

title: Aberdeen (Washington)